bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship Between Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Cognitive Change in a Multiethnic Elderly Cohort
Authors: Bangen Katherine J. , Gu Yian , Gross Alden L. , Schneider Brooke C. , Skinner Jeannine C. , Benitez Andreana , Sachs Bonnie C. , Shih Regina , Sisco Shannon , Schupf Nicole , Mayeux Richard , Manly Jennifer J. , Luchsinger José A. 
Published: June 2015

ObjectivesTo examine the association between diabetes mellitus and cognitive functioning at baseline and cognitive change over time in a large, ethnically diverse sample of older adults.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingWashington Heights–Inwood Columbia Aging Project, a community‐based, prospective study of risk factors for dementia in northern Manhattan, New York City.ParticipantsHispanic, non‐Hispanic black, and non‐Hispanic white men and women aged 65 and older without dementia at baseline (N = 1,493).MeasurementsParticipants underwent baseline and follow‐up cognitive and health assessments approximately every 18 months. Generalized estimating equations were used to examine the longitudinal association between diabetes mellitus and cognition.ResultsDiabetes mellitus was associated with poorer baseline cognitive performance in memory, language, processing speed and executive functioning, and visuospatial abilities. After adjusting for age, education, sex, race and ethnicity, and apolipoprotein‐ε4, participants with diabetes mellitus performed significantly worse at baseline than those without in language and visuospatial abilities. There were no differences between those with and without diabetes mellitus in terms of rate of cognitive change over a mean follow‐up time of 6 years.ConclusionThe rate of cognitive change in elderly persons with and without diabetes mellitus is similar, although cognitive performance is poorer in persons with diabetes mellitus. These findings suggest that cognitive changes may occur early during the diabetes mellitus process and highlight the need for studies to follow participants beginning at least in midlife, before the typical later‐life onset of dementia.
Decline in Fast Gait Speed as a Predictor of Disability in Older Adults
Authors: Artaud Fanny , Singh‐Manoux Archana , Dugravot Aline , Tzourio Christophe , Elbaz Alexis 
Published: June 2015

ObjectivesTo determine whether fast gait speed at study baseline and change in gait speed had independent associations with disability onset.DesignCohort study with 11‐year follow‐up (1999–2010).SettingThree‐City Study center, Dijon, France.ParticipantsCommunity‐dwelling individuals aged 65 to 85 (N = 3,814, 61% female).MeasurementsFast gait speed (over 6 m) was assessed up to five times and disability (mobility (Rosow‐Breslau scale), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs; Lawton‐Brody scale), basic activities of daily living (ADLs; Katz scale)) six times. A hierarchical disability indicator was constructed; participants were considered disabled if they reported difficulties with mobility and IADLs or with mobility, IADLs, and ADLs. The association between baseline fast gait speed and its slope of change and disability incidence was examined using joint models for longitudinal and time‐to‐event data.ResultsOver follow‐up, 628 participants (68% women) developed disability. Mean fast gait speed at baseline was 1.54 m/s, and annual decline was 0.017 m/s. The hazard ratio of disability per standard deviation (SD) (−0.22 m/s) slower baseline fast gait speed was 1.77 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.60–1.94) and for one‐SD (−0.013 m/s) faster annual decline was 1.38 (95% CI = 1.10–1.73) when both parameters were included in a sex‐ and age‐adjusted model. All associations remained statistically significant in multivariable models, except for slope of change when chronic conditions were added to the model; of chronic conditions, dyspnea was the main contributor.ConclusionAccelerated decline in fast gait speed was associated with disability independent of baseline fast gait speed. These results confirm the importance of measuring gait speed repeatedly in elderly adults to identify those at higher risk of disability and the need to identify determinants of decline, because they are likely to be targets for prevention and treatment to reduce disability risk.
Assessing Older Adults’ Masticatory Efficiency
Authors: Cusson Valérie , Caron Christian , Gaudreau Pierrette , Morais José A. , Shatenstein Bryna , Payette Hélène 
Published: June 2015

ObjectivesTo determine internal consistency and criterion validity of a questionnaire assessing perception of masticatory efficiency in community‐dwelling older adults.DesignSecondary cross‐sectional analysis of baseline data from the Québec Longitudinal Study on Nutrition and Successful Aging (NuAge).SettingNuAge is a 5‐year (2003–08) observational study of 1,793 men and women aged 67 to 84 in good general health at recruitment.ParticipantsA sample of 1,789 was used to determine internal consistency of the questionnaire. A subsample (n = 94) of the cohort who underwent a clinical test directly measuring masticatory efficiency was used to determine criterion validity of the questionnaire.MeasurementsThe questionnaire was a subset of the Oral Health Impact Profile containing 7 Likert‐scale questions (score 0–28 points). Masticatory efficiency was assessed using a validated clinical test measuring ability to chew a raw carrot (Swallowing Threshold Test Index, score 0–100%). For perceived and measured data, a higher score indicated better masticatory efficiency.ResultsInternal consistency of the questionnaire was deemed good (Cronbach alpha = 0.803). Mean scores were generally high (men, 25.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 24.7–25.9; women, 24.3, 95% CI = 23.7–25.0), indicating good perceived masticatory efficiency for men and women. Mean performance test scores were low (men, 60.8%, 95% CI = 57.3–64.2; women, 61.2%, 95% CI = 57.7–64.7). No significant relationship between perceived and measured masticatory efficiency was observed (Pearson correlation coefficient = −0.14, P = .22).ConclusionDespite good internal consistency of the questionnaire and the recognized validity of the test, people's perception of their masticatory efficiency does not reflect objective efficiency as measured using a clinical test.
Longitudinal Analysis of Physical Performance, Functional Status, Physical Activity, and Mood in Relation to Executive Function in Older Adults Who Fall
Authors: Best John R. , Davis Jennifer C. , Liu‐Ambrose Teresa 
Published: June 2015

ObjectivesTo examine whether good executive function (EF; the cognitive processes important for goal‐oriented and controlled behavior) at baseline and maintenance of EF over time predict maintenance of physical performance, functional status, physical activity, and mood over a 1‐year period, and conversely, to examine whether baseline functioning in these noncognitive domains predicts maintenance of EF over the same period of time.Design12‐month prospective cohort study.SettingVancouver Falls Prevention Clinic.ParticipantsCommunity‐dwelling older adults (N = 199; mean age 81.6 ± 6.5; 63% female) referred to the clinic after a fall.MeasurmentsAt each time point, structural equation modeling created a latent EF variable from performance on five EF tasks. Physical performance (physiological falls risk and gait speed), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), physical activity, and depressive symptoms were also assessed at each time point.ResultsHigher baseline EF predicted decreases in depressive symptoms (P = .005) and maintenance of IADLs (P = .006) from baseline to follow‐up. Improvements in EF correlated with increases in gait speed (P = .005) and physical activity (P = .03) and with the maintenance of IADLs (P = .002) over follow‐up. All effects were independent of demographic characteristics and global cognitive function. Baseline performance in the noncognitive domains did not predict changes in EF.ConclusionIn older fallers, EF is a marker of resiliency in several noncognitive domains and should therefore be assessed. Furthermore, interventions to improve EF should be tested in older fallers with EF deficits.
Assessing Upper Extremity Motion: An Innovative Method to Identify Frailty
Authors: Toosizadeh Nima , Mohler Jane , Najafi Bijan 
Published: June 2015

ObjectivesTo objectively identify frailty using wireless sensors and an innovative upper extremity motion assessment routine that does not rely on gait.DesignValidation study.SettingSouthwestern tertiary academic medical center, Tucson, Arizona.ParticipantsConvenience subsample of the Arizona Frailty Cohort, a community‐dwelling older adults (≥65; n = 117; 50 nonfrail, 51 prefrail, 16 frail).MeasurementsWireless sensors were attached to the upper arm and forearm with bands, and subjects performed repetitive elbow flexion for 20 seconds on each side. Information was extracted on objective slowness, weakness, exhaustion, and flexibility measures, and associations between parameters and Fried frailty categories were determined.ResultsSpeed of elbow flexion (slowness) was 29% less in prefrail and 59% less in frail than in nonfrail controls (P < .001), power of movement (weakness) was 61% less in prefrail and 89% less frail (P < .001), and speed variation (exhaustion) was 35% more in prefrail and 272% more in frail (P < .001). Using elbow flexion parameters in regression models, sensitivity and specificity of 100% were achieved in predicting frailty and sensitivity of 87% and specificity of 95% in predicting prefrailty compared to Fried frailty category.ConclusionThe suggested innovative upper extremity frailty assessment method integrates low‐cost sensors, and the physical assessment is easily performed in less than 1 minute. The uniqueness of the proposed technology is its applicability in older nonambulatory individuals, such as those in emergency settings. Further improvement is warrant to make it suitable for routine clinical applications.
Association Between Hearing Impairment and Risk of Hospitalization in Older Adults
Authors: Genther Dane J. , Betz Joshua , Pratt Sheila , Martin Kathryn R. , Harris Tamara B. , Satterfield Suzanne , Bauer Douglas C. , Newman Anne B. , Simonsick Eleanor M. , Lin Frank R. ,   the Health, Aging and Body Composition Study
Published: June 2015

ObjectivesTo determine the association between hearing impairment (HI) and risk and duration of hospitalization in community‐dwelling older adults in the United States.DesignProspective observational study.SettingHealth, Aging and Body Composition Study.ParticipantsWell‐functioning community‐dwelling white and black Medicare beneficiaries aged 70 to 79 at study enrollment in 1997–98 were followed for a median of 12 years.MeasurementsIncidence, annual rate, and duration of hospitalization were the primary outcomes. Hearing was defined as the pure‐tone average (PTA) of hearing thresholds in decibels re: hearing level (dB HL) at octave frequencies from 0.5 to 4.0 kHz. Mild HI was defined as a PTA from 25 to 40 dB HL, and moderate or greater HI was defined as a PTA greater than 40 dB HL.ResultsOf the 2,148 participants included in the analysis, 1,801 (83.5%) experienced one or more hospitalizations, with 7,007 adjudicated hospitalization events occurring during the study period. Eight hundred eighty‐two (41.1%) participants had normal hearing, 818 (38.1%) had mild HI, and 448 (20.9%) had moderate or greater HI. After adjusting for demographic characteristics and cardiovascular comorbidities, persons with mild HI experienced a 16% (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.16, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.04–1.29) greater risk of incident hospitalization and a 17% (incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.04–1.32) greater annual rate of hospitalization, and those with moderate or greater HI experienced a 21% (HR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.06–1.38) greater risk of incident hospitalization and a 19% (IRR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.04–1.38) greater annual rate of hospitalization than persons with normal hearing. There was no significant association between HI and mean duration of hospitalization.ConclusionHearing‐impaired older adults experience a greater incidence and annual rate of hospitalization than those with normal hearing. Investigating whether rehabilitative therapies could affect the risk of hospitalization in older adults requires further study.
Describing, explaining and predicting community assembly: a convincing trait‐based case study
Authors: Shipley Bill 
Published: June 2015

AbstractDirect gradient analysis describes community change along abiotic gradients. Baastrup‐Spohr et al., in this issue of the Journal of Vegetation Science, go beyond description when exploring community assembly by trait selection. Using a system with a single overriding hydrological gradient, combined with functional traits related to these selective pressures, they also explain and predict community assembly through trait‐based filtering.
Mind the gap: scale‐dependent and dispersal‐mediated response to forest fragmentation
Authors: Honnay Olivier 
Published: June 2015

AbstractSpecies richness of habitat fragments is affected by spatial isolation. However, the scale of this phenomenon, and its interactions with the species’ seed dispersal potential has remained underexplored. By integrating seed trap and species distribution data, Koh et al., in this issue of the Journal of Vegetation Science, make a compelling case for scale‐dependent species’ responses to forest fragmentation.
Getting specific: making taxonomic and ecological sense of large sequencing data sets
Authors: Massana Ramon 
Published: June 2015

Eukaryotic microbes comprise a diverse collection of phototrophic and heterotrophic creatures known to play fundamental roles in ecological processes. Some can be identified by light microscopy, generally the largest and with conspicuous shapes, while the smallest can be counted by epifluorescence microscopy or flow cytometry but remain largely unidentified. Microbial diversity studies greatly advanced with the analysis of phylogenetic markers sequenced from natural assemblages. Molecular surveys began in 1990 targeting marine bacterioplankton (Giovannoni et al. ) and first approached microbial eukaryotes in three studies published in 2001 (Díez et al. ; López‐García et al. ; Moon‐van der Staay et al. ). These seminal studies, based on cloning and Sanger sequencing the complete 18S rDNA, were critical for obtaining broad pictures of microbial diversity in contrasted habitats and for describing novel lineages by robust phylogenies, but were limited by the number of sequences obtained. So, inventories of species richness in a given sample and community comparisons through environmental gradients were very incomplete. These limitations have been overcome with the advent of high‐throughput sequencing (HTS) methods, initially 454‐pyrosequencing, today Illumina and soon others to come. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Egge et al. () show a nice example of the use of HTS to study the biodiversity and seasonal succession of a particularly important group of marine microbial eukaryotes, the haptophytes. Temporal changes were analysed first at the community level, then at the clade level, and finally at the lowest rank comparable to species. Interesting and useful ecological insights were obtained at each taxonomic scale. Haptophyte diversity differed along seasons in a systematic manner, with some species showing seasonal preferences and others being always present. Many of these species had no correspondence with known species, pointing out the high level of novelty in microbial assemblages, only accessible by molecular tools. Moreover, the number of species detected was limited, agreeing with a putative scenario of constrained evolutionary diversification in free‐living small eukaryotes. This study illustrates the potential of HTS to address ecological relevant questions in an accessible way by processing large data sets that, nonetheless, need to be treated with a fair understanding of their limitations.
When taxonomy meets genomics: lessons from a common songbird
Authors: Lifjeld Jan T. 
Published: June 2015

Taxonomy is being increasingly informed by genomics. Traditionally, taxonomy has relied extensively on phenotypic traits for the identification and delimitation of species, though with a growing influence from molecular phylogenetics in recent decades. Now, genomics opens up new and more powerful tools for analysing the evolutionary history and relatedness among species, as well as understanding the genetic basis for phenotypic traits and their role in reproductive isolation. New insights gained from genomics will therefore have major effects on taxonomic classifications and species delimitation. How a genomics approach can inform a flawed taxonomy is nicely exemplified by Mason & Taylor () in this issue of Molecular Ecology. They studied redpolls, which comprise a genus (Acanthis) of fringillid finches with a wide distribution in the Holarctic region, and whose species taxonomy has been a matter of much controversy for decades (Fig. ). Current authoritative checklists classify them into one, two or three species, and five or six subspecies, based largely on geographical differences in phenotypic traits. Previous studies, including a recent one of the subspecies on Iceland (Amouret et al. ), have found no evidence of differentiation between these taxa in conventional molecular markers. The lack of genetic structure has been interpreted as incomplete lineage sorting among rapidly evolving lineages. Now Mason & Taylor (), using a large data set of genomewide SNPs, verify that they all belong to a single gene pool with a common evolutionary history, and with little or no geographical structuring. They also show that phenotypic traits used in taxonomic classifications (plumage and bill morphology) are closely associated with polygenic patterns of gene expression, presumably driven by ecological selection on a few regulatory genes. Several lessons can be learned from this study. Perhaps the most important one for taxonomy is the risk of taxonomic inflation resulting from overemphasizing phenotypic traits under local adaptation and ignoring a lack of phylogenetic signal in molecular markers.
Explicit Time‐Dependent Multi‐Hazard Cost Analysis Based on Parameterized Demand Models for the Optimum Design of Bridge Structures
Authors: Bisadi Vahid , Padgett Jamie E. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThis article presents an explicit cost analysis framework built upon the unified reliability method that introduces time‐dependent variables and multiple hazards as well as parameterized demand models into one cost‐based limit state function. In this approach, reliability‐based design of deteriorating structures subjected to natural hazards is performed using a cost limit state function, as opposed to traditional structural limit state in structural reliability methods. The flexibility of cost‐based limit state functions addresses the criticism of focusing on minimization of the total expected cost typically used in some available life‐cycle cost analysis methods. Furthermore, the framework has the capability to include deterioration models that are functions of time as well as recently developed parameterized structural capacity and demand models for various hazards. The application of the proposed framework is illustrated in a bridge design optimization problem where the column reinforcement bar diameter and concrete cover are considered as design parameters. Two locations in the New Madrid and San Francisco Bay Area seismic zones are assumed for the bridge and the optimum combination of concrete cover and bar diameter is obtained for each location.
Normal values of esophageal motility after antireflux surgery; a study using high‐resolution manometry
Authors: Weijenborg P. W. , Savarino E. , Kessing B. F. , Roman S. , Costantini M. , Oors J. M. , Smout A. J. P. M. , Bredenoord A. J. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackgroundFundoplication is an effective therapy for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), but can be complicated by postoperative dysphagia. High‐resolution manometry (HRM) can assess esophageal function, but normal values after fundoplication are lacking. Our aim was to obtain normal values for HRM after successful Toupet and Nissen fundoplication.MethodsEsophageal HRM was performed 3 months after Toupet or Nissen fundoplication in 40 GERD patients without postoperative dysphagia and with a normal barium esophagogram. Normal values for all measures of the Chicago classification were calculated as 5th and 95th percentile ranges.Key ResultsThe normal values (5th–95th percentiles) for integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) were higher after Nissen (5.1–24.4 mmHg) than after Toupet fundoplication (3.1–15.0 mmHg), and upper limit of normal was significantly higher after Nissen fundoplication than observed in the asymptomatic subjects that were described in the Chicago Classification. Distal contractile integral was significantly higher after Nissen (357–4947 mmHg*s*cm) than after Toupet (68–2177 mmHg*s*cm), and transition zone length was significantly shorter after Nissen (0–4.8 cm) than after Toupet fundoplication (0–12.8 cm).Conclusions & InferencesHRM metrics for subjects after a Toupet fundoplication are similar to the normal values derived from healthy subjects used for the Chicago classification. However, after Nissen fundoplication a higher esophagogastric junction resting pressure and higher IRP are observed in asymptomatic subjects and this can be considered normal in the postoperative state. In addition, more vigorous contractions and less and smaller peristaltic breaks are normal after Nissen fundoplication.
Serotonin and colonic motility
Authors: Kendig D. M. , Grider J. R. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe role of serotonin (5‐hydroxytryptamine [5‐HT]) in gastrointestinal motility has been studied for over 50 years. Most of the 5‐HT in the body resides in the gut wall, where it is located in subsets of mucosal cells (enterochromaffin cells) and neurons (descending interneurons). Many studies suggest that 5‐HT is important to normal and dysfunctional gut motility and drugs affecting 5‐HT receptors, especially 5‐HT3 and 5‐HT4 receptors, have been used clinically to treat motility disorders; however, cardiovascular side effects have limited the use of these drugs. Recently studies have questioned the importance and necessity of 5‐HT in general and mucosal 5‐HT in particular for colonic motility. Recent evidence suggests the importance of 5‐HT3 and 5‐HT4 receptors for initiation and generation of one of the key colonic motility patterns, the colonic migrating motor complex (CMMC), in rat. The findings suggest that 5‐HT3 and 5‐HT4 receptors are differentially involved in two different types of rat CMMCs: the long distance contraction (LDC) and the rhythmic propulsive motor complex (RPMC). The understanding of the role of serotonin in colonic motility has been influenced by the specific motility pattern(s) studied, the stimulus used to initiate the motility (spontaneous vs induced), and the route of administration of drugs. All of these considerations contribute to the understanding and the controversy that continues to surround the role of serotonin in the gut.