bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variation in the Prevalence of Sarcopenia and Sarcopenic Obesity in Older Adults Associated with Different Research Definitions: Dual‐Energy X‐Ray Absorptiometry Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2004
Authors: Batsis John A. , Barre Laura K. , Mackenzie Todd A. , Pratt Sarah I. , Lopez‐Jimenez Francisco , Bartels Stephen J. 
Published: May 2013

ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence range for sarcopenic obesity and its relationship with sex, age, and ethnicity.DesignCross‐sectional analysis of a population‐based sample.SettingNoninstitutionalized persons in the United States participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys 1999–2004.ParticipantsSubsample of 4,984 subjects aged 60 and older with dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry body composition data.MeasurementsEight definitions of sarcopenic obesity identified from six studies found using a systematic literature review (Baumgartner, Bouchard, Davison, Zoico, Levine, Kim‐1,2,3) were applied to the sample. Results were stratified according to sex, age, and ethnicity.ResultsPrevalence of sarcopenic obesity ranged from 4.4% to 84.0% in men and from 3.6% to 94.0% in women. Prevalence was higher in men using definitions from Baumgartner (17.9% vs 13.3%, P < .001), Levine (14.2% vs 6.6%, P < .001), and Kim‐1 (30.0% vs 9.3%, P < .001); lower for men using the Davison (4.4% vs 11.1%, P < .001) and Kim‐2 (83.7% vs 94.0%) definitions; and the same for men and women using the Bouchard (45.3% vs 44.3%, P = .32) and Kim‐3 (75.6% vs 77.0%, P = .51) definitions. For all but one definition, sarcopenic obesity increased with each decade and was lower in non‐Hispanic blacks than whites.ConclusionPrevalence of sarcopenic obesity in older adults varies up to 26‐fold depending on current research definitions. Such a high degree of variability suggests the need to establish consensus criteria that can be reliably applied across clinical and research settings.
Thyroid Status and 6‐Year Mortality in Elderly People Living in a Mildly Iodine‐Deficient Area: The Aging in the Chianti Area Study
Authors: Ceresini Graziano , Ceda Gian Paolo , Lauretani Fulvio , Maggio Marcello , Usberti Elisa , Marina Michela , Bandinelli Stefania , Guralnik Jack M. , Valenti Giorgio , Ferrucci Luigi 
Published: May 2013

ObjectivesTo test the hypothesis that, in older adults, living in a mildly iodine‐deficient area, thyroid dysfunction may be associated with mortality independent of potential confounders.DesignLongitudinal.SettingCommunity‐based.ParticipantsNine hundred fifty‐one individuals aged 65 and older.MeasurementsPlasma thyrotropin, free thyroxine, and free triiodothyronine concentrations and demographic features were evaluated in participants of the Invecchiare in Chianti Study aged 65 and older. Participants were classified according to thyroid function test. Kaplan‐Meier survival and Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for confounders were used in the analysis.ResultsEight hundred nineteen participants were euthyroid, 83 had subclinical hyperthyroidism (SHyper), and 29 had subclinical hypothyroidism (SHypo). Overt hypo‐ and hyperthyroidism were found in five and 15 subjects, respectively. During a median of 6 years of follow‐up, 210 deaths occurred (22.1%), 98 (46.6%) of which were from cardiovascular causes. Kaplan‐Meier analysis revealed higher overall mortality for SHyper (P = .04) than euthyroid subjects. After adjusting for multiple confounders, participants with SHyper (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.65, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.02–2.69) had significantly higher all‐cause mortality than those with normal thyroid function. No significant association was found between SHyper and cardiovascular mortality. In euthyroid subjects, thyrotropin was found to be predictive of lower risk of all‐cause mortality (HR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.57–0.99).ConclusionSHyper is an independent risk factor for all‐cause mortality in older adults. Low to normal circulating thyrotropin should be carefully monitored in elderly euthyroid individuals.
‘Tolerating violence’: a qualitative study into the experience of professionals working within one UK learning disability service
Authors: Lovell Andrew , Skellern Joanne 
Published: May 2013

Aims and objectivesTo explore this complexity further, enhancing understanding of professionals' experience of violence and reasons for non‐reporting with regard to people with a learning disability.BackgroundThis article reports on a qualitative follow‐up study to a whole‐population survey investigating the under‐reporting of violence within one learning disability service. The survey had identified a pronounced level of under‐reporting but suggested an unexpected degree of complexity around the issue, which warranted further study.DesignA qualitative research design was employed.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews were conducted with 22 professionals working in learning disability services; data were subsequently transcribed verbatim and subject to stringent thematic analysis.ResultsThe findings confirmed that the decision to report an incident or not was complicated by professional interpretation of violence. Three themes were produced by the analysis: the reality of violence, change over time and (zero) tolerance.ConclusionThe study indicates that both experience of violence and ways of understanding it in relation to learning disability are shared across professional groups, although nurses are both more inured and generally more accepting of it. The study suggests that the relationship between learning disability nurses and service users with a propensity for violence is complicated by issues of professional background and concerns about the pertinence of zero tolerance.Relevance to clinical practiceThe availability of effective protocols and procedures is important, but services need also to acknowledge the more ambiguous aspects of the therapeutic relationship to fully understand under‐reporting of service user violence in the context of learning disability.
Intensive care delirium – effect on memories and health‐related quality of life – a follow‐up study
Authors: Svenningsen Helle , Tønnesen Else K , Videbech Poul , Frydenberg Morten , Christensen Doris , Egerod Ingrid 
Published: May 2013

Aims and objectivesTo investigate the effects of delirium in the intensive care unit on health‐related quality of life, healthcare dependency and memory after discharge and to explore the association between health‐related quality of life and memories, patient diaries and intensive care unit follow‐up.BackgroundUp to 83% of intensive care unit patients experience delirium. In addition to increased risk of mortality, morbidity and cognitive impairment, the experience itself is unpleasant. A number of studies have focused on memories associated with delirium, but the association between delirium, memories and health‐related quality needs further investigation.DesignWe used an observational multicentre design with telephone interviews.MethodsAdult intensive care unit patients (n = 360) were consecutively recruited and interviewed using the intensive care unit‐Memory Tool one week after intensive care unit. Interviews were repeated after two and six months and supplemented with Short Form‐36 and the Barthel Index.ResultsDelirium was detected in 60% of the patients in our study, and delirious patients had significantly fewer factual memories and more memories of delusion than nondelirious patients up to six months postintensive care unit discharge. Delirium, memories and intensive care unit diaries with follow‐up did not affect health‐related quality of life and healthcare dependency. Memories of delusions might have an impact on patients assessed as nondelirious.ConclusionsMore than half of the patients in intensive care unit experience delirium, which is associated with fewer factual memories and more memories of delusions. Short Form‐36 might not be sensitive to delirium‐related outcomes. Future research should include the development of better assessment tools to determine the long‐term consequences of intensive care unit delirium.Relevance to clinical practiceWe recommend regular assessment to prevent, detect and treat delirium. We also recommend an intensive care unit follow‐up programme providing an opportunity for postintensive care unit patients, particularly previously delirious patients, to discuss their memories and experiences with intensive care unit professionals.
Analysis of saliva samples from oncological patients treated with 5‐fluorouracil and leucovorin calcium by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive system
Authors: Mazzeo Marcelo Adrián , Linares Jorge Alberto , López María Marcela , Bachmeier Evelin , Wietz Fernando Martín , Galván Víctor , Valentinuzzi María Cecilia , Riveros José Alberto , Finkelberg Ana 
Published: May 2013

This work presents a chemical and morphological analysis of samples of saliva taken from patients who were under treatment with intravenous chemotherapy with 5‐fluorouracil and leucovorin calcium. Samples of saliva were extracted from fifteen patients during the three stages of the treatment: The initial stage (previous to the chemotherapy), the intermediate stage (during the chemotherapy), and the final stage (twenty‐one days after finishing the treatment). An amount of 50 μl was collected in each visit. Chemical contrast images were taken by means of scanning electron microscopy, and X‐ray characteristic spectra were obtained from all the studied samples by using an energy dispersive system from all the studied samples. Images that correspond to the intermediate stage showed important differences with respect to the initial and final stages. In addition, X‐ray spectra provided information about the present elements in saliva and their relative abundance allowed us to determine variations in the chemical composition. The backscattered electron images and X‐ray spectra from the intermediate stage showed clusters of crystals with fluorine content higher than those obtained in initial and final stages. This fact probably indicates the passage of metabolites of 5‐fluorouracil and leucovorin calcium from the plasma to the oral cavity. This finding enhances the hypothesis proposed by other authors about the secondary effects of the drugs on the stomatognathic system such as oral mucositis, dysgeusia, and xerostomia with or without hyposalivation.
Physical and cognitive effort discounting of hypothetical monetary rewards
Authors: Ostaszewski Paweł , Bąbel Przemysław , Swebodziński Bartłomiej 
Published: May 2013

AbstractEffort discounting refers to the decrease in the subjective value of a reward as the effort required to obtain the reward increases. The main aims of this study were to ascertain whether the amount of the reward affects the steepness of the effort discounting process for hypothetical monetary rewards, to identify whether this steepness depends on the type of effort that is required, and to determine whether the steepness of different types of effort covary at the individual level. Two types of effort were studied under hypothetical choice situations: physical effort and cognitive effort. Both physical and cognitive effort discounting were well described by the hyperbolic model. Large rewards were discounted less steeply than small rewards for both types of effort. This finding agrees with the results of prior studies which have found that larger rewards have greater motivational power. In addition, the steepness of physical effort discounting was positively correlated with the steepness of cognitive effort discounting, which suggests that the effort discounting process is a trait‐like characteristic within an individual.
A Single Sample Method for Estimating Glomerular Filtration Rate in Cats
Authors: Finch N.C. , Heiene R. , Elliott J. , Syme H.M. , Peters A.M. 
Published: May 2013

BackgroundValidated methods of estimating glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in cats requiring only a limited number of samples are desirable.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo test a single sample method of determining GFR in cats.AnimalsThe validation population (group 1) consisted of 89 client‐owned cats (73 nonazotemic and 16 azotemic). A separate population of 18 healthy nonazotemic cats (group 2) was used to test the methods.MethodsGlomerular filtration rate was determined in group 1 using corrected slope‐intercept iohexol clearance. Single sample clearance was determined using the Jacobsson and modified Jacobsson methods and validated against slope‐intercept clearance. Extracellular fluid volume (ECFV) was determined from slope‐intercept clearance with correction for the 1 compartment assumption and by deriving a prediction formula for ECFV (ECFVPredicted) based on the body weight. The optimal single sample method was tested in group 2.ResultsA blood sample at 180 minutes and ECFVPredicted were optimal for single sample clearance. Mean ± SD GFR in group 1 determined using the Jacobsson and modified Jacobsson formulae was 1.78 ± 0.70 and 1.65 ± 0.60 mL/min/kg, respectively. When tested in group 2, the Jacobsson method overestimated multisample clearance. The modified Jacobsson method (mean ± SD 2.22 ± 0.34 mL/min/kg) was in agreement with multisample clearance (mean ± SD 2.19 ± 0.34 mL/min/kg).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThe modified Jacobsson method provides accurate estimation of iohexol clearance in cats, from a single sample collected at 180 minutes postinjection and using a formula based on the body weight to predict ECFV. Further validation of the formula in patients with very high or very low GFR is required.
A Comparison of Hepatic Sonographic Features and Histopathologic Diagnosis in Canine Liver Disease: 138 Cases
Authors: Kemp S.D. , Panciera D.L. , Larson M.M. , Saunders G.K. , Werre S.R. 
Published: May 2013

BackgroundUltrasound examination is commonly used in the diagnostic evaluation of liver disease in dogs.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo determine if hepatic sonographic features were predictive of findings on liver histopathology. We hypothesized that there would be a relationship between sonographic features and the category of liver disease based on histologic assessment.AnimalsOne hundred and thirty‐eight dogs in which the liver was evaluated by both abdominal ultrasound examination and histopathologic examination. Twenty‐five dogs were included in each of the following categories based on histopathology: normal, degenerative, vascular, inflammatory, and neoplasia. Thirteen dogs had nodular regeneration.MethodsRetrospective study. Medical records of dogs from 2005 to 2010 were searched for cases in which the liver was evaluated by abdominal ultrasound examination as well as by histopathology. After independent evaluation of ultrasound images, the recorded sonographic features were analyzed to identify abnormalities associated with each histopathologic diagnosis or degree of fibrosis.ResultsSixty‐four percent of sonographically unremarkable livers had histologic abnormalities. Both microhepatia and the identification of abnormal vasculature were significantly associated with a histopathologic diagnosis of vascular disease. Hepatic masses were significantly associated with a diagnosis of neoplasia. Dilated common bile duct and thickened gall bladder wall were significantly associated with hepatitis. There were no sonographic findings consistently present with hepatic fibrosis.Conclusion and Clinical ImportanceAlthough some ultrasonographic findings, including masses, microhepatia, anomalous veins, and biliary changes, are associated with specific histopathologic abnormalities, sonographic findings are inconsistently detected in many disorders. Overall, hepatic ultrasonographic abnormalities have substantial limitations in predicting the underlying disease.
Considerations in developing lipid‐based nutrient supplements for prevention of undernutrition: experience from the International Lipid‐Based Nutrient Supplements (iLiNS) Project
Authors: Arimond Mary , Zeilani Mamane , Jungjohann Svenja , Brown Kenneth H. , Ashorn Per , Allen Lindsay H. , Dewey Kathryn G. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe International Lipid‐Based Nutrient Supplements (iLiNS) Project began in 2009 with the goal of contributing to the evidence base regarding the potential of lipid‐based nutrient supplements (LNS) to prevent undernutrition in vulnerable populations. The first project objective was the development of acceptable LNS products for infants 6–24 months and for pregnant and lactating women, for use in studies in three countries (Burkina Faso, Ghana and Malawi). This paper shares the rationale for a series of decisions in supplement formulation and design, including those related to ration size, ingredients, nutrient content, safety and quality, and packaging. Most iLiNS supplements have a daily ration size of 20 g and are intended for home fortification of local diets. For infants, this ration size is designed to avoid displacement of breast milk and to allow for dietary diversity including any locally available and accessible nutrient‐dense foods. Selection of ingredients depends on acceptability of flavour, micronutrient, anti‐nutrient and essential fatty acid contents. The nutrient content of LNS designed to prevent undernutrition reflects the likelihood that in many resource‐poor settings, diets of the most nutritionally vulnerable individuals (infants, young children, and pregnant and lactating women) are likely to be deficient in multiple micronutrients and, possibly, in essential fatty acids. During ingredient procurement and LNS production, safety and quality control procedures are required to prevent contamination with toxins or pathogens and to ensure that the product remains stable and palatable over time. Packaging design decisions must include consideration of product protection, stability, convenience and portion control.
Conflicting roles for a cell surface modification in Salmonella
Authors: May John F. , Groisman Eduardo A. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryChemical modifications of components of the bacterial cell envelope can enhance resistance to antimicrobial agents. Why then are such modifications produced only under specific conditions? Here, we address this question by examining the role of regulated variations in O‐antigen length in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a glycolipid that forms most of the outer leaflet of the outer membrane in Gram‐negative bacteria. We determined that activation of the PmrA/PmrB two‐component system, which is the major regulator of LPS alterations in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, impaired growth of Salmonella in bile. This growth defect required the PmrA‐activated gene wzzst, which encodes the protein that determines long O‐antigen chain length and confers resistance to complement‐mediated killing. By contrast, this growth defect did not require the wzzfepE gene, which controls production of very long O‐antigen, or other PmrA‐activated genes that mediate modifications of lipid A or core regions of the LPS. Additionally, we establish that long O‐antigen inhibits growth in bile only in the presence of enterobacterial common antigen, an outer‐membrane glycolipid that contributes to bile resistance. Our results suggest that Salmonella regulates the proportion of long O‐antigen in its LPS to respond to the different conditions it faces during infection.
Transcriptome sequencing as a platform to elucidate molecular components of the diapause response in the Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus
Authors: POELCHAU MONICA F. , REYNOLDS JULIE A. , DENLINGER DAVID L. , ELSIK CHRISTINE G. , ARMBRUSTER PETER A. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractDiapause has long been recognized as a crucial ecological adaptation to spatio‐temporal environmental variation. More recently, rapid evolution of the diapause response has been implicated in response to contemporary global warming and during the range expansion of invasive species. Although the molecular regulation of diapause remains largely unresolved, rapidly emerging next‐generation sequencing (NGS) technologies provide exciting opportunities for addressing this longstanding question. In the present study, a new assembly from life‐history stages relevant to diapause in the Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus (Skuse) is reported, along with unique methods for the analysis of NGS data and transcriptome assembly. A digital normalization procedure that significantly reduces the computational resources required for transcriptome assembly is evaluated. Additionally, a method for protein reference‐based and genomic reference‐based merged assembly of 454 and Illumina reads is described. Finally, a gene ontology analysis is presented, which creates a platform for identifying the physiological processes associated with diapause. Taken together, these methods provide valuable tools for analyzing the transcriptional underpinnings of many complex phenotypes, including diapause, and provide a basis for determining the molecular regulation of diapause in Ae. albopictus.
Application of phytochemicals as growth‐promoters and endocrine modulators in fish culture
Authors: Chakraborty Suman B. , Horn Péter , Hancz Csaba 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThere is a constant need to increase productivity in aquaculture, particularly to improve growth rate, feed utilization as well as stress resistance of fish. Because of consumer concerns and strict regulations in many countries, the use of synthetic chemicals, hormones and antibiotics is becoming unviable and natural compounds are more acceptable to the public. A wide variety of chemical compounds are found in plants, and many of them have been shown to have beneficial effects on appetite, growth and the immune status of fish acting through different mechanisms. Phytochemicals contained in herbs may enhance the innate immune system, possess antimicrobial capabilities, and are redox active molecules with antioxidant characteristics that may help to improve the general physiological condition of fish. Many studies have discussed the values of phytochemicals as feed additives. Another paramount concern related to phytochemicals is their endocrine modulator effect that can be applied both in aquaculture targeting the production of table fish and the growing sector of ornamental fish production. Different mechanisms such as the effects at the steroid receptor level, effects on steroid synthesis, distribution and excretion, actions on the hypothalamus–pituitary–gonad axis, as well as indirect mechanisms including thyroid and growth hormone disruption have been postulated for the reproductive endocrine disruption in fish populations by phytochemicals. This paper reviews the results of a great number of studies focusing on phytochemicals such as essential oils, saponins, flavonoids and phytosterols discussing their effects on productive traits and the putative mechanism of action.