bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Epidemiology, Clinical Characteristics, and Natural History of Older Nursing Home Residents with a Diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Mitchell Susan L. , Kiely Dan K. , Kiel Douglas P. , Lipsitz Lewis A. 
Published: April 2015

OBJECTIVE: To determine the epidemiology, clinical characteristics and natural history of nursing home residents with a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (PD).DESIGN: A cohort study with 18‐month follow‐up utilizing resident assessments from the National HealthCorp 1991–1992 dataset.SETTING: Seventy‐one National HealthCorp nursing homes.PARTICIPANTS: A total of 5020 nursing home residents older than age 55 were studied. Residents with primary and secondary diagnoses of PD were identified from the population using theInternational Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification code 332.0.MEASUREMENTS: Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were compared for residents with and those without Parkinson's disease. Outcome measures over the course of 18 months included death and functional status.RESULTS: The prevalence of a diagnosis of PD was 6.8%. Significant factors associated independently with PD included: younger age (79 ± 7 vs 81 ± 9 years;P< .001), male sex (32% vs 23%;P< .001), severe dependence in activities of daily living (OR = 1.26; 95% CI 1.08–1.46), impaired body control (OR = 1.38; 95% CI 1.03–1.68), symptoms of depression (OR = 1.29; 95% CI 1.02–1.64), and the number of daily medications (OR = 1.23; 95% CI 1.08–1.44). Residents with a diagnosis of PD had a faster rate of functional decline over 18 months (P< .001) but did not have a higher mortality rate than residents without PD.CONCLUSIONS: Parkinson's disease is a relatively common diagnosis among nursing home residents and is associated with increased functional disability. There are several potentially modifiable conditions associated with PD that may offer an opportunity to design specific interventions and health services to improve the quality of life and slow functional decline in this frail population.J Am Geriatr Soc 44:394–399, 1996.
Attitudes of Older Adults' on Being Told the Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Holroyd Suzanne , Snustad Diane G. , Chalifoux Zona L. 
Published: April 2015

OBJECTIVE: Controversy exists as to whether Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients should be told their diagnosis, yet no research has been done examining older patients' attitudes on this topic. This study examines patient's attitudes toward this topic.DESIGN: A prospective, community‐based study. Participants read vignettes of two patients, one with AD and one with terminal cancer, and then answered questions regarding their attitudes toward these illnesses.SETTING: A community‐based retirement community in Charlottesville, Virginia.PARTICIPANTS: One hundred fifty‐six community‐dwelling older persons (mean age 79.7 ± 6.9 years).MEASUREMENTS: A structured questionnaire disclosed demographic data (age, sex, race, religion, marital status), personal experience with cancer and AD, and opinions about being told the diagnosis of these diseases.RESULTS: Most participants (n = 124, 79.5%) responded that they would prefer to know if they had AD, but the number was significantly fewer (Fisher exact test, P < .001) than those who would want to know if they had terminal cancer (n = 143, 91.7%) Interestingly, significantly fewer married subjects would want their spouse to know if the spouse had either illness. Only 65.7% (n = 69) of subjects would want their spouse to know if the spouse had AD (Fisher exact test, P = .008), whereas for cancer, 80.2% (n = 77) would want their spouse to know if the spouse had cancer (Fisher exact test P < .001). No demographic variables distinguished subjects who did from those who did not want to know the diagnosis for themselves or their spouses for either AD or cancer. Among the reasons some subjects gave for wanting to know of the diagnosis of AD was being able to consider suicide.CONCLUSION: Although these results may support disclosure of diagnosis for most patients with AD, clinical and ethical issues remain in individual cases. J Am Geriatr Soc 44:400–403, 1996.
The 13th International Workshops on Opportunistic Protists (IWOP13)
Authors: Calderon Enrique J. , Cushion Melanie T. , Xiao Lihua , Lorenzo‐Morales Jacob , Matos Olga , Kaneshiro Edna S. , Weiss Louis M. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe 13th International Workshops on Opportunistic Protists (IWOP‐13) was held November 13–15, 2014 in Seville, Spain. The objectives of the IWOP meetings are to: (1) serve as a forum for exchange of new information among active researchers concerning the basic biology, molecular genetics, immunology, biochemistry, pathogenesis, drug development, therapy, and epidemiology of these immunodeficiency‐associated pathogenic eukaryotic microorganisms that are seen in patients with AIDS and; (2) to foster the entry of new and young investigators into these underserved research areas. The IWOP meeting focuses on opportunistic protists; e.g. the free‐living amoebae, Pneumocystis, Cryptosporidium, Toxoplasma, the Microsporidia, and kinetoplastid flagellates. This conference represents the major conference which brings together research groups working on these opportunistic pathogens. Progress has been achieved on understanding the biology of these pathogenic organisms, their involvement in disease causation in both immune deficient and immune competent hosts and is providing important insights into these emerging and reemerging pathogens. A continuing concern of the participants is the ongoing loss of scientific expertise and diversity in this research community. This decline is due to the small size of these research communities and an ongoing lack of understanding by the broader scientific community of the challenges and limitations faced by researchers working on these organisms, which makes these research communities very sensitive to declines in research funding.
Preoperative psychological distress, coping and quality of life in Chinese patients with newly diagnosed gastric cancer
Authors: Hong Jingfang , Wei Zengzeng , Wang Weili 
Published: April 2015

Aims and objectivesThe purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of preoperative psychological distress and its relationship with coping style and quality of life in Chinese patients with newly diagnosed gastric cancer.BackgroundBeing newly diagnosed with cancer can be a source of psychological distress. Understanding the preoperative psychological distress may contribute to the development of appropriate interventions.DesignThis is a descriptive correlational survey study.MethodsThe study was conducted in two teaching hospitals in Anhui province, China. A total of 165 patients with gastric cancer completed a battery of self‐report questionnaires including the Distress Thermometer, the revised Chinese version of the Quality of Life Questionnaire‐Stomach 22 and the Cancer Coping Modes Questionnaire.ResultsThe prevalence of clinically significant preoperative psychological distress was 76·97% in this group. Statistically significant correlations were identified between the distress score and stomach pain, eating restrictions and anxiety subscale. Positive associations were found between the distress scores and four subdimensions of coping (avoidance and suppression, resignation, fantasy and catharsis), whereas a negative association was found between the distress scores and one subdimension of coping (Confrontation). There were also significant differences in the quality of life and coping style of patients who had different psychological distress statuses.ConclusionThese findings indicate a relatively high prevalence of preoperative psychological distress among Chinese patients with gastric cancer. Patients with clinically psychological distress were more likely to have poor quality of life and to demonstrate negative coping styles.Relevance to clinical practiceNursing professionals need to carefully assess the psychological status of patients with gastric cancer. Tailored interventions can be administered to help these patients appropriately cope with the disease and to enhance their quality of life.
Exploring the role of practical nursing wisdom in the care of patients with urinary problems at the end of life: a qualitative interview study
Authors: Farrington Naomi , Fader Mandy , Richardson Alison , Sartain Samantha 
Published: April 2015

Aims and objectivesThis study examined how nurses understand urinary problems at the end of life, and identified sources of evidence upon which they base their practice through semi‐structured qualitative interviews. The aim was to decide whether research or interventions (such as formulation of best practice guidelines) could improve continence care at the end of life.BackgroundThere is little evidence in nursing literature to indicate how nurses should manage urinary problems at the end of life. Evidence is particularly lacking regarding the insertion of indwelling urinary catheters.DesignThis was an applied qualitative interview study which used the ‘guided interview’ approach.MethodsTwelve participants who worked in two hospital wards and one hospice were interviewed about management of patients with urinary problems approaching the end of life. The transcribed interviews were organised using the qualitative analysis software qsr NVivo version 10 (QSR International, Melbourne, Australia). Constant comparison was used to analyse the interviews.ResultsThe patient and their family were a key concern of all interviewees. Participants focused on processes including: giving care, making decisions, managing uncertainty and assimilating knowledge. These processes are mediated by ‘phronesis’ or practical wisdom.ConclusionsWithin each of the processes (giving care, making decisions, managing uncertainty and assimilating knowledge), participants approached each patient as an individual, using experience, patient wishes, available resources, clinical knowledge and advice from colleagues to provide care. A generalised set of guidelines on managing urinary problems at the end of life would probably not be useful.Relevance to clinical practiceThere is uncertainty about what constitutes best practice in specific areas of continence care at the end of life such as indwelling urinary catheter insertion. A careful approach is needed to ensure that the intellectual and moral knowledge that constitutes practical wisdom is shared and developed throughout teams.
The CYP17 MspA1 Polymorphism and the Gender Dysphoria
Authors: Fernández Rosa , Cortés-Cortés Joselyn , Esteva Isabel , Gómez-Gil Esther , Almaraz Mari Cruz , Lema Estefanía , Rumbo Teresa , Haro-Mora Juan-Jesús , Cortés-Cortés Joselyn , Esteva Isabel , Gómez-Gil Esther , Almaraz Mari Cruz , Lema Estefanía , Rumbo Teresa , Haro-Mora Juan-Jesús , Roda Ester , Guillamón Antonio , Pásaro Eduardo 
Published: April 2015

Summary

Introduction
The A2 allele of the CYP17 MspA1 polymorphism has been linked to higher levels of serum testosterone, progesterone, and estradiol.

Aim
To determine whether the CYP17 MspA1 polymorphism is associated with transsexualism.

Methods
We analyzed 151 male-to-female (MtF), 142 female-to-male (FtM), 167 control male, and 168 control female individuals. Fragments that included the mutation were amplified by PCR and digested with MspA1. Our data were compared with the allele/genotype frequencies provided by the 1000 Genomes Data Base, and contrasted with a MEDLINE search of the CYP17 MspA1 polymorphism in the literature.

Main Outcome Measures
We investigated the association between transsexualism and the CYP17 MspA1 polymorphism.

Results
A2 frequency was higher in the FtM (0.45) than the female control (0.38) and male control (0.39) groups, or the MtF group (0.36). This FtM &gt; MtF pattern reached statistical significance (P = 0.041), although allele frequencies were not gender specific in the general population (P = 0.887). This observation concurred with the 1000 Genomes Data Base and the MEDLINE search.

Conclusion
Our data confirm a sex-dependent allele distribution of the CYP17 MspA1 polymorphism in the transsexual population, FtM &gt; MtF, suggestive of a hypothetical A2 involvement in transsexualism since the allele frequencies in the general population seem to be clearly related to geographic origin and ethnic background, but not sex.
Analysis of automated quantification of motor activity in REM sleep behaviour disorder
Authors: Frandsen Rune , Nikolic Miki , Zoetmulder Marielle , Kempfner Lykke , Jennum Poul 
Published: April 2015

SummaryRapid eye movement (REM) sleep behaviour disorder (RBD) is characterized by dream enactment and REM sleep without atonia. Atonia is evaluated on the basis of visual criteria, but there is a need for more objective, quantitative measurements. We aimed to define and optimize a method for establishing baseline and all other parameters in automatic quantifying submental motor activity during REM sleep. We analysed the electromyographic activity of the submental muscle in polysomnographs of 29 patients with idiopathic RBD (iRBD), 29 controls and 43 Parkinson's (PD) patients. Six adjustable parameters for motor activity were defined. Motor activity was detected and quantified automatically. The optimal parameters for separating RBD patients from controls were investigated by identifying the greatest area under the receiver operating curve from a total of 648 possible combinations. The optimal parameters were validated on PD patients. Automatic baseline estimation improved characterization of atonia during REM sleep, as it eliminates inter/intra‐observer variability and can be standardized across diagnostic centres. We found an optimized method for quantifying motor activity during REM sleep. The method was stable and can be used to differentiate RBD from controls and to quantify motor activity during REM sleep in patients with neurodegeneration. No control had more than 30% of REM sleep with increased motor activity; patients with known RBD had as low activity as 4.5%. We developed and applied a sensitive, quantitative, automatic algorithm to evaluate loss of atonia in RBD patients.
Online Simultaneous Reconstruction of Wind Load and Structural Responses—Theory and Application to Canton Tower
Authors: Niu Yan , Fritzen Claus‐Peter , Jung Henning , Buethe Inka , Ni Yi‐Qing , Wang You‐Wu 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe actual wind load information is helpful in evaluating the health status of high‐rise structures. However, as a type of distributed load, the wind load is very difficult to be measured directly. A possible solution is to reconstruct it from the structural response measurements. This is often an ill‐posed inverse problem. In this article, such ill posedness is solved by using a stable input estimator. With the help of the proposed application‐oriented algorithm selection guidance, a type of state and input estimator is formulated. This type of estimator is designed based on the Kalman filter scheme, and is capable of estimating the unknown inputs and the system states within one sampling time. This actually facilitates the online simultaneous reconstruction of the wind load and the structural responses. The 600 m tall Canton Tower is situated in a typhoon active area, and a structural health monitoring system has already been integrated onto this tower. These two points make the Canton Tower an ideal test bed for validating the above illustrated online reconstruction strategy for the wind load and the structural responses. An operational modal analysis (OMA) is first performed to identify the modal properties of the Canton Tower under the Typhoon Nanmadol in 2011. Then a reduced‐order finite element model (FEM) of the Canton Tower is updated according the OMA results. Finally, the equivalent fluctuating lateral loads and moments, which act on the nodes of the reduced‐order FEM are reconstructed using the acceleration measurements recorded during Tyhoon Kai‐tak in 2012. The reconstruction results are validated by comparing the simultaneously reconstructed structural acceleration with the corresponding sensor measurements. The mean component of the loads and moments are calculated using the real‐time wind speed measurements and the available aerodynamic force coefficients. It is noted here that the focus of this article is not to develop a totally new theory, but rather to explore the application of a state and input estimator in the foreground to a practical complex structure.
A lipid‐managing program maintains a stout Spitzenkörper
Authors: Peñalva Miguel A. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryThe Spitzenkörper (SPK) is an accumulation of vesicles interleaved with actin microfilaments present at the cytosolic side of the apical plasma membrane (PM) of hyphal tips of many species of filamentous fungi. The physiological role of the SPK has captivated fungal biologists over the years, but only very recently this ‘organelle’ is starting to be understood in the molecular terminology used for cell biological models. One aspect that has received little attention is the role of cellular membrane asymmetry in the organization of membrane traffic, in particular in the genetic and cell biological model Aspergillus nidulans. The paper by Schultzhaus et al. (2015) in this issue breaks the ice, providing original insight that may foster research in phospholipid composition in the context of intracellular traffic and the organization of the SPK. Notably, it shows that like the stout Neurospora crassa SPK, the much slimmer one of A. nidulans, appears to be formed by different strata, altogether suggesting that the SPK might be a mosaic of exocytic carriers with different functional specializations, and a major sorting hub for intracellular membranes.
Capnometry monitoring during intravenous sedation with midazolam for oral surgery
Authors: Brady P.J. , Wilson K.E. , Meeke R. , Girdler N.M. , Mc Creary C. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAimsTo investigate changes in end‐tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) and the utility of ETCO2 as an additional monitor of ventilation during intravenous sedation with midazolam for oral surgery. There are no data on capnography in dental sedation, nor is the frequency of abnormal ventilatory activity known in this setting.Materials and methodsThis was a prospective observational study of 33 healthy adults (mean age 38 years). Monitoring included pulse oximetry, blood pressure measurement and visual assessment. Patients were also monitored with blinded capnometry.ResultsPost‐hoc analysis revealed 33% of patients had peripheral capillary oxygen saturation (SPO2) < 95% and 30% had ETCO2 changes indicating respiratory depression. Mean increase in ETCO2 was 2.19 mm Hg (95% confidence interval = 0.83–3.55) P = 0.0025 during sedation.ConclusionDuring intravenous sedation for oral surgery in healthy adult's breathing room air, significant changes in ETCO2 values occur. However, desaturation detectable by pulse oximetry usually occurs before clinically significant changes in capnometry are recognisable.
H+‐pyrophosphatase from Salicornia europaea confers tolerance to simultaneously occurring salt stress and nitrogen deficiency in Arabidopsis and wheat
Authors: Lv Sulian , Jiang Ping , Nie Lingling , Chen Xianyang , Tai Fang , Wang Duoliya , Fan Pengxiang , Feng Juanjuan , Bao Hexigeduleng , Wang Jinhui , Li Yinxin 
Published: April 2015

AbstractHigh salinity and nitrogen (N) deficiency in soil are two key factors limiting crop productivity, and they usually occur simultaneously. Here we firstly found that H+‐PPase is involved in salt‐stimulated NO3− uptake in the euhalophyte Salicornia europaea. Then, two genes (named SeVP1 and SeVP2) encoding H+‐PPase from S. europaea were characterized. The expression of SeVP1 and SeVP2 was induced by salt stress and N starvation. Both SeVP1 or SeVP2 transgenic Arabidopsis and wheat plants outperformed the wild types (WTs) when high salt and low N occur simultaneously. The transgenic Arabidopsis plants maintained higher K+/Na+ ratio in leaves and exhibited increased NO3− uptake, inorganic pyrophosphate‐dependent vacuolar nitrate efflux and assimilation capacity under this double stresses. Furthermore, they had more soluble sugars in shoots and roots and less starch accumulation in shoots than WT. These performances can be explained by the up‐regulated expression of ion, nitrate and sugar transporter genes in transgenic plants. Taken together, our results suggest that up‐regulation of H+‐PPase favours the transport of photosynthates to root, which could promote root growth and integrate N and carbon metabolism in plant. This work provides potential strategies for improving crop yields challenged by increasing soil salinization and shrinking farmland.
Rapid responses of mesophyll conductance to changes of CO2 concentration, temperature and irradiance are affected by N supplements in rice
Authors: Xiong Dongliang , Liu Xi , Liu Limin , Douthe Cyril , Li Yong , Peng Shaobing , Huang Jianliang 
Published: April 2015

AbstractPhotosynthesis in C3 plants is significantly limited by mesophyll conductance (gm), which can vary with leaf anatomical traits and nitrogen (N) supplements. Several studies have investigated the response of gm to N supplements; however, none examined the implications of N supplements on the response of gm to rapid environmental changes. Here we investigated the effect of N supplement on gm and the response of gm to change of CO2, temperature and irradiance in rice. High N supplement (HN) increased mesophyll cell wall surface area and chloroplast surface area exposed to intercellular airspace per leaf area, and reduced cell wall thickness. These changes resulted in increased gm. The gm of leaves with HN was more sensitive to changes in CO2 concentration, temperature and irradiance. The difference in leaf structural features between low N supplement and HN indicates that a rapid change in gm is related to the regulation of diffusion through biological membranes rather than leaf structural features. These results will contribute to an understanding of the determinants of gm response to rapid changes in environmental factors.
Arabidopsis thaliana CML25 mediates the Ca2+ regulation of K+ transmembrane trafficking during pollen germination and tube elongation
Authors: Wang Shuang‐Shuang , Diao Wen‐Zhu , Yang Xue , Qiao Zhu , Wang Mei , Acharya Biswa R. , Zhang Wei 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe concentration alteration of cytosolic‐free calcium ([Ca2+]cyt) is a well‐known secondary messenger in plants and plays important roles during pollen grain germination and tube elongation. Here we demonstrate that CML25, a member of calmodulin‐like proteins, has Ca2+‐binding activity and plays a role in pollen grain germination, tube elongation and seed setting. CML25 transcript was abundant in mature pollen grains and pollen tubes, and its product CML25 protein was primarily directed to the cytoplasm. Two independent CML25 loss‐of‐function T‐DNA insertion mutants suffered a major reduction in both the rate of pollen germination and the elongation of the pollen tube. Also, pollen grains of cml25 mutants were less sensitive to the external K+ and Ca2+ concentration than wild‐type pollen. The disruption of CML25 increased the [Ca2+]cyt in both the pollen grain and the pollen tube, which in turn impaired the Ca2+‐dependent inhibition of whole‐cell inward K+ currents in protoplasts prepared from these materials (pollen grain and pollen tube). Complementation of cml25‐1 mutant resulted in the recovery of wild‐type phenotype. Our findings indicate that CML25 is an important transducer in the Ca2+‐mediated regulation of K+ influx during pollen germination and tube elongation.