bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Health Literacy and Cognitive Performance in Older Adults
Authors: Federman Alex D. , Sano Mary , Wolf Michael S. , Siu Albert L. , Halm Ethan A. 
Published: June 2009

OBJECTIVES: To study the relationship between health literacy and memory and verbal fluency in older adults.DESIGN: Cross‐sectional cohort.SETTING: Twenty senior centers and apartment buildings in New York, New York.PARTICIPANTS: Independently living, English‐ and Spanish‐speaking adults aged 60 and older (N=414).MEASUREMENTS: Health literacy was measured using the Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (S‐TOFHLA). The associations between S‐TOFHLA scores and immediate and delayed recall (Wechsler Memory Scale II), verbal fluency (Animal Naming), and global cognitive function (Mini‐Mental State Examination, MMSE) were modeled using multivariable logistic and linear regression.RESULTS: Health literacy was inadequate in 24.3% of participants. Impairment of immediate recall occurred in 20.4%; delayed recall, 15.0%; verbal fluency, 9.9%; and MMSE, 17.4%. Abnormal cognitive function was strongly associated with inadequate health literacy: immediate recall (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=3.44, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.71–6.94, P<.001), delayed recall (AOR=3.48, 95% CI=1.58–7.67, P=.002), and verbal fluency (AOR=3.47, 95% CI=1.44–8.38, P=.006). These associations persisted in subgroups that excluded individuals with normal age‐adjusted MMSE scores.CONCLUSION: Memory and verbal fluency are strongly associated with health literacy, independently of education and health status, even in those with subtle cognitive dysfunction. Reducing the cognitive burden of health information might mitigate the detrimental effects of limited health literacy in older adults. Research that examines the effect of materials modified to older adults' cognitive limitations on health literacy and health outcomes is needed.
The Effect of Depression and Cognitive Impairment on Enrollment in Medicare Part D
Authors: Zivin Kara , Kabeto Mohammed U. , Kales Helen C. , Langa Kenneth M. 
Published: June 2009

OBJECTIVES: To examine concerns that vulnerable populations, such as depressed or cognitively impaired beneficiaries would have challenges accessing Part D coverage.DESIGN: Logistic regression analysis was used to assess whether elderly Medicare beneficiaries with depression or cognitive impairment differentially planned to and actually signed up for Part D.SETTING: 2004 and 2006 data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) were used, including a subsample that completed the Prescription Drug Study (PDS) in 2005.PARTICIPANTS: Nine thousand five hundred ninety‐three HRS respondents and 3,567 PDS respondents.MEASUREMENTS: The outcome variables of interest were planned and actual enrollment in Part D. The independent variables were depression and cognitive impairment status. The analyses were adjusted using clinical and demographic predictors including age, sex, race or ethnicity, educational attainment, net worth, marital status, health status, number of health conditions being treated with prescription medications, and presence of a caregiver.RESULTS: Although having depression or cognitive impairment was associated with a higher likelihood of planning to and actually signing up for Part D in unadjusted analyses, in adjusted analyses, having depression or cognitive impairment was not significantly associated with whether Medicare beneficiaries planned to enroll in or actually enrolled in Part D.CONCLUSION: Vulnerable Medicare beneficiaries with depression or cognitive impairment were able to access Part D benefits to the same extent as nonvulnerable beneficiaries. More research is needed to determine how well Part D meets the needs of these populations.
A Randomized, Single‐Blind Study of Lansoprazole for the Prevention of Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Older Patients
Authors: Sasaki Takahiko , Nakayama Katsutoshi , Yasuda Hiroyasu , Yoshida Motoki , Asamura Takaaki , Ohrui Takashi , Arai Hiroyuki , Araya Jun , Kuwano Kazuyoshi , Yamaya Mutsuo 
Published: June 2009

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy reduces the frequency of common colds and exacerbations in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).DESIGN: Twelve‐month, randomized, observer‐blind, controlled trial.SETTING: A university hospital and three city hospitals in Miyagi prefecture in Japan.PARTICIPANTS: One hundred patients with COPD (mean age ± SD 74.9 ± 8.2) participated. They were all ex‐smokers and had received conventional therapies for COPD, including smoking cessation and bronchodilators. Patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease or gastroduodenal ulcer were excluded.INTERVENTION: Patients were randomly assigned to conventional therapies (control group) or conventional therapies plus PPI (lansoprazole 15 mg/d; PPI group) and observed for 12 months.MEASUREMENTS: Frequency of common colds and COPD exacerbations.RESULTS: The number of exacerbations per person in a year in the PPI group was significantly lower than that in the control group (0.34 ± 0.72 vs 1.18 ± 1.40; P<.001). The adjusted odds ratio with logistic regression for having exacerbation (≥once/year) in the PPI group compared with the control group was 0.23 (P=.004). In contrast, there was no significant difference in the numbers of common colds per person per year between the PPI group and the control group (1.22 ± 2.09 vs 2.04 ± 3.07; P=.12). PPI therapy significantly reduced the risk of catching frequent common colds (≥3 times/year), the adjusted odds ratio of which was 0.28 (P=.048).CONCLUSION: In this single‐blind, nonplacebo‐controlled trial, lansoprazole was associated with a significant decrease in COPD exacerbations. More definitive clinical trials are warranted.
Evaluation of the Bond Strength of Denture Base Resins to Acrylic Resin Teeth: Effect of Thermocycling
Authors: Marra Juliê , De Souza Raphael Freitas , Barbosa Debora Barros , Pero Ana Carolina , Compagnoni Marco Antonio 
Published: June 2009

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the thermocycling effects and shear bond strength of acrylic resin teeth to denture base resins. Materials and Methods: Three acrylic teeth (Biotone, Trilux, Ivoclar) were chosen for bonding to four denture base resins: microwave‐polymerized (Acron MC), heat‐polymerized (Lucitone 550 and QC‐20), and light‐polymerized (Versyo.bond). Twenty specimens were produced for each denture base/acrylic tooth combination and were divided into two groups (n = 10): without thermocycling (control groups) and thermocycled groups submitted to 5000 cycles between 4 and 60°C. Shear strength tests (MPa) were performed with a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. Statistical analysis of the results was carried out with three‐way ANOVA and Bonferroni's multiple comparisons post hoc analysis for test groups (α= 0.05). Results: The shear bond strengths of Lucitone/Biotone, Lucitone/Trilux, and Versyo/Ivoclar specimens were significantly decreased by thermocycling, compared with the corresponding control groups (p < 0.05). The means of Acron/Ivoclar and Lucitone/Ivoclar specimens increased after thermocycling (p < 0.05). The highest mean shear bond strength value was observed with Lucitone/Biotone in the control group (14.54 MPa) and the lowest with QC‐20/Trilux in the thermocycled group (3.69 MPa). Conclusion: Some acrylic tooth/denture base resin combinations can be more affected by thermocycling; effects vary based upon the materials used.
Metal‐Ceramic Interface Evaluation of a Gold‐Infiltrated Alloy
Authors: Vasani Rupal , Kawashima Isao , Ziebert Gerald J. , Berzins David W. 
Published: June 2009

Abstract Purpose: The success of metal‐ceramic systems partially depends on the formation of a stable bond between metal and porcelain. The purpose of this study was to investigate the porcelain/metal interface and the mechanism of interfacial bonding in a gold‐infiltrated alloy (Captek). Materials and Methods: Captek specimens with feldspathic porcelain were evaluated by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and the Schwickerath crack initiation test for metal‐ceramic bond compatibility. Specimens were processed with or without Capbond, a bonding agent. A traditional metal‐ceramic alloy was also analyzed with microscopy for comparative purposes. Results: Optical and scanning electron micrographs of Captek specimens processed with Capbond revealed close adaptation of porcelain to the surface of the metal with sporadic nodules extending from the Captek surface. In contrast, the specimens of Captek without Capbond showed a much flatter porcelain/metal interface. Comparatively, the porcelain/metal interface of the traditional metal‐ceramic crown showed greater surface roughness than the Captek specimens. No metal oxides were observed at the porcelain/metal interface of the Captek specimens with XRD. During the Schwickerath test, the Captek specimens permanently deformed, not allowing for crack initiation at the porcelain/metal interface. Conclusions: Microscopy and XRD analysis showed that micromechanical interlocking is the primary mechanism of porcelain adherence to Captek metal. The use of Capbond prior to porcelain application to Captek results in gold nodules on the surface to aid retention. Existing metal‐ceramic bond compatibility standardized tests are not sufficient for evaluating Captek, primarily due to the flexibility of the material.
Negotiating Landscapes, Survival, and Modernity: Goats, Migration, and Gender in the Arid Lands of Northern Peru
Authors: Espinosa M. Cristina 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThis paper explores the role of gender, cultural change, and market dynamics affecting the resilience of adaptive livelihoods in arid landscapes in Northern Peru for families who lack access to irrigation and rely on goat herding in a context of cyclical droughts. Based on interviews conducted in the community of Salas in 1982, 1983, and 2007, the analysis shows that better access to formal education and/or migratory experience can facilitate cultural change that supports economic diversification and larger herds. However, market dynamics keeps “traditional” ways instrumental to reduce costs of goat herding and livelihoods, therefore it reinforces the persistence of “traditional” cultural elements in daily life. The article shows the structural limits of adaptation for established families and how access to high school for younger generations of men and women seem to accelerate their emigration as they cannot find stable employment in Salas.
Immediate vs. conventional loading of palatal implants in humans
Authors: Göllner Peter , Jung Britta A. , Kunkel Martin , Liechti Thomas , Wehrbein Heinrich 
Published: June 2009

AbstractObjectives: To analyze the clinical performance and bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC) rate of two loading concepts on successfully healed and explanted palatal implants in humans.Methods: From 2000 to 2006, two independent groups of patients, requiring maximum anchorage, were treated. Group 1 (n=36) was subjected to immediate functional loading within the first 24 h after insertion while group 2 (n=40) received conventional implant loading after 12 weeks. The magnitude of orthodontic forces ranged between 1 and 3 N. After orthodontic treatment, the implants were removed with a trephine drill. Histological workup by the cutting and grinding technique was performed for nearly the last third of palatal implants. Outcome variables were clinical implant survival and histological BIC rates.Results: The implants in both groups were initially stable at the time of insertion. However, 3/36 in group 1 and 1/40 in group 2 were lost. The remaining implants were clinically stable and no mobility was recognized. The median BIC rates were 76% (SD, 25) in group 1 (n=10) and 84% (SD, 13) in group 2 (n=12) (P=0.262; Mann–Whitney U‐test, not significant).Conclusions: The data support the concept of immediate indirect loading on palatal implants with forces of up to 3 N. On histological evaluation, immediate loading yielded similar BIC rates as conventional loading.
The efficacy of a double‐layer collagen membrane technique for overlaying block grafts in a rabbit calvarium model
Authors: Kim Su‐Hwan , Kim Do‐Young , Kim Kyoung‐Hwa , Ku Young , Rhyu In‐Chul , Lee Yong‐Moo 
Published: June 2009

AbstractObjectives: To analyze the outcomes of a single‐ and a double‐layered collagen membrane on the efficacy of onlay block grafts in terms of bone resorption and augmentation.Material and methods: A total of 36 New Zealand white rabbits were used in this study. Calvarial bone blocks were obtained from one side of the parietal bone and fixed on the contaralateral side. The onlay grafts were covered with either no (C group), one (M1 group), or two (M2 group) layers of a non‐cross‐linked collagen membrane (BioGide®). After 2, 4, and 6 months of healing, rabbits were sacrificed and explanted specimens were prepared for histologic and histomorphometric analysis. At each period, the overall pattern of graft bone resorption and membrane biodegradation were examined histologically, and the sustained external form of grafted bone (%) and the remaining mineralized bone volume (%) were measured histomorphometrically.Results: The M1 and M2 groups exhibited decreased bone resorption compared with the C group at all periods. The M2 group had less graft resorption and a higher bone density of the grafted bone than the M1 group. In the M1 group, the collagen membrane was degraded partially or completely by 4 months and was absent at 6 months. Conversely, for the M2 group, the membrane body was retained up to 6 months.Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that the collagen membrane used here can reduce graft bone resorption. Furthermore, the double‐layer technique using non‐cross‐linked collagen membranes (BioGide®) can enhance the efficacy of the onlay block bone graft technique in terms of both bone resorption and augmentation compared with a single‐layer collagen membrane.
The use of real‐time PCR technique in the detection of novel protein 4.2 gene mutations that coexist with thalassaemia alpha in a single patient
Authors: Maciag Monika , Adamowicz‐Salach Anna , Siwicka Alicja , Spychalska Justyna , Burzynska Beata 
Published: June 2009

Abstractα‐Thalassaemia is a very rare disease in Northern Europe in contrast to hereditary spherocytosis that is associated with red blood cell membrane defects. We report here α‐thalassaemia case who was also found to bear the erythrocyte membrane protein 4.2 gene mutations. mRNA relative quantification of red cell membrane protein genes in a Polish patient with α‐thalassaemia trait indicated EPB42 as the gene that could also be involved in anaemia pathogenesis. Sequencing revealed the presence of two novel mutations in the protein 4.2 gene: a G1701A genetic change that predicts an alanine to threonine at position 567 of the protein (A567T) and a T→A substitution that is located at position +6 of the donor splice site of intron 2 (IVS2nt+6T>A). This is the sixth variant of the erythrocyte membrane protein 4.2 gene mutations identified outside the Japanese population.
Rituximab for refractory and or relapsing thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura related to immune‐mediated severe ADAMTS13‐deficiency: a report of four cases and a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Elliott Mischelle A. , Heit John A. , Pruthi Rajiv K. , Gastineau Dennis A. , Winters Jeffrey L. , Hook C. Christopher 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a potentially life‐threatening disorder that in significant proportion of cases is related to the development of autoantibodies to, and resulting severe deficiency of, the ADAMTS13 protease. However, ADAMTS13 deficiency does not account for all cases. Response to plasma exchange (PE) is seen in TTP with and without ADAMTS13 deficiency and is therefore indicated for all with a clinical diagnosis of TTP, although the pathogenesis of the latter group remains to be defined. Although the majority of cases respond to PE, a significant percent are refractory or experience relapse. Rituximab is being increasingly used off‐label in this setting, but many reports do not define the pathogenesis of TTP so treated. We here report our experience with, and systematically review the published experience to date, of rituximab in management of refractory and or relapsing TTP specifically related to immune‐mediated severe ADAMTS13‐deficiency. In total, 73 patients met defined study inclusion criteria. The majority (∼95%) achieved complete remission within weeks of the first application of rituximab. The reported relapse rate was low in this patient subgroup, which carry an anticipated relapse rate of up to 60%. However, caution in interpretation of this data is needed given the relatively short median duration of follow‐up of approximately 10 months. Rituximab was generally well tolerated, with few serious adverse events reported. However, three severe infectious complications were identified, including viral reactivation in keeping with black box warnings for this agent. Furthermore, reflecting the rarity of this disorder, only a relatively small number of patients have been treated and data with regards to long‐term follow‐up are largely based on individual case reports. Prospective studies are urgently needed to define the true efficacy and long‐term safety of rituximab.
Bhutani‐based nomograms for the prediction of significant hyperbilirubinaemia using transcutaneous measurements of bilirubin
Authors: Bental YA , Shiff Y , Dorsht N , Litig E , Tuval L , Mimouni FB 
Published: June 2009

AbstractAim:  Prospectively establish the relationship between transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) and total serum bilirubin (TSB), and develop nomograms similar to Bhutani’s nomograms, based on our TcB data.Methods:  Our study sample was from a total population of 1069 infants, near term and term healthy newborns, admitted during 2.5 month period of the study. TSB was performed on all infants who were felt to be clinically jaundiced. Before obtaining the TSB, a TcB was performed (Jaundice Meter Minolta/Draeger JM‐103). Measurements were performed on two sites: forehead and mid‐sternum, and the mean of both measurements was calculated.Results:  A total of 1091 paired measurements were obtained from 628 infants. Linear regression showed a significant relation between TSB and TcB (R2 of 0.846). In multiple regression analysis, all independent variables studied, i.e. gestational age (or birthweight), age at sampling and ethnicity had a negligible influence on the relationship. We subsequently developed our local‐nomograms of hour‐specific mean TcB with 40, 75 and 95 percentile lines.Conclusions:  In our local settings and population, we found a reliable correlation between laboratory measurements of TSB and TcB. We were able to develop our local‐Bhutani‐based TcB nomograms for screening babies during hospital stay and pre‐discharge for assessing the risk of hyperbilirubinaemia.
Patterns of species impoverishment in managed forests of Catalonia (NE Spain)
Authors: Lloret F. , Solé A. , Pino J. , Vayreda J. , Font X. , Terradas J. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractQuestion: In managed forests, woody plant richness shows great variations in pattern. Herein we try to elucidate the role of major factors, such as successional status, to explain this variation. Assuming that less competitive or disturbance‐sensitive species will be systematically more prone to disappear, we investigate the existence of non‐random patterns of species impoverishment – i.e., the number of species unable to attain maximal richness – and the ecological and successional status of species associated with impoverishment in relation to a regional climatic gradient.Methods: We explored species composition in approximately 7500 forest plots in Catalonia (NE Spain). We evaluated non‐random patterns of species impoverishment by analyzing their nestedness. Multivariate analysis was used to relate environmental variables and impoverishment to species occurrence. Plot successional status and ecological range were also estimated from species composition, and species impoverishment was then correlated to these estimators.Results: Most forests show a non‐random pattern of species loss: poor stands tend to retain the same species, and the species determining high richness tend to be the same. Late successional species tend to be more common in impoverished plots of drier and warmer forests, while species typical of open or disturbed habitats are more common in impoverished plots of moister and colder forests. Communities dominated by early or late successional species are mostly impoverished, while the richest stands are constituted by species of intermediate stages. Forests dominated by species with a narrow or wide ecological range showed high impoverishment levels, while the richest stands had species with an intermediate ecological range.Discussion: In warmer Mediterranean forests, impoverishment tends to be associated with late successional stages, while in moister and colder forests, species loss is more closely related to disturbance and exploitation. This study reveals the difficulties involved in using species richness as a simple descriptor of the degree of forest conservation. Identification of dominant species and species indicative of ecological processes would constitute an easily applicable practice that would consolidate assessment of forests status.
Effect of repeated cycles of chemical disinfection on the roughness and hardness of hard reline acrylic resins
Authors: De Rezende Pinto Luciana , Rodríguez Acosta Emílio José T. , Távora Flora Freitas Fernandes , Da Silva Paulo Maurício Batista , Porto Vinícius Carvalho 
Published: June 2009

doi:10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2009.00282.x

Effect of repeated cycles of chemical disinfection on the roughness and hardness of hard reline acrylic resins Objective:  The aim of this study was to assess the effect of repeated cycles of five chemical disinfectant solutions on the roughness and hardness of three hard chairside reliners.Methods:  A total of 180 circular specimens (30 mm × 6 mm) were fabricated using three hard chairside reliners (Jet; n = 60, Kooliner; n = 60, Tokuyama Rebase II Fast; n = 60), which were immersed in deionised water (control), and five disinfectant solutions (1%, 2%, 5.25% sodium hypochlorite; 2% glutaraldehyde; 4% chlorhexidine gluconate). They were tested for Knoop hardness (KHN) and surface roughness (μm), before and after 30 simulated disinfecting cycles. Data was analysed by the factorial scheme (6 × 2), two‐way analysis of variance (anova), followed by Tukey’s test.Results:  For Jet (from 18.74 to 13.86 KHN), Kooliner (from 14.09 to 8.72 KHN), Tokuyama (from 12.57 to 8.28 KHN) a significant decrease in hardness was observed irrespective of the solution used on all materials. For Jet (from 0.09 to 0.11 μm) there was a statistically significant increase in roughness. Kooliner (from 0.36 to 0.26 μm) presented a statistically significant decrease in roughness and Tokuyama (from 0.15 to 0.11 μm) presented no statistically significant difference after 30 days.Conclusions:  This study showed that all disinfectant solutions promoted a statistically significant decrease in hardness, whereas with roughness, the materials tested showed a statistically significant increase, except for Tokuyama. Although statistically significant values were registered, these results could not be considered clinically significant.