bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diabetes Mellitus: Prevalence and Effect of Morbidities in the Oldest Old. The Octabaix Study
Authors: Ferrer Assumpta , Padrós Glòria , Formiga Francesc , Rojas‐Farreras Sònia , Perez Jose‐Manuel , Pujol Ramón 
Published: February 2012

ObjectivesTo describe the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) in community‐dwelling 85‐year‐olds and to study the factors associated.DesignCross‐sectional.SettingCommunity‐based survey study of seven primary healthcare centers.ParticipantsThree hundred twenty‐eight people born in 1924 and registered with primary healthcare centers.MeasurementsInformation on sociodemographic variables, Barthel Index (BI), Spanish version of the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MEC), Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), Braden scale for risk of pressure ulcers, Charlson Comorbidity Index, chronic diseases, social risk, quality of life, chronic drug prescriptions, and blood tests was recorded. Participants were defined as having DM according to self‐report, physician diagnosis, antidiabetic prescriptions, or plasma glucose concentration 7 mmol/L or more. A comparative analysis was performed between participants with and without DM.ResultsThe prevalence of DM in 328 octogenarians studied was 25.9%. Logistic regression showed an association between DM and BI (odds ratio (OR) = 1.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.00–1.05, P = .007), Braden risk score (OR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.79–0.97, P = .01), thyroid disease (OR = 0.23, 95% CI = 0.06–0.92, P = .04), chronic drug prescriptions (OR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.15–1.42, P < .001), white‐cell count (OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.15–1.56, P < .001), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C; OR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.43–0.92, P = .02) and folic acid level (OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.01–1.07, P = .005).ConclusionThere is a high prevalence of DM at 85 years old. The presence of DM was positively associated with disability, drug prescription, white blood cell count, and folic acid level, whereas there was an inverse relationship between DM and Braden scale score, thyroid disease, and LDL‐C. The effect of morbidities on DM may require a multidisciplinary approach to manage its complexity.
High‐Fiber Foods Reduce Periodontal Disease Progression in Men Aged 65 and Older: The Veterans Affairs Normative Aging Study/Dental Longitudinal Study
Authors: Schwartz Natalie , Kaye Elizabeth Krall , Nunn Martha E. , Spiro Avron , Garcia Raul I. 
Published: February 2012

ObjectivesTo determine whether foods that are good to excellent sources of fiber reduce periodontal disease progression in men.DesignProspective, observational study.SettingGreater Boston, Massachusetts, metropolitan area.ParticipantsSix hundred twenty‐five community‐dwelling men participating in the Department of Veterans Affairs Dental Longitudinal Study.MeasurementsDental and physical examinations were conducted every 3 to 5 years. Diet was assessed using food frequency questionnaires (FFQs). Mean follow‐up was 15 years (range: 2–24 years). Periodontal disease progression on each tooth was defined as alveolar bone loss (ABL) advancement of 40% or more, probing pocket depth (PPD) of 2 mm or more, or tooth loss. Good and excellent fiber sources provided 2.5 g or more of fiber per serving. Multivariate proportional hazards regression estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of periodontal disease progression and tooth loss in relation to fiber sources, stratified according to age younger than 65 versus 65 and older, and controlled for smoking, body mass index, calculus, baseline periodontal disease level, caries, education, exercise, carotene, thiamin and caffeine intake, and tooth brushing.ResultsIn men aged 65 and older, each serving of good to excellent sources of total fiber was associated with lower risk of ABL progression (HR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.60–0.95) and tooth loss (HR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.53–0.97). Of the different food groups, only fruits that were good to excellent sources of fiber were associated with lower risk of progression of ABL (HR = 0.86 per serving, 95% CI = 0.78–0.95), PPD (HR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.91–0.99), and tooth loss (HR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.78–0.99). No significant associations were seen in men younger than 65.ConclusionBenefits of higher intake of high‐fiber foods, especially fruits, on slowing periodontal disease progression are most evident in men aged 65 and older.
The Cholinergic System and Inflammation: Common Pathways in Delirium Pathophysiology
Authors: Cerejeira Joaquim , Nogueira Vasco , Luís Pedro , Vaz‐Serra Adriano , Mukaetova‐Ladinska Elizabeta B. 
Published: February 2012

ObjectivesTo investigate whether delirium is associated with an unbalanced inflammatory response or a dysfunctional interaction between the cholinergic and immune systems.DesignCohort observational study.SettingGeneral hospital orthopedic ward.ParticipantsOne hundred one individuals aged 60 and older with no previous cognitive impairment undergoing elective arthroplasty.MeasurementsIncidence of postoperative delirium, plasma cholinesterase activity (acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE)) and inflammatory mediators (C‐reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)‐1 beta, tumor necrosis factor alpha,IL‐6,IL‐8,IL‐10) before and after surgery.ResultsThirty‐seven participants developed postoperative delirium and had greater production ofCRPand proinflammatory to anti‐inflammatory ratio after surgery. In participants with delirium, but not in controls, preoperative levels of plasma cholinesterase activity correlated with ΔCRP(AChE: ρ = 0.428,P = .008 and BuChE: ρ = 0.423,P = .009), ΔIL‐6 (AChE: ρ = 0.339,P = .04), and ΔP/A ratio (AChE: ρ = 0.346,P = .04).ConclusionDelirium was associated not only with an unbalanced inflammatory response, but also with a dysfunctional interaction between the cholinergic and immune systems. Comprehensive understanding of the relationship between the cholinergic and immune systems is crucial to developing new insights into delirium pathophysiology and novel therapeutic interventions.
Short‐Term Oral Nutritional Intervention with Protein and Vitamin D Decreases Falls in Malnourished Older Adults
Authors: Neelemaat Floor , Lips Paul , Bosmans Judith E. , Thijs Abel , Seidell Jaap C. , van Bokhorst‐de van der Schueren Marian A. E. 
Published: February 2012

ObjectivesTo evaluate the effects of a short‐term nutritional intervention with protein and vitamin D on falls in malnourished older adults.DesignRandomized controlled trial.SettingFrom hospital admission until 3 months after discharge.ParticipantsMalnourished older adults (≥60) newly admitted to an acute hospital (n = 210).InterventionParticipants were randomized to receive nutritional intervention (energy‐ and protein‐enriched diet, oral nutritional supplements, calcium‐vitamin D supplement, telephone counseling by a dietitian) for 3 months after discharge or usual care.MeasurementsNumber of participants who fell, fall incidents, serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D, and dietary intake. Measurements were performed on admission to hospital and 3 months after discharge.ResultsThree months after discharge, 10 participants (10%) in the intervention group had fallen at least once, compared with 24 (23%) in the control group (hazard ratio = 0.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.19–0.86). There were 57 fall incidents (16 in the intervention group; 41 in the control group). A significantly higher intake of energy (280 kcal, 95% CI = 37–524 kcal) and protein (11 g, 95% CI = 1–25 g) and significantly higher serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels (10.9 nmol/L, 95% CI = 2.9–18.9 nmol/L) were found in participants in the intervention group than in controls.ConclusionA short‐term nutritional intervention consisting of oral nutritional supplements and calcium and vitamin D supplementation and supported by dietetic counseling in malnourished older adults decreases the number of patients who fall and fall incidents.
Laparoscopic‐Assisted Cystotomy and Cystostomy for Treatment of Cystic Calculus in a Gelding
Authors: Straticò Paola , Suriano Riccardo , Sciarrini Chiara , Varasano Vincenzo , Petrizzi Lucio 
Published: February 2012

ObjectiveTo report laparoscopic‐assisted cystotomy and inguinal cystostomy for treating bladder urolithiasis in a gelding.Study DesignClinical report.AnimalsTwelve‐year‐oldAppaloosa gelding.MethodsA laparoscopic approach was used to locate and grasp the bladder, which was exteriorized through an enlarged instrument portal for cystotomy to remove the calculus. During withdrawal, the calculus fragmented into multiple pieces. To avoid urethral occlusion and facilitate elimination of these fragments, an inguinal cystostomy was created. The seromuscular layer of the bladder was circumferentially secured to the abdominal fascia and bladder mucosa margins were sutured to the skin.ResultsAt 2‐year follow‐up, the gelding was in good condition with mild urine scald of the left ventral abdomen.ConclusionLaparoscopic‐assisted cystotomy was used for calculus removal and inguinal cystostomy for successful fragment elimination.
The cost of blood transfusion in Western Europe as estimated from six studies
Authors: Abraham Ivo , Sun Diana 
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND: Blood is a costly and scarce resource. We report on a systematic review of the literature to estimate the cost of a 2‐unit red blood cell (RBC) transfusion in Western Europe.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Medline was searched for studies about the cost of RBC transfusion in Europe. Data extracted included authors, country, year of data, cost perspective, cost types, cost elements, units examined, study design, study population, and cost of a 2‐unit blood transfusion. The population‐weighted mean cost per 2 units of transfused blood was calculated.RESULTS: Six studies met inclusion and exclusion criteria and reported data from the United Kingdom, Sweden, Switzerland, Austria, and France. Methodology used to derive cost estimates differed across the studies. The population‐weighted mean cost of transfusing 2 units of blood was €877.69.CONCLUSION: The estimated cost of transfusing 2 units of RBCs in Western Europe is significant. Differences in methodology were partially diffused by aggregation of prior estimates into a population‐weighted mean. Future cost studies should follow the Cost of Blood Consensus Conference (COBCON) recommendation to apply activity‐based costing methods.
Effect of increasing hemoglobin cutoff in male donors and increasing interdonation interval in whole blood donors at a hospital‐based blood donor center
Authors: Gandhi Manish J. , Duffy Kimberly , Benike Mary , Jenkins Sarah , Stubbs James R. 
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND: The NHANES‐III survey found hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations of more than 13.5 g/dL and more than 12.0 g/dL in normal Caucasian males and females. In the United States, a Hb of least 12.5 g/dL is required for blood donation, which allows “anemic” males to donate while excluding “normal” females. Low Hb is the major cause of deferral in donors and deferrals are associated with decreased donor return rates. Additionally, frequent blood donations are associated with depletion of body iron stores. Analysis of the effect of various Hb cutoffs and interdonation intervals on our center's blood supply is presented.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Whole blood donor data for a 12‐month period were studied. Potential effects on the blood supply by increasing male Hb eligibility levels and/or increasing the interdonation interval were analyzed.RESULTS: A total of 13,519 individuals (females, 56%) donated 30,678 units (mean frequency, male 2.7 and females 2.1) with the majority (42%) donating once. Increasing the male Hb eligibility to at least 13.5 g/dL will decrease collections by 1457 (5%) units. In addition, decreasing the female Hb eligibility to at least 12.0 g/dL will result in total gain of 307 (1%) units. Considering 12‐week interdonation interval and Hb eligibility of at least 13.5 g/dL (male) and at least 12.5 g/dL (female) results in decrease of 11% (3352) units.CONCLUSIONS: Increasing the Hb cutoff for male donors and/or interdonation interval for all donors will decrease available blood, some of which may be reduced by decreasing the Hb cutoff for females to at least 12.0 g/dL. As a majority of the donors donate only once with mean donation frequency being 2.4, it may be possible to overcome this shortfall by targeted recruitment of donors donating once.
Outpatient transfusions and occurrence of serious noninfectious transfusion‐related complications among US elderly, 2007‐2008: utility of large administrative databases in blood safety research
Authors: Menis Mikhail , Izurieta Hector S. , Anderson Steven A. , Kropp Garner , Holness Leslie , Gibbs Jonathan , Erten Tugce , Worrall Christopher M. , MaCurdy Thomas E. , Kelman Jeffrey A. , Ball Robert 
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND: Transfusion‐related acute lung injury (TRALI) and hemolytic transfusion reactions account for significant transfusion‐related morbidity and mortality in the United States. Our study evaluated types and quantities of transfused components as well as occurrence of TRALI, ABO, and Rh incompatibilities among the US elderly in the institutional outpatient setting during 2007 to 2008.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This retrospective claims‐based study utilized the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' large administrative databases. Transfusions were identified by recorded procedure and revenue center codes, while complications were ascertained via ICD‐9‐CM diagnosis codes. The study quantified blood use based on revenue center units.RESULTS: Among 26,054,242 and 25,662,864 Medicare elderly in 2007 and 2008, a total of 241,055 (0.9%) and 251,284 (1.0%) had outpatient transfusions. Leukoreduced red blood cells (LR‐RBCs) was the most frequently transfused single blood component (60.1 and 61.3%, respectively) each year. Likewise, LR‐RBCs and LR pheresis platelets (LR‐PLTs) was the most frequent component combination (2.4 and 2.6%, respectively). TRALI rate comparison for RBCs and PLTs versus RBCs only showed higher rate for RBCs and PLTs (p = 0.033). In 2007 and 2008, ABO incompatibility rate comparison for irradiated (IR) LR‐RBCs versus LR‐RBCs showed higher rates for IR LR‐RBCs (rate ratio [RR] 37.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 10.6‐132.6; and RR 31.3, 95% CI 11.6‐84.4, respectively).CONCLUSION: This study shows potential usefulness of Medicare databases in assessment of blood utilization, transfusion‐related complications, and risk factors among US elderly in the outpatient setting. It suggests limitations (e.g., need for several years of data to better assess rare complications) and importance of databases as hypothesis‐generating tool to supplement blood safety research.
Longevity/Mortality Risk Modeling and Securities Pricing
Authors: Deng Yinglu , Brockett Patrick L. , MacMinn Richard D. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractSecuritizing longevity/mortality risk can transfer longevity/mortality risk to capital markets. Modeling and forecasting mortality rate is key to pricing mortality‐linked securities. Catastrophic mortality and longevity jumps occur in historical data and have an important impact on security pricing. This article introduces a stochastic diffusion model with a double‐exponential jump diffusion process that captures both asymmetric rate jumps up and down and also cohort effect in mortality trends. The model exhibits calibration advantages and mathematical tractability while better fitting the data. The model provides a closed‐form pricing solution for J.P. Morgan’s q‐forward contract usable as a building block for hedging.
Regulation of Cerebral Vascular Function by Sirtuin 1
Authors: TAJBAKHSH NEGARA , SOKOYA ELKE M. 
Published: February 2012

Please cite this paper as: Tajbakhsh N, Sokoya EM. Regulation of cerebral vascular function by sirtuin 1. Microcirculation 19: 336–342, 2012.AbstractObjective:  Endothelial dysfunction, associated with reduced nitric oxide bioavailability and oxidative stress, is a common feature of vascular‐related diseases. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) is a protein deacetylase that has been shown to target endothelial nitric oxide synthase in large arteries and is protective during oxidative stress. However, within resistance‐sized vessels, the expression and functional effects of SIRT1 remain unknown.Methods:  Immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry were used to determine SIRT1 expression and localization in cultured brain endothelial cells and intact rat middle cerebral artery. The influence of SIRT1 on vascular function was then studied in intact middle cerebral arteries using pressure myography.Results:  We report for the first time that SIRT1 is expressed in the resistance‐sized vessels in the brain and is present in both the endothelium and smooth muscle. Pharmacological inhibition of SIRT1 demonstrated reduced endothelium‐dependent dilation mediated by nitric oxide. However, endothelium‐independent dilations were comparable in the presence and absence of SIRT1 block.Conclusions:  Our results support a role for SIRT1 in endothelium‐dependent relaxation in the cerebral vasculature and reveal a potential for SIRT1 as a therapeutic target in vascular‐related diseases by restoring endothelial function.
Acute ST‐elevation myocardial infarction in a 24‐year‐old woman with atheromatous coronary artery disease
Authors: McIver Lachlan , Liebenberg Paul , Scott Ashleigh , Sutcliffe Steven 
Published: February 2012

AbstractWe report the case of a 24‐year‐old Torres Strait Islander woman who presented to a rural hospital ED with chest pain suspicious for myocardial ischaemia and was found to have an anterior ST‐elevation myocardial infarction. She was thrombolysed and transferred to a tertiary centre where subsequent angiography revealed atheromatous disease of the left anterior descending coronary artery. We believe this to be one of the youngest reported cases of myocardial infarction due to atheromatous coronary artery disease, and demonstrates important learning points regarding the demographics and risk factors of indigenous patients with chest pain.
Imbalanced Matrix Metalloproteinases in Cardiovascular Complications of End‐Stage Kidney Disease: A Potential Pharmacological Target
Authors: Marson Bernardo P. , Poli de Figueiredo Carlos E. , Tanus‐Santos Jose E. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractEnd‐stage kidney disease (ESKD) is a major health problem associated with very high morbidity and mortality secondary to cardiovascular complications, especially in ESKD patients on dialysis. Therefore, exploring key mechanisms underlying cardiovascular alterations associated with ESKD may offer reasonable pharmacological targets that may benefit these patients. Imbalanced matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) activities have been implicated in many cardiovascular diseases, and growing evidence now indicates that excessive MMP activities contribute to cardiovascular complications in ESKD patients. However, there is no study on the effects of MMP inhibitors (MMPIs) in such patients. MMPIs may prevent against the vascular and cardiac changes associated with ESKD. In this MiniReview, we aimed at reviewing current evidence supporting the idea that pharmacological inhibition of imbalanced MMP activities in ESKD may decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with cardiovascular complications in ESKD patients. However, MMPs have variable effects during different phases of kidney disease, and therefore optimal timing for MMP inhibition during a disease process may vary significantly and is largely undetermined. While current research shows that MMPs play a role in the pathogenesis of the cardiovascular alterations found in ESKD patients, clinical studies are required to validate the idea of using MMPIs in ESKD.
Aggressiveness and diversity of Phytophthora capsici on vegetable crops in Georgia
Authors: Yin J. , Jackson K.L. , Candole B. L. , Csinos A.S. , Langston D.B. , Ji P. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractPhytophthora blight induced by Phytophthora capsici causes significant yield loss in a number of vegetable crops. It is imperative to understand the diversity and aggressiveness of the pathogen to design more efficient disease management programs. A collection of P. capsici strains isolated from different vegetable crops in Georgia, USA, were characterised in this study. Of the 49 isolates tested, 24 were A1 and 25 were A2 mating type, respectively, with both mating types found in the same fields. Variability of the isolates was assessed in terms of their aggressiveness on six pepper genotypes. The isolates differed in their aggressiveness on different pepper cultivars with 10 pathotypes identified. No correlation between aggressiveness of the isolates and their host origin or geographical location of isolation was observed. Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis was used to evaluate genetic variability among P. capsici populations. RAPD analysis using 15 random primers resulted in 133 reproducible bands and cluster analysis separated the isolates into 5 groups. Analysis of molecular variance showed that there was moderate genetic differentiation associated with host origin and geographical location of the isolates. No correlation was found between RAPD groups and pathotypes or mating types. These results indicate that P. capsici populations infecting vegetable crops in Georgia were genetically diverse, which should be taken into account in developing resistant cultivars or other disease management programmes.
DICER‐like Proteins and Their Role in Plant‐herbivore Interactions in Nicotiana attenuata
Authors: Ahmadovich Bozorov Tohir , Prakash Pandey Shree , Dinh Son Truong , Kim Sang‐Gyu , Heinrich Maria , Gase Klaus , Baldwin Ian T. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractDICER‐like (DCL) proteins produce small RNAs that silence genes involved in development and defenses against viruses and pathogens. Which DCLs participate in plant‐herbivore interactions remains unstudied. We identified and stably silenced four distinct DCL genes by RNAi in Nicotiana attenuata (Torrey ex. Watson), a model for the study of plant‐herbivore interactions. Silencing DCL1 expression was lethal. Manduca sexta larvae performed significantly better on ir‐dcl3 and ir‐dcl4 plants, but not on ir‐dcl2 plants compared to wild type plants. Phytohormones, defense metabolites and microarray analyses revealed that when DCL3 and DCL4 were silenced separately, herbivore resistance traits were regulated in distinctly different ways. Crossing of the lines revealed complex interactions in the patterns of regulation. Single ir‐dcl4 and double ir‐dcl2 ir‐dcl3 plants were impaired in JA accumulation, while JA‐Ile was increased in ir‐dcl3 plants. Ir‐dcl3 and ir‐dcl4 plants were impaired in nicotine accumulation; silencing DCL2 in combination with either DCL3 or DCL4 restored nicotine levels to those of WT. Trypsin proteinase inhibitor activity and transcripts were only silenced in ir‐dcl3 plants. We conclude that DCL2/3/4 interact in a complex manner to regulate anti‐herbivore defenses and that these interactions significantly complicate the already challenging task of understanding smRNA function in the regulation of biotic interactions.
Washing and filtering of cell‐salvaged blood – does it make autotransfusion safer?
Authors: KONIG GERHARDT , WATERS JONATHAN H. 
Published: February 2012

SUMMARYAutologous transfusion was first performed in the late 1800s, but it was not until the 1970s that devices were developed that enabled widespread adoption of the practice. Unwashed salvaged blood contains thrombogenic products, cell breakdown products and plasma proteins, and gross chemical, cellular and physical contaminants. Washing and filtering of salvaged blood is routinely performed to remove or reduce these elements. In this paper we review the clinical data supporting the need for washing and filtering of salvaged blood.