bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk factors for a 6‐year decline in physical disability and functional limitations among elderly people with type 2 diabetes in the Japanese elderly diabetes intervention trial
Authors: Sakurai Takashi , Iimuro Satoshi , Sakamaki Kentaro , Umegaki Hiroyuki , Araki Atsushi , Ohashi Yasuo , Ito Hideki ,   the Japanese Elderly Diabetes Intervention Trial Study Group
Published: March 2012

Aim:  Type 2 diabetes increases the risk of disability. The purpose of this study was to clarify the explanatory factors for disability in Japanese diabetic elderly.Methods:  The 6‐year decline in physical disability and functional limitations was investigated among 317 elderly people with type 2 diabetes recruited in a large‐scale prospective study of the Japanese Elderly Diabetes Intervention Trial. Information about diabetes, blood examinations and complications was obtained, and basic activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental ADL (IADL) were assessed by total score of the Barthel index and the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Index of Competence, respectively.Results:  After 6 years of follow up, 13.6% of patients had developed a new ADL disability and 38.3% had developed a new functional impairment. In the 65–74 years age group, basic ADL decreased only in males, whereas females became functionally impaired. In the 75–84 years age group, basic and IADL decreased in both males and females. Older age and metabolic syndrome were prognostic for impairment of basic ADL, whereas baseline IADL problems, lower cognitive function, physical inactivity and insulin therapy were significant predictors of a future decline in the IADL.Conclusion:  This study identified several factors predicting the future decline of basic ADL and IADL in diabetic elderly patients, and provided a conceptual framework that might help to clarify the pathways leading to disability. Because the specific causes of each functional problem are modifiable, comprehensive treatment and care are needed to allow Japanese diabetic elderly patients to have more favorable living conditions. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2012; 12 (Suppl. 1): 117–126.
Factors associated with progression of diabetic nephropathy in Japanese elderly patients with type 2 diabetes: Sub‐analysis of the Japanese Elderly Diabetes Intervention Trial
Authors: Araki Shin‐ichi , Nishio Yoshihiko , Araki Atsushi , Umegaki Hiroyuki , Sakurai Takashi , Iimuro Satoshi , Ohashi Yasuo , Uzu Takashi , Maegawa Hiroshi , Kashiwagi Atsunori , Ito Hideki ,   the Japanese Elderly Intervention Trial Research Group
Published: March 2012

Aim:  Diabetic nephropathy is a serious complication in patients with type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study was to explore the factors associated with the progression of this complication in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes.Methods:  This retrospective study of a subgroup of patients registered with the Japanese Elderly Diabetes Intervention Trial included 621 Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (age ≥65 years, 346 with normoalbuminuria, 190 with microalbuminuria and 85 with overt proteinuria). Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression model with a backward stepwise procedure was applied to select factors with significant effects on worsening of nephropathy stage and the doubling of serum creatinine.Results:  During the follow up (median 52 months), 21% of patients progressed from normoalbuminuria and microalbuminuria to a worse nephropathy stage. Aging, female sex and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol were identified as independent and significant factors that worsen nephropathy stage. Also, 6.1% of patients showed doubling of serum creatinine during follow up. A positive history of cardiovascular disease, hyperuricemia and conventional therapy were identified as significant factors involved in the doubling of serum creatinine. The cumulative incidence of the doubling of serum creatinine was significantly lower in the intensive therapy group than the conventional therapy group (P = 0.016), although that of progression of nephropathy stage was similar in the two groups.Conclusions:  We identified several factors associated with the progression of diabetic nephropathy in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes. The results suggest that multiple risk factor intervention seems important in preventing deterioration of renal dysfunction. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2012; 12 (Suppl. 1): 127–133.
Adverse associations of increases in television viewing time with 5‐year changes in glucose homoeostasis markers: the AusDiab study
Authors: Hansen A. L. S. , Wijndaele K. , Owen N. , Magliano D. J. , Thorp A. A. , Shaw J. E. , Dunstan D. W. 
Published: March 2012

Diabet. Med. 29, 918–925 (2012)AbstractBackground  Television viewing time is associated cross‐sectionally with abnormal glucose tolerance and diabetes risk; however, the impact of changes in television viewing time on glycaemic measures is less understood. We examined relationships of 5‐year change in television viewing time with 5‐year change in glucose homeostasis markers.Methods  Participants in the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle study with data available at the 1999–2000 baseline and the 2004–2005 follow‐up were included (4870; 45% men). Television viewing time (h/week) was assessed by questionnaire. Fasting plasma glucose, serum insulin and 2‐h plasma glucose were obtained from an oral glucose tolerance test. Beta‐cell function and insulin resistance were ascertained using the homeostasis model assessment 2‐calculator. Associations of change in television viewing time with changes in glucose homeostasis markers were examined using linear regression models [β‐coefficients (95% CI)]. Adjustments included baseline measures of age, television viewing time and glycaemic marker, and baseline and 5‐year change in diet quality, energy intake, physical activity and waist circumference.Results  For every 5‐h per week increase in television viewing time from baseline to 5‐year follow‐up, changes in glucose homeostasis markers were observed: among women there was a significant increase in fasting plasma glucose [0.01 (0.00–0.02) mmol/l] insulin resistance [0.03 (0.01–0.05)] and insulin secretion [1.07 (0.02–2.12) %]; insulin levels increased [men: 1.20 (0.30–2.09); women: 1.06 (0.32–1.80) pmol/l]; in men, 2‐h plasma glucose levels increased [0.06 (0.01–0.1) mmol/l].Conclusion  Five‐year increases in television viewing time were associated adversely with changes in glucose homeostasis markers. These findings add to earlier cross‐sectional evidence that television viewing time can be associated with biomarkers of diabetes risk.
Self‐monitoring of blood glucose in patients with diabetes who do not use insulin—are guidelines evidence‐based?
Authors: Aakre K. M. , Watine J. , Bunting P. S. , Sandberg S. , Oosterhuis W. P. 
Published: March 2012

Diabet. Med. 29, 1226–1236 (2012)AbstractAims  To evaluate if clinical practice guideline recommendations regarding self‐monitoring of blood glucose in patients with diabetes not using insulin follow the principles of evidence‐based medicine.Methods  After a search from 1999 to 2011, 18 clinical practice guidelines were included. Recommendations regarding self‐monitoring of blood glucose were graded on a scale from one (strongly against self‐monitoring) to four (strongly in favour of self‐monitoring) and compared with the similarly graded conclusions of systematic reviews that were cited by the clinical practice guidelines. We also investigated how clinical practice guideline characteristics, for example funding sources, and quality of references cited could be related to the guideline recommendations.Results  The clinical practice guidelines cited in total 15 systematic reviews, 14 randomized controlled trials, 33 non‐randomized controlled trials papers and 18 clinical practice guidelines or position statements. The clinical practice guideline recommendations had an average grade of 3.4 (range 2.0–4.0). Higher grades were seen for clinical practice guidelines that acknowledged industry funding (mean value 4.0) or were issued by organizations depending on private funding (mean value 3.6 vs. 3.0 for governmental funding). The conclusions of the 15 systematic reviews had a mean grade of 2.2 (range 1.0–3.8). Systematic reviews with low grades were less cited. In total, 21 randomized controlled trials were included in the systematic reviews. Approximately half of these evaluated an educational intervention where the effect of self‐monitoring of blood glucose could not be clearly isolated.Conclusions  Clinical practice guidelines were more in favour of self‐monitoring use than the systematic reviews that were cited. The citation practice was non‐systematic and industry funding seemingly led to a more positive attitude towards use of self‐monitoring of blood glucose.
Motor function after selective dorsal rhizotomy: a 10‐year practice‐based follow‐up study
Authors: JOSENBY ANNIKA LUNDKVIST , WAGNER PHILIPPE , JARNLO GUN‐BRITT , WESTBOM LENA , NORDMARK EVA 
Published: March 2012

Aim  The aim of this study was to explore changes in motor function up to 10 years after selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR).Method  The participants comprised 29 children (20 males, nine females) with bilateral spastic diplegia who were consecutively operated on at a median age of 4 years and 3 months and followed until a median age of 15 years. SDR was combined with physiotherapy and regular follow‐up visits. The distribution of preoperative Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels was as follows: I, n=1; II, n=7; III, n=8; IV, n=12; and V, n=1. Muscle tone in hip flexors, hip adductors, knee flexors, and plantar flexors was assessed with the modified Ashworth scale, passive range of motion in hip abduction, popliteal angle, maximum knee extension, dorsiflexion of the foot was measured with a goniometer, and gross motor function was assessed using the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM‐66). The results were compared with preoperative values, taking into account age at the time of SDR.Results  After 10 years, muscle tone in hip flexors, hip adductors, knee flexors and plantar flexors was normalized in 19, 24, 13 and 23 participants respectively; mean change in passive range of motion ranged from −2.0° to 8.6°, and the mean increase in GMFM‐66 was 10.6. Changes in GMFM‐66 were associated with preoperative GMFCS level and GMFM‐66 scores.Interpretation  Children who underwent SDR and physiotherapy and were regularly followed up by an experienced team showed improved gross motor function for up to 10 years postoperatively.
Phosphoproteome profiling of substantia nigra and cortex regions of Alzheimer’s disease patients
Authors: Zahid Saadia , Oellerich Michael , Asif Abdul R , Ahmed Nikhat 
Published: March 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 121, 954–963.AbstractAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and cognitive impairment usually characterized by widespread neurodegeneration throughout the association cortex, limbic system and hippocampus. Aberrant protein phosphorylation is a defining pathological hallmark of AD and implicated in the dysregulation of major cellular processes through highly dynamic and complex signaling pathways. Here in, we demonstrate 81 proteins, of 600 spots selected, unambiguously identified as phosphorylated, providing a partial phosphoproteome profile of AD substantia nigra and cortex and respective control brain regions. More importantly, abnormal phosphorylation signal intensity of nine physiologically important proteins observed can profoundly affect cell metabolism, signal transduction, cytoskeleton integration, and synaptic function and accounts for biological and morphological alterations. Our studies employed two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis for protein separation, Pro‐Q® Diamond phosphoprotein staining and electrospray ionization quadrupole time of flight tandem MS for protein identification. NetPhosk 1.0 is used for the confirmation of protein modification status as well known/putative phosphoproteins. A further insight into the links among the identified phosphoproteins and functional roles STRING 8.3, KEGG and REACTOME pathway databases were applied. The present quantitative phosphoproteomic analysis can be supportive in establishing a broad database of potential protein targets of abnormal phosphorylation in AD brain.
Combined therapy with PJ34, a poly(ADP‐ribose)polymerase inhibitor, reduces tissue plasminogen activator‐induced hemorrhagic transformations in cerebral ischemia in mice
Authors: Haddad Marianne , Beray‐Berthat Virginie , Coqueran Bérard , Plotkine Michel , Marchand‐Leroux Catherine , Margaill Isabelle 
Published: March 2012

AbstractRecombinant tissue‐type plasminogen activator (rt‐PA) is presently the only pharmacological treatment approved for thrombolysis in patients suffering from ischemic stroke. Although reperfusion of ischemic tissue is essential, the use of rt‐PA is limited due to its narrow therapeutic window and risk of hemorrhagic transformations. Recent studies have shown that rt‐PA amplifies the post‐ischemic activation of the nuclear enzyme poly(ADP‐ribose)polymerase (PARP). This enzyme has been shown to contribute to both the breakdown of the blood brain barrier and spontaneous hemorrhagic transformations after ischemia. We therefore examined the capacity of PJ34 (N‐(6‐oxo‐5,6‐dihydrophenanthridin‐2‐yl)‐2‐(N,N‐dimethylamino) acetamide hydrochloride), a potent inhibitor of PARP, to reduce the hemorrhagic transformations that occur after rt‐PA in mice with permanent focal cerebral ischemia. Ischemia was produced by intraluminal occlusion of the left middle cerebral artery and treated with vehicle, rt‐PA (10 mg/kg, i.v., 6 h after occlusion) or rt‐PA plus PJ34 (3, 6 or 12 mg/kg, i.p., at ischemia onset and 4 h later). Hemorrhagic transformations, neurological examination, and infarct volumes were evaluated 48 h after the onset of ischemia. Delayed administration of rt‐PA resulted in increased hemorrhagic transformations and aggravated the neurological deficit. Giving PJ34 (3 mg/kg) markedly reduced the hemorrhagic transformations, an effect not owing to a modification of matrix metalloprotease activity. Furthermore, PJ34 improved the neurological functions of rt‐PA‐treated ischemic mice. To conclude, the PARP inhibitor PJ34 makes rt‐PA safer in experimental ischemic stroke.
On the Spatial Foundations of the Conceptual System and Its Enrichment
Authors: Mandler Jean M. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractA theory of how concept formation begins is presented that accounts for conceptual activity in the first year of life, shows how increasing conceptual complexity comes about, and predicts the order in which new types of information accrue to the conceptual system. In a compromise between nativist and empiricist views, it offers a single domain‐general mechanism that redescribes attended spatiotemporal information into an iconic form. The outputs of this mechanism consist of types of spatial information that we know infants attend to in the first months of life. These primitives form the initial basis of concept formation, allow explicit preverbal thought, such as recall, inferences, and simple mental problem solving, and support early language learning. The theory details how spatial concepts become associated with bodily feelings of force and trying. It also explains why concepts of emotions, sensory concepts such as color, and theory of mind concepts are necessarily later acquisitions because they lack contact with spatial descriptions to interpret unstructured internal experiences. Finally, commonalities between the concepts of preverbal infants and nonhuman primates are discussed.
Interaction between NO and COX pathways modulating hepatic endothelial cells from control and cirrhotic rats
Authors: Rosado Eugenio , Rodríguez‐Vilarrupla Aina , Gracia‐Sancho Jorge , Monclús Montserrat , Bosch Jaume , García‐Pagán Joan‐Carles 
Published: March 2012

AbstractReduced intrahepatic nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability and increased cyclooxygenase‐1 (COX‐1)‐derived vasoconstrictor prostanoids modulate the hepatic vascular tone in cirrhosis. We aimed at investigating the reciprocal interactions between NO and COX in the hepatic endothelium of control and cirrhotic rats. NO bioavailability (DAF‐FM‐DA staining), superoxide (O2−) content (DHE staining), prostanoid production (PGI2 and TXA2 by enzyme immunoassays) as well as COX expression (Western Blot), were determined in hepatic endothelial cells (HEC) from control and cirrhotic rats submitted to different experimental conditions: COX activation, COX inhibition, NO activation and NO inhibition. In control and cirrhotic HEC, COX activation with arachidonic acid reduced NO bioavailability and increased O2− levels. These effects were abolished by pre‐treating HEC with the COX inhibitor indomethacin. In control, but not in cirrhotic HEC, scavenging of O2− by superoxide dismutase (SOD) incubation partially restored the decrease in NO bioavailability promoted by COX activation. NO supplementation produced a significant and parallel reduction in PGI2 and TXA2 production in control HEC, whereas it only reduced TXA2 production in cirrhotic HEC. By contrast, in control and cirrhotic HEC, NO inhibition did not modify COX expression or activity. Our results demonstrate that NO and COX systems are closely interrelated in HEC. This is especially relevant in cirrhotic HEC where COX inhibition increases NO bioavailability and NO supplementation induces a reduction in TXA2. These strategies may have beneficial effects ameliorating the vasoconstrictor/vasodilator imbalance of the intrahepatic circulation of cirrhotic livers.
Mesenchymal stem cells conditioned with glucose depletion augments their ability to repair‐infarcted myocardium
Authors: Choudhery Mahmood S. , Khan Mohsin , Mahmood Ruhma , Mohsin Sadia , Akhtar Shoaib , Ali Fatima , Khan Shaheen N. , Riazuddin Sheikh 
Published: March 2012

AbstractMesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are an attractive candidate for autologous cell therapy, but their ability to repair damaged myocardium is severely compromised with advanced age. Development of viable autologous cell therapy for treatment of heart failure in the elderly requires the need to address MSC ageing. In this study, MSCs from young (2 months) and aged (24 months) C57BL/6 mice were characterized for gene expression of IGF‐1, FGF‐2, VEGF, SIRT‐1, AKT, p16INK4a, p21 and p53 along with measurements of population doubling (PD), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and apoptosis. Aged MSCs displayed senescent features compared with cells isolated from young animals and therefore were pre‐conditioned with glucose depletion to enhance age affected function. Pre‐conditioning of aged MSCs led to an increase in expression of IGF‐1, AKT and SIRT‐1 concomitant with enhanced viability, proliferation and delayed senescence. To determine the myocardial repair capability of pre‐conditioned aged MSCs, myocardial infarction (MI) was induced in 24 months old C57BL/6 wild type mice and GFP expressing untreated and pre‐conditioned aged MSCs were transplanted. Hearts transplanted with pre‐conditioned aged MSCs showed increased expression of paracrine factors, such as IGF‐1, FGF‐2, VEGF and SDF‐1α. This was associated with significantly improved cardiac performance as measured by dp/dtmax, dp/dtmin, LVEDP and LVDP, declined left ventricle (LV) fibrosis and apoptosis as measured by Masson's Trichrome and TUNEL assays, respectively, after 30 days of transplantation. In conclusion, pre‐conditioning of aged MSCs with glucose depletion can enhance proliferation, delay senescence and restore the ability of aged cells to repair senescent infarcted myocardium.
Transient Complex Interactions of Mammalian Peroxisomes Without Exchange of Matrix or Membrane Marker Proteins
Authors: Bonekamp Nina A. , Sampaio Paula , de Abreu Fernão Vistulo , Lüers Georg H. , Schrader Michael 
Published: March 2012

AbstractPeroxisomes and mitochondria show a much closer interrelationship than previously anticipated. They co‐operate in the metabolism of fatty acids and reactive oxygen species, but also share components of their fission machinery. If peroxisomes – like mitochondria – also fuse in mammalian cells is a matter of debate and was not yet systematically investigated. To examine potential peroxisomal fusion and interactions in mammalian cells, we established an in vivo fusion assay based on hybridoma formation by cell fusion. Fluorescence microscopy in time course experiments revealed a merge of different peroxisomal markers in fused cells. However, live cell imaging revealed that peroxisomes were engaged in transient and long‐term contacts, without exchanging matrix or membrane markers. Computational analysis showed that transient peroxisomal interactions are complex and can potentially contribute to the homogenization of the peroxisomal compartment. However, peroxisomal interactions do not increase after fatty acid or H2O2 treatment. Additionally, we provide the first evidence that mitochondrial fusion proteins do not localize to peroxisomes. We conclude that mammalian peroxisomes do not fuse with each other in a mechanism similar to mitochondrial fusion. However, they show an extensive degree of interaction, the implication of which is discussed.
A non‐lethal approach to estimate whole‐body 13C and 15N stable isotope ratios of freshwater amphipods using walking legs
Authors: Wilhelm Frank M. , Nelson Daniel 
Published: March 2012

AbstractTo analyze the stable isotope ratios of small‐bodied invertebrates, the entire animal is typically sacrificed and processed, which is problematic for threatened or endangered species. Appendages which are regenerated could be used to infer whole‐body isotope ratios, but differences in turnover rates and isotopic signatures among tissues may confound such an approach. We tested the hypothesis that the δ13C and δ15N of whole‐body tissue for freshwater amphipods could be predicted from the δ13C and δ15N of walking legs, with the goal of estimating body δ13C and δ15N of Gammarus acherondytes, a United States federally endangered species. To test this, we analyzed the δ13C and δ15N of walking legs and bodies of five species of amphipods from geographically distant areas (Idaho, Illinois, and Washington) in the United States. The general relationships of whole‐body isotope ratios of C and N as a function of leg isotope ratios were linear and had slopes of one. In the range of the data, leg δ13C was slightly lower than body δ13C, indicating some tissue‐specific fractionation, while δ15N was similar for legs and bodies. Our data suggest that legs can be used to predict body isotope ratios in freshwater amphipods. This approach provides an additional tool to help researchers understand the biology of small, endangered invertebrates without sacrificing individuals. This is especially useful in cave ecosystems where populations are naturally sparse.
Professional policy work in federal states: Institutional autonomy andCanadian policy analysis
Authors: Howlett Michael , Wellstead Adam M. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractDespite all the attention paid to the topic of policy analysis, the actual work of policy analysts in government is little investigated and little known (Colebatch,,;Colebatch andRadin). This is true not only at the national level, which has been the subject of most existing studies, but especially at the sub‐national level, where substantial powers rest. In order to address this gap, this article presents evidence from the first, large‐scale set of surveys ofCanadian federal, provincial and territorial policy analysts, examining the similarities and differences in their policy work. While many similarities exist in areas related to overall governance trends, such as consultation and participation work overtaking more technical policy evaluations, there are significant differences in the nature of policy work and attitudes, which are linked to the lesser autonomy from political masters experienced by sub‐national analysts. The results suggest that sub‐national policy work must be studied carefully in its own right.