bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sex Differences in the Neurotoxic Effects of Adenosine A1 Receptor Antagonism During Ethanol Withdrawal: Reversal With an A1 Receptor Agonist or an NMDA Receptor Antagonist
Authors: Butler Tracy R. , Smith Katherine J. , Self Rachel L. , Braden Brittany B. , Prendergast Mark A. 
Published: May 2008

Background:  Neuronal adaptations that occur during chronic ethanol (EtOH) exposure have been observed to sensitize the brain to excitotoxic insult during withdrawal. The adenosine receptor system warrants further examination in this regard, as recent evidence has implicated adenosine receptor involvement in the behavioral effects of both EtOH exposure and withdrawal.Methods:  The current studies examined effects of adenosine A1 receptor manipulation on neuronal injury in EtOH‐naïve and EtOH‐withdrawn male and female rat hippocampal slice cultures. EtOH‐naïve and EtOH pretreated (43.1 to 26.9 mM from days 5 to 15 DIV) cultures were exposed to the A1 receptor agonist 2‐Chloro‐N6‐cyclopentyladenosine (CCPA; 10 nM), the A1 receptor antagonist 8‐Cyclopentyl‐1,3‐dipropylxanthine (DPCPX;10 nM), or the N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist D,L,‐2‐amino‐5‐phosphovalerate (APV; 20 μM) at 15 days in vitro (DIV). Cytotoxicity was measured in the primary neuronal layers of the dentate gyrus, CA3 and CA1 hippocampal regions by quantification of propidium iodide (PI) fluorescence after 24 hours. Immunohistochemical analysis of A1 receptor abundance was conducted in EtOH‐naïve and EtOH pretreated slice cultures at 15 DIV.Results:  Twenty‐four hour exposure to DPCPX in EtOH‐naïve slice cultures did not produced neurotoxicity in any region of slice cultures. Though withdrawal from 10 day EtOH exposure produced no toxicity in either male or female slice cultures, exposure to DPCPX during 24 hours of EtOH withdrawal produced a marked increase in PI uptake in all hippocampal culture subregions in female cultures (to ∼160% of control values). A significant effect for sex was observed in the CA1 region such that toxicity in females cultures exposed to the A1 antagonist during withdrawal was greater than that observed in male cultures. These effects of DPCPX in EtOH withdrawn female and male slices were prevented by co‐exposure to either the A1 agonist CCPA or the NMDA receptor antagonist APV for 24 hours. No differences in the abundance of A1 receptors were observed in male and female EtOH‐naïve or EtOH pretreated cultures.Conclusions:  The current findings suggest that the female hippocampus possesses an innate sensitivity to effects of EtOH exposure and withdrawal on neuronal excitability that is independent of hormonal influences. Further, this sex difference is not related to effects of EtOH exposure on A1 receptor abundance, but likely reflects increased NMDA receptor‐mediated signaling downstream of A1 inhibition in females.
The Health Consequences of Peripheral Neurological Deficits in an Elderly Cohort: An Oklahoma Physicians Resource/Research Network Study
Authors: Mold James W. , Lawler Frank , Roberts Michelle 
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether the belief that loss of deep tendon reflexes and vibratory sensation in the ankles in older patients is of no great consequence is valid.DESIGN: Four‐year longitudinal cohort study.SETTING: Primary care practice–based research network.PARTICIPANTS: Six hundred four noninstitutionalized individuals aged 65 and older with no self‐reported medical conditions known to cause peripheral neuropathy (PN), recruited from the practices of 23 primary care physicians in central Oklahoma.MEASUREMENTS: Annual standardized peripheral neurological examination performed by two research nurses plus a questionnaire that included self‐reported measures of health, health‐related quality of life (HRQoL Quality of Well‐Being—Self Administered (QWB‐SA) and Health Utilities Index‐3 (HUI‐3), physical functioning—(Medical Outcomes Study 36‐item Short Form Survey (SF‐36)), falls, and use of healthcare services. Deaths were determined from participant contacts, primary care physicians, and the Social Security death index.RESULTS: One hundred sixty of 604 participants had symmetrical peripheral neurological deficits (SPNDs). After controlling for age, sex, race, education, income, body mass index, HRQoL, physical functioning, self‐rated health, cognitive test score, and a variety of medical conditions, SPNDs were associated with earlier hospitalization (P=.03); greater mortality (P<.001); and declines in HRQoL (QWB‐SA, P<.001), self‐rated health (P=.02) physical functioning (SF‐36, P=.005), and bodily pain (SF‐36, P=.001).CONCLUSION: SPNDs of undetermined cause, found in older patients on physical examination, appear to be associated with greater morbidity and mortality.
Serum Total and Bioavailable Testosterone Levels, Central Obesity, and Muscle Strength Changes with Aging in Healthy Chinese Men
Authors: Chu Leung‐Wing , Tam Sidney , Kung Annie W. C. , Lo Sue , Fan Susan , Wong Rachel L. C. , Morley John E. , Lam Karen S. L. 
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of the changes in serum bioavailable and total testosterone (TT) levels with aging on visceral body fat distribution and muscle strength in Chinese men.DESIGN: Cross‐sectional study.SETTING: Ambulatory care.PARTICIPANTS: Four hundred seventy‐five healthy ambulatory Chinese men (aged 18–89, body mass index (BMI) 16.4–40.0 kg/m2).MEASUREMENTS: Morning serum total and bioavailable testosterone levels, waist circumference (WC), waist‐hip ratio (WHR), and right handgrip strength.RESULTS: Mean serum TT levels fell mildly but significantly with aging (P=.02, linear trend; one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA)), whereas mean serum bioavailable testosterone (BT) levels fell greatly with aging (P<.001, linear trend, one‐way ANOVA). The rates of decline in serum TT and BT levels were 0.2% and 1.14% per year, respectively. [Correction added after online publication 14‐May‐2008: BT levels have been corrected from 1.44% to 1.14%.] After adjustment for adiposity according to BMI, multiple linear regression analyses showed that age remained significantly related to serum TT and BT levels. Handgrip strength decreased with age (correlation coefficient (r)=−0.394, P<.001) and was greater with higher serum BT levels (r=0.239, P<.001) but not with higher TT levels. WHR, before and after adjustment for BMI, was inversely related to serum TT (r=−0.34 and −0.197 respectively, P<.001) and BT levels (r=−0.104, P<.05 and −0.161, P<.001, respectively).CONCLUSION: In Chinese men, serum BT levels decreased with aging and may contribute to central obesity and poorer muscle strength in aging men.
Medicare Expenditures for Nursing Home Residents Triaged to Nursing Home or Hospital for Acute Infection
Authors: Boockvar Kenneth S. , Gruber‐Baldini Ann L. , Stuart Bruce , Zimmerman Sheryl , Magaziner Jay 
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVES: To compare Medicare payments of nursing home residents triaged to nursing home with those of nursing home residents triaged to the hospital for acute infection care.DESIGN: Observational study with propensity score matching.SETTING: Fifty‐nine nursing homes in Maryland.PARTICIPANTS: Two thousand two hundred eighty‐five individuals admitted to the 59 nursing homes and followed between 1992 and 1997.MEASUREMENTS: Demographic and clinical data were obtained from interviews and medical record review and linked to Medicare payment records. Incident infection was ascertained according to medical record review for new infectious diagnoses or prescription of antibiotics. Hospital triage was defined as hospital transfer within 3 days of infection onset. Hospital triage patients were paired with similar nursing home triage patients using propensity score matching. Medicare expenditures for triage groups were compared in 1997 dollars.RESULTS: Of 3,618 infection cases, 28% were genitourinary infections, 20% skin, 14% upper respiratory, 12% lower respiratory, 4% gastrointestinal, and 2% bloodstream. Two hundred fifty‐six pairs of hospital and nursing home triage cases fulfilled matching criteria. Mean Medicare payments±standard deviation were $5,202±7,310 and $996±2,475 per case in the hospital and nursing home triage groups, respectively, for a mean difference of $4,206 (95% confidence interval=$3,260–5,151). Mean payments per case in the hospital triage group were $3,628 higher in inpatient expenditures, $482 higher in physician visit expenditures, $161 higher in emergency department expenditures, and $147 higher in skilled nursing day expenditures.CONCLUSION: Per‐case Medicare expenditures are higher with hospital triage than for nursing home triage for nursing home residents with acute infection. This result may be used to estimate cost savings to Medicare of interventions designed to reduce hospital use by nursing home residents.
Association Between Depressive Symptoms and Sleep Disturbances in Community‐Dwelling Older Men
Authors: Paudel Misti L. , Taylor Brent C. , Diem Susan J. , Stone Katie L. , Ancoli‐Israel Sonia , Redline Susan , Ensrud Kristine E. ,   for the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study Group
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVES: To examine the association between depressive symptoms and subjective and objective measures of sleep in community‐dwelling older men.DESIGN: Cross‐sectional.SETTING: Six U.S. clinical centers.PARTICIPANTS: Three thousand fifty‐one men aged 67 and older.MEASUREMENTS: Depressive symptoms assessed using the 15‐item Geriatric Depression Scale and categorized as 0 to 2 (normal, referent group), 3 to 5 (some depressive symptoms), and 6 to 15 (depressed); objective sleep measures ascertained using wrist actigraphy (mean duration 5.2 nights); and subjective sleep measures assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Epworth Sleepiness Scale.RESULTS: There was a strong multivariable‐adjusted association between level of depressive symptoms and subjective sleep disturbances (P‐trend <.001). For example, the odds of reporting poor sleep quality were 3.7 times (95% confidence interval (CI)=2.5–5.3) higher for depressed men as for normal men, and 2.1 times (95% CI=1.7–2.6) higher for men with some depressive symptoms. For objectively measured sleep disturbances, men with more depressive symptoms had greater odds of sleep latency of 1 hour or more (P‐trend=.006). There was no association between level of depressive symptoms and sleep efficiency, awakening after sleep onset, multiple long‐wake episodes, or total sleep time. Excluding 384 men taking antidepressants, benzodiazepines, or other anxiolytic or hypnotics did not alter the results.CONCLUSION: Depressive symptoms have a strong, graded association with subjective sleep disturbances and are moderately associated with objectively measured prolonged sleep latency. Future studies should address temporality of depression and sleep disturbances.
Massive fetomaternal hemorrhage: clearance of fetal red blood cells after intravenous anti‐D prophylaxis monitored by flow cytometry
Authors: Larsen Rune , Berkowicz Adela , Lousen Thea , Hedegaard Morten , Clausen Frederik B. , Krog Grethe R. , Dziegiel Morten H. 
Published: May 2008

BACKGROUND: The clearance of D+ red blood cells (RBCs) from the circulation in D– individuals mediated by passively administered anti‐D occurs by opsonization with the antibody and subsequent removal in the spleen. Few data exist on the kinetics of clearance of large volumes of D+ RBCs from the maternal circulation by anti‐D in clinical cases of massive fetomaternal hemorrhage (FMH).CASE REPORT: A 33‐year‐old D– woman delivered a D+ female infant by emergency cesarean section for suspected fetal anemia. A massive FMH, initially estimated to be approximately 142 mL of RBCs, was found. In addition to the standard dose of intramuscular (IM) anti‐D (300 μg) given immediately after delivery, 2700 μg of anti‐D was administered intravenously (IV). The clearance of D+ fetal cells from the maternal circulation was monitored by flow cytometry in samples obtained on a daily basis using anti‐D. The mother had no detectable anti‐D 6 months after delivery.RESULTS: No clearance of fetal cells was apparent after the insufficient dose of IM anti‐D. The IV administration of anti‐D caused accelerated clearance of D+ fetal RBCs with a t½ of 24.5 hours. D+ reticulocytes comprised 4.2 percent of all D+ cells in the maternal circulation at delivery suggesting acute fetal blood loss.CONCLUSIONS: The approach used in this report allowed a detailed analysis of the kinetics related to the clearance of fetal D+ RBCs. Simultaneous measurements of fetal reticulocytes and fetal RBCs in maternal blood may establish the timing of an FMH.
The suitability of hemolyzed specimens for compatibility testing using automated technology
Authors: Laga Alvaro , Cheves Tracey , Maroto Sara , Coutts Michael , Sweeney Joseph 
Published: May 2008

BACKGROUND: Blood banks have historically rejected hemolyzed specimens for ABO type and antibody screen based on concerns of artifactual interference with test performance or the detection of incompatibility. Samples from emergency departments (EDs) are commonly discarded due to hemolysis or mislabeling.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This study investigated whether hemolysis produced via experimental mechanical stress has a threshold for introducing discrepancy in ABO‐Rh typing and antibody screening using an automated gel testing system (ProVue, Ortho‐Clinical Diagnostics, Inc.).RESULTS: Twenty‐three samples from healthy subjects were shown to have threshold supernatant hemoglobin (Hb) levels producing discrepancy in the results for both ABO reverse type and antibody screen at 75 and 125 mg per dL, respectively. Above these levels of Hb, both tests became uninterpretable and reported as “no result determined.” Twenty of 31 positive antibody screens became uninterpretable after experimental hemolysis without any threshold supernatant Hb being evident, likely explained by the duration of specimen storage before experimental hemolysis. No false‐positive or false‐negative samples were observed in the antibody screen of the hemolyzed specimens.CONCLUSIONS: Properly collected hemolyzed specimens present an opportunity for ABO‐Rh forward typing, and a significant proportion of such specimens give valid (concordant) results for reverse type and antibody screen. Our data, although device‐specific, are adequate to suggest that sample discard and recollection due to hemolysis in blood bank specimens should be reconsidered with potential benefits for patient safety and efficiency.
Exclusive breastfeeding in Vietnam: an attainable goal
Authors: Almroth Stina , Arts Maaike , Quang Nguyen Dinh , Hoa Pham Thi Thuy , Williams Carol 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAim: To explore community views on the feasibility of exclusive breastfeeding in Vietnam.Methods: A total of 118 interviews were conducted with mothers, grandmothers, fathers, health workers and ‘oldest women’ in rural and urban areas in the north and south of Vietnam. Special issues were further examined through 12 ‘strategic interviews’.Findings: Exclusive breastfeeding was rare because it was poorly understood and little appreciated, by health professionals as well as lay persons, as the best way to feed an infant during the first 6 months. Early fluid supplementation was the rule and most infants received water and milk in addition to breast milk. While a majority of the women worked, they had found ways to manage their work so that it did not need to interfere with exclusive breastfeeding. Family members expressed a readiness to support exclusive breastfeeding when it was explained to them.Conclusion: Exclusive breastfeeding in Vietnam, while currently uncommon, is an attainable goal. Establishing exclusive breastfeeding as the norm in the general population would make it easier for HIV‐infected women, for whom replacement feeding is not acceptable, feasible, affordable, sustainable and safe, to breastfeed exclusively.
Soleus T reflex modulation in response to spinal and tendinous adaptations to unilateral lower limb suspension in humans
Authors: Seynnes O. R. , Maffiuletti N. A. , Maganaris C. N. , De Boer M. D. , Pensini M. , Di Prampero P. E. , Narici M. V. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAim:  To investigate the influence of tendinous and synaptic changes induced by unilateral lower limb suspension (ULLS) on the tendon tap reflex.Methods:  Eight young men underwent a 23‐day period of ULLS. Muscle cross‐sectional area (CSA), torque and electromyographic (EMG) activity of the plantar flexor muscles (normalized to the M wave), Achilles tendon–aponeurosis mechanical properties, soleus (SOL) H and T reflexes and associated peak twitch torques were measured at baseline, after 14 and 23 days of ULLS, and 1 week after resuming ambulatory activity.Results:  Significant decreases in muscle CSA (−9%), in maximal voluntary torque (−10%) and in the associated SOL EMG activity (−16%) were found after ULLS (P < 0.05). In addition to a 36% (P < 0.01) decrease in tendon–aponeurosis stiffness, normalized H reflex increased by 35% (P < 0.05). An increase in the slope (28%, P < 0.05) and intercept (85%, P < 0.05) of the T reflex recruitment curve pointed to an increase in the gain and to a decrease in the sensitivity of this reflex, possibly resulting from the decrease in the tendon–aponeurosis stiffness at low forces. Following ULLS, changes in tendinous stiffness correlated with changes in neuromuscular efficiency (peak twitch torque to reflex ratio) at higher tendon tap forces.Conclusion:  These findings point out the dual and antagonistic influences of spinal and tendinous adaptations upon the tendon tap reflex in humans under conditions of chronic unloading. These observations have potential implications for the sensitivity of the short‐latency Ia stretch response involved in rapid compensatory contractions to unexpected postural perturbations.
The feasibility of developing a standards rating system for all Australian government aged care homes
Authors: Koch Susan , Nay Rhonda , McAuliffe Linda , Koch Bill 
Published: May 2008

Aims and objectives.  The main objective of this project was to investigate the likelihood of creating an easily understood rating system for all aged care homes. A secondary objective was to canvas the feasibility of alternative systems that could better inform aged care consumers.Background.  Standards rating systems are used internationally to enable comparisons in healthcare. In Australia, the performance of numerous services and products are measured according to the star system of ratings, yet despite their widespread use, star ratings remain absent from the healthcare industry.Methods.  A National Consultative Group (NCG) consisting of key stakeholder representatives was consulted, and a literature review performed on existing standards (or ‘star’) rating systems. Telephone interviews were conducted with representatives from aged care homes, as well as consumers.Results.  A standards rating system for aged care homes was not found to be feasible in the current climate. However, an alternative system that emphasises empowering aged care consumers, such as one that allows consumers to search for an aged care home using their own criteria of preference, was considered more feasible.Conclusion.  The need for information to assist consumer choice – limited as it may be – is real. Ways of providing more consumer friendly, useful information need to be further explored and developed. Recommendations are made for future work in this area.
A mapper’s reflection on Dementia Care Mapping with older residents living in a nursing home
Authors: Mansah Martha , Coulon Lyn , Brown Peter 
Published: May 2008

Aim and objective.  This paper explores reflection stemming from a Dementia Care Mapper’s own learning and development concerning person‐centred care with older residents living in a dementia specific nursing home.Background.  Dementia Care Mapping has been employed in few Australian residential care facilities to promote person‐centred care and the well‐being of residents. Reflection has also been used selectively in some practices to improve and evaluate the care process. However, contemporary nursing literature has failed to highlight the usefulness of applying reflection following Dementia Care Mapping with older residents.Method.  The mapper’s reflections arose from the Dementia Care Mapping observation of five older residents and writing a daily reflective journal.Findings.  From the reflection, a dominant major theme emerged named as the Learning Experience from Mapping Residents with two sub‐themes entitled Mapper’s Identification of Resident’s Unique Needs and Mapper’s Empowerment of Clinicians. Dementia Care Mapping recommendations from the mapper’s experience highlighted effective approaches to conducting Dementia Care Mapping in residential care facilities.Conclusions.  The valuable process of reflection to Dementia Care Mapping provided the mapper with clinical insights. Further from the mapper’s final reflection, a poem entitled Come Back Mind, Come Back to Me was conceived and penned.Relevance to clinical practice.  The mapper’s engagement in ongoing reflection incorporated with Dementia Care Mapping has the potential to promote best practice for the care of older people living in aged care facilities.
An Analysis Framework for Evaluating Dropout Compensation Strategies in Wireless Servo Systems
Authors: Kawka Paul A. , Alleyne Andrew G. 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
This paper presents an approach for analyzing the performance of dropout compensation strategies for linear servo control systems operating over communication channels with losses. A loss of communication causes the normal control action to be replaced by an appropriately designed dropout compensation action. A linear matrix inequality based approach is given for examining H∞ and/or H2 performance of wireless feedback systems using dropout compensation where we assume a two-state Markov model for the communication network. To illustrate the analysis method, we introduce two specific data dropout compensation schemes: zero order hold and estimation. These two schemes are compared in simulation and experiment to validate the effectiveness of the performance analysis.
The Relationship Between Bonding with Nonhuman Animals and Students' Attitudes Toward Science
Authors: Sorge Carmen 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThis paper examines the relationship of bonding with nonhuman animals during an interactive, animal-in-the-wild science program (Talking Talons) and the science attitudes of 358 young children between the ages of 8 and 14 Talking Talons utilizes typically wild animals such as raptors, reptiles, and bats in a school-based educational science curriculum. Qualitative data from interviews with students in the program indicated that "bonding with animals" (BWA) and the educators (BWE) within the program were related to increased positive attitudes toward science. The program used quantitative methods to examine these dual relationships—with animals and with educators- on student attitude toward science. The program performed a step-wise multiple regression with "Attitude toward Science" as the dependent variable and "Gender," "Age," and "Bonding with Animals" as independent variables. Both "Bonding with Animals" and "Bonding with the Educator" contributed significantly to prediction of the participants' science attitudes. Altogether 28% of the variance in "Science Attitude" was predicted by both "Gender" and "Age" (10%), "Bonding with Animals" (16%) and "Bonding with Educator" (2%). Bonding with the animals had a large quantifiable relationship with student attitudes toward science.