bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lost in Translation: Integrating Medical Interpreters into the Multidisciplinary Team
Authors: Schapira Lidia , Vargas Erika , Hidalgo Renzo , Brier Marilyn , Sanchez Lourdes , Hobrecker Karin , Lynch Thomas , Chabner Bruce 
Published: May 2008

Abstract

Learning Objectives
After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Carry out three communication tasks that improve the accuracy of interpretation and increase patient understanding.Provide recommendations for working collaboratively with medical interpreters.Overcome common sources of misunderstanding that result from language and cultural barriers.
CME This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com
Shortly before his death in 1995, Kenneth B. Schwartz, a cancer patient at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), founded The Kenneth B. Schwartz Center at MGH. The Schwartz Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and advancing compassionate health care delivery that provides hope to the patient, support to caregivers, and encourages the healing process. The Center sponsors the Schwartz Center Rounds, a monthly multidisciplinary forum where caregivers reflect on important psychosocial issues faced by patients, their families, and their caregivers, and gain insight and support from fellow staff members.
Professional medical interpreters play a crucial role in mediating language-discordant encounters between cancer patients and oncologists. Trained interpreters allow for timely information exchange that is both accurate and culturally sensitive. Rising numbers of immigrants will increase the demand for interpreters. Medical oncologists need to respond by establishing collaborative practices with interpreters or using remote interpretation services. The article provides specific recommendations for working with medical interpreters and reviews common areas of concern for patients and healthcare professionals facing language and cultural barriers.
Social Network, Cognitive Function, and Dementia Incidence Among Elderly Women
Authors: Crooks Valerie C. , Lubben James , Petitti Diana B. , Little Deborah , Chiu Vicki 
Published: May 2008

Objectives. We examined whether social networks had a protective association with incidence of dementia among elderly women. Methods. We prospectively studied 2249 members of a health maintenance organization who were 78 years or older, were classified as free of dementia in 2001, and had completed at least 1 follow-up interview in 2002 through 2005. We used the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status–modified, the Telephone Dementia Questionnaire, and medical record review to assess cognitive status. We used the Lubben Social Network Scale–6 to assess social network. We estimated hazard ratios for incident dementia with Cox proportional hazards models, adjusting for age at entry, education, hormone use, cognitive status scores, and health conditions. Results. We identified 268 incident cases of dementia during follow-up. Compared with women with smaller social networks, the adjusted hazard ratio for incident dementia in women with larger social networks was 0.74 (95% confidence interval=0.57, 0.97). Conclusions. Our findings suggest that larger social networks have a protective influence on cognitive function among elderly women. Future studies should explore which aspects of social networks are associated with dementia risk and maintenance of cognitive health.
Socioeconomic Disadvantage and Kidney Disease in the United States, Australia, and Thailand
Authors: White Sarah L. , McGeechan Kevin , Jones Michael , Cass Alan , Chadban Steven J. , Polkinghorne Kevan R. , Perkovic Vlado , Roderick Paul J. 
Published: May 2008

Objectives. We sought to determine whether an elevated burden of chronic kidney disease is found among disadvantaged groups living in the United States, Australia, and Thailand. Methods. We used data on participants 35 years or older for whom a valid serum creatinine measurement was available from studies in the United States, Thailand, and Australia. We used logistic regression to analyze the association of income, education, and employment with the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (estimated glomerular filtration rate<60 mL/min/1.73 m2). Results. Age- and gender-adjusted odds of having chronic kidney disease were increased 86% for US Whites in the lowest income quartile versus the highest quartile (odds ratio [OR] = 1.86; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.27, 2.72). Odds were increased 2 times and 6 times, respectively, among unemployed (not retired) versus employed non-Hispanic Black and Mexican American participants (OR=2.89; 95% CI=1.53, 5.46; OR=6.62; 95% CI=1.94, 22.64. respectively). Similar associations were not evident for the Australian or Thai populations. Conclusions. Higher kidney disease prevalence among financially disadvantaged groups in the United States should be considered when chronic kidney disease prevention and management strategies are created. This approach is less likely to be of benefit to the Australian and Thai populations.
Project VIVA: A Multilevel Community-Based Intervention to Increase Influenza Vaccination Rates Among Hard-to-Reach Populations in New York City
Authors: Coady Micaela H. , Galea Sandro , Blaney Shannon , Ompad Danielle C. , Sisco Sarah , Vlahov David 
Published: May 2008

Objectives. We sought to determine whether the work of a community-based participatory research partnership increased interest in influenza vaccination among hard-to-reach individuals in urban settings. Methods. A partnership of researchers and community members carried out interventions for increasing acceptance of influenza vaccination in disadvantaged urban neighborhoods, focusing on hard-to-reach populations (e.g., substance abusers, immigrants, elderly, sex workers, and homeless persons) in East Harlem and the Bronx in New York City. Activities targeted the individual, community organization, and neighborhood levels and included dissemination of information, presentations at meetings, and provision of street-based and door-to-door vaccination during 2 influenza vaccine seasons. Participants were recruited via multiple modalities. Multivariable analyses were performed to compare interest in receiving vaccination pre- and postintervention. Results. There was increased interest in receiving the influenza vaccine postintervention (P<.01). Being a member of a hard-to-reach population (P=.03), having ever received an influenza vaccine (P<.01), and being in a priority group for vaccination (P<.01) were also associated with greater interest in receiving the vaccine. Conclusions. Targeting underserved neighborhoods through a multilevel community-based participatory research intervention significantly increased interest in influenza vaccination, particularly among hard-to-reach populations. Such interventions hold promise for increasing vaccination rates annually and in pandemic situations.
Regular Vigorous Physical Activity and Disability Development in Healthy Overweight and Normal-Weight Seniors: A 13-Year Study
Authors: Bruce Bonnie , Fries James F. , Hubert Helen 
Published: May 2008

Objectives. We examined the relationship of regular exercise and body weight to disability among healthy seniors. Methods. We assessed body mass index (BMI) and vigorous exercise yearly (1989–2002) in 805 participants aged 50 to 72 years at enrollment. We studied 4 groups: normal-weight active (BMI< 25 kg/m2; exercise> 60 min/wk); normal-weight inactive (exercise≤ 60 min/wk); overweight active (BMI≥ 25 kg/m2); and overweight inactive. Disability was measured with the Health Assessment Questionnaire (0–3; 0= no difficulty, 3= unable to do). We used multivariable analysis of covariance to determine group differences in disability scores after adjustment for determinants of disability. Results. The cohort was 72% men and 96% White, with a mean age of 65.2 years. After 13 years, overweight active participants had significantly less disability than did overweight inactive (0.14 vs 0.19; P= .001) and normal-weight inactive (0.22; P= .03) participants. Similar differences were found between normal-weight active (0.11) and normal-weight inactive participants (P< .001). Conclusions. Being physically active mitigated development of disability in these seniors, largely independent of BMI. Public health efforts that promote physically active lifestyles among seniors may be more successful than those that emphasize body weight in the prevention of functional decline.
Multivitamin–Mineral Supplements in the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program: Not a One-Size-Fits-All Quick Fix
Authors: Marra Melissa Ventura , Wellman Nancy S. 
Published: May 2008

We challenge the suggestion of Congress that the Older Americans Act (OAA) Nutrition Program should provide multivitamin–mineral supplements (MVMs) in addition to meals. MVMs are not a quick fix for poor diets. They do not contain calories, protein, essential fatty acids, or fiber, nor do they adequately address nutritional gaps of some vitamins and minerals.Older adults with chronic health conditions who take multiple medications are at greater risk than the general healthy population for nutrient–drug interactions and toxicity. The OAA Nutrition Program is not an appropriate venue to indiscriminately distribute MVMs, because there is insufficient evidence of their benefits and safety.The program’s limited funds and efforts should instead be directed to nutrient-dense healthy meals, quality food service, and greater accessibility to individualized nutrition services.
Influence of Musculoskeletal Conditions on Oral Health Among Older Adults
Authors: Kelsey Jennifer L. , Lamster Ira B. 
Published: May 2008

Both musculoskeletal disorders and diseases of the oral cavity are common and potentially serious problems among older persons, yet little attention has been given to the links between them. Several musculoskeletal diseases, including osteoporosis, Paget’s disease, and arthritic disorders, may directly involve the oral cavity and contiguous structures. Drugs used to treat musculoskeletal diseases, including corticosteroids and bisphosphonates, increase the risk of suppression of the immune system and osteonecrosis of the jaw, respectively. Many people with disabling osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other conditions have difficulty practicing good oral hygiene and traveling to dental offices for professional help. Various inexpensive measures can help such individuals, including education of their caregivers and provision of antimicrobial mouthwashes and special toothbrushes.
Chronic Conditions and Mortality Among the Oldest Old
Authors: Lee Sei J. , Go Alan S. , Lindquist Karla , Bertenthal Daniel , Covinsky Kenneth E. 
Published: May 2008

Objectives. We sought to determine whether chronic conditions and functional limitations are equally predictive of mortality among older adults. Methods. Participants in the 1998 wave of the Health and Retirement Study (N=19430) were divided into groups by decades of age, and their vital status in 2004 was determined. We used multivariate Cox regression to determine the ability of chronic conditions and functional limitations to predict mortality. Results. As age increased, the ability of chronic conditions to predict mortality declined rapidly, whereas the ability of functional limitations to predict mortality declined more slowly. In younger participants (aged 50–59 years), chronic conditions were stronger predictors of death than were functional limitations (Harrell C statistic 0.78 vs. 0.73; P=.001). In older participants (aged 90–99 years), functional limitations were stronger predictors of death than were chronic conditions (Harrell C statistic 0.67 vs. 0.61; P=.004). Conclusions. The importance of chronic conditions as a predictor of death declined rapidly with increasing age. Therefore, risk-adjustment models that only consider comorbidities when comparing mortality rates across providers may be inadequate for adults older than 80 years.
Subdividing the Age Group of 85 Years and Older to Improve US Disease Reporting
Authors: Boscoe Francis P. 
Published: May 2008

The standard terminal age category in disease reporting in the United States has been 85 years and older since the 1940s, but the dramatically increasing share of the US population reaching this age has rendered the single category inadequate for surveillance, research, and analysis. Important age-specific variations in mortality among the oldest old are masked by the continued use of this category. Greater specificity in age-specific data for the oldest old would aid in disease surveillance and etiologic research and broaden awareness and understanding of human longevity.
Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products (RAGE) Deficiency Attenuates the Development of Atherosclerosis in Diabetes
Authors: Soro-Paavonen Aino , Watson Anna M.D. , Li Jiaze , Paavonen Karri , Koitka Audrey , Calkin Anna C. , Barit David , Coughlan Melinda T. , Drew Brian G. , Lancaster Graeme I. , Thomas Merlin , Forbes Josephine M. , Nawroth Peter P. , Bierhaus Angelika , Cooper Mark E. , Jandeleit-Dahm Karin A. 
Published: May 2008

OBJECTIVE—Activation of the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) in diabetic vasculature is considered to be a key mediator of atherogenesis. This study examines the effects of deletion of RAGE on the development of atherosclerosis in the diabetic apoE−/− model of accelerated atherosclerosis.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—ApoE−/− and RAGE−/−/apoE−/− double knockout mice were rendered diabetic with streptozotocin and followed for 20 weeks, at which time plaque accumulation was assessed by en face analysis.
RESULTS—Although diabetic apoE−/− mice showed increased plaque accumulation (14.9 ± 1.7%), diabetic RAGE−/−/apoE−/− mice had significantly reduced atherosclerotic plaque area (4.9 ± 0.4%) to levels not significantly different from control apoE−/− mice (4.3 ± 0.4%). These beneficial effects on the vasculature were associated with attenuation of leukocyte recruitment; decreased expression of proinflammatory mediators, including the nuclear factor-κB subunit p65, VCAM-1, and MCP-1; and reduced oxidative stress, as reflected by staining for nitrotyrosine and reduced expression of various NADPH oxidase subunits, gp91phox, p47phox, and rac-1. Both RAGE and RAGE ligands, including S100A8/A9, high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), and the advanced glycation end product (AGE) carboxymethyllysine were increased in plaques from diabetic apoE−/− mice. Furthermore, the accumulation of AGEs and other ligands to RAGE was reduced in diabetic RAGE−/−/apoE−/− mice.
CONCLUSIONS—This study provides evidence for RAGE playing a central role in the development of accelerated atherosclerosis associated with diabetes. These findings emphasize the potential utility of strategies targeting RAGE activation in the prevention and treatment of diabetic macrovascular complications.
Multifeature quantitative motor assessment of upper limb ataxia including drawing and reaching
Authors: Hermle Dominik , Schubert Robin , Barallon Pascal , Ilg Winfried , Schüle Rebecca , Reilmann Ralf , Synofzik Matthis , Traschütz Andreas 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveVoluntary upper limb movements are an ecologically important yet insufficiently explored digital‐motor outcome domain for trials in degenerative ataxia. We extended and validated the trial‐ready quantitative motor assessment battery “Q‐Motor” for upper limb movements with clinician‐reported, patient‐focused, and performance outcomes of ataxia.MethodsExploratory single‐center cross‐sectional assessment in 94 subjects (46 cross‐genotype ataxia patients; 48 matched controls), comprising five tasks measured by force transducer and/or position field: Finger Tapping, diadochokinesia, grip‐lift, and—as novel implementations—Spiral Drawing, and Target Reaching. Digital‐motor measures were selected if they discriminated from controls (AUC >0.7) and correlated—with at least one strong correlation (rho ≥0.6)—to the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA), activities of daily living (FARS‐ADL), and the Nine‐Hole Peg Test (9HPT).ResultsSix movement features with 69 measures met selection criteria, including speed and variability in all tasks, stability in grip‐lift, and efficiency in Target Reaching. The novel drawing/reaching tasks best captured impairment in dexterity (|rho9HPT| ≤0.81) and FARS‐ADL upper limb items (|rhoADLul| ≤0.64), particularly by kinematic analysis of smoothness (SPARC). Target hit rate, a composite of speed and endpoint precision, almost perfectly discriminated ataxia and controls (AUC: 0.97). Selected measures in all tasks discriminated between mild, moderate, and severe impairment (SARA upper limb composite: 0–2/>2–4/>4–6) and correlated with severity in the trial‐relevant mild ataxia stage (SARA ≤10, n = 20).InterpretationQ‐Motor assessment captures multiple features of impaired upper limb movements in degenerative ataxia. Validation with key clinical outcome domains provides the basis for evaluation in longitudinal studies and clinical trial settings.
An Ultrathin Solid Electrolyte for High‐Energy Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Liu Lufan , Shi Yongzheng , Liu Mengyue , Zhong Qing , Chen Yuqi , Li Bingyang , Li Zhen , Zhang Tao , Su Hang , Peng Jiaying , Yang Na , Wang Pengfei , Fisher Adrian , Niu Jin , Wang Feng 
Published: April 2024

AbstractSolid‐state electrolytes (SSEs) are key to unlocking the potential of lithium metal batteries (LMBs), but their high thickness (>100 µm) due to poor mechanical properties limits energy density improvements. Herein, an ultrathin (≈5 µm) polymer SSE with a high Young's modulus (10.6 GPa), made from a polyvinylidene fluoride‐hexafluoropropylene (PVDF‐HFP) matrix and an ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) additive is proposed. By virtue of the electron‐donating property, EDTA induces the conformation transformation of PVDF‐HFP, enhancing the mechanical strength by a fine‐grain strengthening mechanism. In addition, PVDF‐HFP with cis‐conformation shortens the pathway for Li+, promotes the Li+ dissociation and immobilizes the anions of lithium salt, thus increasing the ionic conductivity (2.47 × 10−4 S cm−1) and transfer number (0.59) of the electrolyte. Moreover, the electrolyte also possesses a wide voltage window (4.7 V) and good heat/flame resistance. The half cells and full cells with the electrolytes show good cycling and rate performance. Notably, a pouch cell based on the electrolyte exhibits impressive energy densities of 516 Wh kg−1 and 1520 Wh L−1 (excluding packages), showing great potential for practical use in LMBs.
Intriguing Role of Weak Electron Donor in Dictating the Luminescent Characteristics of DS‐A‐DW Materials
Authors: Xu Jianbin , Chen Mei , Ganesan Paramaguru , Liu Xuejing , Zhang Zilong , Liu Yanrui , Zhang Baohua , Gao Peng 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe short wavelength (SW) emission region of the materials employing strong donor (DS) phenothiazine (PTZ) is generally correlated to its quasi‐axial (QAPTZ) conformer arrangement. This propels to investigate the specific role of weak donors (DW) such as carbazole (CZ) in determining the emission characteristics of molecular heredity (MH) type structural design encompassing dual donors of varying strength. For this purpose, a common DS(PTZ)–Acceptor unit is linked to the DW(CZ) unit via different linkage positions to form M1, M2, and M3, which not only alters the absorption and dual emission characteristics but also influences the delayed fluorescence phenomenon. The SW emission originates by minimizing the aggregation factor rather than by literature envisaged QAPTZ conformer. Incorporating M1 as a single molecular white light emitter (SMWLE) in near UV light emitting diode (LED) devices results in cold white light emission with CRI of 68 and CIE of (0.24, 0.33), while its corresponding solution‐processed organic light‐emitting diode devices delivers warm white electroluminescence with an EQE of 5.8%. Overall, this work demonstrates the significant contribution of the DW in attaining the white light emission characteristics of MH molecular design not only at the molecular level but also in practical light‐emitting devices.
Tailoring Microenvironments and In Situ Transformations of Cu Catalysts for Selective and Stable Electrosynthesis of Multicarbon Products
Authors: Ding Pan , Kühne Julius , Santra Saswati , Zell Richard , Zellner Philipp , Rieth Tim , Gao Jianyong , Chen Jianian , Zhou Guanda , Dittloff Johannes , Müller‐Caspary Knut , Sharp Ian D. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractElectrochemical CO2 reduction is of tremendous interest for storing chemical energy from renewable sources while reducing CO2 emissions. While copper is one of the most effective catalysts, it suffers from low selectivity and limited long‐term durability. Here, these limitations are overcome by engineering Nafion coatings on CuO nanoparticle‐based catalysts supported on glassy carbon. By tuning the Nafion thickness and internal structure, it is shown that both the selectivity to multicarbon (C2+) products and long‐term stability can be dramatically enhanced. Optimized catalyst layers reach Faradaic efficiencies for C2+ products of 86% during long‐term testing for 200 h, with no evidence for performance degradation. Indeed, the C2+ Faradaic efficiency increases during testing, which is attributed to favorable in situ electrochemical fragmentation of catalytic nanoparticles. Finally, the optimized Nafion/Cu catalytic coatings are utilized to create scalable membrane electrode assemblies for CO2 electrolysis, yielding significantly enhanced C2H4 selectivity (≈58%) and activity at technologically‐relevant currents of 1–2 A. These results highlight the potential for creating multi‐functional Nafion coatings on CO2 reduction catalysts to favorably tune the reaction environment, while also promoting in situ transformations to active and selective nanoscale structures and morphologies, not just on model surfaces but also in state‐of‐the‐art gas diffusion electrodes.
A scenario of unhealthy life cycle: The role of circadian rhythms in health
Authors: Chandramouli Manasa , Basavanna Vrushabendra , Ningaiah Srikantamurthy 
Published: April 2024

AbstractCircadian rhythms are oscillations in physiology and behavior caused by the circadian regulator. Cryptochromes, Periods, and Bmal1 are circadian clock genes that have been linked to aging and cancer. Human pathologies alter circadian clock gene expression, and transgenic rats with clock gene defects progress to cancer and age prematurely. In the growth of age‐linked pathologies and carcinogenesis, cell proliferation and genome integrity play critical roles. The relationship concerning the cell cycle regulation and circadian clock is discussed in this article. The circadian clock controls the behavior and countenance of many main cell cycle and cell cycle check‐point proteins, and cell cycle‐associated proteins, in turn, control the activity and expression of circadian clock proteins. The circadian clock can be reset by DNA disruption, providing a molecular mechanism for mutual control amid the cell cycle and the clock. This circadian clock‐dependent regulation of cell proliferation, composed with other circadian clock‐dependent physiological functions including metabolism control, genotoxic and oxidative stress response, and DNA repair, unlocks new avenues for studying the processes of aging and carcinogenesis.