bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
What Level of Alcohol Consumption Is Hazardous for Older People? Functioning and Mortality in U.S. and English National Cohorts
Authors: Lang Iain , Guralnik Jack , Wallace Robert B. , Melzer David 
Published: December 2006

OBJECTIVES: To estimate disability plus mortality risks in older people according to level of alcohol intake.DESIGN: Two population‐based cohort studies.SETTING: The Health and Retirement Study (United States) and the English Longitudinal Study of Aging (England).PARTICIPANTS: Thirteen thousand three hundred thirty‐three individuals aged 65 and older followed for 4 to 5 years.MEASUREMENTS: Difficulties with activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), poor cognitive function, and mortality.RESULTS: One‐tenth (10.8%) of U.S. men, 28.6% of English men, 2.9% of U.S. women, and 10.3% of English women drank more than the U.S. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism recommended limit for people aged 65 and older. Odds ratios (ORs) of disability, or disability plus mortality, in subjects drinking an average of more than one to two drinks per day were similar to ORs in subjects drinking an average of more than none to one drink per day. For example, those drinking more than one to two drinks per day at baseline had an OR of 1.0 (95% confidence interval (CI)=0.8–1.2) for ADL problems, 0.7 (95% CI=0.6–1.0) for IADL problems, and 0.8 (95% CI=0.6–1.1) for poor cognitive function. Findings were robust across alternative models. The shape of the relationship between alcohol consumption and risk of disability was similar in men and women.CONCLUSION: Functioning and mortality outcomes in older people with alcohol intakes above U.S. recommended levels for the old but within recommendations for younger adults are not poor. More empirical evidence of net benefit is needed to support screening and intervention efforts in community‐living older people with no specific contraindications who drink more than one to two drinks per day.
Onset of Depression in Elderly Persons After Hip Fracture: Implications for Prevention and Early Intervention of Late‐Life Depression
Authors: Lenze Eric J. , Munin Michael C. , Skidmore Elizabeth R. , Amanda Dew Mary , Rogers Joan C. , Whyte Ellen M. , Quear Tanya , Begley Amy , Reynolds Charles F. 
Published: December 2006

OBJECTIVES: To identify predictors of onset of major depressive disorder (MDD) and of depressive symptoms in subjects who suffered a hip fracture.DESIGN: Prospective naturalistic study.SETTING: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center—Shadyside, a large urban hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvannia.PARTICIPANTS: One hundred twenty‐six elderly patients who received surgical fixation for hip fracture and who were not experiencing a major depressive episode at the time of the fracture; severely cognitively impaired persons were excluded.MEASUREMENTS: Subjects were evaluated at the time of hospital discharge using a battery of clinical measures (including apathy measured using the Apathy Evaluation Scale (AES), delirium, cognitive measures, social support, and disability level). Depression was assessed at the end of the surgical stay, 2 weeks later, and then monthly for 6 months, using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (Ham‐D) to evaluate symptomatology and the Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders to evaluate diagnosis of MDD.RESULTS: Eighteen of 126 subjects (14.3%) developed MDD after hip fracture. Of these, 11 developed MDD by the end of the hospitalization, and seven developed MDD between 2 and 10 weeks later. Logistic regression showed that baseline apathy score, as measured using the AES, was the only clinical measure associated with the development of MDD (odds ratio=1.09, 95% confidence interval=1.03–1.16, P=.003); 46.2% of those with high AES scores developed MDD, versus 10.9% of those with lower scores. In contrast, cognitive variables, delirium, disability after hip fracture, and other factors related to the fracture (e.g., fracture type) were not associated with MDD. A repeated‐measures analysis with Ham‐D over time as a dependent variable generally confirmed these findings; depressive symptoms were highest immediately after the fracture, and apathy and delirium scores were associated with higher depressive symptom levels.CONCLUSION: The onset of MDD is common after hip fracture, and the greatest period of risk is immediately after the fracture. Individuals with clinical evidence of apathy are at high risk for developing MDD, and evaluation and close follow‐up of such individuals is warranted. However, further research is needed to examine other candidate variables (e.g., clinical measures or biomarkers) to model adequately the risk for MDD after hip fracture and other disabling medical events.
The Japanese Centenarian Study: Autonomy Was Associated with Health Practices as Well as Physical Status
Authors: Ozaki Akiko , Uchiyama Makoto , Tagaya Hirokuni , Ohida Takashi , Ogihara Ryuji 
Published: December 2006

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prevalence of centenarians who have preserved activities of daily living (ADLs) and good cognitive and psychosocial status in Japan.DESIGN: Census‐based survey.SETTING: Cross‐Sectional Investigation of Half of All Japanese Centenarians Study, 2000.PARTICIPANTS: A nationwide census‐based study was conducted of all of the male centenarians and a random sample of half of all the female centenarians who were included in the National Census of Japan. After excluding those who had died and whose addresses could not be identified, 1,907 centenarians (53.0%) participated in the present visitation interview survey.MEASUREMENTS: ADLs, cognitive status, and psychosocial status. Centenarians who have preserved ADLs and good cognitive and psychosocial status were defined as autonomous centenarians.RESULTS: Of the study subjects, 10.4% were judged to be autonomous centenarians. Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed that autonomy in centenarians was associated with better visual acuity, getting regular exercise, spontaneous awakening regularly in the morning, preserved masticatory ability, having no history of drinking, having no history of severe falls after the age of 95, more frequent intake of protein, living at home, and being male. It was also demonstrated that autonomous centenarians were not associated with appetite, vegetable or seaweed intake, smoking habits, auditory capacity, body mass index, or present illness.CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that health practices play an important role in preserving ADLs and good cognitive and psychosocial status after reaching the age of 100 and should be useful for establishing an educational program for the ever‐increasing “super elderly” population in Japan.
Nonlinear Stiffness Profiles of External Fixators Constructed with Composite Rods
Authors: CARLSON KIMBERLY R. , KRAUS KARL H. , KOWALESKI MICHAEL P. 
Published: December 2006

Objective—To determine if composite connecting rods confer nonlinear stiffness characteristics on unilateral and bilateral external skeletal fixators (ESF) in cranial–caudal bending and axial loading.Study Design—Mechanical testing performed on models.Sample Population—Six models of 6‐pin ESF constructs composed of birch dowels, a commercial ESF system, and composite connecting rods.Methods—Unilateral and bilateral ESF configurations were assembled using either specially designed composite titanium and silicone (composite group) or solid titanium (solid group) connecting rods. Mechanical testing was performed in axial loading and 4‐point cranial–caudal bending. Stiffness was determined at a low and high‐load range, and was considered increasing and nonlinear if the stiffness at high loads was greater than at low loads.Results—The stiffness of the solid group was linear in all testing modes and configurations. Bilateral composite fixators had a nonlinear increasing stiffness in axial loading and cranial–caudal bending. Unilateral composite fixators had a nonlinear increasing stiffness in axial loading, but not cranial–caudal bending. Solid connecting rods conferred a higher stiffness in all testing modes and configurations.Conclusions—Composite connecting rods resulted in nonlinear increasing axial and bending stiffness in bilateral fixators, and in axial load in unilateral fixators.Clinical Relevance—Conventional ESF can be constructed so that the stiffness increases as load increases. This provides the surgeon with additional options to control the local mechanical environment of a healing fracture, which may be used to enhance fracture healing.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Canine Shoulder: An Anatomic Study
Authors: SCHAEFER SUSAN L. , FORREST LISA J. 
Published: December 2006

Objectives—To describe the normal anatomy of the soft tissue stabilizing components of the canine shoulder identified by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to evaluate specific acquisition sequences and planes for observing structures of diagnostic interest.Study Design—Descriptive study.Animal—Canine cadavers (n=3).Methods—T1‐weighted, proton density fat saturation (PD), and T2*‐weighted gradient echo (GE) MRI sequences were obtained in the sagittal, transverse, and dorsal planes of the left shoulder of 3 canine cadavers. After imaging, each shoulder was embedded and thin sectioned. The corresponding right shoulder was frozen and thick sectioned. The anatomic structures on the histologic and frozen thick sections were visually correlated with the MR images.Results—The sagittal plane provided a longitudinal view of the bicep, infraspinatus, and supraspinatus tendons. The biceps, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and subscapularis tendons, and the medial and lateral glenohumeral ligaments were identified in the transverse and dorsal planes. The dorsal plane allowed for the bicep tendon to be evaluated transversely as it passed over the humeral head. The GE sequence was more useful in identifying tendons and ligaments. The PD sequence was more helpful in identifying fluid accumulations in the joint and around tendons.Conclusions—The tendinous and ligamentous structures that stabilize the canine shoulder joint can be readily identified with MRI.Clinical Relevance—MRI has the potential to be a useful tool in the diagnosis of canine soft tissue shoulder injuries.
Comparison of Biofragmentable Anastomosis Ring and Sutured Anastomoses for Subtotal Colectomy in Cats with Idiopathic Megacolon
Authors: RYAN STEWART , SEIM HOWARD , MacPHAIL CATRIONA , BRIGHT RON , MONNET ERIC 
Published: December 2006

Objective—To report use of a biofragmentable anastomosis ring (BAR) device in cats with idiopathic megacolon (FIM) and compare outcome after subtotal colectomy with sutured colocolic anastomosis.Study Design—Retrospective study.Animals—Nineteen cats with megacolon.Methods—Medical records (January 1990–January 2004) of cats treated surgically for idiopathic megacolon with sutured (SUT) or BAR anastomosis were retrieved and reviewed. Operative, short‐ and long‐term complications, and survival times were recorded and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis used to assess outcome.Results—There were 11 SUT and 8 BAR cats. One BAR cat had anastomotic dehiscence 36 hours after surgery. Mild serosal tearing during BAR insertion in 6 cats was corrected by suture reinforcement. One SUT cat developed anastomotic stricture at 32 days. Short‐term complication rates at 3 and 7 days were 18% and 45% in the SUT group and 25% and 87.5% in the BAR group, respectively (P=.058). Two SUT cats had persistent loose stool consistency and were euthanatized 254 and 1661 days after surgery. One BAR cat had recurrence of constipation which was managed medically. Long‐term complication rates were not significantly different between SUT and BAR (P=.61). The 1 and 4‐year survival rates were 90% for SUT and 100% for BAR (P=.29).Conclusions—No difference was detected for short and long‐term complication rates and survival times between SUT and BAR groups.Clinical Relevance—The BAR device can be used for colocolic anastomosis in cats with idiopathic megacolon. Serosal tearing during BAR insertion was a common intraoperative complication. Regardless of anastomotic technique, survival outcome after colonic resection is excellent for cats with FIM.
Effect of Nephrotomy on Renal Function and Morphology in Normal Cats
Authors: KING MICHAEL D. , WALDRON DON R. , BARBER DON L. , LARSON MARTHA M. , SAUNDERS GEOFFREY K. , TROY GREGORY C. , ZIMMERMAN‐POPE NANCY , WARD DAN L. 
Published: December 2006

Objective—To assess effects over 12 weeks of bisection nephrotomy on renal function, size, and morphology in cats.Study Design—Controlled, randomized, blinded experiment.Sample Population—Ten adult female cats.Methods—Glomerular filtration rate (GFR), determined by quantitative renal scintigraphy using99mTechnetium‐diethylenetriamine‐pentaacetic acid, urinalysis, urine culture, and ultrasonographic measurement of renal size were performed preoperatively. Left or right nephrotomy (5 cats/group) was performed. Total and individual kidney GFRs were determined at 2, 28, and 84 days, ultrasonographic measurements at 28 and 86 days, and ultrasound‐guided biopsy at 86 days.Results—No significant differences in mean GFR and kidney size of operated versus unoperated kidneys were observed. Individual GFR and renal size of all except 1 cat remained within normal limits. Two cats had evidence of transient ureteral obstruction in the immediate postoperative period. No significant, generalized histologic abnormalities were observed.Conclusions—Bisection nephrotomy in normal cats does not adversely affect renal function or morphology during the initial 12 weeks.Clinical Relevance—Bisection nephrotomy can be safely performed in normal feline kidneys without causing a significant deleterious effect on renal function. Studies in cats with pre‐existing renal insufficiency are needed to ensure adverse effects would not occur in clinical cases where this surgical procedure is warranted.
Nonfarm employment, agricultural shocks, and poverty dynamics: evidence from rural Uganda
Authors: Kijima Yoko , Matsumoto Tomoya , Yamano Takashi 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThis article examines the role of off‐farm employment in poverty reduction over a short period of time by using panel data from 894 rural Ugandan households in 2003 and 2005. Taking advantage of the unique off‐farm labor supply and income data, we analyzed how households respond to negative agricultural shocks, especially through off‐farm labor supply and income to mitigate crop income loss. Our analysis indicates that the flexibility of labor time allocation varies across off‐farm jobs and that only low skilled and low wage jobs tend to be used to mitigate negative shocks, especially among the asset poor.
Meningococcal Meningitis Prevention Programs for College Students: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Butler Karen M. 
Published: December 2006

ABSTRACT Background and Purpose: The incidence of meningococcal meningitis in college students is higher than in other populations. College students, especially 1st‐year students living in dormitories or residence halls, are among those at highest risk of developing the disease. It is estimated that immunization can prevent up to 83% of cases among adolescents and college students. A review of the literature was undertaken to identify and critique the research‐based prevention programs that are focused on college students. Method: An extensive search of the Cochrane Database of systematic reviews, Medline, PubMed, and CINAHL was undertaken. The Journal of American College Health was hand searched, and bibliographies were reviewed for studies not otherwise identified. Four publications met the search criteria. These studies were reviewed and graded for level of evidence. Findings: One study could not be compared with the other three because of its lack of detail. Of the other three studies, two were descriptive and factors were identified that related to vaccination and nonvaccination in the college student population (both Evidence Grade C). Only one study was described that included an educational intervention, which resulted in increased vaccination rates in a college student population (Evidence Grade B). Conclusions and Implications: The published literature is severely limited in the area of meningococcal meningitis prevention programs in the at‐risk college student population. A critical need exists for controlled studies to test the interventions that are most effective in this population as well as broader‐based studies to further identify those students at increased risk for the disease as well as for nonvaccination.
Prognosis of stage I pressure ulcers and related factors
Authors: Sato Miwa , Sanada Hiromi , Konya Chizuko , Sugama Junko , Nakagami Gojiro 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThe prognosis of stage I pressure ulcers cannot be predicted; therefore, nursing interventions for preventing their deterioration have not been clearly established. This study describes the clinical course of stage I pressure ulcers and prospectively investigates the factors related to their deterioration. Thirty‐one stage I pressure ulcers in 30 patients in a long‐term care facility were studied, and morphological changes were assessed every day until the ulcers healed or deteriorated. The physiological changes were assessed by ultrasonography and thermography. Twenty ulcers healed, and 11 deteriorated. The characteristics of deterioration were as follows: (1) double erythema; (2) non blanchable erythema across the whole area determined by glass plate compression; (3) erythema away from the tip of the bony prominence; and (4) expanding erythema on the following day. We analysed the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and positive likelihood ratio for the diagnostic utility of the indicators of deterioration double erythema and distance from the tip of bony prominence, which can be instantly assessed without the use of any special device. The values were 36·4%, 95·0%, 80·0%, 73·1% and 7·28, respectively. These results suggest that clinicians can predict the prognosis of stage I pressure ulcers by initial assessment and provide appropriate care based on the assessment.
Predictors of poor coronary heart disease knowledge level in women without prior coronary heart disease
Authors: Thanavaro Joanne L. , Moore Shirley M. , Anthony Mary K. , Narsavage Georgia , Delicath Timothy 
Published: December 2006

AbstractPurpose: The purpose of this study was to measure coronary heart disease (CHD) knowledge levels in women without a history of CHD and to determine predictors of poor CHD knowledge in these women.Data sources: The sample included 120 women between the ages of 35 and 60, who had no CHD history. Women were asked to complete self‐administered surveys including demographic data, personal CHD risk factors, and a CHD Knowledge Test.Conclusions: Women lack CHD knowledge. Low educational level, normal serum lipids, high body mass index (BMI), and lack of access to a nurse practitioner (NP) were predictors of poor CHD knowledge levels in women without CHD history.Implications for practice: Women who had access to an NP were more likely to have higher CHD knowledge. In an attempt to decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with CHD, NPs may be able to improve CHD knowledge in women, particularly in those with lower educational level, normal serum lipids and higher BMI.
Integrating practice issues in managed care into the curriculum: A Delphi survey
Authors: Hawkins Joellen W , Burke Pamela J. , Steinberg Sharon 
Published: December 2006

AbstractPurpose: This project evolved from a partnership between an advanced practice nurse (APN) graduate program and a care management insurer. The purpose of this Delphi survey was to identify (a) role components germane to the practice of APNs in managed care and (b) topics reflecting these components in the curriculum.Data sources: Data were gathered from two expert panels, clinician preceptors and faculty members. Each panel had 11 members: 11.3% and 100%, respectively, of the target populations of clinicians and faculty in the partnering agencies.Conclusions: There was considerable congruence between the panels on the survey.Implications for practice: Case vignettes could be used as a vehicle for discussion of the broader issues of population approaches to specific problems. Faculty could partner with clinicians to develop cases for discussion of evidence‐based practice. Faculty and clinicians could create preceptorships focused on business management, postgraduate fellowships within managed care systems, and regular opportunities to dialogue about curriculum and essential attributes of APN graduates.
Development and Characterization of a Stable Vero Cell Line Constitutively ExpressingPeste des Petits Ruminants Virus(PPRV) Hemagglutinin Protein and Its Potential Use as Antigen in Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Serosurveillance of PPRV
Authors: Balamurugan V. , Sen A. , Saravanan P. , Rasool T. J. , Yadav M. P. , Bandyopadhyay S. K. , Singh R. K. 
Published: December 2006

ABSTRACTWe developed and characterized a stable Vero cell line constitutively expressingPeste des petits ruminants virus(PPRV) hemagglutinin (H) protein and assessed its potential use as diagnostic antigen in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). PPRV H gene of the vaccine strain (Sungri-96) was amplified by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR, cloned into a eukaryotic expression vector (pTarget), and subsequently transfected and expressed in Vero cells. A stable Vero cell line was developed after 20 repeated passages by using G418 antibiotic selection pressure (400 to 600 μg/ml). The integration of PPRV H gene in the Vero cell genome and its genomic transcription were confirmed by PCR and RT-PCR assays, respectively, and the 70-kDa PPRV H protein was characterized by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blotting. The recombinant protein reacted specifically with PPRV anti-H neutralizing monoclonal and polyclonal antibody in competitive, sandwich, and indirect ELISA, respectively, indicating that the native form of the protein was expressed. Evaluation of the protein in competitive ELISA and indirect ELISA vis a vis whole virus was done using 306 and 146 goat field serum samples, respectively; comparable results were obtained with high degrees of relative diagnostic specificity (93.53% and 100%, respectively) and sensitivity (99.04% and 79.16%, respectively). This study shows that the PPRV H protein could be a sustainable source of safe antigen in countries of nonendemicity without the need to handle infectious virus for serodiagnosis.