bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Old‐age Pensions in Spain: Recent Reforms and Some of Their Consequences for the Risk of Poverty
Authors: Sarasa Sebastián 
Published: February 2008

Abstract The starting point of this study is based on the supposition that the successive reforms carried out on the Spanish system of old‐age pensions since the 1980s have altered both the intergenerational distribution of income and the risk of poverty for the elderly. The article will first outline how demographic factors and personal incomes affect the risk of poverty among the elderly. The second part focuses attention on the mediating role played by the social security system in the distribution of intergenerational income, and underlines how the adoption of a longitudinal viewpoint of the intergenerational positions helps us to understand the development of the risk of poverty among the elderly. The third part describes in brief the successive reforms that were carried out on the Spanish regime of retirement pensions. Finally, an analysis of the evolution of the personal incomes of the elderly and younger generations has been made, based on the data collected by the European Community Household Panel from 1994 to 2001. This analysis suggests that the reforms have increased the risk of poverty among the over‐60s owing to a combination of two factors. On the one hand, there has been an increasing tendency among the over‐60s to stop working completely, which has reduced job earnings especially for men aged between 60 and 70. Even more important has been the failure of public pensions to keep pace with the increase in the standard of living, though it is true that they have helped maintain the average purchasing power of the less well‐off old‐age pensioners.
BUDDHISM AND NEUROETHICS: THE ETHICS OF PHARMACEUTICAL COGNITIVE ENHANCEMENT
Authors: FENTON ANDREW 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACTThis paper integrates some Buddhist moral values, attitudes and self‐cultivation techniques into a discussion of the ethics of cognitive enhancement technologies – in particular, pharmaceutical enhancements. Many Buddhists utilize meditation techniques that are both integral to their practice and are believed to enhance the cognitive and affective states of experienced practitioners. Additionally, Mahāyāna Buddhism's teaching on skillful means permits a liberal use of methods or techniques in Buddhist practice that yield insight into our selfnature or aid in alleviating or eliminating dukha (i.e. dissatisfaction). These features of many, if not most, Buddhist traditions will inform much of the Buddhist assessment of pharmaceutical enhancements offered in this paper. Some Buddhist concerns about the effects and context of the use of pharmaceutical enhancements will be canvassed in the discussion. Also, the author will consider Buddhist views of the possible harms that may befall human and nonhuman research subjects, interference with a recipient's karma, the artificiality of pharmaceutical enhancements, and the possible motivations or intentions of healthy individuals pursuing pharmacological enhancement. Perhaps surprisingly, none of these concerns will adequately ground a reflective Buddhist opposition to the further development and continued use of pharmaceutical enhancements, either in principle or in practice. The author argues that Buddhists, from at least certain traditions – particularly Mahāyāna Buddhist traditions – should advocate the development or use of pharmaceutical enhancements if a consequence of their use is further insight into our self‐nature or the reduction or alleviation of dukha.
Evaluation of different agroforestry tree species for their suitability in the phytoremediation of seleniferous soils
Authors: Dhillon K. S. , Dhillon S. K. , Thind H. S. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractSeven agroforestry tree species were grown in a clay loam soil treated with different levels of selenate‐Se, viz. 0, 1.25, 2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg supplied through sodium selenate. After 1 year of growth, a progressive decrease in dry matter of leaves, stem and roots was observed with increasing levels of applied Se. However, a significant decrease in dry matter yield was observed only at or above 2.5 mg Se per kg soil and shisham (Dalbergia sissoo) proved to be highly sensitive to the presence of selenate‐Se in the soil. On average, the largest above‐ground and below‐ground biomass was accumulated by arjun (Terminalia arjuna) and the lowest by the acacia tree (Acacia tortillas). The selenium content of leaves, stem and roots of all the tree species increased significantly with increasing levels of applied Se, although a large variation within species was observed. In the stem portion of different trees, the highest concentration of Se was found in dek (Melia azedarach) (5.1 mg/kg) and the lowest in mulberry (Morus alba) (2.6 mg/kg). The efficiency of selenium removal (including leaves, stem and roots) was the highest in arjun followed by eucalyptus (Eucalyptus hybrid) – Clone 10, mulberry, jambolin (Syzygium cumini), dek, shisham and acacia. Effective removal of Se takes place through the stem portion of different trees where it constitutes 30–50% of total Se. Large variation in Se uptake by different tree species suggests that trees vary in their potential for phytoremediation of seleniferous soils. In one growing season, shisham aged 24 years, poplar (Populus deltoides)– Clone G 48 (10 years old) and eucalyptus – Clone 10 (10 years old) could remove 2385, 1845 and 1407 g Se per hectare respectively. Corresponding reductions in Se capital of the soil varied between 24 and 37, 19 and 29 and 14 and 32%, respectively, in the surface layer (0–15 cm) alone or 7–11, 6–9 and 4–7% for the whole soil profile (0–120 cm). Removal further increased to 4207 g Se per hectare under an agroforestry farming system of poplar–mentha/wheat with Se being reduced from 43 to 65% for the surface layer and from 13 to 20% for the whole profile.
Comorbid Conditions and Glycemic Control in Elderly Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, 1988 to 1994 to 1999 to 2004
Authors: Suh Dong‐Churl , Kim Chul‐Min , Choi In‐Sun , Plauschinat Craig A. 
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVES: To compare the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus in the U.S. elderly population between 1988 to 1994 and 1999 to 2004 and to assess glycemic control and comorbid conditions in this population.DESIGN: Serial U.S. population‐based cross‐sectional surveys.SETTING: National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (1988–1994 and 1999–2004).PARTICIPANTS: Survey participants aged 65 and older with type 2 diabetes mellitus.MEASUREMENTS: Glycemic control, measured as hemoglobin A1C (hA1C) less than 7%, prevalence of comorbid conditions, pharmacologic treatment rate, blood pressure, and serum cholesterol.RESULTS: The prevalence of diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus in the U.S. elderly population increased from 12.0% to 14.1% (P=.004) between 1988 and 2004. Many patients had comorbid conditions; in 1999 to 2004, 36.7% had nephropathy, 31.5% renal insufficiency, 20.2% history of myocardial infarction, and 17.9% heart failure. The proportion of patients treated with antihyperglycemic medication increased from 75.1% in 1988 to 1994 to 85.6% in 1999 to 2004 (P<.001), and glycemic control rates also improved, from 44.7% to 54.8% (P<.001). Greater improvement in glycemic control rates was evident in patients without comorbidities (P<.001). Adjusted for patient characteristics, including duration of diabetes mellitus, patients with nephropathy or renal insufficiency were 40% less likely to achieve controlled hA1C as those without.CONCLUSION: Despite improvements in the rates of treatment and glycemic control, approximately half of elderly patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus have hA1C levels of 7% or higher. Many patients suffer from comorbid conditions, which may present a challenge for successful diabetes mellitus management.
Standardizing Assessment of Elderly People in Acute Care: The interRAI Acute Care Instrument
Authors: Gray Len C. , Bernabei Roberto , Berg Katherine , Finne‐Soveri Harriet , Fries Brant E. , Hirdes John P. , Jónsson Pálmi V. , Morris John N. , Steel Knight , Ariño‐Blasco Sergio 
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVES: To examine the frequency distributions and interrater reliability of individual items of the interRAI Acute Care instrument.DESIGN: Observational study of a representative sample of older inpatients; duplicate assessments conducted on a subsample by independent assessors to examine interrater reliability.SETTING: Acute medical, acute geriatric and orthopedic units in 13 hospitals in nine countries.PARTICIPANTS: Five hundred thirty‐three patients aged 70 and older (mean age 82.4, range 70–102) with an anticipated stay of 48 hours or longer of whom 161 received duplicate assessments.MEASUREMENTS: Sixty‐two clinical items across 11 domains. Premorbid (3‐day observation period before onset of the acute illness) and admission (the first 24 hours of hospital stay) assessments were conducted.RESULTS: The frequency of deficits exceeded 30% for most items, ranging from 1% for physically abusive behavior to 86% for the need for support in activities of daily living after discharge. Common deficits were in cognitive skills for daily decision‐making (38% premorbid, 54% at admission), personal hygiene (37%, 65%), and walking (39%, 71%). Interrater reliability was substantial in the premorbid period (average κ=0.61) and admission period (average κ=0.66). Of the 69 items tested, less than moderate agreement (κ<0.4) was recorded for six (9%), moderate agreement (κ=0.41–0.6) for 14 (20%), substantial agreement (κ=0.61–0.8) for 40 (58%), and almost perfect agreement (κ>0.8) for nine (13%).CONCLUSION: Initial assessment of the psychometric properties of the interRAI Acute Care instrument provided evidence that item selection and interrater reliability are appropriate for clinical application. Further studies are required to examine the validity of embedded scales, diagnostic algorithms, and clinical protocols.
Efficacy of a Geriatrics Team Intervention for Residents in Dementia‐Specific Assisted Living Facilities: Effect on Unanticipated Transitions
Authors: Bellantonio Sandra , Kenny Anne M. , Fortinsky Richard H. , Kleppinger Alison , Robison Julie , Gruman Cynthia , Kulldorff Martin , Trella Patricia M. 
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether a multidisciplinary team intervention minimizes unanticipated transitions from assisted living for persons with dementia.DESIGN: Randomized trial.SETTING: Two dementia‐specific assisted living facilities in Connecticut owned and managed by the same corporation.PARTICIPANTS: One hundred older adults with dementia who relocated to assisted living.INTERVENTION: Four systematic multidisciplinary assessments by a geriatrician, geriatrics advanced practice nurse, physical therapist, dietitian, and social worker during the first 9 months of relocation to assisted living.MEASUREMENTS: Permanent relocation to a nursing facility, emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalization, and death.RESULTS: Fifty‐five residents experienced any unanticipated transition out of assisted living, on average 84 ± 74 days after relocation; falls were the primary reason for transition. The intervention reduced the risk of any unanticipated transitions (13%), permanent relocation to a nursing facility (11%), ED visits (12%), hospitalization (45%), and death (63%), but the results did not meet statistical significance. In secondary analysis, more men experienced any unanticipated transition (P<.001), hospitalization (P<.001), or death (P<.001) than women.CONCLUSION: Although an untargeted multidisciplinary intervention did not significantly reduce the risk of transitions for individuals with dementia relocating to assisted living in this small sample, trends for decreasing hospitalization and death were found. The data further suggest that those at risk for falls and men may benefit from targeted clinical interventions to prevent unanticipated transitions, especially during the first 3 months after relocation.
Reaction to a Dementia Diagnosis in Individuals with Alzheimer's Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Carpenter Brian D. , Xiong Chengjie , Porensky Emily K. , Lee Monica M. , Brown Patrick J. , Coats Mary , Johnson David , Morris John C. 
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVES: To examine short‐term changes in depression and anxiety after receiving a dementia diagnosis.DESIGN: Pre/post survey design.SETTING: Alzheimer's Disease Research Center.PARTICIPANTS: Ninety individuals and their companions.MEASUREMENTS: Fifteen‐item Geriatric Depression Scale and 20‐item “state” version of the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory.RESULTS: Sixty‐nine percent of the individuals were diagnosed with dementia; two‐thirds of those were in the earliest symptomatic stages of dementia that, in other settings, is considered to represent mild cognitive impairment. No significant changes in depression were noted in individuals or their companions, regardless of diagnostic outcome or dementia severity. Anxiety decreased substantially after diagnostic feedback in most groups.CONCLUSION: Disclosure of a dementia diagnosis does not prompt a catastrophic emotional reaction in most people, even those who are only mildly impaired, and may provide some relief once an explanation for symptoms is known and a treatment plan is developed.
The Association Between Vitamin D and Inflammation with the 6‐Minute Walk and Frailty in Patients with Heart Failure
Authors: Boxer Rebecca S. , Dauser Deborah A. , Walsh Stephen J. , Hager W. David , Kenny Anne M. 
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVES: To identify relationships between anabolic hormones, inflammatory markers, and physical function.DESIGN: Cross‐sectional.SETTING: Outpatient university heart failure program in Connecticut.PARTICIPANTS: Sixty patients with an ejection fraction of 40% or less.MEASUREMENTS: The 6‐minute walk distance and frailty phenotype were measured. The relationship between physical measures of hormones and inflammatory mediators were examined. Linear and ordinal logistic regression analyses were performed for the physical measures.RESULTS: Forty‐three men (mean age 77 ± 9) and 17 women (mean age 78 ± 12) participated. Longer 6‐minute walk distance was correlated with higher 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) level, and a shorter walk was correlated with higher cortisol: dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) ratio, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP), interleukin‐6 (IL6), and intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) (all P<.05). Percentage of free testosterone, DHEAS alone, and N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NTpro‐BNP) did not correlate with 6‐minute walk distance. Higher frailty phenotype score (more frail) was correlated with higher high‐sensitivity CRP, higher IL6, and lower 25OHD levels (all P<.05). Linear regression with the 6‐minute walk distance as the dependent variable and independent variables of age, sex, percentage of free testosterone, DHEAS, 25OHD, intact PTH, hsCRP, IL6, cortisol/DHEAS ratio, and NTpro‐BNP, revealed age, sex, 25OHD and hsCRP to be significant (coefficient of determination=53.5%). Ordinal logistic regression with the frailty phenotype and hormonal levels revealed that age, 25OHD, and hsCRP also predicted frailty status.CONCLUSION: Twenty‐five‐hydroxyvitamin D and hsCRP levels may contribute to lower aerobic capacity and frailty in patients with heart failure. A longitudinal study will further define the role of 25OHD and hsCRP on muscle strength and functional decline.
Tooth Loss and Subsequent Disability and Mortality in Old Age
Authors: Holm‐Pedersen Poul , Schultz‐Larsen Kirsten , Christiansen Niels , Avlund Kirsten 
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVES: To examine whether tooth loss at age 70 is associated with onset of disability at 5‐, 10‐, 15‐, and 20‐year follow‐up and to mortality at 21‐year follow‐up.SETTING: Community‐based population in Copenhagen.DESIGN: A baseline study of a random sample of 70‐year‐old people born in 1914 and follow‐up 5, 10, 15, and 20 years later.PARTICIPANTS: A total of 573 nondisabled individuals participated in the study of 70‐year‐olds in 1984, 460 participated in the 5‐year follow‐up, 292 in the 10‐year follow‐up, 150 in the 15‐year follow‐up, and 78 in the 20‐year follow‐up.MEASUREMENTS: Data from interviews and a medical and oral examination. Oral health was measured according to number of teeth (0, 1–9, 10–19, ≥20). Disability was measured using the Avlund Mob‐H scale at age 75, 80, 85, and 90. Mortality data were obtained from the National Death Register.RESULTS: Being edentulous or having one to nine teeth was associated with onset of disability at age 75 and 80. Health‐related variables and education attenuated the associations between edentulism and onset of disability, although they remained marginally significant, whereas the association between having one to nine teeth and onset of disability remained unchanged and statistically significant at 10‐year follow‐up (odds ratio=3.02, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.26–7.24). Persons who were edentulous at age 70 were at significantly higher risk of mortality 21 years later, also in the adjusted analysis (hazard ratio=1.26, 95% CI=1.03–1.55).CONCLUSION: Tooth loss is independently associated with onset of disability and mortality in old age. The findings indicate that tooth loss may be an early indicator of accelerated aging.
INTRAMEDULLARY PINS IN FIXATION OF FRACTURES OF LONG BONES
Authors: Rudy Richard L. 
Published: February 2008

SummaryThe round Steinmann pin alone or in combinations with additional pins, orthopedic wire, Kirschner splint is a very versatile method of skeletal fixation which is applicable to tiny or large breeds and to the very young or mature animals. The objective of rigid skeletal fixation can be achieved if principles of auxiliary skeletal fixation are used in complicated fractures.For uniform success with each of the three types of intramedullary nailing described (Kuentscher, Rush, Steinmann) it is essential that the principles of accurate reduction and rigid fixation be followed. The method of Kuentscher is most limited in application to the dog. Rush pins are somewhat more versatile. The pins can be used singly or in pairs for shaft fractures but have a specific advantage for firm fixation of fractures in the cancellous bone near the ends of the shaft. The Steinmann (round) intramedullary pin is the most versatile, however it is frequently necessary to use auxiliary pins, orthopedic wire, or half Kirschner to achieve rigid fixation.
SURGERY OF THE LARGE INTESTINE IN THE HORSE
Authors: Meagher D. M. 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYThe common conditions which cause obstruction in the large intestine of the horse are presented. The etiology, diagnostic features, surgical treatment, and prognosis are discussed. The clinical workup, management of fluid therapy and anesthesia, surgical approaches, and post‐operative care have been presented in other papers at this surgical forum and are not included here.
SURGICAL TECHNIQUES UTILIZED IN THE PRESENCE OF INFECTION
Authors: Jennings Paul B. 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYThe infected wound must be cleaned physically and appropriate antimicrobial therapy instituted, based on the results of culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Where fluid or necrotic debris is still present, proper drainage should be utilized. Adequate immobilization, physiological dressings, and overall support of patient defense mechanisms will enhance healing and shorten the patient's recovery period.
ESOPHAGEAL DISEASE AS A RESULT OF IMPROPER PATIENT POSITIONING
Authors: Grier Ronald L. 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYThree cases of esophageal reflux occurred, one case resulting in perforation of the esophagus. Diagnosis was based on dysphagia, excessive drooling, contrast radiography and surgical findings. Based on known pathophysiological information, it is suggested that the combination of preoperative fast, general anesthesia, dorsal recumbency with head lowered and ovariohysterectomy can all contribute towards reflux of gastric juice into the esophagus. The surgeon can best avoid this rare surgical complication by maintaining the patient in the horizontal supine position.
COMPLICATIONS IN EQUINE LARYNGEAL SURGERY
Authors: Johnson Jerry H. , Garner Harold E. 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYSurgery on the larynx as is seen in most cases today is either a laryngotomy in which the laryngeal saccules are removed or a laryngoplasty procedure in which the muscular process of the arytenoid cartilage is sutured to the cricoid cartilage or the combination of both. Continued research in this area might lead to a better surgical technique than laryngoplasty. At this time laryngoplasty has apparently increased the efficacy of surgery treatment on the larynx by at least 20% over the long advocated laryngeal saccule removal.It is of interest to note that in comparing the larynx of man and the horse that innervation and musculature are very similar. Perhaps in viewing laryngeal paralysis in man better understanding of the etiology and perhaps the surgical approach may be obtained. But, as pointed out by Cook1, man is not judged by how fast he can run a mile as opposed to the horse.
SYMPATHETIC AND PARASYMPATHETIC EFFECTS OF ACUPUNCTURE ON THE CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM OF DOGS UNDER HALOTHANE ANESTHESIA
Authors: Donald H. , Lee Myung O. , Lee Do Chil 
Published: February 2008

SummaryEvidence of sympathetic or parasympathetic stimulation of the cardiovascular system has been obtained in dogs under halothane anesthesia following acupuncture. Acupuncture at Jen Chung (Go‐26), which is located on the phithrum, results in sympathetic input and an increase in cardiac output, heart rate and mean arterial pressure. These effects can be inhibited by the beta adrenergic blocking agent, propranolol.Acupuncture at Tsu San Li (St‐36), which is located distal to the lateral condyle of the tibia, results in parasympathetic input and decrease in cardiac output. This effect is inhibited by atropine.
A POROUS SURFACE PROSTHESIS STABILIZATION SYSTEM
Authors: Henderson R.A. 
Published: February 2008

SummarySynthesis of polymeric alloplasts capable of assimilation or integration with living tissues has become the newest concept in biomaterials research. A prosthesis coating material composed of polytetrafluroethylene and pyrolytic graphite has been synthesized according to biochemical and biomechanical tissue/prosthesis interface requirements. Molecular composition, surface chemistry, static geometry, and modulus of elasticity were the most important considerations in the design of this material.The coating material has high surface energy, 70 to 90% porosity with pore size ranging from 100 to 500 microns, and a modulus of elasticity comparable to that of fibrous connective tissue which actively invades and absorbs to the material. It has been used as a surface coating for prostheses in clinical and experimental surgery including femoral head prostheses, cruciate ligament appliances, augmenting devices of the alveolar ridge, zygomatic process and mental bone, heart valve stabilization, and tracheal ring prostheses. It has been used both in dogs and human beings. The success of the material has been dependent upon antisepsis, patient status, and consideration of biomechanical stressstrain restrictions.
LABORATORY EVALUATION METHODS IN SURGICAL MICROBIOLOGY
Authors: Crumrine Martin H. 
Published: February 2008

SummaryThere are several techniques that should be used to maximize the results you obtain from your laboratory. Reducing the number of contaminating organisms in samples submitted for microbiological evaluation is essential. Ideally there should be no contaminants and collection techniques should be directed toward this ideal. Laboratory requests should include a short clinical description of the specimen which enables the laboratory to give better service. Finally, the gram stain is a very useful tool especially when used in conjunction with good culture techniques. It can be used in the initial evaluation of the patient and in subsequent evaluations as well.