bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Lingual Exercise on Swallowing in Older Adults
Authors: Robbins JoAnne , Gangnon Ronald E. , Theis Shannon M. , Kays Stephanie A. , Hewitt Angela L. , Hind Jacqueline A. 
Published: September 2005

Objectives: To determine the effects of an 8‐week progressive lingual resistance exercise program on swallowing in older individuals, the most “at risk” group for dysphagia.Design: Prospective cohort intervention study.Setting: Subjects were recruited from the community at large.Participants: Ten healthy men and women aged 70 to 89.Intervention: Each subject performed an 8‐week lingual resistance exercise program consisting of compressing an air‐filled bulb between the tongue and hard palate.Measurements: At baseline and Week 8, each subject completed a videofluoroscopic swallowing evaluation for kinematic and bolus flow assessment of swallowing. Swallowing pressures and isometric pressures were collected at baseline and Weeks 2, 4, and 6. Four of the subjects also underwent oral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to measure lingual volume.Results: All subjects significantly increased their isometric and swallowing pressures. All subjects who had the MRI demonstrated increased lingual volume of an average of 5.1%.Conclusion: The findings indicate that lingual resistance exercise is promising not only for preventing dysphagia due to sarcopenia, but also as a treatment strategy for patients with lingual weakness and swallowing disability due to frailty or other age‐related conditions. The potential effect of lingual exercise on reducing dysphagia‐related comorbidities (pneumonia, malnutrition, and dehydration) and healthcare costs while improving quality of life is encouraging.
Systemic Inflammatory Markers, Periodontal Diseases, and Periodontal Infections in an Elderly Population
Authors: Bretz Walter A. , Weyant Robert J. , Corby Patricia M. , Ren Dianxu , Weissfeld Lisa , Kritchevsky Stephen B. , Harris Tamara , Kurella Manjula , Satterfield Suzanne , Visser Marjolein , Newman Anne B. 
Published: September 2005

Objectives: To study the levels of systemic markers for inflammation with parameters of periodontal diseases in older people.Design: A cross‐sectional study was conducted in a cohort that is being followed prospectively on the effects of aging and body composition on morbidity.Setting: University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, and University of Tennessee, Memphis.Participants: One thousand one hundred thirty‐one participants (mean age±standard deviation 72.7±2.8); 66% white and 50% male.Measurements: Periodontal examination, including probing depth and attachment loss, was performed. Periodontal disease extent was divided into 0% of sites with probing depth of 6 mm or more, 1% to 10% of sites with probing depth of 6 mm or more and more than 10% of sites with probing depth of 6 mm or more. Subgingival plaque samples were collected from four molar teeth, and the levels of periodontal pathogens were determined using the benzoyl‐DL‐arginine‐naphthylamide (BANA) test. Plasma interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), C‐reactive protein (CRP), plasminogen activator inhibitor type‐1 (PAI‐1), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) levels were measured in all participants. Assessments of risk factors associated with elevated levels of markers of systemic inflammation were also determined. Multiple regression analysis was employed to analyze the data.Results: IL‐6 levels were significantly higher in participants with more‐extensive periodontal disease than in other participants. Periodontal disease extent was significantly associated with higher TNF‐α plasma levels, controlling for established risk factors for elevated TNF‐α levels. Participants with BANA‐positive species had significantly higher CRP plasma levels when controlling for risk factors for elevated CRP levels.Conclusion: Periodontal disease and infection may be modifiable risk indicators for elevated levels of systemic inflammatory markers in older people.
Interventions from Home‐Based Geriatric Assessments of Adult Protective Service Clients Suffering Elder Mistreatment
Authors: Heath John M. , Kobylarz Fred A. , Brown Merle , Castaño Susan 
Published: September 2005

Objectives: To describe the interventions for adult protective service (APS) clients referred for geriatric assessment.Design: Retrospective cohort study.Setting: In‐home geriatric assessments conducted in two New Jersey counties.Participants: Two hundred eleven APS clients; 74% female; mean age 77.Measurements: Cognition, affect, nutrition, prevalence of selected medical diagnoses and functional conditions, and categories of interventions.Results: Home health agency services were initiated for 46% of APS clients suffering from all forms of mistreatment. Institutional placements (36%) and guardianship interventions (36%) were correlated with caregiver neglect, especially in female APS clients and those diagnosed with dementia. Urgent medications (25%) were prescribed across all mistreatment classifications, and acute hospitalization (20%) was correlated with circumstances of physical abuse.Conclusion: An in‐home geriatric assessment service was able to contribute at least one relevant intervention for 81% of referred APS clients to collaboratively help mitigate elder mistreatment circumstances.
The Executive Interview as a Screening Test for Executive Dysfunction in Patients with Mild Dementia
Authors: Stokholm Jette , Vogel Asmus , Gade Anders , Waldemar Gunhild 
Published: September 2005

Objectives: To validate the Executive Interview (EXIT25) as a screening instrument for executive cognitive dysfunction in patients with mild dementia.Design: Validation using group comparison and correlation studies.Setting: The Copenhagen University Hospital Memory Clinic, a multidisciplinary outpatient clinic based in a neurological setting.Participants: Thirty‐three patients with mild dementia (MMSE score ≥20) and 30 healthy controls.Measurements: The EXIT25, a 25‐item screening instrument for executive dysfunction, was administered to all participants. Global cognitive function was measured using the MMSE. Patients were evaluated using traditional neuropsychological tests for executive dysfunction (Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Trail Making Part B, Stroop Test, verbal fluency, design fluency, and verbal abstraction). Changes in behavior and functional impairment in activities of daily living were assessed using the Frontal Behavioral Inventory (FBI) and the Disability Assessment for Dementia Scale.Results: EXIT25 scores were significantly higher in patients than in the healthy controls; MMSE scores could not account for the differences. Thirteen of the 25 items separated the two groups. EXIT25 was found to correlate significantly with the Stroop Test, the verbal fluency tests, and the FBI.Conclusion: The EXIT25 is able to capture executive cognitive deficits not primarily related to the general level of intellectual reduction in patients with mild dementia. In clinical practice, the EXIT25 might be a valuable supplement to the MMSE.
Nursing Home Resident and Facility Characteristics Associated with Pneumococcal Vaccination: National Nursing Home Survey, 1995–1999
Authors: Bardenheier Barbara , Shefer Abigail , Tiggle Ronald , Marsteller Jill , Remsburg Robin E. 
Published: September 2005

Objectives: To assess Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices recommendations for the pneumococcal vaccine in nursing home residents using national surveys to examine factors associated with vaccination.Design: Cross‐sectional national sample surveys of nursing homes and nursing home residents with a two‐stage probability design, stratified on size and Medicare and Medicaid certification status.Setting: U.S. nursing homes during 1995, 1997, and 1999.Participants: Six current residents were randomly selected from each facility (n=approximately 8,000 each year).Measurements: Residents' pneumococcal vaccination status was obtained by asking the facility respondent for each resident: “Has [the resident] EVER had a pneumococcal vaccine, that is a pneumonia vaccination?” Vaccination status was coded as yes, no, and unknown.Results: The proportion of residents aged 65 and older that received pneumococcal vaccination increased significantly, from 23.6% in 1995 to 28.2% in 1997 to 37.4% in 1999 (P<.001). The proportion of residents in homes with pneumococcal immunization programs increased significantly, from 65.2% in 1995 to 88.9% in 1999.Conclusion: The proportion of nursing home residents aged 65 and older receiving the pneumococcal vaccine increased significantly from 1995 to 1999. Residents living in nursing homes with programs for pneumococcal immunizations were significantly more likely to be vaccinated.
Interleukin‐6 Modulates Plasma Cholesterol and C‐Reactive Protein Concentrations in Nonagenarians
Authors: Lehtimäki Terho , Ojala Petri , Rontu Riikka , Goebeler Sirkka , Karhunen Pekka J. , Jylhä Marja , Mattila Kari , Metso Saara , Jokela Hannu , Nikkilä Matti , Wuolijoki Erkki , Hervonen Antti , Hurme Mikko 
Published: September 2005

Objectives: To establish whether the relationship between interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and plasma lipid and C‐reactive protein (CRP) concentrations is different in Finnish nonagenarians than in middle‐aged subjects with lower inflammatory status.Design: Cross‐sectional.Setting: Observational cohort study concentrating on the oldest old.Participants: Nonagenarians (n=291, mean age±standard deviation 90±1; 68 men, 223 women) who lived in the Tampere municipality in southern Finland and a middle‐aged control population from the same area (n=227, aged 44±8).Measurements: Plasma high sensitive CRP and lipid concentrations were analyzed using an automatic analyzer and IL‐6 levels using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.Results: Plasma concentrations of IL‐6 (4.39±5.25 vs 1.88±1.98 pg/mL) and CRP (3.54±4.98 vs 1.53±1.91 mg/L) were significantly higher in nonagenarians than in middle‐aged subjects (P<.001). In nonagenarians, plasma CRP levels increased (P<.001) and plasma total cholesterol (P=.006), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (P=.02), and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (P=.002) levels decreased according to IL‐6 quartiles. In middle‐aged subjects, similar associations were not found.Conclusion: The relationship between IL‐6 and plasma CRP and cholesterol levels in nonagenarians with enhanced systemic inflammation differs from that of middle‐aged subjects.
Unnecessary Drug Use in Frail Older People at Hospital Discharge
Authors: Hajjar Emily R. , Hanlon Joseph T. , Sloane Richard J. , Lindblad Catherine I. , Pieper Carl F. , Ruby Christine M. , Branch Laurence C. , Schmader Kenneth E. 
Published: September 2005

Objectives: To determine the prevalence and predictors of unnecessary drug use at hospital discharge in frail elderly patients.Design: Cross‐sectional.Setting: Eleven Veterans Affairs Medical Centers.Participants: Three hundred eighty‐four frail older patients from the Geriatric Evaluation and Management Drug Study.Measurements: Assessment of unnecessary drug use was determined by the consensus of a clinical pharmacist and physician pair applying the Medication Appropriateness Index to each regularly scheduled medication at hospital discharge. Those drugs that received an inappropriate rating for indication, efficacy, or therapeutic duplication were defined as unnecessary.Results: Forty‐four percent of patients had at least one unnecessary drug, with the most common reason being lack of indication. The most commonly prescribed unnecessary drug classes were gastrointestinal, central nervous system, and therapeutic nutrients/minerals. Factors associated (P<.05) with unnecessary drug use included hypertension (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=0.61, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.38–0.96), multiple prescribers (AOR=3.35, 95% CI=1.16–9.68), and nine or more medications (AOR=2.24, 95% CI=1.25–3.99).Conclusion: A high prevalence of unnecessary drug use at discharge was found in frail hospitalized elderly patients. Additional studies are needed to identify predictors and prevalence of unnecessary drug use in nonveteran populations so that interventions can be designed to reduce the problem.
A case‐control study on risk factors for nuclear, cortical and posterior subcapsular cataract: The Casteldaccia Eye Study
Authors: Giuffrè Giuseppe , Dardanoni Gabriella , Lodato Gaetano 
Published: September 2005

Abstract.Purpose:  To investigate risk factors for nuclear, cortical and posterior subcapsular age‐related cataract. Methods:  A case‐control study was carried out on subjects aged 40 years and older, living in Casteldaccia, Sicily. Twenty‐seven potential risk factors were investigated. Nuclear, cortical and posterior subcapsular opacities of the lens were classified according to the Lens Opacities Classification System II. Subjects with advanced lens opacities represented the cases, while an identical number of subjects without or with early cataract, matched for sex and age, were recruited as controls from within the same population. Results:  Univariate analysis showed that myopia and iris atrophy were significantly associated with nuclear cataract. Iris atrophy, use of corticosteroids, pseudoexfoliation syndrome and familial occurrence of cataract were positively correlated with cortical cataract. Myopia, iris atrophy, use of corticosteroids and familial occurrence of cataract presented an association with posterior subcapsular cataract. After multivariate analysis, the variables that remained significantly associated were myopia and iris atrophy for nuclear cataract; iris atrophy, pseudoexfoliation syndrome and familial occurrence of cataract for cortical cataract; and myopia, iris atrophy and familial occurrence of cataract for posterior subcapsular cataract. Conclusion:  In addition to well known risk factors such as myopia or use of corticosteroids, the Casteldaccia case‐control study shows that iris atrophy represents a previously unrecognized risk factor for each of the three types of cataract.
Retinal function following transpupillary thermotherapy for occult choroidal neovascularization in age‐related macular degeneration: a short‐term study by focal electroretinography
Authors: Pirozzi Enza , Manganelli Chiara , Piccardi Marco , Minnella Angelo , Fadda Antonello , Ziccardi Lucia , Coccimiglio Francesca , Falsini Benedetto 
Published: September 2005

Abstract.Purpose:  To assess short‐term changes in macular function after transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) in patients with occult subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to age‐related macular degeneration (AMD), using focal electroretinography (FERG). Methods:  Twenty‐five patients with occult subfoveal CNV due to AMD were treated with TTT delivered using an infrared (810 nm) diode laser (spot size 3.0 mm, laser power 400–600 mW, duration 60 seconds). All patients were clinically evaluated before, 1 and 6 weeks after treatment. Snellen visual acuity (VA) was measured at each visit. Fluorescein angiography (FA) was performed at baseline and 6 weeks after TTT. Focal ERGs were recorded in all patients immediately before and 1 week after TTT in response to an 18‐degree diameter, 41 Hz flickering spot (630 nm) centred on the fovea, presented on a steady background in Maxwellian view. A subgroup of 12 patients was also re‐tested by FERG at 6‐weeks post‐TTT. Results:  No significant changes in mean FERG amplitude and phase were observed across the different recording sessions before and after TTT. One week after TTT, four patients had significant (>2 SD from baseline variability) increases in FERG amplitude and/or phase advances, one had a decrease in amplitude and four had phase delays, compared to baseline. The remaining 15 patients had stable FERGs. Six weeks after TTT, four patients had significant increases in FERG amplitude and/or phase advances, four had decreases in amplitude and/or phase delays, and four had stable FERGs, compared to baseline. Improvement in FERG parameters after TTT was always associated with an improvement in VA and a decrease in exudation. Patients with post‐TTT FERG deterioration had stable or deteriorated clinical pictures. At either 1 or 6 weeks post‐TTT, the FERG amplitude increase was inversely correlated (p < 0.05) with the baseline FERG amplitude and VA. Conclusions:  Three major conclusions can be drawn: in a short‐term follow‐up, TTT was not found to be associated with significant changes in macular function; FERG improvement was associated with VA improvement, and the increase in FERG amplitude was greatest in patients with the worst baseline acuity.
Relationships between ocular dimensions and adult stature among participants in the Reykjavik Eye Study
Authors: Eysteinsson Thor , Jonasson Fridbert , Arnarsson Ársæll , Sasaki Hiroshi , Sasaki Kazuyuki 
Published: September 2005

Abstract.Purpose:  To examine the relationships between adult stature, age and ocular dimensions in a large homogenous, white population. Methods:  We used the national population census for Reykjavik to select a random sample of adults aged 50 years or older. A total of 846 persons were examined. Scheimpflug images were used to measure anterior chamber depth. Ultrasound was used to measure axial length, lens thickness and vitreous chamber depth. An autorefracto‐keratometer was used to measure autorefractive and keratometric values, including the radius of the corneal curvature. Stereo fundus photographs were taken of the optic disc and measurements of the disc diameters were made using computer software. Results:  Height correlated positively with axial length in the multivariate model (B = 0.020, 95% CI 0.006–0.034, p < 0.01). Both age and height showed significant correlations with vitreous chamber depth, where the correlation with age was negative (B = − 0.016, 95% CI − 0.006 to − 0.025, p < 0.005) and the correlation with height was positive (B = 0.019, 95% CI 0.005–0.034, p < 0.01). Height also showed a positive correlation with the radius of the corneal curvature (B = 0.008, 95% CI 0.004–0.011, p < 0.001). Anterior chamber depth had a negative correlation with age (B = − 0.013, 95% CI − 0.010 to − 0.016, p < 0.001), whereas lens thickness had a significant positive correlation with age (B = 0.019, 95% CI 0.016–0.023, p < 0.001). We found a significant negative correlation between axial length and refraction/spherical equivalent (r = – 0.595, p < 0.0001). Discussion:  Our results indicate that there is a significant relationship between height and several ocular dimensions in this adult population and confirms a negative correlation between axial length and refraction.
Screening compliance and visual outcome in diabetes
Authors: Zoega Gunnar Már , Gunnarsdóttir Þóra , Björnsdóttir Sigríður , Hreiðarsson Ástradur B. , Viggósson Guðmundur , Stefánsson Einar 
Published: September 2005

Abstract.Purpose:  To study the relationship between screening compliance and visual outcome in a screening programme for diabetic eye disease. Methods:  A retrospective case control study. The screening compliance of all the diabetes patients (n = 22) listed at the Icelandic National Registry for the Blind (visual acuity <0.3) was compared to a matched group of 44 non‐blind diabetes patients (visual acuity ≥0.3) who participated in the same screening programme for diabetic retinopathy. Glycaemic control (HbA1c), office blood pressure and cholesterol levels were assessed. Results:  The study group had a significantly lower level of compliance with the screening programme (27% ± 38% [mean ± SD] versus 77% ± 26% [mean ± SD]; p < 0.0001). Macular oedema or proliferative diabetic retinopathy was found in 60% (13/22) of the study group when entering the screening programme, compared to 7% (3/44) in the control group. Blood pressure (except diastolic BP among type 1 diabetes mellitus), blood glucose and cholesterol levels were identical. The prevalence of blindness and low vision amongst diabetes patients in Iceland is about 0.5%. Conclusions:  There was a significant relationship between screening compliance and visual outcome in diabetes patients in our screening programme.
Differential diagnosis of anterior chamber cysts with ultrasound biomicroscopy: ciliary body medulloepithelioma
Authors: Zhou Min , Xu Gezhi , Bojanowski Christine M. , Song Yuelian , Chen Rongjia , Sun Xinhuai , Wang Weiji , Chan Chi‐Chao 
Published: September 2005

Abstract.Purpose:  To describe a case with motile cyst in the anterior chamber in the right eye of a 7‐year‐old boy. Methods:  The right eye's visual acuity was 20/50. Intraocular pressure was 59 mmHg. Slit‐lamp examination showed prominent rubeosis iridis and a grey‐white mass floating freely in the anterior chamber. Ultrasound biomicroscopy revealed a cystic mass in the anterior chamber. A diagnostic cyclectomy with removal of the anterior chamber cyst was performed. Histopathology of the anterior chamber lesion showed an intact cyst composed of medullary epithelial cells. Medulloepithelioma with malignant criteria was diagnosed and the eye was enucleated. Results:  Pathology demonstrated an medulloepithelioma with a few mitotic figures and nuclear pleomorphisms within the ciliary body. The patient was followed for 8 months without any metastasis in the orbit or elsewhere. Conclusion:  Intraocular medulloepithelioma is a rare embryonic benign or malignant neoplasm typically diagnosed in the first decade of life as a ciliary body mass. A dislodged, free‐floating anterior chamber cyst associated with neovascular glaucoma is typical of medulloepithelioma in children. This unique presentation should be differentiated from congenital iris epithelial, post‐traumatic, epithelial, parasitic and neoplastic cysts. Ultrasound biomicroscopy is useful for analysing the structure of the anterior segment mass. Ciliary body medulloepithelioma is characterized by echogenic mass heterogeneity and an irregular surface containing multiple cystic cavities. Lack of glial differentiation may predict a better clinical outcome in primary neuroectodermal brain tumours.
Caruncular lesions in Denmark 1978–2002: a histopathological study with correlation to clinical referral diagnosis
Authors: Østergaard Jens , Prause Jan Ulrik , Heegaard Steffen 
Published: September 2005

Abstract.Purpose:  To carry out a retrospective clinicopathological evaluation of caruncular lesions. Methods:  Data were collected from all surgically removed and histopathologically evaluated caruncular lesions registered by Danish pathology departments during the 25‐year period 1978–2002. Results:  A total of 574 caruncular lesions were identified. The number of caruncular lesions increased significantly during the 25‐year period. This was due to an increase in the number of benign lesions, whereas the number of premalignant and malignant lesions remained constant. A total of 550 (96%) of the lesions were benign. Naevus (n = 248, 43%) and papilloma (n = 131, 23%) were the most common neoplasms. Premalignant lesions (n = 10, 1.7%) were dominated by primary acquired melanosis (PAM) with atypia and epithelial dysplasia. Malignant lesions constituted a total of 14 neoplasms (2.4%), with basal cell carcinoma (n = 4, 0.7%) and lymphoma (n = 4, 0.7%) being the most frequent. The preoperative clinical diagnosis was correct in 286 (50%) of cases. Conclusion:  Caruncular lesions are predominately benign but the lesions are rare and diverse, making clinical diagnosis difficult. Referral of excised lesions for pathological examination is recommended.