bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
LITURGICALLY TRAINED MEMORY: A READING OF SUMMA THEOLOGIAE III.83
Authors: CANDLER PETER M. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractDrawing on Ciceronian rhetorical tropes, Thomas Aquinas treats the rite of the Eucharist in terms of the classical ars memoriae. The Eucharist, for Aquinas, is the schooling in desire whereby we are trained to order the associations of our memory to their proper objects in terms of their relations to God. He thus conceives of the liturgy of the Mass as rhetoric proper, which truly teaches, moves and delights. Since memory is the condition of all thought, as both Thomas and Augustine claim, the Eucharist is the “site” of all theological production, and therefore the liturgy is the art of memory of which all other similar arts are derivative.
Cryptic trysts, genomic mergers, and plant speciation
Authors: Cronn Richard , Wendel Jonathan F. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryIt has long been recognized that interspecific hybridization is common in plants, enhancing processes of diversification and speciation. With the widespread utilization of molecular tools, interspecific hybridization – as revealed through incongruence among two or more phylogenetic data sets – is now inferred to be even more prevalent than indicated by morphological and cytogenetic evidence. UsingGossypiumas an example, we show how multiple molecular markers have implicated a high frequency of historical hybridization between lineages whose modern descendants are strongly isolated by geography and intrinsic genetic barriers. For example, transoceanic dispersal of propagules from Africa to the New World led to the creation of a novel allotetraploid lineage, as well as the introgression of African repetitive elements into a Mexican diploid species. By mechanisms that remain obscure, fully one‐quarter of modernGossypiumspecies appear to have experienced historical interspecific cytoplasmic and possibly nuclear introgression. These remarkable observations of interspecific genetic exchange emerge from a genus for which such contact would appear improbable, implying that historical hybridization is a more creative force than suspected in angiosperm evolution.
Intramolecular, compound‐specific, and bulk carbon isotope patterns in C3 and C4 plants: a review and synthesis
Authors: A. Hobbie Erik , Werner Roland A. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryStudies using carbon isotope differences between C3 and C4 photosynthesis to calculate terrestrial productivity or soil carbon turnover assume that intramolecular isotopic patterns and isotopic shifts between specific plant components are similar in C3 and C4 plants. To test these assumptions, we calculated isotopic differences in studies measuring components from C3 or C4 photosynthesis. Relative to source sugars in fermentation, C3‐derived ethanol had less 13C and C3‐derived CO2 had more 13C than C4‐derived ethanol and CO2. Both results agreed with intramolecular isotopic signatures in C3 and C4 glucose. Isotopic shifts between plant compounds (e.g. lignin and cellulose) or tissues (e.g. leaves and roots) also differed in C3 and C4 plants. Woody C3 plants allocated more carbon to 13C‐depleted compounds such as lignin or lipids than herbaceous C3 or C4 plants. This allocation influenced 13C patterns among compounds and tissues. Photorespiration and isotopic fractionation at metabolic branch points, coupled to different allocation patterns during metabolism for C3 vs C4 plants, probably influence position‐specific and compound‐specific isotopic differences. Differing 13C content of mobile and immobile compounds (e.g. sugars vs lignin) may then create isotopic differences among plant pools and along transport pathways. We conclude that a few basic mechanisms can explain intramolecular, compound‐specific and bulk isotopic differences between C3 and C4 plants. Understanding these mechanisms will improve our ability to link bulk and compound‐specific isotopic patterns to metabolic pathways in C3 and C4 plants.

Contents

Summary
371

I.
Introduction
372

II.
Methods and terminology
373

III.
Results
373

IV.
Discussion
376

V.
Conclusions
382

Acknowledgements
382

References
382
Direct referral of posterior capsular opacification by optometrists
Authors: Menon G. Jayakrishna , Faridi Usama A. , Gray Roger H. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractPurpose:  To study referrals of posterior capsular opacification (PCO) for laser capsulotomy by optometrists and compare direct referral with that via the general practitioner (GP).Methods:  A prospective analysis of optometrist referrals with regard to diagnostic accuracy, appropriateness of referral, quality of letters and patient waiting times.Results:  Of 222 referrals, 156 were direct and 66 via the GP. Forty‐five (20.3%) letters were of good quality, 141 (63.5%) were average and 36 (16.2%) were poor. Waiting times for direct referrals ranged from 2 to 30 weeks (mean 8.3 weeks, S.D. 4.1); that for referrals via the GP ranged from 4 to 25 weeks (mean 10.3 weeks, S.D. 3.6). Directly referred patients thus waited 2 weeks shorter than patients referred via GPs (95% confidence interval 0.7–3.1, p = 0.002). Diagnostic concurrence was 99% (211/213 patients). The rate of laser capsulotomy was 98.2% (215/219); 103 (46.4%) letters utilised a referral form (GOS18); 146 (65.8%) discussed subjective visual problems and five (2.3%) incorporated patient consent for provision of feedback to the referring optometrist.Conclusion:  Direct optometrist referral is effective, accurate and reduces patient waiting time and GP workload. Referral letters should be typed or printed to optimise legibility. Patient consent for feedback should be obtained by the referring optometrist.
Peripheral light focusing as a potential mechanism for phakic dysphotopsia and lens phototoxicity
Authors: Kwok L. Stephen , Daszynski Damian C. , Kuznetsov Valerian A. , Pham Therese , Ho Arthur , Coroneo Minas T. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractOur aim was to examine secondary image formation in the anterior segment caused by peripheral light focusing (PLF) in the human cornea, and in particular the crystalline lens. Non‐sequential ray‐tracing (OptiCAD) was applied to an anatomically based human eye model, which incorporates a gradient index crystalline lens. For analysis of the limbal effect, we varied the incident angle from 100 to 122°, while for the crystalline lens effect, the incident angle was varied from 60 to 90°. The corneal shapes studied included central radii from 7.4 to 8.2 mm with a range of shape factors. In each case, we computed the peak and average intensities, and the area of exposure at the limbus or lens periphery. The computation was repeated with a previous model eye for comparison. For the limbal effect, a peak intensity gain of ×22.5 was found at an incident angle of 104° which compares well with previous results. The average intensity gain at this angle was ×7.5 over an area of 0.23 mm2. Steeper corneal curvature produced a greater PLF effect. For the crystalline lens effect, maximum UVA (365 nm) intensity gain peaked at ×8.6 at 84° with average intensity gain of ×2.3. The area of UVA exposure peaked at 4.7 mm2 at 70°. A relatively wide range (30°) of incident angles produced peak PLF gains of ×3 or more in the lens. Significant focusing of light is directed to the nasal limbus, and to a lesser extent to the crystalline lens over a broad range of incident angles. PLF in the nasal cornea is reduced by an order of magnitude when a UV‐blocking soft contact lens is used. The concentration levels and intraocular sites of PLF action on UV and visible light suggest a new mechanism of phakic dysphotopsia and lens phototoxicity.
The Relationship Between a Dementia Diagnosis, Chronic Illness, Medicare Expenditures, and Hospital Use
Authors: Bynum Julie P. W. , Rabins Peter V. , Weller Wendy , Niefeld Marlene , Anderson Gerard F. , Wu Albert W. 
Published: December 2004

Objectives: To determine whether dementia increases medical expenditures, the probability of hospitalization, and potentially preventable hospitalization, controlling for variables including age and comorbidity.Design: Cross‐sectional analysis of 1 year of claims data comparing usage by patients with claims for dementia with usage by those without dementia.Setting: A nationally representative 5% random sample of Medicare beneficiaries in 1999.Participants: Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older with fee‐for‐service Medicare Parts A and B coverage for 1999 (N=1,238,895; dementia patients n=103,512).Measurements: Per capita expenditures, rate of all‐cause hospitalization, rate of preventable hospitalization as defined using ambulatory‐care sensitive condition (ACSC) admissions, and dementia identified using International Classification of Diseases, 9th Edition, codes 290, 294, and 331.Results: Prevalence of dementia was 8.3%. In a model of expenditures in those who survived the year adjusting for age, sex, race, and comorbidity, dementia was associated with an incremental cost of $6,927, or 3.3 times greater total expenditures than in nondementia patients (P<.001), with higher expenditures for each specific type of Medicare service. Hospitalization accounted for 54% of adjusted costs. The adjusted odds of hospitalization associated with dementia were 3.68 (95% confidence interval (CI)=3.62–3.73) and adjusted odds of ACSC hospitalization were 2.40 (95% CI=2.35–2.46). In those who died, the associations were positive but of smaller magnitude.Conclusion: In a nationally representative sample, higher Medicare expenditures associated with a diagnosis of dementia are in large part due to increased hospitalization. Further study is needed into the factors associated with high rates of hospitalization in dementia patients including aspects of ambulatory management that may be improved. J Am Geriatr Soc 52:187–194, 2004.
Low Well‐Being Is an Independent Predictor for Stroke in Elderly Patients with Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Araki Atsushi , Murotani Yukari , Kamimiya Fumi , Ito Hideki 
Published: December 2004

Objectives: To examine whether psychological factors are risk factors for the development of stroke in elderly diabetic patients.Design: Prospective cohort study.Setting: Outpatient clinic.Participants: Three hundred seventy‐six diabetic outpatients free of stroke; mean age 75.Methods:Well‐being and diabetes‐specific burden were assessed at baseline using the Philadelphia Geriatric Center morale scale and the Elderly Diabetes Burden Scale (EDBS), respectively. Symptomatic stroke was defined as a focal neurological deficit with rapid onset that persists for more than 24 hours, supported by brain computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.Results: During the 3‐year follow‐up period, 25 symptomatic strokes (24 ischemic strokes and 1 cerebral hemorrhage) occurred. Low scores on the morale scale (≤7) were significant predictors for stroke after adjustment for age; sex; body mass index; hemoglobin A1c level; systolic blood pressure; serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol; smoking; and previous ischemic heart disease (IHD) (hazard ratio (HR)=3.0, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.2–7.3, P=.017). The relationship between low morale scores and future stroke remained significant after adjusting for socioeconomic factors and microalbuminuria. Increased symptom burden and social burden, but not dietary restrictions, worry about diabetes mellitus (DM), treatment satisfaction, and burden by tablets or insulin of EDBS, were also significant predictors for stroke after adjustment for age, sex, duration of DM, previous IHD, and microalbuminuria (HR=2.6, 95% CI=1.1–6.5, P=.039).Conclusion: Low well‐being and symptom burden were predictors of stroke in elderly patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), although the causal relationship remains unknown.
Muscle Strength After Resistance Training Is Inversely Correlated with Baseline Levels of Soluble Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptors in the Oldest Old
Authors: Bruunsgaard Helle , Bjerregaard Eva , Schroll Marianne , Pedersen Bente Klarlund 
Published: December 2004

Objectives:  To test the hypothesis that physical exercise induces an antiinflammatory response that is associated with reduced chronic activation of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐alpha system in frail elders and that the increase in muscle strength after resistance training is limited by systemic low‐grade inflammation.Design:  A 12‐week controlled resistance‐training study.Setting:  Nursing homes in Copenhagen, Denmark.Participants:  Twenty‐one frail nursing home residents aged 86 to 95 completed the study.Intervention:  Ten participants were randomized to a program of resistance training of knee extensors and flexors three times a week for 12 weeks; the remaining 11 participants served as a control group who joined social activities supervised by an occupation therapist.Measurements:  Muscle strength, plasma levels of TNF‐α, soluble TNF receptor (sTNFR)‐1, and interleukin (IL)‐6 were measured before and at the end of the intervention period.Results:  The training program improved muscle strength but did not affect plasma levels of TNF‐α and sTNFR‐I or IL‐6. However, plasma levels of sTNFR‐I at baseline were inversely correlated with the increase in muscle strength.Conclusion:  Low‐grade activation of the TNF system could limit the increase in muscle strength after resistance training in the oldest old. Furthermore, data suggest that theantiinflammatory response induced by 12 weeks of resistance training is not sufficient to reduce chronic activation of the TNF system, but the small sample size limited this interpretation.
Subcortical Vascular Lesions Predict Functional Recovery After Rehabilitation in Patients with L‐Dopa Refractory Parkinsonism
Authors: Guerini Fabio , Frisoni Giovanni B. , Bellwald Catherine , Psy Roberta Rossi , Bellelli Giuseppe , Trabucchi Marco 
Published: December 2004

Objectives: To identify predictors of functional recovery after an intensive rehabilitation training in patients with gait disturbances and refractory parkinsonism.Design: Observational study.Setting: A hospital geriatric rehabilitation department (“Ancelle della Carità” hospital of Cremona).Participants: Thirty‐eight subjects (mean age±standard deviation of 78.9±6.5; 66% women) with gait disturbances and L‐dopa refractory parkinsonism consecutively admitted to a rehabilitation unit within 6 months were recruited. Exclusion criteria were obvious musculoskeletal disorders (severe leg arthritis, hemiparesis, recent stroke), recent surgery, delirium, physical impairment from other identifiable causes, and missing computed tomography (CT) scan. All subjects received an intensive standardized rehabilitative program including conventional physical therapy and specific gait training.Measurements: The outcome measure of the rehabilitation training was the gain between admission and discharge on the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (delta‐UPDRS). The following potential predictors were assessed using comprehensive geriatric assessment: physical health (Charlson Comorbidity Index, number of drugs), cognitive performance (Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE)), functional status (Tinetti scale), depressive symptoms (Geriatric Depression Scale), nutritional status (serum albumin and body mass index), and subcortical cerebrovascular load (four classes of increasing severity based on diffuse leukoariosis, patchy lesions of the white matter, and lacunas on CT scan). Multivariate logistic regression with fixed adjustment for age, cognitive performance, and UPDRS on admission and stepwise selection of variables were used to identify independent predictors.Results: Patients were divided into two groups of equal size based on the delta‐UPDRS (high and low functional recovery: delta‐UPDRS >8 and ≤8, respectively). Of all variables, only subcortical cerebrovascular load predicted functional recovery at discharge (odds ratio adjusted for age, MMSE, and UPDRS on admission=2.3, 95% confidence interval=1.0–5.1). The adjusted proportion of patients with high functional recovery decreased with increasing subcortical cerebrovascular load: 83%, 61%, 44%, and 27% (adjusted P for trend=0.047).Conclusion: Subcortical cerebrovascular load is a predicting factor of successful rehabilitation in patients with L‐dopa refractory parkinsonism.
Home Hospitalization Service for Acute Uncomplicated First Ischemic Stroke in Elderly Patients: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Ricauda Nicoletta Aimonino , Bo Mario , Molaschi Mario , Massaia Massimiliano , Salerno Dominga , Amati Dario , Tibaldi Vittoria , Fabris Fabrizio 
Published: December 2004

Objectives: To evaluate whether home treatment of elderly patients with acute uncomplicated first ischemic stroke is associated with different mortality rates and clinical outcomes from those of patients treated on a general medical ward (GMW).Design: Randomized, controlled, single‐blind trial.Setting: S. Giovanni Battista Hospital of Turin.Participants: One hundred twenty elderly patients admitted to the emergency department of the hospital with first acute ischemic stroke were randomized to home treatment from a geriatric home hospitalization service (GHHS) or to GMW treatment.Measurement: Main outcome was cumulative survival at 6 months in the two groups. Residual functional impairment, neurological deficit, depression, morbidity, and admission to rehabilitation and long‐term care facilities were considered as secondary outcomes in survivors.Results: One hundred twenty patients (mean age 82; 54 men and 66 women) were enrolled (60 in each study arm). The cumulative proportion of cases surviving at 6 months was 0.65 in the GHHS group and 0.60 in GMW group (log‐rank test P=.53). Functional and neurological parameters were significantly improved in both GHHS and GMW patients, without significant differences between the two groups. Depression score was significantly better in home‐treated patients (P<.001), who were more likely to remain at home at 6 months than hospital‐treated patients and had a lower rate of select medical complications.Conclusion: Home‐treated elderly patients with ischemic stroke have better depressive scores and lower rates of admission to nursing homes. These results should prompt further studies to evaluate home hospitalization for elderly stroke patients.
Declining Executive Control in Normal Aging Predicts Change in Functional Status: The Freedom House Study
Authors: Royall Donald R. , Palmer Raymond , Chiodo Laura K. , Polk Marsha J. 
Published: December 2004

Objectives: To assess the contribution of executive control function (ECF) to functional status.Design: Three‐year longitudinal cohort study.Setting: A comprehensive‐care retirement community.Participants: Five hundred forty‐seven noninstitutionalized septuagenarians.Measurements: The Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Executive Interview (EXIT25). Functional status was assessed using instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). Latent growth curves of MMSE, EXIT25, and IADL were modeled. The rate of change in IADLs (ΔIADL), adjusted for baseline IADLs and cognition, was regressed on the rate of change in each cognitive measure (adjusted for baseline cognition). Models were also adjusted for baseline age, level of care, and comorbid illnesses.Results: Baseline test scores were within normal ranges, but mean EXIT25 scores reached the impaired range by the second follow‐up. There was significant variability around the baseline means and slopes for all variables. The rate of change in EXIT25 was strongly correlated with ΔIADL (r=−0.57, P<.001). This remained significant after adjusting for baseline EXIT25 scores, IADLs, age, comorbid disease, and level of care. The effect of the EXIT25 on ΔIADL was stronger than those of age, baseline IADLs, comorbid disease, or level of care. The rate of change in MMSE scores was not significantly associated with ΔIADL.Conclusion: ECF is a significant and independent correlate of functional status in normal aging. Traditional dementia case finding is likely to underestimate cognition‐related disability. Neither a normal baseline MMSE score nor stable MMSE scores over time preclude functionally significant changes in ECF.
A Randomized, Controlled Trial of Doxycycline and Rifampin for Patients with Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Loeb Mark B. , Molloy D. William , Smieja Marek , Standish Tim , Goldsmith Charles H. , Mahony Jim , Smith Stephanie , Borrie Michael , Decoteau Earl , Davidson Warren , Mcdougall Allan , Gnarpe Judy , O'donnell Martin , Chernesky Max 
Published: December 2004

Objectives: To assess whether doxycycline and rifampin have a therapeutic role in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD).Design: Randomized, triple‐blind, controlled trial.Setting: Three tertiary care and two community geriatric clinics in Canada.Participants: One hundred one patients with probable AD and mild to moderate dementia.Intervention: Oral daily doses of doxycycline 200 mg and rifampin 300 mg for 3 months.Measurements: The primary outcome was a change in Standardized Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale cognitive subscale (SADAScog) at 6 months. Secondary outcomes were changes in the SADAScog at 12 months and tests of dysfunctional behavior, depression, and functional status.Results: There was significantly less decline in the SADAScog score at 6 months in the antibiotic group than in the placebo group, (−2.75 points, 95% confidence interval (CI)=−5.28 to −0.22, P=.034). At 12 months, the difference between groups in the SADAScog was −4.31 points (95% CI=−9.17–0.56, P=.079). The antibiotic group showed significantly less dysfunctional behavior at 3 months. There was no significant difference in adverse events between groups (P=.34). There were no differences in Chlamydia pneumoniae detection using polymerase chain reaction or antibodies (immunoglobulin (Ig)G or IgA) between groups.Conclusion: Therapy with doxycycline and rifampin may have a therapeutic role in patients with mild to moderate AD. The mechanism is unlikely to be due to their effect on C. pneumoniae. More research is needed to investigate these agents.
Aging Does not Affect Beta‐Agonist Responsiveness after Methacholine‐Induced Bronchoconstriction
Authors: Parker Annie Lin 
Published: December 2004

Objectives: To assess the response to an inhaled beta‐agonist alone or in combination with an anticholinergic agent after methacholine‐induced bronchoconstriction in four age groups.Design: Retrospective analysis.Setting: Pulmonary function laboratory in a university‐affiliated hospital.Participants: Seven hundred sixty‐four consecutive subjects with a 20% reduction or more in forced expiratory volume during the first second (FEV1) of exhalation from total lung capacity after inhaling 189 or fewer cumulative units of methacholine were included in the analysis.Intervention: The first 382 subjects received three inhalations of metaproterenol (total of 1.95 mg), and the other 382 subjects received three inhalations of albuterol and ipratropium combination (total of 309 μg of albuterol and 54 μg of ipratropium) after methacholine‐induced bronchoconstriction.Measurements: The response to bronchodilators was assessed as the postbronchodilator percentage change in FEV1 and the percentage of subjects recovering to 90% or better of baseline FEV1 after the use of bronchodilator.Results: The percentage change in FEV1 postbronchodilator in the elderly was similar to that of the younger subjects. The percentage of subjects who recovered to 90% or better of their baseline FEV1 postbronchodilator was also similar in the elderly and younger age groups. Response to metaproterenol was similar to that of the albuterol/ipratropium combination in all age groups (all P>.05).Conclusion: Aging does not affect bronchodilator response to beta‐agonist after methacholine‐induced bronchoconstriction. The responsiveness to beta‐agonist alone is similar to the responsiveness to the combination of beta‐agonist and anticholinergic agent in all age groups.