bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diet Improvements in Community-Dwelling Older Adults in the Mobility and Vitality Lifestyle Program
Authors: Cheng Jessica , Burke Lora E. , Venditti Elizabeth M. , Sereika Susan M. , Glynn Nancy W. , Albert Steven M. , Newman Anne B. 
Published: February 2022

This analysis examined whether a community-based intervention produced measurable improvements in dietary habits. MOVE UP combined translational, evidence-based weight management and healthy aging interventions using a non-randomized design. This 13-month intervention included 32 group sessions, explicit calorie and physical activity goals, self-monitoring, and nutrition education. Participants were ( N = 297) older adults (mean = 68.0 years) with overweight and obesity. Diet was measured using Rate Your Plate (RYP)-Heart. Changes in scores from baseline to 5, 9, and 13 months were assessed using mixed models. MOVE UP successfully shifted eating patterns from baseline (mean = 50.9) to 5 months (mean = 55.1) ( p < .0001) adjusted for age, sex, and race. Improvements persisted through 9 (mean = 54.7) and 13 months (mean = 55.0) ( p < .0001). Although participants were not prescribed a specific diet, RYP-Heart indicated positive dietary shifts. Community-implemented behavioral weight loss interventions may assess the modifiability of dietary habits with a simple, easy-to-administer tool.
Cytomorphological Analysis and Interpretation of Nitric Oxide-Mediated Neurotoxicity in Sleep-Deprived Mice Model
Authors: Chittora Reena , Jain Ayushi , Shukla Sunil Dutt , Bhatnagar Maheep 
Published: February 2022

Background: Sleep deprivation (SD) is a biological stress condition for the brain, and the pathogenesis of SD is closely related to elevated oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, a major cause of neurodegeneration. This oxidative stress-mediated cell death is attributed to rise in calcium ion influx which further excites or alters the neurotransmitters level by activating neuronal nitric oxide (NO) synthase (nNOS) release of NO in mouse SD model. This study indicates that the nitrergic neurons are possible therapeutic targets for the amelioration of SD-induced cognitive dysfunction and behavioral alterations. Purpose: SD is considered as a risk factor for various neurodegenerative diseases. SD leads to biochemical, behavioral, and neurochemical alterations in animals. This study was designed to explore the possible involvement of a nitrergic neuron system in six days SD-induced morphological and neurodegenerative changes in mice. Methods: Using nNOS immunohistochemistry, we have investigated the effects of SD on nNOS positive neurons. Immunohistochemical study for the distribution of nNOS positive neuronal cell bodies was carried out in the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex (PFC), and amygdaloid nuclei of mice brain. Results: Sleep-deprived animals showed a significantly increased number of nNOS positive neurons and altered neuronal cytomorphology as compared with the control group. Conclusion: These results indicate that total SD may induce morphological changes in nNOS positive neurons in the brain, thus increasing NO synthesis, which is implicated in SD-induced neuronal cell death.
Effects of Prolonged Intermittent Fasting Model on Energy Metabolism and Mitochondrial Functions in Neurons
Authors: Pak Meltem , Bozkurt Süleyman , Pınarbaşı Arzu , Öz Arslan Devrim , Aksungar Fehime Benli 
Published: February 2022

Background: Calorie restriction (CR) during daily nutrition has been shown to affect the prognosis of many chronic diseases such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and aging. As an alternative nutrition model, prolonged intermittent fasting (PF) in humans is defined by the absence of food for more than 12 h. In our previous human studies, CR and PF models were compared and it was concluded that the two models might have differences in signal transduction mechanisms. We have investigated the effects of these models on neurons at the molecular level in this study. Methods: Neurons (SH-SY5Y) were incubated with normal medium (N), calorie-restricted medium (CR), fasting medium (PF), and glucose-free medium (G0) for 16 h. Simultaneously, ketone (beta-hydroxybutyrate; bOHB) was added to other experiment flasks containing the same media. Concentrations of lactate, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), bOHB, and glucose were measured to demonstrate the changes in the energy metabolism together with the mitochondrial functions of cells. Citrate synthase activity and flow cytometric mitochondrial functions were investigated. Results: At the end of incubations, lactate and LDH levels were decreased and mitochondrial activity was increased in all ketone-added groups (P < .01) regardless of the glucose concentration in the environment. In the fasting model, these differences were more prominent. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that neurons use ketones regardless of the amount of glucose, and bOHB-treated cells had positive changes in mitochondrial function. We conclude that the presence of bOHB might reverse neuron damage and that exogenous ketone treatment may be beneficial in the treatment of neurological diseases in the future.
Alexithymic and autistic traits in children and adolescents: A systematic review of the current state of knowledge
Authors: Vaiouli Potheini , Luminet Olivier , Panayiotou Georgia 
Published: February 2022

Research evidence suggests that heterogeneity in emotion processing difficulties in autistic individuals may reflect co-occurring alexithymia. Elevated levels of alexithymia is a robust finding in the adult autistic population but there is a relative poverty regarding the corresponding research in younger populations. The aim of this review is to investigate associations between autism and alexithymia in children and adolescents, so that we can better understand the nature and impact of alexithymia in autistic individuals early on in their lives. Online scientific databases were systematically reviewed for studies on autistic children and adolescents and co-occurring alexithymia. A total of eight studies were identified. Evidence indicated that alexithymia prevalence in autistic individuals is higher compared to their typically developing peers and is closely related to the emotional and social deficits involved in autism but not to the associated cognitive deficits. Main concerns associated with these results are related to the alexithymia assessment measures implemented in each study, their limitations, and potential effects on the validity of findings. This review sheds light on the topic of alexithymia in children and adolescents and underscores the difficulties in conducting this research, while providing insights for research with autistic children and adolescents. Lay abstract In this study, we aim to explore the ability of autistic children to process emotions and respond to a range of feelings in relation to a triad of difficulties known as alexithymia, namely children’s difficulties to recognize, describe, and distinguish emotions. Alexithymia is common in autistic adults but we know very little about children. To understand this condition better, within a large group of studies, first we study the extent to which alexithymia difficulties are present in autistic children. In reviewing the literature, we also present the assessment measures implemented in each study, their limitations, and potential effects on our understanding of findings. This knowledge will help us understand the extent to which alexithymia is present in autistic children and how it may be related to their emotional difficulties. Also, it will allow us to further detect challenges early on in children’s lives so that we recommend interventions that teach autistic children how to recognize, describe, and distinguish emotions in themselves and in others. Such interventions may include family members of autistic children to assist interactions with their child. Supporting children from an early age will help them develop skills that will ready them for school and life and it will enhance their ability to build supportive relationships and meet their fullest potential.
Anatomical shoulder replacements in young patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Davies A , Lloyd T , Sabharwal S , Liddle AD , Reilly P 
Published: February 2022

Introduction Increasing numbers of young patients receive shoulder replacements. Greater information on outcomes is needed to inform implant choice. The aim of this study was to investigate the survivorship and clinical effectiveness of hemiarthroplasty and anatomical total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) in patients younger than 65 years. Method A systematic review was performed of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and National Joint Registry reports. The primary outcomes were implant survival and change in perioperative shoulder scores. Results Meta-analysis of implant survivorship was performed of six studies reporting on 416 patients. Implant survival was 86.1% (72.1,100) at 10 years for hemiarthroplasty and 82.3% (64.6,100) for TSA. 20 year survival was 80.0% for hemiarthroplasty (72.5,87.4) and 75.0% (56.9,93.1) for TSA. Ten studies were included in the meta-analysis of shoulder scores, multiple instruments were used. The standardised mean difference between pre-operative and post-operative shoulder scores was 2.15 (1.95, 2.35) for TSA at 4.2–4.9 years, and 2.72 (1.98,3.47) for hemiarthroplasty at 3.8–6 years. Conclusion Over 80% of shoulder replacements last more than 10 years, and 75% last more than 20 years. Significant improvements in shoulder scores are shown at all time points.
A mobile app for home-based exercise in spinal cord injured persons: Proposal and pilot study
Authors: Bizzarini Emiliana , Chittaro Luca , Frezza Mauro , Polo Marika , Malisan Cristina , Menosso Rachele , Zampa Agostino 
Published: February 2022

Background and Objective To preserve cardiovascular health in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI), it is important to promote physical activity programs adapted to them. Home-based exercise programs allow patients to perform clinician-prescribed physical activity without going to a hospital. However, they make it difficult for the clinician to guide and monitor the patient. To face this issue, this paper proposes a novel smartphone-based mobile application (Fisiofriend), and evaluates its feasibility with a pilot study in a real clinical intervention. Methods Fourteen SCI male subjects were involved in a 6-weeks home-based intervention, based on upper limbs exercises: 7 subjects (APP group) used Fisiofriend, and 7 subjects used traditional pictorial instructions on paper (PAPER group). At the beginning (t1) and end (t2) of the study period, we measured: (i) biceps and triceps brachii strength and endurance parameters with an isokinetic dynamometer (Biodex System 4), (ii) O2 maximal consumption with a crank ergometer stress test (VO2000, Medgraphics). Moreover, we collected subjective data about subjects’ perception of the support (app or paper) in the home-based program. Results Physiological results were encouraging for both groups. Questionnaire data suggests a possible advantage of the app in terms of pleasantness, engagement and perception of positive effects. Practical clinical experience with the subjects and their informal reports highlighted which features of the app could be of particular benefit in real interventions, as we discuss in the paper. Conclusions The study showed the feasibility of using a mobile app in home-based exercise programs involving SCI patients. We discuss implications of introducing such kind of apps into clinical practice.
Retirement Center Worker Sleep Health Assessment During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Hittle Beverly M. , Norrell Ruth M. , Omololu Shammah O. , Gresham-Ulrich Megan 
Published: February 2022

Background: Sleep health disturbances can increase risks for workplace injury, error, and poor worker health. Essential workers have reported sleep disturbances since the COVID-19 pandemic onset, which may jeopardize their health and safety. The aims of this project were to assess sleep health among Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) workers, examine potential differences between worker types, and describe the self-perceived impact of COVID-19 on workers’ workload and sleep. Methods: Through an academic–practice partnership, this needs assessment used a cross-sectional design that collected self-report data during fall 2020 from CCRC workers. Guided by the Workplace Health Model, survey questions included work characteristics, sleep health, and COVID-19 impact on sleep and workload. Findings: Ninety-four respondents completed the survey across multiple departments. Respondents ( n = 34, 36.2%) reported sleeping below recommended hours on workdays. The majority scored above the population mean on Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement (PROMIS) measures of sleep disturbance ( n = 52, 55.3%), sleep-related impairment ( n = 49, 52.1%), and fatigue ( n = 49, 52.1%). Differences in workday total sleep time and fatigue were noted among shift workers versus nonshift workers, with shift workers reporting less sleep and more fatigue. Shorter sleep duration was noted among respondents working shifts 10 or more hours compared with those working 8 hours. Pandemic-related workload increase was reported by 22.3% ( n = 21) of respondents, with 17% ( n = 16) noting more than one type of workload change. Since COVID-19 onset, 36.2% ( n = 34) reported no sleep changes and 35.1% ( n = 33) reported sleeping less. A medium, positive relationship was found between increased changes in work due to COVID-19 and increased difficulties sleeping ( r = .41, n = 73, p = .000). Conclusion/Application to Practice: Proper sleep health is essential to workplace safety and worker health. By assessing sleep health during a crisis, occupational health nurses can identify opportunities to support worker health and safety, through sleep education, monitoring for sleepiness and fatigue, ensuring countermeasures are available (e.g., caffeine), and assessing for opportunities to change organizational policies.
Using Occupational Histories to Assess Heat Exposure in Undocumented Workers Receiving Emergent Renal Dialysis in Georgia
Authors: Smith Daniel J. , Mac Valerie , Thompson Lisa M. , Plantinga Laura , Kasper Lauren , Hertzberg Vicki S. 
Published: February 2022

Background: Immigrants often work in jobs that are known as dirty, demanding, and dangerous. Globally, the agricultural occupations have been associated with the emergence of chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) primarily in outdoor worker populations. The disease has also been reported in immigrants in the United States who work in agricultural occupations, but little research has been done outside of agricultural workers to determine whether immigrants who work other occupations are at risk for developing CKDu. Methods: This study assessed the self-reported occupational histories of undocumented immigrants receiving frequent, emergent-only dialysis in Atlanta, GA. We assessed demographics, employment status, and work history, using the Grady Dialysis Questionnaire and the Occupational/Environmental Health History Form. Results: Fifty undocumented immigrants receiving frequent, emergent-only hemodialysis were recruited for this study. The average age was 49.5 years ( SD ± 11.5), and the majority (52%) were female and originated from Mexico (66%). A majority (74%) reported having worked in the past 5 years and 28% reported currently working. A total of 68 unique jobs were reported. In decreasing order of frequency, our sample worked in occupations with documented renal toxicant exposures, such as applying pesticides in landscaping, heat exposure in agriculture, construction, landscaping, and dry cleaning, and lead paint fumes in construction. Discussion: Occupational histories provide a greater understanding of the exposures and working conditions of those receiving frequent, emergent-only hemodialysis. This exploratory study suggests that further research is needed to investigate and assess whether renal toxicants are associated with occupations with high numbers of undocumented workers. Application to Practice: A detailed and thorough occupational history should be conducted from those receiving frequent, emergent-only hemodialysis. Developing continuing education for nursing and medical staff in dialysis centers on taking an occupational history, mandatory State reporting requirements, and hazard communication training for workers should be considered. Collaborations between occupational health professionals, public health authorities, employers, dialysis providers, and clinicians who see undocumented workers is required to understand and develop appropriate prevention measures for this population.
Interstitial lung abnormalities are associated with decreased mean telomere length
Authors: Putman Rachel K. , Axelsson Gisli Thor , Ash Samuel Y. , Sanders Jason L. , Menon Aravind A. , Araki Tetsuro , Nishino Mizuki , Yanagawa Masahiro , Gudmundsson Elías F. , Qiao Dandi , San José Estépar Raúl , Dupuis Josée , O'Connor George T. , Rosas Ivan O. , Washko George R. , El-Chemaly Souheil , Raby Benjamin A. , Gudnason Vilmundur , DeMeo Dawn L. , Silverman Edwin K. , Hatabu Hiroto , De Vivo Immaculata , Cho Michael H. , Gudmundsson Gunnar , Hunninghake Gary M. 
Published: February 2022

BackgroundInterstitial lung abnormalities (ILA) share many features with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis; however, it is not known if ILA are associated with decreased mean telomere length (MTL).MethodsTelomere length was measured with quantitative PCR in the Genetic Epidemiology of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPDGene) and Age Gene/Environment Susceptibility Reykjavik (AGES-Reykjavik) cohorts and Southern blot analysis was used in the Framingham Heart Study (FHS). Logistic and linear regression were used to assess the association between ILA and MTL; Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the association between MTL and mortality.ResultsIn all three cohorts, ILA were associated with decreased MTL. In the COPDGene and AGES-Reykjavik cohorts, after adjustment there was greater than twofold increase in the odds of ILA when comparing the shortest quartile of telomere length to the longest quartile (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.5–3.4, p=0.0001, and OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.4–4.9, p=0.003, respectively). In the FHS, those with ILA had shorter telomeres than those without ILA (−767 bp, 95% CI 76–1584 bp, p=0.03). Although decreased MTL was associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1–1.6, p=0.01) in COPDGene, the effect estimate was less than that noted with ILA. There was no consistent association between MTL and risk of death when comparing the shortest quartile of telomere length in COPDGene and AGES-Reykjavik (HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.4–1.7, p=0.6, and HR 1.2, 95% CI 0.6–2.2, p=0.5, respectively).ConclusionILA are associated with decreased MTL.
Vascular remodelling in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients and its detrimental effect on lung physiology: potential role of endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition
Authors: Gaikwad Archana Vijay , Lu Wenying , Dey Surajit , Bhattarai Prem , Chia Collin , Larby Josie , Haug Greg , Myers Stephen , Jaffar Jade , Westall Glen , Singhera Gurpreet Kaur , Hackett Tillie-Louise , Markos James , Eapen Mathew Suji , Sohal Sukhwinder Singh 
Published: February 2022

BackgroundIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive, irreversible fibrotic interstitial lung disease. We performed size-based quantitation of pulmonary arterial remodelling in IPF and examined the role of endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) and effects on lung physiology.MethodsResected lung tissues from 11 normal controls (NCs), and 13 IPF patients were differentially stained using the Movat Pentachrome technique. Size-based classification for pulmonary arteries was conducted in NC and IPF tissues. For each pulmonary artery, arterial size, luminal diameter, thickness of the intima, media and adventitia, and elastin deposition were quantified using Image ProPlus7.0 software. In addition, immunohistochemical staining was performed for EndMT markers and collagen.ResultsLarge and medium-size arterial numbers were significantly reduced in IPF compared to NCs (p<0.0001). Intima thickness was highest in the arterial range of 200–399 μm and 600–1000 μm (p<0.0001), while medial and adventitial thickness was significant across 200–1000 μm (p<0.05) compared to NC. Medial thickness was found to significantly affect the diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO) (r=−0.8, p=0.01). Total arterial elastin in IPF was higher across all arterial ranges except 100–199 μm in IPF than in NC, with the greatest differences in 200–399 μm (p<0.001) and 600–1000 μm (p<0.001). Total elastin also negatively correlated withDLCO(r’=−0.63, p=0.04) in IPF. An increase in EndMT markers and collagen type I/ IV was observed.ConclusionsThis is the first study demonstrating size-based differences in pulmonary arteries in IPF and its detrimental effect on lung physiology. The process of EndMT might be central to these vascular remodelling changes and could be a potential novel therapeutic target.
The impact of personal and outdoor temperature exposure during cold and warm seasons on lung function and respiratory symptoms in COPD
Authors: Scheerens Charlotte , Nurhussien Lina , Aglan Amro , Synn Andrew J. , Coull Brent A. , Koutrakis Petros , Rice Mary B. 
Published: February 2022

RationaleChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients often report aggravated symptoms due to heat and cold, but few studies have formally evaluated this.MethodologyWe followed 30 Boston-based former smokers with COPD for four non-consecutive 30-day periods over 12 months. Personal and outdoor temperature exposure were measured using portable and Boston-area outdoor stationary monitors. Participants recorded daily morning lung function measurements as well as any worsening breathing (breathlessness, chest tightness, wheeze) and bronchitis symptoms (cough, sputum colour and amount) compared to baseline. Using linear and generalised linear mixed-effects models, we assessed associations between personal and outdoor temperature exposure (1–3-day moving averages) and lung function and symptoms, adjusting for humidity, smoking pack-years and demographics. We also stratified by warm and cold season.ResultsParticipants were on average 71.1±8.4 years old, with 54.4±30.7 pack-years of smoking. Each 5°C increase in personal temperature exposure was associated with 1.85 (95% CI 0.99–3.48) higher odds of worsening breathing symptoms. In the warm season, each 5°C increase in personal and outdoor temperature exposure was associated with 3.20 (95% CI 1.05–9.72) and 2.22 (95% CI 1.41–3.48) higher odds of worsening breathing symptoms, respectively. Each 5°C decrease in outdoor temperature was associated with 1.25 (95% CI 1.04–1.51) higher odds of worsening bronchitis symptoms. There were no associations between temperature and lung function.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that higher temperature, including outdoor exposure during the warm season and personal temperature exposure year-round, may worsen dyspnoea, while colder outdoor temperature may trigger cough and phlegm symptoms among COPD patients.