Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Predicting exercise adherence in cancer patients and survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis of motivational and behavioural factors.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To examine research findings regarding predictors of adherence to exercise programmes in cancer populations. BACKGROUND Cancer patients are advised to participate in daily exercise. Whether they comply with the recommendations for physical activity or not remains unclear. DESIGN A systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS Empirical articles published in English between 1995 and 2011 were searched in electronic databases and in reference lists, using the search terms 'adherence', 'predictors', 'exercise', and 'cancer' in varying combinations. Twelve of 541 screened abstracts met the inclusion criteria. The included studies' eligibility considering predictors of exercise adherence were reviewed. A quality assessment process evaluating the studies methodological quality was performed. Eight of the reviewed studies were considered eligible for a meta-analysis involving Pearson's r correlations. RESULTS Exercise stage of change, derived from the transtheoretical model of behaviour change (TTM) was found to be statistically significant and a strong predictor of exercise adherence. In addition, the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) construct; intention to engage in a health-changing behaviour and perceived behavioural control, demonstrated significant correlations with exercise adherence. CONCLUSIONS The review identified that both the TPB and the TTM frameworks include aspects that predicts exercise adherence in cancer patients, and thus contributes to the understanding of motivational factors of change in exercise behaviour in cancer populations. However, the strengths of predictions were relatively weak. More research is needed to identify predictors of greater importance. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Surveying the patients' readiness and intention to initiate and maintain exercise levels, as well as tailoring exercise programmes to individual needs may be important for nurses in order to help patients meet exercise guidelines and stay active.
Expression of integrin alpha9 subunit and tenascin in oral leukoplakia, lichen planus, and squamous cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES Integrin alpha9 subunit is a member of beta1 integrin family and binds tenascin (TN). It is expressed by stratified squamous epithelium and may be associated with cell differentiation and growth. We studied if the expression of alpha9 integrin and TN is altered in leukoplakia, lichen planus, and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). METHODS Frozen sections of tissue samples obtained from normal human keratinized (16 subjects) and non-keratinized (three subjects) oral mucosa, oral leukopakias with dysplasia (19 subjects), reticular type lichen planus (nine subjects), or oral mucosal SCC (23 subjects) were stained immunohistochemically with antibodies against alpha9 integrin and TN. RESULTS In contrast to its most prominent localization at the cell membranes of the basal epithelial cells in the normal mucosa, alpha9 integrin was localized in a more diffuse pattern with focal loss of expression at the epithelial cell membranes in leukoplakic dysplasia, lichen planus, and SCC. In some areas of SCC, alpha9 integrin localized throughout all cell layers of the tumor epithelium. In most areas, alpha9 integrin colocalized with TN but in heavily inflamed areas there was focal loss of TN and alpha9 integrin at the basement membrane zone. CONCLUSIONS The findings show that alpha9 integrin expression is altered in leukoplakic dysplasia, lichen planus, and SCC.
Characteristics of Fentanyl Overdose — Massachusetts, 2014–2016

Opioid overdose deaths in Massachusetts increased 150% from 2012 to 2015 (1). The proportion of opioid overdose deaths in the state involving fentanyl, a synthetic, short-acting opioid with 50-100 times the potency of morphine, increased from 32% during 2013-2014 to 74% in the first half of 2016 (1-3). In April 2015, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and CDC reported an increase in law enforcement fentanyl seizures in Massachusetts, much of which was believed to be illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF) (4). To guide overdose prevention and response activities, in April 2016, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner collaborated with CDC to investigate the characteristics of fentanyl overdose in three Massachusetts counties with high opioid overdose death rates. In these counties, medical examiner charts of opioid overdose decedents who died during October 1, 2014-March 31, 2015 were reviewed, and during April 2016, interviews were conducted with persons who used illicit opioids and witnessed or experienced an opioid overdose. Approximately two thirds of opioid overdose decedents tested positive for fentanyl on postmortem toxicology. Evidence for rapid progression of fentanyl overdose was common among both fatal and nonfatal overdoses. A majority of interview respondents reported successfully using multiple doses of naloxone, the antidote to opioid overdose, to reverse suspected fentanyl overdoses. Expanding and enhancing existing opioid overdose education and prevention programs to include fentanyl-specific messaging and practices could help public health authorities mitigate adverse effects associated with overdoses, especially in communities affected by IMF.
Inhibition of oral carcinogenesis by the arotinoid mofarotene (Ro 40-8757) in male F344 rats.

The chemopreventive effect of dietary administration of a new arotinoid, mofarotene (Ro 40-8757), which contains a morpholine structure in the polar end group, during the initiation phase of 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4-NQO)-induced oral carcinogenesis was investigated in male F344 rats. Also, modulatory effects of this compound on polyamine levels (biomarkers of proliferation), the 5-bromodeoxyuridine-labeling index and the number of silver stained nucleolar organizer region proteins (AgNORs)/nucleus were assessed in the target epithelium. Rats were fed Ro 40-8757 at concentrations of 250 and 500 p.p.m. for 10 weeks. One week after the commencement of the diets, 4-NQO (20 p.p.m.) was administered in the drinking water for 8 weeks. Feeding of Ro 40-8757 at both doses caused a 78% reduction in the incidence of tongue neoplasms (squamous cell papilloma and carcinoma) by 32 weeks when compared with rats treated with 4-NQO alone (P < 0.05). Similarly, in rats treated with 4-NQO together with Ro 40-8757 the incidence of preneoplastic lesions (hyperplasia and dysplasia) was significantly less than the 4-NQO alone group (P < 0.05). Expression of three biomarkers was also decreased significantly by dietary treatment with Ro 40-8757. Thus a new arotinoid, Ro 40-8757, inhibited the oral carcinogenesis induced by 4-NQO when it was administered concurrently with the carcinogen. These results might suggest the possible application of Ro 40-8757 for cancer chemoprevention in the oral cavity, in addition to the breast.
The relationship between work hours and utilization of general practitioners in four Canadian provinces.

OBJECTIVE To assess whether long work hours act as a barrier to accessing general practitioner (GP) services. DATA SOURCES Secondary data from the 1996/1997 National Population Health Survey (NPHS) and administrative health services utilization data from four Canadian provinces. STUDY DESIGN This study was cross-sectional, however, employment variables and GP utilization were reflective of the 12-month period preceding the NPHS interview date. Negative binomial regression was used to model the relationship between the number of GP visits in a 1-year period and employment-related variables while adjusting for other determinants of GP utilization including education, income, and health status. DATA EXTRACTION METHODS NPHS and administrative data were linked to create an analysis file. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Subjects with long, standard work hours (>45 hours/week, with most hours during the day) had significantly lower GP utilization rates compared with full-time workers. White-collar workers with long work hours visited a GP significantly less often than white-collar workers with regular hours. CONCLUSIONS Long work hours may act as a nonfinancial barrier to accessing GP services independent of health status.
ERK and cell death: Mechanisms of ERK‐induced cell death – apoptosis, autophagy and senescence

The Ras/Raf/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway plays a crucial role in almost all cell functions and therefore requires exquisite control of its spatiotemporal activity. Depending on the cell type and stimulus, ERK activity will mediate different antiproliferative events, such as apoptosis, autophagy and senescence in vitro and in vivo. ERK activity can promote either intrinsic or extrinsic apoptotic pathways by induction of mitochondrial cytochrome c release or caspase‐8 activation, permanent cell cycle arrest or autophagic vacuolization. These unusual effects require sustained ERK activity in specific subcellular compartments and could depend on the presence of reactive oxygen species. We will summarize the mechanisms involved in Ras/Raf/ERK antiproliferative functions.
The effect of cigarette smoking on gingival bleeding.

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to investigate the dose-dependent effect of cigarette smoking upon gingival bleeding on probing (BOP) in a large representative sample of the United States population (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III). METHODS Weighted multiple logistic regression was used to model bleeding on probing of 141,967 mesio-buccal sites in 12,385 individuals with complete case records on all covariates. Adjustments were made for age, gender, race/ethnicity, number of missing teeth, tooth type/jaw, root caries, full crown coverage, socioeconomic status (poverty/income ratio), and survey characteristics. The model stratified by presence of calculus (CALC) and increased probing depth (PD > or = 4 mm). Generalized estimating equations were used to account for dependence of sites within subjects. RESULTS Smoking had a strong suppressive effect on gingival bleeding. The effect was strongest in heavier smokers (> 10 cigarettes/day) and smallest in former smokers. In healthy sites (no CALC, PD < or = 3 mm), the odds ratio (OR) of bleeding for sites in heavier smokers compared to never-smokers was 0.56 (95% CI: 0.45-0.70). Sites with CALC and/or PD > or = 4 mm were more likely to bleed in never-smokers (OR: 5.7; 95% CI: 4.3-7.6). This relationship was less evident among heavier smokers (OR: 1.3; 95% CI: 0.8-1.9). The effect of smoking did not differ between maxillary and mandibular molars, premolars, or incisors. CONCLUSION Smoking exerts a strong, chronic, and dose-dependent suppressive effect on gingival bleeding on probing.
Comparison of lumbar spine stabilization exercise versus general exercise in young male patients with lumbar disc herniation after 1 year of follow-up.

OBJECTIVE The safest and most effective conservative treatment for patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH) has not been established. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of lumbar spine stabilization exercise (LSSE) and general exercise (GE) on pain intensity and functional capacity in young male patients with LDH. METHODS Sixty-three young male adults aged 20 to 29 years with the diagnosis of LDH were enrolled and divided into an LSSE group (n=30) and a GE group (n=33). Patients in both groups received low-power laser (LPL) therapy during the first week of the onset of LDH. Patients in the GE group underwent a GE program. Patients in the LSSE group followed an LSSE program for 3 months. All of the patients were subjected to pain intensity and functional capacity evaluations four times: at pre-and post-LPL therapy, and at 3 months and 1 year post-exercise. Pain intensity of the lower back and legs was evaluated with the visual analogue scale (VAS), and functional capacity was evaluated with the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). RESULTS Both groups showed a significant reduction in VAS and ODI scores at 3 and 12 months post-exercise compared with before treatment (P<0.001). The LSSE group showed a significant reduction in the average score of the VAS for low back pain (P=0.012) and the ODI (P=0.003) at 12 months post-exercise compared with the GE group. CONCLUSIONS LSSE and GE are considered as effective interventions for young male patients with LDH. Moreover, LSSE is more effective than GE, and physical therapy, such as LPL, is required during acute LDH.
SELECTIVE ATTENUATION OF ACUTE LUNG VENTILATORY INJURY BY METHYLENE BLUE AFTER LIVER ISCHEMIA-REPERFUSION: A DRUG RESPONSE STUDY IN AN ISOLATED PERFUSED DOUBLE ORGAN MODEL1

Background. Liver transplantation-related ischemia-reperfusion (IR) is associated with the generation of stress oxidants that can spread damage remotely. Methylene blue (MB) had been shown to reduce lung neutrophils sequestration after in vivo intestinal IR and to have a dose-dependent potential for abrogating oxidant-induced ex vivo aortal ring reperfusion injury after liver IR. We now investigated MB’s dose-dependent capabilities in preventing acute lung injury after the same liver IR. Methods. Wistar rat livers (eight replicates/group) were perfused (control) with modified Krebs-Henseleit solution or put globally in no flow (IR) conditions for 2 hr. Separately prepared lungs were then paired with livers and “reperfused” (15 min) together. The livers were then removed, and the lungs were left to recirculate alone with the accumulated Krebs for 45 min. Three additional control and three IR groups were reperfused with Krebs containing 20, 40, or 60 mg/kg MB at concentrations of 42, 86, or 128 &mgr;M. Results. All IR livers had hepatocellular and biochemical abnormalities compared with normal functions in the controls. Liver IR was associated with a 50%–75% increase in lung ventilation and perfusion pressures, vascular resistance and decreased compliance, and abnormal bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) volume and content. Adding 42 and 86 &mgr;M MB selectively maintained normal the vascular parameters, intra-experimental lung weight gain, BAL indices, and wet-to-dry ratios. MB128 &mgr;M but not 42 or 86 &mgr;M best prevented IR-induced deterioration in lung ventilatory pressure and compliance. Conclusions. MB selectively affords maintenance of normal lung ventilatory versus vascular measures after liver ischemia-reperfusion. Its proposed differential mechanism of action is discussed.
Rising unemployment and increasing spatial health inequalities in England: further extension of the North-South divide.

BACKGROUND Unemployment negatively affects health. In this study, we quantify the impact of current and rising levels of unemployment on limiting long-term illness (LLTI), mental health problems and mortality in North and South England. METHODS Excess cases of LLTI and mental health problems in the unemployed were calculated as the difference in the prevalence between the employed and unemployed using data from large population surveys for England. Mortality due to unemployment was calculated using the formula for the population-attributable fraction. RESULTS Current levels of unemployment were estimated to be causing 1145 deaths per year and a total of 221 020 cases of mental health problems and 275 409 cases of LLTI in England. Rates of mortality, mental health problems and LLTI due to unemployment were distinctively higher in the North compared with the South. Considering hidden unemployment in the calculations considerably increased the proportion of women suffering from ill health due to unemployment. CONCLUSIONS Our study quantifies the detrimental effect of unemployment on health in England. There is a clear difference between North and South England highlighting the contribution of unemployment to spatial health inequalities. A public health priority should be to (i) prevent unemployment in the first place and (ii) provide support for the unemployed.
How pressure for change challenge military organizational characteristics

ABSTRACT This article elaborates on how structural, normative and functional pressures for change may challenge military organizational characteristics. We problematize theoretically and exemplify empirically what consequences these pressures can have on military organizational characteristics, arguing that they constitute major challenges for managing in particular normative pressures for change. The empirical examples suggest that bureaucratic, hierarchical, narcissistic and greedy traits of the organization are challenged by normative pressures such as value changes and normalization. Another source of challenge is professionalization processes. Structural challenges, on the other hand, are managed by the organization and do not seem to inhibit the workings of organizational characteristics. The plausibility probe conducted questions the sustainability of military organizational characteristics in their traditional disguise, in particular due to legitimacy concerns. It is suggested that future research should be directed towards analyzing how military organizations manage pressure for change and whether their characteristics are questioned.
Detection of viruses identified recently in children with acute wheezing

The etiologic role of recently identified respiratory viruses for acute wheezing in children is not yet clear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of recently identified viruses, including human metapneumovirus (hMPV), human bocavirus (hBoV), human coronavirus NL63 (hCoV‐NL63), and human coronavirus HKU1 (hCoV‐HKU1) in children with acute wheezing. Viral etiology was identified in 231 children hospitalized with acute wheezing, aged from 1 month to 5 years. Viral antigens for common respiratory viruses were detected by IFA or multiplex PCR. RT‐PCR was used to detect respiratory rhinoviruses, hCoV‐NL63, hCoV‐HKU1, and hMPV. PCR assays for hBoV DNA were performed using the primer sets for noncapsid protein (NP1) and nonstructural protein (NS1) genes. Viruses were found in 61.5% (142/231) of the study population and a single virus was detected in 45.5% (105/231) of the study population. Rhinovirus (33.3%), human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV; 13.8%), and hBoV (13.8%) were the most frequently detected viruses. hMPV and hCoV‐NL63 were detected in 7.8% and 1.3% of wheezing children, respectively. HCoV‐HKU1 was not detected. In 16.0% of the study population, more than one virus was detected. In children with acute wheezing, rhinovirus, hRSV, and hBoV were most frequently detected. Further studies including healthy control subjects are needed to define the clinical significance of hBoV in acute wheezing. J. Med. Virol. 79: 1238–1243, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sources of value creation and destruction in horizontal mergers and acquisitions

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the determiners to create and destroy value in horizontal mergers and acquisitions (M&A) using accounting indicators supposed to influence the new entity’s value. Design/methodology/approach Using a sample of 90 French listed companies and stepwise regression method, the authors test eight accounting indicators supposed to influence the new entity’s value. Findings To create value after a horizontal M&A, it is necessary to concentrate on turnover and the restructuring of charges without neglecting the control of debt capacity. To avoid destroying value after a horizontal M&A, it is necessary to concentrate on the control of debt capacity and restructuring of charges in order to reduce financial charges and financial risk. Horizontal M&A also create value through the reduction of investment costs and through tax optimization. Research limitations/implications This paper is different from other contributions in that the majority of existing literature concerning the sources of value creation in M&A has been based on abnormal returns or microeconomic data. This paper analyzes accounting data that are likely to be influenced over the long term by corporate decision making. These kinds of decisions influence the firm’s value as well as the long-term gains that industrial investors may hope to obtain. Originality/value This study makes a significant contribution to the existing literature insofar as it seeks to divide the sources of value creation into three categories: sales synergy, cost synergies and hybrid synergies. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is also the first study to provide explanations from companies’ accounting data, which can lead managers to a greater vision of post-merger strategy management, reinforcing the mechanism for value creation.
Rates and effectiveness of antiviral use among hospitalized influenza patients

The influenza virus is currently a global public health problem. There are several thousand cases of classic and newly emerging atypical influenza virus infections around the world annually. Prevention, early diagnosis and treatment are the keys to managing influenza outbreaks. Some influenza treatments have proven to be more useful than others. A standard antiviral drug has been developed and is recommended for the management of hospitalized influenza patients. This article briefly outlines the rates and effectiveness of antiviral use among hospitalized influenza patients. It also discusses some important considerations regarding controversial issues and future perspectives on antiviral use for the management of hospitalized influenza patients.
Subtle involvement of the sympathetic nervous system in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

The literature on the involvement of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is conflicting. We therefore investigated several aspects of autonomic function, namely muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA), blood pressure, cardiac function (electrocardiogram; ECG), and respiration in 16 patients with sporadic ALS and in 12 age‐matched healthy volunteers, both at rest and during sympathoexcitatory stimulation. We measured MSNA by provoking venous pooling during short‐lasting lower body negative pressure (LBNP) and during the cold pressor test (CPT). To assess the vagal (baroreflex) control of heart rate (HR), we measured spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity (BRS). To assess the involvement of the ANS beyond the cardiovascular system, we measured the sympathetic skin response (SSR). The stand‐up test showed that none of the subjects had orthostatic intolerance. In comparison with the control group, the ALS patients had an increased HR and a decreased BRS at rest, and a reduced MSNA response to LBNP. The CPT response was normal and the total MSNA at rest did not differ significantly from that of controls. The latencies of the palmar and plantar SSR were prolonged, and in 3 ALS patients there was no plantar SSR. The results indicate that the sympathetic nervous system shows subtle abnormalities in ALS, predominantly sympathetic overactivity. They also point to the involvement of the preganglionic sympathetic column as the cause of the higher sympathetic activity and the absence of SSR. The higher sympathetic activity is postulated to be due to changes in modulation of the sympathetic system, whereas the absence of the SSR is probably caused by disruption of the reflex pathway. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Muscle Nerve 25: 000–000, 2002