bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A review of recent case reports of cenesthopathy in Japan
Authors: Takahashi Tohru , Fuke Tomonori , Washizuka Shinsuke , Hanihara Tokiji , Amano Naoji
Published: August 2014

Idiopathic abnormal bodily sensations, or cenesthesic symptoms, are exhibited in a wide variety of mental illnesses. In Japan, patients with abnormal bodily sensations are often diagnosed with cenesthopathy. This study reviewed recent case reports of cenesthopathy. Of the 100 identified cases, young patients were more commonly men with predominant bodily cenesthesic symptoms, while older patients (≥40 years) were more commonly women with cenesthesic symptoms restricted to the oral cavity (oral cenesthopathy).
Older adults' decoding of emotions: age‐related differences in interpreting dynamic emotional displays and the well‐preserved ability to recognize happiness
Authors: Moraitou Despina , Papantoniou Georgia , Gkinopoulos Theofilos , Nigritinou Magdalini
Published: August 2014

Aim

Although the ability to recognize emotions through bodily and facial muscular movements is vital to everyday life, numerous studies have found that older adults are less adept at identifying emotions than younger adults. The message gleaned from research has been one of greater decline in abilities to recognize specific negative emotions than positive ones. At the same time, these results raise methodological issues with regard to different modalities in which emotion decoding is measured. The main aim of the present study is to identify the pattern of age differences in the ability to decode basic emotions from naturalistic visual emotional displays.

Method

The sample comprised a total of 208 adults from Greece, aged from 18 to 86 years. Participants were examined using the Emotion Evaluation Test, which is the first part of a broader audiovisual tool, The Awareness of Social Inference Test. The Emotion Evaluation Test was designed to examine a person's ability to identify six emotions and discriminate these from neutral expressions, as portrayed dynamically by professional actors.

Results

The findings indicate that decoding of basic emotions occurs along the broad affective dimension of uncertainty, and a basic step in emotion decoding involves recognizing whether information presented is emotional or not. Age was found to negatively affect the ability to decode basic negatively valenced emotions as well as pleasant surprise. Happiness decoding is the only ability that was found well‐preserved with advancing age.

Conclusion

The main conclusion drawn from the study is that the pattern in which emotion decoding from visual cues is affected by normal ageing depends on the rate of uncertainty, which either is related to decoding difficulties or is inherent to a specific emotion.
Neuropsychological differentiation between Alzheimer's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies in a memory clinic
Authors: Kawai Yoshinari , Miura Rina , Tsujimoto Masashi , Sakurai Takashi , Yamaoka Akiko , Takeda Akinori , Arahata Yutaka , Washimi Yukihiko , Kachi Teruhiko , Toba Kenji
Published: August 2014

Objective

The aim of this study was to identify a useful neuropsychological instrument for making a differential clinical diagnosis between Alzheimer's disease (AD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB).

Methods

We examined 402 AD and 38 DLB patients with neuropsychological tests that covered general cognition, frontal lobe cognitive function, non‐verbal abstract reasoning, working memory and attention, and verbal memory. Discriminant analysis using a stepwise method was performed to identify the measures best able to discriminate between AD and DLB.

Results

The AD patients performed significantly worse than the DLB patients on orientation to time, delayed recall subtests on the Mini‐Mental State Examination, and logical memory subtests 1 and 2 of the Revised Wechsler Memory Scale. The DLB patients performed significantly worse than the AD patients on the attention, repetition, and pentagon copying subtests of the Mini‐Mental State Examination, the constructional praxis subtests of the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale‐cognitive component‐Japanese version, the Frontal Assessment Battery total score, Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (RCPM) sets A, AB, and B, and backward digit span. Discriminant analyses between AD and DLB established the key variables as Logical Memory 1, Logical Memory 2, backward digit span, RCPM, and delayed recall on the Mini‐Mental State Examination. We inferred the AD–DLB discriminant index from the following discriminant analyses: AD–DLB discriminant index = (Backward digit span score + RCPM set B score) − (Logical Memory 1 score + Logical Memory 2 score), which offered a highly favourable value for diagnostic utility.

Conclusions

The AD–DLB discriminant index, consisting of backward digit span, RCPM set B, and logical memory 1 and 2, is useful to differentiate between AD and DLB.
The drivers of patent transactions: corporate views on the market for patents
Authors: Caviggioli Federico , Ughetto Elisa
Published: August 2014

In recent years, the proactive management of patents and their exploitation through licensing out and sales transactions have been enhanced by the development of intermediaries and trading platforms. This paper first investigates the main drivers of companies' decisions to engage in patent licensing and sales; then, it examines how improvements in the marketplace for patents and more intense involvement of patent brokers might impact the factors hindering the development of patent transactions. The study's findings are supported by the results found in the scientific literature and by evidence from a survey conducted on a sample of companies involved in patent transactions.
University–industry linkage evolution: an empirical investigation of relational success factors
Authors: Plewa Carolin , Korff Nisha , Baaken Thomas , Macpherson Greg
Published: August 2014

University–industry linkages (UILs) offer an array of benefits for the parties involved and the economy at large; however, research provides limited theoretical development and practical advice on successfully managing UILs from initial negotiations to project completion and beyond. This paper, thus, empirically investigates the impact of relational success factors (communication, trust, understanding, individuals) on UIL performance across three phases of evolution, accounting for the changing manifestations of these factors over time. Communication emerged as a consistent predictor of success, with positive interrelationships between individuals advancing all relational success factors across all phases. A positive effect of trust and understanding, however, only emerged for some relationship phases. Results provide managers with insight into forms relational drivers take throughout long‐lasting successful UILs.
Clinical and Economic Value of Performing Dialysis Vascular Access Procedures in a Freestanding Office‐Based Center as Compared with the Hospital Outpatient Department among Medicare ESRD Beneficiaries
Authors: Dobson Al , El‐Gamil Audrey M. , Shimer Matthew T. , DaVanzo Joan E. , Urbanes Aris Q. , Beathard Gerald A. , Litchfield Terry Foust
Published: August 2014

Dialysis vascular access (DVA) care is being increasingly provided in freestanding office‐based centers (FOC). Small‐scale studies have suggested that DVA care in a FOC results in favorable patient outcomes and lower costs. To further evaluate this issue, data were drawn from incident and prevalent ESRD patients within a 4‐year sample (2006‐2009) of Medicare claims (USRDS) on cases who receive at least 80% of their DVA care in a FOC or a hospital outpatient department (HOPD).

Using propensity score matching techniques, cases with a similar clinical and demographic profile from these two sites of service were matched. Medicare utilization, payments, and patient outcomes were compared across the matched cohorts (n = 27,613).

Patients treated in the FOC had significantly better outcomes (p < 0.001), including fewer related or unrelated hospitalizations (3.8 vs. 4.4), vascular access‐related infections (0.18 vs. 0.29), and septicemia‐related hospitalizations (0.15 vs. 0.18). Mortality rate was lower (47.9% vs. 53.5%) as were PMPM payments ($4,982 vs. $5,566).

This study shows that DVA management provided in a FOC has multiple advantages over that provided in a HOPD.
Potassium Balance in Dialysis Patients
Authors: Sanghavi Sarah , Whiting Susan , Uribarri Jaime
Published: August 2014

The advent of dialytic therapy has enabled nephrologists to provide life‐saving therapy, but potassium balance continues to be an ever present challenge in the ESRD population. Although a small percent of patients are chronically hypokalemic, hyperkalemia is by far the most common abnormality in dialysis patients. It is associated with increased all‐cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and arrhythmogenic death. Although alterations of the dialysis bath may decrease predialysis potassium, potassium baths <2 mEq/l are associated with a higher risk of sudden cardiac death. Studies show that patients are aware of the risks of hyperkalemia, but adherence to a low potassium diet is suboptimal. ACEI, ARBs, and spironolactone may cause slight increases in potassium even in anuric patients, requiring increased surveillance. Fludrocortisone and potassium binders have not been proven to be beneficial in lowering interdialytic potassium levels. Frequent hemodialysis may be a viable option, and studies of prophylactic placement of implantable cardioverter/defibrillators are underway.
Dynamic High‐temperature Testing of an Iridium Alloy in Compression at High‐strain Rates
Authors: Song B. , Nelson K. , Lipinski R. , Bignell J. , Ulrich G. , George E. P.
Published: August 2014

Iridium alloys have superior strength and ductility at elevated temperatures, making them useful as structural materials for certain high‐temperature applications. However, experimental data on their high‐strain ‐rate performance are needed for understanding high‐speed impacts in severe environments. Kolsky bars (also called split Hopkinson bars) have been extensively employed for high‐strain ‐rate characterization of materials at room temperature, but it has been challenging to adapt them for the measurement of dynamic properties at high temperatures. In this study, we analyzed the difficulties encountered in high‐temperature Kolsky bar testing of thin iridium alloy specimens in compression. Appropriate modifications were then made to the current high‐temperature Kolsky bar technique to obtain reliable compressive stress–strain response of an iridium alloy at high‐strain rates (300–10 000 s−1) and temperatures (750 and 1030 °C). The compressive stress–strain response of the iridium alloy showed significant sensitivity to both strain rate and temperature.
Malaria in school‐age children in Africa: an increasingly important challenge
Authors: Nankabirwa Joaniter , Brooker Simon J. , Clarke Sian E. , Fernando Deepika , Gitonga Caroline W. , Schellenberg David , Greenwood Brian
Published: August 2014

School‐age children have attracted relatively little attention as a group in need of special measures to protect them against malaria. However, increasing success in lowering the level of malaria transmission in many previously highly endemic areas will result in children acquiring immunity to malaria later in life than has been the case in the past. Thus, it can be anticipated that in the coming years there will be an increase in the incidence of both uncomplicated and severe malaria in school‐age children in many previously highly endemic areas. In this review, which focuses primarily on Africa, recent data on the prevalence of malaria parasitaemia and on the incidence of clinical malaria in African school‐age children are presented and evidence that malaria adversely effects school performance is reviewed. Long‐lasting insecticide treated bednets (LLIN) are an effective method of malaria control but several studies have shown that school‐age children use LLINs less frequently than other population groups. Antimalarial drugs are being used in different ways to control malaria in school‐age children including screening and treatment and intermittent preventive treatment. Some studies of chemoprevention in school‐age children have shown reductions in anaemia and improved school performance but this has not been the case in all trials and more research is needed to identify the situations in which chemoprevention is likely to be most effective and, in these situations, which type of intervention should be used. In the longer term, malaria vaccines may have an important role in protecting this important section of the community from malaria. Regardless of the control approach selected, it is important this is incorporated into the overall programme of measures being undertaken to enhance the health of African school‐age children.
Transfusion reactions in pediatric compared with adult patients: a look at rate, reaction type, and associated products
Authors: Oakley Fredrick D. , Woods Marcella , Arnold Shanna , Young Pampee P.
Published: August 2014

Background

The majority of reports on transfusion reactions address adult patients. Less is known about the types, incidence, and other clinical details of transfusion reactions in pediatric populations. Furthermore, to our knowledge, there have been no previous reports directly comparing these aspects between adults and pediatric patient populations to assess if there are differences.

Study Design and Methods

Between the period of January 1, 2011, and February 1, 2013, all reported adult and pediatric transfusion reactions at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) were evaluated by transfusion medicine clinical service. The information was subsequently shared with the hemovigilance database. Data provided to hemovigilance included age, sex, blood product associated with the reaction, severity of the reaction, and the type of transfusion reactions. These were collated with hospital and blood bank information system–acquired data on overall admission and product transfusion.

Results

A total of 133,671 transfusions were performed at VUMC during the study period including 20,179 platelet (PLT) transfusions, 31,605 plasma transfusions, 79,933 red blood cell (RBC) transfusions, and 2154 cryoprecipitate transfusions. Over the same period, 108 pediatric and 277 adult transfusion reactions were recorded. This corresponds to an incidence of 6.2 reactions per 1000 transfusions within the pediatric (age < 21) population and an incidence of 2.4 reactions per 1000 transfusions within the adult population. In both adult and pediatric populations, transfusion reactions were most commonly associated with PLT, followed by RBC, and then plasma transfusions. Within the pediatric population, subset analysis identified multiple differences when compared to the adult population, including an increased incidence of allergic transfusion reactions (2.7/1000 vs. 1.1/1000, p < 0.001), febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reactions (1.9/1000 vs. 0.47/1000, p < 0.001), and hypotensive transfusion reactions (0.29/1000 vs. 0.078/1000, p < 0.05). Interestingly, while the reaction incidence was the same between sexes in adults, in pediatric patients, reactions were more common in male patients (7.9/1000 pediatric males vs. 4.3/1000 pediatric females, p < 0.01).

Conclusion

To our knowledge this is the first study to provide detailed comparisons of acute transfusion reactions to all blood products between pediatric and adult populations at a single institution and supported by a single transfusion service and culture. Collectively these data provide insight into pediatric transfusion reactions and demonstrate a general increase in the incidence of transfusion reactions within the pediatric compared to adult population.
Comparison of whole blood and plasma colloid osmotic pressure in healthy cats
Authors: Jackson Mary L. , Kerl Marie E. , Tynan Beth , Mann F. A.
Published: August 2014

Objective

To establish reference intervals for whole blood and plasma colloid osmotic pressure (COP) in healthy cats between the ages of 1 and 10 years using a cage‐side colloid osmometer.

Design

Prospective, observational study.

Settings

University veterinary teaching hospital.

Animals

Sixty‐three healthy cats.

Interventions

Phlebotomy.

Measurements and Main Results

Whole blood COP mean was 24.4 (±2.78) mmHg and plasma COP mean was 24.3 (±2.59) mmHg. Reference interval for our study population of feline whole blood COP was 18.9 to 30.4 mmHg, and for our study population of feline plasma COP was 18.3 to 30.8 mmHg. Difference of paired whole blood COP and plasma COP was +0.23 ± 1.68 mmHg (P = 0.32). There was no significant difference when comparing COP from neutered male and neutered female cats. Total protein and albumin were significantly correlated with whole blood COP (total protein to whole blood COP P < 0.0001, r = 0.53; albumin to whole blood COP P <0.0001, r = 0.68) and plasma COP (total protein to plasma COP P = 0.0025, r = 0.41; albumin to plasma COP P < 0.0001, r = 0.66).

Conclusions

No significant difference was found between mean whole blood and plasma COP in this study population of cats. Even though not statistically significant, evaluation of paired whole blood COP and plasma COP did reveal a slight difference; therefore, it seems prudent to maintain sample consistency for serial evaluations in cats.
Clinical experience of anti‐Xa monitoring in critically ill dogs receiving dalteparin
Authors: Lynch Alex M. , deLaforcade Armelle M. , Sharp Claire R.
Published: August 2014

Objectives

To describe a population of critically ill dogs receiving dalteparin monitored with an anti‐Xa assay, to assess the potential utility of serial monitoring, and to investigate the association between pre‐treatment thromboelastography (TEG) and the ability to achieve targeted anti‐Xa activity.

Design

Descriptive retrospective study.

Setting

Veterinary teaching hospital.

Animals

Thirty‐eight client‐owned dogs receiving dalteparin and monitored with an anti‐Xa assay.

Interventions

None.

Measurements and Main Results

Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for signalment, underlying disease, clinicopathological data, occurrence of thromboembolic events, complications, and outcome. Thirty‐eight dogs receiving dalteparin were monitored with an anti‐Xa assay. Diseases included hematological disease, protein‐losing disease, neoplastic disease, and septic processes. Pretreatment hypercoagulability was present in 34/35 dogs by assessment of TEG. Five cases of thromboembolism were confirmed prior to starting treatment and 4 cases occurred during hospitalization. Bleeding complications were rare (3/38) and 29/38 dogs survived to discharge. Interpretation of the anti‐Xa assay allowed for dose adjustment although reliable achievement of target anti‐Xa activity was not demonstrated. Dogs with higher G values on pretreatment TEG were significantly less likely to achieve the target anti‐Xa activity (ie, be above or below the target range).

Conclusions

Dalteparin was well tolerated in a heterogeneous population of dogs. However, dose adjustment in response to anti‐Xa activity interpretation inconsistently resulted in subsequent attainment of the target anti‐Xa range. Development of guidelines may be warranted to more consistently achieve the target range. Dogs that appear more hypercoagulable on pre‐treatment TEG may require closer monitoring and greater dose adjustment to achieve the target anti‐Xa range.
A Matching Method for Two-Stage Turbocharging System
Authors: Yanbin Liu , Weilin Zhuge , Yangjun Zhang , Shuyong Zhang , Junyue Zhang , Xuemin Huo
Published: August 2014

The turbine system of a two-stage turbocharger composed of high pressure turbine (HT), low pressure turbine (LT), and by-pass valve decides distribution and utilization of exhaust gas energy and influence performance of two-stage turbocharger in whole operational conditions. Besides, characteristics of turbine is expressed by envelop line of characteristic lines in different speeds. So turbine can be conveniently selected compared with compressor with similarity theory. Therefore, two-stage turbocharger matching begins from turbine system matching in the paper. In two-stage turbocharger, cooler efficiency, cooler loss, and by-pass valve open besides turbochargers will influence turbocharging system performance and design of cooler and by-pass valve are important contents of turbocharging system matching. The paper matched intercooler, by-pass valve open, compressors, and turbines jointly. Calculation model for turbocharger matching was built, and turbine performance is get from reference turbine based on similarity theory; influence of compressor ratio distribution, cooler efficiency, and pressure drop in cooler imposing on compressor work was analyzed; and influence of turbine flow capacity and by-pass valve imposing on output working in expanding process was studied; the method for matching of two-stage turbocharging system in whole operational condition is studied. Matching analysis was made aiming at two-stage turbocharging system of a type of high power density diesel engine, and design for turbocharging system was finished. Matching result using the method is compared to matching result using traditional method. Analysis result proves that using the method matching points in different operational conditions are located in more reasonable zone of compressor MAP.
Toroidal plasma enhanced CVD of diamond films
Authors: Zvanya John , Holber William , Cullen Christopher , Morris Thomas , Basnett Andrew , Basnett Robert , Hettinger Jeffrey , Krchnavek Robert R.
Published: August 2014

An inductively coupled toroidal plasma source is used as an alternative to microwave plasmas for chemical vapor deposition of diamond films. The source, operating at a frequency of 400 kHz, synthesizes diamond films from a mixture of argon, methane, and hydrogen. The toroidal design has been adapted to create a highly efficient environment for diamond film deposition: high gas temperature and a short distance from the sample to the plasma core. Using a toroidal plasma geometry operating in the medium frequency band allows for efficient (≈90%) coupling of AC line power to the plasma and a scalable path to high-power and large-area operation. In test runs, the source generates a high flux of atomic hydrogen over a large area, which is favorable for diamond film growth. Using a deposition temperature of 900–1050 °C and a source to sample distance of 0.1–2.0 cm, diamond films are deposited onto silicon substrates. The results showed that the deposition rate of the diamond films could be controlled using the sample temperature and source to sample spacing. The results also show the films exhibit good-quality polycrystalline diamond as verified by Raman spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. The scanning electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction results show that the samples exhibit diamond (111) and diamond (022) crystallites. The Raman results show that the sp3 peak has a narrow spectral width (FWHM 12 ± 0.5 cm−1) and that negligible amounts of the sp2 band are present, indicating good-quality diamond films.
Effects of Blocked Versus Random Practice on Speech Motor Skill Acquisition and Retention
Authors: Scheiner Lauren R. , Sadagopan Neeraja , Sherwood David E.
Published: August 2014

Purpose:

The effect of blocked practice (BP) versus random practice (RP) on the acquisition and retention of novel speech motor sequences in healthy young adults was examined.

Method:

Twenty participants underwent a comparable amount of practice in either blocked or random order and were tested for retention the following day. Behavioral accuracy and kinematic measures of timing were obtained.

Results:

Performance levels were significantly higher, overall, for the BP group compared with the RP during the acquisition phases. During the retention test, the RP group was significantly more accurate than the BP group. Similar trends were noted, but did not reach significance, for kinematic measures.

Conclusion:

Consistent with patterns established in the limb motor learning literature, our results indicate that BP leads to higher overall performance levels (though not necessarily greater gains in performance) during acquisition, whereas improved performance at retention is facilitated by RP.
Daily Sedentary Time and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: The National FINRISK 2002 Study
Authors: Borodulin Katja , Kärki Anja , Laatikainen Tiina , Peltonen Markku , Luoto Riitta
Published: August 2014

Background:

Daily sitting time may be a risk factor for incident cardiovascular disease (CVD); however, this has not yet been extensively studied. Our aim was to study the association of total sitting time with the risk of CVD.

Methods:

Participants (n = 4516, free of CVD at baseline) from the National FINRISK 2002 Study were followed for fatal and nonfatal CVD using national registers. Participants underwent a health examination and completed questionnaires, including total daily sitting time.

Results:

During a mean follow-up of 8.6 years, 183 incident CVD cases occurred. Sitting on a typical weekday, at baseline, was statistically significantly associated with fatal and nonfatal incident CVD. The hazard ratios (with 95% confidence intervals, CI) for the total amount of sitting were 1.05 (95% CI, 1.00–1.10) in the age and gender adjusted model and 1.06 (95% CI, 1.01–1.11) in the fully adjusted model, including age, gender, employment status, education, BMI, smoking status, leisure time physical activity, use of vegetables and fruit, alcohol use, blood pressure or its medication, and cholesterol or its medication.

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that total amount of daily sitting is a risk factor for incident CVD. More research is needed to understand the etiology of sedentary behavior and CVD.
Walking Trail Use among a Sample of Black, White, Hispanic, and Asian Adult Walkers
Authors: McNeill Lorna H. , Murguia Karolina , Nguyen Nga , Taylor Wendell C.
Published: August 2014

Background:

Walking trails are positively associated with physical activity; however, few studies have been conducted among diverse communities. We sought to describe trail use and the physical and social environmental correlates of trail use in a racially/ethnically diverse sample.

Methods:

We administered an on-site trail intercept survey to walkers on a trail (N = 175). We assessed frequency/duration of trail use, reasons for using the trail, perceptions of the trail, demographics and BMI.

Results:

Walkers were primarily young (mean age = 37.8 years, SD = 11.8) and overweight (mean BMI = 25.2 kg/m2, SD = 4.2). Time spent on the trail and frequency of trail use differed significantly by age (P = .004) but not race/ethnicity. Perceptions of the trail differed significantly by sex and race/ethnicity (P-values = .001, .014, respectively). In regression models, different factors predicted time spent on the trail and frequency of trail use.

Conclusions:

Walkers were frequent users of the trail and cited many favorable features of the trail that encouraged their use. Duration and frequency of trail use did not differ by race/ethnicity or sex, thereby indicating that when provided with safe access, racial/ethnic minorities and women may be likely to use trails at rates similar to those of Whites and men.
Do Perceptions of Competence Mediate The Relationship Between Fundamental Motor Skill Proficiency and Physical Activity Levels of Children in Kindergarten?
Authors: Crane Jeff R. , Naylor Patti J. , Cook Ryan , Temple Viviene A.
Published: August 2014

Background:

Perceptions of competence mediate the relationship between motor skill proficiency and physical activity among older children and adolescents. This study examined kindergarten children’s perceptions of physical competence as a mediator of the relationship between motor skill proficiency as a predictor variable and physical activity levels as the outcome variable; and also with physical activity as a predictor and motor skill proficiency as the outcome.

Methods:

Participants were 116 children (mean age = 5 years 7 months, 58% boys) from 10 schools. Motor skills were measured using the Test of Gross Motor Development-2 and physical activity was monitored through accelerometry. Perceptions of physical competence were measured using The Pictorial Scale of Perceived Competence and Social Acceptance for Young Children, and the relationships between these variables were examined using a model of mediation.

Results:

The direct path between object control skills and moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was significant and object control skills predicted perceived physical competence. However, perceived competence did not mediate the relationship between object control skills and MVPA.

Conclusions:

The significant relationship between motor proficiency and perceptions of competence did not in turn influence kindergarten children’s participation in physical activity. These findings support concepts of developmental differences in the structure of the self-perception system.
Associations of Parental Rules and Socioeconomic Position With Preschool Children’s Sedentary Behaviour and Screen Time
Authors: Downing Katherine L. , Hinkley Trina , Hesketh Kylie D.
Published: August 2014

Background:

There is little current understanding of the influences on sedentary behavior and screen time in preschool children. This study investigated socioeconomic position (SEP) and parental rules as potential correlates of preschool children’s sedentary behavior and screen time.

Methods:

Data from the Healthy Active Preschool Years (HAPPY) Study were used. Participating parents reported their child’s usual weekly screen time and their rules to regulate their child’s screen time. Children wore accelerometers for 8 days to objectively measure sedentary time.

Results:

Children whose parents limited television viewing spent significantly less time in that behavior and in total screen time; however, overall sedentary behavior was unaffected. An association between parents limiting computer/electronic game use and time spent on the computer was found for girls only. SEP was inversely associated with girls’, but not boys’, total screen time and television viewing.

Conclusions:

As parental rules were generally associated with lower levels of screen time, intervention strategies could potentially encourage parents to set limits on, and switch off, screen devices. Intervention strategies should target preschool children across all SEP areas, as there was no difference by SEP in overall sedentary behavior or screen time for boys.
Rural Neighborhood Walkability: Implications for Assessment
Authors: Kegler Michelle C. , Alcantara Iris , Haardörfer Regine , Gemma Alexandra , Ballard Denise , Gazmararian Julie
Published: August 2014

Background:

Physical activity levels, including walking, are lower in the southern U.S., particularly in rural areas. This study investigated the concept of rural neighborhood walkability to aid in developing tools for assessing walkability and to identify intervention targets in rural communities.

Methods:

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with physically active adults (n = 29) in rural Georgia. Mean age of participants was 55.9 years; 66% were male, 76% were white, and 24% were African American. Participants drew maps of their neighborhoods and discussed the relevance of typical domains of walkability to their decisions to exercise. Comparative analyses were conducted to identify major themes.

Results:

The majority felt the concept of neighborhood was applicable and viewed their neighborhood as small geographically (less than 0.5 square miles). Sidewalks were not viewed as essential for neighborhood-based physical activity and typical destinations for walking were largely absent. Destinations within walking distance included neighbors’ homes and bodies of water. Views were mixed on whether shade, safety, dogs, and aesthetics affected decisions to exercise in their neighborhoods.

Conclusions:

Measures of neighborhood walkability in rural areas should acknowledge the small size of self-defined neighborhoods, that walking in rural areas is likely for leisure time exercise, and that some domains may not be relevant.
Perceived Resources and Environmental Correlates of Domain-Specific Physical Activity in Rural Midwestern Adults
Authors: Chrisman Matthew , Nothwehr Faryle , Janz Kathleen , Yang Jingzhen , Oleson Jacob
Published: August 2014

Background:

Rural adults participate in lower levels of physical activity (PA) than urban or suburban adults. Due to known effects of the environment on PA participation, this study examined perceived ecological correlates (social, environmental, and policy) of domain- and intensity-specific PA in rural adults.

Methods:

A cross-sectional survey was completed by 143 individuals residing in the rural Midwest. PA was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire; correlates of PA were measured using a modified version of the PA in Communities Questionnaire. Multiple regression analyses were conducted using general linear modeling.

Results:

Predictors of PA included: employers providing time for exercise (P = .0003); available shopping malls (P = .0032); activity-friendly community aspects (P = .0048); favorable policy attitudes (P = .0018): participation in sports (P < .0001); encouragement from friends (P = .0136); awareness (P = .0015) and use (P = .0113) of community resources; and having hills (P = .0371).

Conclusions:

Correlates of PA in various domains and intensities in rural adults are multifactorial and occur at different levels of the environment. Findings from this study can be used to tailor PA interventions in rural adults, with respect to specific domains and intensity in which the PA occurs.
Association Between Knowledge and Practice in the Field of Physical Activity and Health: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Borges Thiago T. , Hallal Pedro C. , da Silva Inacio Crochemore Mohnsam , Mielke Grégore Iven , Rombaldi Airton J. , Barros Fernando C.
Published: August 2014

Background:

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the association between knowledge about physical activity (PA) recommendations (in terms of duration and frequency) and physical activity practice in a population-based sample of adults and adolescents.

Methods:

Crosssectional survey, conducted in Pelotas, Brazil. Participants (10+ years) were included in the sample and reported their perception about the minimum number of days and duration of PA to achieve health benefits. Those who reported PA practice ≥ 150 min/wk (adults) and ≥ 300 min/wk (adolescents) were considered active.

Results:

The sample included 1696 adults and 399 adolescents. More than one-third (38.6%) of the adult population reported that < 150 minutes of PA per week would be sufficient to obtain health benefits. Moreover, 76.1% of the adolescents reported that < 300 minutes per week were sufficient to obtain health benefits. Among adolescents, those who were active tended to report that higher amounts of PA were needed to obtain health benefits.

Conclusions:

Despite global recognition of the role of PA for improving health, knowledge about the minimum frequency and duration for achieving health benefits is still low in Brazil, particularly among adolescents.
Potential Predictors of College Women Meeting Strength Training Recommendations: Application of the Integrated Behavioral Model
Authors: Patterson Megan S. , Meyer M. Renée Umstattd , Beville Jill M.
Published: August 2014

Background:

Due to numerous health benefits, national recommendations call Americans to participate in muscle-strengthening activities at least 2 days/week. However, college-aged women tend to fall short of recommendations. This study sought to examine correlates of college women meeting strength training recommendations using the Integrated Behavioral Model (IBM).

Methods:

Undergraduate women (n = 421) completed surveys measuring strength training, demographics, and IBM constructs. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were conducted using SPSS 19.

Results:

Respondents were on average 20.1 years old, 79.3% were white, and 66.3% did not meet strength training recommendations. Bivariate correlations revealed significant relationships (P ≤ .01) between strength training and attitude, descriptive norms, perceived behavioral control, self-efficacy, intention, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. A logistic regression model revealed self-efficacy, intention, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity were predictive of college women meeting U.S. strength training recommendations.

Conclusions:

This study supports using the IBM to understand strength training behavior among college women. Further research is needed to better understand mediating effects among IBM constructs.
Perceived Benefits, Facilitators, Disadvantages, and Barriers for Physical Activity Amongst South Asian Adolescents in India and Canada
Authors: Rajaraman Divya , Correa Natasha , Punthakee Zubin , Lear Scott A. , Jayachitra Krishnaswamy G. , Vaz Mario , Swaminathan Sumathi
Published: August 2014

Objectives:

The purpose of this study was to understand perceived benefits, facilitators, disadvantages, and barriers for physical activity among South Asian adolescents in India and Canada.

Methods:

Thirteen focus group discussions with South Asian (origin) adolescent boys and girls of different nutritional status and socioeconomic status in rural and urban India and urban Canada.

Results:

Across the groups, fitness and ‘energy’ were perceived to be major benefits of physical activity. In India, better academic performance was highlighted, while health benefits were well detailed in Canadian groups. In all settings, friends, family, and teachers were perceived as facilitators of as well as barriers to physical activity. Lack of a safe space to play was a major concern for urban adolescents, while academic pressures and preference for other sedentary recreational activities were common barriers across all groups. Girls were less likely than boys to be interested in physical activity, with girls’ participation in India further limited by societal restrictions.

Conclusions:

The study suggests key areas for promotion of physical activity among South Asian adolescents: balance between academic pressure and opportunities for physical activity, especially in India; urban planning for a built environment conducive to physical activity; and gender-sensitive programming to promote girls’ activity which also addresses culture-specific barriers.
Prospective Relationships Between Physical Activity and Optimism in Young and Mid-aged Women
Authors: Pavey Toby G. , Burton Nicola W. , Brown Wendy J
Published: August 2014

Background:

There is growing evidence that regular physical activity (PA) reduces the risk of poor mental health. Less research has focused on the relationship between PA and positive wellbeing. The study aims were to assess the prospective associations between PA and optimism, in both young and mid-aged women.

Methods:

9688 young women (born 1973–1978) completed self-report surveys in 2000 (age 22 to 27), 2003, 2006, and 2009; and 11,226 mid-aged women (born 1946–1951) completed surveys in 2001 (age 50–55) 2004, 2007, and 2010, as part of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health. Generalized estimating equation models (with 3-year time lag) were used to examine the relationship between PA and optimism in both cohorts.

Results:

In both cohorts, women reporting higher levels of PA had greater odds of reporting higher optimism over the 9-year period, (young, OR = 5.04, 95% CI: 3.85–6.59; mid-age, OR = 5.77, 95% CI: 4.76–7.00) than women who reported no PA. Odds were attenuated in adjusted models, with depression accounting for a large amount of this attenuation (young, OR = 2.00, 95% CI: 1.57–2.55; mid-age, OR = 1.64 95% CI: 1.38–1.94).

Conclusions:

Physical activity can promote optimism in young and mid-aged women over time, even after accounting for the negative effects of other psychosocial indicators such as depression.
Influence of Experience Level on Physical Activity During Interactive Video Gaming
Authors: Kraft Justin A. , Russell William D. , Clark Nathan , Helm Jessica , Jackson Amanda
Published: August 2014

Background:

The ability of interactive video games (IVGs) to individualize physical demands influences their viability as a physical activity option. This study examined the influence of experience level on activity levels and affect resulting from playing a martial arts IVG.

Methods:

Twenty participants completed 3 15-minute trials: (1) walking, (2) IVG with no previous experience (INEXP), and (3) IVG activity after 2 hours of practice (EXP) during which heart rate (HR), step counts, metabolic equivalents of task (METs), ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), session RPE, and affect (positive/negative affect, enjoyment) were measured.

Results:

Mean HR was lower during walking (107 ± 18 bpm) than during INEXP (131 ± 25 bpm) and EXP (120 ± 20 bpm). Peak HR and session RPE were lower for walking than for INEXP and EXP. No difference in mean HR was observed between IVG conditions, but peak HR and session RPE were lower for EXP than for INEXP. Walking resulted in greater postactivity reduction of negative affect; however, the IVG conditions were perceived as more enjoyable.

Conclusion:

Although the current IVG provided a greater exercise stimulus than walking, results suggest that user movements become more efficient with greater IVG experience and that exercise outcomes may decrease as a result.
A Comparison of Physical Activity Preferences Among Breast, Prostate, and Colorectal Cancer Survivors in Nova Scotia, Canada
Authors: Forbes Cynthia C. , Blanchard Chris M. , Mummery W. Kerry , Courneya Kerry S.
Published: August 2014

Background:

Physical activity (PA) preferences may vary by cancer survivor group, but few studies have made direct comparisons. The purpose of this study was to compare the PA preferences of breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer survivors in Nova Scotia (NS), Canada.

Methods:

Two thousand sixty-two breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer survivors diagnosed between 2003 to 2011 were identified by the Nova Scotia Cancer Registry and mailed a questionnaire assessing PA preferences and standard demographic and medical variables.

Results:

Based on 741 respondents, numerous differences emerged among the cancer sites. Some of the larger differences (>20% difference) among breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer survivors, respectively, were identified for engaging in PA with other cancer survivors (42% vs. 22% vs. 30%; P < .001) and with their friends (65% vs. 40% vs. 64%; P < .001); engaging in PA at a community fitness center (59% vs. 39% vs. 45%; P < .001); and preferring supervised (60% vs. 34% vs. 45%; P < .001) and group (53% vs. 24% vs. 41%; P < .001) sessions. Differences were also found within each survivor group based on demographic and medical variables including PA behavior, age, and perceived general health.

Conclusion:

Breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer survivors have some differences in PA preferences that may inform targeted PA program interventions.
Effect of Elliptical High Intensity Interval Training on Metabolic Risk Factor in Pre- and Type 2 Diabetes Patients: A Pilot Study
Authors: Fex Annie , Leduc-Gaudet Jean-Philippe , Filion Marie-Eve , Karelis Antony D. , Aubertin-Leheudre Mylène
Published: August 2014

Objectives:

The purpose of the current study was to examine the impact of 12 weeks of elliptical high intensity interval training (HIIT) on metabolic risk factors and body composition in pre- and type 2 diabetes patients.

Methods:

Sixteen pre- (n = 8) and type 2 diabetes (n = 8) participants completed this study. Fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, anthropometric measurements, body composition (DXA), blood pressure, resting heart rate, VO2max, and dietary factors, as well as total and physical activity energy expenditure, were measured. The HIIT program on the elliptical was performed 3 times a week for 12 weeks.

Results:

After the intervention, we observed a significant improvement for fasting blood glucose, waist and hip circumference, appendicular fat mass, leg lean body mass and appendicular lean body mass, systolic blood pressure, resting heart rate, and VO2max (P < .05). In addition, we noted a lower tendency for leg fat mass (P = .06) and diastolic blood pressure (P = .05) as well as a higher tendency for total energy expenditure (P = .06) after the intervention.

Conclusions:

The current study indicates that elliptical HIIT seems to improve metabolic risk factors and body composition in pre- and type 2 diabetes patients.
Innate lymphoid cells regulate intestinal epithelial cell glycosylation
Authors: Goto Yoshiyuki , Obata Takashi , Kunisawa Jun , Sato Shintaro , Ivanov Ivaylo I. , Lamichhane Aayam , Takeyama Natsumi , Kamioka Mariko , Sakamoto Mitsuo , Matsuki Takahiro , Setoyama Hiromi , Imaoka Akemi , Uematsu Satoshi , Akira Shizuo , Domino Steven E. , Kulig Paulina , Becher Burkhard , Renauld Jean-Christophe , Sasakawa Chihiro , Umesaki Yoshinori , Benno Yoshimi , Kiyono Hiroshi
Published: August 2014

Immune cells and bugs make a sugary coat

Epithelial cells line the intestinal tract and help to keep the peace between our immune system and our trillions of gut microbes. Such peacekeeping requires glycosylated proteins (proteins with attached carbohydrate chains) present on the epithelial cell surface, but how glycosylation occurs is unclear. Goto
et al.
find that fucosylation (a type of glycosylation) of gut epithelial cells in mice requires gut microbes (see the Perspective by Hooper). This process also requires innate lymphoid cells there, which produce the cytokines interleukin-22 and lymphotoxin, presumably in response to microbial signals. These cytokines signal epithelial cells to add fucose to membrane proteins, which allows the détente between microbes and immune cells to continue.

Science
, this issue
10.1126/science.1254009
; see also p.
1248
Whole-Genome Sequence of Serratia symbiotica Strain CWBI-2.3
T
, a Free-Living Symbiont of the Black Bean Aphid
Aphis fabae
Authors: Foray Vincent , Grigorescu Alina S. , Sabri Ahmed , Haubruge Eric , Lognay Georges , Francis Frederic , Fauconnier Marie-Laure , Hance Thierry , Thonart Philippe
Published: August 2014

The gammaproteobacterium
Serratia symbiotica
is one of the major secondary symbionts found in aphids. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
S. symbiotica
strain CWBI-2.3
T
, previously isolated from the black bean aphid
Aphis fabae
. The 3.58-Mb genome sequence might provide new insights to understand the evolution of insect-microbe symbiosis.
Genome Sequence of a Xylella fastidiosa Strain Causing Sycamore Leaf Scorch Disease in Virginia
Authors: Guan Wei , Shao Jonathan , Davis Robert E. , Zhao Tingchang , Huang Qi
Published: August 2014

Xylella fastidiosa
causes bacterial leaf scorch in landscape trees including sycamore. We determined the draft genome of
X. fastidiosa
strain Sy-Va, isolated in Virginia from a sycamore tree displaying leaf scorch symptoms. The Sy-VA genome contains 2,477,829 bp, and has a G+C content of 51.64 mol%.
Draft Genome Sequence of Hawaiian Sea Slug Symbiont
Vibrio
sp. Strain ER1A
Authors: Davis Jeanette , Hill Russell T.
Published: August 2014

Bacteria belonging to the genus
Vibrio
are prevalent in the marine environment and are known for forming symbiotic relationships with hosts.
Vibrio
sp. strain ER1A is a dominant symbiont of the Hawaiian sea slug,
Elysia rufescens
. Here we report the draft genome sequence of
Vibrio
sp. ER1A.