bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Challenges of Diabetes Management in Immigrant Korean Americans
Authors: Nam Soohyun , Song Hee-Jung , Park So-Youn , Song Youngshin 
Published: February 2013

Purpose To examine challenges in diabetes self-management among Korean Americans to guide clinicians in providing culturally appropriate and population-targeted diabetes care. Methods Five focus groups with 23 Korean Americans with type 2 diabetes, 30 to 75 years of age, were conducted. Open-ended questions were presented focusing on previous experiences in living with diabetes; digital recordings were transcribed verbatim; transcripts were coded and themes were identified. Results Most participants were reluctant to disclose diabetes because of social stigma and said that they did not know much about diabetes and its complications. Diabetes self-management is not always a top priority for Korean Americans over other family obligations or financial stability in their busy immigration lives. Many Korean Americans experience conflicts with family members in managing diabetes or would not request support from family members for their diabetes care. Traditional women’s roles and demanding immigration life seem to leave women particularly vulnerable to a lack of self-care. Lack of English proficiency limits access to mainstream health care. Conclusions Providing diabetes education at the community level is important to raise public awareness of diabetes and to eliminate social stigma. To facilitate family support for individuals with type 2 diabetes, it is appropriate to include the entire family in diabetes educational programs and to promote individual family members’ health in the context of maintaining their role within the family. Future efforts should be made with full implementation of language services in various clinical encounters and diabetes education.
Pretreatment Interleukin‐6 Serum Levels Are Associated with Patient Survival for Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Chang Kai‐Ping , Kao Huang‐Kai , Wu Chih‐Ching , Fang Ku‐Hao , Chang Yu‐Liang , Huang Yu‐Chen , Liu Shiau‐Chin , Cheng Ming‐Huei 
Published: February 2013

ObjectiveThis study aims to determine the role of serum interleukin‐6 concentration for oral cavity squamous cell carcinomas.Study DesignCohort study.SettingTertiary referral center.MethodsTwo hundred thirty‐seven untreated patients, 125 healthy individuals, and 104 individuals with oral premalignant lesions were enrolled. Interleukin‐6 serum concentrations were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsSerum concentrations of interleukin‐6 were significantly higher in patients compared with the levels in healthy individuals and the subjects with oral premalignant lesions. Serum interleukin‐6 levels were significantly higher in patients with higher pT status (from pT1 to pT4, median values in pg/mL = 0, 0, 1.3, and 5.0, respectively, with P <. 001), higher pathological stages (from stage I to IV, median values = 0, 0, 1.3, and 3.6, respectively, with P <. 001), positive bone invasion (5.0 vs 0, 1.4 vs 0; P <. 001), and higher tumor depths (1.4 vs 0; P =. 005). Patients with higher pretreatment levels of interleukin‐6 (>1.35 pg/mL, median level) had worse prognoses for 5‐year overall survival and disease‐specific survival despite treatment (75.7% vs 54.9% and 79.1% vs 59.8%; P =. 001 and. 003, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression analyses also indicated that higher interleukin‐6 serum levels were an independent prognostic factor for overall survival and disease‐free survival (adjusted hazard ratio = 2.417 and 2.364; P =. 009 and. 017, respectively).ConclusionOur study revealed that serum interleukin‐6 levels were associated with increased tumor burden and aggressiveness of oral cavity squamous cell carcinomas and may be useful as a prognostic indicator after treatment.
A randomized controlled trial of a mixed Kinesio taping–compression technique on venous symptoms, pain, peripheral venous flow, clinical severity and overall health status in postmenopausal women with chronic venous insufficiency
Authors: Aguilar-Ferrándiz Mª Encarnación , Castro-Sánchez Adelaida María , Matarán-Peñarrocha Guillermo A , Guisado-Barrilao Rafael , García-Ríos Mª Carmen , Moreno-Lorenzo Carmen 
Published: February 2013

Objectives: To investigate the effect of a mixed Kinesio taping treatment in women with chronic venous insufficiency. Design: A double-blinded randomized clinical trial. Setting: Clinical setting. Participants: One hundred and twenty postmenopausal women with mild–moderate chronic venous insufficiency were randomly assigned to an experimental group receiving standardized Kinesio taping treatment for gastrocnemius muscle enhancement and ankle functional correction, or to a placebo control group for simulated Kinesio taping. Main outcomes variables: Venous symptoms, pain, photoplethysmographic measurements, bioelectrical impedance, temperature, severity and overall health were recorded at baseline and after four weeks of treatment. Results: The 2 × 2 mixed model ANCOVA with repeated measurements showed statistically significant group * time interaction for heaviness ( F = 22.99, p = 0.002), claudication ( F = 8.57, p = 0.004), swelling ( F = 22.58, p = 0.001), muscle cramps ( F = 7.14, p = 0.008), venous refill time (right: F = 9.45, p = 0.023; left: F = 14.86, p = 0.001), venous pump function (right: F = 35.55, p = 0.004; left: F = 17.39 p = 0.001), extracellular water (right: F = 35.55, p = 0.004; left: F = 23.84, p = 0.001), severity ( F = 18.47, p = 0.001), physical function ( F = 9.15, p = 0.003) and body pain ( F = 3.36, p = 0.043). Both groups reported significant reduction in pain. Conclusion: Mixed Kinesio taping-compression therapy improves symptoms, peripheral venous flow and severity and slightly increases overall health status in females with mild chronic venous insufficiency. Kinesio taping may have a placebo effect on pain.
Repeatability of the timed 25-foot walk test for individuals with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Larson Rebecca D , Larson Daniel J , Baumgartner Ted B , White Lesley J 
Published: February 2013

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a practice effect present in the timed 25-foot walk in ambulatory individuals with multiple sclerosis. Design: Thirty six people (30 women and 6 men) diagnosed with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis participated in two testing sessions, one week apart. Each participant performed two sequential trials of the timed 25-foot walk test per session and the walk performance was measured with a laser timing system. Results: We observed improvements in walking speed between the two trials of session one (trial one: 6.42 (0.09) vs. trail two: 5.97 (0.08) seconds, p < 0.001). Within session two, performance remained stable (trial three: 5.71 (0.07) vs. trial four: 5.63 (0.07) seconds, p > 0.05). We also observed a significant improvement in walking speed when averages of the two trials were compared across sessions (session 1: 6.19 (0.09) vs. session 2: 5.67 (0.07) seconds, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Based on our results, familiarization of the timed 25-foot walk test improves stability of walk performance scores in ambulatory individuals with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis.
What effect does a structured home-based exercise programme have on people with Huntington’s disease? A randomized, controlled pilot study
Authors: Khalil Hanan , Quinn Lori , van Deursen Robert , Dawes Helen , Playle Rebecca , Rosser Anne , Busse Monica 
Published: February 2013

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore feasibility, safety and outcome of an exercise intervention in people with Huntington’s disease. Design: A randomized controlled pilot trial. Setting: A home-based exercise programme. Subjects: A total of 25 subjects with early to mid-stage Huntington’s disease. Intervention: Subjects were randomly allocated to either an exercise intervention ( n = 13) or a control group ( n = 12). Subjects in the exercise intervention group were asked to perform exercises at home three times a week for eight weeks using an exercise DVD, specifically developed for this purpose. The control group received their usual care. Measures: Adherence in the intervention group was calculated from exercise diaries. Measures of gait, balance, function, level of physical activity and quality of life were evaluated. Analysis of covariance was used to compare follow-up scores across groups after adjustment for chance baseline differences. Effect sizes were calculated. Results: Eleven participants from the intervention and ten from the control group completed the study. Mean adherence was 29.4 SD 1.8 for the 32 prescribed sessions. There were no related adverse events. Differences between groups were observed in gait speed, balance, function and level of physical activity, but not quality of life as measured by the SF36. Effect sizes were large (>0.8) for the majority of the outcomes. Conclusions: Short-term structured home exercise programmes are feasible, beneficial and safe for people with early to mid-stage of Huntington’s disease. Our findings support the implementation of a larger trial of longer-term home exercise.
Perinatal mental health services: what are they and why do we need them?
Authors: Galbally Megan , Blankley Gaynor , Power Josephine , Snellen Martien 
Published: February 2013

Objective: To review the evidence for perinatal mental health as a sub-specialist area of mental health and describe the development of a service model. Conclusions: Perinatal mental health is emerging as a sub-specialist area of mental health with specific knowledge and expertise in assessment, diagnosis and treatment. It requires services to ensure that women and infants receive optimal care across pregnancy and the postpartum.
The pain of chronic pancreatitis: a persistent clinical challenge
Authors: Goulden Michael R 
Published: February 2013

The pain of chronic pancreatitis represents a major challenge to those working in the field, including pain specialists, gastroenterologists and surgeons. This article describes the different aetiologies of chronic pancreatitis and lists the models for the pathogenesis of pain, including novel ideas such as the role of the immune system in the modulation of pain. The patient profile in chronic pancreatitis is discussed along with the social impact of the disease in relation to alcohol misuse. The range of treatment strategies including medical, endoscopic and surgical approaches are evaluated. Common analgesic regimes and their limitations are reviewed. The pain of chronic pancreatitis remains refractory to effective treatment in many cases and further study and understanding of the underlying pathophysiology are required.
The secreted lymphangiogenic factor CCBE1 is essential for fetal liver erythropoiesis
Authors: Zou Zhiying , Enis David R. , Bui Hung , Khandros Eugene , Kumar Vinayak , Jakus Zoltan , Thom Christopher , Yang Yiqing , Dhillon Veerpal , Chen Mei , Lu MinMin , Weiss Mitchell J. , Kahn Mark L. 
Published: February 2013

Key Points
The secreted lymphangiogenic protein CCBE1 is essential for fetal but not postnatal erythropoiesis. Loss of CCBE1 impairs erythroblastic island formation and function.
Impact of joint contractures on functioning and social participation in older individuals – development of a standard set (JointConFunctionSet): study protocol
Authors: Müller Martin , Fischer Uli , Bartoszek Gabriele , Grill Eva , Meyer Gabriele 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
Joint contractures are frequent in older individuals in geriatric care settings. Even though they are used as indicator of quality of care, there is neither a common standard to describe functioning and disability in patients nor an established standardized assessment to describe and quantify the impact of joint contractures on patients’ functioning. Thus, the aim of our study is (1) to develop a standard set for the assessment of the impact of joint contractures on functioning and social participation in older individuals and (2) to develop and validate a standardized assessment instrument for describing and quantifying the impact of joint contractures on the individuals’ functioning.

Methods
The standard set for joint contractures integrate the perspectives of all potentially relevant user groups, from the affected individuals to clinicians and researchers. The development of this set follows the methodology to develop an International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health (ICF) Core Set and involves a formal decision-making and consensus process. Evidence from four preparatory studies will be integrated including qualitative interviews with patients, a systematic review of the literature, a survey with health professionals, and a cross sectional study with patients affected by joint contractures. The assessment instrument will be developed using item-response-theory models. The instrument will be validated.

Discussion
The standard set for joint contractures will provide a list of aspects of functioning and health most relevant for older individuals in geriatric care settings with joint contractures. This list will describe body functions, body structures, activities and participation and related environmental factors. This standard set will define what aspects of functioning should be assessed in individuals with joint contractures and will be the basis of the new assessment instrument to evaluate the impact of joint contractures on functioning and social participation.
How to Measure Client Satisfaction With Stop Smoking Services: A Pilot Project in the UK National Health Service
Authors: May Sylvia , McEwen Andy , Arnoldi Helen , Bauld Linda , Ferguson Janet , Stead Martine 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThis pilot study aimed to develop a tool and methodology for measuring client satisfaction in UK National Health (NHS) Stop Smoking Services (SSS). A brief postcard questionnaire (measuring overall satisfaction with the service, willingness to recommend the service to others and smoking status) and a complete questionnaire (with 20 additional items measuring satisfaction with specific elements of the service) were developed. An NHS SSS mailed the postcard to 298 clients who had set a quit date in the previous quarter, they mailed the complete questionnaire to a subsample of 99 clients. Overall 34% (100/298) of those surveyed responded: 30% (90/298) for the card and 25% (25/99) for the questionnaire (15 people responded to both). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were found to be acceptable for both the overall service satisfaction item (ICC value = .43, p = .05) and the item regarding recommending the service to others (ICC-value = .83, p < .001). Hence the tool had reliability and at least face validity and the survey methodology proved practicable. The small modifications made to service delivery and the need for future research are discussed.
Radio Frequency Powering of Microelectronic Sensor Modules
Authors: vom Bögel Gerd , Meyer Frederic , Kemmerling Martin 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
In RFID applications the power supply of transponders via electromagnetic field is state-of-the-art. In this presentation the use of electromagnetic energy will be discussed for the operation of sensor modules. Starting with the question, whether the omnipresent radiation from power supply networks, radio transmitters, and mobile phone base stations is useable (energy harvesting), the feasibility of the operation of self-sufficient sensor modules is explained. Ancillary conditions of typical applications (e. g. operating range) and technology are considered.
Galactosemia: diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Serafinceanu Nakisa , Cucu I C , Serafinceanu C 
Published: February 2013

AbstractGalactosemia is a hereditary metabolic disease, having autosomal recessivetransmission. It can be the result of three distinct enzyme deficits on the path ofgalactose metabolism: Galactose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase (GALT),Galactokinase and UDP-glucose 4-epimerase (GALE). The symptoms and signsappear in the first 2-3 days of life and has a poor prognosis: repeated haemorrhages,modified liver tests, hepatosplenomegaly, jaundice, sistemic infections, especiallywith gram-negative bacteria (usually E coli), liver and renal failure, cataract. Thenewborn metabolic screening plays a decisive role in early detection ofgalactosemia.
The longitudinal association of childhood school engagement with adult educational and occupational achievement: findings from an Australian national study
Authors: Abbott‐Chapman Joan , Martin Kara , Ollington Nadia , Venn Alison , Dwyer Terry , Gall Seana 
Published: February 2013

The research investigated the association between school engagement and adult education and occupation outcomes, within the context of a 1985 Australian longitudinal national cohort study of the factors affecting children's long‐term health and well‐being. School engagement may be more modifiable than other factors related to academic success, such as academic attainment, which is influenced by family background. A School Engagement Index was constructed using questionnaire items on school enjoyment and boredom. Related school engagement items included learner self‐concept, motivation to learn, sense of belonging, participation in school or extra‐mural activities, and enjoyment of physical activity. In 2004–2006, participants (aged 26 to 30 years) reported their highest level of education achieved and current occupation. Potential covariates included age, sex, markers of socio‐economic status in childhood, personality and school‐level variables (i.e., number of students, single sex versus co‐education; government, private or independent). Logistic regression was used to estimate the odds of achieving post‐compulsory school education and achieving higher status occupations. Findings revealed that each unit of school engagement was independently associated with a 10% higher odds (OR 1.10 95% CI 1.01,1.21) of achieving a post‐compulsory school education. Maternal education, self‐concept as a learner, motivation to learn, all also significantly predicted achieving post‐compulsory school education. School engagement was found to mediate the association between the personality characteristic of agreeableness and education outcomes. Higher school engagement was also independently associated with achieving higher status occupations 20 years later (OR 1.11 95% CI 1.03, 1.20). Importantly, this was independent of a host of background factors.
Changes in immune functions during a peaking period in male university soccer players
Authors: Ueno Yuichi , Umeda Takashi , Takahashi Ippei , Iwane Kaori , Okubo Noriyuki , Kuroiwa Jun , Miyazawa Maki , Osato Reiko , Yoneda Katsuro , Nakaji Shigeyuki 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTThe concept of peaking ensures that athletes have trained to attain their absolute peak performance levels prior to a competition. This study investigates the effects of peaking on the functions of neutrophils and lymphocytes in university soccer players during a five‐day soccer training camp followed by two weeks of tapering. The study subjects were 22 soccer players who were members of a university soccer club. We carried out our investigation during a five‐day training camp and two weeks after the training camp (i.e. the tapering period). We measured body composition, immune‐related parameters (leukocyte count, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, immunoglobulins and complements), myogenic enzymes, superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) and neutrophil functions [reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, phagocytic activity, serum opsonic activity and lymphocyte subtypes]. Leukocyte and neutrophil counts tend to increase after the training camp compared with values before the training camp, and recovered during the conditioning period, although the final values were still lower than those before the training camp. The amount of ROS production per neutrophil and level of SOD decreased significantly during the conditioning period compared with before the training camp (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, respectively). Levels of Th1 cells decreased significantly during the conditioning period compared with the training camp (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the period of two weeks for the tapering period was considered insufficient to allow the athletes’ immune function to recover completely after an intensive training camp. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanistic Studies on the SCS‐Pincer Palladium(II)‐Catalyzed Tandem Stannylation/Electrophilic Allylic Substitution of Allyl Chlorides with Hexamethylditin and Benzaldehydes
Authors: Pijnenburg Niels J. M. , Cabon Yves H. M. , van Koten Gerard , Klein Gebbink Robertus J. M. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThis paper describes a mechanistic study of the SCS‐pincer PdII‐catalyzed auto‐tandem reaction consisting of the stannylation of cinnamyl chloride with hexamethylditin, followed by an electrophilic allylic substitution of the primary tandem‐reaction product with 4‐nitrobenzaldehyde to yield homoallylic alcohols as the secondary tandem products. As it turned out, the anticipated stannylation product, cinnamyl trimethylstannane, is not a substrate for the second part of the tandem reaction. These studies have provided insight in the catalytic behavior of SCS‐pincer PdII complexes in the auto‐tandem reaction and on the formation and possible involvement of Pd0 species during prolonged reaction times. This has led to optimized reaction conditions in which the overall tandem reaction proceeds through SCS‐pincer PdII‐mediated catalysis, that is, true auto‐tandem catalysis. Accordingly, this study has provided the appropriate reaction conditions that allow the pincer catalysts to be recycled and reused.
Do Intrinsically Disordered Proteins Possess High Specificity in Protein–Protein Interactions?
Authors: Huang Yongqi , Liu Zhirong 
Published: February 2013

AbstractSpecific protein–protein interactions are critical to cellular function. Structural flexibility and disorder‐to‐order transitions upon binding enable intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) to overcome steric restrictions and form complementary binding interfaces, and thus, IDPs are widely considered to have high specificity and low affinity for molecular recognition. However, flexibility may also enable IDPs to form complementary binding interfaces with misbinding partners, resulting in a great number of nonspecific interactions. Consequently, it is questionable whether IDPs really possess high specificity. In this work, we investigated this question from a thermodynamic viewpoint. We collected mutant thermodynamic data for 35 ordered protein complexes and 43 disordered protein complexes. We found that the enthalpy–entropy compensation for disordered protein complexes was more complete than that for ordered protein complexes. We further simulated the binding processes of ordered and disordered protein complexes under mutations. Simulation data confirmed the observation of experimental data analyses and further revealed that disordered protein complexes possessed smaller changes in binding free energy than ordered protein complexes under the same mutation perturbations. Therefore, interactions of IDPs are more malleable than those of ordered proteins due to their structural flexibility in the complex. Our results provide new clues for exploring the relationship between protein flexibility, adaptability, and specificity.