bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using PET/CT imaging to characterize 18 F‐fluorodeoxyglucose utilization in fish
Authors: Browning Z S , Wilkes A A , MacKenzie D S , Patterson R M , Lenox M W 
Published: March 2013

AbstractFish are becoming an increasingly important research species as investigators seek alternatives to mammalian models. Combined positron emission tomography/computed tomography with 18 F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG‐PET/CT) is a powerful new technology that has been extensively applied for high‐resolution imaging in mammals but not fish. CT scanning provides detailed anatomical three‐dimensional imaging. PET scanning detects areas of cellular activity using radio‐labelled molecular probes with specific uptake rates appropriate to the tissue involved. FDG‐PET is used in oncology because tissues with high glucose uptake, such as neoplasms, are intensely radio‐labelled. PET/CT combines the two technologies, so that images acquired from both devices are merged into one superimposed image, thus more precisely correlating metabolic activity with anatomical three‐dimensional imaging. Our objective was to determine if fish can be viable replacement animals in cancer studies using this technique by analysing the similarities between fish and humans in glucose uptake in select organs across multiple fish species. Rapid, quantifiable glucose uptake was demonstrated, particularly in brain, kidneys and liver in all imaged fish species. Standard uptake values for glucose uptake in the major organ systems of fish were more similar to those of humans than mice or dogs, indicating that fish may serve as effective alternative animal models using this technology. Applications for this technique in fish may include oncogenesis and metabolism studies as well as screening for environmental carcinogenesis.
Seeking Health Care Through International Medical Tourism
Authors: Eissler Lee Ann , Casken John 
Published: March 2013

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study was the exploration of international travel experiences for the purpose of medical or dental care from the perspective of patients from Alaska and to develop insight and understanding of the essence of the phenomenon of medical tourism.Study Design and MethodsThe study is conceptually oriented within a model of health‐seeking behavior. Using a qualitative design, 15 Alaska medical tourists were individually interviewed. The data were analyzed using a hermeneutic process of inquiry to uncover the meaning of the experience.FindingsSix themes reflecting the experiences of Alaska medical tourists emerged: “my motivation,” “I did the research,” “the medical care I need,” “follow‐up care,” “the advice I give,” and “in the future.” Subthemes further categorized data for increased understanding of the phenomenon. The thematic analysis provides insight into the experience and reflects a modern approach to health‐seeking behavior through international medical tourism.ConclusionsThe results of this study provide increased understanding of the experience of obtaining health care internationally from the patient perspective. Improved understanding of medical tourism provides additional information about a contemporary approach to health‐seeking behavior.Clinical RelevanceResults of this study will aid nursing professionals in counseling regarding medical tourism options and providing follow‐up health care after medical tourism. Nurses will be able to actively participate in global health policy discussions regarding medical tourism trends.
Changes in Healthy Childhood Lifestyle Behaviors in Japanese Rural Areas
Authors: Nakano Takahiro , Kasuga Kosho , Murase Tomohiko , Suzuki Kazuhiro 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDUnhealthy lifestyles during childhood constitute a public health problem in Japan. However, current health education in Japan is ineffective in counteracting them. Previous studies contend that healthy lifestyles in children vary by academic grade and sex. This study examined changes throughout childhood suggests some intervention points for lifestyle education.METHODSThe participants were 2833 elementary and junior high school students living in Japanese rural areas. Data on 26 variables assigned to 5 subfactors were collected. We estimated the composite score of each subfactor on the basis of item response theory. A 2‐way ANOVA and a graph review were performed to explore the differences and changes by sex and grade.RESULTSMost of the main effects for sex and grade were statistically significant. Lifestyle behaviors acquired early in elementary school were lost as students progressed to higher grades.CONCLUSIONSThe research indicated the following emphases: (1) Physical activity and leisure habits should be focused on girls and hygiene habits on boys; (2) Continuous education for a healthy lifestyle is essential to maintain good health among children; (3) Education for healthy lifestyle can be classified into 2 important stages such as for dietary and sleeping habits, education from the upper grades of elementary school is important, whereas for other routine activities, reeducation in junior high school is effective.
Advantages of Coordinated School Health Portfolios: Documenting and Showcasing Achievements
Authors: Shipley Meagan , Lohrmann David , Barnes Priscilla , O'Neill Jim 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDThirteen school district teams from Michigan and Indiana participated in the Michiana Coordinated School Health Leadership Institute with the intent of Coordinated School Health Program (CSHP) implementation. The purpose of this study was to determine if portfolios served as an effective approach for documenting teams' accomplishments and health programming efforts.METHODSData were gathered through a combined survey/interview process and portfolio analysis. The survey was developed by the Institute's core team of experts and designed to assess the Institute's goals and objectives. Interviews elicited greater detail pertaining to survey questions. Content analysis yielded a detailed and descriptive summary of each team's portfolio.RESULTSPortfolios proved useful for providing rich descriptions and artifacts documenting each team's process and progress toward achieving CSHP. They were not limited to the 12 required Michiana categories and contained additional items related to other aspects of health programming. Portfolios also served as a record‐keeping and CSHP marketing tool.CONCLUSIONThis study demonstrates the advantages of portfolios for documenting the process of CSHP development and implementation and teams' health programming efforts. The portfolios provided evidence of team achievements related to Institute goals and objectives—those that included greater documentation were indicative of fuller implementation. Teams with portfolios that used both categorical and scrapbook formats provided richer portrayals of successes to a broader variety of audiences.
The Development of the Lunchtime Enjoyment of Activity and Play Questionnaire
Authors: Hyndman Brendon , Telford Amanda , Finch Caroline , Ullah Shahid , Benson Amanda C. 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDEnjoyment of physical activity is as an important determinant of children's participation in physical activity. Despite this, there is an absence of reliable measures for assessing children's enjoyment of play activities during school lunchtime. The purpose of this study was to develop and assess the reliability of the Lunchtime Enjoyment of Activity and Play (LEAP) Questionnaire.METHODSQuestionnaire items were categorized employing a social‐ecological framework including intrapersonal (20 items), interpersonal (2 items), and physical environment/policy (17 items) components to identify the broader influences on children's enjoyment. An identical questionnaire was administered on 2 occasions, 10 days apart, to 176 children aged 8‐12 years, attending a government elementary school in regional Victoria, Australia.RESULTSTest‐retest reliability confirmed that 35 of 39 LEAP Questionnaire items had at least moderate kappa agreement ranging from .44 to .78. Although 4 individual kappa values were low, median kappa scores for each aggregated social‐ecological component reached at least moderate agreement (.44‐.60).CONCLUSIONSThis study confirms the LEAP Questionnaire to be a reliable, context‐specific instrument with sound content, and face validity that employs a social‐ecological framework to assess children's enjoyment of school play and lunchtime activities.
Use of Nonpharmaceutical Interventions to Reduce Transmission of 2009 Pandemic Influenza A (pH1N1) in Pennsylvania Public Schools
Authors: Miller Jeffrey R. , Short Vanessa L. , Wu Henry M. , Waller Kirsten , Mead Paul , Kahn Emily , Bahn Beth A. , Dale Jon W. , Nasrullah Muazzam , Walton Sabrina E. , Urdaneta Veronica , Ostroff Stephen , Averhoff Francisco 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDSchool‐based recommendations for nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) were issued in response to the threat of 2009 pandemic influenza A (pH1N1). The implementation and effectiveness of these recommendations has not been assessed.METHODSIn November 2009, a Web‐based survey of all Pennsylvania public schools was conducted to assess the use of recommended NPIs.RESULTSOverall, 1040 (31%) of 3351 schools participated in the survey. By fall 2009, 820 (84%) of 979 respondents reported that their school had an influenza plan in place, a 44% higher proportion than in the spring 2009 (p < .01). Most schools communicated health messages (eg, staying home when sick), implemented return to school requirements, and made hand sanitizer available. Schools with a spring influenza plan (N = 568) were less likely to report substantial influenza‐like illness (ILI) during the fall wave of influenza than the 299 schools without a spring influenza plan (63% vs 71%, p = .02). This association persisted after controlling for schools with substantial ILI in the spring.CONCLUSIONThe reported use of NPIs in participating Pennsylvania public schools improved substantially from spring to fall and was generally consistent with issued recommendations. The proactive implementation of a number of NPIs and the early implementation of communication and education initiatives might have cumulatively reduced the impact of pH1N1 in some schools.
Incorporating Physical Activity Into the Schools Using a 3‐Tiered Approach
Authors: Fedewa Alicia L. , Candelaria Ashley , Erwin Heather E. , Clark Teresa P. 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDPublic health models have been used to address a number of school‐based concerns, notably in the identification and treatment of students at‐risk for academic or behavioral deficits. Significant benefits are associated with this model as, compared to a traditional approach, the focus is shifted from remediation to prevention, and from student pathology to student strengths.METHODSAlthough this model has been applied to multiple populations and used across a variety of settings, it has yet to be conceptualized as a framework for the integration of school‐based physical activity (PA).RESULTSThis article first reviews the public health service delivery model as well as the benefits of PA on children's physical health, mental health, and cognitive outcomes. Second, suggestions for incorporating PA into the schools using a 3‐tiered system and as barriers to success are discussed.CONCLUSIONSchool‐based PA is a promising tool—and yet an overlooked and undervalued intervention—for a number of concerns applicable to children's academic achievement and overall mental health.
Pain management strategies used during early childhood immunisation in Victoria
Authors: Harrison Denise , Elia Sonja , Royle Jenny , Manias Elizabeth 
Published: March 2013

AimThe study aims to identify pain management practices used during scheduled childhood immunisation.MethodsA survey of members of the Australian Nurses Federation (Victorian Branch) Immunisation Nurses Special Interest Group. Questions included frequency of use of pain reduction strategies during immunisations for infants, toddlers and children, injection techniques and existence of an articulated pain management policy.ResultsThe survey was emailed to 274 Immunisation Nurses Special Interest Group members with registered email addresses, and 125 (46%) completed the survey. Nineteen respondents (15.2%) stated their main place of employment had a pain management policy during immunisations and 20 (16.0%) respondents were not sure. Distraction strategies were frequently used during immunisation for all age groups, with 95 (76.0%) replying that distraction was used often or always. Breastfeeding during immunisation for infants younger than 6 months was used occasionally (n = 54, 44.6%), often (n = 11, 9.1%) or never (n = 55, 45.5%) and was used even less frequently for infants aged 6–12 months. Sucrose or other sweet solutions were almost never used for infants prior to, or during, immunisation. As a reward, lollies were frequently given to children after immunisations. Topical anaesthetics were almost never used in any age groups. Over half the respondents used a rapid injection technique; 55 (44.7%) used a slow technique and four respondents aspirated the needle before injections.ConclusionsMany distraction strategies were used during and following immunisation but sweet solutions, breastfeeding or topical anaesthetics were rarely used. Use of these strategies where feasible, should be facilitated in diverse settings where immunisations take place.
Development of a pediatric cariogenicity index
Authors: Evans E. Whitney , Hayes Catherine , Palmer Carole A. , Bermudez Odilia I. , Naumova Elena N. , Cohen Steven A. , Must Aviva 
Published: March 2013

AbstractObjectivesThis study was designed to develop food and liquid cariogenicity indices and to preliminarily test their utility using dietary data from a study of children with and without severe early childhood caries (S‐ECC), defined as 3 + smooth surface carious lesions, including at least one pulpally involved tooth.MethodsData were collected in a diverse cohort of low‐income preschool‐aged children made up of 454 children with S‐ECC and 429 caries‐free children who presented for care at pediatric dental clinics in Washington, DC, Columbus, OH, and Cincinnati, OH. The cariogenicity indices were used to score dietary data from a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and a 24‐hour recall (24HR).ResultsThere were no statistically significant differences in mean food cariogenicity scores between groups. The liquid cariogenicity score was higher in the S‐ECC group as compared with caries‐free children (24HR: 5.28 versus 4.66, respectively, P < 0.001; FFQ: 5.03 versus 4.38, P < 0.001). The food cariogenicity score did not discriminate between those with and without S‐ECC, while the liquid cariogenicity score did differentiate between the two groups (24HR: OR: 1.2; 95 percent CI: 1.1, 1.3; FFQ: 1.7; 95 percent CI 1.4, 2.0). The liquid cariogenicity score was also associated with number of carious lesions.ConclusionsThe liquid cariogenicity index has potential in research and clinical settings to provide a liquid cariogenicity score and help quickly identify modifiable risk factors within a child's diet. Further research is needed to test its utility in clinical and public health settings.
Inhomogeneous Spatial Distribution of Aroma Compounds in Food Gels for Enhancement of Perceived Aroma Intensity and Muscle Activity during Oral Processing
Authors: Nakao Satomi , Ishihara Sayaka , Nakauma Makoto , Funami Takahiro 
Published: March 2013

AbstractEffects of inhomogeneous spatial aroma distribution in food gels were investigated for the enhancement of perceived intensity and the muscle activity during oral processing. A polysaccharide mixture was used as the gel matrix, in which small cubes from the same gelling agent were dispersed at 50% weight ratio. Degree of inhomogeneous spatial aroma distribution was arranged by its concentration in both the matrix and the dispersed gels although the overall aroma concentration within one gel sample was constant. There were no differences in mechanical properties between structured gel samples. A greater degree of inhomogeneous spatial aroma distribution increased perceived intensity, increased the duration of oral processing and the suprahyoid musculature activity, decreased the particle size of the expectorated bolus before swallowing, and increased the saliva content in the bolus using healthy adults as subjects. Importance of food structure design for enhanced perceived aroma intensity and human eating behavior was suggested.Practical ApplicationResults from this study can contribute to the food structure design, particularly for foods for the elderly or people with chewing and swallowing difficulties, because the texturally soft gels used can serve as a model of these foods in that they do not necessarily require chewing for size reduction and are often easy to form a bolus before swallowing. Because of some heterogeneity of food structure (fabricated by bi‐phase gel in this study), perceived aroma intensity is increased, and people eat proactively. Gel technology that stimulates the five human senses may be a key for food texture innovation, for which the manufacturers should manipulate gelling and thickening polysaccharides as a texture modifier.
Trait‐based classification and manipulation of plant functional groups for biodiversity–ecosystem function experiments
Authors: Fry Ellen L. , Power Sally A. , Manning Pete 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAimBiodiversity–ecosystem function (BDEF) experiments commonly group species into arbitrary a priori functional groups, e.g. the grass/forb/legume (GFL) classification. As a result, the causes of functional group diversity effects are often poorly understood. This paper presents a new process that uses functional trait data to create customized plant functional groups that can be tailored to address specific questions. This method is illustrated throughout with an example taken from a temperate mesotrophic grassland in southern England.LocationSilwood Park, Berkshire, UK.MethodsThe method described applies divisive hierarchical cluster analysis to plant functional trait data (from either field or greenhouse conditions) in order to cluster species into a user‐specified number of groups. In our example, this was done using unweighted traits with clear links to C and N cycling. To ensure between‐group variance had been maximized, we used a linear discriminant analysis. ANOVA should also be used to compare the mean trait values of groups, in order to make specific hypotheses regarding the effect that each group has upon ecosystem functioning. We compared the resulting groups with the GFL classification to see which was more likely to deliver functionally distinct groups.ResultsThe resulting groups had discrete functional characteristics, so simple hypotheses could be formulated. These groups also appeared to show stronger trait value differences than the GFL classification. Results from the experiment demonstrate that hypothesized removal effects on function were supported, thus validating our approach.ConclusionsThe method described is applicable to a wide range of communities and is able to recognize functionally distinct groups of species. General use of this approach could result in a more mechanistic understanding of biodiversity–ecosystem function relationships as it can establish experimentally validated links between functional effects traits and ecosystem functioning.
Associations of depression, anxiety and antidepressants with histological severity of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Youssef Nagy A. , Abdelmalek Manal F. , Binks Martin , Guy Cynthia D. , Omenetti Alessia , Smith Alastair D. , Diehl Anna Mae E. , Suzuki Ayako 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundDepression and anxiety are common in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, their associations with histological severity of NAFLD are unknown.AimThis study examined the association(s) of depression, anxiety and antidepressant pharmacotherapy with severity of histological features in patients with NAFLD.MethodsWe analysed 567 patients with biopsy‐proven NAFLD enrolled in the Duke NAFLD Clinical Database. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety & Depression Scale (HADS). The associations of depression and anxiety with severity of histological features of NAFLD were analysed using multiple logistic (or ordinal logistic) regression models with and without adjusting for confounding factors.ResultSubclinical and clinical depression was noted in 53% and 14% of patients respectively. Subclinical and clinical anxiety was noted in 45% and 25% of patients respectively. After adjusting for confounders, depression was significantly associated with more severe hepatocyte ballooning in a dose‐dependent manner (likelihood ratio test, P = 0.0201); adjusted cumulative odds ratio (COR) of subclinical and clinical depression for having a higher grade of hepatocyte ballooning were 2.1 [95% CI, 1.0, 4.4] and 3.6 [95% CI, 1.4, 8.8].ConclusionsIn patients with NAFLD, depression was associated with more severe hepatocyte ballooning. Further investigation exploring pathobiological mechanisms underlying the observed associations and potential effects of antidepressant pharmacotherapy on NAFLD liver histology is warranted.
Effects of Saw Palmetto Extract on Urodynamic Parameters, Bladder Muscarinic and Purinergic Receptors and Urinary Cytokines in Rats with Cyclophosphamide‐Induced Cystitis
Authors: NASRIN Sweety , MASUDA Eiji , KUGAYA Haruna , OSANO Ayaka , ITO Yoshihiko , YAMADA Shizuo 
Published: March 2013

ObjectivesTo clarify the effect of saw palmetto extract (SPE), a phytotherapeutic agent, on urodynamic parameters, bladder muscarinic and purinergic receptors, and urinary cytokines in rats with cystitis induced by cyclophosphamide (CYP).MethodsSaw palmetto extract (60 mg/kg per day) was administered orally twice a day for 7 days to rats. The urodynamic parameters in CYP (150 mg/kg i.p.)‐treated rats were monitored by a cystometric method under anesthesia. The muscarinic and purinergic receptors in the bladder and submaxillary gland were measured by radioreceptor assays using [N‐methyl‐3H] scopolamine chloride([3H]NMS) and αβ‐methylene‐ATP [2,8‐3H] tetrasodium salt ([3H]αβ‐MeATP), respectively. Urinary cytokines (interleukin‐1β [IL‐1β], IL‐6 and L‐17) were measured with enzyme linked immunosorbent assay kits.ResultsMicturition interval and micturition volume were significantly decreased and the frequency of micturition and basal pressure were significantly increased in the CYP‐treated rats compared with sham‐operated rats. Orally administered SPE significantly increased the micturition interval and micturition volume and decreased the frequency of micturition and basal pressure. The maximal number of sites (Bmax) for the specific binding of [3H]NMS and [3H]αβ‐MeATP was significantly decreased in the bladder. The decrease in receptors was attenuated by repeated treatment with SPE. An elevation in urinary cytokine (IL‐1β and IL‐17) levels were seen, and this increase was effectively suppressed by SPE treatment.ConclusionsSaw palmetto extract attenuates the alteration of urodynamic parameters, pharmacologically relevant receptors, and urinary cytokines in CYP‐treated rats. Therefore, SPE may be a potential therapeutic agent for improving the clinical symptoms of cystitis.