bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Individual and Environmental Factors Related to Stage of Change in Exercise Behavior: A Cross-Sectional Study of Female Japanese Undergraduate Students
Authors: Yasunaga Akitomo , Kawano Yukari , Kamahori Yumiko , Noguchi Kyoko 
Published: December 2013

Background:The purpose of the current study was to examine the association between the level of exercise behavior and individual and environmental factors related to exercise behavior among female Japanese undergraduate students.Methods:The participants were 2482 female Japanese undergraduate students. Participants’ level of exercise behavior was measured by the stage of change to exercise in the transtheoretical model. Individual and environmental factors related to exercise behavior were assessed using body mass index, self-efficacy, social support, perceived positive and negative aspects of exercise, perceived neighborhood environment, attitude toward physical education lessons in childhood and puberty, and depression.Results:Scores for self-efficacy, social support, positive aspects of exercise, and perceived neighborhood environment were significantly higher among women who were more active compared with those who were inactive. On the other hand, scores for negative aspects of exercise and depression were greater among inactive women compared with those who were insufficiently active and/or active. In addition, past attitude toward exercise in primary school, junior high school, and high school was associated with current level of exercise behavior.Conclusions:This cross-sectional study confirmed that psychosocial and environmental factors were closely associated with level of exercise behavior among female Japanese undergraduate students.
Physical Activity and Survival After Cancer Diagnosis in Men
Authors: Lee I-Min , Wolin Kathleen Y. , Freeman Sarah E. , Sattlemair Jacob , Sesso Howard D. 
Published: December 2013

Background:The number of cancer survivors is increasing rapidly; however, little is known about whether engaging in physical activity after a cancer diagnosis is associated with lower mortality rates in men.Methods:We conducted a prospective cohort study of 1021 men (mean age, 71.3 years) who were diagnosed with cancer (other than nonmelanoma skin cancer). Men reported their physical activities (walking, stair climbing, and participation in sports and recreational activities) on questionnaires in 1988, a median of 6 years after their cancer diagnosis. Physical activity was updated in 1993 and men were followed until 2008, with mortality follow-up > 99% complete, during which 777 men died (337 from cancer, 190 from cardiovascular disease).Results:In multivariate analyses, the relative risks for all-cause mortality associated with expending < 2100, 2100–4199, 4200–8399, 8400–12,599, and ≥ 12,600 kJ/week in physical activity were 1.00 (referent), 0.77, 0.74, 0.76, and 0.52, respectively (P-trend < 0.0001). Higher levels of physical activity also were associated with lower rates of death from cancer and cardiovascular disease (P-trend = 0.01 and 0.002, respectively).Conclusions:Engaging in physical activity after cancer diagnosis is associated with better survival among men.
Steps That Count: The Association Between the Number and Intensity of Steps Accumulated and Fitness and Health Measures
Authors: Pillay Julian David , Kolbe-Alexander Tracy Lynn , van Mechelen Willem , Lambert Estelle Victoria 
Published: December 2013

Background:Pedometer-based recommendations for accumulating steps/d largely focus on volume, with less emphasis on intensity and fitness/health outcomes. We aim to examine this relationship.Methods:A convenience sample (N = 70, 35 men, 32 ± 8yrs) wore a pedometer (4 days). The pedometer classified steps as “aerobic” (≥ 60 steps/minute, minimum duration of 1 minute) or “non-aerobic” (< 60 steps/minute and/or < 1 minute). Estimated maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), derived from a 12-minute submaximal step-test, and health outcomes: blood pressure (BP), body mass index (BMI), percentage body fat (%BF), and waist circumference (WC) were correlated with pedometer data. Participants were grouped according to number and intensity of steps: LOW (< 5000 steps/d), HIGH-LOW (≥ 5000 steps/d, no aerobic steps), HIGH-HIGH (≥ 5000 steps/d, including some aerobic steps). Analyses of covariance, adjusting for age, gender, and total steps/d were used to compare groups.Results:Average steps/d was 6520 ± 2306. Total steps/d and total time spent accumulating “aerobic” steps (minutes/day) were inversely associated with %BF, BMI, WC, and systolic BP (P < .05). After adjusting for gender and total steps/d, %BF was different between all 3 groups, VO2max was different between the LOW and HIGH-HIGH groups, WC was lower in the HIGH-HIGH versus the other 2 groups (P < .03, respectively).Conclusion:Intensity seems an important factor to consider in steps/d cut-points.
Promoting Physical Activity and Quality of Life in Vitoria, Brazil: Evaluation of the Exercise Orientation Service (EOS) Program
Authors: Reis Rodrigo S. , Hino Adriano Akira F. , Cruz Danielle K. , da Silva Filho Lourival Espiridião , Malta Deborah C. , Domingues Marlos R. , Hallal Pedro C. 
Published: December 2013

Background:The purpose of this study was to evaluate associations between exposure to the Exercise Orientation Service (EOS) program and physical activity (PA) and quality of life (QoL) in adults from Vitoria, Brazil.Methods:A phone survey was conducted with 2023 randomly selected participants (≥ 18 years) to measure awareness about the program, participation in the program, PA levels, and QoL. The associations were tested using Poisson and Linear regression models.Results:31.5% reported awareness about the program, 1.5% reported current participation, and 5.8% reported previous participation. Participation was higher among women (2.1%), older subjects (2.8%), and those reporting morbidities (2.4%). Awareness was higher among middle-aged persons (36.0%) and highly educated participants (37.1%). Current participation (PR = 2.22; 95% CI = 1.65–2.99) and awareness (PR = 1.15; 95% CI = 1.02–1.30) were associated with leisure-time PA (LTPA).Conclusion:Exposure to the program was not associated with QoL but was consistently associated with sufficient levels of LTPA among adults from Vitoria, Brazil.
Opportunity Meets Planning: An Assessment of the Physical Activity Emphasis in State Obesity-Related Plans
Authors: Eyler Amy , Chriqui Jamie , Maddock Jay , Cradock Angie , Evenson Kelly R. , Gustat Jeanette , Hooker Steven , Lyn Rodney , Segar Michelle , Tompkins Nancy O’Hara , Zieff Susan G. 
Published: December 2013

Background:In the United States, health promotion efforts often begin with state-level strategic plans. Many states have obesity, nutrition, or other topic-related plans that include physical activity (PA). The purpose of this study was to assess PA content in these state plans and make recommendations for future plan development.Methods:Publically available plans were collected in 2010. A content analysis tool was developed based on the United States National PA Plan and included contextual information and plan content. All plans were double coded for reliability and analyzed using SPSS.Results:Forty-three states had a statewide plan adopted between 2002 and 2010, none of which focused solely on PA. Over 80% of PA-specific strategies included policy or environmental changes. Most plans also included traditional strategies to increase PA (eg, physical education, worksite). Few plans included a specific focus on land use/community design, parks/recreation, or transportation. Less than one-half of plans included transportation or land use/community design partners in plan development.Conclusions:Though the majority of states had a PA-oriented plan, comprehensiveness varied by state. Most plans lacked overarching objectives on the built environment, transportation, and land use/community design. Opportunities exist for plan revision and alignment with the National PA Plan sectors and strategies.
Self-Reported and Objective Physical Activity in Postgastric Bypass Surgery, Obese and Lean Adults: Association With Body Composition and Cardiorespiratory Fitness
Authors: Ramirez-Marrero Farah A. , Miles John , Joyner Michael J. , Curry Timothy B. 
Published: December 2013

Background:This study aimed to 1) describe physical activity (PA) in 15 post gastric bypass surgery (GB), 16 obese (Ob), and 14 lean (L) participants (mean ± se: age = 37.1 ± 1.6, 30.8 ± 1.9, 32.7 ± 2.3 yrs.; BMI = 29.7 ± 1.2, 38.2 ± 0.8, 22.9 ± 0.5 kg/m2, respectively); and 2) test associations between PA, body composition, and cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max).Methods:Participants completed a PA questionnaire after wearing accelerometers from 5–7 days. Body composition was determined with DEXA and CT scans, and VO2max with open circuit spirometry. ANOVA was used to detect differences between groups, and linear regressions to evaluate associations between PA (self-reported, accelerometer), body composition, and VO2max.Results:Self-reported moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) in GB, Ob, and L participants was 497.7 ± 215.9, 988.6 ± 230.8, and 770.7 ± 249.3 min/week, respectively (P = .51); accelerometer MVPA was 185.9 ± 41.7, 132.3 ± 51.1, and 322.2 ± 51.1 min/week, respectively (P = .03); and steps/day were 6647 ± 141, 6603 ± 377, and 9591 ± 377, respectively (P = .03). Ob showed a marginally higher difference between self-report and accelerometer MVPA (P = .06). Accelerometer-MVPA and steps/day were inversely associated with percent fat (r = –0.53, –0.46), and abdominal fat (r = –0.36, –0.40), and directly associated with VO2max (r = .36).Conclusions:PA was similar between GB and Ob participants, and both were less active than L. Higher MVPA was associated with higher VO2max and lower body fat.
Inferring explicit weighted consensus networks to represent alternative evolutionary histories
Authors: Layeghifard Mehdi , Peres-Neto Pedro R , Makarenkov Vladimir 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe advent of molecular biology techniques and constant increase in availability of genetic material have triggered the development of many phylogenetic tree inference methods. However, several reticulate evolution processes, such as horizontal gene transfer and hybridization, have been shown to blur the species evolutionary history by causing discordance among phylogenies inferred from different genes.MethodsTo tackle this problem, we hereby describe a new method for inferring and representing alternative (reticulate) evolutionary histories of species as an explicit weighted consensus network which can be constructed from a collection of gene trees with or without prior knowledge of the species phylogeny.ResultsWe provide a way of building a weighted phylogenetic network for each of the following reticulation mechanisms: diploid hybridization, intragenic recombination and complete or partial horizontal gene transfer. We successfully tested our method on some synthetic and real datasets to infer the above-mentioned evolutionary events which may have influenced the evolution of many species.ConclusionsOur weighted consensus network inference method allows one to infer, visualize and validate statistically major conflicting signals induced by the mechanisms of reticulate evolution. The results provided by the new method can be used to represent the inferred conflicting signals by means of explicit and easy-to-interpret phylogenetic networks.
Transcriptome-wide profiling and expression analysis of transcription factor families in a liverwort, Marchantia polymorpha
Authors: Sharma Niharika , Bhalla Prem L , Singh Mohan B 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundTranscription factors (TFs) are vital elements that regulate transcription and the spatio-temporal expression of genes, thereby ensuring the accurate development and functioning of an organism. The identification of TF-encoding genes in a liverwort,Marchantia polymorpha, offers insights into TF organization in the members of the most basal lineages of land plants (embryophytes). Therefore, a comparison ofMarchantiaTF genes with other land plants (monocots, dicots, bryophytes) and algae (chlorophytes, rhodophytes) provides the most comprehensive view of the rates of expansion or contraction of TF genes in plant evolution.ResultsIn this study, we report the identification of TF-encoding transcripts inM. polymorphafor the first time, as evidenced by deep RNA sequencing data. In total, 3,471 putative TF encoding transcripts, distributed in 80 families, were identified, representing 7.4% of the generatedMarchantiagametophytic transcriptome dataset. Overall, TF basic functions and distribution across families appear to be conserved when compared to other plant species. However, it is of interest to observe the genesis of novel sequences in 24 TF families and the apparent termination of 2 TF families with the emergence ofMarchantia. Out of 24 TF families, 6 are known to be associated with plant reproductive development processes. We also examined the expression pattern of these TF-encoding transcripts in six male and female developmental stages in vegetative and reproductive gametophytic tissues ofMarchantia.ConclusionsThe analysis highlighted the importance ofMarchantia, a model plant system, in an evolutionary context. The dataset generated here provides a scientific resource for TF gene discovery and other comparative evolutionary studies of land plants.
Pinewood nematode-associated bacteria contribute to oxidative stress resistance of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus
Authors: Vicente Cláudia S L , Ikuyo Yoriko , Mota Manuel , Hasegawa Koichi 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Background
Pine wilt disease (PWD) caused by the pinewood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus is one of the most serious forest diseases in the world. The role of B. xylophilus-associated bacteria in PWD and their interaction with the nematode, have recently been under substantial investigation. Several studies report a potential contribution of the bacteria for the PWD development, either as a helper to enhance the pathogenicity of the nematode or as a pathogenic agent expressing interesting traits related to lifestyle host-adaptation.

Results
We investigated the nematode-bacteria interaction under a severe oxidative stress (OS) condition using a pro-oxidant hydrogen peroxide and explored the adhesion ability of these bacteria to the cuticle surface of the nematodes. Our results clearly demonstrated a beneficial effect of the Serratia spp. (isolates LCN-4, LCN-16 and PWN-146) to B. xylophilus under the OS condition. Serratia spp. was found to be extremely OS-resistant, and promote survival of B. xylophilus and down-regulate two B. xylophilus catalase genes (Bxy-ctl-1 and Bxy-ctl-2). In addition, we show that the virulent isolate (Ka4) of B. xylophilus survives better than the avirulent (C14-5) isolate under the OS condition. The bacterial effect was transverse for both B. xylophilus isolates. We could not observe a strong and specific adhesion of these bacteria on the B. xylophilus cuticle surface.

Conclusions
We report, for the first time, that B. xylophilus associated bacteria may assist the nematode opportunistically in the disease, and that a virulent B. xylophilus isolate displayed a higher tolerance towards the OS conditions than an avirulent isolate.
Correlation between the methylation of SULF2 and WRN promoter and the irinotecan chemosensitivity in gastric cancer
Authors: Wang Lin , Xie Li , Wang Jun , Shen Jie , Liu Baorui 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Background
At present, no study has compared the correlation between SULF2, WRN promoter methylation and clinicopathological parameters of patients with gastric cancer and the sensitivity to irinotecan (CPT-11).

Methods
We collected 102 fresh tumor tissues from pathologically diagnosed gastric carcinoma patients. Methylation specific PCR was used to detect the promoter methylation of SULF2 and WRN. The chemosensitivity of irinotecan to gastric tomor was tested by MTT. Then we compared the chemosensitivity difference of the methylated group with unmethylated group.

Results
The rates of SULF2, WRN methylation were 28.3% (29/102) and 23.6% (24/102), separately. Patients with SULF2 methylation were more sensitive to CPT-11 than those without SULF2 methylation (P < 0.01). Patients with both SULF2 and WRN methylation were also more sensitive to CPT-11 than others ( P < 0.05).

Conclusion
SULF2 and WRN promoter methylation detection indicates potential predictive biomarkers to identify and target the most sensitive gastric cancer subpopulation for personalized CPT-11 therapy.
Low dose of continuous – wave microwave irradiation did not cause temperature increase in muscles tissue adjacent to titanium alloy implants – an animal study
Authors: Ye Dongmei , Xu Yiming , Fu Tengfei , Zhang Han , Feng Xianxuan , Wang Gang , Jiang Lan , Bai Yuehong 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Background
Research studies on the influence of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation on implants in vitro have failed to investigate temperature changes in the tissues adjacent to the implants under microwave therapy. We therefore, used a rabbit model in an effort to determine the impact of microwave therapy on temperature changes in tissues adjacent to the titanium alloy implants and the safety profile thereof.

Methods
Titanium alloy internal fixation plates were implanted in New Zealand rabbits in the middle of femur. Microwave therapy was performed by a 2450 MHz microwave generator 3 days after the surgery. Temperature changes of muscles adjacent to the implants were recorded under exposure to dose-gradient microwave radiation from 20w to 60w.

Results
Significant difference between control and microwave treatment group at peak temperatures (Tpeak) and temperature gap (Tgap= Tpeak-Tvally) were observed in deep muscles (Tpeak, 41.63 ± 0.21°C vs. 44.40 ± 0.17°C, P < 0.01; Tgap, 5.33 ± 0.21°C vs. 8.10 ± 0.36°C, P < 0.01) and superficial muscles (Tpeak, 41.53 ± 0.15°C vs. 42.03 ± 0.23°C, P = 0.04; Tgap, 5.23 ± 0.21°C vs. 5.80 ± 0.17°C, P = 0.013) under 60 w, and deep muscles (Tpeak, 40.93 ± 0.25°C vs. 41.87 ± 0.23°C, P = 0.01; Tgap, 4.73 ± 0.20°C vs. 5.63 ± 0.35°C, P = 0.037) under 50w, but not under 20, 30 and 40w.

Conclusion
Our results suggest that low-dose (20w-40w) continuous-wave microwave irradiation delivered by a 2450 MHz microwave generator might be a promising treatment for patients with titanium alloy internal fixation, as it did not raise temperature in muscle tissues adjacent to the titanium alloy implant.
Preliminary evidence about the effects of meditation on interoceptive sensitivity and social cognition
Authors: Melloni Margherita , Sedeño Lucas , Couto Blas , Reynoso Martin , Gelormini Carlos , Favaloro Roberto , Canales-Johnson Andrés , Sigman Mariano , Manes Facundo , Ibanez Agustin 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Background
Interoception refers to the conscious perception of body signals. Mindfulness is a meditation practice that encourages individuals to focus on their internal experiences such as bodily sensations, thoughts, and emotions. In this study, we selected a behavioral measure of interoceptive sensitivity (heartbeat detection task, HBD) to compare the effect of meditation practice on interoceptive sensitivity among long term practitioners (LTP), short term meditators (STM, subjects that completed a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program) and controls (non-meditators). All participants were examined with a battery of different tasks including mood state, executive function and social cognition tests (emotion recognition, empathy and theory of mind).

Findings
Compared to controls, both meditators’ groups showed lower levels of anxiety and depression, but no improvement in executive function or social cognition performance was observed (except for lower scores compared to controls only in the personal distress dimension of empathy). More importantly, meditators’ performance did not differ from that of nonmeditators regarding cardiac interoceptive sensitivity.

Conclusion
Results suggest no influence of meditation practice in cardiac interoception and in most related social cognition measures. These negative results could be partially due to the fact that awareness of heartbeat sensations is not emphasized during mindfulness/vipassana meditation and may not be the best index of the awareness supported by the practice of meditation.
Spontaneous spinal subarachnoid hemorrhage after severe coughing: a case report
Authors: Oji Yutaka , Noda Kazuyuki , Tokugawa Joji , Yamashiro Kazuo , Hattori Nobutaka , Okuma Yasuyuki 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Introduction
Spinal subarachnoid hemorrhage has many causes including trauma, vascular malformations, aneurysms, spinal cord tumors, coagulation abnormalities, use of anticoagulants, systemic lupus erythematosus, or Behçet’s disease. We report on a rare case of a spontaneous spinal subarachnoid hemorrhage after severe coughing of unknown origin. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of spontaneous spinal subarachnoid hemorrhage after severe coughing.

Case presentation
A 66-year-old Japanese woman initially complained of headache with severe back pain after severe coughing. She was referred to our neurology department 6 days after her first visit to our hospital. No neurological deficits were revealed except for meningism. Computed tomography of her head revealed no abnormality. A lumbar puncture showed bloody cerebrospinal fluid with xanthochromia. Cerebral angiography revealed no abnormality. Magnetic resonance imaging of her lumbar spine revealed subarachnoid hemorrhage. Spinal angiography revealed no abnormality. The diagnosis of spontaneous spinal subarachnoid hemorrhage was made. She recovered with conservative treatment and her neurological status was normal 2 years after the onset.

Conclusions
Spontaneous spinal subarachnoid hemorrhage could be caused by rapid changes in intrathoracic and intra-abdominal pressure. Spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage should be considered when sudden back pain associated with severe headache develops. Even though emergent surgical decompression is necessary when the neurological state progressively deteriorates, conservative treatment with close monitoring of the symptoms can be recommended for patients with a stable neurological status.