bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Stabilization Exercises on Health-Related Quality of Life in Women With Chronic Low Back Pain
Authors: Moussouli Maria , Vlachopoulos Symeon P. , Kofotolis Nikolaos D. , Theodorakis Yannis , Malliou Paraskevi , Kellis Eleftherios 
Published: January 2015

Background:The study examined the effects of a 4-week intensive isometric and isotonic stabilization exercise program on dimensions of health-related quality of life (HRQL) in women with chronic low back pain (CLBP).Methods:A total of 39 women (27–72 years old) provided data in an experimental study with a 9-month follow-up. Random allocation was undertaken for the two treatment groups out of the 3 groups: isometric stabilization (n = 13), isotonic stabilization (n = 13), and a control group (n = 13) that did not participate in any form of exercise. Health-related quality of life measures using the Short-Form 36 Health Survey were assessed before program initiation, immediately after program termination, and 4 times postintervention for a period of 9 months.Results:The isometric stabilization group displayed large improvements in bodily pain and vitality for women with CLBP attending a 4-week intensive isometric stabilization exercise program. The effects were retained for a period of 9 months after program termination.Conclusions:Isometric stabilization exercises reduce pain and enhance vitality as dimensions of HRQL among women with chronic low back pain with such effects lasting for at least 9 months.
Are We Chained to Our Desks? Describing Desk-Based Sitting Using a Novel Measure of Occupational Sitting
Authors: Ryde Gemma Cathrine , Brown Helen Elizabeth , Gilson Nicholas David , Brown Wendy J. 
Published: January 2015

Background:Prolonged occupational sitting is related to poor health outcomes. Detailed data on sitting time at desks are required to understand and effectively influence occupational sitting habits.Methods:Full-time office employees were recruited (n = 105; mean age 40.9 ± 11.5 years; BMI 26.1 ± 3.9, 65% women). Sitting at the desk and in other work contexts was measured using a sitting pad and ActivPAL for an entire working week. Employees used a diary to record work hours. Time spent at work, sitting at work and at the desk; number of sit to stand transitions at the desk; and number of bouts of continuous sitting at the desk < 20 and > 60 minutes, were calculated.Results:Average time spent at work was 8.7 ± 0.8 hours/day with 67% spent sitting at the desk (5.8 ± 1.2 hours/day), and 4% in other workplace settings. On average, employees got up from their desks 3 times/hour (29 ± 13/day). Sitting for more than 60 consecutive minutes occurred infrequently (0.69 ± 0.62 times/day), with most sit to stands (80%; 23 ± 14) occurring before 20 minutes of continual sitting.Conclusion:The findings provide highly detailed insights into desk-based sitting habits, highlighting large proportions of time spent sitting at desks, but with frequent interruptions.
Community Development Corporations Could Potentially Improve Research on Causal Associations Between Environmental Features and Physical Activity
Authors: Suminski Richard , Wasserman Jason A. , Mayfield Carlene A. , Kubic Micah , Porter Julie 
Published: January 2015

Background:Community development corporations (CDC) are worldwide entities that create environments facilitating physical activity. At the same time, researchers face challenges conducting cost-effective, longitudinal studies on how environmental changes affect physical activity.Objective:To provide evidence suggesting that CDC initiatives could potentially be integrated into a research framework for examining the influence of environmental improvements on physical activity.Methods:Quality of Life Plans (QLP) developed by a CDC and stakeholders from 6 lower-income neighborhoods were systematically reviewed to obtain data about environmental features targeted for change and the strategies used to bring about those changes. Strategies were deemed pro–physical activity if previous studies suggested they have the potential to affect physical activity.Results:A total of 348 strategies were proposed of which 164 were pro–physical activity. Six environmental features were targeted including crime (57 strategies), aesthetics (39), facilities (30), walkability (17), destinations (14), and programs (5). Strategies involved implementing (90 strategies), planning (33), assessing (26), and securing funding (13). Progress reports indicated that 37.4% of the pro–physical activity strategies were implemented 1 year following the development of the QLPs.Conclusions:These results suggest that activities of CDCs could potentially be systematically integrated into the scientific study of environmental influences on physical activity.
Postural Characterization of Adolescent Federation Basketball Players
Authors: Guedes Patrícia Ferreira , Amado João Silvia Maria 
Published: January 2015

Background:The adolescent players federated to basketball have a high-level of endurance demand, often overloading the biological tissues and causing biomechanical compensations. Due to the immaturity of their musculoskeletal structures those consequences may influence the growing process and lead to the development of various postural patterns. We aimed to evaluate the postural alignment of the trunk in players.Methods:Participants, 74 healthy adolescents: 36 basketball players (BG) and 38 adolescents in control group (CG). First, adolescents were marked with spheres over specific anatomical landmarks. Postural photographs were taken in the sagittal and frontal planes, and analyzed using the free internet Postural Analysis Software to obtain quantitative measures of the head, shoulders, and trunk.Results:ANCOVA has revealed significant group effects: players demonstrated greater lateral spinal inclination (P < .008). In the right sagittal plane, the BG had lower angular values of forward head position (P < .02), pelvic ante version (P < .02), vertical alignment of the trunk (P < .02), and thoracic kyphosis (P < .005). The covariate analysis has indicated that age influences the alignments of both the shoulders and the left scapula; and height influences the scapular alignment.Conclusions:This study has demonstrated that basketball training within federations influences the musculoskeletal system of adolescents and reflects a process of postural adaptations.
Membrane Anchoring of Epstein-Barr Virus gp42 Inhibits Fusion with B Cells Even with Increased Flexibility Allowed by Engineered Spacers
Authors: Rowe Cynthia L. , Chen Jia , Jardetzky Theodore S. , Longnecker Richard 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACT
We recently described the architecture of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) fusion-triggering complex consisting of the EBV B cell receptor human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II and the EBV-encoded proteins gp42 and gH/gL. The architecture of this structure positioned the main body of gp42, comprising the C-type lectin domain (CTLD), away from the membrane and distant from where the membrane-bound form of gp42 might be tethered. gp42 is a type II membrane glycoprotein, with functional gp42 formed by cleavage near the gp42 amino-terminal transmembrane domain. This cleavage results in an approximately 50-amino-acid unstructured region that is responsible for binding gH/gL with nanomolar affinity. Our previous studies had shown that membrane-bound gp42 is not functional in B cell fusion. To investigate whether we could restore gp42 function by extending it from the membrane, we introduced one, two, and four structured immunoglobulin-like domains from muscle protein titin into a membrane-bound form of gp42 and tested function in binding to gHgL and HLA class II and function in fusion. We hypothesized that cleavage of gp42 generates a soluble functional form that relieves steric hindrance imposed on gHgL by membrane-bound gp42. All of the linker mutants had a dominant-negative effect on gp42 function, indicating that gp42 fusion function could not be restored simply by the addition of one to four titin domains.

IMPORTANCE
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with numerous diseases from benign mononucleosis to Burkitt’s and Hodgkin’s lymphoma, nasopharyngeal and gastric carcinoma, and lymphoproliferative disorders in patients with immune dysfunction resulting from immune suppression. Among the glycoproteins important for fusion, gp42, along with gH/gL, determines EBV tropism between epithelial and B cells. The function of gp42 is dependent on N-terminal cleavage, since membrane-bound gp42 cannot mediate fusion. We further investigated whether insertion of a linker into membrane-bound gp42 would relieve steric hindrance imposed on membrane-bound gp42 and restore fusion function. However, adding one, two, or four structured immunoglobulin-like domains to membrane gp42 did not restore fusion activity, indicating that the architecture and membrane orientation of the B cell fusion-triggering complex of EBV may be easily perturbed and that gp42 cleavage is essential for B cell fusion.
Evaluating recovery following hip fracture: a qualitative interview study of what is important to patients
Authors: Griffiths Frances , Mason Victoria , Boardman Felicity , Dennick Katherine , Haywood Kirstie , Achten Juul , Parsons Nicholas , Griffin Xavier , Costa Matthew 
Published: January 2015

ObjectiveTo explore what patients consider important when evaluating their recovery from hip fracture and to consider how these priorities could be used in the evaluation of the quality of hip fracture services.DesignSemistructured interviews exploring the experience of recovery from hip fracture at two time points—4 weeks and 4 months postoperative hip fixation. Two approaches to analysis: thematic analysis of data specifically related to recovery from hip fracture; summarising the participant's experience overall.Participants31 participants were recruited, of whom 20 were women and 12 were cognitively impaired. Mean age was 81.5 years. Interviews were provided by 19 patients, 14 carers and 8 patient/carer dyad; 10 participants were interviewed twice.SettingSingle major trauma centre in the West Midlands of the UK.ResultsStable mobility (without falls or fear of falls) for valued activities was considered most important by participants who had some prefracture mobility and were able to articulate what they valued during recovery. Mobility was important for managing personal care, for day-to-day activities such as shopping and gardening, and for maintenance of mental well-being. Some participants used assistive mobility devices or adapted to their limitations. Others maintained their previous limited function through increased care provision. Many participants were unable to articulate what they valued as hip fracture was perceived as part of their decline with age. The fracture and problems from other health conditions were an inseparable part of one health experience.ConclusionsPrefracture mobility, adaptations to reduced mobility before or after fracture, and whether or not patients perceive themselves to be declining with age influence what patients consider important during recovery from hip fracture. No single patient-reported outcome measure could evaluate quality of care for all patients following hip fracture. General health-related quality of life tools may provide useful information within clinical trials.
Low health literacy and cancer screening among Chinese Americans in California: a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Sentell Tetine L , Tsoh Janice Y , Davis Terry , Davis James , Braun Kathryn L 
Published: January 2015

ObjectivesCancer is the leading cause of death among Asian Americans. Chinese Americans comprise the largest Asian American ethnic group. Low health literacy (LHL) is associated with lower cancer screening rates, but this association has not been studied in Chinese Americans. We examined the relationship between LHL and meeting US Preventive Service Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines for cervical, colorectal and breast cancer screening among Chinese Americans.DesignObservational study of Chinese respondents in the 2007 California Health Interview Survey, a population-based survey. Interview languages included English, Cantonese and Mandarin.SettingCalifornia, USAParticipantsChinese respondents in age/gender groupings appropriate for USPSTF cancer screening guidelines (cervical: women ages 21–65, n=632;colorectal: men or women ages 50–75, n=488; andbreast: women ages 50–74, n=326).OutcomesRelationships were tested using multivariable logistic regression models controlling for healthcare access and demographic factors, including limited English proficiency (LEP). The combined effects of having both LHL and LEP were specifically examined. LHL was measured by 2-items on perceived ease-of-use of written medical materials. All study variables were self-reported.ResultsCancer screening percentages among Chinese Americans were 77.8% for cervical, 50.9% for colorectal (47.9% for women and 54.2% for men), and 85.5% for breast. LHL was associated with lower odds of meeting breast cancer screening guidelines (OR 0.41; 95% CI 0.20 to 0.82). Respondents with both LHL and LEP were significantly less likely to have up-to-date colorectal (OR 0.49; 95% CI 0.25 to 0.97) and breast cancer screening (OR 0.21; 95% CI 0.08 to 0.54) than those with neither health communication barrier. In all multivariable models, having seen a physician in the past year was a significant predictor of an up-to-date screening.ConclusionsIn Chinese Americans, LHL and LEP were negatively associated with up-to-date breast and colorectal cancer screening, independent of a recent physician visit. Efforts to promote cancer screening among Chinese Americans should consider and address LHL, LEP and physician access barriers.
The effect of simvastatin on inflammatory cytokines in community-acquired pneumonia: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Viasus Diego , Garcia-Vidal Carolina , Simonetti Antonella F , Dorca Jordi , Llopis Ferran , Mestre Mariona , Morandeira-Rego Francisco , Carratalà Jordi 
Published: January 2015

ObjectivesIt has been suggested that statins have an effect on the modulation of the cytokine cascade and on the outcome of patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). The aim of this prospective, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was to determine whether statin therapy given to hospitalised patients with CAP improves clinical outcomes and reduces the concentration of inflammatory cytokines.SettingA tertiary teaching hospital in Barcelona, Spain.ParticipantsThirty-four patients were randomly assigned and included in an intention-to-treat analysis (19 to the simvastatin group and 15 to the placebo group).InterventionPatients were randomly assigned to receive 20 mg of simvastatin or placebo administered in the first 24 h of hospital admission and once daily thereafter for 4 days.OutcomePrimary end point was the time from hospital admission to clinical stability. The secondary end points were serum concentrations of inflammatory cytokines and partial pressure of arterial oxygen/fractional inspired oxygen (PaO2/FiO2) at 48 h after treatment administration.ResultsThe trial was stopped because enrolment was much slower than originally anticipated. The baseline characteristics of the patients and cytokine concentrations at the time of enrolment were similar in the two groups. No significant differences in the time from hospital admission to clinical stability were found between study groups (median 3 days, IQR 2–5 vs 3 days, IQR 2–5; p=0.47). No significant differences in PaO2/FiO2(p=0.37), C reactive protein (p=0.23), tumour necrosis factor-α (p=0.58), interleukin 6 (IL-6; p=0.64), and IL-10 (p=0.61) levels at 48 h of hospitalisation were found between simvastatin and placebo groups. Similarly, transaminase and total creatine kinase levels were similar between study groups at 48 h of hospitalisation (p=0.19, 0.08 and 0.53, respectively).ConclusionsOur results suggest that the use of simvastatin, 20 mg once daily for 4 days, since hospital admission did not reduce the time to clinical stability and the levels of inflammatory cytokines in hospitalised patients with CAP.Trial registration numberISRCTN91327214.
Protocol of a Thyroid Cancer Longitudinal Study (T-CALOS): a prospective, clinical and epidemiological study in Korea
Authors: Lee Kyu Eun , Park Young Joo , Cho Belong , Hwang Yunji , Choi June Young , Kim Su-jin , Choi Hoonsung , Choi Ho-Chun , An Ah Reum , Park Do Joon , Park Sue K , Youn Yeo-Kyu 
Published: January 2015

IntroductionThyroid cancer incidence in Korea is the highest in the world and has recently increased steeply. However, factors contributing to this sudden increase have not been fully elucidated, and few studies have explored the postoperative prognosis. The Thyroid Cancer Longitudinal Study (T-CALOS) was initiated with three aims: (1) to identify factors predicting quality of life, recurrence, and incidence of other diseases after thyroid cancer treatments; (2) to investigate environmental exposure to radiation, toxicants and molecular factors in relation to tumour aggressiveness; and (3) to evaluate gene–environment interactions that increase thyroid cancer in comparison with healthy participants from a pool of nationwide population-based healthy examinees.Methods and analysisT-CALOS enrols patients with incident thyroid cancer from three general hospitals, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital and National Medical Center, Korea. The study is an ongoing project expecting to investigate 5000 patients with thyroid cancer up until 2017. Healthy examinees with a normal thyroid confirmed by sonography have been enrolled at the Healthy Examination Center at Seoul National University Hospital. We are also performing individual matching using two nationwide databases that are open to the public. Follow-up information is obtained at patients’ clinical visits and by linkage to the national database. For statistical analysis, we will use conditional logistic regression models and a Cox proportional hazard regression model. A number of stratifications and sensitivity analyses will be performed to confirm the results.Ethics and disseminationBased on a large sample size, a prospective study design, comprehensive data collection and biobank, T-CALOS has been independently peer-reviewed and approved by the three hospitals and two funding sources (National Research Foundation of Korea and Korean Foundation for Cancer Research). The results of T-CALOS will be published according to the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) criteria.
Innovations in using virtual reality to study how children cross streets in traffic: evidence for evasive action skills
Authors: Morrongiello Barbara A , Corbett Michael , Milanovic Melissa , Pyne Sarah , Vierich Robin 
Published: January 2015

PurposeChildren in middle childhood are at an increased risk for injury in pedestrian environments. This study examined whether they are capable of showing evasive action (ie, adjusting crossing speed) to avoid injury when crossing streets.MethodsThe study used a fully immersive virtual reality (VR) system interfaced with a three-dimensional movement measurement system so that the actual crossing behaviour of 7–10-year-old children under different traffic conditions could be precisely measured. Relating outcomes to that which would have been obtained based on using the approach of estimating walking speed and assuming a constant speed provided insights into the realised benefits of the current movement monitoring VR system.ResultsControlling for age and sex, children showed evasive action, crossing more quickly as traffic conditions became more risky. Using an average and assuming a constant walking speed underestimated actual walking speed, failing to capture evasive action and leading to overestimation of children being hit compared with the actual incidence of hits.ConclusionsVR technology is a valuable tool for assessing child pedestrian behaviour. However, systems need to allow the child to cross the street so their level of pedestrian skill is appropriately measured. The current findings provide the first evidence that children are capable of implementing evasive action in reaction to risky traffic conditions.
About Dixmier's conjecture
Authors: Moskowicz Vered 
Published: January 2015

The well-known Dixmier conjecture [5] asks if every algebra endomorphism of the first Weyl algebra over a characteristic zero field is an automorphism. We bring a hopefully easier to solve conjecture, called the γ, δ conjecture, and show that it is equivalent to the Dixmier conjecture. In the group generated by automorphisms and anti-automorphisms of A1, all the involutions belong to one conjugacy class, hence: • Every involutive endomorphism from (A1, γ) to (A1, δ) is an automorphism (γ and δ are two involutions on A1). • Given an endomorphism f of A1 (not necessarily an involutive endomorphism), if one of f(X), f(Y) is symmetric or skew-symmetric (with respect to any involution on A1), then f is an automorphism.
PUBLIC DELIBERATION ABOUT SALMON RESTORATION IMPACTS: DIFFERENCES IN THE INPUT OF CITIZENS IN DIFFERENT COMMUNITY ROLES
Authors: HARRIS CHARLES C. , BECKER DENNIS R. , NIELSEN ERIK A. , MCLAUGHLIN WILLIAM J. 
Published: January 2015

We conducted a deliberative participatory process for social impact assessment (SIA), where interactive, community-based forums (ICFs) gathered public input about community impacts of alternatives for salmon recovery in the Inland Northwest of the United States. After residents were provided information about alternatives and engaged in facilitated discussions, we elicited their understandings of community conditions and judgments of socio-economic impacts. The present analysis focuses on the proposition that citizens engaged in the ICF process who represented diverse roles, based on community domains such as business, health-care, and education, would significantly differ in their judgments about those socio-economic impacts. We collected data on 705 community residents in forums conducted in 27 communities across the Inland Northwest. Results affirm that differences in roles and associated lifestyles, ideologies, and political viewpoints were related to differences in judgments of community conditions and contentiousness of planning alternatives. Implications for the ICF process and its effectiveness for SIA, as well as for other kinds of participatory processes, are discussed.