bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) relating to avian influenza in urban and rural areas of China
Authors: Xiang Nijuan , Shi Ying , Wu Jiabing , Zhang Shunxiang , Ye Min , Peng Zhibin , Zhou Lei , Zhou Hang , Liao Qiaohong , Huai Yang , Li Leilei , Yu Zhangda , Cheng Xiaowen , Su Weike , Wu Xiaomin , Ma Hanwu , Lu Jianhua , McFarland Jeffrey , Yu Hongjie 
Published: February 2010

Abstract

Background
Studies have revealed that visiting poultry markets and direct contact with sick or dead poultry are significant risk factors for H5N1 infection, the practices of which could possibly be influenced by people's knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAPs) associated with avian influenza (AI). To determine the KAPs associated with AI among the Chinese general population, a cross-sectional survey was conducted in China.

Methods
We used standardized, structured questionnaires distributed in both an urban area (Shenzhen, Guangdong Province; n = 1,826) and a rural area (Xiuning, Anhui Province; n = 2,572) using the probability proportional to size (PPS) sampling technique.

Results
Approximately three-quarters of participants in both groups requested more information about AI. The preferred source of information for both groups was television. Almost three-quarters of all participants were aware of AI as an infectious disease; the urban group was more aware that it could be transmitted through poultry, that it could be prevented, and was more familiar with the relationship between AI and human infection. The villagers in Xiuning were more concerned than Shenzhen residents about human AI viral infection. Regarding preventative measures, a higher percentage of the urban group used soap for hand washing whereas the rural group preferred water only. Almost half of the participants in both groups had continued to eat poultry after being informed about the disease.

Conclusions
Our study shows a high degree of awareness of human AI in both urban and rural populations, and could provide scientific support to assist the Chinese government in developing strategies and health-education campaigns to prevent AI infection among the general population.
Effect of troglitazone on tumor growth and pulmonary metastasis development of the mouse osteosarcoma cell line LM8
Authors: Aizawa Junichi , Sakayama Kenshi , Kamei Setsuya , Kidani Teruki , Yamamoto Haruyasu , Norimatsu Yoshiaki , Masuno Hiroshi 
Published: February 2010

Abstract

Background
Osteosarcoma often develops micrometastases in the lung prior to diagnosis, causing a fatal outcome. Therefore, the prevention of pulmonary metastases is critical for the improvement of the prognosis of patients with osteosarcoma. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether troglitazone (TGZ) is considered as possible therapeutics in the treatment of growth and metastasis of osteosarcoma.

Methods
LM8 cells were treated for 3 days with various concentrations of TGZ. The effect of TGZ on cell proliferation was determined by DNA measurement in the cultures and 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation study. The assay of cell invasion and motility was performed using either the Matrigel-coated cell culture inserts or the uncoated cell culture inserts in the invasion chambers. The effect of TGZ on Akt signaling was assessed by Western blot analysis of Akt and p-Akt. The effects of oral administration of either TGZ (TGZ group) or ethanol (control group) on the growth of primary tumor and the development of pulmonary metastasis were examined in nude mice implanted with LM8 cells on their backs. The expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) within the tumor were determined by immunohistochemistry and zymography. The microvessel density (MVD) within the tumor was determined by immunohistochemistry for CD34.

Results
TGZ dose-dependently inhibits cell proliferation. TGZ-treated cells were less invasive and less motile than untreated cells. The activity of MMP-2 secreted by TGZ-treated cells was lower than that secreted by untreated cells. TGZ decreased the level of p-Akt. The primary tumor mass was smaller in the TGZ group than in the control group. The TGZ group had less metastatic tumors in the lung compared with the control group. The expression and activity of MMP-2 within the tumor of the TGZ group were lower than those of the control group. The MVD within the tumor of the TGZ group was lower than that of the control group.

Conclusions
Inhibition of Akt signaling by TGZ may decrease the secretion of MMP-2, resulting in the decrease of invasiveness and motility in LM8 cells. Treatment of tumor-bearing mice with TGZ decreases the expression and activity of MMP-2 within the tumor, and inhibits primary tumor growth and pulmonary metastasis development. TGZ may offer a new approach in chemotherapy for osteosarcoma.
Health-related physical fitness and weight status in Hong Kong adolescents
Authors: Mak Kwok-Kei , Ho Sai-Yin , Lo Wing-Sze , Thomas G Neil , McManus Alison M , Day Jeffrey R , Lam Tai-Hing 
Published: February 2010

AbstractBackgroundThis study was designed to investigate the relation between health-related physical fitness and weight status in Hong Kong adolescents.Methods3,204 students aged 12-18 years participated in the Hong Kong Student Obesity Surveillance (HKSOS) project in 2006-2007. Anthropometric measures (height, weight) and health-related fitness (push-up, sit-up, sit-and-reach, 9-minute run) were assessed. Body mass index (BMI) was computed to classify participants into normal weight, underweight (Grade I, II/III), overweight, and obese groups. The associations of health-related physical fitness with BMI and weight status were examined by partial correlation coefficients and analysis of covariance, respectively.ResultsMore boys than girls were overweight or obese (18.0% vs 8.7%), but more girls than boys were underweight (22.3% vs 16.7%). Boys performed significantly (P < 0.001) better in sit-up (38.8 vs 31.6 times/min) and 9-minute run (1632.1 vs 1353.2 m), but poorer in sit-and-reach (27.4 vs 32.2 cm) than girls. All four physical fitness tests were significantly positively correlated with each other in both sexes, and BMI was only weakly correlated with sit up and sit-and-reach tests in boys. Decreasing performance (P for trend < 0.05) was observed from normal weight to overweight and obese for push-up, sit-up, and 9-minute run in both sexes. From normal weight to Grade I and Grade II/III underweight, decreasing performance (P for trend < 0.05) for sit-up and sit-and-reach in both sexes and for push-up in boys was observed.ConclusionsThe relations between BMI and health-related physical fitness in adolescents were non-linear. Overweight/obese and underweight adolescents had poorer performance in push-up and sit-up tests than normal weight adolescents. Different aspects of health-related physical fitness may serve as immediate indicators of potential health risks for underweight and overweight adolescents.
Using a realist approach to evaluate smoking cessation interventions targeting pregnant women and young people
Authors: Douglas Flora CG , Gray Denise A , van Teijlingen Edwin R 
Published: February 2010

Abstract

Background
This paper describes a study protocol designed to evaluate a programme of smoking cessation interventions targeting pregnant women and young people living in urban and rural locations in Northeast Scotland. The study design was developed on so-called 'realist' evaluation principles, which are concerned with the implementation of interventions as well as their outcomes.

Methods/design
A two-phased study was designed based on the Theory of Change (TOC) using mixed methods to assess both process and outcome factors. The study was designed with input from the relevant stakeholders. The mixed-methods approach consists of semi-structured interviews with planners, service providers, service users and non-users. These qualitative interviews will be analysed using a thematic framework approach. The quantitative element of the study will include the analysis of routinely collected data and specific project monitoring data, such as data on service engagement, service use, quit rates and changes in smoking status.

Discussion
The process of involving key stakeholders was conducted using logic modelling and TOC tools. Engaging stakeholders, including those responsible for funding, developing and delivering, and those intended to benefit from interventions aimed at them, in their evaluation design, are considered by many to increase the validity and rigour of the subsequent evidence generated. This study is intended to determine not only the components and processes, but also the possible effectiveness of this set of health interventions, and contribute to the evidence base about smoking cessation interventions aimed at priority groups in Scotland. It is also anticipated that this study will contribute to the ongoing debate about the role and challenges of 'realist' evaluation approaches in general, and the utility of logic modelling and TOC approaches in particular, for evaluation of complex health interventions.
Rapid and effective malaria control in Cambodia through mass administration of artemisinin-piperaquine
Authors: Song Jianping , Socheat Duong , Tan Bo , Dara Prak , Deng Changsheng , Sokunthea Sreng , Seila Suon , Ou Fengzhen , Jian Huaxiang , Li Guoqiao 
Published: February 2010

Abstract

Background
Previous efforts to eradicate malaria parasites, particularly Plasmodium falciparum, have failed in part due to the emergence of drug resistant parasites and mosquitoes resistant to insecticides. Using an artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) that kills parasites quickly, a strategy was designed to eliminate the source of transmission by mass treatment of human populations in malaria-endemic areas Cambodia.

Methods
A combination drug of artemisinin and piperaquine given with low doses of primaquine was used to eliminate all stages of parasites from human carriers.

Results
In a pilot study, mass administration of artemisinin-piperaquine (two tablets of 62.5 mg artemisinin and 375 mg piperaquine for adults aged ≥16 years at 0 and 24 hrs; 1.5 tablet for children aged 11-15 years; and one tablet for children aged 6-10 years) and primaquine (9 mg for adults, at 10 day intervals for 6 months) was carried out in 17 villages (3,653 individuals). Parasite rates were dramatically reduced from 52.3% to 2.6% after three years. The P. falciparum rate in children decreased from 37.0% to 1.4%, reaching 0% in eight of 17 villages. In a second field study, that included one additional mass treatment of artemisinin-piperaquine, the P. falciparum rate in children was reduced from 20.8% to 0% within six months. No major adverse effects were observed.

Conclusions
Mass administration of artemisinin-piperaquine and low doses of primaquine can be an effective, safe, and affordable strategy for efficiently eliminating malaria parasites in human carriers and interrupting parasite transmission. This study provides important information for future strategies for the eradication of malaria.
Evaluation of the leptin receptor in human spermatozoa
Authors: Hatami-Baroogh Leila , Razavi Shahnaz , Zarkesh-Esfahani Hamid , Tavalaee Marziyeh , Tanhaei Somayeh , Ghaedi Kamran , Deemeh Mohamad Reza , Rabiee Farzaneh , Nasr-Esfahani Mohammad Hossein 
Published: February 2010

Abstract

Background
Leptin, a 167 amino acid peptide hormone, profoundly effects reproduction exerting its biological effects via interaction with the leptin receptor (ObR) which is widely expressed on peripheral tissues. In this study, we have attempted to assess leptin receptor expression in the spermatozoa of fertile males and those diagnosed with male factor infertility; both at the mRNA or protein levels.

Methods
Semen samples were collected from fertile males and individuals with male factor infertility. In order to evaluate leptin receptor expression several techniques were utilized, including: reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunostaining, flow cytometry, and western blotting. Mononuclear cells isolated from volunteers' peripheral blood were used as positive controls for leptin receptor expression.

Results
leptin receptor was noted on mononuclear cells but we were unable to detect this receptor on spermatozoa at the protein level. Leptin receptor expression was detected on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) as positive controls; however it was not detectable on the spermatozoa of both groups by immunofluorescence microscopy or flow cytometry. Furthermore, positive expression of the ObR long isoform as assessed by RT-PCR was observed in the sperm of only four cases, whereas expression of beta-Actin, a house keeping gene, and HspA2, a testis specific gene, was present in all cases.

Conclusion
The long isoform of leptin receptor may not be present on human sperm. Species difference may be accounted for diverse reproductive physiology which depends on metabolic requirement. Leptin receptor expression at the mRNA level in some individuals may be related to contamination by other cells in semen.
Genome-wide linkage analyses of two repetitive behavior phenotypes in Utah pedigrees with autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Cannon Dale S , Miller Judith S , Robison Reid J , Villalobos Michele E , Wahmhoff Natalie K , Allen-Brady Kristina , McMahon William M , Coon Hilary 
Published: February 2010

Abstract

Background
It has been suggested that efforts to identify genetic risk markers of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) would benefit from the analysis of more narrowly defined ASD phenotypes. Previous research indicates that 'insistence on sameness' (IS) and 'repetitive sensory-motor actions' (RSMA) are two factors within the ASD 'repetitive and stereotyped behavior' domain. The primary aim of this study was to identify genetic risk markers of both factors to allow comparison of those markers with one another and with markers found in the same set of pedigrees using ASD diagnosis as the phenotype. Thus, we empirically addresses the possibilities that more narrowly defined phenotypes improve linkage analysis signals and that different narrowly defined phenotypes are associated with different loci. Secondary aims were to examine the correlates of IS and RSMA and to assess the heritability of both scales.

Methods
A genome-wide linkage analysis was conducted with a sample of 70 multiplex ASD pedigrees using IS and RSMA as phenotypes. Genotyping services were provided by the Center for Inherited Disease Research using the 6 K single nucleotide polymorphism linkage panel. Analysis was done using the multipoint linkage software program MCLINK, a Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method that allows for multilocus linkage analysis on large extended pedigrees.

Results
Genome-wide significance was observed for IS at 2q37.1-q37.3 (dominant model heterogeneity lod score (hlod) 3.42) and for RSMA at 15q13.1-q14 (recessive model hlod 3.93). We found some linkage signals that overlapped and others that were not observed in our previous linkage analysis of the ASD phenotype in the same pedigrees, and regions varied in the range of phenotypes with which they were linked. A new finding with respect to IS was that it is positively associated with IQ if the IS-RSMA correlation is statistically controlled.

Conclusions
The finding that IS and RSMA are linked to different regions that only partially overlap regions previously identified with ASD as the phenotype supports the value of including multiple, narrowly defined phenotypes in ASD genetic research. Further, we replicated previous reports indicating that RSMA is more strongly associated than IS with measures of ASD severity.
Meeting Expectations of Patients With Cancer: Relationship Between Patient Satisfaction, Depression, and Coping
Authors: Goldzweig Gil , Meirowitz Amichai , Hubert Ayala , Brenner Baruch , Walach Natalio , Perry Shlomit , Hasson-Ohayon Ilanit , Baider Lea 
Published: February 2010

Purpose This study assessed satisfaction of patients with cancer and the correlation between patient levels of satisfaction and the sociodemographic, medical, and psychological variables. Satisfaction measures were based on patient expectations for emotional and cognitive support by the oncologists. Patients and Methods A total of 1,027 patients with cancer were recruited from the outpatient departments and daycare treatment centers of four oncology institutes in Israel. Patient levels of expectations and satisfaction were assessed by using measures developed for this study. Patient psychological variables were assessed by using the Brief Symptoms Inventory, Impact of Events Scale, and Mental Adjustment to Cancer. χ2 and Student t tests were used to assess differences between the highly satisfied group and the less satisfied group. Results Lower values of satisfaction were reported on the dimensions that included the patient in the treatment plan and that included explanations to the family. Higher percentages of women, single patients, younger patients, and patients in stages II to III were found in the less satisfied group. This group reported significantly higher levels of psychological distress, anxious preoccupation, and helplessness and lower levels of fighting spirit. Conclusion Given the importance of patient satisfaction to treatment compliance, oncologists should consider evaluating patient expectations for support, especially in issues concerning planning the treatment and involving the family in medical decisions. Oncologists should take into account the possible interdependence between psychological variables and medical-care satisfaction.
Interpreters: Telephonic, In-Person Interpretation and Bilingual Providers
Authors: Crossman Kristen L. , Wiener Ethan , Roosevelt Genie , Bajaj Lalit , Hampers Louis C. 
Published: February 2010

CONTEXT:
Language barriers affect health care interactions. Large, randomized studies of the relative efficacy of interpreter modalities have not been conducted.

OBJECTIVE:
To compare the efficacy of telephonic and in-person medical interpretation to visits with verified bilingual physicians.

METHODS:
This was a prospective, randomized trial. The setting was an urban pediatric emergency department at which ∼20% of visits are by families with limited English proficiency. The participants were families who responded affirmatively when asked at triage if they would prefer to communicate in Spanish. Randomization of each visit was to (1) remote telephonic interpretation via a double handset in the examination room, (2) an in-person emergency department–dedicated medical interpreter, or (3) a verified bilingual physician. Interviews were conducted after each visit. The primary outcome was a blinded determination of concordance between the caregivers' description of their child's diagnosis with the physician's stated discharge diagnosis. Secondary outcomes were qualitative measures of effectiveness of communication and satisfaction. Verified bilingual providers were the gold standard for noninferiority comparisons.

RESULTS:
A total of 1201 families were enrolled: 407 were randomly assigned to telephonic interpretation and 377 to in-person interpretation, and 417 were interviewed by a bilingual physician. Concordance between the diagnosis in the medical record and diagnosis reported by the family was not different between the 3 groups (telephonic: 95.1%; in-person: 95.5%; bilingual: 95.4%). The in-person–interpreter cohort scored the quality and satisfaction with their visit worse than both the bilingual and telephonic cohorts (P &lt; .001). Those in the bilingual-provider cohort were less satisfied with their language service than those in the in-person and telephonic cohorts (P &lt; .001). Using the bilingual provider as a gold standard, noninferiority was demonstrated for both interpreter modalities (telephonic and in-person) for quality and satisfaction of the visit.

CONCLUSIONS:
Both telephonic and in-person interpretation resulted in similar concordance in understanding of discharge diagnosis compared with bilingual providers. In general, noninferiority was also seen on qualitative measures, although there was a trend favoring telephonic over in-person interpretation.
Shifting dominance of riparian Populus and Tamarix along gradients of flow alteration in western North American rivers
Authors: Merritt David M. , Poff N. Le Roy 
Published: February 2010

Tamarix ramosissima is a naturalized, nonnative plant species which has become widespread along riparian corridors throughout the western United States. We test the hypothesis that the distribution and success of Tamarix result from human modification of river‐flow regimes. We conducted a natural experiment in eight ecoregions in arid and semiarid portions of the western United States, measuring Tamarix and native Populus recruitment and abundance at 64 sites along 13 perennial rivers spanning a range of altered flow regimes. We quantified biologically relevant attributes of flow alteration as an integrated measure (the index of flow modification, IFM), which was then used to explain between‐site variation in abundance and recruitment of native and nonnative riparian plant species.We found the likelihood of successful recruitment of Tamarix to be highest along unregulated river reaches and to remain high across a gradient of regulated flows. Recruitment probability for Populus, in contrast, was highest under free‐flowing conditions and declined abruptly under even slight flow modification (IFM > 0.1). Adult Tamarix was most abundant at intermediate levels of IFM. Populus abundance declined sharply with modest flow regulation (IFM > 0.2) and was not present at the most flow‐regulated sites. Dominance of Tamarix was highest along rivers with the most altered flow regimes. At the 16 least regulated sites, Tamarix and Populus were equally abundant.Given observed patterns of Tamarix recruitment and abundance, we infer that Tamarix would likely have naturalized, spread, and established widely in riparian communities in the absence of dam construction, diversions, and flow regulation in western North America. However, Tamarix dominance over native species would likely be less extensive in the absence of human alteration of river‐flow regimes. Restoration that combines active mechanical removal of established stands of Tamarix with a program of flow releases conducive to native species establishment and persistence is hypothesized to facilitate the codominance of Populus in reaches where it has become rare. Our findings have implications for planning flow‐related stream restoration, for developing realistic expectations for yield on investment in prescribed flow releases, and for planning flow‐related interventions that might be possible if control and management of invasive plant species along rivers is a goal.