bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Survival of Patients with Squamous Cell Malignancies of the Upper Urinary Tract
Authors: Berz David , Rizack Tina , Weitzen Sherry , Mega Anthony , Renzulli Joseph , Colvin Gerald 
Published: December 2011

Background Carcinomas of the renal pelvis and ureter are rare diseases, accounting for only about 1% of all urogenital malignancies. Previous reports suggest that squamous cell histology is associated with inferior survival. We present the largest population based analysis to date of survival in patients with upper urinary tract malignancies. Methods We analyzed the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database for cancer specific survival rates in patients with renal pelvis and ureteral malignancies who were diagnosed between 1973 and 2003 in the SEER catchment geographic areas. The primary exposure of interest was the underlying histology, squamous cell versus transitional cell differentiation. We performed descriptive statistics, non parametric survival analysis, and cox proportional hazard analysis. Results We identified 13,213 eligible patients, 7,716 renal pelvis and 5,497 ureteral carcinomas. Among this cohort, 179 patients had squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), 12,395 had transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), including 121 papillary, and 619 had other histologies. Overall, patients with SCC histology fared worse. The median overall survival time was 10 months for SCC and 63 months for TCC. The cox analysis revealed a HR 3.7 (95% CI 3.0–4.5) for SCC when compared to TCC and corrected for decade of diagnosis, age, gender, prior treatment, and race. The difference between the two groups was entirely attributable to survival differences in patients with loco-regional disease. However, when stratified by lymph node involvement this difference disappeared for patients with locally involved lymph nodes ( P = 0.84) and for patients with clear lymph nodes ( P = 0.92). Conclusions SCCs of the upper urinary tract present at a higher clinical stage and appear to represent more aggressive disease when compared to other histologies. However, when appropriately staged according to lymph node status, the survival of TCC and SCC of the upper urinary tract is identical when compared stage by stage.
Health Habits and Risk Factors among Truck Drivers Visiting a Health Booth during a Trucker Trade Show
Authors: Korelitz James J. , Fernandez Alison A. , Uyeda Valerie J. , Spivey Gary H. , Browdy Ben L. , Schmidt Reynold T. 
Published: December 2011

Purpose. The purpose of this report is to provide general information on the personal characteristics, health status, and health interests reported by long-haul truck drivers. Design. A cross-sectional survey was conducted based on a convenience sample. Statistical independence between comparison groups for driver type, age, and gender were tested with the Pearson chi-square test. Setting. The study population consisted of truck drivers who stopped at one of 65 truck stops participating in a trucker trade show. Subjects. Subjects were 2,945 male self-identified truck drivers and 353 female self-identified truck drivers who visited health booths at the trade show. It was estimated that two thirds of visitors to the health booth participated. Measures. A self-administered, close-ended questionnaire recorded the participant's personal characteristics, health status, and health interests. Blood pressure was measured by trained volunteers. Results. A large percentage of male truck drivers smoked cigarettes (54 % vs. 30 % of U.S. white males), did not exercise regularly (92%), were overweight (50% vs. 25% of U.S. white males), and/or were not aware they had high blood pressure (66% vs. 46% of U.S. population). Also, 23% of surveyed truck drivers tested positive on one measure of alcoholism. Conclusions. Although a scientific sampling frame was not used, the health status and lifestyle observed in this study suggest truck drivers would clearly benefit from a health education and promotion program. The truck stops should be evaluated as a possible setting for such a program.
Use and Effectiveness of Buddy Support in a Self-Help Smoking Cessation Program
Authors: Kviz Frederick J. , Crittenden Kathleen S. , Madura Karen J. , Warnecke Richard B. 
Published: December 2011

Purpose. This study assesses buddy support in a community-based, minimal-contact smoking cessation program. Design. Telephone interviews with participants (n=641, response=74%) before and after (end-of-program, n=1, 023, response=83%; three months n=757, response=74%; six months, n=859, response=84%; and 12 months, n=713, response=70%) intervention provided the data to be analyzed. Setting. The Chicago metropolitan area was the setting. Subjects. Subjects were a random sample of registrants for the intervention program. Intervention. A self-help smoking cessation program was used, which included a manual and complementary televised segments. Engaging a buddy was optional. Measures. Background and psychosocial characteristics of participants, characteristics of buddies, program compliance, and smoking behavior were the measures used. Results. Almost one third (30.3%) engaged a buddy. Those most likely to engage a buddy were female (33.4%), younger than 30 (37.2%), educated beyond high school (33.4%), highly determined to quit (41.8%), and more likely to need help from others (39.8%). More than half of the buddies were from outside the participant's household (55.1%), and more than half were nonsmokers (60.9%). Having a buddy was associated positively with manual use (gamma=.38), viewing televised segments (gamma=.23), recalling manual segments (gamma=.33), and recalling televised segments (gamma=.26). Among those who read the manual least, having a buddy was associated with viewing televised segments (gamma=.26, p<.05) and with end-of-program quitting (16.8% vs. 9.8%, p<.05). Having a buddy also was associated with higher abstinence through 12 months (5.8% vs. 2.7%, p=.013). Among those with lower determination, the end-of-program quit rate was more than three times greater (p=.013) for those with a buddy (16.1 %) than without a buddy (5.2%). Participants whose buddy was their spouse or partner were more likely to quit at end-of-program (29.1% vs. 18.4%, p=.031). Conclusions. Buddy support should be promoted as an adjunct to minimal-contact smoking cessation programs. Impact of buddy support might be improved by guiding participants in choosing a buddy.
Randomized Controlled Trial of Cost Reductions from a Health Education Program: The California Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) Study
Authors: Fries James F. , Harrington Harry , Edwards Robert , Kent Louis A. , Richardson Nancy 
Published: December 2011

Purpose. This study evaluated the cost trend reduction from a health promotion program. Design. A randomized 12-month trial comparing claims data was conducted. Additional studies, utilizing quasi-experimental designs, analyzed changes in health habits and changes in costs estimated by self-report. Subjects. All active California Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) employees (21,170), non-Medicare eligible retirees (8,316), and retirees with Medical Supplement coverage (25,416) administered by Blue Shield of California were included. Intervention. The program consisted of mailed health risk assessments at six- or 12-month intervals, with individualized reports and recommendation letters sent to participants emphasizing and encouraging change, self-management materials emphasizing self-care when appropriate, and quarterly newsletters. Passive participants received printed materials only. Measures. Health risks were based upon self-report; summary scores were computed by modified Framingham algorithms. Self-report cost data were estimated from reported doctor visits, hospital days, and days sick or confined to home. Claims data were those paid by Blue Shield of California. Results. The program was associated with: 1) reduction in health risk scores at 12 months, (p<.001), 2) reduction of subject reported medical utilization from baseline (p<.05), and 3) decrease in claims cost growth relative to controls (p=.03). Annual claims costs were approximately $3.2 to $8.0 million less than expected had costs for the experimental participants increased at the same rate as the control group. Discussion. Results suggest that appropriately designed health promotion programs can reduce health risks and at the same time reduce the medical care claims cost trend.
Differences in Perceived Barriers to Exercise between High and Low Intenders: Observations among Different Populations
Authors: Godin Gaston , Desharnais Raymond , Valois Pierre , Lepage Linda , Jobin Jean , Bradet Richard 
Published: December 2011

Purpose. The goal of this study was to describe the salient perceived barriers to exercise in three different groups and to examine the perceived barriers characterizing individuals with a high or a low intention to exercise in the context of the theory of planned behavior. Design. Cross-sectional studies relating perceived barriers and intention to exercise were utilized. Subjects. Three independent samples were used: general population (n=349), individuals who have suffered from coronary heart disease (n=162), and pregnant women (n=139). Measures. Firstly, standard elicitation procedures were applied to identify the particular perceived barriers characterizing each population. Then, three self-administered questionnaires, one per sample, were used to measure perceived barriers and intention to exercise. Results. MANOVA analyses contrasting high and low intenders indicated a significant difference in perceived barriers to exercise in two of the three samples: general population (F5,343=6.37, p<.001) and individuals suffering from coronary heart disease (F9,152=2.28, p<.05). Conclusion. The results indicate not only that each population has specific salient perceived barriers to exercise, but also that within each group high and low intenders differ on a number of these perceived barriers. Therefore, it is recommended that the study of perceived barriers to exercise in any population should be based upon a standardized method of measuring these barriers such as the method adopted in the present study.
Breast Cancer Screening in Older African-American Women: Qualitative Research Findings
Authors: Tessaro Irene , Eng Eugenia , Smith Jacqueline 
Published: December 2011

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of the cultural meanings that shape the breast cancer screening behavior of older African-American women. Design. Qualitative research methods elicited social and cultural themes related to breast cancer screening. Setting. Focus group interviews were conducted in the natural settings (churches, etc.) of older African-American women. Subjects. Interviews were conducted with 132 members from 14 social networks of older African-American women. Measures. A focus group guide asked about 1) perceived risk of breast cancer, 2) behavioral intentions about breast cancer screening, 3) health seeking behavior, and 4) social support. Results. For older African-American women: other health concerns are of more concern than breast cancer; age is generally not recognized as a risk factor for breast cancer; fear of finding breast cancer and its social consequences are salient barriers to mammography; they tend to rely on breast self-exam rather than mammography to detect a breast problem; cost may be more an issue of competing priorities than cost per se; the tradition is to go to doctors for a problem, not prevention; and women in their own social networks are important sources of social support for health concerns. Conclusions. These data offer explanations for mammography screening in older African-American women and emphasize the strength of naturally existing sources of social support for designing interventions to increase breast cancer screening.
Measuring Cognitive Characteristics Associated with Adoption and Implementation of Health Innovations in Schools
Authors: Gingiss Phyllis Levenson , Gottlieb Nell H. , Brink Susan G. 
Published: December 2011

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to operationalize adopter characteristics identified by Rogers and assess their relationship to the adoption and implementation of health innovations in schools. Design. A two-year cohort study of teachers was used following introduction of a new health promotion program. Subjects. From a randomly selected statewide sample of 300 second grade Texas teachers, 131 completed an initial questionnaire (54% of 244 eligible participants). Among those 131 who completed the initial questionnaire, 103 (79%) completed a follow-up postcard in year two. These represented 42 % of the original sample eligible to participate. Measures. The self-administered questionnaire explored the structure of underlying cognitions towards adoption of innovations, teachers' communication patterns with health agencies, responses to various tobacco prevention and general educational materials, and the association of their views about adoption with practice. Descriptive statistics, principal components analysis, and nonparametric correlation coefficients were used. Results. Three components of teacher views which measured adopter characteristics described by Rogers (1983) were identified: Innovativeness, Need for Collegial Support, and Conservativeness. Respective levels of reliability were .83, .76, and .60. Associations of the components with user communication patterns with health agencies and use of innovations were found. Conclusions. Scales identified adopter cognitions associated with use of innovations. These may be used to diagnose target audiences, plan training programs, and expand research to enhance adoption and use of new programs.
Dietary, Alcohol, and Tobacco Intake among Mexican-American Women of Childbearing Age: Results from HANES Data
Authors: Guendelman Sylvia , Abrams Barbara 
Published: December 2011

Purpose. Dietary intake and substance abuse are important predictors of pregnancy outcome yet little is known about these behaviors in Mexican Americans. Dietary, tobacco, and alcohol intake of Mexican-American and non-Hispanic white women were compared across the reproductive cycle. Design. Four cross-sectional groups—interconceptional, pregnant, lactating, and postpartum non-lactating—were compared within and between ethnic groups. Subjects. A stratified sample of 682 women, 16 to 44 years old, of Mexican birth or origin from the Hispanic HANES was contrasted with a similarly stratified sample of 1,396 white non-Hispanic women from the NHANES. Measures. Demographic, behavioral and health characteristics, food practices, and fluid intake were examined. Data on food servings were combined into five major food groups. Results. Compared with white non-Hispanics, Mexican-American women had lower socioeconomic status and worse perceived health. However, Mexican Americans reported lower consumption of tobacco, alcohol, diet soda, and caffeine, particularly during pregnancy and lactation. Although portion sizes for the foods consumed were not assessed, frequency of consumption of fruits and vegetables and milk was lower and meat higher among Mexican Americans. Conclusions. Despite socioeconomic disadvantages, Mexican-American women have better health habits than white non-Hispanic women. From these data it is unclear how diet affects pregnancy outcomes in Mexican Americans.
The Effects of Different Percentages of Dietary Fat Intake, Exercise, and Calorie Restriction on Body Composition and Body Weight in Obese Females
Authors: Powell John J. , Tucker Larry , Fisher A. Garth , Wilcox Kim 
Published: December 2011

Purpose. The goal of this study was to determine the effect of varying the amount of dietary fat, while holding calories at 1,200 kcals/day, on body weight and percent body fat in 35 obese women. Design. A pretest, midtest, posttest experimental design was employed, and subjects were randomly divided into one of four dietary fat groups, with 10%, 20%, 30%, or 40% of caloric intake as dietary fat. Intervention. Subjects consumed 1,200 kcals/day and a specified percentage of total energy as fat, depending on their dietary group. Protein was held constant at 20%. All subjects engaged in a five day/week walking program. Setting. Participants were recruited from the general community using newspaper advertisements. Subjects. Thirty-five obese women 25 to 45 years of age (means=38 ± 4.97) served as subjects. All were at least 20% above ideal weight and 30% to 52% body fat. Measures. Percent body fat, body weight, and anthropomorphic measurements were taken at baseline, six and 12 weeks. Dietary intake was recorded daily by each subject, and exercise walking logs were maintained by each participant. Results. All subjects lost body weight and body fat; however, there were no significant differences in the rate or amount of body weight or percent body fat lost across the four groups during the intervention. Conclusions. It appears that during calorie restriction and exercise for 12 weeks, percent of calories derived from dietary fats does not influence loss of body weight or percent body fat in adult obese women.
How to Live? One Question and Six or Seven Life Lessons with Albert Memmi
Authors: Kelly Debra 
Published: December 2011

Memmi’s work is every sense a “life project”: a coherent project pursued throughout his long life as an intellectual, but also as the member of a minority group as he has consistently reminded his readers. It is therefore a personal project that is intimately intertwined with the life experiences of an individual, yet has implications for understanding broader communities and societies. The implication – and sometimes the stated intention – is that this is a life project from which the individual concerned and others who read the work can learn something, at both private and public levels, concerning the functioning of human interactions. What then, does such an inventory of a lifetime of writing mean?
Albert Memmi in the Era of Decolonization
Authors: McBride Keally 
Published: December 2011

This essay considers the reception of Albert Memmi's Decolonization and the Decolonized. Memmi himself observed that it is much harder to be a writer about postcolonialism than colonialism. Why would this be true? What can we learn about the difficutlies of postcolonial philosophizing and the politics of decolonization through this publication of Memmi's?
A Review of Developments in Electrospinning Technology: New Opportunities for the Design of Artificial Tissue Structures
Authors: Szentivanyi Andreas L. , Zernetsch Holger , Menzel Henning , Glasmacher Birgit 
Published: December 2011

Purpose As a technology for the production of micro- and nano structured scaffold materials, electro-spinning has gained widespread acceptance in the medical research community over the last decade. The process generates a non-woven fiber mat consisting of one continuous filament with diameters ranging from the micron to the nanometer range. Because of its similarity to the filamentous microenvironment in native tissues, it is most often used as scaffold material in tissue engineering applications. This similarity promotes a more positive cell response to the generated fibers than to bulk material alone. However, because current electrospinning equipment does not yet fully utilize the potential of the process technology, the reproducibility of the scaffold structure is often limited. It is thus the goal of this review to describe the current state of electrospinning process technology with respect to the design of artificial tissue structures. Method This review is based on a comprehensive examination conducted in 2007 and 2008 of patents filed with the European Patent Organization and other scientific publications. Results It describes selected technical developments in electrospinning related to the production of non-woven fiber scaffolds and their implications in the design of artificial tissue structures. Specifically, it describes techniques for the production of aligned fiber structures, multilayered, multiscaled and multifiber scaffolds, fiber modification and functionalization, and useful advances in process control. It also presents technical sketches showing in detail how to implement the techniques presented into electrospinning equipment setups. Finally, it discusses remaining limitations that pertain to the design of scaffold materials.
Determination of Astaxanthin in Haematococcus pluvialis by First-Order Derivative Spectrophotometry
Authors: Liu Xiao Juan , Wu Ying Hua , Zhao Li Chao , Xiao Su Yao , Zhou Ai Mei , Liu Xin 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
A highly selective, convenient, and precise method, first-order derivative spectrophotometry, was applied for the determination of astaxanthin in Haematococcus pluvialis. Ethyl acetate and ethanol (1:1, v/v) were found to be the best extraction solvent tested due to their high efficiency and low toxicity compared with nine other organic solvents. Astaxanthin coexisting with chlorophyll and β-carotene was analyzed by first-order derivative spectrophotometry in order to optimize the conditions for the determination of astaxanthin. The results show that when detected at 432 nm, the interfering substances could be eliminated. The dynamic linear range was 2.0–8.0 μg/mL, with a correlation coefficient of 0.9916. The detection threshold was 0.41 μg/mL. The RSD for the determination of astaxanthin was in the range of 0.01–0.06%; the results of recovery test were 98.1–108.0%. The statistical analysis between first-order derivative spectrophotometry and HPLC by T-testing did not exceed their critical values, revealing no significant differences between these two methods. It was proved that first-order derivative spectrophotometry is a rapid and convenient method for the determination of astaxanthin in H. pluvialis that can eliminate the negative effect resulting from the coexistence of astaxanthin with chlorophyll and β-carotene.
High-Performance Column Liquid Chromatographic Method for the Simultaneous Determination of Buclizine, Tryptophan, Pyridoxine, and Cyanocobalamin in Tablets and Oral Suspension
Authors: Kuminek Gislaine , Stulzer Hellen K , Tagliari Monika P , Oliveira Paulo R , Bernardi Larissa S , Rauber Gabriela S , Cardoso Simone G 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
An HPLC method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of buclizine, tryptophan, pyridoxine, and cyanocobalamin in pharmaceutical formulations. The chromatographic separation was carried out on an RP-C18 column using a mobile phase gradient of methanol, 0.015 M phosphate buffer (pH 3.0), and 0.03 M phosphoric acid at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min and UV detection at 230, 280, and 360 nm, respectively, for buclizine, tryptophan, pyridoxine, and cyanocobalamin. The method validation yielded good results with respect to linearity (r &gt; 0.999), specificity, precision, accuracy, and robustness. The RSD values for intraday and interday precision were below 1.82 and 0.63%, respectively, and recoveries ranged from 98.11 to 101.95%. The method was successfully applied for the QC analysis of buclizine, tryptophan, pyridoxine, and cyanocobalamin in tablets and oral suspension.