bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increasing response rates to lifestyle surveys: A pragmatic evidence review
Authors: McCluskey S. , Topping AE 
Published: March 2011

Aims: Lifestyle surveys are often a key component of a local Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA), undertaken to inform public health planning. They are usually administered to a large number of people in order to provide a comprehensive profile of population health. However, declining response rates coupled with the under-representation of certain population groups in lifestyle survey data has led to doubts concerning the reliability of findings. In order to inform the design of their own lifestyle survey, NHS Calderdale commissioned an evidence-based review of the methodological literature relating to the administration of lifestyle surveys, with the specific aim of identifying practical and resource-efficient strategies shown to be effective for maximizing whole-population response rates. Methods: A pragmatic review of the published literature was undertaken, specifically to explore the most practical and resource-efficient ways to maximize lifestyle survey response rates to the most commonly used methods (postal surveys, face-to-face interviews, telephone interviews and electronic surveys). Electronic databases including MEDLINE, CINAHL, DARE, EMBASE and PsychINFO were searched. Empirical evidence published in the last 10 years was identified and citation tracking performed on all retrieved articles. An internet search for ‘grey literature’ was also conducted. Results: The postal questionnaire remains an important lifestyle survey tool, but reported response rates have decreased rapidly in recent years. Interviews and telephone surveys are recommended in order to supplement data from postal questionnaires and increase response rates in some population groups, but costs may be prohibitive. Electronic surveys are a cheaper alternative, but the empirical evidence on effectiveness is inconclusive. Careful planning and tailoring of survey design to the characteristics of target populations can increase response rates and representativeness of lifestyle survey data. Conclusions: The results of this pragmatic review could provide a valuable resource for those involved in the design and administration of lifestyle surveys.
The CX3C chemokine fractalkine mediates platelet adhesion via the von Willebrand receptor glycoprotein Ib
Authors: Meyer dos Santos Sascha , Klinkhardt Ute , Scholich Klaus , Nelson Karen , Monsefi Nadejda , Deckmyn Hans , Kuczka Karina , Zorn Anita , Harder Sebastian 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
The membrane-anchored CX3C chemokine fractalkine (FKN) is expressed on activated endothelium and is associated with the development of atherosclerosis. The potential of FKN in mediating platelet adhesion beyond platelet activation remains unexplored to date. A flow-based adhesion assay was used to study the adhesion of platelets to immobilized FKN under physiologic flow conditions. Platelet adhesion to von Willebrand factor (VWF) was increased in the presence of FKN at 600 inverse seconds. Additional platelet adhesion to FKN coimmobilized with VWF was dependent on the FKN receptor CX3CR1 and activation of glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa. The number of platelets rolling on VWF was likewise enhanced in the presence of FKN. The enhancement of rolling on FKN and VWF was insensitive to anti-CX3CR1 antibody but was fully inhibited by neutralizing GPIbα function. The extracellular domain of GPIbα was covalently coupled to fluorescent microspheres, and microsphere binding was significantly higher in the presence of FKN. Platelet adhesion to activated endothelium in vitro and to intact human arteries was substantially increased in an FKN-dependent manner. These data demonstrate that endothelial expressed FKN activates platelets via its cognate receptor CX3CR1, whereas platelet adhesion is predominantly mediated by GPIbα and independent of CX3CR1.
Role of the gap junctions in the contractile response to agonists in pulmonary artery from two rat models of pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Billaud Marie , Dahan Diana , Marthan Roger , Savineau Jean-Pierre , Guibert Christelle 
Published: March 2011

Abstract

Background
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is characterized by arterial vascular remodelling and alteration in vascular reactivity. Since gap junctions are formed with proteins named connexins (Cx) and contribute to vasoreactivity, we investigated both expression and role of Cx in the pulmonary arterial vasoreactivity in two rat models of PH.

Methods
Intrapulmonary arteries (IPA) were isolated from normoxic rats (N), rats exposed to chronic hypoxia (CH) or treated with monocrotaline (MCT). RT-PCR, Western Blot and immunofluorescent labelling were used to study the Cx expression. The role of Cx in arterial reactivity was assessed by using isometric contraction and specific gap junction blockers. Contractile responses were induced by agonists already known to be involved in PH, namely serotonin, endothelin-1 and phenylephrine.

Results
Cx 37, 40 and 43 were expressed in all rat models and Cx43 was increased in CH rats. In IPA from N rats only, the contraction to serotonin was decreased after treatment with 37-43Gap27, a specific Cx-mimetic peptide blocker of Cx 37 and 43. The contraction to endothelin-1 was unchanged after incubation with 40Gap27 (a specific blocker of Cx 40) or 37-43Gap27 in N, CH and MCT rats. In contrast, the contraction to phenylephrine was decreased by 40Gap27 or 37-43Gap27 in CH and MCT rats. Moreover, the contractile sensitivity to high potassium solutions was increased in CH rats and this hypersensitivity was reversed following 37-43Gap27 incubation.

Conclusion
Altogether, Cx 37, 40 and 43 are differently expressed and involved in the vasoreactivity to various stimuli in IPA from different rat models. These data may help to understand alterations of pulmonary arterial reactivity observed in PH and to improve the development of innovative therapies according to PH aetiology.
Antistaphylococcal and biofilm inhibitory activities of acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid from Boswellia serrata
Authors: Raja Alsaba F , Ali Furqan , Khan Inshad A , Shawl Abdul S , Arora Daljit S , Shah Bhahwal A , Taneja Subhash C 
Published: March 2011

Abstract

Background
Boswellic acids are pentacyclic triterpenes, which are produced in plants belonging to the genus Boswellia. Boswellic acids appear in the resin exudates of the plant and it makes up 25-35% of the resin. β-boswellic acid, 11-keto-β-boswellic acid and acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid have been implicated in apoptosis of cancer cells, particularly that of brain tumors and cells affected by leukemia or colon cancer. These molecules are also associated with potent antimicrobial activities. The present study describes the antimicrobial activities of boswellic acid molecules against 112 pathogenic bacterial isolates including ATCC strains. Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA), which exhibited the most potent antibacterial activity, was further evaluated in time kill studies, postantibiotic effect (PAE) and biofilm susceptibility assay. The mechanism of action of AKBA was investigated by propidium iodide uptake, leakage of 260 and 280 nm absorbing material assays.

Results
AKBA was found to be the most active compound showing an MIC range of 2-8 μg/ml against the entire gram positive bacterial pathogens tested. It exhibited concentration dependent killing of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 up to 8 × MIC and also demonstrated postantibiotic effect (PAE) of 4.8 h at 2 × MIC. Furthermore, AKBA inhibited the formation of biofilms generated by S. aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis and also reduced the preformed biofilms by these bacteria. Increased uptake of propidium iodide and leakage of 260 and 280 nm absorbing material by AKBA treated cells of S aureus indicating that the antibacterial mode of action of AKBA probably occurred via disruption of microbial membrane structure.

Conclusions
This study supported the potential use of AKBA in treating S. aureus infections. AKBA can be further exploited to evolve potential lead compounds in the discovery of new anti-Gram-positive and anti-biofilm agents.
When does poor subjective financial position hurt the elderly? Testing the interaction with educational attainment using a national representative longitudinal survey
Authors: Pu Christy , Huang Nicole , Tang Gao-Jun , Chou Yiing-Jenq 
Published: March 2011

Abstract

Background
Several studies have demonstrated that perceived financial status has a significant impact on health status among the elderly. However, little is known about whether such a subjective perception interacts with objective socioeconomic status (SES) measures such as education that affect the individual's health.

Methods
This research used data from the Survey of Health and Living Status of the Middle Age and Elderly in Taiwan (SHLS) conducted by the Bureau of Health Promotion, Department of Health in Taiwan. Waves 1996, 1999 and 2003 were used. The sample consisted of 2,387 elderly persons. The interactive effects of self-rated satisfaction with financial position and educational attainment were estimated. Self-rated health (SRH), depressive symptom (measured by CES-D) and mortality were used to measure health outcomes.

Results
Significant interaction effect was found for depressive symptoms. Among those who were dissatisfied with their financial position, those who were illiterate had an odds ratio (OR) of 8.3 (95% CI 4.9 to 14.0) for having depressive symptoms compared with those who were very satisfied with their financial position. The corresponding OR for those with college or above was only 2.7 (95% CI 1.0 to 7.3). No significant interaction effect was found for SRH and mortality.

Conclusions
Although poor financial satisfaction was found to be related to poorer health, the strongest association for this effect was observed among those with low educational attainment, and this is especially true for depressive symptoms. Subjective financial status among the elderly should be explored in conjunction with traditional measures of SES.
A Foldable Umbrella Structure – Developments and Experiences
Authors: Jaksch Stefan , Sedlak Vinzenz 
Published: March 2011

Folded surface structures (FSS) offer a fascinating variety of structural and formal choices which are characterized by efficient use of lightweight materials such as thin flat cardboard, plywood, plastic sheet, or sheet metal for load bearing structures. FSS are particularly suitable for intelligent low-cost buildings – such uses include exhibitions, major events, as well as emergency operations. The properties of foldable umbrella shapes have been examined at the Department for Structural Design and Timber Engineering, Vienna University of Technology (VUT) within the context of a special seminar-workshop with architecture students. This article highlights the determination of shape-geometry and their special characteristics when used in an constructional context (material thickness, joints and bracing). Design and construction of a foldable umbrella prototype-model structure within an educational context demonstrates a practical application. Findings of this work can also be assigned to other shapes of antiprismatic folded surface structures (6-fold pattern).
Recombinant Human Leptin Treatment Does Not Improve Insulin Action in Obese Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Mittendorfer Bettina , Horowitz Jeffrey F. , DePaoli Alex M. , McCamish Mark A. , Patterson Bruce W. , Klein Samuel 
Published: March 2011

OBJECTIVE
Leptin therapy improves insulin sensitivity in people with leptin deficiency, but it is not known whether it improves insulin action in people who are not leptin deficient. The purpose of the current study was to determine whether leptin treatment has weight loss–independent effects on insulin action in obese subjects with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
We conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled trial in obese subjects (BMI: 35.4 ± 0.6 kg/m2; mean ± SE) with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes. Subjects were randomized to treatment with placebo (saline), low-dose (30 mg/day), or high-dose (80 mg/day) recombinant methionyl human (r-Met hu) leptin for 14 days. Multiorgan insulin sensitivity before and after treatment was evaluated by using the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp procedure in conjunction with stable isotopically labeled tracer infusions to measure glucose, glycerol, and fatty acid kinetics.

RESULTS
Low-dose and high-dose leptin treatment resulted in a threefold (P &lt; 0.01) and 150-fold (P &lt; 0.001) increase in basal plasma leptin concentrations, respectively. However, neither low-dose nor high-dose therapy had an effect on insulin-mediated suppression of glucose, glycerol, or palmitate rates of appearance into plasma compared with placebo. In addition, leptin treatment did not increase insulin-mediated stimulation of glucose disposal compared with placebo (14.3 ± 3.1, 18.4 ± 3.6, 16.7 ± 2.4 vs. 17.5 ± 2.5, 20.7 ± 3.0, 19.1 ± 3.3 μmol/kg body wt/min before vs. after treatment in the placebo, low-dose, and high-dose leptin groups, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS
r-Met hu leptin does not have weight loss–independent, clinically important effects on insulin sensitivity in obese people with type 2 diabetes.
Ginseng and Ginsenoside Re Do Not Improve β-Cell Function or Insulin Sensitivity in Overweight and Obese Subjects With Impaired Glucose Tolerance or Diabetes
Authors: Reeds Dominic N. , Patterson Bruce W. , Okunade Adewole , Holloszy John O. , Polonsky Kenneth S. , Klein Samuel 
Published: March 2011

OBJECTIVE
Ginseng and its active component, ginsenoside Re, are popular herbal products that are advocated for treatment of diabetes. The purpose of this study was to determine whether ginseng or ginsenoside Re improves β-cell function and insulin sensitivity (IS) in insulin-resistant subjects.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Overweight or obese subjects (BMI = 34 ± 1 kg/m2) with impaired glucose tolerance or newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes were randomized to 30 days of treatment with ginseng root extract (8 g/day), ginsenoside Re (250–500 mg/day), or placebo. β-Cell function was assessed as the disposition index (DI) and measured by a frequently sampled oral glucose tolerance test, and IS was assessed as the relative increase in glucose disposal during a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp procedure plus stable isotope tracer infusion.

RESULTS
Values for DI and IS after therapy (Post) were not different from values before therapy (Pre) in the placebo (DI: Pre, 5.8 ± 0.9 × 10−3 and Post, 5.8 ± 0.8 × 10−3, P = 0.99; IS: Pre,165 ± 29% and Post, 185 ± 24%, P = 0.34), ginseng (DI: Pre, 7.7 ± 2.0 × 10−3 and Post, 6.0 ± 0.8 × 10−3, P = 0.29; IS: Pre, 171 ± 72% and Post,137 ± 59%, P = 0.88), and ginsenoside Re (DI: Pre, 7.4 ± 3.0 × 10−3 and Post, 5.9 ± 1.1 × 10−3, P = 0.50; IS: Pre, 117 ± 31% and Post, 134 ± 34%, P = 0.44) groups. Ginsenosides Re, Rb1, and Rb2 were not detectable in plasma after treatment with ginseng root extract or ginsenoside Re.

CONCLUSIONS
Oral ginseng or ginsenoside Re therapy does not improve β-cell function or IS in overweight/obese subjects with impaired glucose tolerance or newly diagnosed diabetes. Poor systemic bioavailability might be responsible for the absence of a therapeutic effect.
Simulations de mesures de politique économique : une typologie
Authors: Bureau Dominique , Norotte Michel 
Published: March 2011

Simulations de mesures de politique économique : une typologie,
par Dominique Bureau, Michel Norotte.
Les échantillons de variantes réalisées avec les deux modèles de l'administration Metric et Dms, dans le cadre d'un exercice d'optimisation de l'emploi pour le VIIIe Plan, sont étudiés par des méthodes d'analyse des données. On met en évidence la possibilité de ramener la plupart des variantes des modèles à quelques grands types pour lesquels les mécanismes keynésiens sont toujours centraux. Le fait que la trame d'ensemble soit semblable pour les deux modèles, permet ensuite de dégager quelques éléments de comparaison entre eux.
La première partie décrit la méthodologie et les données utilisées.
La seconde résume les résultats des analyses factonelles et des classifications hiérarchiques, ces dernières se révèlent les plus riches pour dégager un cadre global d'analyse et faire le lien avec la théorie macroéconomique.
La troisième vise à élucider la divergence d'appréciation entre les deux modèles sur les liens entre déficit budgétaire et déficit extérieur. Elle donne l'occasion de mettre en lumière certains éléments quantitatifs beaucoup plus généraux.
Prestations vieillesse du régime général : évolution rétrospective et prévisions à l'horizon 1986
Authors: Cendron Jean-Pierre 
Published: March 2011

Prestations vieillesse du Régime général: évolution rétrospective et prévisions à l'horizon 1986,
par Jean- Pierre Cendron.
Après une brève analyse de l'évolution rétrospective des prestations vieillesse du régime général, l'article expose la méthode utilisée pour effectuer des prévisions. L'évolution des effectifs est calculée, dans la plupart des cas, à partir du vieillissement de la pyramide des âges des pensionnés, à laquelle vient s'ajouter le flux des nouveaux entrants. Celle du montant moyen des allocations est déterminée par les revalorisations annuelles et le niveau du salaire de base des nouveaux retraités. Elle se combine avec la précédente pour aboutir à un taux de croissance des différentes prestations versées par le régime.
Le résultat des prévisions montre qu'après une phase de vive croissance entre 1970 et 1978, suivie d'un ralentissement entre 1979 et 1983, le montant des prestations vieillesse du Régime général a repris une croissance rapide, sous la double influence de l'abaissement de l'âge de la retraite et de la fin des classes creuses.
Public Opinion of Pharmacists and Pharmacist Prescribing
Authors: Perepelkin Jason 
Published: March 2011

Background: Pharmacists generally enjoy a high ranking when members of the general public are asked to rate the most trusted professions. While it is a good thing that the pharmacy profession appears to be trustworthy, it is not clear whether the public fully appreciates what pharmacists can do. Methods: A telephone survey in the province of Saskatchewan was conducted between February 25 and March 2, 2010. The questionnaire consisted of 43 items. Results: A total of 1283 people were contacted; 403 (31.4%) agreed to participate. A majority of respondents were female (253, 62.8%). Two-thirds (262, 65%) felt they were a “customer” when visiting a pharmacy; only 14.9% (60) felt they were a “patient.” There was some limited support for an expanded role for pharmacists. Conclusions: Gender appears to play a role in public perceptions of pharmacists; women tended to have a more favourable view of the profession than men. Lower education and income level were associated with a more positive view of pharmacists. This study adds to our understanding of the public perceptions of pharmacists and the potential for increased scope of practice. Respondents in this study, as in similar studies, generally had a positive view of the pharmacy profession, but there is still some variation, perhaps showing that an inconsistent message is being communicated to the general public about the role of pharmacists.
Digital Engagement Strategy and Health Care Worker Mental Health
Authors: Agarwal Anish K. , Southwick Lauren , Gonzales Rachel E. , Bellini Lisa M. , Asch David A. , Shea Judy A. , Mitra Nandita , Yang Lin , Josephs Michael , Kopinksy Michael , Kishton Rachel , Balachandran Mohan , Benjamin Wolk Courtney , Becker-Haimes Emily M. , Merchant Raina M. 
Published: May 2024

ImportanceThe health care workforce continues to experience high rates of depression and anxiety. Finding ways to effectively support the mental health and well-being of health care workers is challenging.ObjectiveTo test the effectiveness of remote, pushed digital assessments and engagement to improve depression and anxiety among health care workers compared with usual care.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis was a 9-month randomized clinical trial with a 6-month intervention period. Participants were health care workers with self-reported daily access to a smartphone and at least 4 clinical hours per week. Participants were randomized to usual care or the intervention between January 2022 and March 2023. Data analyses were conducted between May and July 2023.InterventionsAll participants completed baseline, 6-month, and 9-month mental health, well-being, and burnout assessments. The control group had open access to a web-based mental health platform. Participants in the intervention group received monthly text messaging about mental health, mental health assessments, and linkages to care.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe primary outcomes were mean change in depression and anxiety scores at 6 months from baseline. Secondary outcomes include mean change in well-being, burnout, and self-reported workplace productivity.ResultsIn this study, 1275 participants were randomized (642 [50.4%] to the intervention group and 633 [49.6%] to control group). Participants had a mean (SD) age of 38.6 (10.9) years, 1063 participants (83.4%) were female, 320 (25.1%) self-identified as Black, and 793 (62.2%) self-identified as White. Across the groups, the mean difference in depression score was significantly different at 6 months (−0.96 [95% CI, −1.52 to −0.40]) and at 9 months (−1.14 [95% CI, −1.69 to −0.58]). The mean difference in anxiety score from baseline to 6 months was statistically significantly larger for those in the intervention group vs usual care (−0.71 [95% CI, −1.25 to −0.17]) and held true at 9 months (−1.06 [95% CI, −1.59 to −0.52]).Conclusions and RelevanceIn a trial of health care workers, a proactive digital engagement strategy, including pushed text messaging, mobile mental health assessments, and connection to care, improved depression and anxiety over a 6-month period compared with simply making the same resources available for individuals to find and use.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05028075