bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Implementing the Alberta Nutrition Guidelines for Children and Youth: In a Recreational Facility
Authors: Olstad Dana Lee , Lieffers Jessica R.L. , Raine Kim D. , McCargar Linda J. 
Published: November 2011

Purpose: In this mixed-methods case study, we explored factors influencing the adoption and implementation of the Alberta Nutrition Guidelines for Children and Youth within recreational facilities, and assessed the impact of their implementation on the food environment. Methods: Qualitative data were generated via interviews, observations, and document reviews. The quality of the food environment was assessed using validated and newly developed food environment assessment tools. Results: Whereas few barriers existed in terms of adopting the guidelines, implementing them proved much more challenging. Implementation was impeded by concerns about the lack of profitability of healthy items, time, and resource constraints. Guidelines that do not restrict the availability of unhealthy options are better accepted by stakeholders. Implementation of the guidelines supported creation of a healthy food environment, but the availability of healthy items remained very limited within the concession (16%) and vending machines (20%), and children continued to purchase primarily unhealthy items. Conclusions: Findings suggest that children choose healthy options insufficiently when unhealthy items are present. Thus, although introducing the nutrition guidelines in a nonrestrictive format may have been advantageous in some ways, they should be strengthened over time so that they recommend near or total elimination of unhealthy options.
A multicenter pilot study of subcallosal cingulate area deep brain stimulation for treatment-resistant depression
Authors: Lozano Andres M. , Giacobbe Peter , Hamani Clement , Rizvi Sakina J. , Kennedy Sidney H. , Kolivakis Theodore T. , Debonnel Guy , Sadikot Abbas F. , Lam Raymond W. , Howard Andrew K. , Ilcewicz-Klimek Magda , Honey Christopher R. , Mayberg Helen S. 
Published: November 2011

Object
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been recently investigated as a treatment for major depression. One of the proposed targets for this application is the subcallosal cingulate gyrus (SCG). To date, promising results after SCG DBS have been reported by a single center. In the present study the authors investigated whether these findings may be replicated at different institutions. They conducted a 3-center prospective open-label trial of SCG DBS for 12 months in patients with treatment-resistant depression.

Methods
Twenty-one patients underwent implantation of bilateral SCG electrodes. The authors examined the reduction in Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD-17) score from baseline (RESP50).

Results
Patients treated with SCG DBS had an RESP50 of 57% at 1 month, 48% at 6 months, and 29% at 12 months. The response rate after 12 months of DBS, however, increased to 62% when defined as a reduction in the baseline HRSD-17 of 40% or more. Reductions in depressive symptomatology were associated with amelioration in disease severity in patients who responded to surgery.

Conclusions
Overall, findings from this study corroborate the results of previous reports showing that outcome of SCG DBS may be replicated across centers.
Percutaneous biopsy of lesions in the cavernous sinus region through the foramen ovale: diagnostic accuracy and limits in 50 patients
Authors: Messerer Mahmoud , Dubourg Julie , Saint-Pierre Ghislaine , Jouanneau Emmanuel , Sindou Marc 
Published: November 2011

Object
The cavernous sinus and surrounding regions—specifically the Meckel cave, posterior sector of the cavernous sinus itself, and the upper part of the petroclival region—are the location of a large variety of lesions that require individual consideration regarding treatment strategy. These regions may be reached for biopsy by a percutaneous needle inserted through the foramen ovale. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of percutaneous biopsy in a consecutive series of 50 patients referred for surgery between 1991 and 2010.

Methods
Seven biopsies (14%) were unproductive and 43 (86%) were productive, among which 28 lesions subsequently underwent histopathological examination during a second (open) surgery. To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the procedure, results from surgery were compared with those from the biopsy.

Results
Sensitivity of the percutaneous biopsy was 0.83 (95% CI 0.52–0.98), specificity was 1 (95% CI 0.79–1), and κ coefficient was 0.81.

Conclusions
Because of its valuable diagnostic accuracy, percutaneous biopsy of the cavernous sinus and surrounding regions should be performed in patients with parasellar masses when neuroimaging does not provide sufficient information of a histopathological nature. This procedure would enable patients to obtain the most appropriate therapy, such as resective surgery, corticosteroids, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or radiosurgery.
Laboratory diagnosis of human brucellosis in Egypt and persistence of the pathogen following treatment
Authors: Marei Ayman , Boghdadi Ghada , Abdel-Hamed Nahla , Hessin Rasha , Abdoel Theresia , Smits Henk , Fathey Fayza 
Published: November 2011

Introduction: Brucellosis is a major public health problem in Egypt. The Brucella IgM/IgG lateral flow assay was developed as a point-of-care test for the diagnosis of human brucellosis. The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of the lateral flow assay for use in Egypt. Methodology: Fifty samples of patients who presented with clinical suspicion of brucellosis over a one-year period were collected. All samples were subjected to the Brucella IgM/IgG lateral flow assay, serum agglutination test (SAT), rose bengal RB Test (RB), 2- mercapteoethanol (2-ME), culture and PCR. SAT, 2- ME, culture and PCR were retested after the end of the treatment. Results: Culture and SAT confirmed the diagnosis of brucellosis in twenty patients. While 90% of the samples were positive by SAT, only 30% and 85% were positive by culture and PCR respectively. The sensitivity of the lateral flow assay calculated for the Brucella IgM/IgG was 95% and specificity was 97%. Conclusion: These data show that the lateral flow assay is more suitable for diagnosis of brucellosis in Egypt than culture and SAT. Application of the PCR on serum samples collected during follow-up revealed that the DNA of the pathogen was yet not completely cleared almost 60 days after the start of treatment with doxycycline and ciprofloxacin.
Determinants of Forward Stage Transition from Precontemplation and Contemplation for Fruit Consumption
Authors: de Vet Emely , de Nooijer Jascha , de Vries Nanne K. , Brug Johannes 
Published: November 2011

Purpose. To examine associations between decisional balance, self-efficacy, fruit intake, and stage of change transition from precontemplation and contemplation with cross-sectional and longitudinal methods. Design. A longitudinal cohort study with the use of electronic questionnaires was conducted. Three measurements were analyzed cross-sectionally, and the two intervals between the measurements were analyzed longitudinally. Setting. A random sample of 1500 individuals from an existing Dutch Internet panel resulted in a cohort of 735 individuals. Of the cohort, 648 (response rate 88%), 592 (response rate 81%), and 570 (response rate 78%) respondents completed questionnaires at the start of the present study (T1), 53 days after T1 (T2), and 106 days after T1 (T3), respectively. Subjects. Mean age was 37.5 years, 51% were women, and 57% ate less than the recommended intake of 250 g of fruit per day. Measures. Questionnaires included items measuring stage of change, factors favoring (pros) or working against (cons) behavior change, and self-efficacy. A food frequency questionnaire was used to assess fruit intake. Results. Logistic regression analyses showed that pros, fruit intake, and self-efficacy predicted forward stage transition from precontemplation. Self-efficacy predicted forward stage transition from contemplation. Cons did not predict stage transitions. Results from longitudinal analyses were similar to cross-sectional results, except for self-efficacy: no differences between early stages in self-efficacy were found, whereas self-efficacy predicted these early stage transitions. Conclusions. Within the limitations posed by the sampling frame, results provided support for the Transtheoretical Model, although determinants might not always be stage specific.
Smoking Cessation and Exercise Promotion Counseling in Psychologists Who Practice Psychotherapy
Authors: Wendt Sally J. 
Published: November 2011

Purpose. Little is known about health promotion within the context of psychotherapy. The present study assessed a sample of psychologists' attitudes and behavior with their psychotherapy clients regarding smoking cessation and exercise promotion counseling. Design. This is a cross-sectional survey study. Setting. Surveys were mailed. Subjects. Licensed psychologists (1000) in Massachusetts were randomly selected to receive surveys. Psychologists practicing psychotherapy at least 5 h/wk were invited to participate. Out of 496 responses, 328 completed surveys were analyzed. Measures. Two parallel surveys were developed for smoking (N = 154) and exercise (N = 174) assessing health promotion behaviors and attitudes. Results. Approximately 43% of respondents inquire about smoking and 53% inquire about exercise with new clients. Over 45% advise smoking clients to quit and 50% advise sedentary clients to exercise. Over 80% of respondents felt smoking and exercise should be addressed in psychotherapy; however only 41% of smoking and 65% of exercise respondents felt confident in their counseling abilities. Lack of confidence, beliefs about relevance of smoking and exercise to psychological functioning, and beliefs that such personal choices should not be addressed in psychotherapy significantly predicted smoking cessation and exercise promotion behaviors. Conclusion. Many respondents are engaging in health promotion with their psychotherapy clients. Exercise promotion is occurring more frequently and is viewed more favorably compared with smoking cessation counseling. Health promotion attitudes are associated with counseling behaviors. Limitations include self-selection bias and small sample size.
Intention to Quit Smoking, Attempts to Quit, and Successful Quitting among Hong Kong Chinese Smokers: Population Prevalence and Predictors
Authors: Abdullah Abu Saleh M. , Yam HK 
Published: November 2011

Purpose. To assess the prevalence of each step in the smoking-cessation process (intention to quit, attempts to quit, and successful quitting) and to examine the factors associated with them among Chinese smokers. Design. A cross-sectional survey of subjects from randomly selected households. Setting. Four thousand one hundred forty-two households in Hong Kong. Subjects. A total of 11,779 persons, aged 15 years or older, were enumerated (response rate = 74.0%). Measures. A validated structured questionnaire was used for data collection. The questionnaire sought information on the subject's sociodemographic background, smoking habits, and workplace attitude to smoking. The predictors for successful quitting, past quitting attempts, and intention to quit were assessed by χ2 tests and multiple logistic regression. Results. Of the respondents, 14.4% were current smokers, 7.5% were ex-smokers, and 78.1% were nonsmokers. Of the daily smokers, 52% intended to quit. The factors associated with quitting were being married, being in the student/retired/others category, being older, having received higher education, not smoking to kill time, and smoking because of curiosity. Being married and not smoking to kill time were associated with past quitting attempts. Being male, married, and not smoking to kill time were associated with the intention to quit smoking. Conclusion. The findings of this study indicate that differing predictors may contribute to the different transitional stages of smoking cessation. Population-based smoking-cessation programs should take these predictors into consideration in the design of interventions.
Characteristics of Adults Who Use Prayer as an Alternative Therapy
Authors: O'Connor Patrick J. , Pronk Nicolaas P. , Tan Agnes , Whitebird Robin R. 
Published: November 2011

Purpose. To describe the demographics, health-related and preventive-health behaviors, health status, and health care charges of adults who do and do not pray for health. Design. Cross-sectional survey with 1-year follow-up. Setting. A Minnesota health plan. Subjects. A stratified random sample of 5107 members age 40 and over with analysis based on 4404 survey respondents (86%). Measures. Survey data included health risks, health practices, use of preventive health services, satisfaction with care, and use of alternative therapies. Health care charges were obtained from administrative data. Results. Overall, 47.2% of study subjects reported that they pray for health, and 90.3% of these believed prayer improved their health. After adjustment for demographics, those who pray had significantly less smoking and alcohol use and more preventive care visits, influenza immunizations, vegetable intake, satisfaction with care, and social support and were more likely to have a regular primary care provider. Rates of functional impairment, depressive symptoms, chronic diseases, and total health care charges were not related to prayer. Conclusions. Those who pray had more favorable health-related behaviors, preventive service use, and satisfaction with care. Discussion of prayer could help guide customization of clinical care. Research that examines the effect of prayer on health status should adjust for variables related both to use of prayer and to health status.
Health Promotion Referrals in an Urban Clinic: Removing Financial Barriers Influences Physician but Not Patient Behavior
Authors: Bartlett-Prescott Jennifer D. , Klesges Lisa M. , Kritchevsky Stephen B. 
Published: November 2011

Purpose. This study describes the prevalence and characteristics of physician health promotion referrals and patient adherence to referrals in a community-based primary care clinic and associated wellness facility. The role of reimbursement for attendance to the wellness facility was specifically examined. Design. Retrospective cohort study. Setting. The Church Health Center of Memphis, Tennessee: a low-income urban clinic and its affiliated wellness center. Subjects. Patients were primarily African-American, lower-income, urban residents of Shelby County, Tennessee. Measures. All study data came from existing medical clinic and wellness facility records of utilization, patient history, and diagnoses. Results. Of 6321 clinic patients, 16.7% (n = 1069) received a provider health promotion referral. Logistic regression analyses identified that physician referral was related to patient factors of access to free wellness-facility membership, employment status, receiving a behavior-related diagnosis, and being African-American and female. Of patients receiving a referral, 17.2% (n = 184) adhered to this advice and visited the wellness facility. New patients were more likely to adhere to a referral than established patients. Conclusion. Demographic, financial, and patient characteristics influenced whether health behavior change referrals were made by primary care physicians in a community clinic. Removing financial barriers did not influence patient adherence, but new patients were more likely to follow the recommendation than those previously seen at the clinic.
Factors Related to Participatory Employee Advisory Boards in Small, Blue-Collar Worksites
Authors: Thompson Beti , Hannon Peggy A. , Bishop Sonia K. , West Briana E. , Peterson Amber K. , Beresford Shirley A. A. 
Published: November 2011

Purpose. To identify factors related to formation, participation, and characteristics of employee advisory boards (EABs) in blue-collar worksites. Design. This study used a nonexperimental qualitative design to assess EAB formation, activity, and enthusiasm levels and examined those factors relative to employee participation in worksite-wide health promotion activities. Setting. Twenty-two blue-collar worksites with a total of 113 EAB members in the greater Seattle area. Subjects. Individuals who agreed to serve on EABs in the intervention worksites. Intervention. Participants received training in involving employees in the 5-A-Day project intervention activities. Measures. Measures include type of worksite, number of EAB members, method of EAB recruitment, and variables describing EAB functioning, including attendance at meetings, assistance at project activities, and level of enthusiasm. Results. All worksites formed EABs. There was no association between the way the EAB was formed and subsequent EAB attendance at meetings, participation in project activities, representativeness of the EAB, or level of EAB enthusiasm. Enthusiasm of the EAB was associated with employee participation, and EABs with a higher level of enthusiasm showed more participation by employees than worksites with less enthusiastic EABs. Conclusions. It is possible to develop participatory structures in small, blue-collar worksites. More information is needed about factors related to levels of enthusiasm of EABs.
Validation of a Five-Point Self-Rated Stress Score
Authors: Lim Lionel S. , Williams Donald E. , Hagen Philip T. 
Published: November 2011

Purpose. To validate a five-point self-rated stress score (SRSS) with the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) questionnaire in identifying psychological distress. Methods. A retrospective cohort study was conducted involving 266 consecutive patients seen in the division of clinical health psychology. Patients were asked to rate their stress level on a numeric score from 1 (low stress) to 5 (high stress). Patients also completed the SCL-90-R questionnaire, from which the Global Severity Index (GSI) was calculated. Results. The SRSS correlated positively with the GSI (r = .40, p < .001). After multivariate adjustment, the odds ratio of psychological distress for patients with an SRSS of 2, 3, 4, and 5 relative to those with low stress were 2.6 (p = .30), 2.4 (p = .30), 6.1 (p < .05), and 24.8 (p < .001). Discussion. Patients with the highest self-rated stress levels have a significantly increased risk of psychological distress. The SRSS is simple to administer in the outpatient setting and may be a useful instrument in screening for psychological distress.
A frágil confiabilidade do tribunal de contas de Santa Catarina na fiscalização dos recursos da educação: governo estadual deixou de aplicar mais de R$ 2,1 bilhões em educação de 1998 a 2008 mas TC aprovou as contas estaduais
Authors: Davies Nicholas 
Published: November 2011

O estudo examinou procedimentos adotados pelo Tribunal de Contas de Santa Catarina para a verificação da receita e despesa em educação, com base em seus relatórios sobre as contas estaduais de 1998 a 2008, e chegou a vários resultados, alguns indicados a seguir. Entre os aspectos positivos cabe ressaltar (1) o registro da ilegalidade e inconstitucionalidade do governo estadual em subtrair impostos da educação e saúde através de mecanismos de desvinculação, como o SEITEC e o Fundo Social e (2) o descumprimento de várias exigências constitucionais e legais. Entre os pontos negativos cabe destacar (1) a provável confusão entre gastos na função orçamentária Educação (definida pela Lei no 4.320) e em MDE (definida pelos artigos 70 e 71 da LDB, (2) a aceitação da contabilização das despesas educacionais por órgãos diferentes, contrariando o que estabelece a LDB, (3) a oscilação nos critérios de despesas, ora empenhadas, ora liquidadas, ora pagas, e (4) a falta de uma posição firme sobre a inclusão dos inativos no cálculo das despesas legais em MDE, adotando dois cálculos (com e sem inativos), mas na prática contabilizando os inativos no cálculo do percentual mínimo. A debilidade maior do TC, no entanto, foi o fato de ele, apesar de ter constatado que o governo estadual não aplicou o percentual mínimo (25%) dos impostos em educação, nem os 15% dos impostos no ensino fundamental, nem a receita do Fundef, não emitiu parecer prévio contrário à aprovação das contas estaduais, limitando-se a fazer ressalvas e recomendações, quase sempre descumpridas pelo governo estadual, o que levanta a questão sobre a utilidade do TC.
Estado, democracia e institucionalização das lutas sociais nas práticas educativas do mst : um estudo de caso da escola itinerante
Authors: Viegas Moacir Fernando , Luciano Charles Luiz Policena 
Published: November 2011

No artigo analisamos as características e contradições das práticas educativas desenvolvidas nos acampamentos do Movimento dos Trabalhadores Rurais Sem Terra (MST) tendo como referência a Escola Itinerante. Enfocamos especialmente o problema da democracia e da institucionalização das lutas sociais, questão central com a qual se debatem os movimentos sociais na atualidade. Apoiamos a pesquisa no materialismo histórico e dialético e, nesse artigo, na crítica de Ellen Meiksins Wood à democracia representativa e às limitações do conceito de “sociedade civil”. Desenvolvemos o estudo em dois acampamentos do MST localizados no Rio Grande do Sul por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas, observação participante e análise de documentos. Os resultados a que chegamos apontam que a institucionalização das práticas educativas do movimento, ao atenderem as formalidades do Estado, tendem à burocratização, distanciando-se das necessidades da classe trabalhadora.
Knowledge transfer and transformation: moving knowledge from research to policy
Authors: Ozga Jenny 
Published: November 2011

This paper focuses on Knowledge Transfer (KT) as a policy initiative. Knowledge transfer/translation has developed from policy concerns about the gap between research-based knowledge trapped in disciplinary silos and the growing information and knowledge needs of various users. In addition KT maps closely against knowledge economy assumptions as effective KT is believed to provide competitive system advantage. In this context, what is distinctive in contemporary global economic development is ‘the action of knowledge on itself as the main source of productivity’. But the production of such knowledge does not take place in a vacuum. The challenge, then, for governments driving towards knowledgebased economies is not just to promote active knowing as an economic resource but to seek to manage and contain the knowledge that generates as a collective community resource, within acceptable limits. It is the difficulties that this simultaneous need for freedom and control presents that form the core of this paper.