bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Staff perspectives on the use of a computer-based concept for lifestyle intervention implemented in primary health care
Authors: Carlfjord Siw , Johansson Kjell , Bendtsen Preben , Nilsen Per , Andersson Agneta 
Published: May 2010

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate staff experiences of the use of a computer-based concept for lifestyle testing and tailored advice implemented in routine primary health care (PHC). Design: The design of the study was a cross-sectional, retrospective survey. Setting: The study population consisted of staff at nine PHC units in the county of Östergötland, Sweden. Method: After a computer-based concept for lifestyle intervention had been in operation for 1 year, a questionnaire was distributed to all staff members. The questions concerned experiences of and attitudes to the concept, and comments on addressing lifestyle issues in PHC. Results: Of the 291 potential respondents, 59 per cent returned the questionnaire. Eighty-five per cent found it positive to refer to the computer-based test, and 93 per cent of those who had read the written advice generated by the computer agreed with the advice provided. Seventy-five per cent thought that the concept could have an effect on a patient’s lifestyle, and 78 per cent had confidence in the computer-based test. Staff at smaller PHC units had more positive attitudes ( p = 0.003) and referred a higher proportion of their patients to the computer-based test than staff at larger units ( p = 0.000). Follow-up rates showed no significant differences between the categories. Staff believed that inclusion of more lifestyle areas, e.g. smoking and dietary habits, would make the test more useful. More time, education and the establishment of lifestyle practices were issues suggested in order to enhance the focus on lifestyle factors. Conclusion: Staff members have confidence in the computerized test and consider it a valuable tool. A development towards more lifestyle areas will make it even more useful.
Participatory development of an instrument for the elderly for an autonomous optimization of their nutrition and physical activity profile
Authors: Hassel Holger , Schulte Birgid , Keimer Katharina Maria 
Published: May 2010

Objective: With the help of the ‘OPTIMAHL 60plus’ counselling aid, it is intended to improve the nutritional and physical activity behaviour, the maintenance and enhancement of the quality of life, and the autonomy of people above 60 years of age. Due to their complexity, currently available didactical counselling aids are not considered suitable for this target group. In order to develop an effective counselling aid for the elderly, the target group is involved in the development process.Design: The intervention study comprises the participatory development of the instrument ‘OPTIMAHL 60plus’ (through focus groups) and the evaluation of the intervention programme (intervention and control groups). The results of the evaluation will be presented in forthcoming articles.Methods: Intervention mapping is applied in a modified form to develop the counselling aid. By means of focus group discussions, the expectations of the target group are analysed in a participatory way. Disadvantaged elderly and those with or without a migrant background are involved.Results: The counselling aid, in the form of a checklist, records individual nutrition and physical activity behaviour, including feedback on target and performance as well as advice for improvement.Conclusion: When developing age-based counselling aids, particular support in structuring, reminding and simple handling must be taken into account.
Computer-based education for patients with hypertension: A systematic review
Authors: Saksena Anuraag 
Published: May 2010

Objective: To evaluate the benefits of using computer-based interventions to provide patient education to individuals with hypertension. Methods: MEDLINE, Web of Knowledge, CINAHL, ERIC, EMBASE, and PsychINFO were searched from 1995 to April 2009 using keywords related to computers, hypertension , education, and clinical trial. Additional studies were included from the Cochrane Library and hand-searching of the references. Results: The search strategy identified 776 articles, of which 10 met the selection criteria. These 10 articles represented 5 unique projects. Two studies were software-based and three used the internet. Studies assessed the effect of computer-based interventions on knowledge, self-efficacy, self-care behaviours, and percentage of patients with blood pressure control. No study was able to demonstrate that a computer-based intervention was sufficient to result in permanent changes in health behaviours, although intermediate health outcomes such as knowledge and self-efficacy were improved. Conclusion: Computer-based interventions can be an effective means of changing certain health behaviours, but current research shows that these interventions must be used in concert with provider-based health education in order to create lasting changes in health behaviours. In order for the full benefits of computer-based interventions to be realized, these programmes must be fully integrated into general healthcare delivery.
Cost-effectiveness of interventions to improve moderate physical activity: A study in nine UK sites
Authors: Pringle Andy , Cooke Carlton , Gilson Nicholas , Marsh Kevin , McKenna Jim 
Published: May 2010

Objective: With growing concerns to establish the value for returns on public health investment, there is a need to identify cost-effective physical activity interventions. This study measured change in moderate physical activity (MPA) in seven community-based intervention types, costs and cost-effectiveness of the interventions, and possible explanations for cost variation. Design: Between 2004 and 2006, pre- and post-intervention assessments identified demographics and MPA levels, and quarterly interviews with intervention managers identified key implementation costs. Setting: Nine sites across the UK. Method: MPA was collected using self-report measures. MPA categories (sedentary, lightly, moderately, highly active) were assigned at pre- and post-intervention. Differences between pre- and post-intervention scores identified MPA change (median metabolic equivalent (MET)-minutes/week) in completers. Cost, attendance and activity data were combined to estimate the average monthly implementation cost, cost per participant attending interventions, and the cost per completer improving MPA category. An economic model was built to estimate the cost per Quality Adjusted Life Year (QALY) gained and potential savings to the National Health Service (NHS). Results: Demographics ( n = 984) show that those who engaged with the interventions were predominantly white, British older females. In completers ( N = 1,051), 37.9 per cent improved at least one MPA category. The cost per completer improving MPA category ranged from c£260 to c£2,786 ( N = 1000). The cost per QALY gained from intervention types ranged from c£47 to c£509, which was below the £20,000 threshold implicit in National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) decisions. Future cost savings to the NHS per intervention participant ranged from c£769 to c£4,891. In the case of each of the interventions, this saving per participant exceeds the implementation cost per participant, which ranged from c£55 to c£3,420 ( N = 6940). Conclusions: MPA interventions are cost-effective.
Predicting the ‘freshman 15’: Environmental and psychological predictors of weight gain in first-year university students
Authors: Vella-Zarb Rachel A , Elgar Frank J 
Published: May 2010

Objectives: (1) To investigate weight gain in first-year university students; and (2) to examine whether environmental and psychological factors, specifically accommodation and stress, predict weight gain. Methods: Eighty-four first-year university students (77 per cent female) were weighed and completed the Perceived Stress Scale (Cohen, Kamarck and Mermelstein, 1983) and a health habits questionnaire at the beginning and end of their first semester of university (Mean duration = 76.67 days, SD = 1.76). Results: Weight gain was small, but significant ( M = 0.89 kg, SD = 3.30). Students living on-campus gained more weight than their off-campus peers, M = 1.65 kg and 0.13 kg respectively, t(82) = −2.32, p < .05. No significant relationship was found between stress and weight change. Conclusions: These results suggest that the first year of university is a critical period for weight gain, especially for students living in residence. Greater understanding of risk factors associated with weight gain in first-year university students, particularly students living in residence, could lead to prevention of this weight gain and potential subsequent overweight and obesity.
Sex hormone receptor gene polymorphisms and migraine: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Schürks Markus , Rist Pamela M , Kurth Tobias 
Published: May 2010

Background: Data on the association between sex hormone receptor polymorphisms and migraine are conflicting. Methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis on this topic searching for studies published until August 2009. For each study, we calculated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) assuming additive, dominant, and recessive genetic models. We then calculated pooled ORs and 95% CIs. Results and Conclusion: Among the seven genes targeted, four variants were investigated in multiple studies. Effect estimates from an additive model suggest that the ESR-1 594 G > A (pooled OR 1.37; 95% CI 1.02–1.83) and ESR-1 325 C > G (pooled OR 1.16; 95% CI 1.03–1.32) variants are associated with any migraine. This pattern does not differ between migraine with and without aura. In contrast, the ESR-1 Pvu II C > T and PGR PROGINS insert polymorphism do not appear to be associated with migraine. Results were driven by studies among Caucasians and may differ in other ethnic groups.
Arthroscopically Assisted 2-Bundle Anatomical Reduction of Acute Acromioclavicular Joint Separations
Authors: Salzmann Gian M. , Walz Lars , Buchmann Stefan , Glabgly Prapagorn , Venjakob Arne , Imhoff Andreas B. 
Published: May 2010

Background: To achieve reduction of an acute acromioclavicular (AC) joint separation, novel procedures aim to provide stability and function by restoring the coracoclavicular anatomy. Hypothesis: Anatomical reconstruction for acute AC joint disruption using 2 flip-button devices results in satisfactory clinical function and provides a stable fixation. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: The outcome of 23 consecutive patients (21 men, 2 women; mean age, 37.5 ± 10.2 years; range, 21-59 years) who underwent anatomical reduction for an acute AC joint dislocation using 2 flip-button devices, each separately replacing 1 coracoclavicular ligament, was evaluated clinically and radiographically preoperatively and 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. The evaluation included a visual analog scale for pain, the Constant score, the simple shoulder test, and the Short Form-36. An additional 7 patients had similar surgery during the same period, but 4 were lost to follow-up, 2 required surgical revision, and 1 developed postoperative infection. Results: There were 3 Rockwood type III, 3 type IV, and 17 type V separations. Mean follow-up was 30.6 ± 5.4 months (range, 24-40 months). The visual analog scale and Constant score showed significant improvements from preoperative 4.5 ± 1.9 (range, 1-7) and 34.3 ± 6.9 (range, 22-44) to postoperative 0.25 ± 0.5 (range, 0-1) and 94.3 ± 3.2 (range, 88-98) at 24 months, respectively. Postoperative radiographic AC joint alignment was unsatisfactory in 8 cases, either in the coronal, axillary, or both planes, with no different clinical outcome when compared with the remaining patients. Conclusion: Immediate anatomical reduction of an acute AC separation with flip-button devices provides satisfactory clinical results at intermediate-term follow-up. This technique should be performed by an experienced arthroscopist; tunnel and button placement are of utmost importance to avoid postoperative failure or loss of reduction.
A Biomechanical Evaluation of Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction Using a Novel Technique for Ulnar-Sided Fixation
Authors: Morgan Robert J. , Starman James S. , Habet Nahir A. , Peindl Richard D. , Bankston Larry S. , D’Alessandro Donald D. , Connor Patrick M. , Fleischli James E. 
Published: May 2010

Background: Techniques for ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction have evolved since its original description. Hypothesis: Ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction using the ZipLoop for ulnar-sided fixation, as combined with the humeral docking technique supplemented with an interference screw, will restore valgus stability similar to that of the Jobe technique and the native ligament. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Kinematic testing was performed on 8 matched pairs of cadaver elbows with an electromagnetic tracking system through an arc of motion for the intact, disrupted, and reconstructed states of the UCL in an unloaded and loaded condition. From each pair, the docking technique using the ZipLoop for ulnar fixation and humeral docking technique supplemented with an interference screw and the traditional Jobe technique were performed with matched gracilis allograft tendons. After kinematic testing, both reconstruction groups were tested to failure at 70° of flexion. Results: Kinematic results for the unloaded condition showed that both reconstruction techniques significantly overcorrected (less valgus angulation) the specimens between 40° and 120° of flexion when compared with the intact ligament (all P values < .027). Under loaded conditions, the ulnar trajectories for both reconstruction techniques exhibited significantly greater valgus angulation (undercorrection) at 20° of flexion (Jobe, P = .0084; ZipLoop, P = .0289) when compared with the intact ligament but were not significantly different over the remaining arc of motion. Failure testing resulted in no significant statistical difference between the 2 reconstruction groups. Failure testing demonstrated that humeral tunnel egress, midsubstance elongation, and ulnar tunnel egress of the ligament were similar between the reconstruction techniques. Conclusion: The docking technique using the ZipLoop for ulnar-sided fixation is biomechanically equivalent to the Jobe technique for UCL reconstruction. Both reconstruction techniques restore valgus stability similar to that of the native UCL ligament. Clinical Relevance: This modification in the docking technique restores elbow kinematics while eliminating the risk of ulnar bone bridge fracture, and it allows for retensioning of the graft after cortical fixation.
Kinematics of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament During Gait
Authors: Wu Jia-Lin , Hosseini Ali , Kozanek Michal , Gadikota Hemanth R. , Gill Thomas J. , Li Guoan 
Published: May 2010

Background: The function of the anteromedial (AM) and posterolateral (PL) bundles of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during gait has not been reported. Hypothesis: The AM and PL bundles have distinct functional behavior during the stance phase of treadmill gait. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Three-dimensional models of the knee were created by magnetic resonance images from 8 healthy subjects. The contour of the 2 bundle attachments were constructed on each model. Each bundle was represented by a straight line connecting its tibial and femoral attachment centroids. Next, the knee kinematics during the stance phase of gait was determined with a dual fluoroscopic imaging system. The relative elongation, sagittal plane elevation, coronal plane elevation, and transverse plane deviation of the 2 bundles were measured directly from heel strike to toe-off. Results: At heel strike, the AM and PL bundles had first peak elongation of 9% ± 7% and 9% ± 13%, respectively. At 50% progress of the stance phase, both bundles were maximally elongated, 12% ± 7% for the AM bundle and 13% ± 15% for the PL bundle. No significant difference was found for each bundle between 40% and 60% of the stance phase ( P > .05). With increasing knee flexion, the sagittal plane and coronal plane elevations of the 2 bundles decreased, whereas the deviation angles increased. Conclusion: Both bundles are anisometric and function in a similar manner during the stance phase of gait. They were maximally elongated throughout the midstance where they were stretched maximally to resist anterior tibial translation. Clinical relevance: This information can be useful for further improving anatomical ACL reconstructions to better reproduce the 2 bundle functions. It may also be useful for designing postoperative rehabilitation regimens to prevent overstretch of the grafts.
How Guilt Level Affects Green Advertising Effectiveness?
Authors: Jiménez Marissa , Yang Kenneth C.C. 
Published: May 2010

The study employed a between-subject post-test only experimental design to examine whether guilt appeal levels affected green advertising effectiveness measured by consumers’ attitude towards the advertisement and the brand. Furthermore, guilt-aroused feelings were examined for their effects. The study was conducted among 121 students in a large public university in the southwest of the United States (US). Empirical results supported the effects of guilt appeal on green advertising effectiveness. Participants were found to have more favourable attitudes towards the green advertisement and advertised brand when exposed to a low guilt advertisement than to a high guilt advertisement. Among three guilt-induced feelings, angry–irritated emotion and self-conscious emotion were found to moderate consumers’ attitudes towards the green advertisement and the advertised brand.
New Trends and their Impact on Business and Society
Authors: Sinha Kunal 
Published: May 2010

Macro trends provide many insights for consumer trends because they describe major cultural shifts in consumers’ lifestyles and desires. They are the broad forces of change that create the future context of societies. As consumer trends accelerate and spread, they provide steady inspiration that grounds effective business ideas and tactics. Understanding them and determining their significance allows us to strategically anticipate and adapt to change, and alerts us to the possibilities in our future business environments. A creative business must be able to spot these trends early by understanding consumer wants and needs. It also comes from a belief that an organization may not have all the new ideas. To meet the new challenges, one response is forming strategic partnerships. Many companies are reaching out outside their own organizations in a variety of ways towards meeting these newly emerging challenges. Macro trends track the appearance and progress of emerging global phenomena, such as market motivators and consumer values. Understanding and utilizing macro trends is now seen as a prerequisite for business performance. Understanding them and determining their significance to current business and social challenges help in identifying new opportunities, facilitate strategic anticipation and alert us to the threats in the future business environments.
Induction, regulation, and biologic function of Axl receptor tyrosine kinase in Kaposi sarcoma
Authors: Liu Ren , Gong Ming , Li Xiuqing , Zhou Yue , Gao Wenming , Tulpule Anil , Chaudhary Preet M. , Jung Jae , Gill Parkash S. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractAxl is an oncogenic receptor tyrosine kinase that plays multiple roles in tumorigenesis and metastasis of many cancers. This study is the first to demonstrate that Axl is induced in Kaposi sarcoma and Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV) transformed endothelial cells. Conditionally, expression of one KSHV latency protein vFLIP induces Axl expression in endothelial cells. This induction can be blocked by nuclear factor-κB inhibitor, consistent with the known vFLIP mechanism of action. KS cell lines lacking KSHV also have elevated Axl expression, which probably resulted from hypomethylation of AXL promoter. Axl activation activates downstream phosphoinositol-3 kinase signaling, and Axl knockdown by siRNA impairs phosphoinositol-3 kinase signaling. Furthermore, Axl knockdown inhibits KS cell growth and invasion. To explore the potential for translation of these findings, we generated monoclonal antibodies to block the biologic functions of Axl. MAb173, which induces receptor degradation, showed activity in vitro to inhibit KS cell invasion. Moreover, in vivo xenograft studies with KS cells with or without KSHV infection showed that MAb173 reduced tumor growth, increased tumor cell apoptosis, and markedly decreased Axl protein level in tumors. Axl thus has a potential role in KS pathogenesis and is a candidate for prognostic and therapeutic investigations.
Salvianolic acid B prevents epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition through the TGF-β1 signal transduction pathway in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Wang Qing-Lan , Tao Yan-Yan , Yuan Ji-Li , Shen Li , Liu Cheng-Hai 
Published: May 2010

Abstract

Background
Salvianolic Acid B (Sal B) is a water-soluble component from Danshen (a traditional Chinese herb widely used for chronic renal diseases) with anti-oxidative and cell protective properties. Sal B also has potential protective effects on renal diseases. Tubular epithelial cells can undergo epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which plays an important role in the pathogenesis of renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) and is mainly regulated by TGF-β1/Smads pathway. The aims of the study are to investigate the effect of Sal B on tubular EMT in vivo and in vitro, and to elucidate its underlying mechanism against EMT related to TGF-β1/Smads pathway.

Results
For in vivo experiments, RIF was induced in rats by oral administration of HgCl2 and prophylaxised with Sal B and vitamin E. The protein expression of E-cadherin was down-regulated, while the expression of α-SMA, TGF-β1, TβR-I, p-Smad2/3 and the activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) were up-regulated in kidneys of model rats when compared with those of normal rats. In contrast, Sal B and vitamin E significantly attenuated the expression of α-SMA, TGF-β1, TβR-I, p-Smad2/3, and MMP-2 activity, but increased E-cadherin expression. For in vitro experiments, HK-2 cells were incubated with TGF-β1 to induce EMT, and the cells were co-cultured with 1 and 10 μM Sal B or SB-431542 (a specific inhibitor of TβR-I kinase). TGF-β1 induced a typical EMT in HK-2 cells, while it was blocked by Sal B and SB-431542, as evidenced by blocking morphologic transformation, restoring E-cadherin and CK-18 expression, inhibiting α-SMA expression and F-actin reorganization, and down-regulating MMP-2/9 activities in TGF-β1 mediated HK-2 cells. Furthermore, Sal B and SB-431542 profoundly down-regulated the expressions of TβR-I and p-Smad2/3 but prevented the decreased expression of Smad7 in TGF-β1 stimulated HK-2 cells.

Conclusions
Sal B can prevent tubular EMT in the fibrotic kidney induced by HgCl2 as well as HK-2 cells triggered by TGF-β1, the mechanism of Sal B is closely related to the regulation of TGF-β1/Smads pathway, manifested as the inhibition of TGF-β1 expression, suppression of TβR-I expression and function, down-regulation of Smad2/3 phosphorylation, and restoration of the down-regulation of Smad7, as well as inhibition of MMP-2 activity.