bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Eccentric Exercise in Patients with Chronic Health Conditions: A Systematic Review
Authors: Roig Marc , Shadgan Babak , Reid W. Darlene 
Published: October 2008

Purpose: The capacity of eccentric actions to produce muscle hypertrophy, strength gains, and neural adaptations without stressing the cardiopulmonary system has led to the prescription of eccentric training programmes in patients with low tolerance to exercise, such as elders or those with chronic health conditions. The purpose of this systematic review was to analyze the evidence regarding the effectiveness and suitability of eccentric training to restore musculoskeletal function in patients with chronic diseases. Summary of Key Points: Relevant articles were identified from nine databases and from the reference lists of key articles. Articles were assessed to determine level of evidence and scientific rigour. Nine studies met the inclusion criteria. According to Sackett's levels of evidence, 7 studies were graded at level IIb, 1 study at level IV, and the remaining study at level V. Articles were also graded for scientific rigour according to the PEDro scale. One study was rated as high quality, 4 studies were rated as moderate, and 2 studies were graded as poor quality. Conclusions: Eccentric training may be safely used to restore musculoskeletal function in patients with some specific chronic conditions. However, the heterogeneity of diseases makes it very difficult to extrapolate results and to standardize clinical recommendations for adequate implementation of this type of exercise. More studies are needed to establish the potential advantages of eccentric training in chronic conditions.
Efficacy of Postural and Neck-Stabilization Exercises for Persons with Acute Whiplash-Associated Disorders: A Systematic Review
Authors: Drescher Kara , Hardy Sandra , MacLean Jill , Schindler Martine , Scott Katrin , Harris Susan R. 
Published: October 2008

Purpose: We systematically reviewed randomized and quasi-randomized clinical trials in the literature to assess the efficacy of neck stabilization and postural exercises on pain, neck range of motion, and time off work in adults with acute whiplash-associated disorders. Methods: Electronic databases, reference lists of relevant Cochrane reviews, reference lists of studies selected for inclusion, and tables of contents of relevant journals were systematically searched for randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials. Two independent reviewers selected studies for inclusion, assessed methodological quality, and extracted data. Because of the heterogeneity of the interventions, a qualitative synthesis was performed using “levels of evidence” as recommended by van Tulder et al. Results: Eight studies representing five clinical trials were selected for inclusion. Two trials were graded as high quality, two as moderate quality, and one as low quality. Many of these studies had mixed results, demonstrating significant differences on some outcome measures but not on others. Conclusions: There is moderate evidence to support the use of postural exercises for decreasing pain and time off work in the treatment of patients with acute whiplash-associated disorders. However, no evidence exists to support the use of postural exercises for increasing neck range of motion. There is conflicting evidence in support of neck stabilization exercises in the treatment of patients with acute whiplash-associated disorders.
Clinical Specialists and Advanced Practitioners in Physical Therapy: A Survey of Physical Therapists and Employers of Physical Therapists in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Yardley Darryl , Gordon Robert , Freeburn Ryan , So Colleen , Beauchamp David , Landry Michel D. , Switzer-McIntyre Sharon , Evans Cathy , Brooks Dina 
Published: October 2008

Purpose: Opportunities to expand the role of physical therapists (PTs) have evolved to include clinical specialists and advanced practitioners, although the literature on these roles is limited. We examined perceptions of PTs and PT employers in Ontario regarding clinical specialization and advanced practice. Methods: Using a modified Dillman approach, a cross-sectional survey was conducted with 500 PTs and 500 PT employers in Ontario. Questionnaires were tailored to address specific issues related to each cohort. Results: Sixty percent of PTs and 53% of PT employers responded to the survey. Thirty-three percent of PT respondents already considered themselves “clinical specialists” (CS), and 8% considered themselves “advanced practitioners” (AP), although neither role is yet formally recognized in Canada. Both groups had substantial interest in pursuing formal recognition of CS and AP status. Respondents indicated that their primary motivation to pursue such roles was to enhance clinical reasoning skills with the goal of improving client outcomes (82% for the role of CS, 71% for the role of AP). Respondents supported the involvement of academic institutions in the process (60% for CS, 70% for AP). Conclusion: PTs and PT employers are supportive of the roles of the CS and AP within the profession, even though there is currently no formal recognition of either role in Canada.
Pain Profiles and Psychosocial Distress Symptoms in Workers with Low Back Pain
Authors: Mngoma Nomusa , Corbière Marc , Stevenson Joan 
Published: October 2008

Purpose: The current study investigated the pain profiles of patients with subacute non-specific low back pain attending an outpatient return-to-work rehabilitation programme. Differences in symptoms of distress (depression and anxiety) and return to work between the pain-profile groups were assessed. Methods: Sixty-five volunteers who met the eligibility criteria and had complete follow-up data were included in the analysis. The mean age was 38.8 years (minimum 18, maximum 64); 38 (58.5%) were men. The median time since onset of low back pain was 30 days. Cluster analysis was used to categorize patients into groups according to pain severity scores (VAS). Results: Two distinct clusters—severe pain and moderate pain—emerged. There were significant differences in depressive and anxiety symptoms between the pain profiles. Further, return-to-work rates varied significantly between the two groups (31% in the severe pain cluster compared to 90% in the moderate pain cluster). Conclusion: Although both groups showed significant improvements in depression and anxiety symptoms over time, the severe pain cluster scored higher at discharge (higher scores indicating worse outcomes). These results highlight the importance of early identification of sub-groups at risk so that rehabilitation interventions can be focused with the goal of minimizing long-term disability.
Measurement Properties of Performance-Specific Pain Ratings of Patients Awaiting Total Joint Arthroplasty as a Consequence of Osteoarthritis
Authors: Halket Ashley , Stratford Paul W. , Kennedy Deborah M. , Woodhouse Linda J. , Spadoni Gregory 
Published: October 2008

Purpose: To estimate the test–retest reliability of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain sub-scale and performance-specific assessments of pain, as well as the association between these measures for patients awaiting primary total hip or knee arthroplasty as a consequence of osteoarthritis. Methods: A total of 164 patients awaiting unilateral primary hip or knee arthroplasty completed four performance measures (self-paced walk, timed up and go, stair test, six-minute walk) and the WOMAC. Scores for 22 of these patients provided test–retest reliability data. Estimates of test–retest reliability (Type 2,1 intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] and standard error of measurement [SEM]) and the association between measures were examined. Results: ICC values for individual performance-specific pain ratings were between 0.70 and 0.86; SEM values were between 0.97 and 1.33 pain points. ICC estimates for the four-item performance pain ratings and the WOMAC pain sub-scale were 0.82 and 0.57 respectively. The correlation between the sum of the pain scores for the four performance measures and the WOMAC pain sub-scale was 0.62. Conclusion: Reliability estimates for the performance-specific assessments of pain using the numeric pain rating scale were consistent with values reported for patients with a spectrum of musculoskeletal conditions. The reliability estimate for the WOMAC pain sub-scale was lower than typically reported in the literature. The level of association between the WOMAC pain sub-scale and the various performance-specific pain scales suggests that the scores can be used interchangeably when applied to groups but not for individual patients.
Development of a Walking Safety Scale for Older Adults, Part I: Content Validity of the GEM Scale
Authors: Kaegi Christine , Boudreault Renée , Rousseau Jacqueline , Bourbonnais Daniel , Nadeau Sylvie , Dubé François 
Published: October 2008

Purpose: The Grille d’évaluation de la sécurité à la marche (GEM scale) is a performance-based tool developed to fill the need for an objective assessment of walking safety for older adults. It underwent a three-phase process of content validation. Method: A mailed questionnaire was used to assess the representativeness of the walking items (5-point pertinence scale). Subsequently, two physiotherapist focus groups (n = 20) were held to further evaluate the relevance of the scale and the walking items. Finally, a pilot study was completed with 3 raters administering the GEM scale to 12 hospitalized patients. Results: Comments and descriptive statistics (percentages) were analyzed from the questionnaire results and focus groups. On completion of the pilot study, which assessed 12 patients on the GEM scale, additional analyses were performed to address the theoretical background, the administration manual, the walking items, the scoring scale, and interpretation of the scale. Following each step, modifications were made to reflect the results of the analyses. Conclusion: The three-phase content-validation process demonstrated the relevance of this instrument and its representativeness as a walking safety assessment tool for older adults.
Development of a Walking-Safety Scale for Older Adults, Part II: Interrater and Test–Retest Agreement of the GEM Scale
Authors: Dubé François , Rousseau Jacqueline , Kaegi Christine , Boudreault Renée , Nadeau Sylvie 
Published: October 2008

Purpose: The GEM scale is an objective assessment tool, specifically developed for older adults, to evaluate walking safety using standardized tasks. The purpose of this study was to estimate the interrater and test–retest agreement of the GEM scale. Method: Participants (n = 41; ≥ 65 years) were recruited from geriatric units and assessed independently and simultaneously by three raters on two occasions using the GEM scale. Kappa coefficients and percentage agreement were calculated for each item of the scale. Results: A majority of walking items (n = 22) showed fair to substantial interrater agreement (κ ≥ 0.25) and substantial to almost perfect test–retest agreement (κ ≥ 0.60). Mean percentage agreement was high for both interrater and test–retest agreement (79% ± 15% and 83% ± 16% respectively). Moreover, detailed analyses demonstrated that the relatively low agreement of some items resulted from changes in the performance of some participants and the low variability of scores. Although some walking items showed less agreement, the final decision regarding the participants’ ability to walk safely resulted in moderate to substantial interrater and test–retest agreement. Conclusion: The GEM scale is a new assessment tool that can now be used with estimated interrater and test–retest properties to allow therapists to objectively evaluate walking safety among the elderly.
Molecular characterization of a patient with 3p deletion syndrome and a review of the literature
Authors: Fernandez Thomas V. , García‐González I.J. , Mason Christopher E. , Hernández‐Zaragoza G. , Ledezma‐Rodríguez V.C. , Anguiano‐Alvarez V.M. , E'Vega R. , Gutiérrez‐Angulo M. , Maya M.L. , García‐Bejarano H.E. , González‐Cruz M. , Barrios S. , Atorga R. , López‐Cardona M.G. , Armendariz‐Borunda J. , State Matthew W. , Dávalos Nory O. 
Published: October 2008

Abstract3p deletion syndrome is a rare disorder involving developmental delay, dysmorphic physical features, and growth retardation. Molecular mapping of several cases in the literature have identified a critical region on chromosome 3p26. We present a child patient with characteristic features of 3p deletion syndrome and a de novo unbalanced translocation involving chromosomes 3 and 13. Fine mapping of this rearrangement using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and array‐based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) revealed an unbalanced abnormality including a 4.5 Mb terminal deletion of chromosome 3p, telomeric to ITPR1 on 3p26.2, which was not previously identified with routine cytogenetic analysis. In addition, these investigations confirmed and refined the boundaries of a 26.5 Mb deletion of chromosome 13. This study confirms the minimal candidate region for 3p deletion syndrome, provides further evidence implicating haploinsufficiency of CNTN4 in the disorder, and demonstrates the utility of high‐resolution investigations of rare chromosomal rearrangements. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Habituation and desensitization as methods for reducing fearful behavior in singly housed rhesus macaques
Authors: Clay Andrea W. , Bloomsmith Mollie A. , Marr M. Jackson , Maple Terry L. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractOperant conditioning using positive reinforcement techniques has been used extensively in the management of nonhuman primates in both zoological and laboratory settings. This research project was intended to test the usefulness of counter‐conditioning techniques in reducing the fear‐responses of singly housed male rhesus macaques living in the laboratory environment. A total of 18 male rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) were selected for this project and randomly assigned to one of three groups: a desensitization training group, a husbandry training group, or a control group. Behavioral data were collected before and after a 6 weeks training and/or habituation period during which the first two groups received a total of 125 min of positive reinforcement training (and also were assumed to undergo habituation to the environment) and the control group experienced only simple habituation to the environment. Based on a Wilcoxon Matched‐Pairs Sign Test, we found that a significant proportion of animals exposed to desensitization training showed a reduction in the rate at which they engaged in cringing toward humans (exact significance=0.016, one‐tailed, N–ties=6), cringing in general (exact significance=0.016, one‐tailed, N–ties=6), and in stress‐related behaviors (exact significance=0.016, one‐tailed, N–ties=6). This was not the case for animals exposed to basic husbandry training or animals in the control group. A significant proportion of desensitization‐exposed animals also showed a reduction in the duration of time spent cringing toward humans (exact significance=0.016, one‐tailed, N–ties=6), but not in cringing behaviors in general or in stress‐related behaviors. There were not a significant proportion of animals in either the husbandry training group or the control group that showed a decrease in duration of these behaviors. Results of this study could enhance both laboratory animal welfare and laboratory animal research, and could be a first step in developing techniques for reducing fearful behavior in rhesus monkeys in the laboratory environment. Am. J. Primatol. 71:30–39, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Behavior patterns of Southern Bearded Sakis (Chiropotes satanas) in the fragmented landscape of Eastern Brazilian Amazonia
Authors: Silva Suleima S. B. , Ferrari Stephen F. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe endangered but poorly studied southern bearded saki,Chiropotes satanas,faces extremes of habitat fragmentation throughout its geographic range in eastern Amazonia. This article focuses on the behavior of the members of two groups—a large one (30–34 members) in continuous forest (home range=69 ha) and a much smaller one (7 members) on a 17‐ha man‐made island—at the Tucuruí Reservoir on the Tocantins River. Quantitative behavioral data were collected through scan and all‐events sampling. Both groups were characterized by the fission–fusion pattern of social organization typical of the genus and relatively high rates of traveling and feeding, also characteristic of the genus. However, the island group spent significantly more time resting and significantly less traveling than the mainland group, presumably as a function of its much smaller home range. Despite resting more, island group members engaged in significantly less social interaction, possibly because of the much smaller size of this group (which also affected visibility), or other factors, such as nutritional stress. Affiliative associations of males were a mainstay of social behavior in both groups and interspecific associations with capuchins (Cebus apella) and squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus) were relatively common, especially in the mainland group. Overall, the island group presented a relatively reduced behavioral repertoire, apparently reflecting factors such as group size and the size and quality of its home range. Am. J. Primatol. 71:1–7, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Enantiokomplementäre Enzyme: Klassifizierung, molekulare Grundlage der Enantiopräferenz und Prognosen für spiegelbildliche Biotransformationen
Authors: Mugford Paul F. , Wagner Ulrike G. , Jiang Yun , Faber Kurt , Kazlauskas Romas J. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractEine häufig zitierte Schwäche der Biokatalyse ist das Fehlen spiegelbildlicher Enzyme, um in asymmetrischen Synthesen jedes der beiden Enantiomere herstellen zu können. Als Lösung für dieses Problem hat die Natur enantiokomplementäre Enzyme entwickelt – also Enzympaare, die dieselben Reaktionen katalysieren, aber entgegengesetzte Enantiomere bevorzugen. Diese Proteine sind nicht spiegelbildlich, aber sie enthalten funktionell spiegelbildliche aktive Zentren. Um spiegelbildliche aktive Zentren zu erhalten, kann die Natur die Position der Bindungsstellen und/oder der wichtigsten katalytischen Gruppen verändern. Dieser Kurzaufsatz stellt Röntgenkristallstrukturen von enantiokomplementären Enzymen vor und klassifiziert diese nach der Anordnung der spiegelbildlichen aktiven Zentren in vier Gruppen.
Synthesis, characterization and applications of coordination polymers of Ln(III)
Authors: Patel M. M. , Kapadia M. A. , Joshi J. D. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe resin was synthesized by condensation of 2‐hydroxy‐4‐ethoxybenzophenone with 1,4‐butane diol in presence of polyphosphoric acid as a catalyst at 155 °C for 10 h. The synthesized resin was used to get polychelates of 4f‐block elements. The resin and its polychelates were characterized on the basis of elemental analyses, electronic spectra, magnetic susceptibilities, FTIR, NMR and thermogravimetric analyses. Morphological study of resin and polychelates were carried out by scanning electron microscope. The number average molecular weight (M̄n) was determined using a vapor pressure osmometry method. The catalytic activity of selected polychelates was examined for organic synthesis. It is observed from the study that polychelates give excellent results. They were found to be efficient and effective catalysts and antimicrobial agents. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Accessibility of acrylic fiber to basic dye
Authors: Wang Huei‐Hsiung 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe accessibility of the fiber to dye is considered to be related to the fraction of the polymer segment which is mobile. This is studied by dyeing the acrylic fiber at temperatures within a 40°C range while treating the samples with different carriers. The relation of the equilibrium dye uptake (dyeability) of the acrylic fiber to the structural parameter, ∫ (tanδ)cdT, with the presence or absence of carrier in solution is linear, confirming the validity of the hypotheses, where (tan δ)c is the loss tangent correlated at a temperature of 20°C. Moreover, The effect of carrier to swell the amorphous region of the acrylic fiber was less effective as temperature beyond Tg (mechanical). © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
The effect of low‐filler volume fraction on the elastic modulus and thermal expansion coefficient of particulate composites simulated by a multiphase model
Authors: Sideridis E. , Kytopoulos V. N. , Papadopoulos G. A. , Bourkas G. D. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe aim of this investigation is to determine the effect of low‐filler volume fraction on the elastic modulus and the thermal expansion coefficient of particulate composites. In the theoretical part, theoretical model valid for low‐filler volume fractions is used to evaluate these two magnitudes. In the experimental part, low‐percentage filler contents of 3, 5, 7, and 10% are used. The density for these epoxy resin‐iron particle composites is also determined. At the same time, an attempt to explain some of the disagreements observed between theoretical values and experimental data on a qualitative basis is also made. This attempt is in part assisted by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations concerning structural inhomogeneities and fractographical data. The comparison of the theoretical values derived from the present model with experimental results and with theoretical values derived from other workers appears satisfactory in many cases, but in some others the discrepancies among them are considerable. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Effects of starch nanocrystal‐graft‐polycaprolactone on mechanical properties of waterborne polyurethane‐based nanocomposites
Authors: Chang Peter R. , Ai Fujin , Chen Yun , Dufresne Alain , Huang Jin 
Published: October 2008

AbstractBased on a “graft from” strategy, the surface of starch nanocrystals (StN) were functionalized by grafting with polycaprolactone (PCL) chains via microwave assisted ring‐opening polymerization (ROP). The modified natural nanoparticles were then compounded into a PCL‐based waterborne polyurethane as matrix. The structural and mechanical properties of the WPU/StN‐g‐PCL nanocomposites were characterized by XRD, FTIR, SEM, DSC, DMA, and tensile testing. It was interesting to note that a loading‐level of 5 wt % StN‐g‐PCL resulted in a simultaneous enhancement of tensile strength and elongation at break, both of which were higher than those of neat WPU. This enhancement was attributed to the uniform dispersion of StN‐g‐PCL because of its nano‐scale size, the increased entanglements mediated with grafted PCL chains, and the reinforcing function of rigid StN. Increasing the StN‐g‐PCL content however caused the StN‐g‐PCL to self‐aggregate as crystalline domains, which impeded improvement in tensile strength and elongation at break, but significantly enhanced Young's modulus. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009