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Context: While 55 million Americans incorporate running into their exercise routines, up to 65% of runners sustain an overuse injury annually. It has been consistently shown that regular physical activity positively impacts quality of life (QOL), an essential public health indicator; however, the impact of running-related injuries on QOL is unknown. This study seeks to determine whether overuse injury severity impacts QOL in recreational runners, and if self-efficacy mediates this relationship. Design: Community-based prospective cohort study of 300 runners who had been running injury free for at least 5 miles/wk in the past 6 months. Methods: Self-efficacy for running and QOL measures (Short Form-12 Physical Component and Mental Component, Satisfaction with Life, Positive Affect and Negative Affect) were assessed at baseline, time of injury, and follow-up visits. Over 2 years of observation, overuse injuries were diagnosed by an orthopedic surgeon and injured runners were referred to a physical therapist. Results: Injury severity was significantly (P <.01) related with 2 indices of QOL, such that the effect of injury severity was −2.28 units on the Short Form-12 physical component and −0.73 units on positive affect. Self-efficacy accounted for 19% and 48% of the indirect effects on Short Form-12 physical component and positive affect, respectively. Conclusions: Since self-efficacy is a modifiable factor related to decreased QOL, these findings have important clinical implications for rehabilitation interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insight into the development of the medicinal biotechnology sector of China is provided through interviews of 19 Shanghai-based companies. Two commonly accepted strategy typologies are used to provide a predictive frame towards understanding their potential in the market. Most of the companies interviewed use the Miles & Snow Analyser Strategy. Two companies were clearly Prospectors, with founders of both discovering their technologies in laboratories of developed countries. The Porter Generic Strategy typology indicated that most are using Cost Leadership strategies. The strategic choice of these companies is problematic given the dynamics of the global market in which they could participate but are more sensible within the context of a protected market. For example, it appears that government-sponsored monopoly policies are driving low-cost strategies rather than innovation-based differentiation strategies.Journal of Commercial Biotechnology (2008) 14, 31–42. doi:10.1057/palgrave.jcb.3050077; published online 27 November 2007 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents clinicopathologic and case reports on ophthalmology as of December 2001. Lone-star tick bite of the conjunctiva; Multiple evanescent white dot syndrome following hepatitis A vaccination; Becaplermin gel for the treatment of chronic orbital ulcer after exenteration.