bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Early outcomes of two‐stage minimally invasive oesophagectomy in an Australian institution
Authors: Johnson Mary A. , Kariyawasam Sanjeeva , Epari Krishna , Ballal Mohammed 
Published: August 2018

BackgroundMinimally invasive oesophagectomy (MIO) has a steep learning curve. We report our outcomes of a standardized 25 mm circular‐stapled anastomosis using a trans‐orally placed anvil (Orvil™). The objective of this study is to report the initial experience of introducing two‐stage MIO to an Australian tertiary health service.MethodsWe describe our consecutive case series of all MIOs performed from a prospectively maintained database. We assessed the morbidity and mortality of MIO at our institution. We compared our first 30 cases to the second cohort of 32 cases.ResultsThere were 62 two‐stage MIOs performed from 2011 to 2015. The average age was 65 years. Median length of stay was 13 days (5–72 days). Median number of total lymph nodes was 14. Conversion occurred in three patients (5%). Major morbidity was 45%. Delayed gastric emptying 6% (n = 4), pneumonia 6% (n = 4), chyle leak 6% (n = 4), pulmonary embolus 2% (n = 1) and grade II or III anastomotic leak 5% (n = 4). One conduit ischaemia (2%) required reoperation and formation of oesophagostomy. There was one post‐operative death within 30 days. There were five post‐oesophagectomy hiatal hernias requiring re‐operation (8%). There was a significant improvement in operative time (minutes) from the first to second cohort 588 versus 464 (P‐value 0.01).ConclusionThe introduction of two‐stage MIO to the Australian setting can be safely instituted. Our unit was still within a learning curve after 30 cases.
Prevalence of low anterior resection syndrome at a regional Australian centre
Authors: Croese Alexander D. , Zubair Omar N. , Lonie James , Trollope Alexandra F. , Vangaveti Venkat N. , Mushaya Chrispen , Ho Yik‐Hong 
Published: August 2018

BackgroundWith decreasing indication for abdominoperineal resection and an increase in sphincter preserving surgery, there is a growing population of patients who suffer from low anterior resection syndrome (LARS). The aim of this study is to use the LARS score to determine the prevalence of LARS at a regional centre in Australia and determine the effect of short‐ and long‐course neoadjuvant therapy, anastomotic technique and interval from surgery will also be assessed.MethodsPatients who had undergone an anterior resection (high, low or ultralow) at a regional centre over an 11‐year period were identified. Eligible patients were contacted to complete a LARS score questionnaire. Results were analysed to determine the rate of major LARS and possible causative roles of certain patient and treatment‐related variables.ResultsA total of 64 of 76 patients (84%) returned completed questionnaires. The prevalence of major LARS was 37.5%. Short‐course neoadjuvant therapy appeared to be more likely to be associated with major LARS compared to long course (odds ratio (OR) = 2.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.37–15.3, P = 0.35); however, this did not reach statistical significance. Rates of major LARS appear to decrease slowly over time and J‐pouch colonic anastomosis appears to be slightly protective against major LARS (OR = 0.7, 95% CI 0.12–3.9, P = 0.70); however, neither results were statistically significant.ConclusionThe rate of major LARS at this regional centre is 37.5%. Larger prospective multicentre studies are required to determine impact of variables such as type of neoadjuvant therapy, anastomotic techniques and progression of LARS over time.
Percolating spaces: Creative ways of using digital technologies to connect young children's school and home lives
Authors: Gillen Julia , Kucirkova Natalia 
Published: August 2018

AbstractContemporary research suggests there are many missed opportunities for home and school to work together to define and promote effective practices with digital technologies, especially in early years. This study outlines ways in which one Early Years classroom creatively promoted bidirectional connections between children's learning with technologies at home and in school. Nested in a posthumanist perspective on space and classroomness (Burnett, 2014), the study illuminates the complex spatial entanglement among home, school and technologies in the form of enhanced vignettes. As a space‐based interpretive case study that emerged from a larger project, the data collection methods revolved around a set of two visits by each researcher, one year apart, plus analyses of school documentation and online interactions. We integrate diverse data sources to argue that innovative, multimodal practices of teaching, learning and assessment can be designed and implemented imaginatively, deploying a range of digital technologies to connect with children's and parents' home lives. Use of multimedia affordances of technologies, attention to children's physical and material interactions with resources and strategic school policy made it possible for influences to percolate between home and school, to the enhancement of children's learning in the moment.
How we treat the platelet glycoprotein defects; Glanzmann thrombasthenia and Bernard Soulier syndrome in children and adults
Authors: Grainger John D. , Thachil Jecko , Will Andrew M. 
Published: August 2018

SummaryThe inherited platelet glycoprotein deficiencies, Glanzmann thrombasthenia (GT) and Bernard Soulier syndrome (BSS) are rare but important long‐term bleeding disorders. Once diagnosed, affected patients should be referred to a specialist centre for bleeding disorders for general advice and ongoing management. Patients do not require prophylactic treatment and so the management of GT and BSS focuses around prophylactic treatment prior to high risk procedures and treatment in response to non‐surgical bleeding events and, in women, the management of menorrhagia and pregnancy. There is no consistent approach to the treatment or prevention of bleeding complications. Management must be tailored for each individual and the approach may not be the same for different events, even for the same patient, depending on the type of accident or invasive procedure, the extent of bleeding and the presence or not of platelet refractoriness.
Patients’ expectations and experiences of eating behaviour change after bariatric procedures
Authors: Opozda M. , Wittert G. , Chur‐Hansen A. 
Published: August 2018

SummaryPatients’ pre‐surgical expectations and post‐surgical experiences of eating‐related behaviour change after bariatric surgery may vary by procedure and time since surgery. To investigate this, data were coded from 206 Australian adults ≥2 months post‐Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB; 17%), adjustable gastric band (AGB; 23%) or vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG; 60%) who completed an online questionnaire including open‐ended questions about pre‐surgical eating‐related expectations and post‐surgical experiences. Participants were 94% female, and mean age was 45.9 (SD = 10.0). Average time since surgery varied (AGB: 69.6 months; RYGB: 22.8; and VSG: 17.8). The proportions reporting any one or more ‘positive’ (healthy, helpful or desired; RYGB 82%; AGB 76%; and VSG 84%) or any one or more ‘negative’ (unhealthy, unhelpful or unwanted; RYGB 46%; AGB 46%; and VSG 42%) post‐surgical eating‐related experience did not differ by procedure. Negative experiences were more often reported at ≥18 months than 2 to <18 months (P = 0.035). After both VSG and AGB, but not RYGB, reporting any one or more positive eating‐related experience was related to better outcomes (VSG: in mental health; AGB: in weight loss, physical health, satisfaction) and negative experiences were linked to poorer outcomes (VSG: in mental health, satisfaction; AGB: in mental and physical health, satisfaction). Reporting any one or more positive experience was related to better mental health improvement at 2 to <18 months and greater satisfaction at 18+ months post‐surgery. The findings highlight the necessity of long‐term, multidisciplinary patient care and further investigation into impacts of eating‐related experiences on outcomes, with attention to procedure‐based and temporal effects.
Optical analysis of functional development of the facial motor nucleus in the embryonic rat brainstem
Authors: Momose‐Sato Yoko , Sato Katsushige 
Published: August 2018

AbstractFacial motor neurons of the rat embryo are first generated in rhombomere 4 and then migrate in the caudo‐ventral direction. This migration forms a unique axonal trajectory called the genu, a loop of facial motor axons around the abducens nucleus. It is still unclear when and how this unique structure is functionally established during ontogenesis. Using voltage‐sensitive dye (VSD) recording and the DiI staining method, we identified neural responses evoked by facial nerve (N.VII) stimulation and examined developmental processes of the facial motor nucleus in E12‐E17 rat brainstems. We identified two types of fast spike‐like signals; a long‐duration signal, which corresponded to the action potential in the N.VII soma, and a short‐duration signal, which reflected the action potential in the N.VII axons. The long‐duration signal was detected as early as E13, suggesting that the N.VII motor neuron is already excitable at the beginning of cell migration. The response area of the long‐duration signal extended caudally at E13‐E14, and shifted in a ventral direction at E15. At E16‐E17, the long‐duration signal was concentrated in the caudo‐ventral area, which was comparable to the location of the facial motor nucleus in the adult rat brainstem. These results demonstrate that developmental processes of cell migration and nuclear organization can be visualized and identified functionally with the VSD recording. We discuss the results by comparing functiogenesis and morphogenesis of the N.VII pathway.
Cross‐efficiency evaluation method based on the conservative point of view
Authors: Sun Jiasen , Wu Jie , Wang Yingming , Li Lei , Wang Yuhong 
Published: August 2018

AbstractTraditional cross‐efficiency evaluation models have ignored the problem that large differences may exist among cross‐efficiencies, which may make decision making units (DMUs) unwilling to accept cross‐efficiency evaluation results. Aimed at solving this problem, this paper proposes an altruism cross‐efficiency model based on the conservative point of view. Compared with other cross‐efficiency evaluation models, the proposed model mainly exhibits the following advantages. First, the proposed model no longer guarantees the DMU's self‐evaluation efficiency, allowing the self‐evaluation efficiency to adaptively change. Therefore, the peer‐evaluation process is flexible and adaptable to the actual situation. Second, the proposed model abandons the traditional max‐average secondary objective function and proposes to use a max–min objective function. Thus, the proposed model can maximize the peer‐efficiency of the worst performing peer‐DMU, achieving the effects of reducing the gaps among cross‐efficiencies. Third, the cross‐efficiency evaluation model is based on the conservative point of view, which helps the DMU to distinguish potential competitors among peer‐DMUs. Lastly, to solve the non‐linear model proposed in this paper, the algorithm is designed to describe how to solve the model. The case of a flexible manufacturing system is used to show the appropriateness of the suggested model and algorithm.
Pyrogenic carbon capture and storage
Authors: Schmidt Hans‐Peter , Anca‐Couce Andrés , Hagemann Nikolas , Werner Constanze , Gerten Dieter , Lucht Wolfgang , Kammann Claudia 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe growth of biomass is considered the most efficient method currently available to extract carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. However, biomass carbon is easily degraded by microorganisms releasing it in the form of greenhouse gases back to the atmosphere. If biomass is pyrolyzed, the organic carbon is converted into solid (biochar), liquid (bio‐oil), and gaseous (permanent pyrogas) carbonaceous products. During the last decade, biochar has been discussed as a promising option to improve soil fertility and sequester carbon, although the carbon efficiency of the thermal conversion of biomass into biochar is in the range of 30%–50% only. So far, the liquid and gaseous pyrolysis products were mainly considered for combustion, though they can equally be processed into recalcitrant forms suitable for carbon sequestration. In this review, we show that pyrolytic carbon capture and storage (PyCCS) can aspire for carbon sequestration efficiencies of >70%, which is shown to be an important threshold to allow PyCCS to become a relevant negative emission technology. Prolonged residence times of pyrogenic carbon can be generated (a) within the terrestrial biosphere including the agricultural use of biochar; (b) within advanced bio‐based materials as long as they are not oxidized (biochar, bio‐oil); and (c) within suitable geological deposits (bio‐oil and CO2 from permanent pyrogas oxidation). While pathway (c) would need major carbon taxes or similar governmental incentives to become a realistic option, pathways (a) and (b) create added economic value and could at least partly be implemented without other financial incentives. Pyrolysis technology is already well established, biochar sequestration and bio‐oil sequestration in soils, respectively biomaterials, do not present ecological hazards, and global scale‐up appears feasible within a time frame of 10–30 years. Thus, PyCCS could evolve into a decisive tool for global carbon governance, serving climate change mitigation and the sustainable development goals simultaneously.
Self‐crack healing ability and strength recovery in ytterbium disilicate/silicon carbide nanocomposites
Authors: Nguyen Son Thanh , Nakayama Tadachika , Suematsu Hisayuki , Iwasawa Hirokazu , Suzuki Tsuneo , Niihara Koichi 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe SiO2 volatility and SiC recession in hydrocarbon‐rich combustion atmosphere is the main problem of SiC‐reinforced ceramics when they are utilized as coating materials for gas turbine blades. The composite of Yb2Si2O7‐Yb2SiO5/SiC is expected as a self‐crack healing material that can avoid this problem because the monosilicate can react with the SiO2 glass to form disilicate and hence further reinforce the composite. In this study, the composites, fabricated with various morphology of SiC nanofillers, were precracked and then heat‐treated in an oxidizing environment to activate their crack healing behavior. The healing effect as a function of filler morphology and annealing time was investigated. Healing mechanism and future applications of these composites were also discussed.
Disordered eating in Jordanian adolescents
Authors: Al‐Kloub Manal Ibrahim , Al‐Khawaldeh Omar A. , ALBashtawy Mohammed , Batiha Abdul‐Monim , Al‐Haliq Mahmoud 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackgroundDisordered eating attitudes and behaviours are linked to poor physical and psychological outcomes.AimTo examine the individual, psychological, and socio‐cultural factors associated with disordered eating attitudes among Jordanian adolescents.MethodsA stratified sampling method was used to select school students aged 15 to 18 years from three governates in Jordan in 2013/2014. Participants filled out questionnaires on socio‐demographic variables, the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT‐26; to discriminate adolescents with disordered eating); the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ; used to measure psychological factors associated with disordered eating); Body Mass Index was calculated and obesity evaluated according to international cut off points (to categorize normal weight, overweight, and obese adolescents, and these categories were used as individual factors associated with disordered eating).ResultsA total of 963 (460 boys and 503 girls) participated in the study. Disordered eating (EAT score ≥ 20) was present in 389 (40.4%); body shape dissatisfaction (BSQ scores ≥110) was present in 161 (16.8%). Overweight and obesity were found in 332 (34.5%) participants. Unhealthy weight loss behaviours (such as self‐induced vomiting, substance abuse, and smoking) were very common. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that female sex, urban residence, distorted perceptions of weight, BMI (excess weight), body dissatisfaction, and socio‐cultural variables (parents, peers and mass media) were significantly associated with disordered eating.ConclusionJordanian urban adolescents seem to embrace Western norms to fit in with the demands of Western culture. Socio‐cultural factors, particularly mass media, play a significant role in changing adolescents' norms. Prevention and intervention programs are needed to control these disorders.
An addiction model‐based mobile health weight loss intervention in adolescents with obesity
Authors: Vidmar A. P. , Pretlow R. , Borzutzky C. , Wee C. P. , Fox D. S. , Fink C. , Mittelman S. D. 
Published: August 2018

SummaryBackgroundClinical approaches to treating childhood obesity can be expensive and poorly reimbursed, and often produce suboptimal results. It has been theorized that overeating may have addictive qualities, and a sizable number of adolescents with obesity endorse addictive habits. Interestingly, few weight management interventions have tested techniques founded in addiction medicine principles. We therefore performed a pilot study of an addiction model based mHealth weight loss intervention in adolescents.MethodsAdolescents with obesity were recruited from an multidisciplinary weight management clinic (EMPOWER). Adolescents without significant obesity comorbidities, who exhibited signs of addictive eating, based on the Yale Food Addiction Scale, were enrolled in a pilot study of an interactive, addiction‐based, weight loss smartphone app with coaching (http://clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02689154). The app was designed to help subjects omit problem foods, avoid snacking and reduce meal size. A contemporary cohort of adolescents who completed the EMPOWER program were evaluated. Feasibility of recruitment, adherence, retention rates, BMI change and cost of intervention were examined.ResultsEighteen participants were recruited to app intervention. App participants had higher retention (100% vs. 37%) and lower total cost per patient ($855.15 vs. $1428.00) than the EMPOWER clinic participants. App participants exhibited a significant decrease in zBMI and %BMIp95 over the 6 months (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001), which was comparable to the age‐matched EMPOWER program completers (p = 0.31 and p = 0.06).ConclusionsAn addiction medicine‐based mHealth intervention targeted for adolescents was feasible to implement, resulted in high retention and adherence rates, and reduced zBMI and %BMIp95 in a more cost‐effective manner than an in‐clinic intervention.
An evidence‐based review of split‐thickness skin graft donor site dressings
Authors: Brown Julie E , Holloway Samantha L 
Published: August 2018

This evidence‐based review aimed to identify and evaluate current existing evidence relating to the efficacy of dressing materials for spit‐thickness skin graft donor site wounds in relation to promoting rapid healing and reducing patient pain. A comprehensive systematic search of the literature between 2006 and 2016 identified 35 publications that were included in the review.Based on the results of the review, it was found that moist wound‐healing products have a clear advantage over non‐moist products in the reduction of pain and increased healing rates. This review concluded that moist wound‐healing products are more effective than non‐moist wound‐healing products in reducing pain and promoting healing in split‐thickness skin graft donor site wounds. A recommendation based on this review is that further research examine the role of secondary dressing usage in donor site wound management, and the consideration of using more than one primary dressing product during the donor site wound‐healing process should be undertaken.
Synthesis and thermal shock evaluation of porous SiC ceramic foams for solar thermal applications
Authors: Parvanian Amir M. , Salimijazi Hamid R. , Fathi Mohammadhossein , Saadatfar Mohammad 
Published: August 2018

AbstractReticulated porous ceramics with structural features spanning across multiple length scales are emerging as the primary media in a variety of demanding mass and heat transfer applications, most notably solar‐assisted synthetic fuel processing. In this study, we focus on engineering of the open pore silicon carbide (SiC)‐based foams in such catalytic applications. We evaluate the mechanical integrity and thermal stability of these porous structures. X‐ray tomography analyses of the 3D structures reveal the presence of dual pore size distribution different by up to an order of magnitude in length scale. We further study the effect of thermal shock—induced via water quenching—on the SiC structures and we conclude that the mechanical properties of the ceramic foams are significantly reduced after thermal stress. Comparison of SEM micrographs—before and after thermal shock—reveals that needle‐like features appear inside the foam matrix. These elongated defects may be responsible for structural and mechanical weakening.
Characterization of bacteriophage HN48 and its protective effects in Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus against Streptococcus agalactiae infections
Authors: Luo X , Liao G , Liu C , Jiang X , Lin M , Zhao C , Tao J , Huang Z 
Published: August 2018

AbstractStreptococcus agalactiae is a causative agent responsible for massive mortalities of tilapia that has led to catastrophic losses to tilapia culture globally. Bacteriophages represent a new class of antimicrobials against bacteria. In this study, we characterized the bacteriophage HN48, which formed small and round‐transparent plaques on a double‐layer plate. With a hexagonal head and a long tail, this phage may belong to the Caudovirales according to the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses. HN48 was found to have a relatively wide and highly specific host range, to be sensitive to high temperature (60–80°C) and low pH (3–5), and to be relatively stable at alkaline pH (8–10). Intraperitoneal injection with HN48 had no adverse effects on tilapia and effectively inactivated the bacteria in the kidney. Fish that received phage therapy had 60% ± 3.3% survival rates and a delayed mean death time of about 3 days when compared to the control group. To the best of knowledge, this is the first study of tilapia streptococcal phage. Overall, the results indicated that phage HN48 could prevent tilapia from experimental S. agalactiae infection, suggesting it has the potential to control this disease.