bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acupuncture for Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Tang Shujie , Mo Zhuomao , Zhang Renwen 
Published: March 2018

Objective To evaluate evidence for the effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation (LDH). Methods Electronic databases were searched to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture for LDH. A meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3 and the evidence level was assessed using GRADE methodology. Results Thirty RCTs involving 3503 participants were included in the study. Meta-analysis showed that acupuncture had a higher total effective rate than lumbar traction (RR=1.1, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.15; p<0.001), ibuprofen (RR=1.24, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.48; p=0.02), diclofenac sodium (RR=1.44, 95% CI 1.24 to 1.67; p<0.001) and meloxicam (RR=1.16, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.31; p=0.01). Acupuncture was also better than lumbar traction (SMD −1.33, 95% CI −1.82 to −0.84; p<0.001) and diclofenac sodium (SMD −1.36, 95% CI −2.59 to −0.13; p=0.03) in terms of visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, and better than lumbar traction (SMD 0.96, 95% CI 0.48 to 1.45; p=0.0001) with respect to Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores. In addition, the total effective rate in five individual trials was greater for acupuncture than for mannitol plus dexamethasone and mecobalamin, ibuprofen plus fugui gutong capsule, loxoprofen, mannitol plus dexamethasone and huoxue zhitong decoction, respectively. Additionally, two individual trials showed a superior effect of acupuncture in VAS scores comparedwith ibuprofen or mannitol plus dexamethasone, respectively. Conclusions Acupuncture showed a more favourable effect in the treatment of LDH than lumbar traction, ibuprofen, diclofenac sodium, meloxicam, mannitol plus dexamethasone and mecobalamin, fugui gutong capsule plus ibuprofen, mannitol plus dexamethasone, loxoprofen and huoxue zhitong decoction. However, further rigorously designed, large-scale RCTs are needed to confirm these findings.
Cognitive outcome in childhood of birth weight discordant monochorionic twins: the long-term effects of fetal growth restriction
Authors: Swamy Ravi Shankar , McConachie Helen , Ng Jane , Rankin Judith , Korada Murthy , Sturgiss Stephen , Embleton Nicholas D 
Published: March 2018

AimIntrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is associated with poorer outcomes in later life. We used a monochorionic twin model with IUGR in one twin to determine its impact on growth and neurocognitive outcomes.MethodsMonochorionic twins with ≥20% birth weight discordance born in the north of England were eligible. Cognitive function was assessed using the British Ability Scales. The Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire was used to identify behavioural problems. Auxological measurements were collected. Generalised estimating equations were used to determine the effects of birth weight on cognition.ResultsFifty-one monochorionic twin pairs were assessed at a mean age of 6.3 years. Mean birth weight difference was 664 g at a mean gestation of 34.7 weeks. The lighter twin had a General Conceptual Ability (GCA) score that was three points lower (TwinL −105.4 vs TwinH −108.4, 95% CI −0.9 to −5.0), and there was a significant positive association (B 0.59) of within-pair birth weight differences and GCA scores. Mathematics and memory skills showed the largest differences. The lighter twin at school age was shorter (mean difference 2.1 cm±0.7) and lighter (mean difference 1.9 kg±0.6). Equal numbers of lighter and heavier twins were reported to have behavioural issues.ConclusionsIn a monochorionic twin cohort, fetal growth restriction results in lower neurocognitive scores in early childhood, and there remain significant differences in size. Longer term follow-up will be required to determine whether growth or cognitive differences persist in later child or adulthood, and whether there are any associated longer term metabolic sequelae.
Evaluation of human coronary vasodilator function predicts future coronary atheroma progression
Authors: Sidharta Samuel L , Baillie Timothy J , Howell Stuart , Nicholls Stephen J , Montarello Natalie , Honda Satoshi , Shishikura Daisuke , Delacroix Sinny , Kim Susan , Beltrame John F , Psaltis Peter J , Worthley Stephen G , Worthley Matthew I 
Published: March 2018

ObjectiveCoronary vasodilator function and atherosclerotic plaque progression have both been shown to be associated with adverse cardiovascular events. However, the relationship between these factors and the lipid burden of coronary plaque remains unknown. These experiments focus on investigating the relationship between impaired coronary vasodilator function (endothelium dependent (salbutamol) and endothelium independent (glyceryl trinitrate)) and the natural history of atheroma plaque progression and lipid burden using dual modality intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) imaging.Methods33 patients with stable chest pain or acute coronary syndrome underwent serial assessment of coronary vasodilator function and intracoronary plaque IVUS and NIRS imaging. Coronary segmental macrovascular response (% change segmental lumen volume (ΔSLV)), plaque burden (per cent atheroma volume (PAV)), lipid core (lipid-rich plaque (LRP) and lipid core burden index (LCBI)) were measured at baseline and after an interval of 12–18 months (n=520 segments).ResultsLipid-negative coronary segments which develop into LRP over the study time period demonstrated impaired endothelial-dependent function (−0.24±2.96 vs 5.60±1.47%, P=0.04) and endothelial-independent function (13.91±4.45 vs 21.19±3.19%, P=0.036), at baseline. By multivariate analysis, endothelial-dependent function predicted ∆LCBI (β coefficient: −3.03, 95% CI (−5.81 to −0.25), P=0.033) whereas endothelial-independent function predicted ∆PAV (β coefficient: 0.07, 95% CI (0.04 to 0.10), P<0.0001).ConclusionsEpicardial coronary vasodilator function is a determinant of future atheroma progression and composition irrespective of the nature of clinical presentation.Trial registration numberACTRN12612000594820, Post-results.
First-principles study on electron transport properties of carbon–silicon mixed chains
Authors: Hu Wei , Zhou Qinghua , Liang Yan , Liu Wenhua , Wang Tao , Wan Haiqing 
Published: March 2018

In this paper, the transport properties of carbon–silicon mixed chains are studied by using the first-principles. We studied five atomic chain models. In these studies, we found that the equilibrium conductances of atomic chains appear to oscillate, the maximum conductance and the minimum conductance are more than twice the difference. Their I–V curves are linear and show the behavior of metal resistance, M5 system and M2 system current ratio is the largest in 0.9 V, which is 3.3, showing a good molecular switch behavior. In the case of bias, while the bias voltage increases, the transmission peaks move from the Fermi level. The resonance transmission peak height is reduced near the Fermi level. In the higher energy range, a large resonance transmission peak reappears, there is still no energy cut-off range.
INFLUENCE OF THE AUDITORY SYSTEM ON PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION IN THE EAR CANAL
Authors: GARCIA-GONZALEZ A. , CASTRO-EGLER C. , GONZALEZ-HERRERA A. 
Published: March 2018

The pressure gain distribution along the ear canal is strongly dependent on boundary conditions, and, in normal conditions, the ear canal produces a 0–20-dB pressure gain close to the tympanic membrane in the 0.1–20[Formula: see text]kHz range. Additionally, the pressure gain distribution along the ear canal at high frequencies (over the second resonance of the ear canal at 8–9[Formula: see text]kHz) depends strongly on axis position; therefore, the middle ear transfer functions based on ear canal pressure are also strongly dependent on the measuring point.Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the mechanical influence of the tympanic cavity, ossicular chain and tympanic membrane connections on the pressure in the ear canal in the frequency range of 0.1–20[Formula: see text]kHz when a pressure source is applied to the ear canal entrance.Methods: We have developed numerical simulations for seven different models using the finite element method (FEM). Starting with an external ear canal finite element model, additional elements are coupled or removed to evaluate their contributions. We modeled and simulated the tympanic membrane, ossicular chain, tympanic cavity and a simplified cochlea in seven different combinations.Results: The pressure distribution along the external ear canal is obtained and represented in the 0.1–20[Formula: see text]kHz range for the seven model configurations.
Assessing the Feasibility of a Mentored Home-Based Vegetable Gardening Intervention among Breast Cancer Survivors in the Deep South
Authors: Bail JR , Frugé AD , Cases MG , Smith KP , Cantor AB , De Los Santos J , Locher JL , Cohen HJ , Demark-Wahnefried W 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
To assess the feasibility of a mentored home-based vegetable gardening intervention among Breast Cancer Survivors (BCS) residing in the Birmingham, Alabama metropolitan area. Methods: Using a wait-list control design, BCS were randomized to either a year-long vegetable gardening intervention or a wait-list control. Intervention participants were provided with necessary supplies and paired with a Master Gardener from the Cooperative Extension. Master Gardeners mentored participants in planning, planting, and maintaining 3 seasonal gardens over 12 months, conducted monthly home-visits, and checked in bi-weekly via telephone or email. Feasibility assessment criteria consisted of participant accrual, retention, and satisfaction rates of ≥80%. Target participant accrual was 100. Participant satisfaction data were collected after study completion via structured telephone debriefing. Descriptive statistics were conducted using SPSS V24. Results: 82 BCS (Mage = 60 (39–84); Msurvivorship = 5 years (0.5–23); Mco-morbidities = 3.5 (0–12); ≥2 functional limitations = 86.6%; Caucasian = 73.2%; African-American = 26.8%) enrolled (82% accrual). Of these, four did not complete the study (2 refused to be wait-listed due to not wanting to wait to garden, 1 withdrew due to family obligations, and 1 was lost to follow-up), resulting in an retention rate of 95% over a 1-year period. All BCS who completed the intervention (n = 42) rated their Harvest for Health experience as “Good to Excellent”, reported that they would “do it again”, and planned to “continue to garden.” When asked to rate, on a scale of 1–10 (1 = not at all and 10 = very much), the influence of gardening on motivating behavior change, BCS reported that gardening motivated them to… “eat a healthier diet” (M = 8.38; SD = 2.07), “eat more vegetables” (M = 8.43; SD = 2.08), and “be more physically active” (M = 7.5; SD = 2.73). Conclusions: The vegetable gardening intervention proved to be feasible and provided new knowledge about the influence of gardening on motivating behavior change among BCS. Findings suggest that a mentored home-based vegetable gardening may offer an integrative approach to improve diet, vegetable consumption, and physical activity among BCS. Larger, future studies are warranted.
Race, Ethnicity, Socioeconomic Status and Site-specific Risk for Gastric Cancer
Authors: Martinez ME , Tao L , Murphy J , Camargo MC , Oren E , Valasek M , Gomez SL , Gupta S 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Differences in gastric cancer risk by race/ethnicity have been reported but data on risk by anatomic subsite are lacking. We assessed site-specific differences in gastric cancer risk according to race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status. Methods: Participants included incident cases of gastric adenocarcinoma age &gt;18 years in the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results Program 2000–2014. Primary outcome was risk for incident gastric cancer, overall, and by anatomic subsite (cardia vs. non-cardia). Age-adjusted incidence rates were used to estimate adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI). Risk was assessed by race/ethnicity and neighborhood socioeconomic status (nSES). Results: We identified 77,881 cases of incident gastric cancer (n = 23,651 cardia; n = 35,825 non-cardia; n = 18,405 other). For all gastric cancers, adjusted IRRs (95% CI) were higher for blacks [1.72 (95% CI: 1.68–1.76)], Hispanics [1.77 (1.73–1.80)], and Asian/Pacific Islanders [2.12 (2.08–2.17)] compared to non-Hispanic whites. Opposite trends in risk for cardia vs. non-cardia cancer by race/ethnicity were observed. Compared to non- Hispanic whites, cardia IRRs (95% CI) were 0.55 (0.52–0.59) for blacks, 0.63 (0.60–0.66) for Hispanics, and 0.59 (0.56–0.62) for Asians/Pacific Islanders. Non-cardia IRRs (95% CI) were 2.78 (2.69–2.87) for blacks, 2.83 (2.75- 2.91) for Hispanics, and 3.86 (3.75–3.97) for Asians/Pacific Islanders relative to non-Hispanic whites. Increasing risk with decreasing nSES was observed for all gastric cancers (p trend &lt; 0.0001), with moderate variation for non- cardia cancer but no substantial variation observed for cardia cancer. Conclusions. Gastric cancer incidence varies substantially by race/ethnicity and nSES, but with markedly different associations by anatomic subsite. Non-cardia cancer risk is higher among minorities than non-Hispanic whites and varies only moderately by nSES; while cardia cancer risk is lower among minorities and does not vary by nSES. Unique opportunities for addressing disparities exist for cardia and non-cardia gastric cancer.
Commercially Available Lifestyle Modification Program Decreases Inflammatory Biomarkers in BRCA1/2+ Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: Sturgeon KM. , Foo W , Schmitz KH 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
The goal of this randomized controlled trial was to examine the effect of a 12-month commercially available web-based lifestyle program (Precision Nutrition (PN), Inc©) on biomarkers of inflammation, compared to usual care among a national cohort of 35 BRCA1/2+ breast cancer survivors with surgically-induced early menopause. The PN program included access to a PN coach and completion of three daily activities: 1) exercises; 2) completing a nutritional/lifestyle habit, and 3) reading health related material. The exercise component was completed at home or at a local gym, and required 160 min/wk of exercise (3 days/week of progressive resistance exercise, 2 days/week of interval aerobic exercise, and 1 day/week of active recovery aerobic exercise). Blood draws, body composition measurements, and fitness capacity were measured at baseline and follow up. The cohort was middle-aged (46.1 ± 4.0 years of age), white, and well-educated. The intervention group (n = 19) was 74.8% adherent to the program (average of all components: fitness, behavioral, education). At baseline, higher insulin levels were associated with higher TNFα levels (r = 0.38, P = 0.04). Higher BMI as well as higher % body fat levels were significantly associated with higher levels of: insulin, IL6, and TNFα. There was a trend for association between lower fitness levels and higher insulin levels (r = −0.33, P = 0.07), and a significant association between lower fitness levels and higher IL6 and TNFα level. Following 12 months of the PN program we did not observe any significant between group differences for change in biomarker levels. Within the control group, IL8 levels decreased (P = 0.04). Within the intervention group, we observed decreased levels of insulin (P = 0.06), and TNFα (P = 0.02). In conclusion, we observed elevation of pro-inflammatory biomarkers in BRCA1/2+ breast cancer survivors with excess body fat and low fitness at baseline. Following the intervention, levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine TNFα were significantly reduced. BRCA1/2+ breast cancer survivors with prophylactic oophorectomy are still at enhanced risk for non-reproductive cancers. In this high risk population, identifying interventions such as PN to decrease chronic inflammation and subsequent DNA damage is critically important.
Sequencing Pancreatic Juice: Squeezing the Most Out of Surveillance
Authors: Lipner Matthew B. , Yeh Jen Jen 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Next-generation sequencing of pancreatic juice can detect and quantify tumor-promoting mutations, supporting imaging and cytology findings to predict the degree of dysplasia in patients at high risk for pancreatic cancer. Future studies are needed to optimize this approach and determine how it best fits into clinical practice. Clin Cancer Res; 24(12); 2713–5. ©2018 AACR.
See related article by Suenaga et al., p. 2963
Radiative Invigoration of Tropical Convection by Preceding Cirrus Clouds
Authors: Masunaga Hirohiko , Bony Sandrine 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThis work seeks evidence for convective–radiative interactions in satellite measurements, with a focus on the variability over the life cycle of tropical convection in search of the underlying processes at a fundamental level of the convective dynamics. To this end, the vertical profiles of cloud cover and radiative heating from the CloudSat–CALIPSO products are sorted into a composite time series around the hour of convective occurrence identified by the TRMM PR. The findings are summarized as follows. Cirrus cloud cover begins to increase, accompanied by a notable reduction of longwave cooling, in moist atmospheres even 1–2 days before deep convection is invigorated. In contrast, longwave cooling stays efficient and clouds remain shallow where the ambient air is very dry. To separate the radiative effects by the preceding cirrus clouds on convection from the direct effects of moisture, the observations with enhanced cirrus cover are isolated from those with suppressed cirrus under a moisture environment being nearly equal. It is found that rain rate is distinctly higher if the upper troposphere is cloudier regardless of moisture, suggesting that the cirrus radiative effects may be linked with the subsequent growth of convection. A possible mechanism to support this observational implication is discussed using a simple conceptual model. The model suggests that the preceding cirrus clouds could radiatively promote the moistening with the aid of the congestus-mode dynamics within a short period of time (about 2 days) as observed.
Laboratory Measurements of Heat Transfer and Drag Coefficients at Extremely High Wind Speeds
Authors: Komori Satoru , Iwano Koji , Takagaki Naohisa , Onishi Ryo , Kurose Ryoichi , Takahashi Keiko , Suzuki Naoya 
Published: March 2018

AbstractHeat and momentum transfer across the wind-driven breaking air–water interface at extremely high wind speeds was experimentally investigated using a high-speed wind-wave tank. An original multi-heat-balance method was utilized to directly measure latent and sensible heat transfer coefficients. The results show that both heat transfer coefficients level off at low and normal wind speeds but increase sharply at extremely high wind speeds. The coefficients have a similar shape for wind speeds at a height of 10 m. Therefore, the wind speed dependence on the latent and sensible heat transfer coefficients can be represented by that of the enthalpy coefficient even in the extremely high-speed region. To show how significantly the drag and enthalpy coefficients affect the intensity of tropical cyclones, the coefficients were applied to Emanuel’s analytic model. The analytic model shows that the difference between the present laboratory and conventional correlations significantly affects the maximum storm intensity predictions, and the present laboratory enthalpy and drag coefficients have the remarkable effect on intensity promotion at extremely high wind speeds. In addition, the simulations of strong tropical cyclones using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model with the present and conventional correlations are shown for reference in the appendix. The results obtained from the models suggest that it is of great importance to propose more reliable correlations, verified not only by laboratory but also by field experiments at extremely high wind speeds.
Access to health professionals by children and adolescents with mental disorders: Are we meeting their needs?
Authors: Sawyer Michael G , Reece Christy E , Sawyer Alyssa CP , Johnson Sarah E , Hiscock Harriet , Lawrence David 
Published: March 2018

Objective: To identify the percentage of 4–17 year olds with mental disorders in Australia who attended health professionals for single or repeat visits to get help for emotional and behavioural problems during a 12-month period. To identify factors associated with single and repeat visits, and the average length of time between visits. To compare the number of parent-reported visits with visits recorded in the Medicare Benefits Schedule. Method: The study used data from the national survey of the mental health and wellbeing of 4–17 year olds conducted in 2013–2014 ( n = 6310). Participants were randomly selected from all 4 to 17 year olds in Australia. Information about visits was available from face-to-face interviews with parents, the Medicare Benefits Schedule and self-reports from 13 to 17 year olds. Mental disorders were assessed using the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children Version IV completed by parents. Results: Parents reported that 51.1% of 4–17 year olds with mental disorders had attended a health professional during the previous 12 months. However, 13.6% of these children had attended on only a single occasion, most commonly with a general practitioner. With the exception of occupational therapists, 2–4 visits was the most common number of repeat visits. Children with comorbid disorders and severe functional impairment and those aged 12–17 years were more likely to have repeat visits. Among those with linked Medicare Benefits Schedule data, more children were reported by parents to have attended Medicare Benefits Schedule-funded health professionals (47.9%) than were recorded in Medicare Benefits Schedule data (38.0%). Conclusion: The typical number of visits to health professionals by children with mental disorders during a 12-month period is relatively small. Furthermore, parent-reports may overestimate the number of visits during this time. It seems unlikely that current patterns of attendance are of sufficient duration and frequency to allow full implementation of evidence-based treatment programmes for child and adolescent mental disorders.
Enhanced Vancomycin Elimination in an Infant Following an Unsuccessful Gastroschisis Repair Surgery
Authors: Prunty Leesa , Miskell David 
Published: March 2018

Objective: To report the case of an infant who required high-dose vancomycin therapy after an unsuccessful gastroschisis repair surgery. Case Summary: An infant born at 35 weeks and 5 days of gestation underwent a gastroschisis repair on day of life 47. The repair was unsuccessful causing fluid backup and accumulation into the stomach. A replogle was placed to allow for suctioning of this fluid. During this admission, the patient received 3 courses of vancomycin. During the first course, the patient had minimal output via the replogle tube. On the infant’s second and third courses of vancomycin, the infant necessitated vancomycin dosing above that of the neonatal protocol, and subsequent levels were still found to be below goal. Vancomycin was increased to a maximum of 15 mg/kg every 4 hours (90 mg/kg/d) in order to achieve serum trough levels greater than 10 mg/L. Residuals were drawn from the replogle ranging from 0.76 to 4.33 mL/kg/h during the second and third course of vancomycin. Discussion: A premature male infant required up to 90 mg/kg/d of vancomycin to achieve trough levels above 10 mg/L after an unsuccessful gastroschisis repair surgery and gastric suctioning. Conclusion: Clinicians should be aware of the possibility for decreased vancomycin levels and the potential need for increased monitoring in postsurgical infants receiving gastric suctioning.