bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Weight change among people randomized to minimal intervention control groups in weight loss trials
Authors: Johns David J. , Hartmann‐Boyce Jamie , Jebb Susan A. , Aveyard Paul ,   on behalf of the Behavioural Weight Management Review Group
Published: April 2016

ObjectiveEvidence on the effectiveness of behavioral weight management programs often comes from uncontrolled program evaluations. These frequently make the assumption that, without intervention, people will gain weight. The aim of this study was to use data from minimal intervention control groups in randomized controlled trials to examine the evidence for this assumption and the effect of frequency of weighing on weight change.MethodsData were extracted from minimal intervention control arms in a systematic review of multicomponent behavioral weight management programs. Two reviewers classified control arms into three categories based on intensity of minimal intervention and calculated 12‐month mean weight change using baseline observation carried forward. Meta‐regression was conducted in STATA v12.ResultsThirty studies met the inclusion criteria, twenty‐nine of which had usable data, representing 5,963 participants allocated to control arms. Control arms were categorized according to intensity, as offering leaflets only, a single session of advice, or more than one session of advice from someone without specialist skills in supporting weight loss. Mean weight change at 12 months across all categories was −0.8 kg (95% CI −1.1 to −0.4). In an unadjusted model, increasing intensity by moving up a category was associated with an additional weight loss of −0.53 kg (95% CI −0.96 to −0.09). Also in an unadjusted model, each additional weigh‐in was associated with a weight change of −0.42 kg (95% CI −0.81 to −0.03). However, when both variables were placed in the same model, neither intervention category nor number of weigh‐ins was associated with weight change.ConclusionsUncontrolled evaluations of weight loss programs should assume that, in the absence of intervention, their population would weigh up to a kilogram on average less than baseline at the end of the first year of follow‐up.
Reducing relative food reinforcement in infants by an enriched music experience
Authors: Kong Kai Ling , Eiden Rina D. , Feda Denise M. , Stier Corrin L. , Fletcher Kelly D. , Woodworth Elizabeth M. , Paluch Rocco A. , Epstein Leonard H. 
Published: April 2016

ObjectiveThe reinforcing value of food may be established early in life. Research shows that infant weight status is related to the relative reinforcing value of food versus non‐food alternatives (food reinforcing ratio, FRR). The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the effects of a 6‐week music enhancement program (Music Together®, n = 14) versus an active play date control group (n = 13) on the FRR in 9‐ to 16‐month‐old infants who were high in relative food reinforcement.MethodsParticipating parents and infants attended six weekly 45‐min group classes. Parents in the music group and the play date group were encouraged to listen to the Music Together program CD or play with the play date group's toy with their infants at home, respectively.ResultsIntent‐to‐treat analysis showed a decrease in FRR for infants in the music group (mean ± SD: −0.13 ± 0.13) in comparison to a slight increase in the control group (0.04 ± 0.11) (F[1, 24] = 11.86, P = 0.002).ConclusionsThese findings provide evidence that relative reinforcing value of food can be reduced by promoting alternative reinforcers at an early age.
Dietary Crude Lecithin Increases Systemic Availability of Dietary Docosahexaenoic Acid with Combined Intake in Rats
Authors: van Wijk Nick , Balvers Martin , Cansev Mehmet , Maher Timothy J. , Sijben John W. C. , Broersen Laus M. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractCrude lecithin, a mixture of mainly phospholipids, potentially helps to increase the systemic availability of dietary omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n‐3 PUFA), such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Nevertheless, no clear data exist on the effects of prolonged combined dietary supplementation of DHA and lecithin on RBC and plasma PUFA levels. In the current experiments, levels of DHA and choline, two dietary ingredients that enhance neuronal membrane formation and function, were determined in plasma and red blood cells (RBC) from rats after dietary supplementation of DHA‐containing oils with and without concomitant dietary supplementation of crude lecithin for 2–3 weeks. The aim was to provide experimental evidence for the hypothesized additive effects of dietary lecithin (not containing any DHA) on top of dietary DHA on PUFA levels in plasma and RBC. Dietary supplementation of DHA‐containing oils, either as vegetable algae oil or as fish oil, increased DHA, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and total n‐3 PUFA, and decreased total omega‐6 PUFA levels in plasma and RBC, while dietary lecithin supplementation alone did not affect these levels. However, combined dietary supplementation of DHA and lecithin increased the changes induced by DHA supplementation alone. Animals receiving a lecithin‐containing diet also had a higher plasma free choline concentration as compared to controls. In conclusion, dietary DHA‐containing oils and crude lecithin have synergistic effects on increasing plasma and RBC n‐3 PUFA levels, including DHA and EPA. By increasing the systemic availability of dietary DHA, dietary lecithin may increase the efficacy of DHA supplementation when their intake is combined.
The effects of medial synovial plica excision with and without lateral retinacular release on adolescents with anterior knee pain
Authors: Kramer Dennis E. , Kalish Leslie A. , Abola Matthew V. , Kramer Elizabeth M. , Yen Yi-Meng , Kocher Mininder S. , Micheli Lyle J. 
Published: April 2016

Objectives To describe the functional outcomes in patients aged ≤18 years with anterior knee pain treated with medial plica excision with or without lateral release. Methods We identified 135 patients including 30 bilateral cases (165 knees) with a mean ± SD age of 15.1 ± 2.0 years. Patient and surgical information was recorded and a follow-up athletic questionnaire and an International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Subjective Knee Evaluation form were sent out. Statistical analysis evaluated predictors of residual pain, reoperation, return to sports, IKDC score and satisfaction with surgery. Results At a final mean follow-up of 4.4 years (range 2–7.5), 36 % of patients were pain free, 46 % had mild residual pain and 18 % had pain not improved from surgery. Reoperation was more likely following isolated plica excision (7/41; 17 %) versus plica excision with lateral release (8/124; 6 %), although not statistically significant, P = 0.06. Mean IKDC score (107 knees) was 76.9 ± 17.8 (range 31–100). Most patients (86/99; 87 %) were satisfied with surgery and were able to return to sports (104/120; 87 %). Conclusions While most patients were satisfied and able to return to sports following plica excision with or without lateral release, residual symptoms were common.
Naturally triggered persistent deep slab avalanches in western Canada Part I: avalanche characteristics and weather trends from weather stations
Authors: CONLAN MICHAEL , JAMIESON BRUCE 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACTA database of difficult-to-forecast natural persistent deep slab avalanches was analyzed to determine thresholds for parameters that contribute to their release in western Canada. The database included avalanche observations and weather station data. The avalanches were grouped based on their primary cause-of-release, either precipitation loading, wind loading, solar warming or air temperature warming using a multivariate classification tree, which first split using a solar warming parameter. The precipitation group had a median 24 h snowfall of 15 cm and 3 d snowfall of 38 cm at weather stations, mostly at or below treeline. These amounts were likely closer between 20–30 and 50–80 cm at alpine start zones. The wind loading group experienced the most wind-transported snow potential. The solar warming group had predicted solar warming of 5.2°C, 10 cm into the snowpack, on the days of release. The air temperature warming group experienced the highest median maximum air temperature (5°C) on the days of release. These thresholds may be useful to forecast the likelihood of similar avalanches with experienced-based forecasting or with decision aids, although many false alarms are possible. A companion paper, Part II, relates weather model data to avalanche occurrences.
Morphological and molecular analyses of the spiruroid nematode, Falcaustra araxiana Massino, 1924 (= Spironoura araxiana) from the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis)
Authors: Rajabloo M. , Sharifiyazdi H. , Namazi F. , Shayegh H. , Rakhshandehroo E. , Farjanikish G. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThere is little information on the phylogenetic position and life cycle of family Kathlaniidae. Falcaustra araxiana is a member of this family which infects the large intestine of the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis). In the present study, morphological data and molecular analyses based on the 18S rDNA were performed on different types of F. araxiana originating from the large intestine and gastric nodules in the turtle. Morphological data revealed both larvae and adult stages in the gastric nodules. In addition, all nematodes recovered in the large intestine were adult worms. GenBank accession numbers KM200715 and KM200716 were provided for adult F. araxiana located in the intestine and stomach, respectively, of E. orbicularis. The results of sequencing proved that these two types are completely similar. Accordingly, it can be hypothesized that nodule formation is a part of the life cycle of the parasite or a survival strategy. Furthermore, F. araxiana develops to the adult stage in the gastric mucosa prior to migrating to the large intestine. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that F. araxiana unexpectedly branched away from other members of the superfamily Seuratoidea (Truttaedacnitis truttae, Cucullanus robustus and C. baylisi) and showed a closer relationship with Paraquimperia africana, a member of the Ascaridoidea. It seems that phylogenetic reconstruction for the present parasite needs more detailed morphology, life cycle and molecular studies.
Alcoholic beverage intake throughout the week and contribution to dietary energy intake in Australian adults
Authors: Wymond Brooke S , Dickinson Kacie M , Riley Malcolm D 
Published: April 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo assess alcoholic beverage intake among Australian adults and its contribution to dietary energy intake.DesignSecondary analysis of a national dietary survey using 24 h dietary recall.SettingAustralian National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (NNPAS) conducted from May 2011 to June 2012.SubjectsAdults (n9341) aged 19 years and over.ResultsOn the day preceding the survey, 32·8% of Australian adults consumed one or more alcoholic drinks. The median contribution to total energy intake for consumers did not differ significantly between males and females (13·7% and 12·9%, respectively;P=0·10). The prevalence of consumption of alcoholic drinks on Friday, Saturday and Sunday was 38·8 (95% CI 37·1, 40·5)%, higher than the other days (28·6 (95% CI 27·5, 29·8)%). Consumers had a median daily intake of 4·0 standard drinks on the weekend compared with 3·0 standard drinks during the week (P<0·001). Beer was the most commonly consumed alcoholic beverage for men and white wine for women. The highest prevalence of alcoholic beverage intake occurred in the highest quintile of adjusted household income (42·7 (95% CI 40·4, 45·0)%) and the ‘overweight’ BMI category (40·3 (95% CI 38·5, 42·0)%). Alcoholic beverage intake among consumers was significantly different by household income quintile (median 3·84 (highest)v. 3·05 standard drinks (lowest);P<0·05) and by waist circumference category (median 4·09 standard drinks (highest)).ConclusionsAlcoholic drinks contribute substantially to the dietary energy intake of Australian adults. The type and pattern of consumption of alcoholic beverage intake should be considered in the development of strategies to improve dietary intake.
Validation of a model of family caregiver communication types and related caregiver outcomes
Authors: Wittenberg Elaine , Kravits Kate , Goldsmith Joy , Ferrell Betty , Fujinami Rebecca 
Published: April 2016

AbstractObjective:Caring for the family is included as one of the eight domains of quality palliative care, calling attention to the importance of the family system and family communications about cancer during care and treatment of the disease. Previously, a model of family caregiver communication defined four caregiver communication types—Manager, Carrier, Partner, Lone—each with a unique communication pattern. The purpose of the present study was to extend the model of family caregiver communication in cancer care to further understand the impact of family communication burden on caregiving outcomes.Method:This mixed-method study employed fieldnotes from a family caregiver intervention focused on quality of life and self-reported caregiver communication items to identify a specific family caregiver type. Caregiver types were then analyzed using outcome measures on psychological distress, skills preparedness, family inventory of needs, and quality-of-life domains.Results:Corroboration between fieldnotes and self-reported communication for caregivers (n = 21, 16 women, mean age of 53 years) revealed a definitive classification of the four caregiver types (Manager = 6, Carrier = 5, Partner = 6, Lone = 4). Mean scores on self-reported communication items documented different communication patterns congruent with the theoretical framework of the model. Variation in caregiver outcomes measures confirmed the model of family caregiver communication types. Partner and Lone caregivers reported the lowest psychological distress, with Carrier caregivers feeling least prepared and Manager caregivers reporting the lowest physical quality of life.Significance of results:This study illustrates the impact of family communication on caregiving and increases our knowledge and understanding about the role of communication in caregiver burden. The research provides the first evidence-based validation for a family caregiver communication typology and its relationship to caregiver outcomes. Future research is needed to develop and test interventions that target specific caregiver types.
Familienfunktionalität und familiäre Beziehungen im Perspektivenvergleich
Authors: Wiegand-Grefe Silke , Alberts Jannis , Petermann Franz , Plass Angela 
Published: April 2016

Zusammenfassung. Die Familienfunktionalität und die Familienbeziehungen werden aus der Perspektive der Familie (erkrankter Elternteil, Lebenspartner, Kind) mit dem Allgemeinen Familienbogen FB-A und aus der Perspektive der Therapeuten mit der GARF-Skala erfasst. Die Stichprobe besteht aus 19 Familien in der Interventionsgruppe und 14 Familien in der Kontrollgruppe. In die Analyse gingen Daten aus drei Messzeitpunkten (vor der Intervention, nach Abschluss der Intervention und ein Jahr nach Abschluss der Intervention) ein. Die Familienfunktionalität aus der Perspektive des erkrankten Elternteils verbesserte sich in der Interventionsgruppe im Vergleich zur Kontrollgruppe in der Skala Aufgabenerfüllung und in den Beziehungsskalen Emotionalität und Affektive Beziehungsaufnahme. Eine Verbesserung der Familienfunktionalität aus der Therapeutenperspektive wird deutlich, aber der Effekt durch einen gegenläufige Veränderung der Kontrollgruppe und einen signifikanten Interaktionseffekt verhindert. Im Verlauf über drei Messzeitpunkte verbesserten sich aus der Perspektive der erkrankten Elternteile der Gesamtwert, die Kommunikation, die Aufgabenerfüllung und die Werte und Normen. Die Verbesserungen zeigten sich jedoch nur aus der Perspektive der erkrankten Elternteile. Die Veränderungen aus der Perspektive der Lebenspartner und Kinder erreichen keine Signifikanz.
Welche Faktoren beeinflussen, ob psychisch belastete Kinder mit einem psychisch kranken Elternteil Hilfen erhalten?
Authors: Hefti Stephanie , Kölch Michael , Gallo Alain Di , Stierli Rahel , und Marc Schmid Binia Roth 
Published: April 2016

Zusammenfassung. Trotz der erheblichen Risiken für die Entwicklung der Kinder von psychisch kranken Eltern zeigen viele Studien, dass die betroffenen Familien psychosoziale Hilfsangebote aus den unterschiedlichsten Gründen nicht ausreichend nutzen können. Zentrale Fragestellungen der Studie sind sowohl die Inanspruchnahme von Hilfsangeboten in der Region Basel (Schweiz) durch psychisch kranke Eltern als auch Gründe, weshalb Angebote nicht genutzt werden. Zudem wurde nach Prädiktoren gesucht, wieso verhaltensauffällige Kinder mit geringerer Lebensqualität in dieser Risikopopulation keine adäquate psychiatrische Unterstützung erhalten. Untersucht wurden psychisch kranke Eltern (N = 101, 58.4 % weiblich) in (teil–) stationärer und ambulanter psychiatrischer Behandlung. Die Resultate zeigen, dass auch in einer psychosozial gut versorgten Region viele Familien von Hilfsangeboten nicht erreicht werden konnten. Gründe waren, dass die Angebote nicht bekannt waren, zu hohe Kosten oder Ängste der Eltern bezüglich Sorgerechtsentzugs. Elterlicher Stress erwies sich als signifikanter Prädiktor, weshalb verhaltensauffällige Kinder mit geringer Lebensqualität keine adäquate Hilfe erhalten. Diese Ergebnisse belegen, dass die vorhandenen Hilfsangebote die betroffenen Familien nicht erreichen. Die Elternschaft und der damit verbundene Stress sollten in der therapeutischen Arbeit mit diesen Eltern thematisiert werden.
Mediator MED23 cooperates with RUNX2 to drive osteoblast differentiation and bone development
Authors: Liu Zhen , Yao Xiao , Yan Guang , Xu YiChi , Yan Jun , Zou Weiguo , Wang Gang 
Published: April 2016

AbstractHow lineage specifiers are regulated during development is an outstanding question, and the molecular regulation of osteogenic factor RUNX2 remains to be fully understood. Here we report that the Mediator subunit MED23 cooperates with RUNX2 to regulate osteoblast differentiation and bone development. Med23 deletion in mesenchymal stem cells or osteoblast precursors results in multiple bone defects similar to those observed in Runx2+/− mice. In vitro, Med23-deficient progenitor cells are refractory to osteoblast differentiation, and Med23 deficiency reduces Runx2-target gene activity without changing Runx2 expression. Mechanistically, MED23 binds to RUNX2 and modulates its transcriptional activity. Moreover, Med23 deficiency in osteoprogenitor cells exacerbates the skeletal abnormalities observed in Runx2+/− mice. Collectively, our results establish a genetic and physical interaction between RUNX2 and MED23, suggesting that MED23 constitutes a molecular node in the regulatory network of anabolic bone formation and related diseases.
A low-cost hierarchical nanostructured beta-titanium alloy with high strength
Authors: Devaraj Arun , Joshi Vineet V. , Srivastava Ankit , Manandhar Sandeep , Moxson Vladimir , Duz Volodymyr A. , Lavender Curt 
Published: April 2016

AbstractLightweighting of automobiles by use of novel low-cost, high strength-to-weight ratio structural materials can reduce the consumption of fossil fuels and in turn CO2 emission. Working towards this goal we achieved high strength in a low cost β-titanium alloy, Ti–1Al–8V–5Fe (Ti185), by hierarchical nanostructure consisting of homogenous distribution of micron-scale and nanoscale α-phase precipitates within the β-phase matrix. The sequence of phase transformation leading to this hierarchical nanostructure is explored using electron microscopy and atom probe tomography. Our results suggest that the high number density of nanoscale α-phase precipitates in the β-phase matrix is due to ω assisted nucleation of α resulting in high tensile strength, greater than any current commercial titanium alloy. Thus hierarchical nanostructured Ti185 serves as an excellent candidate for replacing costlier titanium alloys and other structural alloys for cost-effective lightweighting applications.
Heat Management in Thermoelectric Power Generators
Authors: Zebarjadi M. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThermoelectric power generators are used to convert heat into electricity. Like any other heat engine, the performance of a thermoelectric generator increases as the temperature difference on the sides increases. It is generally assumed that as more heat is forced through the thermoelectric legs, their performance increases. Therefore, insulations are typically used to minimize the heat losses and to confine the heat transport through the thermoelectric legs. In this paper we show that to some extend it is beneficial to purposely open heat loss channels in order to establish a larger temperature gradient and therefore to increase the overall efficiency and achieve larger electric power output. We define a modified Biot number (Bi) as an indicator of requirements for sidewall insulation. We show cooling from sidewalls increases the efficiency for Bi values less than one and decreases the efficiency for Bi values larger than one.
Perceptual versus motor spatiotemporal interactions in duration reproduction across two hands
Authors: Kuroda Tsuyoshi , Miyazaki Makoto 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe possibility of spatiotemporal interactions in motor action that are comparable with the perceptual kappa effect was tested in the present study. In the kappa effect, the empty duration between two successive stimuli is overestimated when the spatial distance between these stimuli is increased. Indeed, when participants reproduced the standard (empty) duration, delivering two tactile stimuli to different hands resulted in a longer reproduced duration than delivering both stimuli to the same hand, regardless of how long the standard was. However, when a spatial factor during motor action (reproduction) was manipulated by letting participants use an identical hand or different hands for two button pushes reproducing the standard, the different-hand condition yielded a shorter reproduced duration than the identical-hand condition when the standard was 1000 ms or more. More specifically, this decrement in the reproduced duration grew linearly with the standard, suggesting that a given space increases the “rate” of an internal timer during motor action. Because each tick of the timer was accelerated, the total error causing an earlier push of the second button was increased with the standard. A pacemaker-counter model was adopted to explain the differences between the perceptual and the motor spatiotemporal interactions.