bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Treatment of Achalasia with Laparoscopic Myotomy or Pneumatic Dilatation: Long‐Term Results of a Prospective, Randomized Study
Authors: Persson Jan , Johnsson Erik , Kostic Srdjan , Lundell Lars , Smedh Ulrika 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBackgroundThis study compares the long‐term results of pneumatic dilatations versus laparoscopic myotomy using treatment failure as the primary outcome. The frequency and degree of dysphagia, the effects on quality of life (QoL), and health economy were also examined.MethodsFifty‐three patients with achalasia were randomized to laparoscopic myotomy with a posterior partial fundoplication [laparoscopic myotomy (LM) n = 25] or repetitive pneumatic dilatation [pneumatic dilatation (PD) n = 28]. The median observation period was 81.5 months (range 12–131).ResultsAt the minimal follow‐up of 5 years, ten patients (36 %) in the dilatation group and two patients (8 %) in the myotomy group, including two patients lost to follow‐up (one in each arm), were classified as failures (p = 0.016). The cumulative incidence of treatment failures was analyzed by survival statistics. Taking the entire follow‐up period into account, a significant difference was observed in favor of the LM strategy (p = 0.02). Although both treatments resulted in significant improvements in dysphagia scores, LM was significantly favored over PD after 1 and 3 years, but not after 5 years. Health‐related QoL assessed by the personal general well being score was higher in the LM group after 3 years, but the difference was not fully statistically significant at 5 years. Direct medical costs during the entire follow‐up period were in median $13,421 for LM as compared to $5,558 for PD (p = 0.001).ConclusionsThis long‐term follow‐up of a randomized clinical study shows that LM is superior to repetitive PD treatment of newly diagnosed achalasia, albeit that this surgical strategy is burdened by high initial direct medical costs. www.ClinicalTrials.gov NCT 02086669
The Modern Surgeon and Competency Assessment: Are the Workplace‐Based Assessments Evidence‐Based?
Authors: Torsney K. M. , Cocker D. M. , Slesser A. A. P. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractIntroduction
The assessment of higher surgical training has changed in the last decade or two, with a greater emphasis on work‐based assessments (WBAs) to prove competency. The aim of this study was to determine the evidence underpinning the use and number of WBAs in surgical training.MethodsIn July 2013, a systematic electronic literature review was undertaken using PubMed (Medline), Embase, Google Scholar and the Cochrane library.ResultsA total of 27 studies met the inclusion criteria of which 25 were observational studies and only five assessed WBAs in a surgical setting. Validity and feasibility in surgical training were assessed in two studies, respectively, with the results suggesting that WBAs maybe neither feasible nor valid in surgical training. The number required to achieve reliability in surgical training was demonstrated to be three in two separate studies. The evidence for the reliability, feasibility and validity of WBAs in other non‐surgical fields was conflicting.ConclusionThere is a paucity of evidence supporting the use of WBAs as a tool to determine competency in surgical training, and as such, they should only have a limited role in training until more evidence is available. There appears to be no justification or evidence underpinning the use of a specific number of WBAs to determine surgical competency.
European adolescent ready-to-eat-cereal (RTEC) consumers have a healthier dietary intake and body composition compared with non-RTEC consumers
Authors: Michels Nathalie , De Henauw Stefaan , Breidenassel Christina , Censi Laura , Cuenca-Garcí Magdalena , Gonzalez-Gross Marcela , Gottrand Frederic , Hallstrom Lena , Kafatos Anthony , Kersting Mathilde , Manios Yannis , Marcos Ascension , Molnar Denes , Moreno Luis A. , Plada Maria , Sjostrom Michael , Reye Béatrice , Thielecke Frank , Valtueña Jara , Widhalm Kurt , Claessens Mandy 
Published: November 2014

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to analyse the association of European adolescents’ ready-to-eat-cereal (RTEC) consumption frequency with their dietary intake by applying the concept of diet quality index and nutritional status.

Methods
From the multi-centre European HELENA study, relevant data were available in 1,215 adolescents (12.5–17.5 years). RTEC consumption was identified from a food frequency questionnaire. A diet quality index, daily nutrient intakes and daily milk/yoghurt and fruit intake were calculated from two 24-h dietary recalls. BMI, waist and hip circumference and body fat were measured for body composition. Cross-sectional regression analyses were adjusted for sex, age, socio-economic status, city and breakfast skipping. Differences in sub-regions within Europe were explored.

Results
RTEC consumers showed a more favourable daily micronutrient intake (vitamin B2, B5, B7, D, calcium, phosphorus and potassium), a better diet quality index, more frequent fruit (57 vs. 51 %) and milk/yoghurt consumption (81.2 vs. 56 %) and less breakfast skipping (25.1 vs. 36.7 %). No differences in energy and macronutrient intake were observed. Daily RTEC consumers were 57 % less likely to be overweight than RTEC non-consumers but did not differ in glucose and lipid status (N = 387).

Conclusion
This is the first comprehensive pan-European survey elucidating socio-demographic determinants of European adolescents’ RTEC consumption and indicating better dietary habits in RTEC consumers. The improved dietary profile was reflected in a more beneficial body composition. Our results have also shown the advantage of using an all-integrating diet quality index by capturing the diet complexity.
Storage and use of Newborn Screening Blood Specimens for Research: Assessing Public Opinion in Illinois
Authors: Hart Alexa , Petros Michael , Charrow Joel , Nash Claudia , Wicklund Catherine 
Published: November 2014

AbstractStorage and use of residual dried blood spots (DBS) from newborn screening (NBS) for research purposes has been a topic of elevated interest following high profile disputes between genetic privacy advocacy groups and state NBS programs. Our objective was to assess public opinion in Illinois regarding storage and use of residual DBS for research. Five hundred twenty‐six Illinois residents completed a survey assessing attitudes about research uses for DBS, storage length, and consent issues. Over 80 % of respondents expressed agreement with questions regarding research uses of DBS. Eighty‐three percent of respondents were in favor of storage for at least one year with 44 % favoring indefinite storage. Respondents with higher educational attainment were more likely to support research use of DBS and less likely to desire contact for each future study (P < 0.05). Black respondents were less likely than white respondents to express agreement for the use of DBS for research or to favor long‐term storage (P < 0.05). Support was high for storage and use of DBS in our sample. Consent was important and respondents wanted choices about participation. Forty‐two percent of respondents were not aware of NBS prior to this survey, highlighting a need for greater education about this public health program. Trust in the public health service of NBS must be protected through transparency in the policy process.
Reporting Incidental Findings in Clinical Whole Exome Sequencing: Incorporation of the 2013 ACMG Recommendations into Current Practices of Genetic Counseling
Authors: Smith Lacey A. , Douglas Jessica , Braxton Alicia A. , Kramer Kate 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to investigate how the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) March 2013 recommendations for reporting incidental findings (IFs) have influenced current practices of genetic counselors involved in utilizing whole exome sequencing (WES) for clinical diagnosis. An online survey was sent to all members of the National Society of Genetic Counselors; members were eligible to participate if they currently offered WES for clinical diagnosis. Forty‐six respondents completed the survey of whom 34 were in practice prior to the March 2013 ACMG recommendations. Half of respondents (N = 19, 54.9 %) in practice prior to March 2013 reported that the ACMG recommendations have had a significant impact on the content of their counseling sessions. Approximately half of respondents (N = 21, 45.5 %) report all IFs, regardless of patient age, while one third (N = 14, 30.4 %) consider factors such as age and parent preference in reporting IFs. Approximately 40 % (N = 18) of respondents reported that the testing laboratory's policy for returning IFs has an influence on their choice of laboratory; of those, 72.2 % (N = 13) reported that the option to opt out of receiving reports of IFs has a significant influence on their choice of laboratory. A majority of respondents (N = 43, 93.5 %) found that most patients want to receive reports of IFs. However, respondents report there are patients who wish to decline receiving this information. This study querying genetic counselors identified benefits and challenges that the 2013 ACMG recommendations elicited. Some challenges, such as not having the option to opt out of IFs, have been addressed by the ACMG's most recent updates to their recommendations. Further investigation into larger and more inclusive provider populations as well as patient populations will be valuable for the ongoing discussion surrounding IFs in WES.
Long-Term Trends in Adult Mortality for U.S. Blacks and Whites: An Examination of Period- and Cohort-Based Changes
Authors: Masters Ryan K. , Hummer Robert A. , Powers Daniel A. , Beck Audrey , Lin Shih-Fan , Finch Brian Karl 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBlack–white differences in U.S. adult mortality have narrowed over the past five decades, but whether this narrowing unfolded on a period or cohort basis is unclear. The distinction has important implications for understanding the socioeconomic, public health, lifestyle, and medical mechanisms responsible for this narrowing. We use data from 1959 to 2009 and age-period-cohort (APC) models to examine period- and cohort-based changes in adult mortality for U.S. blacks and whites. We do so for all-cause mortality among persons aged 15–74 as well as for several underlying causes of death more pertinent for specific age groups. We find clear patterns of cohort-based reductions in mortality for both black men and women and white men and women. Recent cohort-based reductions in heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, female breast cancer, and other cancer mortality have been substantial and, save for breast cancer, have been especially pronounced for blacks. Period-based changes have also occurred and are especially pronounced for some causes of death. Period-based reductions in blacks’ and whites’ heart disease and stroke mortality are particularly impressive, as are recent period-based reductions in young men’s and women’s mortality from infectious diseases and homicide. These recent period changes are more pronounced among blacks. The substantial cohort-based trends in chronic disease mortality and recent period-based reductions for some causes of death suggest a continuing slow closure of the black-white mortality gap. However, we also uncover troubling signs of recent cohort-based increases in heart disease mortality for both blacks and whites.
Transcranial direct current stimulation in mild cognitive impairment: Behavioral effects and neural mechanisms
Authors: Meinzer Marcus , Lindenberg Robert , Phan Mai Thy , Ulm Lena , Volk Carina , Flöel Agnes 
Published: November 2014

IntroductionThe long preclinical phase of Alzheimer's disease provides opportunities for potential disease‐modifying interventions in prodromal stages such as mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (anodal‐tDCS), with its potential to enhance neuroplasticity, may allow improving cognition in MCI.MethodsIn a double‐blind, cross‐over, sham‐controlled study, anodal‐tDCS was administered to the left inferior frontal cortex during task‐related and resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to assess its impact on cognition and brain functions in MCI.ResultsDuring sham stimulation, MCI patients produced fewer correct semantic‐word‐retrieval responses than matched healthy controls, which was associated with hyperactivity in bilateral prefrontal regions. Anodal‐tDCS significantly improved performance to the level of controls, reduced task‐related prefrontal hyperactivity and resulted in “normalization” of abnormal network configuration during resting‐state fMRI.DiscussionAnodal‐tDCS exerts beneficial effects on cognition and brain functions in MCI, thereby providing a framework to test whether repeated stimulation sessions may yield sustained reversal of cognitive deficits.
A model for internal bores in continuous stratification
Authors: White Brian L. , Helfrich Karl R. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractWe describe a model for the speed of an internal bore as a function of amplitude in continuous stratification of arbitrary form. The model is developed from the Dubreil-Jacotin–Long theory for nonlinear solitary waves in the conjugate flow limit, which represents an internal hydraulic jump, by allowing dissipation across the jump. The bore speeds predicted by the model are consistent in both the small- and large-amplitude limits with the waveguide intrinsic to the ambient stratification. The model therefore represents a significant advancement over previous theories limited to sharp two-layer stratification. The model shows good agreement with Navier–Stokes simulations of both undular and turbulent internal bores generated by dam break into a continuously stratified ambient with a finite pycnocline, predicting both the front speed as well as the velocity and density structure through the bore. A model is required for the structure of the energy dissipation, and we introduce a one-parameter closure that produces excellent agreement with numerical results, particularly in the parameter limit that maximizes the overall dissipation. By varying the dissipation parameter, the model reproduces previous two-layer theories in the thin-pycnocline limit, and suggests an improved two-layer front speed relationship. It is demonstrated that, even for the sharp two-layer limit, continuous stratification, and particularly the nonlinear waveguide, must be accounted for in order to accurately predict the bore speed and structure.
Sequential deposition of overlapping droplets to form a liquid line
Authors: Thompson Alice B. , Tipton Carl R. , Juel Anne , Hazel Andrew L. , Dowling Mark 
Published: November 2014

AbstractMicrodroplet deposition is a technology that spans applications from tissue engineering to microelectronics. Our new high-speed imaging measurements reveal how sequential linear deposition of overlapping droplets on flat uniform substrates leads to striking non-uniform morphologies for moderate contact angles. We develop a simple physical model, which for the first time captures the post-impact dynamics drop-by-drop: surface-tension drives liquid redistribution, contact-angle hysteresis underlies initial non-uniformity, while viscous effects cause subsequent periodic variations.
Fluid ratcheting by oscillating channel walls with sawteeth
Authors: Yu Jie 
Published: November 2014

AbstractA laboratory experiment shows that fluid can be pumped from one end to another in a narrow channel whose sawtooth walls vibrate transversely opposite to each other. The phenomenon is referred to as ratcheting fluid. Inspired by this, we put forward here a theory describing the rectified steady flow, and the net directional pumping. In a conformally transformed plane, the induced steady streaming in the Stokes boundary layer of the oscillatory flow is analysed, elucidating the driving mechanism that is due to the nonlinearity and viscosity. The solution of the stream function is given, showing the complex spatial structure of the induced steady flow and its spatial average that is related to the directional pumping. Whereas the wall sawtooth shape is the primary source of asymmetry, the difference in entrance and exit flow conditions due to the geometries at channel ends is found to be a secondary source to break the left–right symmetry of the system. This latter can affect the net directional transport of fluid, in particular in short channels with a small number of sawteeth. Various influences on the net pumping rate are analysed.
Coupled phengite40Ar–39Ar geochronology and thermobarometry:P-T-tevolution of Andros Island (Cyclades, Greece)
Authors: HUET BENJAMIN , LABROUSSE LOÏC , MONIÉ PATRICK , MALVOISIN BENJAMIN , JOLIVET LAURENT 
Published: November 2014

AbstractAndros is a key island for understanding both the timing of high-pressure–low-temperature (HP-LT) metamorphism and the dynamics of crustal-scale detachment systems exhuming high-grade units in the Cyclades (Greece). Using phengite40Ar–39Ar geochronology coupled with thermobarometry, as well as data from literature, we constrain the pressure–temperature–time (P-T-t) paths of the Makrotantalon and Attic–Cycladic Blueschist units on Andros. Peak conditions of the HP-LT episode in the Makrotantalon unit are 550°C and 18.5 kbar, dated at 116 Ma. We correlate this episode with Early Cretaceous blueschist facies metamorphism recognized in the Pelagonian zone of continental Greece. This is a new argument favouring a Pelagonian origin for the Makrotantalon unit. In the Attic–Cycladic Blueschist unit, theP-T-tpath is characterized by: (1) exhumation after peak conditions in HP-LT conditions between 55 and 35 Ma; (2) isobaric heating at 7 kbar until 30 Ma; and (3) isothermal decompression until 21 Ma. This thermal evolution and timing are similar to those of the neighbouring Tinos Island, emphasizing major thermal re-equilibration at the transition between stable and retreating subduction. Modifications of the crustal thermal state played a major role in the evolution of the North Cycladic Detachment System, below which Andros HP-LT units were exhumed.
Wild meat: a shared resource amongst people and predators
Authors: Foster R. J. , Harmsen B. J. , Macdonald D. W. , Collins J. , Urbina Y. , Garcia R. , Doncaster C. P. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractMillions of people throughout the tropics consume wild meat. Overhunting reduces food security for people and large predators, yet little is known of the impact of hunting in systems where people and predators target the same prey species. We collate published data on predator diet in Belize with interview data about the consumption of wild and domestic meat by Belizeans, to compare the wild-meat diets of humans, jaguarsPanthera oncaand pumasPuma concolorand assess the sustainability of the combined offtake by humans and jaguars. Six wild mammal species (nine-banded armadilloDasypus novemcinctus, pacaCuniculus paca, collared peccaryPecari tajacu, white-lipped peccaryTayassu pecari, red brocket deerMazama americanaand white-tailed deerOdocoileus virginianus) comprised 7% of the animal-protein meals eaten by Belizeans. Overall, 80% of these meals were eaten by 20% of interviewees, suggesting a necessary role of wild meat for the minority. The same species were found in 69 and 86% of jaguar and puma scats, respectively. We estimate a national annual harvest of c. 4,000 tonnes of these six wild mammals by humans and jaguars, of which 78% is hunted by people. Sustainability is difficult to evaluate because prey population data are lacking in Belize. However, simple models suggest that a sustainable harvest at this rate would require higher prey population densities than averages recorded in hunted Neotropical forests. We emphasize the need for robust regional estimates of game species densities, to improve assessments of sustainability and inform hunting regulations. We recommend that the requirements of predators as well as those of people be considered when assessing wild meat harvests.
Characterisation of the phase-transformation behaviour of Ce2O(CO3)2·H2O clusters synthesised from Ce(NO3)3·6H2O and urea
Authors: D'Angelo Anita M. , Webster Nathan A. S. , Chaffee Alan L. 
Published: November 2014

X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to determine the temperature at which the transformation of Ce2O(CO3)2·H2O to ceria (CeO2) occurs under both a flow of nitrogen and air as a function of temperature. The Ce2O(CO3)2·H2O synthesised from Ce(NO3)3·6H2O and urea was further investigated using thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). XRD results indicate that, under a flow of nitrogen, CeO2 is formed at temperatures greater than 500 °C and that this occurs via an as yet unidentified intermediate phase, which is present between 430 and 540 °C. Results obtained by the XRD correspond to those obtained using TGA, which show weight losses commencing at 430 and at 465 °C. No further weight loss occurs above 540 °C, because of the formation of CeO2 as the stable product. The crystallite size was also determined and observed to increase with increasing temperature. Under a flow of air the transformation occurred at a lower temperature, as CeO2 was formed at 250 °C. SEM and TEM reveal the particles have a rod-shaped morphology which is retained after calcination. These results may be used to optimise synthesis methods to minimise crystallite size growth and reduce sintering that is undesirable in many applications, particularly catalysis.
Relative validation of fruit and vegetable intake and fat intake among overweight and obese African-American women
Authors: Alcantara Iris , Haardörfer Regine , Gazmararian Julie A , Hartman Terry J , Greene Brenda , Kegler Michelle C 
Published: November 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo compare commonly used dietary screeners for fat intake and fruit and vegetable intake with 24 h dietary recalls among low-income, overweight and obese African-American women.DesignThree telephone interviews were completed; measures included two 24 h dietary recalls (a weekday and weekend day) using the Nutrition Data System for Research software, the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System’s (BRFSS) Fruit and Vegetable Consumption Module and the National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) Percentage Energy from Fat Screener.SettingParticipants were recruited from three federally qualified health centres in south-west Georgia, USA.SubjectsParticipants (n260) were African-American women ranging in age from 35 to 65 years. About half were unemployed (49·6 %) and 58·7 % had a high-school education or less. Most were obese (88·5 %), with 39·6 % reporting a BMI≥40·0 kg/m2.ResultsMean fruit and vegetable intake reported from the 24 h dietary recall was 2·66 servings/d compared with 2·79 servings/d with the BRFSS measure. The deattenuated Pearson correlation was 0·22, with notable variation by weight status, education level and age. Mean percentage of energy from fat was 35·5 % as reported from the 24 h dietary recall, compared with 33·0 % as measured by the NCI fat screener. The deattenuated Pearson correlation was 0·38, also with notable variation by weight status, education level and age.ConclusionsValidity of brief dietary intake measures may vary by demographic characteristics of the sample. Additional measurement work may be needed to accurately measure dietary intake in obese African-American women.