bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sideways Camera Rotations of 90° and 135° Result in Poorer Performance of Laparoscopic Tasks for Novices
Authors: Klein Martina I. , Wheeler Noah J. , Craig Curtis 
Published: October 2014

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the impact of sideways visuomotor rotations between 0° and 180° on novice performance in a laparoscopic simulator. Background: The laparoscopic surgical environment often involves visuomotor rotations because the laparoscope may be placed to the surgeon’s side. Basic research by Cunningham indicated that visuomotor rotations between 90° and 135° result in peak performance decrements. Research by Ames and colleagues failed to replicate Cunningham’s results in the laparoscopic environment, possibly due to (a) confounds from carryover effects or (b) use of an alternative laparoscopic training task rather than the straight-line pointing task used by Cunningham. Two experiments were conducted to determine if Cunningham’s results generalize to the laparoscopic environment when controlling for carryover effects for a three-dimensional “straight-line” pointing task (Experiment 1) and a laparoscopic training task (Experiment 2). Method: In Experiments 1 and 2, participants were assigned to one of five visuomotor rotations: 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°, or 180°. Utilizing a laparoscopic simulator, participants performed either a three-dimensional pointing task (Experiment 1) or a peg transfer task (Experiment 2). Results: In both experiments, visuomotor rotations of 90° or 135° resulted in the poorest performance. Conclusion: When controlling for carryover effects, Cunningham’s results generalize to novices’ performance of a pointing and a peg transfer task in the laparoscopic environment. Applications: The results indicate that 90° and 135° sideways laparoscope placements may result in worse performance for novices in the laparoscopic environment, indicating potentially longer learning curves for these conditions in the laparoscopic as well as other teleoperation environments.
Computer Aided–Designed, 3‐Dimensionally Printed Porous Tissue Bioscaffolds for Craniofacial Soft Tissue Reconstruction
Authors: Zopf David A. , Mitsak Anna G. , Flanagan Colleen L. , Wheeler Matthew , Green Glenn E. , Hollister Scott J. 
Published: October 2014

ObjectiveTo determine the potential of an integrated, image‐based computer‐aided design (CAD) and 3‐dimensional (3D) printing approach to engineer scaffolds for head and neck cartilaginous reconstruction for auricular and nasal reconstruction.Study DesignProof of concept revealing novel methods for bioscaffold production with in vitro and in vivo animal data.SettingMultidisciplinary effort encompassing 2 academic institutions.Subjects and MethodsDigital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) computed tomography scans were segmented and utilized in image‐based CAD to create porous, anatomic structures. Bioresorbable polycaprolactone scaffolds with spherical and random porous architecture were produced using a laser‐based 3D printing process. Subcutaneous in vivo implantation of auricular and nasal scaffolds was performed in a porcine model. Auricular scaffolds were seeded with chondrogenic growth factors in a hyaluronic acid/collagen hydrogel and cultured in vitro over 2 months’ duration.ResultsAuricular and nasal constructs with several types of microporous architecture were rapidly manufactured with high fidelity to human patient anatomy. Subcutaneous in vivo implantation of auricular and nasal scaffolds resulted in an excellent appearance and complete soft tissue ingrowth. Histological analysis of in vitro scaffolds demonstrated native‐appearing cartilaginous growth that respected the boundaries of the scaffold.ConclusionIntegrated, image‐based CAD and 3D printing processes generated patient‐specific nasal and auricular scaffolds that supported cartilage regeneration.
Reaching Rural Patients through Otolaryngology Visiting Consultant Clinics
Authors: Gruca Thomas S. , Nam Inwoo , Tracy Roger 
Published: October 2014

Providing otolaryngology care to rural populations is a major challenge. In this study, we focus on rural outreach by the otolaryngology workforce in Iowa, a state with a high proportion of rural residents. Using data from 2013, we find that almost half (46%) of Iowa‐based otolaryngologists participate in outreach. Along with colleagues from adjoining states, Iowa otolaryngologists staffed more than 2100 in‐person clinic days in 76 mainly rural sites. This system of rural outreach has expanded access from 20 to 85 of the 99 counties in Iowa. These efforts improve access for more than 1 million residents out of a total population of 3 million. However, this improved level of access comes at a cost as visiting otolaryngologists drove an estimated 17,000 miles per month. This established approach to serving rural patients may be negatively impacted by changes under the Affordable Care Act.
Automated breast ultrasound system (ABUS): reproducibility of mass localization, size measurement, and characterization on serial examinations
Authors: Chang Jung Min , Cha Joo Hee , Park Jeong Seon , Kim Seung Ja , Moon Woo Kyung 
Published: October 2014

Background Automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) is gaining popularity for breast cancer detection and diagnosis with its high reproducibility. Consistent recognition of breast lesions on serial exams is critical, and high reproducibility for lesion characterization is expected with ABUS, but not well reported. Purpose To retrospectively evaluate the reproducibility of ABUS for mass localization, size measurement, and characterization. Material and Methods Bilateral whole breast US images were obtained twice using a commercially available ABUS within a mean interval of 1.3 days. In total, 24 patients were imaged before biopsy or surgery. There were 24 breast cancers and nine benign diagnoses. Two breast radiologists reviewed every paired three-dimensional dataset with regard to lesion visibility, reproducibility of documented location (clockface location, distance from nipple, and lesion depth), size of the lesions, and similarity for lesion characteristics. Lesion similarity was classified as being identical, similar, or different by consensus reading using the SomoVu workstation. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and the Bland-Altman method were used to determine the amount of agreement between assessments of lesion location and size. Results Among 33 breast lesions, 31 lesions were depicted in both serial examinations. ICCs for the displayed lesion location (clock face location, distance from nipple), and the individual size of detected lesions were 0.994, 0.926, and 0.980, indicating excellent reliability. However, the ICC for lesion depth from the skin was 0.342 showing low reliability. For lesion similarity, 16 cancers and five benign lesions were classified as being identical, and six cancers and two benign lesions were classified as being similar. Two benign lesions were assessed to have different lesion characteristics and final assessment categories. Conclusion The ABUS provided reproducible images for mass localization, size measurement, and characterization, which may be useful for follow-up studies.
Vascular biomarkers in migraine
Authors: Tietjen Gretchen E , Khubchandani Jagdish 
Published: October 2014

Aim Migraine has been associated with stroke as well as with several non-atherosclerotic vascular conditions leading to discussions about the potential role of endothelium in the etiopathogenesis of migraine and migraine-associated stroke. We present a systematic review of the literature on vascular biomarkers in migraine, including those suggesting endothelial activation and damage. Methods We conducted a systematic literature search from 1990 to 2013 using multiple research databases with the keywords “migraine,” “headache,” “vascular,” and “biomarkers.” We used selected inclusion and exclusion criteria to create a final pool of studies for this review. Results The literature search identified a total of 639 citations of which 129 were included in our review. The final pool of clinical- and population-based studies assessed the level of various biomarkers (e.g. inflammatory, prothrombotic, endothelial activation, endothelial repair) in migraineurs of varying ages, gender, and demographic characteristics. Although for each biomarker there is at least one study suggesting an association with migraine, in many cases the quality of evidence is poor and there are conflicting studies showing no relationship. The results were, therefore, in each case inconclusive. Conclusion This systematic review indicated that in migraine populations there are a number of positive vascular biomarker studies, including some involving novel biomarkers such as endothelial microparticles and endothelial precursor cells. These lend insight into possible pathophysiological mechanisms by which migraine may be associated with stroke. More high-quality studies are needed to establish whether a true association between promising vascular biomarkers and migraine exists.
Combining xanthan and chitosan membranes to multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells as bioactive dressings for dermo-epidermal wounds
Authors: Bellini Márcia Z , Caliari-Oliveira Carolina , Mizukami Amanda , Swiech Kamilla , Covas Dimas T , Donadi Eduardo A , Oliva-Neto Pedro , Moraes Ângela M 
Published: October 2014

The association between tridimensional scaffolds to cells of interest has provided excellent perspectives for obtaining viable complex tissues in vitro, such as skin, resulting in impressive advances in the field of tissue engineering applied to regenerative therapies. The use of multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells in the treatment of dermo-epidermal wounds is particularly promising due to several relevant properties of these cells, such as high capacity of proliferation in culture, potential of differentiation in multiple skin cell types, important paracrine and immunomodulatory effects, among others. Membranes of chitosan complexed with xanthan may be potentially useful as scaffolds for multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells, given that they present suitable physico-chemical characteristics and have adequate tridimensional structure for the adhesion, growth, and maintenance of cell function. Therefore, the purpose of this work was to assess the applicability of bioactive dressings associating dense and porous chitosan-xanthan membranes to multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells for the treatment of skin wounds. The membranes showed to be non-mutagenic and allowed efficient adhesion and proliferation of the mesenchymal stromal cells in vitro. In vivo assays performed with mesenchymal stromal cells grown on the surface of the dense membranes showed acceleration of wound healing in Wistar rats, thus indicating that the use of this cell-scaffold association for tissue engineering purposes is feasible and attractive.
In vitro characterization of polyesters of aconitic acid, glycerol, and cinnamic acid for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Kanitkar Akanksha , Chen Cong , Smoak Mollie , Hogan Katie , Scherr Thomas , Aita Giovanna , Hayes Daniel 
Published: October 2014

In this study, a novel class of polyesters of glycerol, aconitic acid, and cinnamic acid were synthesized along with their hydroxyapatite (HA) composites, and studied for their potential application in bone defect repair. An osteogenic study was conducted with human adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells (hASCs) to determine the osteoinductive ability of aconitic acid–glycerol (AG) polyesters, AG:HA (80:20), aconitic acid–glycerol–cinnamic acid (AGC) polyesters, and AGC:HA (80:20) to serve as bone scaffolds. The results indicate that AGC scaffolds have the highest mechanical strength in comparison to AG, AG:HA (80:20), and AGC:HA (80:20) scaffolds due to its low porosity. It was determined by cytotoxicity and osteogenesis experiments that hASCs cultured for 21 days on AG:HA (80:20) scaffolds in stromal medium exhibited a greater number of live cells than control PCL:HA composites. Moreover, hASCs cultured on foamed AG:HA (80:20) scaffolds resulted in the highest levels of mineralization, increased alkaline phosphatase ( ALP) expression, and the greatest osteocalcin ( OCN) expression after 21 days. Overall, AG:HA (100:0 and 80:20) scaffolds had higher mechanical strength and cytocompatibility than the PCL:HA control. In vitro osteogenic study demonstrated that AG:HA (100:0 and 80:20) synthesized using sugarcane industry by-products hold potential as scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications.
The Thoughts Questionnaire (TQ) for family caregivers of people with dementia
Authors: Sullivan Karen A , Beattie Elizabeth , Khawaja Nigar G , Wilz Gabriele , Cunningham Lauren 
Published: October 2014

Objectives To develop a new measure of dysfunctional thoughts for family caregivers of people living with dementia. These thoughts can contribute to negative outcomes, but they may be modifiable. Method A stepwise process was used to develop the Thoughts Questionnaire, commencing with item generation, concept mapping, and pilot testing in a sample of professional and nonprofessional caregivers of people with dementia ( n = 18). Next, an independent sample of 35 family caregivers of people with dementia (30 female; Mage = 64.30, standard deviation = 10.65) completed: (a) the Thoughts Questionnaire; (b) an existing measure of dysfunctional thoughts, the Dementia Thoughts Caregivers Questionnaire; and (c) separate validated measures of depressive symptoms, caregiver stress, and coping, respectively. Results The level of agreement with dysfunctional thought statements from the Dementia Thoughts Caregivers Questionnaire and Thoughts Questionnaire was low. However, a small number of Thoughts Questionnaire statements were strongly endorsed by over 85% of the sample. Both dysfunctional thought measures had adequate reliability, but total scores were not significantly intercorrelated ( r = .287, p = .095). Only the Thoughts Questionnaire was significantly, positively correlated with most caregiver stress measures. Thoughts Questionnaire items required a much lower reading level than the Dementia Thoughts Caregivers Questionnaire items. Discussion This study provides preliminary data on a tool for assessing the negative role-related thoughts that family caregivers of people with dementia may experience. Given that these thoughts are implicated in depression but they may be modified, the capacity to identify dysfunctional thoughts may prove useful in caregiver support programs.
A revised interview for deterioration in daily living activities in dementia reveals the relationship between social activities and well-being
Authors: Giebel Clarissa M , Challis David J , Montaldi Daniela 
Published: October 2014

Background: The ability to perform instrumental activities of daily living deteriorates early in dementia and affects people with dementia and their carers. However, little is known about individual instrumental activities of daily living impairments. This study therefore investigated instrumental activities of daily living deficits in mild dementia by exploring the relationship between instrumental activities of daily living initiative and performance and general cognition, people with dementia quality of life and carer stress. Moreover, this study explored the contribution of social instrumental activities of daily livings, which to date have received little or no attention. Methods: Twenty carers were administered a revised Interview for Deterioration for Daily Living Activities in Dementia and measures of carer stress (General Health Questionnaire-12) and quality of life in dementia (Quality of Life in Alzheimer’s Disease). The people with dementia completed measures of general cognition (Mini-Mental State Examination and Montreal Cognitive Assessment). Data were analysed using frequency and bivariate correlation analyses and basic thematic analysis was employed to the qualitative data on carer stress. Results: Carer interviews showed that instrumental activities of daily living impairments were associated more with performance than with initiative deficits. Increased social isolation and reluctance to engage in hobbies were particularly stressful to carers and impacted negatively on the people with dementia quality of life, yet were not reported as critical in the qualitative assessment. Conclusions: This study shows that people with mild dementia are impaired to different degrees on their initiative and performance of instrumental activities of daily livings and that impairments relating to social activities particularly relate to well-being. The revised Interview for Deterioration for Daily Living Activities in Dementia with its social instrumental activities of daily livings can help shift the focus of interventions to address those activities that are frequently impaired in mild dementia and relate to people with dementia and carer well-being.
The effect of dispersion technique, silver particle loading, and reduction method on the properties of polyacrylonitrile–silver composite nanofiber
Authors: Demirsoy Nesrin , Ucar Nuray , Onen Aysen , Karacan Ismail , Kizildag Nuray , Eren Olcay , Borazan İsmail 
Published: October 2014

The effect of dispersion technique, reduction method, and the amount of silver nanoparticles on the properties of composite polyacrylonitrile nanofiber containing silver nanoparticles is analyzed using differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, electrical conductivity, tensile testing, X-ray diffraction, and antimicrobial efficiency measurements. Composite nanofibers reduced by hydrazine hydroxide result in smaller diameter, higher electrical conductivity, higher breaking strength, higher cyclization enthalpy than the samples reduced by xenon arc method. Reduction process results in smaller diameter and higher breaking strength than those of non-reduced nanofiber web containing AgNO3 nanoparticles. Dispersion by ultrasonic homogenizer/bath provides higher breaking strength, electrical conductivity than the samples dispersed by only magnetic stirrer. An increase of silver nanoparticle generally results in an increase of enthalpy, a decrease of both cyclization temperatures and crystallinity. While 1 wt% AgNO3 loading is suitable for high breaking strength, 3 wt% AgNO3 loading is suitable for both high electrical conductivity and antimicrobial properties. Insulator polyacrylonitrile polymer becomes a semiconducting material.
The Peripheral Sympathetic Neuron is Intact in Alzheimer’s Disease and Behavioral Variant of Frontotemporal Dementia
Authors: Struhal Walter , Javor Andrija , Benesch Thomas , Vosko Milan R. , Ransmayr Gerhard 
Published: October 2014

Introduction: The study was undertaken to evaluate the postganglionic sympathetic sudomotor function employing the quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test (QSART) in tauopathies Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD). Methods: Patients were recruited in a prospective pilot study. A structured history was taken and QSART was recorded. Results: In all, 15 patients with AD (7 female) and 14 patients with bvFTD (9 female) were included. Mean age (±standard deviation) of patients with AD and bvFTD was 74 ± 9 and 71 ± 10 years, respectively. Severe sudomotor dysfunction (Composite Autonomic Severity sudomotor score 3) was present in 3 (20%) patients with AD and 0 (0%) patients with bvFTD ( P = .037). The upper extremity was only involved in 1 patient with AD and 1 patient with bvFTD. Sweat results of the 4 recording sites did not differ between both groups. Patients’ history correlated with severe autonomic symptoms as assessed with QSART. Conclusion: Postganglionic sudomotor involvement in AD and bvFTD is most likely not part of the disease.
Exploring the potential for internet-based interventions for treatment of overweight and obesity in college students
Authors: Schwartz Jennifer , Richardson Chris G. 
Published: October 2014

Objective: To assess the use of internet-enabled technology for seeking health information and resources in overweight/obese college students. Participants: College students ( N = 706) in Vancouver, Canada surveyed in April 2012. Methods: An online survey assessed socio-demographics, health behaviors, and use of internet-enabled technology. Results: Eating habits, dieting and/or exercising to lose weight, and weight satisfaction differed by weight status (all p < 0.05). Of overweight/obese participants, 48% reported they would use online student health resources. When seeking general health information, 91% would use websites; 45% would use online videos; and 75% trusted information from government or health organizations. Conclusions: Overweight/obesity is prevalent among college students. The majority of overweight/obese students reported trying to lose weight and would use the internet for health information, especially if a website is associated with a health organization. The internet is a cost-effective channel for screening coupled with the delivery of tailored, evidence-based interventions for college students.
Effectiveness of a school-based nutrition and food safety education program among primary and junior high school students in Chongqing, China
Authors: Zhou Wen-jie , Xu Xiang-long , Li Ge , Sharma Manoj , Qie Ya-Ling , Zhao Yong 
Published: October 2014

Background: Health behavioral patterns, especially eating patterns, established in childhood often carry over into adulthood, and some of the unhealthy ones are later associated with adult morbidity and mortality. Recently, a few nutrition and food safety education programs have been implemented in primary and junior high schools in China. Purpose: This study aims to examine the effectiveness of a school-based nutrition and food safety education program among primary and junior high school students in China. Methods: A mixed study design incorporating an intervention study and a quantitative survey was conducted for this research. With stratified cluster sampling, students from the 5th and 6th grade in one primary school and the 7th and 8th grade in one junior high school in Chongqing, China, were all selected and separated randomly into an intervention group ( n = 501) and a control group ( n = 522). Effectiveness evaluation investigations were performed at the initial time and nine-month follow-up ( n = 472), respectively. Effectiveness of pre-/post-intervention and nine-month follow-up changes in scores of nutrition knowledge and food safety was assessed using a two-tailed t-test and analysis of variance. Results: Nutrition knowledge scores for the intervention group were mean 9.03, SD±2.75 at the baseline, and 14.70±3.28 after intervention. There was a significant improvement ( t = 29.78, p < 0.01). The nine-month follow-up knowledge scores of the intervention group were 12.35±2.89, which were lower than the immediately after the intervention group ( t = 12.40, p<0.01 ), but higher than those of the baseline level ( t = 18.04, p < 0.01). Food safety scores of the post-intervention were higher ( p < 0.01) than that of the control group in both pre-intervention and nine-month follow-up. The control group had no significant change in the pre-post intervention. Conclusions: It is feasible and effective to improve nutrition and food safety knowledge among primary and junior high school students through school-based nutrition and food safety education programs.