bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acupuncture versus Usual Care for Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Children after Tonsillectomy/Adenoidectomy: A Pragmatic, Multicentre, Double-Blinded, Randomised Trial
Authors: Liodden Ingrid , Sandvik Leiv , Valeberg Berit Taraldsen , Borud Einar , Norheim Arne Johan 
Published: April 2015

Objectives To investigate the effect of a standardised acupuncture on nausea and vomiting in children after tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy when possible placebo effects were precluded. Methods A pragmatic, multicentre, double-blinded, randomised controlled trial. The study was conducted over 10 months in 2012–2013 at three ambulatory clinics. Two hundred and eighty-two children, age 1–11 years, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade ≤II, were included. To equalise expectancy effects, all parents were told that their child would receive acupuncture. However, children were randomly allocated to perioperative bilateral needling acupuncture at PC6, depth 7 mm, mean time 17 min (SD 5–45) during anaesthesia plus usual care, or to usual care only. The regional ethics committee approved this approach. Primary endpoints were nausea and vomiting 24 h postoperatively. Results This study did not demonstrate any effect of acupuncture (95% CI) compared with standard care. The overall vomiting in the acupuncture and usual-care groups was 44.2% and 47.9%, respectively. Nausea was experienced by 31.7% in the acupuncture group and by 32.6% in the usual-care group. The test power was acceptable for comparisons of vomiting. Conclusions The findings suggest that when controlling for possible placebo effects standardised PC6 acupuncture needling during anaesthesia without further stimulation of PC6 is not effective in reducing nausea and vomiting in children after tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy. Future studies should investigate acupuncture treatment which balances adequate dose and technique and a feasible, child-friendly acupuncture treatment. Trial Registration Number ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01729052.
Reduced keratin expression in colorectal neoplasia and associated fields is reversible by diet and resection
Authors: Evans Caroline A , Rosser Ria , Waby Jennifer S , Noirel Josselin , Lai Daphne , Wright Phillip C , Williams Elizabeth A , Riley Stuart A , Bury Jonathan P , Corfe Bernard M 
Published: April 2015

BackgroundPatients with adenomatous colonic polyps are at increased risk of developing further polyps suggesting field-wide alterations in cancer predisposition. The current study aimed to identify molecular alterations in the normal mucosa in the proximity of adenomatous polyps and to assess the modulating effect of butyrate, a chemopreventive compound produced by fermentation of dietary residues.MethodsA cross-sectional study was undertaken in patients with adenomatous polyps: biopsy samples were taken from the adenoma, and from macroscopically normal mucosa on the contralateral wall to the adenoma and from the mid-sigmoid colon. In normal subjects biopsies were taken from the mid-sigmoid colon. Biopsies were frozen for proteomic analysis or formalin-fixed for immunohistochemistry. Proteomic analysis was undertaken using iTRAQ workflows followed by bioinformatics analyses. A second dietary fibre intervention study arm used the same endpoints and sampling strategy at the beginning and end of a high-fibre intervention.ResultsKey findings were that keratins 8, 18 and 19 were reduced in expression level with progressive proximity to the lesion. Lesional tissue exhibited multiple K8 immunoreactive bands and overall reduced levels of keratin. Biopsies from normal subjects with low faecal butyrate also showed depressed keratin expression. Resection of the lesion and elevation of dietary fibre intake both appeared to restore keratin expression level.ConclusionChanges in keratin expression associate with progression towards neoplasia, but remain modifiable risk factors. Dietary strategies may improve secondary chemoprevention.Trial registration numberISRCTN90852168.
Theoretical calculations of stability, mechanical and thermodynamic properties of IVA group Willemite-II nitrides
Authors: Ding Ying-Chun , Chen Min , Wu Wen-Juan 
Published: April 2015

The structural stability and mechanical and thermodynamic properties of WII- A 3 N 4 ( A=C , Si , Ge and Sn ) are calculated by first-principles calculations based on the density functional theory. The calculated lattice parameters and elastic constants of WII- A 3 N 4 ( A=C , Si , Ge and Sn ) are in good agreement with the experimental data and previously calculated values. WII- A 3 N 4 ( A=C , Si , Ge and Sn ) compounds are also found to be thermodynamically and mechanically stable. The results suggest that hardness of WII- C 3 N 4 is the hardest of these C 3 N 4 polymorphs. The hardness of WII- Sn 3 N 4 is the smallest among WII- A 3 N 4 ( A=C , Si , Ge and Sn ). Furthermore, the mechanical anisotropy, Debye temperature, the minimum thermal conductivity and thermodynamic properties of WII- A 3 N 4 ( A=C , Si , Ge and Sn ) compounds can be investigated.
Stability and convergence of relaxation schemes to hyperbolic balance laws via a wave operator
Authors: Miroshnikov Alexey , Trivisa Konstantina 
Published: April 2015

This paper deals with relaxation approximations of nonlinear systems of hyperbolic balance laws. We introduce a class of relaxation schemes and establish their stability and convergence to the solution of hyperbolic balance laws before the formation of shocks, provided that we are within the framework of the compensated compactness method. Our analysis treats systems of hyperbolic balance laws with source terms satisfying a special mechanism which induces weak dissipation in the spirit of Dafermos [Hyperbolic systems of balance laws with weak dissipation, J. Hyp. Diff. Equations 3 (2006) 505–527.], as well as hyperbolic balance laws with more general source terms. The rate of convergence of the relaxation system to a solution of the balance laws in the smooth regime is established. Our work follows in spirit the analysis presented by [Ch. Arvanitis, Ch. Makridakis and A. E. Tzavaras, Stability and convergence of a class of finite element schemes for hyperbolic conservation laws, SIAM J. Numer. Anal. 42(4) (2004) 1357–1393]; [S. Jin and X. Xin, The relaxation schemes for systems of conservation laws in arbitrary space dimensions, Comm. Pure Appl. Math. 48 (1995) 235–277] for systems of hyperbolic conservation laws without source terms.
Pectoral Muscle Attenuation as a Marker for Breast Cancer Risk in Full-Field Digital Mammography
Authors: Cheddad Abbas , Czene Kamila , Hall Per , Humphreys Keith 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
Background: Mammographic percent density is an established marker of breast cancer risk. In a study of screen film mammograms, we recently reported a novel feature from the pectoral muscle region to be associated with breast cancer risk independently of area percent density (APD). We now investigate whether our novel feature is associated with risk in a study based on full-field digital mammography (FFDM).
Methods: We carried out a breast cancer risk analysis using a data set of 3,552 healthy controls and 278 cases. We included three image-based measures in our analyses: volumetric percent density (VPD), APD, and the mean intensity of the pectoral muscle (MIP). The datasets comprised different machine vendors and models. In addition, the controls dataset was used to test for the association of our measures against rs10995190, in the ZNF365 gene, a genetic variant known to be associated with mammography density and breast cancer risk.
Results: MIP was associated with breast cancer risk [per SD OR, 0.811; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.707–0.930; P = 0.0028] after adjusting for conventional covariates and VPD. It was also associated with the genetic variant rs10995190 after adjusting for VPD and other covariates (per allele effect = 0.111; 95% CI, 0.053–0.170; P = 1.8 × 10−4). Results were similar when adjusting for APD instead of VPD.
Conclusion: MIP is a novel mammographic marker, which is associated with breast cancer risk and the genetic variant rs10995190 independently of PD measures.
Impact: Inclusion of MIP in risk models should be considered for studies using PD from FFDM. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(6); 985–91. ©2015 AACR.
Blood Pressure and Adverse Events During Continuous Flow Left Ventricular Assist Device Support
Authors: Saeed Omar , Jermyn Rita , Kargoli Faraj , Madan Shivank , Mannem Santhosh , Gunda Sampath , Nucci Cecilia , Farooqui Sarah , Hassan Syed , Mclarty Allison , Bloom Michelle , Zolty Ronald , Shin Julia , D’Alessandro David , Goldstein Daniel J. , Patel Snehal R. 
Published: April 2015

Background—
Adverse events (AEs), such as intracranial hemorrhage, thromboembolic event, and progressive aortic insufficiency, create substantial morbidity and mortality during continuous flow left ventricular assist device support yet their relation to blood pressure control is underexplored.

Methods and Results—

A multicenter retrospective review of patients supported for at least 30 days and ≤18 months by a continuous flow left ventricular assist device from June 2006 to December 2013 was conducted. All outpatient Doppler blood pressure (DOPBP) recordings were averaged up to the time of intracranial hemorrhage, thromboembolic event, or progressive aortic insufficiency. DOPBP was analyzed as a categorical variable grouped as high (>90 mm Hg; n=40), intermediate (80–90 mm Hg; n=52), and controlled (<80 mm Hg; n=31). Cumulative survival free from an AE was calculated using Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox hazard ratios were derived. Patients in the high DOPBP group had worse baseline renal function, lower angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker usage during continuous flow left ventricular assist device support, and a more prevalent history of hypertension. Twelve (30%) patients in the high DOPBP group had an AE, in comparison with 7 (13%) patients in the intermediate DOPBP group and only 1 (3%) in the controlled DOPBP group. The likelihood of an AE increased in patients with a high DOPBP (adjusted hazard ratios [95% confidence interval], 16.4 [1.8–147.3];
P
=0.012 versus controlled and 2.6 [0.93–7.4];
P
=0.068 versus intermediate). Overall, a similar association was noted for the risk of intracranial hemorrhage (
P
=0.015) and progressive aortic insufficiency (
P
=0.078) but not for thromboembolic event (
P
=0.638). Patients with an AE had a higher DOPBP (90±10 mm Hg) in comparison with those without an AE (85±10 mm Hg;
P
=0.05).

Conclusions—
In a population at risk, higher DOPBP during continuous flow left ventricular assist device support was significantly associated with a composite of AEs.
Prevalence, Vascular Distribution, and Multiterritorial Extent of Subclinical Atherosclerosis in a Middle-Aged Cohort
Authors: Fernández-Friera Leticia , Peñalvo José L. , Fernández-Ortiz Antonio , Ibañez Borja , López-Melgar Beatriz , Laclaustra Martín , Oliva Belén , Mocoroa Agustín , Mendiguren José , Martínez de Vega Vicente , García Laura , Molina Jesús , Sánchez-González Javier , Guzmán Gabriela , Alonso-Farto Juan C. , Guallar Eliseo , Civeira Fernando , Sillesen Henrik , Pocock Stuart , Ordovás José M. , Sanz Ginés , Jiménez-Borreguero Luis Jesús , Fuster Valentín 
Published: April 2015

Background—
Data are limited on the presence, distribution, and extent of subclinical atherosclerosis in middle-aged populations.

Methods and Results—
The PESA (Progression of Early Subclinical Atherosclerosis) study prospectively enrolled 4184 asymptomatic participants 40 to 54 years of age (mean age, 45.8 years; 63% male) to evaluate the systemic extent of atherosclerosis in the carotid, abdominal aortic, and iliofemoral territories by 2-/3-dimensional ultrasound and coronary artery calcification by computed tomography. The extent of subclinical atherosclerosis, defined as presence of plaque or coronary artery calcification ≥1, was classified as focal (1 site affected), intermediate (2–3 sites), or generalized (4–6 sites) after exploration of each vascular site (right/left carotids, aorta, right/left iliofemorals, and coronary arteries). Subclinical atherosclerosis was present in 63% of participants (71% of men, 48% of women). Intermediate and generalized atherosclerosis was identified in 41%. Plaques were most common in the iliofemorals (44%), followed by the carotids (31%) and aorta (25%), whereas coronary artery calcification was present in 18%. Among participants with low Framingham Heart Study (FHS) 10-year risk, subclinical disease was detected in 58%, with intermediate or generalized disease in 36%. When longer-term risk was assessed (30-year FHS), 83% of participants at high risk had atherosclerosis, with 66% classified as intermediate or generalized.

Conclusions—
Subclinical atherosclerosis was highly prevalent in this middle-aged cohort, with nearly half of the participants classified as having intermediate or generalized disease. Most participants at high FHS risk had subclinical disease; however, extensive atherosclerosis was also present in a substantial number of low-risk individuals, suggesting added value of imaging for diagnosis and prevention.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01410318.
An Object-Based Approach for Quantification of GCM Biases of the Simulation of Orographic Precipitation. Part II: Quantitative Analysis
Authors: Yorgun M. Soner , Rood Richard B. 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
An object-based evaluation method is applied to the simulated orographic precipitation for the idealized experimental setups using the National Center of Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Community Atmosphere Model (CAM) with the finite volume (FV) and Eulerian spectral transform dynamical cores with varying resolutions. The method consists of the application of k-means cluster analysis to the precipitation features to determine their spatial boundaries and the calculation of the semivariograms (SVs) for the isolated features for evaluation.
The quantitative analysis revealed differences between the simulated precipitation by the FV and Eulerian spectral transform models that are not visually apparent. The simulated large-scale precipitation features of the idealized test cases provide analogs to orographic precipitation features observed in simulations of Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project (AMIP) models. The spatial boundaries of these features (determined by k-means clustering) for Eulerian spectral T85 and T170 resolutions revealed the level of merger between the two large-scale features simulated because of each peak in the double mountain idealized setup. Both FV 1° and 0.5° resolutions were able to simulate the dryer region between the two mountains. The SVs of precipitation for the single and double mountain setups show close agreement between FV 1°, FV 0.5°, and Eulerian spectral T170 resolutions; however, Eulerian spectral T85 simulated the precipitation in lower intensity, indicating the qualitative difference in resolutions previously determined to be equivalent. Such close agreement was not observed in the more realistic idealized setup.
Performance of ERA-Interim Wave Data in the Nearshore Waters around India
Authors: Sanil Kumar V. , Muhammed Naseef T. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBulk wave parameters, such as wave height and wave period, are required for engineering and environmental applications. In this study, measured wave data from six shallow-water locations in the data-sparse north Indian Ocean are used to assess the Interim European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Re-Analysis [ERA-Interim (ERA-I)] wave height and period data in the nearshore waters around India. The difference between the ERA-I significant wave height (SWH) and the buoy SWH varies from −1 to 1 m with an average value of −0.1 m for the three west coast locations. For the three east coast locations, the variation ranges from −2.2 to 1.7 m with an average value of −0.2 m. The ERA-I SWH data show positive biases, indicating an overall overestimation for all locations except for the northern location in the west coast of India, where underestimation is observed. During the tropical cyclone period, a large (~33%) underestimation of SWH in the ERA-I data is observed. Hence, the ERA-I SWH data cannot be used for design applications without site-specific validation. The difference between the wave period from ERA-I and the energy wave period from the buoy varies from −6 to 4 s with an average value of −0.3 s. The intercomparisons suggest that the ERA-I dataset shows encouraging agreement with the annual mean SWH and the energy wave period.
Social Networks of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Older Adults
Authors: Erosheva Elena A. , Kim Hyun-Jun , Emlet Charles , Fredriksen-Goldsen Karen I. 
Published: April 2015

Purpose: This study examines global social networks—including friendship, support, and acquaintance networks—of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) older adults. Design and Methods: Utilizing data from a large community-based study, we employ multiple regression analyses to examine correlates of social network size and diversity. Results: Controlling for background characteristics, network size was positively associated with being female, transgender identity, employment, higher income, having a partner or a child, identity disclosure to a neighbor, engagement in religious activities, and service use. Controlling in addition for network size, network diversity was positively associated with younger age, being female, transgender identity, identity disclosure to a friend, religious activity, and service use. Implications: According to social capital theory, social networks provide a vehicle for social resources that can be beneficial for successful aging and well-being. This study is a first step at understanding the correlates of social network size and diversity among LGBT older adults.
A New Trend in the Management of Esophageal Foreign Body
Authors: Shih Chun‐Wen , Hao Chung‐Yu , Wang Yu‐Jung , Hao Sheng‐Po 
Published: April 2015

Objectives(1) To analyze the outcomes of patients with esophageal foreign body managed by transnasal esophagoscopy. (2) To review the value of lateral neck X‐ray.Study DesignCase series with chart review.SettingTertiary referral center, Shin Kong Wu Ho‐Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.Subjects and MethodsLateral neck X‐ray was used for initial screening in patients suspected of having an esophageal foreign body between 2007 and 2013. Rigid esophagoscopy was used as standard for further investigations before July 2010 and transnasal esophagoscopy after July 2010.ResultsFrom January 2007 to June 2010, 43 patients who were suspected of having an esophageal foreign body under lateral neck X‐ray received rigid esophagoscopy, 31 of whom were found to have an esophageal foreign body. From July 2010 to December 2013, 302 patients underwent transnasal esophagoscopy, and an esophageal foreign body was noted in only 52 of these patients. In the 302 patients who underwent transnasal esophagoscopy, the sensitivity and specificity of having an esophageal foreign body by lateral neck X‐ray were 59% and 83%, respectively.ConclusionThe introduction of transnasal esophagoscopy has changed the diagnosis and management for an esophageal foreign body. Transnasal esophagoscopy is a quick and safe procedure that can be performed under local anesthesia. Transnasal esophagoscopy could replace lateral neck X‐ray to become the initial screening procedure and a useful treatment for patients with an esophageal foreign body.
Risk Factors Associated with Distant Metastasis in Patients with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Hasegawa Takumi , Tanakura Makiko , Takeda Daisuke , Sakakibara Akiko , Akashi Masaya , Minamikawa Tsutomu , Komori Takahide 
Published: April 2015

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the incidence of distant metastasis (DM) after curative surgical treatment and assess the multivariate relationships among various risk factors for DM in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).Study DesignCase series with chart review.SettingTertiary referral center.Subjects and MethodsThe medical records of all patients with OSCC without DM who underwent curative surgery with or without postoperative adjuvant chemoradiation between January 2001 and February 2014 at our institution were retrospectively reviewed. There were a total of 451 patients, including 271 men and 180 women, with a mean age of 65.9 ± 13.5 years.ResultsOf these patients, 30 (6.7%) developed DM. During the follow‐up period, the 5‐year overall survival rate was 76.2%. Sites of DM comprised the lungs (80.0%), skin (13.3%), liver (10.0%), bone (6.7%), and brain (3.3%). We found the T classification and N classification as well as the histologic grade to be significant risk factors associated with the development of DM in the univariate analysis only (P =. 003), whereas locoregional failure (odds ratio [OR], 4.03), multiple lymph node metastases (more than 4 positive nodes; OR, 3.32) and positive extracapsular spread (OR, 3.06) were identified to be significant risk factors associated with the development of DM in the multivariate analysis.ConclusionWe demonstrated multivariate relationships among various risk factors for DM in OSCC patients. Clinicians should consider these risk factors and pay special attention to detecting DM early during the postoperative management of OSCC patients with these risk factors.
Low Serum Vitamin D Is Not Correlated With the Severity of a Rotator Cuff Tear or Retear After Arthroscopic Repair
Authors: Ryu Keun Jung , Kim Bang Hyun , Lee Yohan , Dan Jinmyoung , Kim Jae Hwa 
Published: April 2015

Background: Despite the essential role of vitamin D in muscle function, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency has been reported to be very high. Recently, low vitamin D level was found to correlate with fatty degeneration of the rotator cuff tendon in humans and to negatively affect early healing at the rotator cuff repair site in an animal study. However, the effects of vitamin D level on severity of rotator cuff tear and healing after surgical repair have not been documented. Purpose: To evaluate (1) the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among patients who underwent arthroscopic repair for a full-thickness rotator cuff tear, (2) the relationship of vitamin D level with severity of the rotator cuff tear, and (3) surgical outcomes after repair. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: A consecutive series of 91 patients (age, 50-65 years) who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair for full-thickness, small-sized to massive tears were evaluated. Preoperative serum vitamin D levels (25-hydroxyvitamin) were analyzed to detect correlations with the features of a preoperative rotator cuff tear as well as postoperative structural and functional outcomes. All patients were followed clinically for a minimum of 1 year. Results: Preoperative vitamin D levels were deficient (<20 ng/mL) in 80 subjects (88%), insufficient (20-30 ng/mL) in 8 subjects (9%), and normal (>30 ng/mL) in 3 subjects (3%). No correlation was found between preoperative tear size ( P = .23), extent of retraction ( P = .60), degree of fatty infiltration of each cuff muscle ( P > .50 each), or the global fatty infiltration index ( P = .32). Similarly, no correlations were detected between vitamin D level and postoperative Sugaya type ( P = .66) or any of the functional outcome scores ( P > .50 each). Conclusion: Low serum vitamin D level was not related to tear size, extent of retraction, or the degree of fatty infiltration in cuff muscles. It also had no significant relationships with postoperative structural integrity and functional outcomes after arthroscopic repair. The results suggest that low serum vitamin D level is not a significant risk factor for the severity of rotator cuff tear or poor healing after repair.