338 research outputs found
A systematic review of population-based studies examining outcomes in primary retroperitoneal sarcoma surgery
Retroperitoneal sarcomas (RPS) are rare mesenchymal tumours. Their rarity challenges our ability to understand expected outcomes. The aim of this systematic review was to examine 30-day morbidity and mortality, overall survival rates and prognostic predictors from population-based studies for patients undergoing curative resection for primary RPS. A systematic literature review of EMBASE, MEDLINE, PUBMED and the Cochrane library was performed using PRISMA for population-based studies reporting from nationally registered databases on primary RPS surgical resections in adults. The main outcomes evaluated were 30-day morbidity and mortality and overall survival rates. The use of additional treatment modalities and predictors of overall survival were also examined. Fourteen studies (n = 12 834 patients) reporting from 3 national databases, (Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER), the United States National Cancer Database (US NCDB) and the American College of Surgeons’ National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP)) were analysed. The reported overall 30-day morbidity and mortality were 23% (n = 191/846) and 3% (n = 278/10 181) respectively. Reported use of perioperative radiotherapy was 28%. No study reported loco-regional recurrence rates. Overall reported 5-year survival ranged from 52% to 62%. Independent predictors of overall survival were age of the patient, resection margin, tumour grade and size, histological subtype and receipt of radiotherapy. This review of population-based data demonstrated relatively low 30-day morbidity rates in patients undergoing curative surgical resections for primary RPS. Thirty-day mortality rates were similar to other abdominal tumour groups. There remains a paucity of data reporting recurrence rates, however 5-year survival rates ranged from 52 to 62%
The SCUBA 8-mJy survey - I: Sub-millimetre maps, sources and number counts
We present maps, source lists, and number counts from the largest, unbiassed,
extragalactic sub-mm survey so far undertaken with the SCUBA camera on the
JCMT. Our maps cover 260 sq. arcmin, to a noise level S(850)=2.5 mJy/beam. We
have reduced the data using both SURF, and our own pipeline which produces
zero-footprint maps and noise images. The uncorrelated noise maps produced by
the latter approach have allowed application of a maximum-likelihood method to
measure the statistical significance of each peak, leading to properly
quantified flux-density errors for all potential sources. We detect 19 sources
with S/N > 4, 38 with S/N > 3.5, and 72 with S/N > 3. To assess completeness
and the impact of source confusion we have applied our source extraction
algorithm to a series of simulated images. The result is a new estimate of the
sub-mm source counts in the flux-density range S(850)=5-15mJy, which we compare
with other estimates, and with model predictions. Our estimate of the
cumulative source count at S(850) > 8 mJy is 320 (+80,-100) per square degree.
Assuming that the majority of sources have z > 1.5, the co-moving number
density of high-z galaxies forming stars at a rate >1000 solar masses per year
is 10^-5 per Mpc^3, with only a weak dependence on the precise redshift
distribution. This number density corresponds to that of massive ellipticals
with L > 3-4 L* at low redshift and is also the same as the co-moving number
density of comparably massive, passively-evolving objects in the redshift band
1<z<2 inferred from recent surveys of extremely red objects. Thus the bright
sub-mm sources can plausibly account for the formation of all present-day
massive ellipticals. Improved z constraints, and a proper measurement of sub-mm
clustering can refine or refute this picture.Comment: Minor revisions. 27 pages, 13 figures. Higher resolution versions of
Figs 5,6,7 and 8 are available from the autho
Voluntary drinking behaviour, fluid balance and psychological affect when ingesting water or a carbohydrate-electrolyte solution during exercise
The SCUBA 8-mJy survey - II: Multiwavelength analysis of bright sub-mm sources
We present the results of a multi-wavelength study of the 19 most significant
sub-mm sources detected in the SCUBA 8-mJy survey. As described in Scott et al.
(2001), this survey covers ~260 arcmin^2 using the sub-millimetre camera SCUBA,
to a limiting source detection limit S(850um) ~ 8 mJy. One advantage of this
relatively bright flux-density limit is that accurate astrometric positions are
potentially achievable for every source using existing radio and/or mm-wave
interferometers. However, an associated advantage is that SED-based redshift
constraints should be more powerful than in fainter sub-mm surveys. Here we
therefore exploit the parallel SCUBA 450um data, in combination with existing
radio and ISO data at longer and shorter wavelengths to set constraints on the
redshift of each source. We also analyse new and existing optical and
near-infrared imaging of our SCUBA survey fields to select potential
identifications consistent with these constraints. Our derived SED-based
redshift constraints, and the lack of statistically significant associations
with even moderately bright galaxies allow us to conclude that all 19 sources
lie at z > 1, and at least half of them apparently lie at z > 2.Comment: 14 pages (including 30 figures and 4 tables) accepted by MNRAS.
Figure 1 and 2 and a higher quality version of the full paper are available
at http://astro.ic.ac.uk/~mfox
The understanding and interpretation of innovative technology-enabled multidimensional physical activity feedback in patients at risk of future chronic disease
BACKGROUND:Innovative physical activity monitoring technology can be used to depict rich visual feedback that encompasses the various aspects of physical activity known to be important for health. However, it is unknown whether patients who are at risk of chronic disease would understand such sophisticated personalised feedback or whether they would find it useful and motivating. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether technology-enabled multidimensional physical activity graphics and visualisations are comprehensible and usable for patients at risk of chronic disease. METHOD:We developed several iterations of graphics depicting minute-by-minute activity patterns and integrated physical activity health targets. Subsequently, patients at moderate/high risk of chronic disease (n=29) and healthcare practitioners (n=15) from South West England underwent full 7-days activity monitoring followed by individual semi-structured interviews in which they were asked to comment on their own personalised visual feedback Framework analysis was used to gauge their interpretation and of personalised feedback, graphics and visualisations. RESULTS:We identified two main components focussing on (a) the interpretation of feedback designs and data and (b) the impact of personalised visual physical activity feedback on facilitation of health behaviour change. Participants demonstrated a clear ability to understand the sophisticated personal information plus an enhanced physical activity knowledge. They reported that receiving multidimensional feedback was motivating and could be usefully applied to facilitate their efforts in becoming more physically active. CONCLUSION:Multidimensional physical activity feedback can be made comprehensible, informative and motivational by using appropriate graphics and visualisations. There is an opportunity to exploit the full potential created by technological innovation and provide sophisticated personalised physical activity feedback as an adjunct to support behaviour change
The understanding and interpretation of innovative technology-enabled multidimensional physical activity feedback in patients at risk of future chronic disease
Proposed identification of Hubble Deep Field submillimeter source HDF 850.1
The IRAM interferometer has been used to detect the submm source HDF 850.1
found by Hughes et al. (1998) in the Hubble Deep Field. The flux density
measured at 1.3mm is 2.2 mJy, in agreement with the flux density measured at
the JCMT. The flux densities and upper limits measured at 3.4, 2.8, 1.3, 0.85,
and 0.45 mm show that the emission is from dust. We suggest that the 1.3mm dust
source is associated with the optical arc-like feature, 3-593.0, that has a
photometric redshift of about 1.7. If HDF 850.1 is at this redshift and
unlensed, its spectral energy distribution, combined with that of 3-593.0,
matches closely that of the ultraluminous galaxy VII Zw 31. Another possibility
is that the dust source may be gravitationally lensed by the elliptical galaxy
3-586.0 at a redshift of 1.Comment: 12 pages, 6 figure
Assessment of laboratory and daily energy expenditure estimates from consumer multi-sensor physical activity monitors
Wearable physical activity monitors are growing in popularity and provide the opportunity for large numbers of the public to self-monitor physical activity behaviours. The latest generation of these devices feature multiple sensors, ostensibly similar or even superior to advanced research instruments. However, little is known about the accuracy of their energy expenditure estimates. Here, we assessed their performance against criterion measurements in both controlled laboratory conditions (simulated activities of daily living and structured exercise) and over a 24 hour period in free-living conditions. Thirty men (n = 15) and women (n = 15) wore three multi-sensor consumer monitors (Microsoft Band, Apple Watch and Fitbit Charge HR), an accelerometry-only device as a comparison (Jawbone UP24) and validated research-grade multi-sensor devices (BodyMedia Core and individually calibrated Actiheartâ„¢). During discrete laboratory activities when compared against indirect calorimetry, the Apple Watch performed similarly to criterion measures. The Fitbit Charge HR was less consistent at measurement of discrete activities, but produced similar free-living estimates to the Apple Watch. Both these devices underestimated free-living energy expenditure (-394 kcal/d and -405 kcal/d, respectively; P<0.01). The multi-sensor Microsoft Band and accelerometry-only Jawbone UP24 devices underestimated most laboratory activities and substantially underestimated free-living expenditure (-1128 kcal/d and -998 kcal/d, respectively; P<0.01). None of the consumer devices were deemed equivalent to the reference method for daily energy expenditure. For all devices, there was a tendency for negative bias with greater daily energy expenditure. No consumer monitors performed as well as the research-grade devices although in some (but not all) cases, estimates were close to criterion measurements. Thus, whilst industry-led innovation has improved the accuracy of consumer monitors, these devices are not yet equivalent to the best research-grade devices or indeed equivalent to each other. We propose independent quality standards and/or accuracy ratings for consumer devices are required
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