Initial Results from Mobile Low-Dose Computerized Tomographic Lung Cancer Screening Unit: Improved Outcomes for Underserved Populations.

Introduction: The National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) demonstrated that screening high-risk patients with low-dose computed tomography (CT) of the chest reduces lung cancer mortality compared with screening with chest x-ray. Uninsured and Medicaid patients usually lack access to this hospital-based screening test because of geographic and socioeconomic factors. We hypothesized that a mobile screening unit would improve access and confer the benefits demonstrated by the NLST to this underserved group, which is most at risk of lung cancer deaths.

Evaluation of three sources of validity evidence for a laparoscopic duodenal atresia repair simulator.

Purpose: Laparoscopic duodenal atresia (DA) repair is a relatively uncommon pediatric operation requiring advanced minimally invasive skills. Currently, there are no commercial simulators available that address surgeons' needs for refining skills associated with this procedure. The purposes of this study were (1) to create an anatomically correct, size-relevant model and (2) to evaluate the content validity of the simulator.

Preliminary evaluation of a novel thoracoscopic infant lobectomy simulator.

Purpose: Thoracoscopic lobectomy in infants requires advanced minimally invasive skills. Simulation-based education has the potential to improve complex procedural skills without exposing the patient to undue risks. The study purposes were (1) to create a size-appropriate infant lobectomy simulator and (2) to evaluate validity evidence to support or refute its use in surgical education.

A validated low-cost training model for suprapubic catheter insertion.

Objective: To describe an anatomically correct simulator for use in suprapubic catheter (SPC) insertion training.

Methods: A scale reproduction of an adult male pelvis with bony landmarks and a subcutaneous fluid-filled reservoir was created using platinum cured silicone rubber. This model was evaluated by 6 expert urologists for content validity with a 16-item 5-point rating scale used to evaluate domains relevant to the simulator—physical attributes, realism of experience, realism of materials, and global rating.

Evaluation of Three Sources of Validity Evidence for a Synthetic Thoracoscopic Esophageal Atresia/Tracheoesophageal Fistula Repair Simulator.

Purpose: Thoracoscopic esophageal atresia (EA)/tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) repair is technically challenging. We have previously reported our experiences with a high-fidelity hybrid model for simulation-based educational instruction in thoracoscopic EA/TEF, including the high cost of the tissue for these models. The purposes of this study were (1) to create a low-cost synthetic tissue EA/TEF repair simulation model and (2) to evaluate the content validity of the synthetic tissue simulator.

Design and development of low-cost tissue replicas for simulation of rare neonatal congenital defects.

Studies have shown that simulation can be a valuable tool for training pediatric surgeons to perform thoracoscopic repair of rare congenital anomalies [1-3]. The previously evaluated models were high fidelity, hybrid models that required the use of fetal bovine or porcine tissue blocks within a simulated neonate chest cavity. Real tissue blocks can be expensive, and may not be readily available in some parts of the world.

Design and development of a laparoscopic gastrostomy tube placement simulator.

Laparoscopic gastrostomy tube placement is a common surgical procedure performed in infants. There are currently no commercially available simulation tools for pediatric surgeons to use for surgical training and practice purposes. We have created a low cost and reusable laparoscopic gastrostomy tube placement model for use in pediatric surgical education.

The evolution of design: a novel thoracoscopic diaphragmatic hernia repair simulator.

As advanced minimally invasive techniques have become more prevalent, there has been an increase in the number of pediatric surgeons performing thoracoscopic repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Opportunities to learn and practice this procedure are few. The use of a simulation model for thoracoscopic CDH repair may help reduce errors in the operating room.

Validation of measures from a thoracoscopic esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula repair simulator.

Purpose: A validated high fidelity simulation model would provide a safe environment to teach thoracoscopic EA/TEF repair to novices. The study purpose was to evaluate validity evidence for performance measures on an EA/TEF simulator.

Methods: IRB-exempt data were collected from 12 self-reported "novice" and 8 "experienced" pediatric surgeons.

Collaboration in simulation: the development and initial validation of a novel thoracoscopic neonatal simulator.

Purpose: We sought to create and validate a high fidelity, anatomically correct real tissue simulation model for thoracoscopic esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF) repair.

Methods: A scale reproduction of a neonatal rib cage was created. Surgically modified (EA/TEF) fetal bovine tissue completed the simulator.

The development and evaluation of a novel thoracoscopic diaphragmatic hernia repair simulator.

Background: Thoracoscopic diaphragmatic hernia (DH) repair has a high recurrence rate. Effective simulation modeling may improve technical performance for thoracoscopic DH repair. The study purpose was to evaluate measures of validity evidence for a low-cost thoracoscopic DH simulator.

Design and development of a novel thoracoscopic tracheoesophageal fistula repair simulator.

Thoracoscopic repair of esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF) is a technically challenging surgical procedure. This congenital anomaly is rare; therefore, training opportunities for surgical trainees are limited. There are currently no validated simulation tools available to help train pediatric surgery trainees.

Barcoded pyrosequencing reveals that consumption of galactooligosaccharides results in a highly specific bifidogenic response in humans.

Prebiotics are selectively fermented ingredients that allow specific changes in the gastrointestinal microbiota that confer health benefits to the host. However, the effects of prebiotics on the human gut microbiota are incomplete as most studies have relied on methods that fail to cover the breadth of the bacterial community. The goal of this research was to use high throughput multiplex community sequencing of 16S rDNA tags to gain a community wide perspective of the impact of prebiotic galactooligosaccharide (GOS) on the fecal microbiota of healthy human subjects.