bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Forecasting Severe Weather with Random Forests
Authors: Hill Aaron J. , Herman Gregory R. , Schumacher Russ S. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractUsing nine years of historical forecasts spanning April 2003–April 2012 from NOAA’s Second Generation Global Ensemble Forecast System Reforecast (GEFS/R) ensemble, random forest (RF) models are trained to make probabilistic predictions of severe weather across the contiguous United States (CONUS) at Days 1–3, with separate models for tornado, hail, and severe wind prediction at Day 1 in an analogous fashion to the Storm Prediction Center’s (SPC’s) convective outlooks. Separate models are also trained for the western, central, and eastern CONUS. Input predictors include fields associated with severe weather prediction, including CAPE, CIN, wind shear, and numerous other variables. Predictor inputs incorporate the simulated spatiotemporal evolution of these atmospheric fields throughout the forecast period in the vicinity of the forecast point. These trained RF models are applied to unseen inputs from April 2012 to December 2016, and their forecasts are evaluated alongside the equivalent SPC outlooks. The RFs objectively make statistical deductions about the relationships between various simulated atmospheric fields and observations of different severe weather phenomena that accord with the community’s physical understandings about severe weather forecasting. Using these quantified flow-dependent relationships, the RF outlooks are found to produce calibrated probabilistic forecasts that slightly underperform SPC outlooks at Day 1, but significantly outperform their outlooks at Days 2 and 3. In all cases, a blend of the SPC and RF outlooks significantly outperforms the SPC outlooks alone, suggesting that use of RFs can improve operational severe weather forecasting throughout the Day 1–3 period.
Inter-relationships between left ventricular mass, geometry and arterial stiffness
Authors: Alem Manal M. , Alshehri Abdullah M. 
Published: April 2020

Objective To investigate the inter-relationships between left ventricular mass (LVM), left ventricular (LV) geometry and arterial stiffness parameters (aortic pulse wave velocity [Ao-PWV] and heart rate-corrected augmentation index [c-AIx]) in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Methods This study was a secondary analysis of existing data that were collected from patients with CHF New York Heart Association class I–III with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) or preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Transthoracic echocardiography was performed on all patients, along with measurement of arterial stiffness parameters (Ao-PWV and c-AIx) using sphygmocardiography. Results A total of 73 patients (58 males) with a mean ± SD age of 55.9 ± 11.6 years were enrolled in this study. Of these, 20 patients (27.4%) had systemic hypertension, 46 (63.0%) had type 2 diabetes mellitus. Ischaemic heart disease was the main aetiology of CHF (63 of 73 patients; 86.3%). In multiple linear regression, the left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was significantly associated with c-AIx (β = –1.59) and EF (β = –1.51). Comparison of Ao-PWV among the four LV geometric patterns revealed significant differences. Conclusion In this cohort of CHF patients, LVMI was predicted by c-AIx and EF. The corresponding values of Ao-PWV were parallel in different LV geometric patterns and confirmed their adverse prognostic values.
Efficacy of combination terazosin and nifedipine therapy in postoperative treatment of distal ureteral stones after transurethral ureteroscopic lithotripsy
Authors: Ju Min , Yu Xiuyue , Wu Weiwei , Qu Jingkun , Zheng Jin 
Published: April 2020

Objective To investigate the efficacy of combination terazosin and nifedipine therapy in postoperative treatment of distal ureteral stones after transurethral ureteroscopic lithotripsy. Methods This prospective single-blinded randomized study enrolled 165 patients undergoing transurethral ureteroscopic lithotripsy in our hospital. Patients were randomized into three groups: control, terazosin, and combination treatment (terazosin and nifedipine). Stone discharge rates and times were recorded, along with side effects and complications. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score was used to evaluate pain for 7 days postoperatively. International Prostatic Symptoms Score (IPSS) was used to evaluate prostatic function; quality of life (QOL) was evaluated preoperatively and at 7 days postoperatively. Results The stone discharge rate was significantly higher in the combination group than in other groups; moreover, mean discharge time was shorter in the combination group. Beginning at 3 days postoperatively, VAS scores were dramatically lower in the combination group than in other groups; IPSS and QOL scores were also lower in the combination group. Edema recurrence was significantly less common in combination and terazosin groups than in the control group. Side effects were similar among groups. Conclusion Combination terazosin and nifedipine therapy was safe and effective in postoperative treatment of distal ureteral stones after transurethral ureteroscopic lithotripsy.
Long-segmental ureteral reconstruction using tubularization of ileal seromuscular fold: experimental canine study and preliminary clinical experience
Authors: Chen Qi , Zou Lujia , Liu Rongzong , Mao Shanhua , Hu Yun , Xu Chenyang , Jiang Haowen 
Published: April 2020

Objective This study was performed to investigate the feasibility of tubularization of the ileal seromuscular fold for long-segmental ureteral reconstruction in a canine model and assess the clinical application of this procedure. Methods The experimental study was conducted on six beagles. An ileal segment was chosen and folded along its longitudinal axis and thereafter sutured to tubularize the serous surface. The tubularization of the ileal seromuscular fold was designed to be 10 to 12 cm for ureteral substitution. The neo-ureters were pathologically examined. A patient in our hospital also underwent this reconstructive operation. Several blood parameters were assessed and urography was performed for postoperative evaluation. Results All animals and the patient tolerated the operation and recovered as planned. No severe postoperative complications occurred. Blood examination revealed that renal function was within the normal range. Urography indicated patency of urine excretion without leakage or stenosis. In the patient, antegrade urography showed rhythmic peristalsis of the neo-ureter. The pathologic examination revealed a healthy condition of the neo-ureter and an open lumen with a serous epithelial lining. Conclusion Ureteral reconstruction by tubularization of the ileal seromuscular fold is anatomically possible and was preliminarily validated in a patient in the clinical setting.
Systematic reviews of empirical literature on bioethical topics: Results from a meta-review
Authors: Mertz Marcel , Nobile Hélène , Kahrass Hannes 
Published: April 2020

Background In bioethics, especially nursing ethics, systematic reviews are increasingly popular. The overall aim of a systematic review is to provide an overview of the published discussions on a specific topic. While a meta-review on systematic reviews on normative bioethical literature has already been performed, there is no equivalent for systematic reviews of empirical literature on ethical topics. Objective This meta-review aims to present the general trends and characteristics of systematic reviews of empirical bioethical literature and to evaluate their reporting quality. Research design Literature search was performed on PubMed and Google Scholar. Qualitative content analysis and quantitative approaches were used to evaluate the systematic reviews. Characteristics of systematic reviews were extracted and quantitatively analyzed. The reporting quality was measured using an adapted PRISMA checklist. Findings Seventy-six reviews were selected for analysis. Most reviews came from the field of nursing (next to bioethics and medicine). Selected systematic reviews investigated issues related to clinical ethics (50%), followed by research ethics (36%) and public health ethics or organizational ethics (14%). In all, 72% of the systematic reviews included authors’ ethical reflections on the findings and 59% provided ethical recommendations. Despite the heterogeneous reporting of the reviews, reviews using PRISMA tended to score better regarding reporting quality. Discussion The heterogeneity currently observed is due both to the interdisciplinary nature of nursing ethics and bioethics, and to the emerging nature of systematic review methods in these fields. These results confirm the findings of our previous review of systematic reviews on normative literature, thereby highlighting a recurring methodological gap in systematic reviews of bioethical literature. This also indicates the need to develop more robust methodological standards. Conclusion Through its extensive overview of the characteristics of systematic reviews of empirical literature on ethical topics, this meta-review is expected to inform further discussions on minimal standards and reporting guidelines.
The Role of Dystrophin Gene Mutations in Neuropsychological Domains of DMD Boys: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Tyagi Rahul , Podder Vivek , Arvind Harshita , Mohanty Manju , Anand Akshay 
Published: April 2020

Background: Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a fatal muscular dystrophy of pediatric population coupled with other secondary comorbidities including mental retardation and neuropsychological impairments. Mutation location in the dystrophin gene, have been associated with neuropsychological functioning in DMD. Purpose: We investigated temporal changes in the neuropsychological functioning of DMD subjects, hitherto understudied. Methods: Subjects with suspected DMD were enrolled according to the ethical guidelines. Genetic confirmation by Multiplex Ligation Dependent Probe Amplification was carried out to identify pathogenic deletion or duplication in dystrophin gene. Intellectual and neuropsychological functioning was assessed by using standardized batteries. Investigated neuropsychological domains included visual, verbal and working memory, selective and sustained attention, executive functioning, verbal fluency, and visuo-constructive and visuo-spatial abilities. The assessments were carried out at baseline and followed for one time point in 30 cases. Result: The follow-up assessment revealed that neuropsychological functioning did not worsen with time. Improvements were seen in block designing task ( p = 0.050), serial positioning primacy effect ( p = 0.002), Stroop incongruent task ( p = 0.006), visual long-term memory ( p = 0.003) and attention ( p = 0.001). DMD cases with mutation location affecting short dystrophin isoform (Dp140) also showed improvement in these domains. Conclusion: No temporal alterations were found in DMD subjects, though improvements in few domains were observed. Neuropsychological rehabilitation may be useful in improving the quality of life in DMD subjects.
Race and Ethnicity and Satisfaction With Communication in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Chuang Elizabeth , Fiter Ryan J. , Sanon Omar C. , Wang Ann , Hope Aluko A. , Schechter Clyde B. , Gong Michelle N. 
Published: April 2020

Purpose: Racial and ethnic minority patients receive poorer quality end-of-life (EoL) care compared with white patients. Differences in quality of communication (QOC) with clinicians may contribute to these disparities. We measured differences in satisfaction with communication in the intensive care unit (ICU) by race and ethnicity. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional survey of family members of patients in ICUs of an academic medical center serving a diverse urban population using The Family Satisfaction with the ICU (FS-ICU) and QOC scales. Results: One hundred surveys were completed (18.8% white, non-Hispanic; 34.4% black, non-Hispanic; 31.3% Hispanic; 15.6% other race/ethnicity). Mean FS-ICU score was 84.2 (standard deviation [SD] 20.5) for white patients, 83.3 (SD 16.2) for black patients, 82.7 (SD 17.8) for Hispanic or Latino patients, and 80.9 (SD 18.8) for patients with other race/ethnicity (Kruskal-Wallis, P = .92). Differences remained insignificant when controlling for patient and respondent characteristics. The QOC scale was not scored due to nonresponse levels on questions about EoL communication. Conclusions: Uniformly high ratings may have been influenced by avoidance of EoL discussion. This study is inconclusive regarding whether QOC influences disparities in EoL care since quality of EoL communication was not captured.
Trends in the delivery of care to oncology patients in the United States: Emphasis on the role pharmacists on the healthcare team
Authors: Ignoffo Robert J , Knapp Katherine K , Seung Amy , Brown Victoria , Hough Shannon , Rieband Grazyna , Dang Thu Oanh , Palumbo Alison , Urmanski Angela 
Published: April 2020

Objective The purpose of this study was to identify trends in oncology care that allow one to forecast workforce supply and demand, the training and skills needed by the oncology pharmacist for the likely future of oncology care. Methods Interviews were conducted with experienced oncology pharmacists in leadership roles at 20 organizations balanced by geographic region and type of practice site (academic or community/ambulatory). Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and theme identification. Results Practice sites differed widely in numbers of patient visits, practitioner/patient ratios, residency program presence, and other structural features. Despite this, the majority reported an expectation of growth in cancer patients, oncology physicians, oncology pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, oncology nurses, and advanced practice practitioners in the next two to five years. Fifty percent of sites currently support Post Graduate Year 2 (PGY2) oncology residencies. At least 50% reported routine pharmacist involvement in 12 clinical functions. More future involvement was predicted for immunotherapy (80%) and oral oncolytic therapy (90%). Interprofessional involvement was reported for a broad variety of practice-related committees and patient education teams. Limited pharmacist involvement in credentialing, quality measurement, and value-based reimbursement systems was found. Conclusion Anticipated increases in demand for oncology pharmacists strongly suggest the need for more PGY2 oncology residency programs and on-the-job oncology training programs. Oncology pharmacists are currently involved in many clinical and administrative functions including multidisciplinary management. While a core set of clinical functions has been identified, oncology pharmacists must prepare for the increased use of oral oncology agents and immunotherapy. Pharmacist involvement in value-based reimbursement and other data-based quality outcome measurements should be increased to optimize involvement in team-based patient care.
Epidemiology and Patient Distribution of Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal SCC in Canada
Authors: Ghazawi Feras M. , Lu Jessica , Savin Evgeny , Zubarev Andrei , Chauvin Peter , Sasseville Denis , Zeitouni Anthony , Litvinov Ivan V. 
Published: April 2020

Background Oral cavity cancers (OCCs) and oropharyngeal cancers (OPCs) continue to be a major source of morbidity and mortality worldwide requiring the shared effort of numerous specialists. Tobacco and alcohol consumption have long been identified as risk factors for both OCC and OPC. In addition, human papilloma virus (HPV) is gaining its position as the main causal agent for OPC. Objective The objective of this study is to analyze the epidemiology of OCC and OPC in Canada. Methods Data pertaining to the year of diagnosis, the patient’s sex, age at the time of diagnosis, province/territory, city and postal code of oral cavity, and oropharyngeal malignancies diagnosed during 1992-2010 were extracted from the Canadian Cancer Registry and Le Registre Québécois du Cancer. Results In total, 21 685 OCC cases and 15 965 OPC cases were identified from 1992 to 2010. Of those, 84.97% were oral cavity squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), 88.10% were oropharyngeal SCCs, and both had a significant male predominance. While oral cavity SCC incidence stabilized over the study period, oropharyngeal SCC continued to increase. Oral cavity SCC incidence increased with age, while oropharyngeal SCC incidence peaked in the 50- to 59-year age group. Detailed geographic distribution analysis of patients at the provincial/territorial, city, and postal code levels identified several patient clusters. Conclusions This work highlights important epidemiological differences in trends between oral and oropharyngeal cancers, identifies high-incidence postal codes for each malignancy, and correlates incidence/mortality with known risk factors including alcohol/tobacco use and HPV infections, therefore providing a comprehensive understanding of epidemiology for these cancers in Canada.
Addressing Behavioral Symptoms of Dementia Through STAR-VA Implementation: Do Outcomes Vary by Behavior Type?
Authors: Jedele Jenefer M. , Curyto Kim , Ludwin Brian M. , Karel Michele J. 
Published: April 2020

Objectives: The STAR-VA program in Veterans Health Administration Community Living Centers (CLCs, nursing home settings) trains teams to implement a psychosocial intervention with residents with behavioral symptoms of dementia (BSD). Methods: Across 71 CLCs, 302 residents selected as training cases had target behaviors categorized into one of 5 types: physically aggressive (PA), physically nonaggressive, verbally aggressive, verbally nonaggressive, and behavior deficit (BD). Results: Across all groups, there were significant declines in team-rated behavior frequency (36%) and severity (44%), agitation (10%), distress behaviors (42%), depression (17%), and anxiety (20%). The magnitude of changes varied across behavior category. For example, those with a PA target behavior experienced a greater percentage decline in agitation and distress behavior scores, and those with a BD target behavior experienced a greater percentage decline in depressive and anxiety symptoms. Conclusions: STAR-VA, a multicomponent intervention, is generally effective across various types of behavioral symptoms associated with dementia.
Cardiorespiratory fitness and cancer in men with cardiovascular disease: Analysis from the Veterans Exercise Testing Study
Authors: Vainshelboim Baruch , Chan Khin , Chen Zhongming , Myers Jonathan 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Background
Cardiovascular disease and cancer share similar risk factors and are the leading causes of death worldwide. This study aimed to assess the association between cardiorespiratory fitness, cancer incidence and cancer mortality in men with cardiovascular disease.

Methods
Baseline cardiorespiratory fitness (treadmill exercise test) was assessed in 565 men aged 58.9 ± 17 with documented cardiovascular disease and free from any malignancy. Cox multivariable hazard models, population attributable fraction and exposure impact number were analyzed in model accounting for competing events for cancer outcomes.

Results
Mean cardiorespiratory fitness was 7.6 ± 3.4 metabolic equivalents. During a 12.0 ± 7.5 year follow-up, 147 participants developed any type of cancer, 70 died from cancer, and five died from causes other than cancer as competing events. Compared to low cardiorespiratory fitness (&lt;5 metabolic equivalents), moderate (5–10 metabolic equivalents) and high cardiorespiratory fitness (&gt;10 metabolic equivalents) were associated with 50% (0.50, 95% confidence interval (0.27–0.91)) and 68% (0.32 (0.11–0.88)) reduced risks for cancer mortality (p trend = 0.026), respectively. Survival time was longer among individuals with moderate (20.8 (19.7–22) years) and high (24.9 (23–26.7) years) compared to low cardiorespiratory fitness (17.2 (15.1–19.3) years), p &lt; 0.001. Population attributable fraction and exposure impact number for cancer mortality were 13% (4.1–17.7) and 10.8 (5.1–56.4), p = 0.01, respectively. Cardiorespiratory fitness was not associated with cancer incidence.

Conclusion
Higher cardiorespiratory fitness was independently associated with lower risk of cancer mortality and extended survival time in men with cardiovascular disease, although it was not associated with cancer incidence. Improving cardiorespiratory fitness through supervised exercise rehabilitation programs could potentially serve as a cost-effective public-health strategy for secondary prevention and survivorship in men with cardiovascular disease.
Innovation at the Bottom of the Pyramid: Empowering Rickshaw Pullers
Authors: Sharma Shalaghya , Singh Anjani K. , Singh Amarendra Pratap 
Published: April 2020

This case presents the innovative approach adopted by a for-profit social enterprise through utilization of technology, changed processes and improved business models to deliver the desired social impact. It also highlights the various challenges that the social entrepreneur faced and how the bottom of the pyramid was uplifted through success of this new social entrepreneurial venture. The case study is based on an interview conducted with the founder and managing director of SMV Wheels Pvt. Ltd. An exploratory schedule was prepared, and the researchers tried to develop an understanding of the business model deployed, challenges faced, competencies needed and strategic decisions made by the social entrepreneur that helped it in becoming sustainable. The challenges highlighted in the case study were lack of trust of beneficiaries, stakeholder scepticism, funding the business, testing the business model, need to retain self-motivation, handling family opposition and building a team. Moreover, with the use of technology, the traditional rickshaw was converted into a lightweight, technologically superior and cost-effective model; the health hazards were minimized; and the product became accessible with small weekly payments. Dilemma How to alleviate the daily struggle of the rickshaw pullers who perform labour-intensive work with meagre income? Their children lacked access to schools, no nutritious food was available, many rickshaw pullers consumed alcohol on a regular basis, domestic violence was prevalent, they were unable to afford good healthcare and suffered from diseases such as tuberculosis. What could be done for them? Theory: New product launch. Product and process innovations. Type of the Case: Problem solving and applied. Protagonist: Present. Options Redesign the rickshaw as a lightweight vehicle requiring less effort to pull. Strengthen supply side and easy access to bank financing, revenue sharing from advertisements. Discussions and Case Questions How to further optimize economic and social value creation? What steps can reduce the cost of a rickshaw while making it robust but lightweight? Perhaps a community of networks of rickshaw pullers in different towns can give critical mass to better negotiate with the vendors. What can be done for the welfare of the dependents of the rickshaw pullers?