bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Cloud Microphysics Schemes in a Warn-on-Forecast System Using Synthetic Satellite Objects
Authors: Jones Thomas A. , Skinner Patrick , Knopfmeier Kent , Mansell Edward , Minnis Patrick , Palikonda Rabindra , Smith William 
Published: October 2018

AbstractForecasts of high-impact weather conditions using convection-allowing numerical weather prediction models have been found to be highly sensitive to the selection of cloud microphysics scheme used within the system. The Warn-on-Forecast (WoF) project has developed a rapid-cycling, convection-allowing, data assimilation and forecasting system known as the NSSL Experimental WoF System for ensembles (NEWS-e), which is designed to utilize advanced cloud microphysics schemes. NEWS-e currently (2017–18) uses the double-moment NSSL variable density scheme (NVD), which has been shown to generate realistic representations of convective precipitation within the system. However, very little verification on nonprecipitating cloud features has been performed with this system. During the 2017 Hazardous Weather Testbed (HWT) experiment, an overestimation of the areal coverage of convectively generated cirrus clouds was observed. Changing the cloud microphysics scheme to Thompson generated more accurate cloud fields. This research undertook the task of improving the cloud analysis generated by NVD while maintaining its skill for other variables such as reflectivity. Adjustments to cloud condensation nuclei (CCN), fall speed, and collection efficiencies were made and tested over a set of six severe weather cases occurring during May 2017. This research uses an object-based verification approach in which objects of cold infrared brightness temperatures, high cloud-top pressures, and cloud water path are generated from model output and compared against GOES-13 observations. Results show that the modified NVD scheme generated much more skillful forecasts of cloud objects than the original formulation without having a negative impact on the skill of simulated composite reflectivity forecasts.
Industry Payments to Physicians and Prescriptions of Brand‐Name Proton‐Pump Inhibitors
Authors: Morse Elliot , Fujiwara Rance J. T. , Mehra Saral 
Published: October 2018

ObjectiveTo characterize the association between industry payments and prescriptions of 2 brand‐name proton‐pump inhibitors (PPIs).Study DesignCross‐sectional retrospective.SettingPhysicians nationwide.Subjects and MethodsWe identified all physicians receiving industry payments for Dexilant and Nexium 2014‐2015 from the Open Payments database. We linked this to records of prescriptions for PPIs paid for by Medicare Part D these same years and compared the proportion of prescriptions written for Dexilant and Nexium in industry‐compensated vs nonindustry compensated physicians. The number and dollar amount of payments were associated with the rate of drug prescriptions.ResultsWe identified 254,452 physicians prescribing PPIs; 8586 and 2766 physicians received industry payments for Dexilant and Nexium, respectively. A total of 5052 of 7876 (64%) physicians compensated for Dexilant prescribed Dexilant vs 39,778 of 246,571 (16%) noncompensated physicians (P <. 001). For Nexium, 2525 of 2654 (95%) compensated physicians prescribed Nexium, compared to 123,913 of 252,067 (49%) noncompensated physicians. For both Dexilant and Nexium, there was a significant correlation between the number (ρ = 0.22, P <. 001 and ρ = 0.12, P <. 001) and dollar amount (ρ = 0.22, P <. 001 and ρ = 0.13, P <. 001) of payments and the percentage of prescriptions written for the compensated drug. Industry payments for Nexium remained associated with rate of prescription even after generic esomeprazole became available.ConclusionBoth the number and dollar amount of industry payments were associated with increased prescriptions for both Dexilant and Nexium. Although unable to show causality, this study suggests that industry payments may increase physician prescriptions of costly, brand‐name drugs.
The Value of Limited Resection for “Clinical” Stage I Peripheral Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in Poor-Risk Patients: Comparison of Limited Resection and Lobectomy by a Computer-Assisted Matched Study
Authors: Date Hiroshi , Andou Akio , Shimizu Nobuyoshi 
Published: October 2018

Aim A computer-assisted retrospective matched study was devised to compare limited resection and lobectomy for non-small cell lung cancer. Methods Of 353 patients undergoing operation for “clinical” stage I peripheral non-small cell lung cancer, 16 patients undergoing limited resection (because of poor risk) could be matched satisfactorily with 16 patients undergoing lobectomy (as a standard procedure) on the basis of age, sex, histology, tumor location, and tumor size with computer assistance. Results No hospital death was observed in the 32 patients. Three of the 16 limited resection patients (19%) developed local recurrence in the same lobe. The 5-year survival rate was 55.5% for limited resection and 73.7% for lobectomy ( P = not significant). For tumors more than 2.0 cm in diameter, 3-year survival rate was significantly lower in the limited resection group than in the lobectomy group: 34.3% versus 85.7%, P < 0.05. For adenocarcinoma, limited resection seemed to be more unfavorable than lobectomy: 5-year survival rate, 34.3% versus 75.0%, P = 0.07. Conclusions Limited resection offered a good survival rate without hospital death for poor-risk patients; however, lobectomy should be performed for good-risk patients.
The Extent of Surgery for Thyroid Medullary Cancer
Authors: Pelizzo Maria Rosa , Bernante Paolo , Piotto Andrea , Toniato Antonio , Girelli Maria Elisa , Busnardo Benedetto , Rupolo Maurizio , Fassina Ambrogio , Pennelli Natale 
Published: October 2018

Aims Evaluation of the impact of the extent of primary surgery and reintervention on the outcome of patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma. Methods Seventy-two patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) were surgically treated between 1967 and 1992. Results Fifty-five cases were sporadic, 5 patients had MEN 2A, 4 MEN 2B syndrome and 8 familial non-MEN MTC; 1 patient had stage I disease, 30 patients stage II, 36 stage III and 5 stage IV. Sixty-four had their initial treatment at our center, and 8 came for subsequent treatment. At first treatment, 8 patients were subjected to partial thyroidectomy, 10 to total thyroidectomy, 53 to total thyroidectomy with neck dissection, and 1 to only radical neck dissection; postoperative serum calcitonin (Ct) levels returned to normal in 3, 6 and 27 patients, respectively. In the patient with only radical neck dissection, Ct levels remained elevated. No patient with Ct normalization after surgery became responsive to pentagastrin in the follow-up. Thirteen patients had a reoperation due to nodal relapse. At a mean follow-up of 5.7 years (6-252 months), the 10-year survival rate was 84.5% with a significant difference between patients under and over 40 years of age (96.4 vs 57%), between stage I-II (100%) and stage III, IV (83.8%, 0% respectively). At the last follow-up, 36 (50%) patients were alive and disease free and 26 were alive with disease (15 with distant metastases). Of the 10 deaths, 7 were due to tumor recurrence, 3 to 120 months after surgery. Conclusions Data suggest that an earlier diagnosis rather than more extensive surgery could improve survival and reduce recurrences. However, the least treatment required is total thyroidectomy plus central neck and upper mediastinum clearance and in addition, according to the extent of nodal involvement, mono- or bilateral neck dissection. To avoid ineffective reoperation due to distant (mainly liver) micro-metastases, persistent residual microscopic disease requires a more aggressive restaging.
Die Diagnostik Und Therapie Gedeckter Harnblasenverletzungen ()
Authors: Pytel Anton 
Published: October 2018

Zusammenfassung Die diagnostischen, in erster Linie röntgenologischen Methoden, die bei 67 Patienten mit intra- und extraperitonealen Harnblasenrissen Anwendung fanden, werden analysiert. Besondere Bedeutung wird der aufsteigenden Zystographie zugesprochen, die eine ungefährliche und dabei äusserst wertvolle diagnostische Methode darstellt, welche in 92% der Fälle eine richtige Diagnosenstellung ermöglicht. Die gewaltigen diagnostischen Vorzüge der Zystographie haben überwiegende Bedeutung im Vergleich zu der Möglichkeit der Einschleppung einer Infektion bei dieser Untersuchung. Der Verfasser betont, dass das Schicksal der Patienten mit Verletzungen der Harnblase von der maximal frühzeitigen Vornahme eines operative Eingriffs abhängt. Die Mortalität betrug unter den Beobachtungen des Verfassers 28,3%. Bei 72% der Überlebenden wurde die Arbeitsfähigkeit wiederhergestellt.
Earlier Onset of Maternal Excess Adiposity Associated with Shorter Exclusive Breastfeeding Duration
Authors: Hawkins Misty A. W. , Colaizzi Janna , Rhoades-Kerswill Sarah , Fry Emily D. , Keirns Natalie G. , Smith Caitlin E. 
Published: October 2018

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months is recommended; however, women with obesity have lower exclusive breastfeeding rates than their normal weight peers. The impact of the timing of maternal excess adiposity onset is unknown. Research aim: We examined whether the timing of onset of excess weight was related to exclusive breastfeeding duration. Methods: Snowball sampling was used for the cross-sectional Breastfeeding Opinions, Outcomes, Behaviors, and Services online survey. The sample was 1,570 mothers who reported their breastfeeding and weight history. Exclusive breastfeeding duration (for first biological child only) was calculated in months and dichotomously (0=< 6 months exclusive breastfeeding; 1=⩾ 6 months exclusive breastfeeding). Participants self-reported their excess weight onset (0=before/during puberty or 1=after puberty). Results: Analysis of covariance results indicated that earlier onset of excess weight was associated with shorter exclusive breastfeeding ( F (1, 1518) = 11.29, p<.001, η2=.01). Those with excess adiposity onset before or during puberty were 1.6 times more likely to experience exclusive breastfeeding failure (< 6 months exclusive breastfeeding) than those with onset after puberty ( OR = 1.57, β = .46, Wald = 11.81, p = .001). Conclusion: Earlier onset of excess adiposity had an adverse influence on exclusive breastfeeding duration. Women with a history of excess adiposity before or during puberty who want to breastfeed may require additional intervention to promote their breastfeeding success.
Accessibility of Antigenic Sites Recognized by AUA1, HMFG1 and HMFG2 Monoclonal Antibodies: Its Influence on Antibody Binding of Live Cells
Authors: Mooi Wolter J , Krausz Thomas , Kirkland Susan C , Cross Angela , Epenetos Agamemnon A 
Published: October 2018

We assessed the immunoreactivity of live and alcohol-fixed monolayers of HRA-19, a rectal adenocarcinoma cell line, to the monoclonal antibodies AUA1, HMFG1 and HMFG2. Differences in staining patterns between live and alcohol-fixed colonies were found. The well-polarized cells forming the centers of the monolayer colonies showed strong membrane staining when the cells were alcohol-fixed prior to AUA1 incubation, but showed no staining when the cells were alive during the incubation. When AUA1 incubation was done both before and after alcohol fixation, membrane staining was again seen, ruling out the possibility of antigenic modulation. Incubation of live cells with AUA1 together with EDTA showed strong staining of dissociating cells. It is concluded that AUA1 antigenic sites, which on polarized cells are basolateral in location, are inaccessible to the antibody-containing culture fluid, which bathes the apical aspects of the cells, but they become accessible after alcohol fixation, or treatment with EDTA. HMFG1 antigenic sites are located on the apical cell membrane, and accordingly, no differences were seen between incubation of live and alcohol-fixed cells when incubated with HMFG1. The antigenic sites of HMFG2 are partly intracellular, and in our monolayer model, the staining of live cells was weaker and more scarce than on alcohol-fixed cells. It is concluded that immunostaining of cytological and histological material of tumours may not adequately predict antibody binding on live cells, and thus, these findings are of importance in the context of selection of monoclonal antibodies for clinical radio-immunotargeting.
Estrogen and Progesterone Receptors in Human Colorectal Tumour Cells (Study of 70 Cases)
Authors: Bracali G. , Caracino A.M. , Rossodivita F. , Bianchi C. , Loli M.G. , Bracali M. 
Published: October 2018

Estrogen and progesterone receptors were studied in 70 cases of human colorectal cancer by a cytochemical technique. 28.5% of the cases were estrogen-receptor positive and 42.8% progesterone-receptor positive. There was no difference between the sexes for estrogen receptors but the women had more tumours with progesterone receptors than men. The presence of receptors is unrelated to the differentiation of the tumour. More colon tumours were positive than those of the sigma and rectum. The concentration of cells with receptors in positive cancer cases tended to be low or medium-low.
Comparison of CA 15-3 and CEA in diagnosis and monitoring of breast cancer
Authors: Safi F. , Kohler I. , Röttinger E. , Suhr P. , Beger H. G. 
Published: October 2018

In order to assess the utility of the tumor-associated antigen CA15-3 in the diagnosis of breast cancer, this new tumor marker was measured pre-operatively in 1342 patients. This group comprised 509 patients with malignant disease (134 with breast cancer and 375 with other malignancies not involving the breast) and 833 patients with benign surgical diseases (95 patients with fibroadenoma of the breast, 738 with other benign diseases). The results were compared with those for carcino-embryonic antigen (CEA) in the diagnosis of breast cancer. CA15-3 was above the normal limits of 25 U/ml in 31% of the patients with breast cancer, in 22% of patients with other malignancies, and in 9% of patients with benign diseases. CEA was elevated in 26% of patients with breast cancer (> 3ng/ml). CA15-3 levels were above 50 U/ml in 13% of the breast cancer patients, in 6%) of patients with other malignancies, and in 0.2% of the patients with benign diseases. There was a good correlation between CA 15-3 level and tumor stage in breast cancer. CA 15-3 serum levels were over 50 U/ml in respectively 0%, 2%, 13%, and 73% of the patients with stages I, II, III, and IV. CA 15-3 and CEA were also determined in 671 patients who had received initial curative surgery of breast cancer, and who regularly attended our follow-up clinic. CA15-3 was found to be more sensitive than CEA in detecting recurrences of breast cancer. In the post-care period, carcinoma recurred in 205 patients. Of these 73% had CA15-3 concentrations above 25 U/ml, whereas only 50% had CEA values above 3 ng/ml (p< 0.0001). Although neither CA15-3 nor CEA are sensitive enough for the screening and diagnosis of early breast cancer, CA 15-3 is superior to CEA in the detection of breast cancer metastases.
Outcomes of Surgical Repair of Complex D-Transposition of the Great Arteries
Authors: Olds Anna , Nakamura Yuki , Levasseur Stephanie , Shah Amee , Freud Lindsay , Chelliah Anjali , Chai Paul , Quaegebeur Jan , Bacha Emile , Kalfa David 
Published: October 2018

Background: D-transposition of the great arteries (TGA) or TGA-type double outlet right ventricle (DORV) with ventricular septal defect (VSD) and left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) may be treated with the arterial switch operation (ASO), Rastelli, Réparation à l’Etage Ventriculaire (REV), or Nikaidoh procedures. We evaluated midterm results of these techniques. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 42 cases of anatomic repair from 2005 to 2014 at our institution for TGA (n = 29) or TGA-type DORV (n = 13) with VSD and LVOTO. We analyzed outcomes (mortality, reoperation, residual/recurrent LVOT peak gradient ≥20 mm Hg, right ventricular outflow tract [RVOT] peak gradient ≥40 mm Hg) and performed a risk analysis. Mean follow-up was 5.77 ± 3.08 years. Results: Seventeen (40.5%) patients had an ASO with (n = 4) or without (n = 13) LVOTO resection. The Rastelli, REV, and Nikaidoh procedures were used in 14 (33%), 5 (12%), and 6 (14%) patients, respectively. There were no mortalities or moderate aortic insufficiency at last follow-up. Three (9%) patients developed LVOT gradient ≥20 mm Hg, while nine (21.4%) patients had RVOT obstruction. Reoperations included RVOT/pulmonary artery reoperation (n = 10; 23.8%) and LVOT reoperation (n = 1; 2.5%). Freedom from reoperation was 84% ± 6% and 75% ± 9% at one and three years, respectively, for the entire cohort with no differences between groups by type of operation (log-rank P = .64). The Nikaidoh procedure compared favorably to all other techniques in terms of reoperation (n = 0/6; 0% vs n = 13/36; 36%; P = .08). Conclusions: Midterm outcomes after anatomic repair for TGA or TGA-type DORV with LVOTO and VSD are excellent but vary by surgical technique. The Nikaidoh procedure seems to compare favorably to the other techniques.
Pulmonary Autograft Mitral Valve Replacement (Ross II): Long-Term Follow-Up of a US Center
Authors: Blitzer David , Herrmann Jeremy L. , Brown John W. 
Published: October 2018

Background: Mitral valve replacement (MVR) with a pulmonary autograft (Ross II) may be a useful technique for pediatric and young adult patients who wish to avoid anticoagulation. Our aim was to evaluate the long-term outcomes of the Ross II procedure at our institution. Methods: Patients undergoing the Ross II procedure between June 2002 and April 2008 were included. Preoperative diagnoses included rheumatic disease (n = 5), congenital mitral valve (MV) pathology (partial atrioventricular canal defect [n = 2], complete atrioventricular canal defect [n = 1], Shone's complex [n = 1]), and myocarditis (n = 1). Results: Ten patients (eight females and two males) between 7 months and 46 years were included. Mean age at surgery was 25.2 ± 15.7 years. There were no in-hospital deaths. Mean follow-up was 11.7 ± 5.2 years. There were three late deaths at 11 months, 5 years, and 11 years, respectively. Causes of death included right heart failure, sepsis, and sudden cardiac arrest. Three patients required subsequent mechanical MVR a median of two years after the Ross II procedure (range: 1-4 years). There was no mortality with reoperation. Echocardiographic follow-up demonstrated mean MV gradients ranging from 2.2 to 9.6 mm Hg. Two patients had greater than mild MV regurgitation postoperatively, and all others had minimal mitral regurgitation or less. Two patients developed moderate MV stenosis. Conclusions: The Ross II procedure is an option for select older children and young adults desiring a durable tissue MVR to avoid long-term anticoagulation.
Outcomes of Surgically Managed Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Hadayer Amir , Mueller Brett H. , Adeniran Janelle Fassbender , Barr Charles C. 
Published: October 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to conduct a retrospective chart review of the results of vitrectomy for diabetic vitreous hemorrhage (VH) and diabetic traction retinal detachment (TRD) using small-gauge instruments. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of all diabetic vitrectomies performed at the University of Louisville from 2012 to 2016 that had at least 6 months of follow-up. Patients included in this study underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for proliferative diabetic retinopathy complications. We analyzed the preoperative and 6- and 12-month postoperative visual acuities (VAs) in patients who had vitrectomy for their diabetic retinopathy. We also determined the proportion of patients who had best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/40 or better and 20/80 or worse. In the patients who had BCVA of 20/80 or worse, we identified the reasons for the decreased VA. We also report intraocular pressure, demographic characteristics, operative techniques, and complications. Results: We identified 93 eyes that underwent diabetic vitrectomy; 81 eyes of 63 patients had at least 6 months’ follow-up. Of those 81 eyes, 40 eyes had VH only; the average duration of vision loss before surgery was 4.7 months. Forty-one eyes had TRDs with average duration of vision loss before surgery of 7 months. The presenting BCVA was 1.14 logMAR (20/300) in the VH-only group and 1.49 logMAR (20/600) in the TRD group ( P < .09). Six months after surgery, the BCVA was 0.59 logMAR (20/80) in the VH-only group but still 1.37 logMAR (20/500) in the TRD group ( P < .001). By 12 months after surgery (63 eyes), the BCVA was 0.60 logMAR (20/80) vs 1.09 logMAR (20/250), respectively ( P < .02). Technical success was achieved in 79 of 81 eyes. At 12 months after surgery, 22 eyes (55%) in the VH-only group and 19 eyes (46%) in the TRD group gained 15 letters or more (doubling the VA) compared with their presenting VA. In the VH-only group 7 eyes (18%) were 23-gauge (G) PPV, 22 (58%) were 25G PPV, and 9 (24%) were 27G PPV, while in the TRD group 15 (38%) were 20G PPV, 11 (27%) were 23G PPV, and 14 (35%) were 25G PPV. There was no difference in outcome with different gauges. Conclusions: While vitrectomy for complications of diabetic retinopathy was technically successful with small-gauge surgery, visual results were disappointing. Further work is needed to clarify the best timing of surgery to improve visual outcomes.
Healing rates in diabetes-related foot ulcers using low frequency ultrasonic debridement versus non-surgical sharps debridement: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Michailidis Lucia , Bergin Shan M. , Haines Terry P. , Williams Cylie M. 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Objective
Current clinical practice varies around debridement techniques used to promote healing of diabetes-related foot ulcers. This randomised controlled study will compare healing rates for diabetes-related foot ulcers treated with low frequency ultrasonic debridement versus non-surgical sharps debridement. Individuals with diabetes-related foot ulcers being managed by podiatry at a metropolitan hospital were screened against study criteria. Eligible participants were randomly allocated to either the non-surgical sharps debridement group or the low frequency ultrasonic debridement group and received weekly treatment for 6 months. Participants also completed a quality of life measure and visual analogue pain scale.

Results
This trial was ended early due to recruitment issues. Ten participants with 14 ulcers participated. Results were analysed using a survival analysis approach. Ulcers treated with non-surgical sharps debridement healed more quickly (61.6 days ± 24.4) compared with low frequency ultrasonic debridement (117.6 days ± 40.3). In both groups, quality of life was observed to improve as ulcers healed and pain levels reduced as ulcers improved. Observations from this study found faster healing using non-surgical sharps debridement. However, these results are unable to be generalised due to the small sample size. Further research is recommended.
Trial registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry: ACTRN12612000490875