bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intensity‐modulated radiotherapy is a safe and effective treatment for localized malignant pleural mesothelioma
Authors: Simon Michael , Shochat Tzippy , Peled Nir , Zer Alona , Kramer Mordechai R. , Eldan Orit , Saute Milton , Dudnik Elizabeth R. , Allen Aaron M. 
Published: September 2018

BackgroundMalignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare disease and management of localized disease is controversial. Radiotherapy has been shown to be useful after extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP), as well as with less aggressive surgery. As no reports of the treatment of this disease have ever been published from Israel, we report our experience with MPM and intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT).MethodsThe complete medical records of patients treated for MPM at the Rabin Medical Center from 1 August 2007 to 31 March 2016 were reviewed. Twenty‐seven patients were treated with IMRT, either post‐EPP or without EPP. Patients received 54 Gy in 2 Gy fractions using the restricted field IMRT technique. Chemotherapy was administered sequentially in 26% of patients. Patients were followed up from the date of diagnosis to death or treatment failure.ResultsSeventy‐eight percent of patients had the epithelioid subtype. Nearly all patients were male (85%) and 90% of non‐surgical patients were administered chemotherapy compared to 56% of post‐EPP patients. All patients completed therapy and only 16% had grade 1–2 radiation pneumonitis, with no incidence of grade 3 or higher. The median follow‐up was 22 months and the mean overall survival was 34.9 months. The mean time to progression following radiation therapy was 26.7 months. The mean time to local and distant failure was 19 and 16 months, respectively.ConclusionsIMRT for localized pleural mesothelioma is a tolerable and effective therapy both post‐EPP or without surgery. These results suggest that future investigation in this area is required.
Evidence of Industry Scale Effects on Audit Hours, Billing Rates, and Pricing
Authors: Dekeyser Simon , Gaeremynck Ann , Willekens Marleen 
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACTUsing a proprietary data set consisting of all private firm audit engagements in 2000 from one Big 4 firm in Belgium, we investigate (i) whether audit office industry scale is associated with a reduction of total, partner, and staff audit hours and thus with efficiency gains triggered by organizational learning from servicing more clients in an industry and (ii) whether the extent of efficiency pass‐on from the auditor to its clients depends on the audit firm's market power. We find that auditor office industry scale is associated with efficiency gains and a reduction of the variable costs (i.e., fewer total audit hours, partner hours, and staff hours), ceteris paribus. Our results also suggest that, on average, realized efficiencies are entirely passed on, as evidenced by a nonsignificant effect of auditor industry scale on the auditor's billing rate. Furthermore, we find that the extent of the efficiency pass‐on decreases with the market power of the audit firm in the industry market segment as we document a higher billing rate for auditors with high market power (versus low market power). In addition, we find that the lower audit hours associated with auditor industry scale do not compromise audit quality.
Emergency Department Procedural Sedation Practice Limitations: A Statewide California American College of Emergency Physicians Survey
Authors: Reibling Ellen T. , Green Steven M. , Phan Tammy , Lopez‐Gusman Elena , Fierro Lizveth , Davis Andrew , Sugarman Thomas , Futernick Marc 
Published: September 2018

AbstractObjectivesWe wanted to estimate the frequency and describe the nature of emergency department (ED) procedural sedation restrictions in the State of California.MethodsWe surveyed medical directors for all licensed EDs statewide regarding limitations on procedural sedation practice. Our primary outcome was the frequency of restrictions on procedural sedation, defined as an inability to administer moderate sedation, deep sedation, and typical ED sedative agents in accordance with American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) guidelines. Our secondary outcomes were the nature of these restrictions, who has imposed them, why they were imposed, and the perceived clinical impact.ResultsWe obtained responses from 211 (64%) of the 328 EDs. Ninety‐one (43%) reported conditional or total limitations on their ability to administer one or more of the following: moderate sedation, deep sedation, propofol, ketamine, or etomidate. Thirty‐nine (18%) reported total restriction of at least one of these—most frequently a prohibition of deep sedation (18%). Local anesthesia directors were the most frequently cited creators and enforcers of these restrictions. Some respondents reported that, due to these restrictions, they used less effective sedatives, they performed procedures without sedation when sedation would have been preferred, and they observed inadequate sedation and pain control.ConclusionsIn this statewide survey we found a substantial prevalence of practice limitations—mostly created by local anesthesia directors—that restrict the ability of emergency physicians to provide procedural sedation for their patients in accordance with ACEP guidelines. Deep sedation was prohibited in 18% of responding EDs. Our respondents describe adverse consequences to patient care.
Long‐term cognitive trajectories and heterogeneity in patients with schizophrenia and their unaffected siblings
Authors: Islam Md. A. , Habtewold T. D. , van Es F. D. , Quee P. J. , van den Heuvel E. R. , Alizadeh B. Z. , Bruggeman R. ,   GROUP Investigators
Published: September 2018

ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the heterogeneity and stability of cognition in patients with a non‐affective psychotic disorder and their unaffected siblings. In addition, we aimed to predict the cognitive subtypes of siblings by their probands.MethodAssessments were conducted at baseline, 3 and 6 years in 1119 patients, 1059 siblings and 586 controls from the Genetic Risk and Outcome of Psychosis (GROUP) study. Group‐based trajectory modeling was applied to identify trajectories and clustered multinomial logistic regression analysis was used for prediction modeling. A composite score of eight neurocognitive tests was used to measure cognitive performance.ResultsFive stable cognitive trajectories ranging from severely altered to high cognitive performance were identified in patients. Likewise, four stable trajectories ranging from moderately altered to high performance were found in siblings. Siblings had a higher risk of cognitive alteration when patients’ alteration was mild (OR = 2.21), moderate (OR = 5.70), and severe (OR = 10.07) compared with patients with intact cognitive function. The familial correlation coefficient between pairs of index patients and their siblings was 0.27 (P = 0.003).ConclusionsThe cognitive profiles identified in the current study might be suitable as endophenotypes and could be used in future genetic studies and predicting functional and clinical outcomes.
The impact of cattle grazing regimes on tropical savanna bird assemblages
Authors: Neilly Heather , Schwarzkopf Lin 
Published: September 2018

AbstractGlobally, agricultural land use is implicated in the decline of avifauna. In rangelands (areas used for livestock grazing), bird community responses to grazing can be complex, species‐specific and scale dependent. A greater understanding of bird responses to grazing will lead to more meaningful management recommendations. We tested the hypothesis that foraging height predicts bird species’ responses to grazing, such that species using lower vegetation strata are most likely to respond to the impacts of livestock grazing. We examined the response of a tropical savanna bird community to four grazing strategies at a long‐term grazing trial in northern Australia. We predicted that ground‐foraging guilds would be more responsive to grazing treatment than foliage‐ or aerial‐foraging guilds. We analysed the bird community assemblage using generalised linear mixed models and examined individual species’ abundance in relation to microhabitat variables. We found that while ground‐foraging guilds were more responsive to grazing treatment, individual species dynamics within a foraging guild could be contradictory. For example, the red‐backed fairy‐wren decreased in abundance with increased grazing and was positively associated with grass and shrub (Carissa ovata)cover, whereas Australian magpies increased in abundance in the most heavily grazed paddocks. In general, the responses of bird species to grazing were more pronounced in guilds that forage closer to the ground, but whether the responses were positive or negative was driven by bird species ecology. Measures examining the responses of individual species are more useful than assemblage measures (such as richness) to describe the impacts of anthropogenic disturbance such as grazing.
Linking hydrological, geomorphological and biological properties in hyper‐arid conditions: Distribution processes of a dominant clonal cactus by run‐off
Authors: Almirón Martín G. , Martínez Carretero Eduardo E. , Navas Kaluza María D. , Rothis Luis M. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe objective was to analyse the asexual spread of Tephrocactus aoracanthus (Cactaceae) related to run‐off triggered by torrential summer rains in a hyper‐arid desert. Through a manipulative essay, 30 joints (asexual dispersing stems) were placed in the mainstream of an alluvial fan and 30 joints out of the alluvial fan, without run‐off influence (control). All joints were labelled, and their weight and diameter were measured. After each rain event with run‐off, joints were surveyed identifying their spatial coordinates and environmental context. For this, two factors with two levels each one was selected: position respect to both microrelief (channels with concentrated run‐off, or inter‐channels as flat areas between channels, without run‐off) and vegetation (entangled or not entangled in shrubs). Through a geographic information system, changes in slope angle and rugosity of terrain were analysed. Linear regressions were performed between the partial displacement of joints and their weight and diameter, grouped according to environmental context before each rainfall. None of the joints of the control treatment were moved, but all joints located in the mainstream were relocated. Three rainfall events triggered a mean displacement of 480.4 ± 210.0 m (SD); 103.0 ± 138.9 m (SD) and 33.2 ± 52.3 m (SD), respectively. The mean accumulated displacement of all joints during the experience was 577.12 ± 220.0 m (SD). As they moved, the joints passed through several different environmental contexts, increasing the proportion of joints entangled in vegetation and in inter‐channel position. Until rooted, joints could be displaced by run‐off in an anisotropic process, with an evident effect of slope angle and rugosity of terrain. On the other hand, no direct relationship was found between the displacement and the magnitude of the event, or both the size and the weight of joints. We assess the strategies related to the dispersal mechanism of clonal plants, related to conditions and enabling its agamic dispersal over long distances.
Changes of CD90 expression and immunoreactive cell localisation in rat dental pulp after cavity preparation
Authors: Sano Yousuke , Sugiuchi Akina , Mitomo Keisuke , Yanagisawa Akihide , Kambe Ryo , Furusawa Masahiro , Muramatsu Takashi 
Published: September 2018

AbstractCD90 expression and immunoreactive cell localisation in rat dental pulp cells after cavity preparation was investigated. Cavity preparation was performed on the maxillary first molar of 8‐week‐old Wistar rats (n = 36), and immunohistochemistry and quantitative real‐time PCR were performed. CD90‐immunoreactivity was observed among subodontoblastic cells in the control group. One day after cavity preparation, the CD90‐immunoreactivity disappeared under the cavity area. While CD90‐immunoreactivity was faint after 3 days, the re‐arrangement of odontoblasts was detected in contact with dentine. After 5 days, the odontoblasts were observed beneath the dentine, and CD90‐immunoreactive cells were localised under the odontoblast layer. Immunofluorescence showed co‐localisation of CD90 and nestin was detected after 3 days. After 5 days, CD90‐immunoreactivity increased at the subodontoblastic layer. mRNA expression of CD90 and DSPP decreased after cavity preparation, and gradually recovered (P < 0.01). These results suggest that CD90‐immunoreactive cells in the subodontoblastic layer contribute to regeneration of odontoblast and subodontoblastic layers following cavity preparation.
The 2016 Melbourne thunderstorm asthma epidemic: Risk factors for severe attacks requiring hospital admission
Authors: Hew Mark , Lee Joy , Susanto Nugroho H. , Prasad Shivonne , Bardin Philip G. , Barnes Sara , Ruane Laurence , Southcott Anne M. , Gillman Andrew , Young Alan , Rangamuwa Kanishka , O'Hehir Robyn E. , McDonald Christine , Sutherland Michael , Conron Matthew , Matthews Sarah , Harun Nur‐Shirin , Lachapelle Philippe , Douglass Jo A. , Irving Louis , Langton David , Mann Jennifer , Erbas Bircan , Thien Francis 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe world's most catastrophic and deadly thunderstorm asthma epidemic struck Melbourne, Australia, on November 21, 2016.ObjectiveAmong thunderstorm‐affected patients presenting to emergency rooms (ERs), we investigated risk factors predicting severe attacks requiring admission to hospital.MethodsThunderstorm‐affected patients were identified from ER records at the eight major Melbourne health services and interviewed by telephone. Risk factors for hospital admission were analyzed.ResultsWe interviewed 1435/2248 (64%) of thunderstorm‐affected patients, of whom 164 (11.4%) required hospital admission. Overall, rhinitis was present in 87%, and current asthma was present in 28%. Odds for hospital admission were higher with increasing age (odds ratio 1.010, 95% CI 1.002, 1.019) and among individuals with current asthma (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.87, 95% CI 1.26, 2.78). Prior hospitalization for asthma in the previous 12 months further increased the odds for hospital admission (aOR 3.16, 95% CI 1.63, 6.12). Among patients of Asian ethnicity, the odds for hospital admission were lower than for non‐Asian patients (aOR 0.59, 95% CI 0.38, 0.94), but higher if born in Australia (OR = 5.42, 95% CI 1.56, 18.83).ConclusionsIn epidemic thunderstorm asthma patients who presented to the ER, higher odds for hospital admission among patients with known asthma were further amplified by recent asthma admission, highlighting the vulnerability conferred by suboptimal disease control. Odds for hospital admission were lower in Asian patients born overseas, but higher in Asian patients born locally, than in non‐Asian patients; these observations suggest susceptibility to severe thunderstorm asthma may be enhanced by gene‐environment interactions.
Effectiveness of curvilinear approach in dissection of Descemet's membrane: first 500 cases – factors influencing graft preparation
Authors: Yoeruek Efdal , Hofmann Johanna , Bartz Schmidt Karl U. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractPurposeTo confirm the reproducibility of manual graft preparation using curvilinear forceps and evaluate the incidence and type of structural abnormalities of Descemet's membrane (DM) preventing successful grafts preparation.MethodsFive hundred corneo‐scleral buttons were prepared. Factors such as endothelial cell number before preparation, donor age, post‐mortem time, time in culture, pigmentation of the trabecular meshwork and preparation characteristics of the fellow eye were analysed. According to the preparation characteristics, three groups were formed: A, uncomplicated; B, complicated preparation with stripping from the contralateral side; and C, failure of preparation. Three failed grafts were examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM).ResultsUsing curvilinear forceps, manual separation of DM was achieved without any adverse effects in 457 of 500 corneas (91.4%). In 32 corneas (6.4%) with micro‐tears during preparation, stripping from the opposite side was possible. However, 11 of the 500 corneas (2.2%) showed extremely strong adhesion leading to multiple tears of DM and preventing successful preparation of the graft. Endothelial cell number, donor age, post‐mortem time, time in culture and pigmentation of the trabecular meshwork showed no significant correlation with failure to successfully obtain a DM graft. Complicated graft preparations of one eye showed a highly significant correlation with complicated graft preparations in the fellow eye. TEM analysis of failed grafts showed abnormal invasion of stromal parts into the DM, cell accumulation and pigmentation in the DM plane.ConclusionUsing curvilinear forceps for dissecting of the graft shows valid and reproducible results in the vast majority (97.8%) of donor corneas.
Changes in peripapillary choroidal thickness in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Garcia‐Martin Elena , Jarauta Laura , Pablo Luis E. , Bambo Maria P. , Ara Jose R. , Martin Jesus , Polo Vicente , Larrosa Jose M. , Vilades Elisa , Ramirez Teresa , Satue Maria 
Published: September 2018

AbstractPurposeTo study peripapillary choroidal thickness (PPCT) around the optic disc and establish zones using a new swept source optical coherence tomography (SS‐OCT) device. To evaluate PPCT differences between patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls.MethodsA total of 102 healthy subjects and 51 patients with MS were consecutively recruited. Healthy subjects were divided into teaching (n = 51, used to establish choroidal zones) and validating (n = 51, used to compare measurements with MS patients) populations. An optic disc 6.0 × 6.0‐mm three‐dimensional scan was obtained using SS‐OCT Triton. A 26 × 26 cube‐grid centred on the optic disc was generated automatically to measure PPCT. Four choroidal zones were established and used to compare PPCT between healthy controls and patients with MS.ResultsPeripapillary choroidal thickness (PPCT) was significantly thinner in patients in all concentric zones (p ≤ 0.0001): 134.02 ± 16.59 μm in MS group versus 171.56 ± 12.43 μm in the control group in zone 2; 182.23 ± 20.52 versus 219.03 ± 17.99 μm, respectively, in zone 3; and 223.52 ± 10.70 versus 259.99 ± 10.29 μm, respectively, in zone 4. The choroidal thinning in the MS group tended to decrease as we distanced from the optic nerve head. Peripapillary choroidal thickness (PPCT) had a similar pattern in controls and MS; it was thicker in the superior region, followed by temporal, nasal and inferior regions.ConclusionPatients with MS showed peripapillary choroidal thinning when compared with healthy subjects in all zones around the optic disc. Peripapillary choroidal tissue shows a concentric pattern, increasing in thickness when increasing the distance from the optic nerve. The new SS‐OCT could be useful for evaluating choroidal thinning in clinical practice.
Argon laser peripheral iridoplasty for chronic primary angle‐closure and angle‐closure glaucoma in caucasians
Authors: Pillunat Karin R , Spoerl Eberhard , Orphal Johanna , Pillunat Lutz E 
Published: September 2018

AbstractPurposeTo investigate whether the peripheral thinning and shrinking of the iris as induced with Argon laser peripheral iridoplasty (ALPI) has an effect on intraocular pressure (IOP), angle structure and 3‐D anterior segment (AS) morphology in Caucasians with chronic primary angle‐closure (PAC) and primary angle‐closure glaucoma (PACG).MethodsTwenty‐four eyes of 24 patients (age 67.7 ± 8.9 years; seven males; 17 females) diagnosed with PAC (n = 10) or PACG (n = 14) were assigned for ALPI prior to laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) and consecutively enrolled in this prospective interventional study. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured with Goldmann applanation tonometry, angle structure with gonioscopy using the Shaffer grading system and AS morphology with the Pentacam rotating Scheimpflug camera prior to and 3 months after ALPI. Intraocular pressure (IOP)‐lowering medication was not changed during follow‐up.ResultsIntraocular pressure (IOP) changed statistically significantly from 18.8 ± 3.6 to 14.7 ± 3.1 mmHg (p < 0.001). Gonioscopy showed a statistically significant angle widening in all four quadrants: nasally from Shaffer 1.04 ± 0.98 to 2.54 ± 1.1 (p < 0.001), superiorly from 0.39 ± 0.66 to 1.58 ± 1.21 (p < 0.001), temporally from 0.87 ± 1.01 to 2.17 ± 1.24 (p = 0.001) and inferiorly from 1.22 ± 0.74 to 2.75 ± 0.9 (p < 0.001). Pentacam parameters like anterior chamber depth, volume and angle did not increase statistically significantly.ConclusionArgon laser peripheral iridoplasty (ALPI) is a safe and effective procedure for reducing appositional angle‐closure and thus IOP in nonacute PAC and PACG patients.
The European Eye Epidemiology spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography classification of macular diseases for epidemiological studies
Authors: Gattoussi Sarra , Buitendijk Gabriëlle H.S. , Peto Tunde , Leung Irene , Schmitz‐Valckenberg Steffen , Oishi Akio , Wolf Sebastian , Deák Gábor , Delcourt Cécile , Klaver Caroline C.W. , Korobelnik Jean‐François ,   the European Eye Epidemiology (E3) consortium
Published: September 2018

AbstractPurposeThe aim of the European Eye Epidemiology (E3) consortium was to develop a spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT)‐based classification for macular diseases to standardize epidemiological studies.MethodsA European panel of vitreoretinal disease experts and epidemiologists belonging to the E3 consortium was assembled to define a classification for SD‐OCT imaging of the macula. A series of meeting was organized, to develop, test and finalize the classification. First, grading methods used by the different research groups were presented and discussed, and a first version of classification was proposed. This first version was then tested on a set of 50 SD‐OCT images in the Bordeaux and Rotterdam centres. Agreements were analysed and discussed with the panel of experts and a final version of the classification was produced.ResultsDefinitions and classifications are proposed for the structure assessment of the vitreomacular interface (visibility of vitreous interface, vitreomacular adhesion, vitreomacular traction, epiretinal membrane, full‐thickness macular hole, lamellar macular hole, macular pseudo‐hole) and of the retina (retinoschisis, drusen, pigment epithelium detachment, hyper‐reflective clumps, retinal pigment epithelium atrophy, intraretinal cystoid spaces, intraretinal tubular changes, subretinal fluid, subretinal material). Classifications according to size and location are defined. Illustrations of each item are provided, as well as the grading form.ConclusionThe E3 SD‐OCT classification has been developed to harmonize epidemiological studies. This homogenization will allow comparing and sharing data collection between European and international studies.