bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Subseasonal Tropical Cyclone Genesis Prediction and MJO in the S2S Dataset
Authors: Lee Chia-Ying , Camargo Suzana J. , Vitart Fréderic , Sobel Adam H. , Tippett Michael K. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Subseasonal probabilistic prediction of tropical cyclone (TC) genesis is investigated here using models from the Seasonal to Subseasonal (S2S) Prediction dataset. Forecasts are produced for basin-wide TC occurrence at weekly temporal resolution. Forecast skill is measured using the Brier skill score relative to a seasonal climatology that varies monthly through the TC season. Skill depends on models’ characteristics, lead time, and ensemble prediction design. Most models show skill for week 1 (days 1–7), the period when initialization is important. Among the six S2S models examined here, the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) model has the best performance, with skill in the Atlantic, western North Pacific, eastern North Pacific, and South Pacific at week 2. Similarly, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) model is skillful in the western North Pacific, South Pacific, and across northern Australia at week 2. The Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) modulates observed TC genesis, and there is a relationship, across models and lead times, between models’ skill scores and their ability to accurately represent the MJO and the MJO–TC relation. Additionally, a model’s TC climatology also influences its performance in subseasonal prediction. The dependence of the skill score on the simulated climatology, MJO, and MJO–TC relationship, however, varies from one basin to another. Skill scores increase with the ensemble size, as found in previous weather and seasonal prediction studies.
Communication skills scores of medical students and interview performance 3 years later
Authors: Lee Lan-Ting , Cheng Shu Hui , Lin Chii-Jeng , Chi Mei Hung , Lee I Hui , Yang Yen Kuang 
Published: May 2018

Objective: Communication skills are important, but the evaluation of these skills in the medical curriculum remains inconsistent. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between the communication skills scores of junior medical students following curricula with different module evaluations and the clinical interview performance of the same students in a psychiatry department in their fifth year. Design: Prospective evaluation of communication and clinical interview skills. Setting: Medical school and psychiatry department inpatient setting. Method: The communication skills scores of 208 medical students in their second year (between 2009 and 2011) and their performance in interviews with patients in a psychiatry department in their fifth year (between 2012 and 2014) were assessed. Initial assessment was undertaken on the basis of problem-based learning (PBL) performance, evaluation of performance during conversation with patients, a related oral presentation and written report, students’ self-rating and a peer rating. Extra marks were given if students completed an optional special report inspired by the curriculum. To assess the interview performance of fifth-year medical students, the mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise (mini-CEX) was used, together with weekly case-based discussions and the observation of a clinical interview with a real patient. Results: Tutors’ evaluations of the junior medical students’ performance during role-play ( ρ = .22, p = .001), its related reciprocal assessment ( ρ = .18, p = .010) and an extra-effort task ( ρ = .18, p = .009) as part of the communication skills curriculum were significantly correlated with the students’ later performance in a clinical interview with a patient. Conclusion: Observation of student interactions and motivations along with reciprocal peer evaluations offer better measures of communication skills in medical education than are oral presentations, self-ratings and conversations with real patients.
Comparative analysis of osseointegration in various types of acetabular implant materials
Authors: Bondarenko Stanislav , Dedukh Ninel , Filipenko Volodymyr , Akonjom Mandus , Badnaoui Ahmed Amine , Schwarzkopf Ran 
Published: May 2018

Background: There is a lack of comparative data on osseointegration (BIC) of acetabular cup surfaces in hip arthroplasty in both normal bone mineral density and in conditions of osteoporosis. Aim: To compare osseointegration of acetabular implants with various types of surfaces in an animal model with normal and osteoporotic bone tissue. Material and Methods: The study was performed on 60 rats. To simulate osteoporosis ovariectomy was performed in 30 animals. Thirty healthy rats served as controls. In standardised defects of the distal metadiaphysis of the femur we implanted: porous tantalum Trabecular Metal (A), Trabecular Titanium (B), Titanium with Gription coating (C), Stiktite (D), and Tritanum (E). Bone apposition (osseointegration) was defined as all areas of direct “bone-to-implant contact” (BIC). Results: No qualitative morphological differences in the evaluation of BIC around different implant types was seen in normal rats and rats with osteoporosis. Connective tissue areas around implants were larger in rats with osteoporosis. Morphometric studies showed that the highest BIC were seen in implants A and B, both in healthy animals ([72.00 ± 3.48]% and [67.46 ± 1.69]%) and ones with osteoporosis ([59.19 ± 2.10]% and [53.36 ± 2.57]%). BIC was (60.10 ± 2.05)%, (60.26 ± 2.36)%, and (61.78 ± 2.27)% around implants C, D and E in healthy rats, respectively. BIC in osteoporosis was (45.39 ± 2.37)%, (47.81 ± 2.41)% and (42.10 ± 1.44)%, respectively. Conclusion: Our study showed that the evaluated implants have good BIC features. Furthermore, based on histomorthometry and histology, Porous tantalum Trabecular Metal (A) and Trabecular Titanium (B) implants exhibit higher BIC with bone tissue.
Does metal porosity affect metal ion release in blood and urine following total hip arthroplasty? A short term study
Authors: Bistolfi Alessandro , Cimino Andrea , Lee Gwo-Chin , Ferracini Riccardo , Maina Giovanni , Berchialla Paola , Massazza Giuseppe , Massè Alessandro 
Published: May 2018

Introduction: The surface area of exposed metal in a trabecular-titanium acetabular component is wider compared to traditional-titanium implants. The purpose of this study is to establish if this increase in surface area can lead to a significant increase in systemic metal levels. Methods: 19 patients with conventional acetabular component and 19 with trabecular-titanium cup were compared. Aluminum, Vanadium and Titanium in blood and urine were assessed before surgery and at intervals for 2 years. The samples were analysed using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results: Patients with trabecular-titanium did not have significantly higher metal ion levels compared to patients with conventional cups up to 2 years. A trend over time was statistically significant in both blood and urine for aluminum and titanium concentrations. Conclusions: The three-dimensionality and the wide surface of the trabecular-titanium acetabular component did not affect metal ion release compared to traditional implants after 2 years.
Postoperative Numbness: A Survey of Patients After Hip Arthroscopic Surgery
Authors: Reda Bashar , Wong Ivan 
Published: May 2018

Background: Hip arthroscopic surgery is a rapidly growing procedure that requires distraction of the leg to access the joint. A frequently reported complication of this procedure is postoperative numbness, with rates between 1% and 20% reported in the literature. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to determine the factors contributing to the development and effect of numbness on functional outcomes. We hypothesized that this complication is underreported and that its prevalence is higher than what has been described in the literature. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Patients who had undergone hip arthroscopic surgery between 2012 and 2016 were included, and a telephone survey was conducted to collect data. Data related to the procedure and outcome scores were collected via a systematic chart review for the included patients. Data analysis was conducted for means, SDs, frequencies, and percentages. For comparative statistics, t tests and multiple logistic regression models were used. Results: A total of 221 patients (113 male, 108 female; mean age, 39.8 ± 13.34 years) completed the survey out of 362 eligible patients. Overall, 37% (n = 82) of patients reported having experienced some form of numbness after surgery. Approximately 43% (35/82) of the patients reported resolution by 6 weeks postoperatively, and 68% (56/82) of numbness was reported to have completely resolved by 6 months. The duration of surgery was a significant factor for the development of postoperative numbness ( P = .010; odds ratio, 2.18) when comparing procedures longer than 50 minutes with procedures shorter than 50 minutes (first incision until closure). Postoperative numbness was associated with a negative effect on the International Hip Outcome Tool–33 (iHOT-33) score that reached statistical significance at the 1-year (numbness, 60.19; no numbness, 74.21; P = .006) and 2-year time points (numbness, 52.04; no numbness, 72.69; P = .01). Conclusion: This study confirmed our hypothesis that postoperative numbness is more common in our patient population than the incidence reported in the literature. This adverse event was also shown to be associated with decreased postoperative functional outcomes, as measured by the iHOT-33 at 1 and 2 years postoperatively.
Design and Study of a Next‐Generation Computer‐Assisted System for Transoral Laser Microsurgery
Authors: Deshpande Nikhil , Peretti Giorgio , Mora Francesco , Guastini Luca , Lee Jinoh , Barresi Giacinto , Caldwell Darwin G. , Mattos Leonardo S. 
Published: May 2018

ObjectiveTo present a new computer‐assisted system for improved usability, intuitiveness, efficiency, and controllability in transoral laser microsurgery (TLM).Study DesignPilot technology feasibility study.SettingA dedicated room with a simulated TLM surgical setup: surgical microscope, surgical laser system, instruments, ex vivo pig larynxes, and computer‐assisted system.Subjects and MethodsThe computer‐assisted laser microsurgery (CALM) system consists of a novel motorized laser micromanipulator and a tablet‐ and stylus‐based control interface. The system setup includes the Leica 2 surgical microscope and the DEKA HiScan Surgical laser system. The system was validated through a first‐of‐its‐kind observational study with 57 international surgeons with varied experience in TLM. The subjects performed real surgical tasks on ex vivo pig larynxes in a simulated TLM scenario. The qualitative aspects were established with a newly devised questionnaire assessing the usability, efficiency, and suitability of the system.ResultsThe surgeons evaluated the CALM system with an average score of 6.29 (out of 7) in ease of use and ease of learning, while an average score of 5.96 was assigned for controllability and safety. A score of 1.51 indicated reduced workload for the subjects. Of 57 subjects, 41 stated that the CALM system allows better surgical quality than the existing TLM systems.ConclusionsThe CALM system augments the usability, controllability, and efficiency in TLM. It enhances the ergonomics and accuracy beyond the current state of the art, potentially improving the surgical safety and quality. The system offers the intraoperative automated scanning of customized long incisions achieving uniform resections at the surgical site.
Effects of nasal dilator strips on subjective measures of sleep in subjects with chronic nocturnal nasal congestion: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Schenkel Eric J. , Ciesla Renee , Shanga Gilbert Marava 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Background
This exploratory study investigated effects of a new asymmetric butterfly-shaped prototype nasal dilator strip and the currently marketed clear Breathe Right Nasal Strip (BRNS) on subjective measures of nasal congestion and sleep quality.

Methods
In this randomized, double-blind study, subjects with chronic nasal congestion and sleep difficulties were assigned a BRNS clear strip, an asymmetric butterfly prototype, or an asymmetric butterfly placebo strip without springs, to use nightly for 2 weeks. The main outcomes included change from baseline to days 7 and 14 on the Pittsburgh Insomnia Rating Scale (PIRS), Nocturnal Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (NRQLQ), and Congestion Quantifier Seven-Item Test (CQ7).

Results
The intent-to-treat population included 59 subjects. The butterfly and BRNS strips showed significant (P < 0.05) improvement versus placebo on PIRS satisfaction with sleep at day 7 [least square (LS) mean changes: − 0.7, − 0.6, and − 0.2, respectively], and the butterfly strip also showed significant improvement from baseline on this outcome versus placebo at day 14 (− 1.0 vs − 0.5). On the NRQLQ, both the butterfly prototype and BRNS clear were more effective than placebo in improving symptoms on waking at day 7 (LS mean changes: − 7.9, − 7.2, and − 4.1, respectively); the BRNS clear was significantly more effective than placebo in improving sleep problems at day 7 (− 7.4 vs − 4.2). There were no between-treatment differences on the CQ7. All strips were well tolerated.

Conclusions
The asymmetric butterfly prototype and BRNS clear strip significantly improved some subjective measures of nasal congestion and sleep compared with placebo in subjects with nasal congestion and sleep difficulties.
Trial registration This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT01122849)
Suicide attempts and non-suicidal self-harm: national prevalence study of young adults
Authors: O'Connor Rory C. , Wetherall Karen , Cleare Seonaid , Eschle Sarah , Drummond Julie , Ferguson Eamonn , O'Connor Daryl B. , O'Carroll Ronan E. 
Published: May 2018

BackgroundThere are few prevalence studies of suicide attempts and non-suicidal self-harm (NSSH).AimsWe aimed to estimate the prevalence of thoughts of NSSH, suicidal thoughts, NSSH and suicide attempts among 18- to 34-year-olds in Scotland.MethodWe interviewed a representative sample of young adults from across Scotland.ResultsWe interviewed 3508 young people; 11.3 and 16.2% reported a lifetime history of suicide attempts and NSSH, respectively. The first episode of NSSH tended to precede the first suicide attempt by about 2 years. Age at onset of NSSH and suicide attempt was younger in females. Earlier age at onset was associated with more frequent NSSH/suicide attempts. Women are significantly more likely to report NSSH and suicide attempts compared with men.ConclusionsOne in nine young people has attempted suicide and one in six has engaged in NSSH. Clinicians should be vigilant, as suicide attempts and NSSH are relatively common.Declaration of interestNone.
Medical Oncologists’ Beliefs, Practices, and Knowledge Regarding Marijuana Used Therapeutically: A Nationally Representative Survey Study
Authors: Braun Ilana M. , Wright Alexi , Peteet John , Meyer Fremonta L. , Yuppa David P. , Bolcic-Jankovic Dragana , LeBlanc Jessica , Chang Yuchiao , Yu Liyang , Nayak Manan M. , Tulsky James A. , Suzuki Joji , Nabati Lida , Campbell Eric G. 
Published: May 2018

Background Although almost every state medical marijuana (MM) law identifies cancer as a qualifying condition, little research supports MM’s use in oncology. We hypothesized that the discrepancy between these laws and the scientific evidence base poses clinical challenges for oncologists. Oncologists’ beliefs, knowledge, and practices regarding MM were examined in this study. Methods In November 2016, we mailed a survey on MM to a nationally-representative, random sample of 400 medical oncologists. Main outcome measures included whether oncologists reported discussing MM with patients, recommended MM clinically in the past year, or felt sufficiently informed to make such recommendations. The survey also queried oncologists’ views on MM’s comparative effectiveness for several conditions (including its use as an adjunct to standard pain management strategies) and its risks compared with prescription opioids. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed using standard statistical techniques. Results The overall response rate was 63%. Whereas only 30% of oncologists felt sufficiently informed to make recommendations regarding MM, 80% conducted discussions about MM with patients, and 46% recommended MM clinically. Sixty-seven percent viewed it as a helpful adjunct to standard pain management strategies, and 65% thought MM is equally or more effective than standard treatments for anorexia and cachexia. Conclusion Our findings identify a concerning discrepancy between oncologists’ self-reported knowledge base and their beliefs and practices regarding MM. Although 70% of oncologists do not feel equipped to make clinical recommendations regarding MM, the vast majority conduct discussions with patients about MM and nearly one-half do, in fact, recommend it clinically. A majority believes MM is useful for certain indications. These findings are clinically important and suggest critical gaps in research, medical education, and policy regarding MM.
Phase III Trial Comparing Intraperitoneal and Intravenous Paclitaxel Plus S-1 Versus Cisplatin Plus S-1 in Patients With Gastric Cancer With Peritoneal Metastasis: PHOENIX-GC Trial
Authors: Ishigami Hironori , Fujiwara Yoshiyuki , Fukushima Ryoji , Nashimoto Atsushi , Yabusaki Hiroshi , Imano Motohiro , Imamoto Haruhiko , Kodera Yasuhiro , Uenosono Yoshikazu , Amagai Kenji , Kadowaki Shigenori , Miwa Hiroto , Yamaguchi Hironori , Yamaguchi Takuhiro , Miyaji Tempei , Kitayama Joji 
Published: May 2018

Purpose Intraperitoneal paclitaxel plus systemic chemotherapy demonstrated promising clinical effects in patients with gastric cancer with peritoneal metastasis. We aimed to verify its superiority over standard systemic chemotherapy in overall survival. Patients and Methods This randomized phase III trial enrolled patients with gastric cancer with peritoneal metastasis who had received no or short-term (< 2 months) chemotherapy. Patients were randomly assigned at a two-to-one ratio to receive intraperitoneal and intravenous paclitaxel plus S-1 (IP; intraperitoneal paclitaxel 20 mg/m2 and intravenous paclitaxel 50 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8 plus S-1 80 mg/m2 per day on days 1 to 14 for a 3-week cycle) or S-1 plus cisplatin (SP; S-1 80 mg/m2 per day on days 1 to 21 plus cisplatin 60 mg/m2 on day 8 for a 5-week cycle), stratified by center, previous chemotherapy, and extent of peritoneal metastasis. The primary end point was overall survival. Secondary end points were response rate, 3-year overall survival rate, and safety. Results We enrolled 183 patients and performed efficacy analyses in 164 eligible patients. Baseline characteristics were balanced between the arms, except that patients in the IP arm had significantly more ascites. The median survival times for the IP and SP arms were 17.7 and 15.2 months, respectively (hazard ratio, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.49 to 1.04; stratified log-rank P = .080). In the sensitivity analysis adjusted for baseline ascites, the hazard ratio was 0.59 (95% CI, 0.39 to 0.87; P = .008). The 3-year overall survival rate was 21.9% (95% CI, 14.9% to 29.9%) in the IP arm and 6.0% (95% CI, 1.6% to 14.9%) in the SP arm. Both regimens were well tolerated. Conclusion This trial failed to show statistical superiority of intraperitoneal paclitaxel plus systemic chemotherapy. However, the exploratory analyses suggested possible clinical benefits of intraperitoneal paclitaxel for gastric cancer.
Comparison of an Oral Factor Xa Inhibitor With Low Molecular Weight Heparin in Patients With Cancer With Venous Thromboembolism: Results of a Randomized Trial (SELECT-D)
Authors: Young Annie M. , Marshall Andrea , Thirlwall Jenny , Chapman Oliver , Lokare Anand , Hill Catherine , Hale Danielle , Dunn Janet A. , Lyman Gary H. , Hutchinson Charles , MacCallum Peter , Kakkar Ajay , Hobbs F.D. Richard , Petrou Stavros , Dale Jeremy , Poole Christopher J. , Maraveyas Anthony , Levine Mark 
Published: May 2018

Purpose Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is common in patients with cancer. Long-term daily subcutaneous low molecular weight heparin has been standard treatment for such patients. The purpose of this study was to assess if an oral factor Xa inhibitor, rivaroxaban, would offer an alternative treatment for VTE in patients with cancer. Patient and Methods In this multicenter, randomized, open-label, pilot trial in the United Kingdom, patients with active cancer who had symptomatic pulmonary embolism (PE), incidental PE, or symptomatic lower-extremity proximal deep vein thrombosis (DVT) were recruited. Allocation was to dalteparin (200 IU/kg daily during month 1, then 150 IU/kg daily for months 2-6) or rivaroxaban (15 mg twice daily for 3 weeks, then 20 mg once daily for a total of 6 months). The primary outcome was VTE recurrence over 6 months. Safety was assessed by major bleeding and clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding (CRNMB). A sample size of 400 patients would provide estimates of VTE recurrence to within ± 4.5%, assuming a VTE recurrence rate at 6 months of 10%. Results A total of 203 patients were randomly assigned to each group, 58% of whom had metastases. Twenty-six patients experienced recurrent VTE (dalteparin, n = 18; rivaroxaban, n = 8). The 6-month cumulative VTE recurrence rate was 11% (95% CI, 7% to 16%) with dalteparin and 4% (95% CI, 2% to 9%) with rivaroxaban (hazard ratio [HR], 0.43; 95% CI, 0.19 to 0.99). The 6-month cumulative rate of major bleeding was 4% (95% CI, 2% to 8%) for dalteparin and 6% (95% CI, 3% to 11%) for rivaroxaban (HR, 1.83; 95% CI, 0.68 to 4.96). Corresponding rates of CRNMB were 4% (95% CI, 2% to 9%) and 13% (95% CI, 9% to 19%), respectively (HR, 3.76; 95% CI, 1.63 to 8.69). Conclusion Rivaroxaban was associated with relatively low VTE recurrence but higher CRNMB compared with dalteparin.