bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Breast Cancer in the Bahamas in 2009–2011
Authors: Mungrue K. , Chase H. , Gordon J. , Knowles D. , Lockhart K. , Miller N. , Morley T. , Sealey L. , Turner B. 
Published: April 2016

Background Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer affecting women in the Bahamas, which consists of many islands. This is the first attempt to identify which island has the highest occurrence of breast cancer. Objective The aim of this study was to describe the sociodemographical and spatial features of breast cancer in the Bahamas in 2009–2011. Methods A review of the medical records of all women with a confirmed diagnosis of breast cancer during the period January 1, 2009-December 31, 2011, was undertaken. Data were first obtained from the National Oncology Board of the Bahamas and validated by a review of the medical records. The patient address was geocoded and mapped using ArcGIS 10.0 Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) to satellite images obtained from The Nature Conservancy in the Bahamas. Results We recruited 270 patients who satisfied the entry criteria. The cumulative incidences of breast cancer for the years 2009–2011 were 51.4, 45.4, and 51.4, respectively. Breast cancer occurred most often in women of African origin with a mean age at diagnosis of 56.6 ± 13.8 years. Ductal carcinoma was the most common histological type observed with most cancers occurring in Grade II or higher and presenting as late stage (≥ Stage II). Surgery was the preferred method of treatment with modified radical mastectomy being the procedure of choice. Spatial distribution of cases across the Bahamas revealed one cluster, which is present on the island of New Providence. Further analysis of New Providence showed a consistently skewed kernel density in the central and eastern regions, compared with a scattered distribution in the southern and western regions. Conclusion The island of New Providence had the highest occurrence of breast cancer among all the islands of the Bahamas. The increasing incidence of breast cancer in young women is likely to impose a significant burden on the future of Bahamian health care.
Benign Sphenoid Wing Meningioma Presenting with an Acute Intracerebral Hemorrhage – A Case Report
Authors: Frič Radek , Hald John K. , Antal Ellen-Ann 
Published: April 2016

Background and Study Object We report an unusual case of a benign lateral sphenoid wing meningioma that presented with, and was masked by, an acute intracerebral hemorrhage. Case Report A 68-year-old woman was admitted after sudden onset of coma. Computed tomography (CT) revealed an intracerebral hemorrhage, without any underlying vascular pathology on CT angiography. During the surgery, we found a lateral sphenoid wing meningioma with intratumoral bleeding that extended into the surrounding brain parenchyma. Results We removed the hematoma and resected the tumor completely in the same session. The histopathological classification of the tumor was a WHO grade I meningothelial meningioma. The patient recovered very well after surgery, without significant neurological sequelae. Conclusions Having reviewed the relevant references from the medical literature, we consider this event as an extremely rare presentation of a benign sphenoid wing meningioma in a patient without any predisposing medical factors. The possible mechanisms of bleeding from this tumor type are discussed.
Preoperative Localization of Parathyroid Adenomas with Methoxyisobutylisonitrile and Ultrasonography: Are There Advantages of a Combined Approach?
Authors: Ridyard Edward 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACT

Aim
To identify whether the combination of Methoxyisobutylisonitrile (MIBI) and ultrasound scan (USS) in localizing the parathyroid gland preoperatively is more effective than either MIBI or USS alone.

Materials and methods
Retrospective manual analysis of patients’ operative and medical notes was undertaken. Patients presenting with raised serum calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) between February 2009 and April 2012 (n = 76) were included in the study.
The sensitivity of localizing parathyroid adenomas via MIBI and USS with confirmation by histological evaluation of tissue following parathyroidectomy was assessed.

Results
The combination of MIBI and USS provided a statistically significant improvement in preoperative localization of parathyroid adenoma over MIBI or USS alone (p = 0.033 and p = 0.043 respectively).

Conclusion
Ultrasound scan alone had a statistically much higher sensitivity to localize a parathyroid adenoma than MIBI and we therefore advise USS to be a first-line investigation with MIBI in reserve for when USS fails to identify an abnormality. However, the combination of both USS and MIBI provides a statistically improved preoperative visualization of parathyroid adenoma and thus reduces the risk of requiring further surgery.

How to cite this article
Ridyard E. Preoperative Localization of Parathyroid Adenomas with Methoxyisobutylisonitrile and Ultrasonography: Are There Advantages of a Combined Approach? Int J Head Neck Surg 2015;6(2):45-48.
Aerosol optical properties in the southeastern United States in summer – Part 1: Hygroscopic growth
Authors: Brock Charles A. , Wagner Nicholas L. , Anderson Bruce E. , Attwood Alexis R. , Beyersdorf Andreas , Campuzano-Jost Pedro , Carlton Annmarie G. , Day Douglas A. , Diskin Glenn S. , Gordon Timothy D. , Jimenez Jose L. , Lack Daniel A. , Liao Jin , Markovic Milos Z. , Middlebrook Ann M. , Ng Nga L. , Perring Anne E. , Richardson Matthews S. , Schwarz Joshua P. , Washenfelder Rebecca A. , Welti Andre , Xu Lu , Ziemba Luke D. , Murphy Daniel M. 
Published: April 2016

Abstract. Aircraft observations of meteorological, trace gas, and aerosol properties were made during May–September 2013 in the southeastern United States (US) under fair-weather, afternoon conditions with well-defined planetary boundary layer structure. Optical extinction at 532 nm was directly measured at relative humidities (RHs) of  ∼  15,  ∼  70, and  ∼  90 % and compared with extinction calculated from measurements of aerosol composition and size distribution using the κ-Köhler approximation for hygroscopic growth. The calculated enhancement in hydrated aerosol extinction with relative humidity, f(RH), calculated by this method agreed well with the observed f(RH) at  ∼  90 % RH. The dominance of organic aerosol, which comprised 65 ± 10 % of particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter  <  1 µm in the planetary boundary layer, resulted in relatively low f(RH) values of 1.43 ± 0.67 at 70 % RH and 2.28 ± 1.05 at 90 % RH. The subsaturated κ-Köhler hygroscopicity parameter κ for the organic fraction of the aerosol must have been  <  0.10 to be consistent with 75 % of the observations within uncertainties, with a best estimate of κ  =  0.05. This subsaturated κ value for the organic aerosol in the southeastern US is broadly consistent with field studies in rural environments. A new, physically based, single-parameter representation was developed that better described f(RH) than did the widely used gamma power-law approximation.
Atmospheric rivers moisture sources from a Lagrangian perspective
Authors: Ramos Alexandre M. , Nieto Raquel , Tomé Ricardo , Gimeno Luis , Trigo Ricardo M. , Liberato Margarida L. R. , Lavers David A. 
Published: April 2016

Abstract. An automated atmospheric river (AR) detection algorithm is used for the North Atlantic Ocean basin, allowing the identification of the major ARs affecting western European coasts between 1979 and 2012 over the winter half-year (October to March). The entire western coast of Europe was divided into five domains, namely the Iberian Peninsula (9.75° W, 36–43.75° N), France (4.5° W, 43.75–50° N), UK (4.5° W, 50–59° N), southern Scandinavia and the Netherlands (5.25° E, 50–59° N), and northern Scandinavia (5.25° E, 59–70° N). Following the identification of the main ARs that made landfall in western Europe, a Lagrangian analysis was then applied in order to identify the main areas where the moisture uptake was anomalous and contributed to the ARs reaching each domain. The Lagrangian data set used was obtained from the FLEXPART (FLEXible PARTicle dispersion) model global simulation from 1979 to 2012 and was forced by ERA-Interim reanalysis on a 1° latitude–longitude grid. The results show that, in general, for all regions considered, the major climatological areas for the anomalous moisture uptake extend along the subtropical North Atlantic, from the Florida Peninsula (northward of 20° N) to each sink region, with the nearest coast to each sink region always appearing as a local maximum. In addition, during AR events the Atlantic subtropical source is reinforced and displaced, with a slight northward movement of the sources found when the sink region is positioned at higher latitudes. In conclusion, the results confirm not only the anomalous advection of moisture linked to ARs from subtropical ocean areas but also the existence of a tropical source, together with midlatitude anomaly sources at some locations closer to AR landfalls.
Interactions between organisms and parent materials of a constructed Technosol shape its hydrostructural properties
Authors: Deeb Maha , Grimaldi Michel , Lerch Thomas Z. , Pando Anne , Gigon Agnès , Blouin Manuel 
Published: April 2016

Abstract. There is no information on how organisms influence hydrostructural properties of constructed Technosols and how such influence will be affected by the parent-material composition factor. In a laboratory experiment, parent materials, which were excavated deep horizons of soils and green waste compost (GWC), were mixed at six levels of GWC (from 0 to 50 %). Each mixture was set up in the presence/absence of plants and/or earthworms, in a full factorial design (n  =  96). After 21 weeks, hydrostructural properties of constructed Technosols were characterized by soil shrinkage curves. Organisms explained the variance of hydrostructural characteristics (19 %) a little better than parent-material composition (14 %). The interaction between the effects of organisms and parent-material composition explained the variance far better (39 %) than each single factor. To summarize, compost and plants played a positive role in increasing available water in macropores and micropores; plants were extending the positive effect of compost up to 40 and 50 % GWC. Earthworms affected the void ratio for mixtures from 0 to 30 % GWC and available water in micropores, but not in macropores. Earthworms also acted synergistically with plants by increasing their root biomass, resulting in positive effects on available water in macropores. Organisms and their interaction with parent materials positively affected the hydrostructural properties of constructed Technosols, with potential positive consequences on resistance to drought or compaction. Considering organisms when creating Technosols could be a promising approach to improve their fertility.
The Results of Monoblock Stem with Step-Cut Femoral Shortening Osteotomy for Developmentally Dislocated HIPS
Authors: Tözün İsmail Remzi , Akgül Turgut , Şensoy Volkan , Kılıçoğlu Önder İsmet 
Published: April 2016

Introduction The main objective of this study was to evaluate the midterm results of cementless THA with the use of monoblock stems combined with step-cut femoral shortening derotational osteotomy for DDH. Materials and methods A total of 66 hips of 49 patients with Crowe type IV developmental hip dislocation, with a mean follow-up of 90 (range 26-207) months, were reviewed retrospectively. Subtrochanteric step-cut shortening osteotomy and monoblock femoral stems were used. The cup was placed in the true acetabulum in all cases. 21 hips had previous femoral valgisation osteotomies. Anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of both hips were obtained preoperatively and at the last follow-up examination. The Harris Hip Score (HHS) was used for pre- and postoperative clinical evaluation. Results The mean HHS increased from 49 to 86 points. A total of 13 hips of 10 patients (the isolated acetabular component in 7 hips of 6 patients, the femoral component in 3 hips of 3 patients, and both components in 2 patients) were revised during the follow-up period. Dislocation occurred in 3 hips, deep periprosthetic infection in 2, superficial wound infection in 2, and femoral vein injury and sciatic nerve palsy in 1. Nonunion was observed in 3 osteotomy sites. 10-year survival probabilities of 91% for femoral components for all cases and 78% for acetabular components were found. Conclusions THA with subtrochanteric femoral shortening osteotomy was proven to be an effective technique for avoiding neurological complications for Crowe IV DDH. Cementless THA with the use of monoblock stems showed overall survival rates of 95% at 5 years and 85% at 10 years.
Radiographic Alterations in Short-Stem Total HIP Arthroplasty: A 2-Year Follow-Up Study of 216 Cases
Authors: Kutzner Karl P. , Pfeil Dominik , Kovacevic Mark P. , Rehbein Philipp , Mai Sabine , Siebert Werner , Pfeil Joachim 
Published: April 2016

Introduction In recent years a variety of short-stems have been introduced. Stable osteointegration is a key factor for a satisfactory long-term result. The purpose of this study was to evaluate postoperative radiological alterations and subsidence, as a result of using a newly developed device, over a 2-year follow-up. Methods 216 short-stems were implanted in combination with a cementless cup. Patients were allowed full weight-bearing on the first day postoperatively. Pre- and postoperative x-rays were done using a standardised technique. Radiological alterations, such as bone resorption, radiolucency, osteolysis and cortical hypertrophy were detected and located using modified Gruen zones, and subsidence was measured via a conventional digital technique over a 2-year follow-up. In addition, Harris Hip Score (HHS), rest pain and load pain on the visual analogue scale (VAS) were assessed respectively. Results At 2-year follow-up 6 stems (2.9%) showed nonprogressive radiolucent lines with a maximum width of 2 mm. Resorption of femoral bone stock was detected in a total of 8 cases (3.9%). Femoral cortical hypertrophy was seen in a total of 9 hips (4.4%). No patient showed osteolysis. A measureable subsidence of at least 2 mm was observed in a total of 15.7% (32 cases) after 6 weeks, corresponding to an initial settlement given full weight-bearing ambulation. Only 1.1% (2 cases) showed further progression at the 6-month follow-up, whereas at the 1- and 2-year follow-ups no further subsidence was observed. After 2 years HHS was 98.1 (65.0-100.0), rest pain on the VAS was 0.2 (0.0-7.0) while load pain was 0.4 (0.0-7.0). Conclusions The results of this radiographic analysis give support to the principle of using metaphyseal anchoring, calcar guided short-stems. The low incidence of bony alterations after a follow-up of 2 years indicates a physiological load distribution. After mild initial subsidence a stable osteointegration can be achieved over time.
Long-Term Outcomes of the Bi-Metric Proximally Hydroxyapatite-Coated Femoral Stem
Authors: Prins Wybren , Goosen Jon H.M. , Kollen Boudewijn J. , Ettema Harmen B. , Verheyen Cees C.P.M. 
Published: April 2016

Purpose Promising clinical results and survival rates have been reported for the Bi-Metric proximally hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated femoral stem in short- and mid-term studies. In this study we evaluated the long-term survival as well as clinical and radiological results of this stem. Methods From 1992 to 1998 we prospectively included 112 consecutive patients who received a total hip arthroplasty (THA) with an uncemented proximally HA-coated Bi-Metric femoral component (Biomet). At 3 months, 1 year and thereafter every 2 to 3 years, patients were clinically and radiologically monitored. Primary endpoint was revision of the stem for any reason. Secondary endpoints were survival of the cup and THA, radiological characteristics and clinical scores (HHS, HOOS, SF-36 and VAS). Results Median follow-up was 20 (16-22.25) years. Median age at surgery was 52 (22-63) years. At final follow-up, survival analysis showed an all-cause stem survival of 96.8% (95% CI, 93.3-100). Median HHS scores improved from 57 preoperatively to 94 at final follow-up (p<0.001). At final follow-up the median HOOS score was 80 (9-100); median SF-36 score 71 (18-100); median VAS pain score at rest 0 (0-6) and during activity 0 (0-10). Conclusions In this prospective cohort study the 20-year survival rate of the Bi-Metric proximally HA-coated femoral stem was excellent.
Effect of Endometriosis on IVF Outcomes in Cases of Single Embryo Transfer for first IVF Attempt in Patients under 35
Authors: Chauffour Candice , Pouly Jean L. , Brugnon Florence , Dejou Lydie , Gremeau Anne S. , Janny Laurent , Philippe Anne G. 
Published: April 2016

Background Implantation disorders are regarded differently in different groups undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) because of heterogeneous patient populations. To avoid this problem, this study was based solely on the first attempts of a single embryo transfer in patients under the age of 35. Methods This was a retrospective comparative study with 2 groups of patients: a group with endometriosis (n = 288) and a group without endometriosis (n = 1,368), registered from January 2010 to December 2013 in the IVF center of the University Hospital of Clermont-Ferrand. This study compared the 2 groups and subgroups according to ovarian response and embryo quality, and analyzed oocyte number, embryo number, transfer rate, implantation rate and delivery rate per ovum pick-up and per transfer. Results In the cases of endometriosis, the number of collected oocytes (8.37 ± 7.01 vs. 10.13 ± 6.53 p<0.001), the transfer rate (81.4% vs. 86.1%, p = 0. 045) and the rate of cycles with a frozen embryo (48.9% vs. 57.3%, p<0.01) were lower. The probability of a satisfactory response to stimulation (70.7% vs. 81.0%, p<0.001) and of a good quality embryo cohort (45% vs. 52%, p = 0.003) was lower. However, the implantation and delivery rates per transfer were not distorted in the cases of endometriosis, either in the total group or in any subgroup. The cumulative live birth rate per attempt was similar (29.2% vs. 29.5%). Conclusions Endometriosis has no impact on the embryo transfer in IVF, particularly when the embryo quality is satisfactory.
Effect of endothelin-1 receptor antagonists on skin fibrosis in scleroderma patients from the EUSTAR database
Authors: Jordan Suzana , Distler Jörg , Maurer Britta , Walker Ulrich A. , Huscher Doerte , Allanore Yannick , Riemekasten Gabriela , Distler Oliver 
Published: April 2016

Introduction The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of endothelin-1 receptor antagonists (ETRAs) on skin fibrosis in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients from the (EULAR Scleroderma Trials and Research) EUSTAR cohort. Methods SSc patients from the EUSTAR cohort with at least three visits (pre-study visit without ETRA treatment, baseline and follow-up visit with ETRA treatment) were included. The control group consisted of SSc patients with the same inclusion criteria, but without ETRA treatment. The primary endpoint was the comparison of the delta change of the modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) between baseline and follow-up in the ETRA versus the control group. Results Data on 75 ETRA treated (68 bosentan, 1 sitaxentan, 6 ambrisentan) and 969 control patients were included. The delta change of mRSS was not significantly different between the ETRA group and the control group (n = 969; 0 (-2-1) vs. n = 75; 0 (-2-1); p = 0.4). Similarly, subgroup analysis on patients with diffuse, extended SSc disease (mRSS ≥16) did not show differences in the delta change of mRSS between the ETRA group and the control group (n = 125; −1 [-7-0] vs. n = 23; −1 [-7-2], p = 0.8). Likewise, diffuse SSc patients with mRSS 7-21 at baseline, reflecting recently identified enrichment criteria for clinical trials, did not show any difference between the ETRA and the control group (n = 219; −1 [-3-1] vs. n = 27; −1 [-3-2]; p = 0.5). Conclusions This controlled, observational, real-life cohort study with a large sample size did not show effects of ETRAs on skin fibrosis in patients with SSc.
Mycophenolate mofetil following cyclophosphamide in worsening systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease
Authors: Launay David , Buchdahl Anne-Laure , Berezné Alice , Hatron Pierre-Yves , Hachulla Eric , Mouthon Luc 
Published: April 2016

Objectives Randomized controlled trials have shown that cyclophosphamide (CYC) was an option in systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD). The observed improvement disappeared after CYC was stopped suggesting that a maintenance regimen was mandatory. Immunosuppressants were suggested to be more effective in patients with worsening (i.e., with worsening of dyspnea and/or pulmonary functional tests) SSc-ILD. We aimed to assess the efficacy of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) as a maintenance regimen after CYC in worsening SSc-ILD. Methods All patients (n = 20) with worsening SSc-ILD were retrospectively included. Treatment consisted of 6 to 12 monthly pulses of CYC followed by MMF and response was assessed by the evolution of the forced vital capacity (FVC) and carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLCO) during follow-up. Results At the end of CYC pulses, SSc-ILD had improved in 7 (35%) patients, stabilized in 10 (50%) (i.e., 85% of responders) and worsened in 3 (15%) when compared to baseline. After 6 months of MMF, 70% were still responders while 30% had worsened when compared to baseline (i.e., before CYC). After 12 months on MMF, 55% were responders and 45% had worsened when compared to baseline. Evolution of the FVC slope significantly improved on CYC as well as on MMF. Conclusions A strategy combining IV CYC followed by maintenance MMF for worsening SSc-ILD was associated with stabilization or improvement of pulmonary function tests in only 55% of patients after 12 months of MMF. This suggests that careful monitoring for worsening is mandatory during MMF maintenance and that improvement in managing worsening SSc-ILD is still needed.
A randomized controlled trial of acupressure for the treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon: the difficulty of conducting a trial in Raynaud's phenomenon
Authors: Gladue Heather , Berrocal Veronica , Harris Richard , Tsou Pei-Suen , Edhayan Gautam , Ohara Ray , Khanna Dinesh 
Published: April 2016

Objective To examine the effect of acupressure on Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) in a randomized controlled clinical trial (RCT) and to evaluate the difficulties of conducting an RP RCT. Methods A pilot single-center RCT of acupressure versus targeted patient education was conducted for the treatment of RP. Patients with either primary (n = 15) or secondary (n = 8) RP were randomized in an 8-week study. The primary endpoints included a decrease in the frequency and duration of RP. Secondary endpoints included several serum biomarkers including endothelial dysfunction, Raynaud's attack symptoms, Raynaud's Condition Score, and patient and physician global assessments of RP. Primary data analysis was conducted using the last observation carried forward and t-tests or a Wilcoxon rank test was used to compare the two groups. Results Twenty-three patients were randomized and seven discontinued prematurely. Seventy-eight percent of patients were female, 96% were Caucasian, and the mean age was 49.8 (SD = 16) years. No statistically significant differences were detected between the acupressure versus education groups in primary and secondary outcomes (p>0.05). Frequency of attacks decreased by 6.7 attacks (SD = 8.8) in the acupressure group versus 7.2 (SD = 12.8) in the education group (p = 0.96), and the duration of attacks decreased by 11.4 (SD = 19.9) minutes in the acupressure group versus an increase of 0.8 minutes (SD = 11.2) in the education group (p = 0.14). There were no adverse events noted in the RCT. Conclusions This pilot study does not support efficacy of acupressure for RP. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01784354. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01784354?term=acupressure&rank=15