bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nowcasting with Data Assimilation: A Case of Global Satellite Mapping of Precipitation
Authors: Otsuka Shigenori , Kotsuki Shunji , Miyoshi Takemasa 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Space–time extrapolation is a key technique in precipitation nowcasting. Motions of patterns are estimated using two or more consecutive images, and the patterns are extrapolated in space and time to obtain their future patterns. Applying space–time extrapolation to satellite-based global precipitation data will provide valuable information for regions where ground-based precipitation nowcasts are not available. However, this technique is sensitive to the accuracy of the motion vectors, and over the past few decades, previous studies have investigated methods for obtaining reliable motion vectors such as variational techniques. In this paper, an alternative approach applying data assimilation to precipitation nowcasting is proposed. A prototype extrapolation system is implemented with the local ensemble transform Kalman filter and is tested with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s Global Satellite Mapping of Precipitation (GSMaP) product. Data assimilation successfully improved the global precipitation nowcasting with the real-case GSMaP data.
Seasons of Stress: Understanding the Dynamic Nature of People’s Ability to Respond to Change and Surprise
Authors: Penn Henry J. F. , Gerlach S. Craig , Loring Philip A. 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Climate change is impacting coastal communities in rural Alaska in multiple direct and indirect ways. Here, findings are reported from ethnographic research done with municipal workers, community leaders, and other local experts in the Bristol Bay region of Alaska, where it is found that climate change is interacting with local social and environmental circumstances in ways more nuanced than are generally captured by frameworks for vulnerability analysis. Specifically, the research herein shows the importance of the temporal dimension of vulnerability to environmental change in rural Alaska, both in terms of temporal patterns that emerge from climate-driven stressors and also with respect to how, and under what conditions, people in rural communities may design or manage effective responses to change. There are multiple factors that play into how rural communities will be affected by some climatic or environmental stress; ultimately, the impacts of climatic and environmental stressors will differ depending on where, when, and how frequently they occur. To capture these interactions, two analytical concepts—community capacity and cumulative effects—are discussed and then incorporated into a visual tool for improved planning and vulnerability analysis.
Physiochemical properties and reproducibility of air-based sodium tetradecyl sulphate foam using the Tessari method
Authors: Watkins Mike R , Oliver Richard J 
Published: June 2016

Objectives The objectives were to examine the density, bubble size distribution and durability of sodium tetradecyl sulphate foam and the consistency of production of foam by a number of different operators using the Tessari method. Methods 1% and 3% sodium tetradecyl sulphate sclerosant foam was produced by an experienced operator and a group of inexperienced operators using either a 1:3 or 1:4 liquid:air ratio and the Tessari method. The foam density, bubble size distribution and foam durability were measured on freshly prepared foam from each operator. Results The foam density measurements were similar for each of the 1:3 preparations and for each of the 1:4 preparations but not affected by the sclerosant concentration. The bubble size for all preparations were very small immediately after preparation but progressively coalesced to become a micro-foam (<250 µm) after the first 30 s up until 2 min. Both the 1% and 3% solution foams developed liquid more rapidly when made in a 1:3 ratio (37 s) than in a 1:4 ratio (45 s) but all combinations took similar times to reach 0.4 ml liquid formation. For all the experiments, there was no statistical significant difference between operators. Conclusions The Tessari method of foam production for sodium tetradecyl sulphate sclerosant is consistent and reproducible even when made by inexperienced operators. The best quality foam with micro bubbles should be used within the first minute after production.
Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration of thyroid nodules: factors affecting diagnostic outcomes and confounding variables
Authors: Kavanagh John , McVeigh Niall , McCarthy Eoghan , Bennett Kathleen , Beddy Peter 
Published: June 2016

Background The incidence of thyroid cancer is increasing in men and women. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is an accepted technique to assess thyroid nodules but is associated with a high rate of non-diagnostic sampling. Purpose To assess the diagnostic performance of ultrasound-guided FNA of thyroid nodules and identify factors associated with non-diagnostic sampling. Material and Methods A retrospective review of thyroid FNAs was performed between 2006 and 2013. Patient demographics, nodule characteristics, procedural technique, cytology, and complications were recorded. Cytology was categorized THY1-5 based on the British Thyroid Association guidelines. Descriptive and multivariable analysis were conducted to identify factors associated with non-diagnostic sampling. Results A total of 724 procedures were identified with 597 (82.5%) in women, and an overall mean age of 40 years (age range, 17–87 years). Factors associated with a non-diagnostic outcome in the multivariable regression analysis included increasing lesion depth (OR, 1.05 per mm; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.007–1.10), age (OR, 1.012 per year; 95% CI, 1.0–1.025) and number of FNA passes (1 vs. 4+; OR, 6.07; 95% CI, 2.27–16.21). The complication rate was 1.1% related to perilesional hematomas and vaso-vagal episodes. Conclusion Thyroid FNA is a safe and reliable procedure for cytological assessment of thyroid nodules. Deeper nodules and older patients are more likely to have non-diagnostic samples.
A new MRI grading system for chondromalacia patellae
Authors: Özgen Ali , Taşdelen Neslihan , Fırat Zeynep 
Published: June 2016

Background Chondromalacia patellae is a very common disorder. Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is widely used to investigate patellar cartilage lesions, there is no descriptive MRI-based grading system for chondromalacia patellae. Purpose To propose a new MRI grading system for chondromalacia patellae with corresponding high resolution images which might be useful in precisely reporting and comparing knee examinations in routine daily practice and used in predicting natural course and clinical outcome of the patellar cartilage lesions. Material and Methods High resolution fat-saturated proton density (FS PD) images in the axial plane with corresponding T2 mapping images were reviewed. A detailed MRI grading system covering the deficiencies of the existing gradings has been set and presented on these images. Two experienced observers blinded to clinical data examined 44 knee MR images and evaluated patellar cartilage changes according to the proposed grading system. Inter- and intra-rater validity testing using kappa statistics were calculated. Results A descriptive and detailed grading system with corresponding FS PD and T2 mapping images has been presented. Inter-rater agreement was 0.80 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.71–0.89). Intra-rater agreements were 0.83 (95% CI, 0.74–0.91) for observer A and 0.79 (95% CI, 0.70–0.88) for observer B (k-values). Conclusion We present a new MRI grading system for chondromalacia patellae with corresponding images and good inter- and intra-rater agreement which might be useful in reporting and comparing knee MRI examinations in daily practice and may also have the potential for using more precisely predicting prognosis and clinical outcome of the patients.
Delayed absorption of many (paracetamol, aspirin, other NSAIDs and zolmitriptan) but not all (sumatriptan, rizatriptan) drugs during migraine attacks and most likely normal gastric emptying outside attacks. A review
Authors: Tfelt-Hansen Peer Carsten 
Published: June 2016

Background In most pharmacokinetic studies, the oral absorption of drugs is impaired during migraine attacks but exceptions occur. A study on gastric emptying using gastric scintigraphy indicated that gastric stasis also occurs interictally in migraine. These studies were reviewed critically. Results In seven studies, mainly investigating NSAIDs and analgesics, the early absorption of the drugs during 112 migraine attacks was delayed. The absorption of sumatriptan is usual in therapeutic doses, and rizatriptan was normal during 131 migraine attacks. The interictal gastric stasis observed using gastric emptying scintigraphy (GES) with solids ( n = 13) could not be confirmed in a larger study ( n = 27) using the same method. Also gastric emptying measured with GES with liquids ( n = 7) and epigastric impedance ( n = 64) was normal outside migraine attacks. Conclusions and possible clinical implications Drug absorption is not generally impaired during migraine attacks. Gastric emptying is most likely normal in the majority of migraine patients outside attacks. Prokinetic and antiemetic drugs such as metoclopramide and domperidone should not be routinely combined with oral analgesics or oral triptans. If, however, nausea is severe or vomiting occurs, treatment with an antiemetic with proven efficacy on the nausea of migraine can be indicated.
Measuring Poverty for Food Security Analysis
Authors: Hjelm Lisa , Mathiassen Astrid , Wadhwa Amit 
Published: June 2016

Background: Poverty and food insecurity are intrinsically linked as poor households often lack the resources required to access sufficient nutritious food to live an active and healthy life. Consumption and expenditure surveys are typically used to identify poor versus nonpoor households but are detailed and costly. Measures of wealth based on asset ownership and housing characteristics can be generated from lighter, less costly surveys. Objective: To examine whether indices based on asset ownership and housing characteristics (stock) complement household consumption (flow) when used to analyze inequalities in food security outcomes. Methods: Comprehensive data from Nepal, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, and Madagascar are used to examine correlations and overlaps in classification between indices of household wealth and consumption per capita. Inequality in food security indicators representing quantity, quality, and vulnerability is examined across wealth and consumption per capita quintiles. Results: Wealth indices are correlated with consumption per capita, with coefficients between 0.5 and 0.6. The prevalence of food insecurity decreases from poorer to wealthier quintiles for all variables and for all food security measures in all countries. Energy deficiency varies much more across consumption quintiles than wealth index quintiles. Interestingly, inequalities in the share of consumption of food are more pronounced across the wealth index quintiles than per capita consumption. Conclusion: Although wealth indices and consumption per capita are related and both are drivers of food security, they cannot be used interchangeably for food security analysis. Each inequality measure is important for describing different aspects of food security.
Affective disorders and functional (non-epileptic) seizures in persons with epilepsy
Authors: Johnson Keith A , Macfarlane Matthew D , Looi Jeffrey CL 
Published: June 2016

Objective: This paper aims to describe the prevalence, assessment and management of affective disorders as well as functional (non-epileptic) seizures in people with epilepsy. Method: This paper comprises a selective review of the literature of the common affective manifestations of epilepsy. Results: Affective disorders are the most common psychiatric comorbidity seen in people with epilepsy and assessment and management parallels that of the general population. Additionally, people with epilepsy may experience higher rates of mood instability, irritability and euphoria, classified together as a group, interictal dysphoric disorder and resembling an unstable bipolar Type II disorder. Functional seizures present unique challenges in terms of identification of the disorder and a lack of specific management. Conclusions: Given their high prevalence, it is important to be able to recognise affective disorders in people with epilepsy. Management principles parallel those in the general population with specific caution exercised regarding the potential interactions between antidepressant medications and antiepileptic drugs. Functional seizures are more complex and require a coordinated approach involving neurologists, psychiatrists, general practitioners, nursing and allied health. There is very limited evidence to guide psychological and behavioural interventions for neurotic disorders in epilepsy and much more research is needed.
Influence of VKORC1 and CYP2C9 Polymorphisms on Daily Acenocoumarol Dose Requirement in South Indian Patients With Mechanical Heart Valves
Authors: Kalpana S. R. , Bharath G. , Manjunath C. N. , Christopher Rita 
Published: June 2016

Background and Aim: Chronic rheumatic heart disease (RHD) patients who undergo valve replacement with mechanical valves require lifelong anticoagulation. Acenocoumarol, a vitamin K antagonist has a narrow therapeutic range and wide inter-individual variability. Our aim was to investigate the influence of polymorphisms of VKORC1 and CYP2C9 genes on the mean daily dose requirement of acenocoumarol. Methods: 205 chronic RHD patients, with mechanical heart valves and on acenocoumarol therapy, were recruited. Genotyping for VKORC1 (−1639G>A and 1173C>T) and CYP2C9 (*2 & *3 alleles) polymorphisms was done by PCR-RFLP. There was complete linkage disequilibrium between VKORC1 polymorphisms (r2 = 0.98, D′ = 1.0, LOD = 74.02). VKORC1 genotype distribution for GG/CC, GA/CT, and AA/TT were 57.6%, 36.1%, and 6.3%, respectively. CYP2C9 genotype distribution for *1/*1, *1/*3, *1/*2, *2/*2, and *2/*3 were 78.5%, 14.1%, 6.3%, 0.5%, and 0.5%, respectively. Patients with a wild type of both VKORC1 (−1639GG and 1173CC) and CYP2C9 gene variants required higher acenocoumarol dose compared to those with mutant genotype ( P = 0.023 and P = 0.008 respectively). On combined genotype analysis, patients having a combination of wild type of VKORC1 with wild type of CYP2C9 (44.4%) required higher daily dose compared to patients bearing heterozygous VKORC1 (−1639GA & 1173CT) with wild type of CYP2C9 (30.2%, P = 0.008). Conclusion: Presence of a mutant allele of VKORC1 (−1639A & 1173T) and CYP2C9 genes increased the odds of requiring a lower mean dosage of acenocoumarol. Studying the combination of genotypes in RHD patients could predict acenocoumarol dose requirement more accurately.
Predictors of Morbidity and Mortality in Esophageal Perforation: Retrospective Study of 80 Patients
Authors: Zimmermann M. , Hoffmann M. , Jungbluth T. , Bruch H. P. , Keck T. , Schloericke E. 
Published: June 2016

Background and Aims: Esophageal perforation is a life-threatening disease. Factors impacting morbidity and mortality include the cause and site of the perforation, the time to diagnosis, and the therapeutic procedure. This study aimed to identify risk factors for morbidity and mortality after esophageal perforation. Patients and Methods: This retrospective study analyzed data collected from all patients treated for esophageal perforation at the Department of Surgery, University of Schleswig–Holstein, Luebeck Campus, from January 1986 through December 2011. Results: Altogether, 80 patients (52 men, 28 women; mean age 65 years) were treated. The cause of perforation was intraluminal in 44 (55%) (group A) and extraluminal in 2 (3%) (group B). Spontaneous perforations were observed in 12 (15%) (group C). Perforations were due to a preexisting esophageal disease in 22 (28%) (group D). The survival rate was higher for group A (82%) than for groups B (50%), C (57%), and D (59%). The distal third of the esophagus had the highest prevalence of perforations (49, 61%) independent of the cause. Mortality, however, was independent of the perforation site. Perforations were diagnosed within 24 h in 57% (n = 46) of patients, associated with a statistically significant lower mortality rate (p = 0.035). Altogether, 40 patients underwent non-operative treatment, and among those 27 had endoscopic treatment. Emergency thoracic surgery was performed in 40 patients: direct suture of the defect (n = 26), partial esophageal resection (n = 11), other (n = 3). Significantly higher morbidity (p = 0.007) and prolonged hospitalization (p < 0.0001) was observed among patients who underwent emergency surgery. Mortality was higher in the surgical group (14/40) than in the non-operative treatment group (9/40) but without statistical significance. Conclusion: Intraluminal perforations, rapid initiation of therapy, and non-operative treatment were associated with favorable outcomes. The perforation site did not have an impact on outcomes. Esophageal resection was associated with high mortality.
Cognitive stimulation therapy as a low-resource intervention for dementia in sub-Saharan Africa (CST-SSA): Adaptation for rural Tanzania and Nigeria
Authors: Mkenda Sarah , Olakehinde Olaide , Mbowe Godfrey , Siwoku Akeem , Kisoli Aloyce , Paddick Stella-Maria , Adediran Babatunde , Gray William K , Dotchin Catherine L , Adebiyi Akinpelumi , Walker Richard W , Mushi Declare , Ogunniyi Adesola 
Published: June 2016

Introduction Cognitive stimulation therapy is a non-pharmacological intervention for people with dementia. Its use has been associated with substantial improvements in cognition and quality of life in studies from high-income countries, equivalent to those achieved by pharmacological treatments. Cognitive stimulation therapy may be particularly suited to low resource settings, such as sub-Saharan Africa, because it requires little specialist equipment and can be delivered by non-specialist health workers. The aim of this study was to adapt cognitive stimulation therapy for use in sub-Saharan Africa taking into account socio-cultural differences and resource implications. Methods Cognitive stimulation therapy is a structured programme, originally developed in the United Kingdom. Substantial adaptations were required for use in sub-Saharan Africa. The formative method for adapting psychotherapy was used as a framework for the adaption process. The feasibility of using the adapted cognitive stimulation therapy programme to manage dementia was assessed in Tanzania and Nigeria in November 2013. Further adaptations were made following critical appraisal of feasibility. Results The adapted cognitive stimulation therapy intervention appeared feasible and acceptable to participants and carers. Key adaptations included identification of suitable treatment settings, task adaptation to accommodate illiteracy and uncorrected sensory impairment, awareness of cultural differences and usage of locally available materials and equipment to ensure sustainability. Conclusions Cognitive stimulation therapy was successfully adapted for use in sub-Saharan Africa. Future work will focus on a trial of cognitive stimulation therapy in each setting.
Negative association of diabetes with rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Takagi Hisato , Umemoto Takuya ,   for the ALICE (All-Literature Investigation of Cardiovascular Evidence) Group
Published: June 2016

Purpose: To summarize the association of diabetes with abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture, we reviewed currently available studies with a systematic literature search and meta-analytic evaluation. Methods: To identify all studies reporting the association of diabetes with abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture, MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched through July 2015. For each study, data regarding diabetes prevalence in both the ruptured and non-ruptured groups were used to generate an unadjusted odds ratio for abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture and 95% confidence intervals. Alternatively, an unadjusted or adjusted odds ratio, or hazard ratio for abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture with 95% confidence interval was directly abstracted (as available) from each individual study. Results: Our search identified 11 eligible studies. A primary meta-analysis of nine studies reporting data on ruptured (not including non-ruptured symptomatic) abdominal aortic aneurysm demonstrated that diabetes was associated with significantly lower prevalence/incidence of abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture (odds ratio/hazard ratio, 0.71; 95% confidence interval, 0.56 to 0.89; p = 0.003). A secondary meta-analysis of all 11 studies (adding two studies in which non-ruptured symptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysm was included in the rupture group) also demonstrated that diabetes was associated with significantly lower prevalence/incidence of abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture (odds ratio/hazard ratio, 0.77; 95% confidence interval, 0.63 to 0.95; p = 0.01). Conclusion: Diabetes is negatively associated with abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture.
The prevalence of major lower limb amputation in the diabetic and non-diabetic population of England 2003–2013
Authors: Ahmad Naseer , Thomas G Neil , Gill Paramjit , Torella Francesco 
Published: June 2016

Aims: To determine the prevalence of amputation and revascularisation among diabetics and non-diabetics between 2003 and 2013. Methods: Retrospective analysis of English hospital data with census estimates for population aged 50–84 years. Results: There were 42,294 major and 52,525 minor amputations and 355,545 revascularisations. Major amputation rates fell by 20% (27.7–22.9), with minor amputations (22.9–35.2) and revascularisations (199.8–245.4) rising. The major amputation rate reduced in diabetics (men, 180.5–111.8; women, 92.8–52.7) faster than non-diabetics (men, 24.6–18.7; women, 11.0–8.9). In total, 48.2% of men and 58.0% of women amputees were not diabetic. Conclusion: Diabetics continue to experience six times the rate of amputation than non-diabetics. However, half of major amputees were not diabetic and experienced slower rates of decrease. Non-diabetics, particularly those with peripheral arterial disease, should have access to appropriate services, particularly foot care.