bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Supplemental Dropwindsonde Data on the Structure and Intensity of Tropical Storm Karen (2013) in the NCEP Global Forecast System
Authors: Brennan Michael J. , Kleist Daryl T. , Howard Kate , Majumdar Sharanya J. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe impact of assimilating synoptic surveillance dropwindsonde data on the analysis and forecast of the structure and intensity of Tropical Storm Karen (2013) was examined. Data-denial experiments were conducted using the NCEP hybrid 3D ensemble–variational GSI and forecasts were made using the NCEP GFS model. The assimilation of dropwindsonde data resulted in a slightly more tilted tropical cyclone vortex, stronger vertical wind shear, and more upper-tropospheric dry air west of Karen in the initial conditions. These differences grew with time in the GFS forecasts, and resulted in a weaker and more sheared vortex by 24 h in the forecast that included the dropwindsonde data. After 24 h, the cyclone reintensified in the experiment where dropwindsonde data were excluded, likely because of moist processes in a favorable region for synoptic-scale ascent ahead of a baroclinic trough. In contrast, the forecast including the dropwindsonde data kept Karen weak and also did a better job forecasting the structure and track of Karen. These results suggest that differences in the analysis and short-term evolution of Karen and the environment due to the dropwindsonde data played a role in the longer-term structure and intensity of the cyclone, including the distribution and magnitude of associated diabatic heating. These results strongly suggest that a systematic study be undertaken to examine the impact of these data on tropical cyclone structure and intensity, since previous work has focused largely on the impact on track.
Detailed Hearing and Vestibular Profiles in the Patients with COCH Mutations
Authors: Tsukada Keita , Ichinose Aya , Miyagawa Maiko , Mori Kentaro , Hattori Mitsuru , Nishio Shin-ya , Naito Yasushi , Kitajiri Shin-ichiro , Usami Shin-ichi 
Published: March 2015

Objectives: To evaluate the clinical features of Japanese DFNA9 families with mutations of the COCH gene. Methods: Mutation screening was performed using targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) for 63 previously reported deafness genes. The progression of hearing loss and vestibular dysfunction were evaluated by pure-tone audiometry, caloric testing, cVEMP, and computed dynamic posturography. Results: We detected 1 reported mutation of p.G88E and 2 novel mutations of p.I372T and p.C542R. The patients with the novel mutations of p.I372T and p.C542R within the vWFA2 domain showed early onset progressive hearing loss, and the patients with the p.G88E mutation showed late onset hearing loss and acute hearing deterioration over a short period. Vestibular symptoms were reported in the patients with p.G88E and p.C542R. Vestibular testing was performed for the family with the p.G88E mutation. Severe vestibular dysfunction was observed in the proband, and the proband’s son showed unilateral semicircular canal dysfunction with mild hearing loss. Conclusions: Targeted exon resequencing of selected genes using NGS successfully identified mutations in the relatively rare deafness gene, COCH, in the Japanese population. The phenotype is compatible with that described in previous reports. Additional supporting evidence concerning progressive hearing loss and deterioration of vestibular function was obtained from our study.
Non-ocular Stickler Syndrome With a Novel Mutation in COL11A2 Diagnosed by Massively Parallel Sequencing in Japanese Hearing Loss Patients
Authors: Iwasa Yoh-ichiro , Moteki Hideaki , Hattori Mitsuru , Sato Ririko , Nishio Shin-ya , Takumi Yutaka , Usami Shin-ichi 
Published: March 2015

Objectives: This study aims to document the clinical features of patients with COL11A2 mutations and to describe the usefulness of massively parallel sequencing. Methods: One thousand one hundred twenty (1120) Japanese hearing loss patients from 53 ENT departments nationwide participated in this study. Massively parallel sequencing of 63 genes implicated in hearing loss was performed to identify the genetic causes in the Japanese hearing loss patients. Results: A novel mutation in COL11A2 (c.3937_3948delCCCCCAGGGCCA) was detected in an affected family, and it was segregated in all hearing loss individuals. The clinical findings of this family were compatible with non-ocular Stickler syndrome. Orofacial features of mid-facial hypoplasia and slowly progressive mild to moderate hearing loss were also presented. Audiological examinations showed favorable auditory performance with hearing aid(s). Conclusion: This is the first case report of the genetic diagnosis of a non-ocular Stickler syndrome family in the Japanese population. We suggest that it is important to take both genetic analysis data and clinical symptoms into consideration to make an accurate diagnosis.
Germinal Mosaicism in a Family With BO Syndrome
Authors: Miyagawa Maiko , Nishio Shin-ya , Hattori Mitsuru , Takumi Yutaka , Usami Shin-ichi 
Published: March 2015

Objectives: To clarify the existence of germinal mosaicism, we performed a genetic analysis of 2 siblings identified with an EYA1 mutation associated with branchiooto (BO) syndrome but who were born from normal parents. Methods: Detailed data from the 2 affected siblings were collected for clinical diagnosis, with haplotype analysis also performed to prove germinal mosaicism. Results: The 2 sisters showed characteristic clinical features of BO syndrome (middle and inner ear anomalies, microtia, and auditory canal stenosis/atresia). Haplotype analysis confirmed the genetic relationship between the affected sisters and their parents. The younger sister with auditory canal atresia received a bone-anchored hearing aid (Baha), a transcutaneous bone conduction hearing device, resulting in a good hearing outcome. Conclusions: Based on the results of haplotype analysis, we proved that the BO syndrome in these cases was caused by germinal mosaicism of the EYA1 gene in either the mother or father. We also demonstrated that the bone-conduction hearing implant is a good option for BO patients with complex outer, middle, and inner ear anomalies.
Infliximab and adalimumab are stable in whole blood clotted samples for seven days at room temperature
Authors: Perry Mandy , Bewshea Claire , Brown Richard , So Kenji , Ahmad Tariq , McDonald Timothy 
Published: March 2015

Introduction The biologic anti-tumour necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNFα) agents infliximab and adalimumab are monoclonal antibodies with binding specificity to TNFα, which are used for the treatment of Crohn’s disease. Clinical response is varied from complete with mucosal healing, to primary non-response, loss of response and adverse drug reactions. Measuring trough blood levels of infliximab and adalimumab may guide clinical management. The sample handling requirements for infliximab and adalimumab were previously unknown. Aim The aim of this study was to determine the in vitro stability of infliximab and adalimumab in samples stored for up to seven days at room temperature. Methods Samples were stored as clotted whole blood or serum at room temperature for up to seven days, before being frozen (−20℃) and analysed as a batch for either infliximab or adalimumab. Results No significant difference between the concentration of infliximab and adalimumab measured in samples stored as serum or whole blood for seven days at room temperature, as compared to baseline was found ( t-test; infliximab: P = .35 [serum], P = .38 [whole blood]; adalimumab: P = .12 [serum], P = .49 [whole blood]). Conclusion The stability of infliximab and adalimumab at room temperature for seven days allows samples to be posted direct from clinics and research centres to the analysing laboratory.
Requirement for specific gravity and creatinine adjustments for urinary steroids and luteinizing hormone concentrations in adolescents
Authors: Singh Gurmeet KS , Balzer Ben WR , Desai Reena , Jimenez Mark , Steinbeck Katharine S , Handelsman David J 
Published: March 2015

Objectives Urinary hormone concentrations are often adjusted to correct for hydration status. We aimed to determine whether first morning void urine hormones in growing adolescents require adjustments and, if so, whether urinary creatinine or specific gravity are better adjustments. Design and methods The study population was adolescents aged 10.1 to 14.3 years initially who provided fasting morning blood samples at 0 and 12 months ( n = 343) and first morning urine every three months ( n = 644). Unadjusted, creatinine and specific gravity-adjusted hormonal concentrations were compared by Deming regression and Bland–Altman analysis and grouped according to self-rated Tanner stage or chronological age. F-ratios for self-rated Tanner stages and age groups were used to compare unadjusted and adjusted hormonal changes in growing young adolescents. Correlations of paired serum and urinary hormonal concentration of unadjusted and creatinine and specific gravity-adjusted were also compared. Results Fasting first morning void hormone concentrations correlated well and were unbiased between unadjusted or adjusted by either creatinine or specific gravity. Urine creatinine concentration increases with Tanner stages, age and male gender whereas urine specific gravity was not influenced by Tanner stage, age or gender. Adjustment by creatinine or specific gravity of urinary luteinizing hormone, estradiol, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone concentrations did not improve correlation with paired serum concentrations. Conclusions Urine steroid and luteinizing hormone concentrations in first morning void samples of adolescents are not significantly influenced by hydration status and may not require adjustments; however, if desired, both creatinine and specific gravity adjustments are equally suitable.
A new opera house: combining entrepreneurship, garbage can features and windows of opportunity
Authors: Christensen Tom 
Published: March 2015

This study looks at the decision-making that culminated in the building of a new opera house in Oslo. The decision was finally taken in 1999 and the new opera house was finished in 2008. To analyse the decision-making process we use a ‘revised garbage can model’, as presented by Kingdon, which combines the concept of political entrepreneurship through instrumental coalition-building with garbage can features. The winning coalition included actors from parliament and local government but also local private business interests, and it succeeded because it managed to capitalize on a window of opportunity opened by other actors. The main reasons for this were that the opera project was temporarily decoupled from a large road-building project and managed to bring on board interests connected to a more extensive city development in Oslo's inner east city. The relative weakness of the cultural arguments for building an new opera house were evident during the whole process, making the decision to build it a side effect or spin-off from other concerns and interests. The study, which is a single embedded case, is based on a wide range of public documents, interviews and newspaper articles. Points for practitioners Decisions on major public projects may not follow a strict rational trajectory because of imbalances between sectors, side effects and coalition features. This means that ‘weak sectors’ may either accept decision premises from other sectors or engage in coalitions with them to get large projects decided on. The broader actors are able to anchor such large projects, i.e. the more different interests they can fulfil, the larger probability of reaching a decision on them. Such a pragmatic approach may be both crucial in realizing the projects at all and also move the projects away from the original ideas behind them.
Is volunteering in later life impeded or stimulated by other activities?
Authors: Dury Sarah , De Donder Liesbeth , De Witte Nico , Brosens Dorien , Smetcoren An-Sofie , Van Regenmortel Sofie , Verté Dominique 
Published: March 2015

Purpose: Volunteering among older adults has received increasing attention from researchers, policy makers, and associations. However, there remains a lack of knowledge in how volunteering is impacted by other activities in the lives of older adults. In order to understand activity engagement in later life, insights into the extent to which activities compete with or complement each other are necessary. Methods: Data for the present research were derived from the Belgian Aging Studies ( N = 23,768). The main objective is to uncover the activities that impede or stimulate actual volunteering and/or the likeliness to volunteer at an older age. Results: Structural equation models indicate a strong positive correlation between altruistic types of activities and actual volunteering. Furthermore, older adults active in personal leisure activities are more drawn to be potential volunteers. Implications: The article demonstrates that the activity level of older people is not sufficient to understand volunteering, that is, a distinction between the types of activities is essential.
The Effect of Radiotherapy on Gentamicin Ototoxicity
Authors: Bezdjian Aren , Mujica‐Mota Mario A. , Devic Slobodan , Daniel Sam J. 
Published: March 2015

ObjectivePatients undergoing radiotherapy (RT) often present with serious bacterial infections requiring the use of antibiotic treatment. Gentamicin is a commonly used aminoglycoside antibiotic, whose ototoxicity remains a major problem in clinical use. The objective of this study was to determine whether radiation exposure can influence gentamicin‐induced ototoxicity.Study DesignProspective animal study.SettingAnimal care facilities of the Montreal Children’s Hospital Research Institute.MethodsSixteen guinea pigs received low‐dose RT unilaterally for 4 weeks (total: 48 Gy). Animals then received low or high doses of gentamicin (40 mg/kg/d and 80 mg/kg/d) for 10 days. The ears were divided into 4 groups: gentamicin 40 mg, gentamicin 80 mg, gentamicin 40 mg + RT, and gentamicin 80 + RT. Auditory brainstem responses and distortion products otoacoustic emissions were assessed at baseline and before and after gentamicin treatment. Cochlear morphology using light and scanning electron microscopy were evaluated.ResultsHigh‐dose gentamicin caused significant auditory brainstem response threshold shifts (P =. 020), with greater hearing loss in the irradiated ear (difference of 23.6 + 7.5 dB). All animals exposed to high‐dose gentamicin had head tilts toward the radiated side. Cochlear morphology revealed the greatest hair cell damage in the gentamicin 80 + RT group followed by gentamicin 80.ConclusionResults suggest that radiation can exacerbate the ototoxicity of gentamicin at high doses.
Development and Characterization of Chemical Cochleostomy in the Guinea Pig
Authors: Alyono Jennifer C. , Corrales C. Eduardo , Huth Markus E. , Blevins Nikolas H. , Ricci Anthony J. 
Published: March 2015

ObjectivesCreation of an atraumatic, hearing‐preservation cochleostomy is integral to the future of minimally invasive inner ear surgery. The goal of this study was to develop and characterize a novel chemical approach to cochleostomy.Study DesignProspective animal study.SettingLaboratory.MethodsExperimental animal study in which phosphoric acid gel (PAG) was used to decalcify the otic capsule in 25 Hartley guinea pigs. Five animals in each of 5 surgical groups were studied: (1) mechanically opening the auditory bulla alone, (2) PAG thinning of the basal turn otic capsule, leaving endosteum covered by a layer of bone, (3) micro‐pick manual cochleostomy, (4) PAG chemical cochleostomy, exposing the endosteum, and (5) combined PAG/micro‐pick cochleostomy, with initial chemical thinning and subsequent manual removal of the last osseous layer. Preoperative and postoperative auditory brainstem responses and otoacoustic emissions were obtained at 2, 6, 10, and 16 kHz. Hematoxylin and eosin–stained paraffin sections were compared.ResultsSurgical and histologic findings confirmed that application of PAG provided reproducible local bone removal, and cochlear access was enabled. Statistically significant auditory threshold shifts were observed at 10 kHz (P =. 048) and 16 kHz (P =. 0013) following cochleostomy using PAG alone (group 4) and at 16 kHz using manual cochleostomy (group 3) (P =. 028). No statistically significant, postoperative auditory threshold shifts were observed in the other groups, including PAG thinning with manual completion cochleostomy (group 5).ConclusionHearing preservation cochleostomy can be performed in an animal model using a novel technique of thinning cochlear bone with PAG and manually completing cochleostomy.
The efficacy of three-dimensional Schroth exercises in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a randomised controlled clinical trial
Authors: Kuru Tuğba , Yeldan İpek , Dereli E Elçin , Özdinçler Arzu R , Dikici Fatih , Çolak İlker 
Published: March 2015

Objective: To compare the efficacy of three-dimensional (3D) Schroth exercises in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Design: A randomised-controlled study. Setting: An outpatient exercise-unit and in a home setting. Subjects: Fifty-one patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Interventions: Forty-five patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis meeting the inclusion criteria were divided into three groups. Schroth’s 3D exercises were applied to the first group in the clinic and were given as a home program for the second group; the third group was the control. Main Measures: Scoliosis angle (Cobb method), angle of rotation (scoliometer), waist asymmetry (waist – elbow distance), maximum hump height of the patients and quality of life (QoL) (SRS-23) were assessed pre-treatment and, at the 6th, 12th and 24th weeks. Results: The Cobb (-2.53°; P=0.003) and rotation angles (-4.23°; P=0.000) significantly decreased, which indicated an improvement in the clinic exercise group compared to the other groups. The gibbosity (-68.66mm; P=0.000) and waist asymmetry improved only in the clinic exercise group, whereas the results of the other groups worsened. QoL did not change significantly in either group. Conclusion: According to the results of this study the Schroth exercise program applied in the clinic under physiotherapist supervision was superior to the home exercise and control groups; additionally, we observed that scoliosis progressed in the control group, which received no treatment.
Does wearing unstable shoes reduce low back pain and disability in nurses? A randomized controlled pilot study
Authors: Vieira Edgar R , Brunt Denis 
Published: March 2015

Objective: To evaluate if wearing unstable shoes reduces low back pain and disability in nurses. Design: A randomized controlled trial. Setting: Hospitals and homecare. Subjects: A total of 20 matched female registered nurses with low back pain. The mean (standard deviation) age was 31 years (5) for the control and 34 years (6) for the intervention group; height was 161 cm (5) and 165 cm (7), respectively. Interventions: The intervention group received unstable shoes at Week 2 to wear for at least 36 h/week for a month. Main measures: The Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire and a visual analogue pain scale. Results: The mean (standard deviation) pain level was 6 (1) at baseline vs. 6 (2) at Week 6 for the control group, and 5 (1) vs. 1 (1) for the intervention group. The mean (standard deviation) disability level was 31% (9) at baseline vs. 28% (7) at Week 6 for the control, and 27% (12) vs. 13% (5) for the intervention group. There were no significant changes over time on pain or disability levels for the control group. The intervention group reported lower levels of pain on Weeks 4 (mean difference ⩾–1.4, p ⩽ 0.009) and 6 (mean difference ⩾–3.1, p < 0.001). Disability levels were also lower on Weeks 4 (mean difference = −4.5%, p NS) and 6 (mean difference = −14.1%, p = 0.020). Conclusions: Wearing unstable shoes reduced low back pain and disability in nurses and might be helpful as part of the back pain rehabilitation process.
Sleep Disturbance Associated With Rotator Cuff Tear
Authors: Austin Luke , Pepe Matthew , Tucker Bradford , Ong Alvin , Nugent Robert , Eck Brandon , Tjoumakaris Fotios 
Published: March 2015

Background: Sleep disturbance is a common complaint of patients with a rotator cuff tear. Inadequate and restless sleep, along with pain, is often a driving symptom for patients to proceed with rotator cuff repair. To date, no studies have examined sleep disturbance in patients undergoing rotator cuff repair, and there is no evidence that surgery improves sleep disturbance. Hypothesis: Sleep disturbance is prevalent in patients with a symptomatic rotator cuff tear, and sleep disturbance improves after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A total of 56 patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair for full-thickness tears were enrolled in a prospective study. Patients were surveyed preoperatively and postoperatively at intervals of 2, 6, 12, 18, and 24 weeks. Patient outcomes were scored using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Simple Shoulder Test (SST), visual analog scale for pain (VAS), and single assessment numeric evaluation (SANE). Demographic and surgical factors were also collected for analysis. Results: Preoperative PSQI scores indicative of sleep disturbance were reported in 89% of patients. After surgery, a statistically significant improvement in PSQI was achieved at 3 months ( P = .0012; 91% follow-up) and continued through 6 months ( P = .0179; 93% follow-up). Six months after surgery, only 38% of patients continued to have sleep disturbance. Multivariable linear regression of all surgical and demographic factors versus PSQI was performed and demonstrated that preoperative and prolonged postoperative narcotic use negatively affected sleep. Conclusion: Sleep disturbance is common in patients undergoing rotator cuff repair. After surgery, sleep disturbance improves to levels comparable with those of the general public. Preoperative and prolonged postoperative use of narcotic pain medication negatively affects sleep.
Should we systematically test patients with clinically isolated syndrome for auto-antibodies?
Authors: Negrotto Laura , Tur Carmen , Tintoré Mar , Arrambide Georgina , Sastre-Garriga Jaume , Río Jordi , Comabella Manuel , Nos Carlos , Galán Ingrid , Vidal-Jordana Angela , Simon Eva , Castilló Joaquín , Palavra Filipe , Mitjana Raquel , Auger Cristina , Rovira Àlex , Montalban Xavier 
Published: March 2015

Background: Several autoimmune diseases (ADs) can mimic multiple sclerosis (MS). For this reason, testing for auto-antibodies (auto-Abs) is often included in the diagnostic work-up of patients with a clinically isolated syndrome (CIS). Objective: The purpose was to study how useful it was to systematically determine antinuclear-antibodies, anti-SSA and anti-SSB in a non-selected cohort of CIS patients, regarding the identification of other ADs that could represent an alternative diagnosis. Methods: From a prospective CIS cohort, we selected 772 patients in which auto-Ab levels were tested within the first year from CIS. Baseline characteristics of auto-Ab positive and negative patients were compared. A retrospective revision of clinical records was then performed in the auto-Ab positive patients to identify those who developed ADs during follow-up. Results: One or more auto-Ab were present in 29.4% of patients. Only 1.8% of patients developed other ADs during a mean follow-up of 6.6 years. In none of these cases the concurrent AD was considered the cause of the CIS. In all cases the diagnosis of the AD resulted from the development of signs and/or symptoms suggestive of each disease. Conclusion: Antinuclear-antibodies, anti-SSA and anti-SSB should not be routinely determined in CIS patients but only in those presenting symptoms suggestive of other ADs.