Clustering of rainfall types using micro rain radar and laser disdrometer observations in the tropical andes

Lack of rainfall information at high temporal resolution in areas with a complex topography as the Tropical Andes is one of the main obstacles to study its rainfall dynamics. Furthermore, rainfall types (e.g., stratiform, convective) are usually defined by using thresholds of some rainfall characteristics such as intensity and velocity. However, these thresholds highly depend on the local climate and the study area. In consequence, these thresholds are a constraining factor for the rainfall class definitions because they cannot be generalized. Thus, this study aims to analyze rainfall-event types by using a data-driven clustering approach based on the k-means algorithm that allows accounting for the similarities of rainfall characteristics of each rainfall type. It was carried out using three years of data retrieved from a vertically pointing Micro Rain Radar (MRR) and a laser disdrometer. The results show two main rainfall types (convective and stratiform) in the area which highly differ in their rainfall features. In addition, a mixed type was found as a subgroup of the stratiform type. The stratiform type was found more frequently throughout the year. Furthermore, rainfall events of short duration (less than 70 min) were prevalent in the study area. This study will contribute to analyze the rainfall formation processes and the vertical profile

Endoscopic endonasal approach for pituitary adenomas: results from a multidisciplinary management

Abstract Background Endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) has gained increasing acceptance in the world; however, pituitary adenomas require multidisciplinary management for good outcomes. The aim of this study is to report the results of this management of a consecutive series of patients who underwent a purely endoscopic endonasal approach for pituitary adenomas resection in our hospital and compare them to other series. Methods A retrospective review of clinical and radiographic records of 80 consecutive patients with pituitary adenomas who were operated on using an EEA between 2011 and 2019 was performed. The patientś clinical, ophthalmologic, endocrinologic and radiographic outcomes were evaluated. Results 57% were women and 43% men. The age ranged from 10 to 79 years. 72 tumours (90%) were macroadenomas; in 19 patients (23.75%) the cavernous sinus was invaded. There were 58 non-functioning adenomas and 17 growth hormone secreting, 4 prolactin-secreting, and 1 thyroid-stimulating hormone-secreting adenomas. Gross total resection was achieved in 76.2% of tumours without cavernous sinus invasion. Of the 53 patients presenting with visual loss, 47 (88.6%) improved or normalized. The remission rates with EEA alone were 58% in the GH-secreting adenomas and 75% in the prolactinomas group. Complications included CSF leak in 12.5%, new hormonal deficit in 18.75%, epistaxis in 6.25%, sella hematoma in 3.75% and neuroinfection in 1 patient (1.25%). We did not have mortality. The follow-up was from 6 to 87 months. Conclusions A multidisciplinary management is required for the adequate treatment of pituitary adenomas. With good surgical training, the EEA is safe and effective around the world. Our results are similar compared with those reported in previous series of microscopic or endoscopic approaches