bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Card Placing Test: A New Test for Evaluating the Function of the Retrosplenial and Posterior Cingulate Cortices
Authors: Hashimoto Ritsuo , Nakano Imaharu
Published: May 2014

Background/Aim: We developed a test named the Card Placing Test (CPT), which is potentially useful for evaluating a function of the retrosplenial and posterior cingulate cortices (RSC/PCC). Part A of the test assesses the ability of a subject to retain information on spatial locations of cards placed on the floor around the subject. Part B examines the subject's ability to integrate information on the spatial locations of similarly arranged cards and information on changes in body direction. The aim of this study is to identify brain regions involved in the CPT performance. Subjects and Methods: Twenty-five subjects were recruited from our memory clinic. We analyzed the correlation between the CPT scores and resting state regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) determined by single-photon emission tomography. Results: The scores for part A correlated with rCBF in the right inferior parietal lobule. The scores for part B were associated with rCBF in the RSC/PCC. Conclusions: The right inferior parietal lobule seems to play a pivotal role in performing part A of the CPT, whereas the RSC/PCC appears to be involved in accomplishing part B of the CPT.
Impact of Thoracic Epidural Analgesia on Blood Loss in Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy
Authors: Baumunk Daniel , Strang Christof Maria , Kropf Siegfried , Schäfer Michael , Schrader Mark , Weikert Steffen , Cash Hannes , Breckwoldt Jan , Miller Kurt , Hachenberg Thomas , Schostak Martin
Published: May 2014

Introduction: Radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) is associated with an increased risk of intraoperative blood loss and the necessity of transfusions. This prospective randomised clinical study evaluates the influence of thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) on blood loss in RRP. Materials and Methods: 235 patients were randomised: TEA in group 1 (n = 116; general anaesthesia + TEA) comprised continuous administration of 0.25% bupivacaine, while group 2 (n = 119; general anaesthesia alone) received intravenous analgesia with fentanyl (intubation: 2 µg/kg; maintenance: 0.1- 0.3 mg). A restrictive infusion regimen (<1,000 ml until specimen removal) was administered in both groups. Blood loss, infusion rates and anaesthesiological parameters were recorded and analysed using regression models and analyses of variance. Results: Haemoglobin difference between the pre- and the first postoperative day (group 1: 3.35 ± 1.16 g/dl; group 2: 3.56 ± 1.42 g/dl; p = 0.19), overall blood loss (group 1: 665 ± 431.5 ml; group 2: 705 ± 881 ml; p = 0.73) and transfusion rates (0.4% intraoperatively; 2.55% postoperatively; p = 1.0) did not show group differences. In regression analysis blood loss was influenced by preoperative haemoglobin levels (p < 0.0001), patients' weight (p = 0.018) and duration of the operation (p = 0.017). Conclusions: This study did not demonstrate a direct impact of TEA on intraoperative blood loss and transfusion rates in RRP. Further randomised clinical trials are needed to evaluate an impact of the different anaesthetic procedures presented alone or in combination on blood loss.
Kidney Development: An Overview
Authors: Pietilä Ilkka , Vainio Seppo J.
Published: May 2014

Background: Kidney diseases are worldwide public health problems with a high cost and increasing incidence. By revealing the genetic and cellular mechanism behind mammalian kidney development, better diagnostic methods and novel therapies can be expected to be developed. The mammalian kidney is a typical organ that develops on the basis of sequential and reciprocal cell and tissue interactions. Functional genetic analysis has identified that genes from different classes are involved in the construction of the kidney and the same genes are also connected to the development of diseases. Summary: This review gives an overview of the basics of kidney ontogeny, from identification of the primary kidney cell to inductive signals of ureter budding and formation of the segmented nephron. We also go through some of the key factors involved in the control of morphogenesis. Key Message: Despite the wealth of accumulated data on nephron development, including progenitor cell control factors and inductive signals, many of the detailed mechanisms remain to be revealed.
Kidney Regeneration with Stem Cells: An Overview
Authors: Yokoo Takashi
Published: May 2014

Background: Kidney regeneration is currently gaining considerable attention in place of kidney dialysis as the ultimate therapeutic strategy for renal failure. However, because of anatomical complications, the kidney is believed to be the hardest organ to regenerate. Such a complicated organ is virtually impossible to imagine being completely rebuilt de novo from stem cells. Nevertheless, several research groups are attempting this large challenge. Summary: There are 4 major strategies for de novo kidney regeneration from stem cells. These strategies include the use of: (i) a decellularized cadaveric scaffold, (ii) blastocyst decomplementation, (iii) a nephrogenic niche for growing a xeno-embyro, and (iv) self-assembly potential. All of these strategies may be applicable in the clinical setting, but a substantial preparation period appears to be required. Key Messages: Although many outstanding problems remain for kidney regeneration, including ethical issues and the formation of chimeric structures, trials provide hope for dialysis patients and kidney regeneration is expected to be a reality in the future.
Cell Therapy for Kidney Injury: Different Options and Mechanisms - Kidney Progenitor Cells
Authors: Osafune Kenji
Published: May 2014

Background: Since no specific or radical treatments have yet been established for acute kidney injury (AKI), the development of cell transplantation therapy using renal progenitors is desirable as a new therapeutic option for AKI. The recent advances in developmental biology, stem cell biology, and nephrology have led to an increased availability of renal progenitors from multiple sources. Summary: Four main sources of renal progenitors have been described so far: isolation from (1) embryonic or (2) adult kidneys, (3) directed differentiation of pluripotent stem cells such as embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and (4) cellular reprogramming of fully differentiated adult renal cells. Renal progenitors from adult kidneys may not be equivalent to those from embryonic kidneys, and they contain several different cell populations identified by various methods. The methods used for the directed differentiation of ESCs/iPSCs and reprogramming of differentiated adult renal cells into renal progenitors have not been fully established. The therapeutic effects of progenitor cell transplantation in AKI animal models have been examined in a small number of reports using renal progenitors from adult kidneys, while no reports have described the therapeutic potential of renal progenitors from other sources. Key Messages: Renal progenitor transplantation might provide a novel therapeutic strategy for AKI. Further research efforts toward the clinical application of this strategy are needed, including a detailed characterization of embryonic or adult renal progenitors and the development of in vitro expansion methods and therapeutically effective transplantation methods for these cell types. More experience and knowledge should be accumulated regarding the directed differentiation of pluripotent stem cells and cellular reprogramming to generate renal progenitor cells.
Drugs to Foster Kidney Regeneration in Experimental Animals and Humans
Authors: Gagliardini Elena , Benigni Ariela
Published: May 2014

Background: The incidence of kidney diseases is increasing worldwide and they are emerging as a major public health problem. Once mostly considered inexorable, renal disease progression can now be halted and lesions can even regress with drugs such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) and angiotensin II type I receptor blockers, indicating the possibility of kidney repair. Summary: The discovery of renal progenitor cells lining the Bowman capsule of adult rat and human kidneys has shed light on the mechanism of repair by ACEi. Parietal progenitors are a reservoir of cells that contribute to podocyte turnover in physiological conditions. In the early phases of renal disease these progenitors migrate chaotically and subsequently proliferate, accumulating in Bowman's space. The abnormal behavior of parietal progenitors is sustained by the activation of CXCR4 receptors in response to an increased production of the chemokine SDF-1 by podocytes activated by the inflammatory environment. Ang II, via the AT1 receptor, also contributes to progenitor cell proliferation. The CXCR4/SDF-1 and Ang II/AT1 receptor pathogenic pathways both pave the way for lesion formation and subsequent sclerosis. ACEi normalize the CXCR4 and AT1 receptor expression on progenitors, limiting their proliferation, concomitant with the regression of hyperplastic lesions in animals, and in a patient with crescentic glomerulopathy. Key Message: Understanding the molecular and cellular determinants of regeneration triggered by renoprotective drugs will reveal novel pathways that might be challenged or targeted by pharmacological therapy.
Cellular and Developmental Strategies Aimed at Kidney Tissue Engineering
Authors: Martovetsky Gleb , Nigam Sanjay K.
Published: May 2014

Background: With the rate of kidney disease on the rise, and a serious imbalance between the number of patients requiring a kidney transplant and the number of available donor kidneys, it is becoming increasingly important to develop alternative strategies to restore organ function to diminish the need for human donors. Summary: We review the current progress and future directions of a subset of these strategies which are ultimately aimed towards bioengineering a functional, implantable, kidney-like tissue construct or organoid that might be genetically matched to the patient. Key Messages: By combining the knowledge about normal kidney development with the rapidly growing knowledge in the field of cell differentiation and transdifferentiation, there is hope that partial or complete kidney function can be restored in patients with kidney disease - including genetic disorders, acute kidney injury, or chronic kidney disease - with tissue-engineered construct(s).
Reforming the Kidney Starting from a Single-Cell Suspension
Authors: Xinaris Christodoulos , Yokoo Takashi
Published: May 2014

Background: Chronic kidney disease affects 5-7% of people worldwide. The increasing number of patients and the shortage of transplantable organs create an imperative need to develop new methods for generating kidney tissue. Summary: Recent advances in our understanding of the developmental biology of the kidney, along with the establishment of novel methodologies in the field of regenerative medicine, have created significant potential for kidney regeneration. These advances incorporate both transplantation of metanephric primordia into adult recipients and construction of ‘fetal' kidney tissue from suspensions of single cells of metanephric origin. This paper examines these approaches in the context of organ regeneration. Key Messages: The use of transplants of metanephric origin has the advantage over undifferentiated stem cells of already being committed to a renal developmental program. Although several technical difficulties remain to be overcome, the validation of these systems in preclinical models of renal disease will be of decisive importance in the coming years.
The Epidemic of Inadequate Biventricular Pacing in Patients With Persistent or Permanent Atrial Fibrillation and Its Association With Mortality
Authors: Ousdigian Kevin T. , Borek P. Peter , Koehler Jodi L. , Heywood J. Thomas , Ziegler Paul D. , Wilkoff Bruce L.
Published: May 2014

Background—

We classified patients’ atrial fibrillation (AF), assessed its impact on biventricular pacing (BIVP%), and determined whether AF classification or BIVP% independently correlate with mortality in cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator patients.

Methods and Results—

Cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator patients were classified as permanent (daily mean AF burden ≥23 hours), persistent (≥7 consecutive days of AF ≥23 hours/d), paroxysmal (≥1 day with AF ≥6 hours), or no/little AF (all others) using device-detected AF during the 6 months postimplant. We evaluated subsequent all-cause mortality using a multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression. Among 54 019 patients (age, 70±11 years; 73% male; follow-up, 2.3±1.2 years), 8% of patients each had permanent (N=4449), persistent (N=4237), and paroxysmal AF (N=4219). A high proportion of patients with permanent (69%) and persistent (62%) AF did not achieve high BIVP (>98%). Relative to no/little AF, patients with AF had increased mortality after adjusting for age, sex, BIVP, and shocks (permanent: hazard ratio=1.28 [1.19–1.38];
P
<0.001; persistent: hazard ratio=1.51 [1.41–1.61];
P
<0.001). Relative to patients with BIVP >98%, patients with reduced BIVP had increased mortality after adjusting for age, sex, AF, and shocks (90%–98%: hazard ratio=1.20 [1.15–1.26];
P
<0.001; <90%: hazard ratio=1.32 [1.23–1.41];
P
<0.001). High BIVP% was associated with the greatest mortality improvement in permanent AF among the AF classifications.

Conclusions—

High BIVP% was not achieved in two thirds of 8686 patients with persistent or permanent AF, and these patients had an increased risk of death. A shift toward more aggressive rate control and more pacing may be necessary in patients with AF to maximize the benefits of cardiac resynchronization therapy.
Biogeographical variability and re-description of an imperfectly known species Hamatocanthoscypha rotundispora (Helotiales, Hyaloscyphaceae)
Authors: KUŠAN IVANA , MATOČEC NEVEN , ANTONIĆ OLEG , HAIRAUD MICHEL
Published: May 2014

Study on fresh collections and type material of Hamatocanthoscypha rotundispora showed that the original description is incomplete and that the variation range in the essential characters is too narrowly defined. In this paper we therefore provide a detailed description, including ascospore morphometry using length, width, length/width ratio and volume. Non-parametric statistics showed significant deviation of normal distribution and high variability of all morphometrical variables, suggesting that use of living material for ascospore morphometrical analysis is more reliable than that of a traditional approach. Geometric criteria for defining the simple spore shape regarding the length/width ratio, polarity and symmetry in straight symmetric spores are proposed. Refractive cytoplasmic globules are described as a new type of inclusions in living cells. Species ecology and biogeography is also discussed.
Orthomnion javense (Mniaceae), a formerly Malesian species newly confirmed for China and new to Laos, with O. loheri as a new synonym
Authors: YI YAN-JUN , HE SI
Published: May 2014

We evaluated the taxonomic status of Orthomnion javense and O. loheri based on morphological characteristics. The primary distinction between the two species on the basis of the leaf border differentiation does not uphold with a prudent examination of Chinese and other Asian specimens. Orthomnion loheri is a new synonym of O. javense, a formerly Malesian species which is newly confirmed for China and is here reported new to Laos. The previously reports of Plagiomnium elimbatum in China were based on some misidentifications of O. javense, and the former is excluded from the Chinese moss flora.
A new species of Heterodermia (Ascomycota, Physciaceae) from India, along with a new record and range extension of lichenized fungi in India
Authors: JOSHI YOGESH , CHANDRA KRISHNA , TRIPATHI MANISH
Published: May 2014

A new saxicolous species of Heterodermia from Central Himalaya in India is described. In addition, Anisomeridium polypori is reported for the first time from India and Flavopunctelia borrerioides is shown to occur in the Central Himalaya.
Aspidistra stenophylla (Asparagaceae), a new species from Guangxi, China
Authors: HU REN-CHUAN , SHEN XIAO-LIN , LIU JING , LIN CHUN-RUI
Published: May 2014

The genus Aspidistra Ker-Gawler (1822: t. 628) presently includes about 120 species have been discovered, mainly distributed in China and Vietnam, but also in Japan, Thailand, Laos and India (Liang & Tamura 2000, Li 2004, Tillich 2005, 2008, Tillich et al. 2007, 2013, Hou et al. 2009, Lin et al. 2009, 2011, 2013, Meng et al. 2014, Vislobokov et al. 2014). In May 2012, during the course of investigating limestone plants in southwestern Guangxi, China, near the border to northern Vietnam, we collected an unusual Aspidistra specimen with urceolate perigone in Jingxi County. It was transplanted to the Guilin Botanical Garden for cultivation, and flowered regularly in the next year. Compared with other species of Aspidistra, it was recognized as an undescribed species, which we describe below.
A new European species of Nevrorthus in the Iberian Peninsula
(Insecta, Neuropterida)
Authors: MONSERRAT V. J. , GAVIRA O.
Published: May 2014

A new species of Nevrorthus (Insecta, Neuropterida: Nevrorthidae) has been found in the south of the Iberian Peninsula (Spain, Malaga): N. reconditus Monserrat & Gavira n. sp. This new species represents the first record of this genus and this family in the Westernmost Mediterranean basin. A key to the known species of this genus is provided.
Taxonomy of European Damaeidae (Acari: Oribatida) VII. Redescription of Neobelba pseudopapillipes Bulanova-Zachvatkina, 1967 with comments on its generic status
Authors: MIKO LADISLAV , KOLESNIKOV VASILIY B.
Published: May 2014

We redescribe Neobelba pseudopapillipes Bulanova-Zachvatkina, 1967, single known species of Neobelba Bulanova-Zachvatkina, 1967, based on the material collected in Russia and Slovakia. The species shares many important characters of Metabelba Grandjean, 1936, particularly of the subgenus M. (Pateribelba) Mourek, Miko et Bernini, 2011. It can be easily distinguished by presence of companion seta d, coupled with solenidion on tibia IV. As the original material of Bulanova-Zachvatkina was lost, neotype and 14 paraneotypes from Voronezh region, Russia are newly designated. Based on the neotype redescription, Neobelba was re-defined and the new status was proposed. Synonymy with Metabelba s. str. as proposed by Subías (2013) is rejected, and Neobelba is considered to be a separate subgenus of Metabelba, as earlier proposed by Subías (2004). Present distribution of Metabelba (Neobelba) pseudopapillipes (Bulanova-Zachvatkina, 1967) and known ecological data on the species are provided.
A New Index for the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation at 26°N
Authors: Duchez A. , Hirschi J. J.-M. , Cunningham S. A. , Blaker A. T. , Bryden H. L. , de Cuevas B. , Atkinson C. P. , McCarthy G. D. , Frajka-Williams E. , Rayner D. , Smeed D. , Mizielinski M. S.
Published: May 2014

The Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) has received considerable attention, motivated by its major role in the global climate system. Observations of AMOC strength at 26°N made by the Rapid Climate Change (RAPID) array provide the best current estimate of the state of the AMOC. The period 2004–11 when RAPID AMOC is available is too short to assess decadal variability of the AMOC. This modeling study introduces a new AMOC index (called AMOCSV) at 26°N that combines the Florida Straits transport, the Ekman transport, and the southward geostrophic Sverdrup transport. The main hypothesis in this study is that the upper midocean geostrophic transport calculated using the RAPID array is also wind-driven and can be approximated by the geostrophic Sverdrup transport at interannual and longer time scales. This index is expected to reflect variations in the AMOC at interannual to decadal time scales. This estimate of the surface branch of the AMOC can be constructed as long as reliable measurements are available for the Gulf Stream and for wind stress. To test the reliability of the AMOCSV on interannual and longer time scales, two different numerical simulations are used: a forced and a coupled simulation. Using these simulations the AMOCSV captures a substantial fraction of the AMOC variability and is in good agreement with the AMOC transport at 26°N on both interannual and decadal time scales. These results indicate that it might be possible to extend the observation-based AMOC at 26°N back to the 1980s.
How Much Have Variations in the Meridional Overturning Circulation Contributed to Sea Surface Temperature Trends since 1850? A Study with the EC-Earth Global Climate Model
Authors: Schmith Torben , Yang Shuting , Gleeson Emily , Semmler Tido
Published: May 2014

The surface of the world’s oceans has been warming since the beginning of industrialization. In addition to this, multidecadal sea surface temperature (SST) variations of internal origin exist. Evidence suggests that the North Atlantic Ocean exhibits the strongest multidecadal SST variations and that these variations are connected to the overturning circulation.

This work investigates the extent to which these internal multidecadal variations have contributed to enhancing or diminishing the trend induced by the external radiative forcing, globally and in the North Atlantic. A model study is carried out wherein the analyses of a long control simulation with constant radiative forcing at preindustrial level and of an ensemble of simulations with historical forcing from 1850 until 2005 are combined. First, it is noted that global SST trends calculated from the different historical simulations are similar, while there is a large disagreement between the North Atlantic SST trends. Then the control simulation is analyzed, where a relationship between SST anomalies and anomalies in the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) for multidecadal and longer time scales is identified. This relationship enables the extraction of the AMOC-related SST variability from each individual member of the ensemble of historical simulations and then the calculation of the SST trends with the AMOC-related variability excluded. For the global SST trends this causes only a little difference while SST trends with AMOC-related variability excluded for the North Atlantic show closer agreement than with the AMOC-related variability included. From this it is concluded that AMOC variability has contributed significantly to North Atlantic SST trends since the mid nineteenth century.
Influences of the Antarctic Ozone Hole on Southern Hemispheric Summer Climate Change
Authors: Bandoro Justin , Solomon Susan , Donohoe Aaron , Thompson David W. J. , Santer Benjamin D.
Published: May 2014

Over the past three decades, Antarctic surface climate has undergone pronounced changes. Many of these changes have been linked to stratospheric ozone depletion. Here linkages between Antarctic ozone loss, the accompanying circulation changes, and summertime Southern Hemisphere (SH) midlatitude surface temperatures are explored. Long-term surface climate changes associated with ozone-driven changes in the southern annular mode (SAM) at SH midlatitudes in summer are not annular in appearance owing to differences in regional circulation and precipitation impacts. Both station and reanalysis data indicate a trend toward cooler summer temperatures over southeast and south-central Australia and inland areas of the southern tip of Africa. It is also found that since the onset of the ozone hole, there have been significant shifts in the distributions of both the seasonal mean and daily maximum summertime temperatures in the SH midlatitude regions between high and low ozone years. Unusually hot summer extremes are associated with anomalously high ozone in the previous November, including the recent very hot austral summer of 2012/13. If the relationship found in the past three decades continues to hold, the level of late springtime ozone over Antarctica has the potential to be part of a useful predictor set for the following summer’s conditions. The results herein suggest that skillful predictions may be feasible for both the mean seasonal temperature and the frequency of extreme hot events in some SH midlatitude regions of Australia, Africa, and South America.
Diabatic Heating and Cooling Rates Derived from In Situ Microphysics Measurements: A Case Study of a Wintertime U.K. Cold Front
Authors: Dearden C. , Connolly P. J. , Lloyd G. , Crosier J. , Bower K. N. , Choularton T. W. , Vaughan G.
Published: May 2014

In situ measurements associated with the passage of a kata cold front over the United Kingdom on 29 November 2011 are used to initialize a Lagrangian parcel model for the purpose of calculating rates of diabatic heating and cooling associated with the phase changes of water within the cloud system. The parcel model calculations are performed with both bin-resolved and bulk treatments of microphysical processes. The in situ data from this case study reveal droplet number concentrations up to 100 cm−3, with planar ice crystals detected at cloud top, as well as columnar crystals produced by rime splinter ejection within the prefrontal warm sector. The results show that in terms of magnitude, the most significant rates of diabatic heating and cooling are produced by condensation growth of liquid water within the convective updrafts at the leading edge of the front. The peak temperature tendencies associated with condensation are typically found to be at least an order of magnitude larger than those associated with the ice phase, although the cooling effect from sublimation and melting occurs over a wide region. The parcel model framework is used in conjunction with the observations to assess the suitability of existing bulk microphysical treatments, of the kind used in operational weather forecast models. It is found that the assumption of spherical ice crystals (with diameters equal to the maximum dimension of those sampled), along with the use of negative exponential functions to describe ice particle size distributions, can lead to an overestimation of local diabatic heating and cooling rates by a factor of 2 or more.
Kundera’s kidnap revisited
Authors: Tighe Carl
Published: May 2014

This article is concerned with Milan Kundera’s essay ‘A kidnapped West, or Culture bows out’, which first appeared in 1984. It considers Kundera’s essay in the context of the Reagan/Thatcher/Kohl era, examining the mythical elements of Kundera’s ‘Central Europe’, its diversity and its unifying elements. Rather than regard the essay as a museum piece, the article reflects on Kundera’s lasting and unresolved concern with the impact of totalitarianism – communist, Nazi and capitalist – on European identity and culture.
Complementary Approaches to Improving Glucose Control—Insulin and Incretins
Authors: Meece Jerry D. , Pearson Teresa L. , Siminerio Linda M.
Published: May 2014

Purpose

The use of insulin and incretin-based therapies together has recently emerged as a new therapeutic option for patients with type 2 diabetes. This approach can be used across the continuum of diabetes and is supported by clinical trial evidence. To illustrate how these data may apply to clinical care, this supplement uses patient case studies to provide clinical context for diabetes educators. Relevant medical literature was searched and cited. Search terms included insulin, DPP-4 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists, hypoglycemia, and weight gain.

Conclusion

Insulin remains the most potent glucose-lowering agent available for the treatment of type 2 diabetes but has limitations, primarily of hypoglycemia and secondarily of weight gain. The addition of incretin-based therapies complements the glucose-lowering potential of basal insulin, without increasing the risk of hypoglycemia, potentially allowing for lower doses of insulin and without increasing weight gain (DPP-4 inhibitors) or possibly with weight loss (GLP-1 receptor agonists). Incretin-based therapies offer advantages over prandial insulin to address postprandial hyperglycemia.
Compression in leg ulcer treatment: inelastic compression
Authors: Mosti Giovanni
Published: May 2014

Compression therapy is extremely effective in promoting ulcer healing. Which material to use, if elastic or inelastic, is still a matter of debate. This paper will provide an overview on the recent findings in compression therapy mainly for venous or mixed ulcers which are the great majority of leg ulcers. In this paper it will be demonstrated that inelastic compression has been proved to be significantly more effective than elastic compression in reducing venous reflux, increasing venous pumping function and decreasing ambulatory venous hypertension. In addition it is comfortable, well accepted by patients and achieved an extremely high healing rate in venous ulcers. With reduced pressure inelastic compression is able to improve venous pumping function in patients with mixed ulcers without affecting but improving the arterial inflow. It will be also clearly shown that studies claiming a better effect of elastic compression compared to inelastic in favouring healing rate have significant methodological flaws making their conclusions at least doubtful. In conclusion inelastic- is significantly more effective than elastic compression in reducing ambulatory venous hypertension which is the main pathophysiological determinant of venous ulcers and demonstrated to be very effective in getting ulcer healing. New multicentric, randomized and controlled studies, without methodological flaws, will be necessary to prove that elastic- is at least as effective as inelastic compression or, maybe, more effective.
Endovenous chemical (and physical) treatments for varices: what’s new?
Authors: Guex Jean-Jérôme
Published: May 2014

The constant evolution of endo-venous ablative techniques for varicose veins arises from the need for: better patient's comfort, reduced incidence of side effects, better results at short-, mid- and long-term follow-up, as well as reduction of operating time and technical simplicity. All these goals have been aimed at but so far no new technology has been able to achieve them all or to demonstrate it, furthermore the increase of price must be compensated by a considerable improvement of results and a serious reduction of side effects to be incrementally cost effective. We present in this article several recent evolutions of sclerotherapy (chemical ablation). New technologies include: proprietary ready-made foam (Varithena®) foam sclerotherapy with catheter and tumescence, foam + Holmium laser (LAFOS®), liquid sclerosant with rotating wire (clarivein®), liquid sclerosant + endo-venous clip (V-Block®) and endovenous cyano-acrylate glue (Venaseal™)
Results from RCTs in Sclerotherapy: European Guidelines for Sclerotherapy in Chronic Venous Disorders*
Authors: Pannier F , Rabe E ,   for the Guideline Group
Published: May 2014

Aim

Sclerotherapy is the targeted chemical ablation of varicose veins by intravenous injection of a liquid or foamed sclerosing drug. The treated veins may be intradermal, subcutaneous, and/or transfascial as well as superficial and deep in venous malformations. The aim of this guideline is to give evidence-based recommendations for liquid and foam sclerotherapy.

Methods

This guideline was drafted on behalf of 23 European Phlebological Societies during a Guideline Conference on 7th–10th May 2012 in Mainz. The conference was organized by the German Society of Phlebology.

Results

This guideline focuses on the two sclerosing drugs which are licensed in the majority of the European countries, Polidocanol (POL) and Sodium tetradecyl sulphate (STS). Other sclerosants are not discussed in detail. In this paper the results from recent RCTs in sclerotherapy are reviewed.
Biology of chronic wounds and new treatment strategies
Authors: Montfrans Catherine van , Stok Myrte , Geerkens Maud
Published: May 2014

Impaired wound healing is the result of the interplay between patient-related factors, wound-related factors, skill and knowledge of the healthcare professional and resources and treatment-related factors. The study of wound-related factors learns us that healing is a very complex biologic process. Both ‘seed’ (differentiated and stem cells) and ‘soil’ (e.g. cytokines/chemokines, growth factors, matrix components) are essential for effective wound healing. Tissue engineering for chronic wounds has the potential to improve healing by providing an ‘ideal’ combination of cells and their local microenviroment.

In this contribution we discuss new treatment strategies to improve wound-related factors by biomaterials, skin substitutes and stem cell-based therapies.
Hemodynamic changes in iliofemoral disease
Authors: Kurstjens RLM , de Wolf MAF , de Graaf R , Wittens CHA
Published: May 2014

Background

Iliofemoral venous obstruction, caused by post-thrombotic disease, can be treated by percutaneous angioplasty and additional stenting with good results. However, no hemodynamic parameter determining the need for treatment has been defined. This article describes the preliminary results of a study investigating the pressure changes occurring in post-thrombotic deep venous obstruction.

Methodology

Four patients with post-thrombotic deep venous obstruction of the iliofemoral tract were identified. Intravenous pressure was pre-operatively measured in the common femoral vein and in a dorsal foot vein bilaterally. During these pressure measurements patients were asked to walk on a treadmill with a speed of 3.2 km/h and a zero per cent slope, with the slope increasing two per cent every two minutes.

Results

Four patients (two male, two female) with age varying from 23 to 40 were identified. In two patients, disease extended below the femoral confluence. Pressure in the dorsal foot vein was not notably different between the affected and the control side. Pressure in the common femoral vein was markedly higher in post-thrombotic limbs compared to the control limb, with ambulatory pressure increasing more in post-thrombotic limbs.

Conclusions

These preliminary results are highly illustrative for the hemodynamic effect of iliofemoral deep venous obstruction due to post-thrombotic disease, even though sample size is admittedly limited. Furthermore, these results suggest that pressure measurements of the common femoral vein, and not the dorsal foot vein, might be able to identify a significant outflow obstruction due to post-thrombotic disease, though further inclusion of patients is necessary.
Catheter-directed thrombolysis in deep vein thrombosis: Which procedural measurement predicts outcome?
Authors: Grommes J , von Trotha KT , Wolf MA de , Jalaie H , Wittens CHA
Published: May 2014

The post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) as a long-term consequence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is caused by a venous obstruction and/or chronic insufficiency of the deep venous system. New endovascular therapies enable early recanalization of the deep veins aiming reduced incidence and severity of PTS. Extended CDT is associated with an increased risk of bleeding and stenting of residual venous obstruction is indispensable to avoid early rethrombosis. Therefore, this article focuses on measurements during or after thrombolysis indicating post procedural outcome.
Compression therapy of leg ulcers with PAOD
Authors: Ladwig Andrea , Haase Hermann , Bichel Jens , Schuren Jan , Jünger Michael
Published: May 2014

Objectives: To assess the clinical safety of a new short-stretch 2-layer compression system (3Mtm Cobantm 2 Lite) in patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD). This system combines a low resting pressure with a high working pressure.

Methods: A pilot study was performed in 15 subjects with moderate PAOD, i.e. an ABPI of 0.5-0.8. Co-existing chronic venous insufficiency or leg ulcer was not mandatory. All subjects received the compression system which was reapplied at each study visit (days 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 10, 14). The safety parameters were: sub-bandage pressure immediately after application, pressure-related skin damage, hypoxia-related pain, and adverse events. A product comfort questionnaire was completed at the last visit.

Results: The average sub-bandage pressure of 30 mmHg defined by the protocol was achieved. No pressure-related skin damage or hypoxia-related pain was found. The reported adverse device effects were as expected for compression therapies, including dry skin and pruritus. The product comfort questionnaire completed by the subjects showed a good tolerability profile.

Conclusion: The short-stretch 2-layer compression system (3Mtm Cobantm 2 Lite) was safe and well tolerated in subjects with moderate PAOD.
Synthesis and properties of a novel poly(aryl ether sulfone) functionalized with pinacol phenylboronate pendants
Authors: Wang Yongpeng , Zhang Haibo , Liu Mengzhu , Shang Yingshuang , Lin Yingjian , Jiang Zhenhua
Published: May 2014

A novel poly(arylene ether sulfone) (PAES) with pinacol phenylboronate pendants (PAES-B) was prepared by the borylation of brominated PAES (PAES-Br). The reaction was carried out under mild conditions in the presence of cuprous iodide and tri- n-butylphosphine in tetrahydrofuran solution. After heat treatment at 150°C for 132 h, the PAES-B exhibited an interesting solvent resistance. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermal analysis were performed to investigate the reason. FTIR spectra showed that heat treatment could facilitate losing of pinacol groups and formation of phenylboronic acid in the polymer. Meanwhile, differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) curves demonstrated that the polymer had cross-linking behaviors during heat treatment. In addition, the thermal oxidative stability of PAES-B was researched by the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).
Japanese psychoanalysis and Buddhism: the making of a relationship
Authors: Harding Christopher
Published: May 2014

This article explores the making of a relationship between Japanese psychoanalysis and Buddhism, in the life and work of Kosawa Heisaku. Kosawa did not work out the compatibility of psychoanalysis with Buddhism in abstract, theoretical terms; rather, he understood them as two different articulations of the same practical approach to living well. He saw this approach in action in the lives of Freud and Shinran, the latter a thirteenth-century Japanese Buddhist reformer. For Kosawa, both individuals exemplified the ‘true religious state of mind’, at the achievement of which Kosawa understood psychoanalytic psychotherapy as ideally aiming. This article uses newly available documentary and interview material to examine the historical dynamics both of Kosawa’s work in this area and of the broader ‘religion-psy dialogue’ of which it is an early example.
Ernst Cassirer’s Philosophy of Symbolic Forms and its impact on the theory of psychopathology
Authors: Andersch Norbert , Cutting John
Published: May 2014

The philosopher Ernst Cassirer (1874–1945) wrote in 1929: ‘For what it [the philosophy of symbolic forms] is seeking is not so much common factors in being as common factors in meaning. Hence we must strive to bring the teachings of pathology, which cannot be ignored, into the more universal context of the philosophy of culture’ (Cassirer, 1955: 275). This statement summarizes his approach in shifting the focus on psychopathological theory from the brain and its localizations to the living interaction between the self and his/her social environment. The present article looks at the impact of symbol theory on psychopathology – pre- and post-Cassirer’s main oeuvre Philosophie der symbolischen Formen – and whether his concept still has a role to play in an ontology of psychopathology.
Agency and Communion Predict Speaking Up in Acute Care Teams
Authors: Weiss Mona , Kolbe Michaela , Grote Gudela , Dambach Micha , Marty Adrian , Spahn Donat R. , Grande Bastian
Published: May 2014

Speaking up with suggestions, problems, or doubts is important—especially in health care action teams where each team member’s input can be crucial for the treatment of a patient. Implementing a high-fidelity simulation study, we investigated individual predictors of speaking up in acute care teams (ACTs). Participants were 27 physicians and 27 nurses from a hospital who completed measures on self-perceived agency (i.e., assertiveness, persistence, independence) and communion (i.e., helpfulness, friendliness, sociability). In two-person teams, they managed simulated critical events that required speaking up. In line with our hypotheses, we found that agency positively and communion negatively predicted actual speaking up behavior. We discuss the differential effects of agency and communion on speaking up and thereby highlight theoretical and practical implications.
Interactions Among Same-Status Peers
Authors: Spataro Sandra E. , Pettit Nathan C. , Sauer Stephen J. , Lount Robert B.
Published: May 2014

When can status peers—group members at the same status level whose relationship can often be characterized by competition and rivalry—experience more harmony than discord? In the current article, we focus on different behavioral styles and status level as joint predictors of interaction among status peers. Specifically, we posit and find that group members’ responses to varying behavioral styles exhibited by their status peers shape important group outcomes (i.e., the desire to continue working together and influence accepted from the peer), with the greatest sensitivity to peer behaviors enacted at the highest status levels. Implications for theories of status and influence in groups are discussed.
Hypomelanosis of Ito presenting with pediatric orthopedic issues: a case report
Authors: Trägårdh Malene , Thomsen Christine Rohr , Thorninger Rikke , Møller-Madsen Bjarne
Published: May 2014

Introduction

Hypomelanosis of Ito was originally described as a purely cutaneous disease. Extracutaneous manifestations were described later, forming a neurocutaneous syndrome including skeletal, muscular, ocular and central nervous system symptoms.

Hypomelanosis of Ito is characterized by a depigmentation along the lines of Blaschko on the trunk and extremities in certain patterns.

The aim of this article was to report another case and give an overview of the related orthopedic symptoms that have been previously described. It was also our wish to contribute with recommendations for consideration with regard to bandages on eczematous rashes, especially on clubfeet.

Case presentation

A one-and-a-half-month-old boy of Caucasian background born with talipes equinovarus, or clubfoot, on his right foot presented with an eczematous rash after surgical correction and plaster bandaging.

Conclusions

It is the appearance of hypopigmentation, either alone or in combination with a congenital malformation, particularly central nervous system or musculoskeletal anomalies, which should form the basis of a presumptive diagnosis. This should then lead to further investigations and should always include skin biopsies and a test for chromosomal mosaicism.

We report the case of a boy with a clinical picture consisting of a depigmented skin pattern, mental retardation, pes cavus, talipes equinovarus, clinodactyly, eczema, inverted cilia of the eye, strabismus, reduced hearing, ventral hernia, glomerulonephritis, missing testicles, leg length discrepancy with scoliosis, back pain and a syrinx.

It is perhaps impossible to make any conclusions about extracutaneous symptoms. However, some symptoms such as retardation, cramps and seizures, delayed development and hypotonia cannot be ignored.

Because of the possibility of creating an undesirable and long postoperative period with complications, it is very important to have this diagnosis in mind when deciding to do surgery or not if there are signs of dermatological problems before surgery. In this case, it could also be good clinical practice to test the patient’s reaction to plaster or other bandages.
Absenteeism, unemployment and employment protection legislation: evidence from Italy
Authors: Scoppa Vincenzo , Vuri Daniela
Published: May 2014

Efficiency wages theories argue that the threat of firing, coupled with a high unemployment rate, is a mechanism that discourages employee shirking in asymmetric information contexts. Our empirical analysis aims to test the role of unemployment as a worker discipline device, considering the different degree of job security offered by the Italian Employment Protection Legislation to workers employed in small and large firms. Controlling for a number of individual and firm characteristics, we investigate the relationship between worker’s absences which act as a proxy for employee shirking and local unemployment rate (at the provincial level). We find a strong negative association between unemployment and absenteeism rate, larger in magnitude in small firms due presumably to a significantly lower protection from dismissals in these firms. As an indirect test of the role of unemployment as worker discipline device, we show that public sector employees, almost impossible to fire, do not react to the local unemployment.

JEL codes

J41; M51; J45
Capacity development through the sharing of climate information with diverse user communities
Authors: Mantilla Gilma , Thomson Cynthia , Sharoff Jessica , Barnston Anthony G , Curtis Ashley
Published: May 2014

The International Research Institute for Climate and Society (IRI) is a premier global research and capacity development institution focused on enhancing society’s capability to understand, use, manage and evaluate climate information. Its goal is to strengthen the technical capacity of individuals and organizations in order to increase the demand for climate information and its application.

In the early years of IRI, staff trained local meteorologists and decision makers, often in developing countries, on using information products that IRI’s forecast group judged would be of value. However, in the last decade, IRI’s approach to training has evolved into one that is more user-driven. Today, users are brought on board during the development of training curricula to learn what information and methodologies would be most useful for their local needs. This establishes a sense of trust and ownership in the training process. Approaches are tailored to different contexts and communities, and focus is placed on cultivating long-lasting partnerships.

The work presented in this article demonstrates the evolution of IRI’s capacity building and development processes. It highlights how the IRI implements capacity development activities, with a particular emphasis on the early engagement of practitioners and end users. Numerous examples are provided of the successes related to knowledge gains and to the concrete applications of climate information that can occur when the design and implementation of activities are preformed in an integrative manner. This approach builds channels for interaction among practitioners, policymakers, scientists and other societal decision making groups. Though it has seen numerous successes, the IRI is continually evaluating its capacity development methods and looking for ways to improve upon them.