bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel technique using a subcutaneously pedicled islanded prolabial flap for the secondary correction of bilateral cleft lip and nasal deformity
Authors: Mokal Nitin J. , Desai Mahinoor Feroze
Published: March 2018

Context: The bilateral cleft lip and nose deformity frequently requires lip revision surgery at the time of secondary rhinoplasty. The goal is to achieve an adequate philtrum with a well-shaped Cupid's bow, white roll alignment and a central vermilion tubercle. Aims: We have devised a new technique of using prolabial tissue tailored as an island of skin based on a subcutaneous pedicle for the secondary reconstruction of the philtral aesthetic unit in patients with bilateral cleft lip nasal deformity. Settings and Design: This technique was used in 21 patients from March 2012 to August 2015. All patients had undergone primary lip repair at other institutions and required lip revision with simultaneous rhinoplasty. Subjects and Methods: The objective criteria considered in the post-operative evaluation by the authors included improvement of philtral ridge projection, symmetry of philtral column and nasal sill and white roll continuity. The ten individual parameters were given a score from 1 to 4 (with 1 = lowest and 4 = highest for each individual parameter) and the total score was rated as 31–40 = excellent, 21–30 = good, 11–20 = fair and 0–10 = Poor. The patients’ overall satisfaction was assessed at 6 months postoperatively to record their impression of the aesthetic improvement after our procedure. Results: The follow-up period ranged from 6 months to 3 years. The prolabial flap had no post-operative complications. The authors’ assessment judged 15 (71.4%) patients as having an excellent outcome and 6 (28.5%) patients as having a good outcome. All patients expressed subjective satisfaction with the post-operative appearance of their upper lip and rated their results as improved and overall satisfaction scoring was high. Conclusions: This technique is a new addition to the repertoire of procedures which already exist for the correction of bilateral cleft lip nose deformity. It is safe, reliable and has a good aesthetic outcome with no significant morbidity.
Success or failure of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation in children with acute respiratory failure. Could it be predicted?
Authors: Elsamahy Mona , Abdelmonem Mahmoud Tarek , Ibrahim Hanan Mohamed , Eldin Mervat Gamal , Allam Ahmed
Published: March 2018

Introduction:  Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) has been developed to reduce complications associated with invasive ventilation (IV). Failure of NIV and delay in endotracheal intubation can increase patients’ morbidity and mortality. Thus early determination of patients who are unlikely to benefit from NIV is crucial for their management. We aimed in this study to identify the early predictors of success of NIV in children with acute respiratory failure (ARF).

Material and methods:  Fifty patients with ARF who fulfilled the study selection criteria were ventilated non-invasively and were assessed initially for their severity of critical illness by the Pediatric Logistic Organ Dysfunction (PELOD) score. Clinical, gasometric, respiratory mechanics and oxygenation indices were assessed at 0, 30 and 60 min and 4 and 24 h from the start of NIV. The success group was identified by reduction in respiratory effort, reduction in oxygen demand, improvement in gasometric parameters, and avoidance of intubation.

Results: Sixty-two percent of patients had successful NIV. Neither type of ARF nor patients’ demographics affected the outcome of NIV. The success rate was 80% among patients with mild to moderate acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), 20% with severe ARDS, and 71.8% in patients with bronchopneumonia. Multivariate analysis revealed that baseline PELOD score of less than 14.5 ±2.7, SpO2/FiO2 ratio more than 208 ±57, oxygenation index (OI) 7 ±3.4 and mean airway pressure (MAP) 8.6 ±1.3 are independent predictors for success of NIV.

Conclusions: The NIV is a promising respiratory support modality in pediatric ARF. Baseline degree of critical illness and saturation oxygenation indices together with MAP change after the 1st h from the NIV trial represented the best predictors of success of the trial in the current study.
Treatment outcomes of 213 breast cancer patients after sentinel lymph node biopsy – single center experience
Authors: Kędzierawski Piotr , Bocian Artur , Ciepiela Izabela , Kołacińska Agnieszka , Macek Paweł , Góźdź Stanisław
Published: March 2018

Introduction: The article presents the results of the management of patients with breast cancer treated in the Holycross Cancer Centre during the period 2008–2012. In all the patients, invasive breast cancer clinically node negative was diagnosed and multidisciplinary treatment with sentinel node biopsy was applied.

Material and methods: The study included a group of 213 women who had previously undergone surgery, breast-conserving and/or mastectomy. In 206 patients, the sentinel lymph node was identified. Due to metastasis to the sentinel lymph node in 32 patients axillary lymphadenectomy was performed and additionally in 7 patients due to the failure of sentinel lymph node identification. Due to the higher tumor burden 10 patients were subjected to more extensive surgical treatment – mastectomy. After surgical treatment the patients were qualified for adjuvant therapy. The mean time of observation of patients after treatment was 61 months.

Results: Relapse of the disease was noted in 7 patients, 5 patients died (4 patients due to the spread of the disease, 1 due to the second carcinoma – gastric cancer). Recurrence in the axillary region was observed in 1 patient, metastases to the lungs – in 1 patient, metastases to the liver – in 1, metastases to the ovary - in 1, and in 3 patients metastases to the bones. Based on analysis of the Kaplan-Meier estimator of the survival function, it was found that the probability of survival for 5 years without symptoms of the disease was 96.2%, whereas the probability of overall 5-year survival was 96.4%.

Conclusions: The outcome of patients after sentinel lymph node biopsy was excellent. In breast cancer patients sentinel lymph node biopsy is safe and effective.
Expression of beclin-1 and apoptosis-related genes in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Abdelsalam Lobna , Elshobaky Mustafa Ali , El-araby Rady Eid , Gad Alaa , Khalifa Mohamed K. , Amer Eman A. , Ismail Mohamed M. , Mohammed Mostafa Kamal Eldin , Farhan Marwa Salah , Foad Hany Ahmed
Published: March 2018

Introduction: Autophagy was found to play a major role in the pathogenesis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). In this study we investigated the expression of beclin-1, Bad, Bax, Bcl-2, and Bcl-xL in patients with ALL.

Material and methods: This was a comparative study conducted on 100 ALL patients (age 8–15) divided into 2 groups. The first group, the ALL group, comprised ALL cases at their initial diagnosis (46 patients), while the second group, the Remission group, comprised in-remission cases (50 patients). mRNA expression levels in patients’ blood samples were determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results: Beclin-1 levels were significantly lower in the ALL group than in the Remission group (0.22 ±0.03 vs. 196.8 ±32.47; p = 0.001). Bad levels were significantly lower in the ALL group (1.0 ±0.18 vs. 163.6 ±36.2; p = 0.001), while Bax levels were significantly higher in the ALL group than in the Remission group (131.52 ±31.4 vs. 4.29 ±0.64; p = 0.001). Bcl-2 levels were significantly higher in the ALL group (2678.91 ±575.5 vs. 7.56 ±2.9; p = 0.001), and Bcl-xL levels were also significantly higher in the ALL group (142.99 ±24.43 vs. 0.99 ±0.2; p = 0.001). There was negative correlation between immunophenotyping with beclin-1 (r = –0.725; p < 0.001), while there was a positive correlation with Bcl-2 (r = 0.533; p < 0.001).

Conclusions: Our findings reveal potential prognostic value for these markers in pediatric ALL, with regard to the delicate mutual balance among them.
Does concomitant laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and hiatal hernia repair increase morbidity?
Authors: Dincer Mürşit , Doğan Fadlı
Published: March 2018

Introduction

Obesity not only leads to susceptibility to gastroesophageal reflux disease but also is itself an important independent risk factor for the development of hiatal hernia. A coexisting hiatal hernia is found in half of obese patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms. Sleeve gastrectomy is the most commonly used restrictive method in obesity surgery. In obese patients who are scheduled to undergo sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and have a hiatal hernia, hiatal hernia repair (HHR) can be combined with SG.

Material and methods

Patients who underwent SG due to morbid obesity were retrospectively evaluated. Patients who had a body mass index of > 40 kg/m² and who were diagnosed with hiatal hernia by preoperative endoscopy or intraoperatively were included in the study.

Results

A total of 30 patients who underwent SG and hiatal hernia repair were included in the study. Six patients were diagnosed with hiatal hernia by preoperative endoscopy. Twenty-four patients were intraoperatively diagnosed with hiatal hernia. The hiatal defect was repaired by suturing both anteriorly and posteriorly. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications in any patient. The mean hospital length of stay was 3.46 days (range: 3–6). The mean follow-up time was 11.9 months (range: 4–21). Thirteen patients received medication due to acid reflux symptoms in the preoperative period. Twelve patients received no medication after surgery. One patient received low-dose medication.

Conclusions

In bariatric surgery patients with hiatal hernia, HHR should also be performed. Sleeve gastrectomy + HHR is a safe and effective method for morbidly obese patients with hiatal hernia.
Plasma renin activity, serum aldosterone concentration and selected organ damage indices in essential arterial hypertension
Authors: Pizoń Tomasz , Rajzer Marek , Wojciechowska Wiktoria , Drożdż Tomasz , Drożdż Dorota , Rojek Marta , Gruszka Krystian , Czarnecka Danuta
Published: March 2018

Introduction

The aim of this study was to assess the relations between plasma renin activity (PRA), serum aldosterone concentration (ALDO) and selected asymptomatic organ damage (AOD) indices in mild primary arterial hypertension (AH).

Material and Methods

We measured PRA, ALDO, and selected AOD indices (carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), central aortic pulse pressure (cPP), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)) in 122 patients with untreated AH.

Results

Patients with high PRA (≥ 0.65 ng/ml/h) were characterized by lower plasma sodium and aldosterone to renin ratio (ARR), higher ALDO, but a similar level of AOD indices compared to patients with low PRA. cfPWV (p = 0.04) and cPP (p = 0.019) increased with ARR, while eGFR decreased with ALDO (p = 0.008). Only eGFR was independently correlated with ALDO. In subjects with simultaneously high PRA and ARR values, we found significantly higher cfPWV (p = 0.02) and cPP (p = 0.04) and lower eGFR (p = 0.02) than in those with high PRA but low ARR values.

Conclusions

Assessment of the influence of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) on AOD should include the relationship between renin and aldosterone. The PRA itself has no predictive value for AOD. More advanced arterial stiffness and renal impairment are associated with increased PRA and ARR. The RAAS activity might be useful in AOD prediction and hypertension severity assessment.
The need for power, need for influence, sense of power, and directiveness in female and male superiors and subordinates
Authors: Kocur Dagna , Mandal Eugenia
Published: March 2018

Background

The purpose of the study was to examine the phenomenon of power within an organisation from the vantage point of gender, the occupied position, earnings, and the number of subordinates.

Participants and procedure

The sample group comprised 107 female and 98 male participants. The mean age was 42.14 years (SD = 11.73). The study covered 100 superiors and 105 subordinates. The research tools were: the Need for Power and Influence Questionnaire (Bennett, 1988), the Personal Sense of Power Scale (Anderson, John, & Keltner, 2012), and the Directiveness Scale SD (Ray, 1976).

Results

The superiors scored significantly higher on the need for power, need for influence, and directiveness. They also scored higher in terms of the need for power in relations with other people, with colleagues, and in superior-subordinate relations. The number of male leaders was conspicuously greater than the number of female leaders. Furthermore, women had fewer subordinates than men and earned less than men. Female participants scored lower on the sense of power and the need for power scales.

Conclusions

Occupying either an executive or subordinate position differentiates between women and men in terms of sense of power in interpersonal relationships. The findings on sense of power in the professional context may be applied in organisational psychology in order to increase employees’ competence and qualifications.
Risk factors in committing domestic violence in light of gender psychology
Authors: Rode Danuta , Rode Magdalena Marta
Published: March 2018

Background

The present research attempts to establish specific risk factors of domestic violence occurrences, and to pinpoint the gender-specific differences that are their main predictors.
According to the subject literature, four categories of variables (personality, temperamental, socialisation, and demographic features) may constitute significant predictors of violent behaviours.

Participants and procedure

The selection criterion was the type of crime. Prospective research subjects were men and women convicted under article 207 paragraph 1.2 the Penal Code for abuse of family members. The group constituted 366 inmates – 130 female (35.60%) and 236 male (64.40%).
The following measurement methods were used: NEO-FFI Inventory by P. Costa, R. McCrae, Formal Characteristic of Behaviour – Temperament Inventory (FCB-TI) by B. Zawadzki, J. Strelau, Attachment Questionnaire by M. Plopa, Own Questionnaire.

Results

The results indicate that domestic violence perpetrated by women is connected with alcohol consumption and perseverance; and for men with anxious-ambivalent attachment and briskness.

Conclusions

The research showed the temperamental temporary behavioural characteristics of perseverance and briskness were risk factors for both male and female perpetrators of violence. This may indicate that the main risk factor in occurrences of violence is the way people react to external stimuli, the need for stimulation, and thus the constitution of the nervous system.
The relationship between self-esteem, sense of self-efficacy and level of illness acceptance, and healthful behaviours in patients with long-term illnesses (type II diabetes, Hashimoto’s disease)
Authors: Rode Danuta , Rode Magdalena Marta
Published: March 2018

Background

Hashimoto thyroiditis and type II diabetes are chronic diseases which have adverse consequences impacting emotional and cognitive functioning. Healthful behaviours focused on improvement of one’s health or on combating the illness play a key role in psychosocial functioning of a person, particularly one suffering from a long-term illness. The aim of the research was the measurement and analysis of healthful behaviours and the distinction of variables determining healthful behaviours. We attempted to examine the connection between adhering to healthful behaviours, and the level of illness acceptance, self-efficacy and self-esteem, in terms of exhibiting healthful behaviours in the above-mentioned groups of patients.

Participants and procedure

The study group consisted of 140 persons (70 persons with type II diabetes, 70 persons with Hashimoto’s disease). The following measurement techniques were used: the Health Behaviour Inventory by Z. Juczyński, the General Self-Efficacy Scale by R. Schwarzer and M. Jerusalem adapted for Polish by Z. Juczyński, the Acceptance of Illness Scale by B. J. Felton, T. A. Revenson and G. A. Hinrichsen, and the Self-Esteem Scale by M. Rosenberg.

Results

The results show that for the group of type II diabetes patients self-efficacy constitutes a statistically significant moderate positive predictor of psychological attitude and appropriate eating habits, and is a positive weak predictor of general healthful behaviour and prophylaxis at the tendency level. For Hashimoto’s sufferers the sense of self-efficacy is a statistically significant moderate predictor of healthful behaviours.

Conclusions

The study investigated significant relations between the level of illness acceptance, the sense of self-efficacy and self-esteem, and engagement in healthful behaviour. The sense of self-efficacy determines higher healthful practices in both research groups. The study allowed for a comparison of two groups of long-term illnesses sufferers – type II diabetes, and Hashimoto’s disease – in terms of adhering to healthful behaviours, and dependencies between selected psychological variables and patients’ preferred healthful behaviours.
A weekend/weekday comparison of adherence to daily treatment regimens in adults with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Keyte Rebecca , Egan Helen , Jackson Craig , Nash Edward , Regan Anna , Mantzios Michail
Published: March 2018

Background

Treatment adherence is a major concern in cystic fibrosis (CF), with accumulating evidence that health outcomes are worse in patients with lower levels of adherence. This study investigates how adherence differs for adults with CF during a weekday and a weekend day by examining the roles of sex, anxiety, depression, and lung function as predictors of adherence.

Participants and procedure

Fifty-two adult participants with CF were recruited. Demographics and spirometry results were recorded. Participants completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and two daily phone diaries in order to record their adherence to pancreatic enzymes, vitamins, physiotherapy and exercise. Based on previous findings, it was hypothesised that reported adherence would be higher during the weekend in comparison to weekdays, due to lower time pressure during the weekend.

Results

Paired sample t-tests indicated that overall participants had higher reported adherence during the weekend in comparison to weekdays, with sex, anxiety, depression and lung function being predictors of adherence.

Conclusions

Clinical implications and future directions are discussed, with an emphasis on the need for further qualitative research. We are now conducting another research project utilising qualitative interviews with participants to further investigate adherence within the CF population. Our aim is to identify the main adherence barriers and to develop interventions to improve treatment adherence in the CF population.
Posttraumatic positive changes among parents who have experienced the loss of a child – the role of social support
Authors: Ogińska-Bulik Nina
Published: March 2018

Background

In addition to a number of negative consequences, the trauma associated with the loss of a child may also entail the development of positive changes in psychosocial functioning, manifested as posttraumatic growth. An important factor that promotes posttraumatic growth is social support. The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between social support and the occurrence of positive posttraumatic changes resulting from trauma associated with the loss of a child.

Participants and procedure

The study analysed a group of 76 persons who reported that the loss of a child (including perinatal and postnatal) was a traumatic event. The majority of respondents were women (55.30%). The age of the participants ranged from 18 to 62 years (M = 35.88, SD = 9.52). The following Polish versions of standardized tools were used: the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, the Significant Others Scale to measure social support, and the visual analogue scale to assess the intensity of the trauma.

Results

The subjects revealed positive changes in all spheres of posttraumatic growth following the loss of a child, greater in the group of people who lost their child after birth. A positive relationship was found between almost all types of analysed social support (except for desired emotional support) and posttraumatic growth. The regression analysis revealed that received practical support fulfils the primary predictive role for posttraumatic growth.

Conclusions

The use of the assistance of others by persons who have experienced trauma may contribute to the occurrence of growth after trauma.
Identity and crisis in evaluation in young fathers in relation to age of the child
Authors: Liberska Hanna , Deja Monika , Starostecka Joanna , Janicka Martyna , Grudzińska Aleksandra , Wolska Aleksandra , Dąbek Katarzyna
Published: March 2018

Background

The fact of becoming a father is related to the necessity of taking up a number of new commitments. The changes following from taking up a new social role generate much stress and can bring some identity transformations (Freudenreich, Liberska, & Miluska, 2011) and a crisis in evaluation (Trempała, 2010).

Participants and procedure

In order to characterise the structure of identity of young fathers and to determine whether they suffer from a crisis in evaluation, a study was performed on 90 men who became fathers of their first child in the period up to about half a year earlier. Techniques used in the study were: Dimensions of Identity Development Scale (DIDS), Questionnaire for Investigation of Crisis in Evaluation, and a questionnaire prepared by the author.

Results

The structure of identity of young fathers has no relation to the age of the child, at least in the first six months of the child’s life, but it is related to the crisis in evaluation.

Conclusions

According to the results, the crisis in evaluation in young fathers is of intermediate intensity and is related to the age of the child.
The study suggests a relationship between normative events related to the world of the child and a psychological crisis, involving identity and structures of values.
What promotes and hinders success in breastfeeding in hospital care? – the role of social support and anxiety
Authors: Kiełbratowska Bogumiła , Michałek-Kwiecień Justyna , Kaźmierczak Maria , Bandurska Ewa
Published: March 2018

Background

Hospital stay is associated with difficult circumstances, which may be accompanied by anxiety. Difficulty with initiation and continuation of breastfeeding may be commonly experienced in the hospital. Observed difficulties can be modified by sharing knowledge and involvement of midwives in the care of mothers and newborns. Breastfeeding is considered to be the ideal choice of nutrition and infant’s feeding, providing many benefits both for infants and their mothers. The aim of the study is to explore the role of the quality of breastfeeding assistance during delivery hospitalization and maternal anxiety for overall breastfeeding duration.

Participants and procedure

The study included 858 women after labor from intentionally selected hospitals of Pomerania, discharged from hospital up to 15 days after birth. We used a questionnaire to collect data on the nursing assistance and the process of breastfeeding during patients’ stay in a hospital. In addition, we applied the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) to measure the levels of state and trait anxiety.

Results

The results showed a significant relationship between the level of maternal postpartum anxiety and duration of breastfeeding. Mothers (mostly after physiological labor) reported a significantly lower level of state anxiety in hospitals titled Baby Friendly. Additionally, a significant difference in breastfeeding duration depending on the hospital and mothers’ perception of receiving support from midwives was found.

Conclusions

It is reasonable to continue the activities increasing standards of medical personnel support and raising the midwives’ and mothers’ awareness of the importance of anxiety for breastfeeding duration.
Imaging findings in Erdheim-Chester disease: what every radiologist needs to know
Authors: Kumar Pawan , Singh Anuradha , Gamanagatti Shivanand , Kumar Sanjeev , Chandrashekhara Sheragaru Hanumanthappa
Published: March 2018

Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a rare sporadic non-Langerhans cell histiocytic (LCH) proliferative disorder with systemic predilection. It usually affects adults in the 5th-7th decades of life and has non-specific clinical manifestations. Its suspicion is often heralded by the presence of characteristic radiological findings and subsequently confirmed by demonstration of CD68-positive xanthogranulomatous infiltrates on histopathology. Despite being a non-malignant entity, it might be fatal due to organ dysfunction. Imaging plays a key role in the diagnosis, management, and follow-up. Imaging findings are essential to establish the diagnosis, assess actual disease burden, and explore the aetiopathogenesis and therapeutic options to halt disease progression and associated morbidity.
Duplex ultrasound for evaluation of deep venous blood flow in fractured lower extremities
Authors: Adam Awadalla , Yousef Mohamed , Wahab Babiker A. , Abukonna Ahmed , Mahmoud Mustafa Z.
Published: March 2018

Purpose: Early identification of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in trauma patients would result in an early initiation of treatment, thereby decreasing the frequency of complications. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the role of duplex ultrasound (DUS) in the evaluation of deep venous blood flow in fractured lower extremities to rule out DVT prior to orthopedic surgery.

Material and methods: In this prospective study a total of 58 patients (42 males and 16 females; mean age of 51.5 ± 19.5 years) with fractured lower extremities were thoroughly evaluated prior to surgery with respect to medical history, fracture pattern, associated injuries, comorbid conditions, and venous duplex ultrasound (VDUS) findings. Each affected limb was assessed for the presence of DVT using a Sonoline G 60S ultrasound unit. The analysis was performed with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.

Results: DVT was found in 36 (62.1%) patients with single closed fractures, 9 (15.5%) patients with single opened fractures, 10 (17.2%) patients with multiple closed fractures, and in 3 (5.2%) patients with multiple opened fractures. Sensitivity and specificity of the findings of compressibility and phasicity for DVT detection in patients with fractured lower extremities were 81.25% and 87.50% and 100% and 100% respectively. In addition, the absence of compressibility and phasicity had positive predictive value of 100% and 100% and negative predictive value of 93.75% and 95.65% respectively.

Conclusions: US of DVs in the brightness mode (B-mode) with compression maneuvers should be the first-line imaging modality for suspected DVT in patients with fractured lower extremities.
Evaluation of diagnostic value of conventional and color Doppler ultrasound with elastography strain ratios in differentiation between benign and malignant lymph nodes
Authors: Özel Deniz , Özel Betül Duran
Published: March 2018

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of conventional ultrasonography (USG) and color Doppler ultrasonography (CDU) with elastography strain ratios (ESR) in discrimination between benign and malignant lymphatic nodes.

Material and methods: Two hundred and forty-seven patients (252 lymph nodes) were included in this study. USG and CDU with ESR were performed. Materials were obtained by using fine-needle or vacuum-assisted aspiration methods depending on the site and condition of lymph nodes. The χ2 test and Student’s t-test were used for comparisons.

Results: Ninety-two of 252 (36.5%) lymph nodes were malignant, and 160 (63.5%) were benign. Short axis, S/L ratio, presence or absence of the fatty hilum and extra-hilar vascularity were valuable, statistically significant indicators of malignancy. In contrast, long axis and ESR were not significant indicators of malignancy. The short axis cut-off value was calculated to be 12 mm and the S/L ratio cut-off value was calculated to be 1.

Conclusions: Long axis of lymph nodes and strain ratios cannot be used as malignancy criteria, and their use is controversial despite the fact that some studies have found them valuable. On the other hand, our results support common knowledge that the short axis, S/L ratio, absence of the fatty hilum, and extrahilar vascularity are significant indicators.
Imaging in a rare case of neuroendocrine tumour with skin metastases
Authors: Białecki Marcin , Białecka Agnieszka , Męcińska-Jundziłł Kaja , Adamska Urszula , Kasperska Anna , Czajkowski Rafał
Published: March 2018

Purpose: Disseminated malignancies are a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge that is often encountered in radiology. Finding the primary tumour is crucial for planning proper surgical and oncological treatment. Computed tomography (CT) of the thorax and abdomen is typically the initial examination. However, abdominal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or positron emission tomography (PET/CT) or PET/MRI are often subsequently performed. Histopathological examination of metastatic tumours is performed as well, followed by immunohistochemistry. The aim of the report was to present diagnostic workup in a rare case of skin metastases.

Case report: A 72-year-old patient was admitted to a dermatology ward because of skin lesions – violaceous nodules localised on the hair-covered skin of the head. On abdominal CT, a generalised neoplastic process with metastases in the liver, pancreas, adrenal glands, lymph nodes, bones, thoracic wall, and a suspected metastasis in the right breast was revealed. Histopathology of the skin nodules confirmed a neuroendocrine tumour. Metastases of a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour or small-cell lung cancer were suspected on immunohistochemistry. The patient died before we were able to localise the primary source of the tumour and provide treatment.

Conclusions: Skin metastases are relatively rare, aggravate the prognosis, and usually indicate spread of the neoplastic process in the internal organs. It is not always possible to localise the primary tumour using radiological imaging. In such cases, co-operation with the pathologist is crucial as are the results of histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations.
Performativiteit in netwerken: de Januskop van accounting
Authors: Vosselman Ed , De Loo Ivo
Published: March 2018

Onderzoek naar de performativiteit van accounting laat zien hoe becijferingen en calculaties in netwerken tot ontwikkeling komen en daar invloed kunnen uitoefenen. Als spelers in een netwerk kunnen zij in wisselwerking met andere spelers beoordelen, territorialiseren, kanaliseren en subjectiveren. Cijfers en calculaties hebben een Januskop: zij kijken zowel vooruit als achteruit en associëren zich, soms onvoorspelbaar, met verschillende belangen en emoties. Zij verwijzen naar iets of iemand, maar blijken eerder actief te zijn in de constructie van realiteit dan in de re-presentatie daarvan. Dit wordt ook wel de performativiteit van accounting genoemd. In dit artikel wordt die performativiteit geïllustreerd aan de hand van prestatiemeting in wetenschappelijk onderzoek.
Audit quality and inspection in the Netherlands: The importance of an intellectual approach to experiential learning and practice advancement
Authors: Humphrey Christopher , Canning Mary , O'Dwyer Brendan
Published: March 2018

Recent reported failings of audit practice and the extent of fines and sanctions issued against major audit firms in the Netherlands have resulted in severe criticism of the Dutch accounting profession. This paper contemplates how a noted Dutch tradition of excellence in auditing has shifted to one dominated by notions of inadequacy. It considers the content of AFM inspection reports, analyses various elements of the profession’s response to the criticisms being made of the quality of auditing, reflects on the scale and nature of identified problems, assesses the implications for the standing and future development of the auditing profession in the Netherlands and explores the scope for meaningful experiential learning and practice advancement.
The vapor pressure over nano-crystalline ice
Authors: Nachbar Mario , Duft Denis , Leisner Thomas
Published: March 2018

Abstract. The crystallization of amorphous solid water (ASW) is known to form
nano-crystalline ice. The influence of the nanoscale crystallite size on
physical properties like the vapor pressure is relevant for processes in
which the crystallization of amorphous ices occurs, e.g., in interstellar
ices or cold ice cloud formation in planetary atmospheres, but up to now is
not well understood. Here, we present laboratory measurements on the
saturation vapor pressure over ice crystallized from ASW between 135 and
190 K. Below 160 K, where the crystallization of ASW is known to form
nano-crystalline ice, we obtain a saturation vapor pressure that is 100 to
200 % higher compared to stable hexagonal ice. This elevated vapor
pressure is in striking contrast to the vapor pressure of stacking disordered
ice which is expected to be the prevailing ice polymorph at these
temperatures with a vapor pressure at most 18 % higher than that of
hexagonal ice. This apparent discrepancy can be reconciled by assuming that
nanoscale crystallites form in the crystallization process of ASW. The high
curvature of the nano-crystallites results in a vapor pressure increase that
can be described by the Kelvin equation. Our measurements are consistent with
the assumption that ASW is the first solid form of ice deposited from the
vapor phase at temperatures up to 160 K. Nano-crystalline ice with a mean
diameter between 7 and 19 nm forms thereafter by crystallization within the
ASW matrix. The estimated crystal sizes are in agreement with reported
crystal size measurements and remain stable for hours below 160 K. Thus,
this ice polymorph may be regarded as an independent phase for many
atmospheric processes below 160 K and we parameterize its vapor pressure
using a constant Gibbs free energy difference of
(982 ± 182) J mol−1 relative to hexagonal ice.
Emissions databases for polycyclic aromatic compounds in the Canadian Athabasca oil sands region – development using current knowledge and evaluation with passive sampling and air dispersion modelling data
Authors: Qiu Xin , Cheng Irene , Yang Fuquan , Horb Erin , Zhang Leiming , Harner Tom
Published: March 2018

Abstract. Two speciated and spatially resolved emissions databases for
polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) in the Athabasca oil sands
region (AOSR) were developed. The first database was derived from
volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions data provided by the
Cumulative Environmental Management Association (CEMA) and the
second database was derived from additional data collected within
the Joint Canada–Alberta Oil Sands Monitoring (JOSM)
program. CALPUFF modelling results for atmospheric polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), alkylated PAHs, and dibenzothiophenes
(DBTs), obtained using each of the emissions databases, are presented
and compared with measurements from a passive air monitoring
network. The JOSM-derived emissions resulted in better
model–measurement agreement in the total PAH concentrations and for
most PAH species concentrations compared to results using
CEMA-derived emissions. At local sites near oil sands mines, the
percent error of the model compared to observations decreased from
30 % using the CEMA-derived emissions to 17 % using the
JOSM-derived emissions. The improvement at local sites was likely
attributed to the inclusion of updated tailings pond emissions
estimated from JOSM activities. In either the CEMA-derived or
JOSM-derived emissions scenario, the model underestimated PAH
concentrations by a factor of 3 at remote locations. Potential
reasons for the disagreement include forest fire emissions,
re-emissions of previously deposited PAHs, and long-range transport
not considered in the model. Alkylated PAH and DBT concentrations
were also significantly underestimated. The CALPUFF model is
expected to predict higher concentrations because of the limited
chemistry and deposition modelling. Thus the model underestimation
of PACs is likely due to gaps in the emissions database for these
compounds and uncertainties in the methodology for estimating the
emissions. Future work is required that focuses on improving the PAC
emissions
estimation and speciation methodologies and reducing the
uncertainties in VOC emissions which are subsequently used in PAC
emissions estimation.
Reduction of ZTD outliers through improved GNSS data processing and screening strategies
Authors: Stepniak Katarzyna , Bock Olivier , Wielgosz Pawel
Published: March 2018

Abstract. Though Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data processing has been
significantly improved over the years, it is still commonly observed that zenith
tropospheric delay (ZTD) estimates contain many outliers which are
detrimental to meteorological and climatological applications. In this paper,
we show that ZTD outliers in double-difference processing are mostly caused by sub-daily data gaps at reference stations, which cause
disconnections of clusters of stations from the reference network and
common mode biases due to the strong correlation between stations in short
baselines. They can reach a few centimetres in ZTD and usually coincide with
a jump in formal errors. The magnitude and sign of these biases are
impossible to predict because they depend on different errors in the
observations and on the geometry of the baselines. We elaborate and test a new baseline strategy which solves this problem and
significantly reduces the number of outliers compared to the standard
strategy commonly used for positioning (e.g. determination of national
reference frame) in which the pre-defined network is composed of a skeleton
of reference stations to which secondary stations are connected in a
star-like structure. The new strategy is also shown to perform better than
the widely used strategy maximizing the number of observations
available in many GNSS programs. The reason is that observations are
maximized before processing, whereas the final number of used observations
can be dramatically lower because of data rejection (screening) during the
processing. The study relies on the analysis of 1 year of GPS (Global
Positioning System) data from a regional network of 136 GNSS stations
processed using Bernese GNSS Software v.5.2. A post-processing screening
procedure is also proposed to detect and remove a few outliers which may
still remain due to short data gaps. It is based on a combination of range
checks and outlier checks of ZTD and formal errors. The accuracy of the
final screened GPS ZTD estimates is assessed by comparison to ERA-Interim
reanalysis.
On the distortions in calculated GW parameters during slanted atmospheric soundings
Authors: de la Torre Alejandro , Alexander Peter , Schmidt Torsten , Llamedo Pablo , Hierro Rodrigo
Published: March 2018

Abstract. The significant distortions introduced in the measured atmospheric gravity
wavelengths by soundings other than those in vertical and horizontal
directions, are discussed as a function of the elevation angle of the
sounding path and the gravity wave aspect ratio. Under- or overestimation of
real vertical wavelengths during the measurement process depends on the value
of these two parameters. The consequences of these distortions on the
calculation of the energy and the vertical flux of horizontal momentum are
analyzed and discussed in the context of two experimental limb satellite
setups: GPS-LEO radio occultations and TIMED/SABER ((Atmosphere using Broadband Emission Radiometry/Thermosphere–Ionosphere–Mesosphere–Energetics and Dynamics))
measurements. Possible discrepancies previously found between the momentum
flux calculated from satellite temperature profiles, on site and from model
simulations, may to a certain degree be attributed to these distortions.
A recalculation of previous momentum flux climatologies based on these
considerations seems to be a difficult goal.
Magnetosheath jet properties and evolution as determined by a global hybrid-Vlasov simulation
Authors: Palmroth Minna , Hietala Heli , Plaschke Ferdinand , Archer Martin , Karlsson Tomas , Blanco-Cano Xóchitl , Sibeck David , Kajdič Primož , Ganse Urs , Pfau-Kempf Yann , Battarbee Markus , Turc Lucile
Published: March 2018

Abstract. We use a global hybrid-Vlasov simulation for the magnetosphere, Vlasiator, to investigate magnetosheath high-speed jets. Unlike many other hybrid-kinetic simulations, Vlasiator includes an unscaled geomagnetic dipole, indicating that the simulation spatial and temporal dimensions can be given without scaling. Thus, for the first time, this allows investigating the magnetosheath jet properties and comparing them directly with the observed jets within the Earth's magnetosheath. In the run shown in this paper, the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) cone angle is 30°, and a foreshock develops upstream of the quasi-parallel magnetosheath. We visually detect a structure with high dynamic pressure propagating from the bow shock towards the magnetopause. The structure is confirmed as a jet using three different criteria, which have been adopted in previous observational studies. We compare these criteria against the simulation results. We find that the magnetosheath jet is an elongated structure extending Earthward of the bow shock by ~ 2.3 RE, while its size perpendicular to the direction of propagation is ~ 0.5 RE. We also investigate the jet evolution, and find that the jet originates due to the interaction of the foreshock Ultra Low Frequency (ULF) waves with the bow shock surface. The simulation shows that magnetosheath jets can develop also under steady IMF, as inferred by observational studies.
Palaeoclimate evolution across the Cretaceous–Palaeogene boundary in the Nanxiong Basin (SE China) recorded by red strata and its correlation with marine records
Authors: Ma Mingming , Liu Xiuming , Wang Wenyan
Published: March 2018

Abstract. The climate during the Cretaceous Period represented one of the greenhouse states of Earth's history. Significant transformation of climate patterns and a mass extinction event characterised by the disappearance of dinosaurs occurred across the Cretaceous–Palaeogene boundary. However, most records of this interval are derived from marine sediments. The continuous and well-exposed red strata of the Nanxiong Basin (SE China) provide ideal material to develop continental records. Considerable research into stratigraphic, palaeontological, chronologic, palaeoclimatic, and tectonic aspects has been carried out for the Datang profile, which is a type section of a non-marine Cretaceous–Palaeogene stratigraphic division in China. For this study, we reviewed previous work and found that (1) the existing chronological framework of the Datang profile is flawed; (2) precise palaeoclimatic reconstruction is lacking because of the limitations of sampling resolution (e.g. carbonate samples) and/or the lack of efficient proxies; and (3) comparisons of climate changes between marine and continental records are lacking. To resolve these problems, detailed field observations and sampling, as well as environmental magnetic and rare earth element (REE) measurements, were carried out. The results show that (1) more accurate ages of the Datang profile range from 72 to 62.8 Ma based on a combination of the most recently published radiometric, palaeontological, and palaeomagnetic ages; (2) there is considerable evidence of palaeosol generation, which indicates that the red strata formed in a long-term hot, oxidising environment that lacked underwater conditions; (3) haematite was the dominant magnetic mineral in the red strata, and the variation trend of magnetic susceptibility was consistent with the oxygen isotope records from deep-sea sediments, which indicates that the content of haematite was controlled by the global climate; and (4) the palaeoclimate changes from 72 to 62.8 Ma in the Nanxiong Basin were consistent with global patterns and can be divided into three stages: a relatively hot and wet stage during 72–71.5 Ma, a cool and arid stage during 71.5–66 Ma, and a relatively hot and wet stage again during 66–62.8 Ma with a notable drying and cooling event at 64.7–63.4 Ma. Moreover, there are several sub-fluctuations during each stage. This work provides basic information for further palaeoclimate reconstructions with a higher resolution and longer timescales for the Cretaceous to Palaeocene in the Nanxiong Basin and may even help to test ocean–land climate interactions in the future.
Reinforcing the North Atlantic backbone: revision and extension of the composite splice at ODP Site 982
Authors: Drury Anna Joy , Westerhold Thomas , Hodell David , Röhl Ursula
Published: March 2018

Abstract. Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Site 982 represents a key location for understanding the evolution of climate in the North Atlantic over the past 12 Ma. However, concerns exist about the validity and robustness of the underlying stratigraphy and astrochronology, which currently limits the adequacy of this site for high-resolution climate studies. To resolve this uncertainty, we verify and extend the early Pliocene to late Miocene shipboard composite splice at Site 982 using high-resolution XRF core scanning data and establish a robust high-resolution benthic foraminiferal stable isotope stratigraphy and astrochronology between 8.0 and 4.5 Ma. Splice revisions and verifications resulted in  ∼  11 m of gaps in the original Site 982 isotope stratigraphy, which were filled with 263 new isotope analyses. This new stratigraphy reveals previously unseen benthic δ18O excursions, particularly prior to 6.65 Ma. The benthic δ18O record displays distinct, asymmetric cycles between 7.7 and 6.65 Ma, confirming that high-latitude climate is a prevalent forcing during this interval. An intensification of the 41 kyr beat in both the benthic δ13C and δ18O is also observed  ∼  6.4 Ma, marking a strengthening in the cryosphere–carbon cycle coupling. A large  ∼  0.7 ‰ double excursion is revealed  ∼  6.4–6.3 Ma, which also marks the onset of an interval of average higher δ18O and large precession and obliquity-dominated δ18O excursions between 6.4 and 5.4 Ma, coincident with the culmination of the late Miocene cooling. The two largest benthic δ18O excursions  ∼  6.4–6.3 Ma and TG20/22 coincide with the coolest alkenone-derived sea surface temperature (SST) estimates from Site 982, suggesting a strong connection between the late Miocene global cooling, and deep-sea cooling and dynamic ice sheet expansion. The splice revisions and revised astrochronology resolve key stratigraphic issues that have hampered correlation between Site 982, the equatorial Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Comparisons of the revised Site 982 stratigraphy to high-resolution astronomically tuned benthic δ18O stratigraphies from ODP Site 926 (equatorial Atlantic) and Ain el Beida (north-western Morocco) show that prior inconsistencies in short-term excursions are now resolved. The identification of key new cycles at Site 982 further highlights the requirement for the current scheme for late Miocene marine isotope stages to be redefined. Our new integrated deep-sea benthic stable isotope stratigraphy and astrochronology from Site 982 will facilitate future high-resolution late Miocene to early Pliocene climate research.