bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radical Abdominal Trachelectomy for IB1 Cervical Cancer at 17 Weeks of Gestation: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Aoki Yoichi , Inamine Morihiko , Ohishi Sugiko , Nagai Yutaka , Masamoto Hitoshi
Published: December 2014

Background. With regard to the therapy for early invasive cervical carcinoma during pregnancy, radical trachelectomy is also a treatment of choice, along with its advantages and disadvantages.Case Report. A 28-year-old woman, para 1-0-0-1, was diagnosed with FIGO stage IB1 squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix at 12 weeks of gestation. The patient underwent radical abdominal trachelectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy at 17 weeks of gestation. Her pregnancy was successfully maintained after the surgery. The patient underwent a planned cesarean section at 38 weeks of gestation. A healthy baby girl weighing 2970 g was born with an Apgar score of 8/9. The mother and child in overall good health were discharged. Ten months after the delivery, there was no clinical evidence of recurrence.Conclusions. We believe that it is appropriate to perform radical abdominal trachelectomy in the early second trimester with preserving uterine arteries, although it is a technically challenging approach. It may be possible that radical abdominal trachelectomy during pregnancy can help women avoid the triple losses of a desired pregnancy, fertility, and motherhood.
Shape Optimization of an Airfoil in Ground Effect for Application to WIG Craft
Authors: He Yilei , Qu Qiulin , Agarwal Ramesh K.
Published: December 2014

This paper employs a multiobjective genetic algorithm (MOGA) to optimize the shape of a widely used wing in ground (WIG) aircraft airfoil NACA 4412 to improve its lift and drag characteristics, in particular to achieve two objectives, that is, to increase its lift and its lift to drag ratio. The commercial software ANSYS FLUENT is employed to calculate the flow field on an adaptive structured mesh generated by ANSYS ICEM software using the Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations in conjunction with a one equation Spalart-Allmaras (SA) turbulence model. The results show significant improvement in both the lift coefficient and lift to drag ratio of the optimized airfoil compared to the original NACA 4412 airfoil. It is demonstrated that the performance of a wing in ground (WIG) aircraft can be improved by using the optimized airfoil.
Effect of Integrated Cognitive Therapy on Hippocampal Functional Connectivity Patterns in Stroke Patients with Cognitive Dysfunction: A Resting‐State fMRI Study
Authors: Yang Shanli , Jiang Cai , Ye Haicheng , Tao Jing , Huang Jia , Gao Yanling , Lin Zhicheng , Chen Lidian
Published: December 2014

Objective. This study aimed to identify abnormal hippocampal functional connectivity (FC) following ischemic stroke using resting‐state fMRI. We also explored whether abnormal hippocampal FC could be modulated by integrated cognitive therapy and tested whether these alterations were associated with cognitive performance. Methods. 18 right‐handed cognitively impaired ischemic stroke patients and 18 healty control (HC) subjects were included in this study. Stroke subjects were scanned at baseline and after integrated cognitive therapy, while HCs were only scanned at baseline, to identify regions that show significant correlations with the seed region. Behavioral and cognitive assessments were obtained before each scan. Results. During the resting state, we found abnormal hippocampal FC associated with temporal regions, insular cortex, cerebellum, and prefrontal cortex in stroke patients compared to HCs. After integrated cognitive therapy, however, the stroke group showed increased hippocampal FC mainly located in the prefrontal gyrus and the default mode network (DMN). Altered hippocampal FC was associated with cognitive improvement. Conclusion. Resting‐state fMRI may provide novel insight into the study of functional networks in the brain after stroke. Furthermore, altered hippocampal FC may be a compensatory mechanism for cognitive recovery after ischemic stroke.
Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin in Patients with Autosomal-Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease
Authors: Bolignano Davide , Coppolino Giuseppe , Campo Susanna , Aloisi Carmela , Nicocia Giacomo , Frisina Nicola , Buemi Michele
Published: December 2014

It is known that many tubular proteins are involved in the pathogenesis of autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), which causes 8–10% of the cases of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) worldwide. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a protein expressed on tubular cells of which the production is markedly increased in response to harmful stimuli such as ischemia or toxicity. In the present study, serum and urinary NGAL levels were evaluated in 26 ADPKD subjects. Both levels were significantly higher in patients than in controls (sNGAL 174 ± 52 vs. 50 ± 27 ng/ml, p < 0.05; uNGAL 119 ± 42 vs. 7 ± 6 ng/ml, p < 0.005) and a close correlation was also found between these parameters and the residual renal function (sNGAL/GFR: r = –0.8, p = 0.006; sNGAL/Creatinine: r = 0.9, p = 0.007; uNGAL/GFR: r = –0.49, p < 0.05; uNGAL/Creatinine: r = 0.84, p < 0.001). Patients were further divided into two groups according to the cystic development assessed with echotomography; subjects with higher cystic growth (HCG) presented higher sNGAL and uNGAL levels with respect to others (sNGAL: 242 ± 89 vs. 88 ± 34 ng/ml, p < 0.05; uNGAL: 158 ± 45 vs. 73 ± 27 ng/ml, p < 0.05). The strict correlation between NGAL levels and residual renal function is perfectly in accord with recent studies on patients with other ESRD-associated diseases. We can hypothesize that tubular cells produce big quantities of NGAL as a consequence of increased apoptosis following chronic damage or as a compensatory response, similar to that observed in acute stress conditions (ischemia, toxicity ...). Finally, our last finding that patients with HCG showed higher levels of NGAL suggests that this protein could be also involved in the cyst growth process, as previously reported about epithelial and tumoral expansion.
Influence of CYP11B2 Gene Polymorphism on the Prevalence of Hypertension and the Blood Pressure in Japanese Men: Interaction with Dietary Salt Intake
Authors: Song Yixuan , Miyaki Koichi , Araki Jungo , Zhang Ling , Takahashi Yoshimitsu , Nakayama Takeo , Muramatsu Masaaki
Published: December 2014

Aims: CYP11B2 gene encodes a key enzyme for the production of aldosterone. Our aim is to investigate the association of –344T/C polymorphism with hypertension in Japanese men. The interaction between genotypes and dietary salt intake was also considered. Methods: Three hundred and ten Japanese male workers participated in this study. Daily salt intake was calculated from a food frequency questionnaire. Melting curve analysis was used to determine CYP11B2 genotypes. Results:There was a significant association between the CT + TT genotype and higher prevalence of hypertension (odds ratio: 3.03; p = 0.014). The association presented in a recessive manner and was strongest in the high-salt intake group (odds ratio: 9.44; p = 0.049). Only in the high-intake group, systolic blood pressure (SBP) was significantly higher in the CT + TT group than in the CC group (p = 0.038). The SBP had a positive correlation with salt intake in the CT + TT group (p for linear trend = 0.021), but not in the CC group (p for interaction = 0.011). Conclusions: CYP11B2 gene –344C/T polymorphism affects the risk of hypertension in Japanese men and high-salt intake levels strengthen this association. This gene-diet interaction warrants further study to elucidate the efficacy of salt restriction as an antihypertensive therapy in different genotypes.
Recent Developments in the Genetic Factors Underlying Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia
Authors: Brady Paul D. , Srisupundit Kasemsri , Devriendt Koenraad , Fryns Jean-Pierre , Deprest Jan A. , Vermeesch Joris R.
Published: December 2014

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a birth defect affecting around 1 in 3,000 births and is associated with high mortality and morbidity. It has become increasingly apparent that genetic factors underlie many forms of CDH. We review the recent developments in the area of the genetics of CDH, including potential candidate genes supported by evidence from animal models. We also discuss the possible role in the pathogenesis of CDH of defective retinoid signalling and abnormal mesenchymal cell function.
Recurrent Stroke after Lobar and Deep Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Hospital-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Weimar C. , Benemann J. , Terborg C. , Walter U. , Weber R. , Diener H.-C. ,   on behalf of the German Stroke Study Collaboration
Published: December 2014

Background: Recurrent stroke rates after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) vary widely between observational studies due to differences in ICH etiology and risk for thromboembolic events. We therefore aimed to assess the patient characteristics and prognosis after deep and lobar ICH in a well-characterized, multicenter, hospital-based cohort. Methods: Patients were prospectively documented in 13 German neurological stroke centers. Of 744 patients with spontaneous ICH discharged alive, 516 (69.4%) gave informed consent and 496 (66.7%) could be followed up by central telephone interview over a mean duration of 2 years. Results: In patients with deep ICH, the Kaplan-Meier estimate for stroke during the first year was 5.8% (95% CI 2.9–8.7) and the overall annual rate (calculated over a 3-year period) was 2.9% (95% CI 1.6–4.1). In patients with lobar ICH, the Kaplan-Meier estimate for stroke during the first year was 7.8% (95% CI 3.1–12.5) and the overall annual rate was 7.2% (95% CI 3.8–10.6). At the last follow-up before recurrent stroke or end of study, 141 patients (28.4%) overall received antiplatelet agents, and 12 (2.4%) received oral anticoagulation. No difference could be found for recurrent ICH under antiplatelet agents versus no antithrombotic medication. Conclusion: The risk of recurrent stroke after lobar ICH remains high beyond the first year, whereas it decreases after 1 year in patients with deep ICH. Antiplatelets are prescribed in a considerable number of patients even though the risk-benefit ratio after ICH remains unknown.
Growth Hormone Treatment Adherence in Prepubertal and Pubertal Children with Different Growth Disorders
Authors: Hartmann Klaus , Ittner Jochen , Müller-Rossberg Elke , Schönau Eckhard , Stephan Roger , Ullrich K.-Peter , Hoppe Bernd , Ramseger Rene , Brämswig Jürgen
Published: December 2014

Background/Aims: Treatment of children with growth disorders with recombinant human growth hormone is necessary for improved outcomes, including final height. Methods: Adherence data from the Observational Study Saizen®-online, recorded with the easypod™ device collected between October 2009 and May 2011, were analyzed in pediatric patients receiving recombinant human growth hormone treatment for a variety of growth disorders. Results: Data from 75 children (46 boys, 29 girls) with different growth disorders were analyzed over a period of 343 ± 201 (SD) days. Boys and girls showed similar mean ± SD adherence rates of 90.5 ± 3.1% and 92.2 ± 10.7%, respectively. Pubertal children (n = 41) had a significantly lower adherence rate (89.1 ± 13.7%) than prepubertal children (n = 29) (96.5 ± 3.9%; p < 0.005). There were nonsignificant differences in adherence rates according to diagnosis: growth hormone deficiency (n = 48) 91.4 ± 11.0%, small for gestational age (n = 18) 91.1 ± 15.3%, Turner syndrome (n = 6) 86.0 ± 14.5%, and chronic renal failure (n = 3) 99.3 ± 1.0%, although the latter two groups were small. Conclusion: Our data indicate that only a small number of pediatric patients using the easypod device had poor adherence to treatment. Further reliable adherence data are required to identify factors affecting long-term adherence in this population.
Eating Disorder Pathology in Adolescents Participating in a Lifestyle Intervention for Obesity: Associations with Weight Change, General Psychopathology and Health-Related Quality of Life
Authors: Giel Katrin E. , Zipfel Stephan , Schweizer Roland , Braun Regina , Ranke Michael B. , Binder Gerhard , Ehehalt Stefan ,   for the DISKUS Study Group
Published: December 2014

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of eating disorder symptoms in obese adolescents participating in a lifestyle intervention for weight loss and to investigate possible relationships with weight change, general psychopathology, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Method: At the beginning and after completion of a 6-month lifestyle intervention, 41 participants (20 females; age: 13.7 ± 1.4 years) reported on core symptoms of eating disorders (SCOFF), self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, RSES), and HRQOL (Questionnaire for Measuring Health-Related Quality of Life in Children and Adolescents, KINDL), while parents filled in a questionnaire assessing their children's internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems (Child Behavior Checklist, CBCL). Results: Compared to age-matched normative samples, patients showed increased behavior problems and an impaired HRQOL. 43% of the patients were screened positive for an eating disorder pathology, and this subgroup showed an increased psychopathological burden compared to patients that were screened negative. The lifestyle intervention resulted in a significant weight loss which was unaffected by the presence of an eating disorder pathology. The screening rate for eating disorders remained stable after the intervention. Conclusion: The large overlap, mutual interaction, and high burden of eating and weight problems in children and adolescents underpin the need for an integrated view in both prevention and treatment approaches in pediatric obesity.
Mitochondrial Metabolism in T Cell Activation and Senescence: A Mini-Review
Authors: Ron-Harel Noga , Sharpe Arlene H. , Haigis Marcia C.
Published: December 2014

The aging immune system is unable to optimally respond to pathogens and generate long-term immunological memory against encountered antigens. Amongst the immune components most affected by aging are T lymphocytes. T lymphocytes are cells of the cell-mediated immune system, which can recognize microbial antigens and either directly kill infected cells or support the maturation and activation of other immune cells. When activated, T cells undergo a metabolic switch to accommodate their changing needs at every stage of the immune response. Here we review the different aspects of metabolic regulation of T cell activation, focusing on the emerging role of mitochondrial metabolism, and discuss changes that may contribute to age-related decline in T cell potency. Better understanding of the role of mitochondrial metabolism in immune cell function could provide insights into mechanisms of immune senescence with the potential for developing novel therapeutic approaches to improve immune responses in aged individuals.
Prediction of Neonatal Respiratory Function and Pulmonary Hypertension in Fetuses with Isolated Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia in the Fetal Endoscopic Tracleal Occlusion Era: A Single-Center Study
Authors: Done Elisa , Debeer Anne , Gucciardo Leonardo , Van Mieghem Tim , Lewi Paul , Devlieger Roland , De Catte Luc , Lewi Liesbeth , Allegaert Karel , Deprest Jan
Published: December 2014

Objective: To correlate prenatal indicators of pulmonary hypoplasia with neonatal lung function and pulmonary hypertension (PHT) in isolated congenital diaphragmatic hernia (iCDH). Materials and Methods: Prospective single-center study on 40 fetuses with iCDH either expectantly managed (n = 13) or undergoing tracheal occlusion (n = 27). Prenatal predictors included observed/expected lung-head ratio (O/E LHR), observed/expected total fetal lung volume, fetal pulmonary reactivity to maternal O2 administration (Δpulsatility index, ΔPI) and liver-to-thorax ratio (LiTR) as measured in the second and third trimesters. Postnatal outcome measures included survival until discharge, best oxygenation index (OI) and alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient [D(A-a)O2] in the first 24 h of life and the occurrence of PHT in the first 28 days of life. Results: Median gestational age (GA) at evaluations was 27.2 and 34.3 weeks. GA at delivery was 36.0 weeks, and overall survival was 55%. In the second trimester, measurement of lung size, LiTR and pulmonary reactivity were significantly related to survival and the best OI and D(A-a)O2.The occurrence of PHT was better predicted by ΔPI and LiTR. Conclusions: O/E LHR, LiTR and vascular reactivity correlate with ventilatory parameters in the first 24 h of life. Occurrence of PHT at ≥28 days was best predicted by LiTR and ΔPI, but not by lung size.
Comparison of Scheimpflug Imaging Analysis of Pellucid Marginal Corneal Degeneration and Keratoconus
Authors: Koçluk Yusuf , Yalniz-Akkaya Zuleyha , Burcu Ayse , Örnek Firdevs
Published: December 2014

Aim: To determine and compare various quantitative parameters of pellucid marginal degeneration (PMD) and keratoconus with against-the-rule astigmatism (KC-ARA) obtained by elevation-based Scheimpflug imaging and to identify characteristics that can be used to discriminate PMD from KC-ARA. Setting: Ophthalmology Clinic, Ministry of Health Ankara Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey. Design: Retrospective case-control study. Patients and Methods: Patients with ARA, a butterfly or crab claw pattern in the curvature maps, a kissing bird pattern in the elevation maps and the bell sign in the pachymetric maps were identified, and 60 eyes of 40 patients were chosen for the evaluation. The patients were divided into two groups: the PMD group (29 eyes of 18 patients) and the KC-ARA group (31 eyes of 22 patients). By moving the cursor manually, the pachymetric maps and Scheimpflug images were searched for a thinner location than the automatically identified thinnest location. The coordinates and thickness of this manually identified location were evaluated. Results: In the PMD group, 7 (24.1%) eyes did not have any thinner location than the automatically identified thinnest location on the pachymetric maps and the Scheimpflug images, and in 22 (75.8%) eyes, a thinner location, which was located more peripherally, was found by manual evaluation of the pachymetric maps or Scheimpflug images. In 9 (31.0%) eyes of these 22, the manually identified thinnest locations were visible on pachymetric maps, and in 13 (44.8%) eyes the more peripheral thinnest locations were not visible on pachymetric maps but on Scheimpflug images. In the KC group, no patients had thinner locations than the automatically identified thinnest points on the pachymetric maps and the Scheimpflug images. Conclusion: A more peripheral thinner location than the automatically identified thinnest location exists in most of the eyes with PMD. In KC-ARA eyes, a thinner location than the automatically found thinnest point does not exist. Accordingly, a more peripheral thinner point than the identified thinnest point is a very strong indication for PMD. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
Potential Role of Blood Biomarkers in the Management of Nontraumatic Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Senn Rebecca , Elkind Mitchell S.V. , Montaner Joan , Christ-Crain Mirjam , Katan Mira
Published: December 2014

Background: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), a subtype of stroke associated with high mortality and disability, accounts for 13% of all strokes. Basic and clinical research has contributed to our understanding of the complex pathophysiology of neuronal injury in ICH. Outcome rates, however, remain stable, and questions regarding acute management of ICH remain unanswered. Newer research is aiming at matching measured levels of serum proteins, enzymes, or cells to different stages of brain damage, suggesting that blood biomarkers may assist in acute diagnosis, therapeutic decisions, and prognostication. This paper provides an overview on the most promising blood biomarkers and their potential role in the diagnosis and management of spontaneous ICH. Summary: Information was collected from studies, reviews, and guidelines listed in PubMed up to November 2013 on blood biomarkers of nontraumatic ICH in humans. We describe the potential role and limitations of GFAP, S100B/RAGE, and ApoC-III as diagnostic biomarkers, F-​Amyloid as a biomarker for etiological classification, and 27 biomarkers for prognosis of mortality and functional outcome. Within the group of prognostic markers we discuss markers involved in coagulation processes (e.g., D-Dimers), neuroendocrine markers (e.g., copeptin), systemic metabolic markers (e.g., blood glucose levels), markers of inflammation (e.g., IL-6), as well as growth factors (e.g., VEGF), and others (e.g., glutamate). Some of those blood biomarkers are agents of pathologic processes associated with hemorrhagic stroke but also other diseases, whereas others play more distinct pathophysiological roles and help in understanding the basic mechanisms of brain damage and/or recovery in ICH. Key Messages: Numerous blood biomarkers are associated with different pathophysiological pathways in ICH, and some of them promise to be useful in the management of ICH, eventually contributing additional information to current tools for diagnosis, therapy monitoring, risk stratification, or intervention. Up to date, however, no blood biomarker of ICH has been studied sufficiently to find its way into clinical routine yet; well-designed, large-scale, clinical studies addressing relevant clinical questions are needed. We suggest that the effectiveness of biomarker research in ICH might be improved by international cooperation and shared resources for large validation studies, such as provided by the consortium on stroke biomarker research (http://stroke-biomarkers.​com/page.php?title=Resources). i 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
The Endocrinology of Ageing: A Mini-Review
Authors: Jones Christopher M. , Boelaert Kristien
Published: December 2014

Significant advances in health and social wellbeing have led to linear gains in life expectancy and an accompanying increase in the burden imposed by age-related morbidities. Complex alterations in hormonal networks which regulate homeostasis and survival may underlie this poor adaptation to later life, as exemplified by an increased fracture risk amongst post-menopausal women. Beyond overt under- or overactivity of hormonal axes, changes in the concentrations of regulatory hormones may also impact on health and disease. Subclinical hyperthyroidism, a disorder characterised by normal thyroxine levels in the presence of decreased thyroid-stimulating hormone, is, for instance, independently associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation amongst elderly populations. Both the menopause and subclinical thyroid disease demonstrate the difficulty in reversing endocrine changes in later life, with minimal impact from thyroxine therapy in subclinical hypothyroidism and multiple reports of harm resulting from hormone replacement therapy in peri- and post-menopausal women. Given these findings, strategies to locally regulate hormone bioavailability by altering pre-receptor metabolism may offer greater therapeutic potential in the fight against age-related disease. This review aims to provide an overview of the ageing endocrine system and its potential impact on health and disease in the elderly. It will postulate that strategies to coordinate pre-receptor hormone metabolism and a greater understanding of putative hormonal longevity pathways may offer key new drug targets in the fight against ageing, and will argue against applying the conventional endocrine maxim of ‘block and replace' to hormonal changes seen during ageing.
Endovascular Revascularization for Basilar Artery Occlusion
Authors: Yeung Jacky T. , Matouk Charles C. , Bulsara Ketan R. , Sheth Kevin N.
Published: December 2014

Basilar artery occlusion is one of the most devastating neurological conditions known to man. Though rare, patients with clinical syndromes localized to this anatomical region are often referred to acute stroke and endovascular units. Recent studies evaluating the efficacy of endovascular approaches to stroke have focused on anterior circulation syndromes. In this review, we examine the approaches to stroke syndromes due to basilar artery thrombosis. We share the relevant data for intravenous and intra-arterial tissue plasminogen activator as well as mechanical approaches to restoring perfusion in this critical area of the brain. i 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
Christian Apologetic Literature as Source from Antiquity in Grotius’s De Veritate Religionis Christianae
Authors: Bergjan Silke-Petra
Published: December 2014

In the 1630s, Grotius was engaged in extensive reading of patristic texts. From his involvement with these texts come the numerous and sometimes extensive quotations from patristic texts in the Annotata of De veritate religionis Christianae, which accompanied the work starting in 1640. Grotius was particularly interested in the apologetic literature of the ancient Church, which can also be seen in his correspondence. Strikingly, Grotius cites individual passages from texts that had not yet appeared in print, which he could only have learned of from the circle of those who, in 1630s Paris, were working to produce editions of various Greek texts. The texts in question are Cyril of Alexandria, Contra Julianum, and the letter of Barnabas. Grotius had received a handwritten copy of the Barnabas letter, which he later bound into his notebook amid excerpts of patristic texts. This shows the high level of detail at which Grotius knew the patristic texts, and how he moved in the intellectual circles of Paris.
Waterloo
Authors: Colson Bruno
Published: December 2014

Of all military campaigns throughout the course of history, Waterloo is surely the most studied. After an initial period during which the protagonists, and Napoleon in particular, made strenuous efforts to defend their conduct, a more scientific approach to the events emerged between 1871 and 1918, although it was hampered by a context of rising nationalism. After something of a lull resulting from the World Wars, new studies appeared, marked by attempts to balance out the differing national viewpoints, to re-evaluate the traditional narratives, and above all by a new approach to the realities of the battle based on accounts of personal experience. Cultural historians subsequently introduced new themes, amid a desire to return to first-hand sources. All this has the potential to give rise to a comprehensive history of the campaign, integrating archives from all camps. For currently, despite the plethora of published material on Waterloo, no such definitive study exists.
Four new taxa of acaulescent Syagrus (Arecaceae) from Brazil
Authors: Noblick Larry Ronald , LORENZI HARRI , SOUZA VINICIUS C.
Published: December 2014

Three new species and a new subspecies of acaulescent Syagrus palms are described as new to science. These occur in the central western cerrado region of Brazil: Syagrus emasensis and S. menzeliana from southwestern Goiás, S. guimaraesensis from south central Mato Grosso and finally S. graminifolia subsp. cabraliensis from north central Minas Gerais.
Taxonomic revision of Scopocira Simon, 1900 (Araneae: Salticidae)
Authors: COSTA ERIKA L.S. , RUIZ GUSTAVO R.S.
Published: December 2014

The genus Scopocira Simon, 1900 is revised and six valid species are redescribed and illustrated: S. carinata Crane, 1945, S. dentichelis Simon, 1900, S. fuscimana (Mello-Leitão, 1941), S. histrio Simon, 1900, S. melanops (Taczanowski, 1871) and S. tenella Simon, 1900. The following synonymies are established: S. vivida (Peckham & Peckham, 1901) = S. histrio Simon, 1900 syn. nov.; S. panamena Chamberlin & Ivie, 1936 = S. dentichelis Simon, 1900 syn. nov. The males of S. fuscimana (Mello-Leitão, 1941) and S. melanops (Taczanowski, 1871) are described and illustrated for the first time. Both sexes of S. abaporu sp. nov., S. bicornia sp. nov., S. cepa sp. nov., S. cyrili sp. nov. and S. kunai sp. nov., and males of S. crotalica sp. nov., S. pterodactyla sp. nov. and S. sciosciae sp. nov., all eight from South America, are described and illustrated, increasing the present member list up to 14 species. Record maps are given. Scopocira atypica Mello-Leitão, 1922 is considered species inquirenda.
Characithecium (Monogenoidea: Dactylogyridae) parasitic on the Neotropical fish Oligosarcus jenynsii (Teleostei: Characidae) from the Pampasic region, Argentina, with the emendation of the genus
Authors: ROSSIN MARÍA ALEJANDRA , TIMI JUAN TOMÁS
Published: December 2014

Presently, only 2 species of dactylogyrid monogeneans have been reported Characidae inhabiting lakes and streams from the Pampasic region (central Argentina). During a parasitological survey on the characid Oligosarcus jenynsii, from Nahuel Rucá Lake (Buenos Aires province, Argentina), dactylogyrids were found on the gills. Specimens were identified as members of Characithecium: C. chascomusensis n. comb, C. longianchoratum n. sp., C. robustum n. sp., C. quadratum n. sp. and C. chelatum n. sp. These species can be distinguished from each other mainly by differences in the shape of the accessory piece of the male copulatory organ, morphology of anchors and ventral bars as well as position of vaginal aperture. The observation of some additional features present in all species studied, such as the vaginal aperture position (as midventral, lateroventral or lateromarginal) and the variability in the morphology of ventral bar (posteromedial projection present or absent) justified an emended diagnosis of Characithecium.
Asymptotic moment boundedness of the stochastic theta method and its application for stochastic differential equations
Authors: Qiu Qinwei , Liu Wei , Hu Liangjian
Published: December 2014

This paper is devoted to the study of reproduction of asymptotic boundedness in the second moment and small moments of stochastic differential equations by the stochastic theta method. In addition, we illustrate that the asymptotic moment boundedness of the numerical solution stand-alone plays a key role in the study of numerical stationary distribution.
Polymeric nanocarrier systems for photodynamic therapy
Authors: Li Li , Huh Kang Moo
Published: December 2014

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an emerging treatment modality that involves the combined action of photosensitizers (PSs) and light for treatment of solid tumor and other diseases. Although this therapeutic method has been considered as an alternative to classical cancer treatments, clinical PDT requires further advances in selectivity and therapeutic efficacy to overcome numerous shortages related to conventional PDT. In this regard, great efforts have been devoted to the development of polymeric nanocarrier-encapsulated PSs for targeted PDT, aiming at improvement of water solubility and tumor-specificity of hydrophobic PSs. Here, we discuss the general concepts and considerations of polymeric nanocarriers for efficient delivery of PSs. In recent, the amphiphilic PS-polymer conjugate-based self-quenchable nanoparticles and PS-polymer-conjugate/quencher nanocomplexes have emerged as an attractive delivery platform for efficient and reliable PDT. They can incorporate and deliver the PS in a photodynamically inactive state but demonstrate cytotoxic effects by tumor environment-sensitive activation mechanisms, so that the photodynamic cancer treatment can achieve maximum target specificity. Here, we report the recent achievements on the development of activatable PS formulations based on PS-polymer conjugates.
Molecular Characterization of Testicular Adrenal Rest Tumors in Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: Lesions With Both Adrenocortical and Leydig Cell Features
Authors: Smeets Evelien E. J. W. , Span Paul N. , van Herwaarden Antonius E. , Wevers Ron A. , Hermus Ad R. M. M. , Sweep Fred C. G. J. , Claahsen-van der Grinten Hedi L.
Published: December 2014

Context:

Testicular adrenal rest tumors (TART) are one of the major long term complications in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Although several adrenal-like properties have been assigned to these benign lesions, the etiology has not been confirmed yet.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to describe TART in more detail by analyzing several (steroidogenic) characteristics that may be classified as adrenal cortex or Leydig cell specific.

Methods:

Gene expression analysis by qPCR was performed for 14 genes in TART tissue (n = 12) and compared with the expression in healthy control fibroblasts (nonsteroidogenic control). In addition, a comparison was made with the expression levels in testis tissue (n = 9) and adrenal tissue (n = 13).

Results:

Nearly all genes were highly expressed in TART tissue, including all genes that encode the key steroidogenic enzymes. TART expression levels are in the majority almost identical to those found in adrenal tissue. The expression of adrenal cortex specific genes (CYP11B1, CYP11B2, and MC2R) in both TART and adrenal tissue is approximately 1000–10 000 times higher compared to that in testes samples. In addition, the Leydig cell markers INSL3 and HSD17B3 were not only found in testes, but also in TART, both at significantly higher levels than in the adrenal (p < 0.01).

Conclusion:

Our study shows for the first time that TART have multiple steroidogenic properties, which include not only the expression of adrenal cortex but also of Leydig cell markers. Therefore, the origin of these tumors might be a more totipotent embryonic cell type.
Ambivalent Characters and Fragmented Poetics in Anthropocene Literature
Authors: Dürbeck Gabriele
Published: December 2014

This essay discusses the value of the Anthropocene concept for the environmental humanities and in particular for the analysis of contemporary environmentally themed literature. The first part of the essay considers the culturally relevant consequences of the originally geographic Anthropocene concept, to filter out a heuristic for the analysis of literary texts. In the second part, this perspective is applied comparatively to two German-language novels that address geologic eras. Through the two examples, by Max Frisch and Ilija Trojanow, I want to argue that although environmental literature since its emergence in the 1970s has never explicitly thematized the Anthropocene, this perspective is arguably a hidden theme. I propose the term Anthropocene literature as a descriptive and diagnostic concept to characterize literary texts that reflect on the human condition in the face of fundamental human transformations of the planetary surface on a global scale.
Materializing a Geotraumatic and Melancholy Anthropocene
Authors: Merola Nicole M.
Published: December 2014

This essay considers Jeanette Winterson’s speculative novel The Stone Gods for the literary, formal, and tonal strategies it employs to diagnose and illuminate the material burdens of producing and living in the Anthropocene. Using the geologic tool of stratigraphy in concert with the conceptual tools of geotrauma and melancholy to lever open the novel’s inter- and intratextual palimpsests, I examine the novel’s engagement with a crucial Anthropocene issue: developing tactics for conceptualizing the intermingling of different temporal and spatial scales. I argue that the novel, which uses motifs of storytelling, measuring, repetition, evolution, pollution, love, place, and planet in order to fathom humans as a biosphere-altering geologic agent, ultimately resolves into both a critique of cyclical patterns of anthropogenic socioecological destructiveness and an exemplary theorization of the Anthropocene.
Rewriting the Human at the End of the Anthropocene in Margaret Atwood’s MaddAddam Trilogy
Authors: Ciobanu Calina
Published: December 2014

This article argues that Margaret Atwood’s postapocalyptic MaddAddam trilogy, composed of the novels Oryx and Crake, The Year of the Flood, and MaddAddam, imagines how humankind might come to reconstitute itself at the end of the Anthropocene—that is, once it has decimated the planet and driven itself to the brink of extinction. The answer that Atwood offers is bound up with the question of sexual difference. This novel suggests that rewriting “the human” at the end of the Anthropocene will require destabilizing mankind’s dominion not just over the natural world it inhabits but over womankind as well. The article argues that in the MaddAddam trilogy, the relation between “man” and “woman” is negotiated through the relation between the biopolitical management of life and the ethical response to individual lives that have been deemed disposable.
Muller’s phlebectomy
Authors: Perruchoud D. L. , Ramelet A.-A.
Published: December 2014

More than 50 years ago, the Swiss dermatologist Dr Robert Muller developed ambulatory phlebectomy, a brilliant demonstration of the major role of dermatologists in the field of phlebology. The technique is safe, reliable and cost-effective, while at the same time producing aesthetically pleasing results. Patients can usually resume normal daily activities immediately after the procedure or are off work for a few days at most. Indications for ambulatory phlebectomy include incompetent saphenous veins (except the junctions) and their tributaries, perforators, reticular veins and reticular feeder veins, large spider veins and dilated veins in other areas such as around the eyes, on the arms or on the back of the hands.

The tiny skin incisions do not usually leave any scars or give rise to complications. Phlebectomy can be used alone or in combination with other procedures such as sclerotherapy, endovenous techniques and surgery.
Psychosomatic disorder in phlebology
Authors: Amsler F. , Blättler W.
Published: December 2014

According to population-based studies, the prevalence of feelings of heaviness, swelling and pain in the legs is around 50 %. These feelings are often not accompanied by clinically detectable changes, but are the inevitable and generally unrecognised consequences of the increase in leg volume caused by standing still. We assume that the physiological change is detected as part of the constant information about the internal milieu that is sent to the corresponding centres in the brain. This information is modified by many factors, including emotion and – depending on the situation – is either appropriately perceived as an unpleasant sensation of swelling or not even noticed. These feelings can result in an impairment of vitality and depression. In some cases, a thorough phlebological work-up can reveal an occult organic venous disease, so that the feelings can be traced to a somatic cause. Feelings have a psychological and a somatic component; they are not imaginary. It is up to the doctor to discern the individual importance of the two components and to draw the appropriate conclusions regarding treatment.
Chronic critical ischaemia of the legs
Authors: Amann-Vesti B. R. , Meier T. O.
Published: December 2014

Chronic critical ischaemia of the lower limb is the most severe form of peripheral arterial occlusive disease. It is characterised by acral rest pain and an ankle arterial pressure <50 mmHg and a toe arterial pressure of <30 mmHg for at least two weeks. If trophic lesions are present, then an ankle pressure <70 mmHg and a toe pressure < 50 mmHg are already sufficient for diagnosis of chronic critical ischaemia. The aim of treatment is limb preservation and a reduction in the cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. For this to be achieved, the time to diagnosis and the time to revascularisation must be as short as possible. It is therefore important that patients with foot pain at rest undergo angiological work-up as rapidly as possible, especially if they also have risk factors for critical ischaemia (diabetes, renal failure). The same applies to patients with trophic skin lesions (fissure, ulcer) that do not heal within three weeks.

Revascularisation is the most important therapeutic measure. Inhibition of platelet aggregation, optimum analgesia and early use of antibiotics if signs of an infection are present, are further important measures in addition to the treatment of cardiovascular risk factors. Amputation is the last therapeutic option.
Wound pain
Authors: Buset C. , Dziunycz P. , Frauchiger A.L. , Kaufmann F. , Jaberg-Bentele N. , Luder C. , Mohanna M.T. , Stieger P. , Weber B. , Mayer D.O. , Läuchli S. , Hafner J. , Gräni N.
Published: December 2014

In acute and chronic wounds, pain represents a common and central medical problem. Wound pain can be caused by multiple factors, such as macro- or microvascular as well as inflammatory processes.

The basic concept of pain management is based on the WHO pain ladder. Often this concept of pain therapy remains insufficient. Apart from the conventionally used anal-getics, there are not yet established guidelines for the use of alternative substances.Ultimately the adequate wound pain therapy must be adjusted to each patient and his comorbidities.
‘Hauntingly beautiful’
Authors: Mckeown Sal
Published: December 2014

Sal McKeown describes how schools were delighted to be part of a special Christmas song, focusing on the World War One Christmas truce in 1914.
Can you break the code?
Authors: Davis John
Published: December 2014

With the film the Imititation Game raising awareness of mathematician Alan Turing, John Davis provides the first of two articles exploring codes and ciphers.
Discover the ‘master key’
Authors: Francis-Pester Dawn
Published: December 2014

Unlock your pupils' understanding of grammar and linguistics by introducing the classics. They can spark a fascination for language that will lead to further study.
Dancing in the street
Authors: Donohoe Tom
Published: December 2014

Following on from last month's feature on topic-related dance, Tom Donohoe turns the spotlight on pure dance and its potential to stretch and exercise all children.
A chip off the old block
Authors: Gibson Poppy
Published: December 2014

Described as ‘dark and deep’, The Executioner's Daughter offers some fascinating themes which children will enjoy exploring through these creative activities.
Knowledge is power
Authors: Cartwright Eva
Published: December 2014

When it comes to CPD, it is the little and often that counts. This can involve observing other professionals, attending courses or researching your ideas.
Der deutsche »Dialog mit der islamischen Welt«
Authors: Ernst Marcel
Published: December 2014

Kulturdialog, Interkultureller Dialog, Islamdialog, Transformationsdialog - wer spricht da eigentlich mit wem und vor allem wie? Vom 11. September 2001 bis zu den Umbrüchen in der arabischen Welt 2011 gewährt das Buch spannende und ausführliche Einblicke in das Dialogverständnis und die Diskurspraxis der deutschen Auswärtigen Kultur- und Bildungspolitik. Anhand der vom Autor geführten Interviews mit Vertretern vom Auswärtigen Amt, dem DAAD und dem Goethe-Institut wird die Diplomatensprache in bislang einmaliger Form interdisziplinär unter die philologische Lupe genommen. Vorschläge für einen künftigen Dialog im historisch wie gegenwärtig hochdynamischen Mittelmeerraum ergänzen die Analysen.
Protecting the 'Na Plachtě' natural monument from development. A case study on the importance of public participation in environmental protection
Authors: Záhumenská Vendula
Published: December 2014

Na Plachtě is located at the south-eastern edge of Hradec Králové where over the past 20 years conflicts of interests between environmentalists and local developers have arisen concerning the development and commercial use of the site. This case study is concerned with the importance of public participation in  environmental issues and describes the specific opportunities for influencing environmental decision-making. The author refers to specific events which eventually resulted in the declaration of the Na Plachtě site as a “natural monument”; she also investigates opportunities for changing the landscape plan which would strengthen  protection against any construction on the site. Other possibilities for influencing decision-making about issues of concern to the general public and which have an impact on the work of regional representatives are also discussed.
Zpráva o výsledcích Světové konference ke vzdělání pro udržitelný rozvoj uzavírající Dekádu UNESCO pro vzdělávání pro UR
Authors: Dlouhá Jana
Published: December 2014

The article presents the results of the UNESCO World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development held in Nagoya, Japan, on 10-12 November 2014. The aim of the Conference was primarily to review the results of the Decade – the final report of the Decade, Shaping the Future We Want, was introduced in which the role of education as a tool for the overall transition towards sustainability was stressed. The Global Action Programme as a follow-up to the Decade was also introduced; commitment to implement it was accepted in the Aichi-Nagoya Declaration. The options for the Czech Republic to become involved in these international activities are briefly reviewed.
The Relationship Between Scale and Strategy in Search-Based Wayfinding
Authors: Pingel Thomas J , Schinazi Victor R
Published: December 2014

We present the results of a study that investigated the interaction of strategy and scale on search quality and efficiency for vista-scale spaces. The experiment was designed such that sighted participants were required to locate “invisible” objects whose locations were marked only with audio cues, thus enabling sight to be used for search coordination, but not for object detection. Participants were assigned to one of three conditions: a small indoor space (~20 m2), a medium-sized outdoor space (~250 m2), or a large outdoor space (~1000 m2), and the entire search for each participant was recorded either by a laser tracking system (indoor) or by GPS (outdoor). Results revealed a clear relationship between the size of space and search strategy. Individuals were likely to use ad-hoc methods in smaller spaces, but they were much more likely to search large spaces in a systematic fashion. In the smallest space, 21.5% of individuals used a systematic gridline search, but the rate increased to 56.2% for the medium-sized space, and 66.7% for the large-sized space. Similarly, individuals were much more likely to revisit previously found locations in small spaces, but avoided doing so in large spaces, instead devoting proportionally more time to search. Our results suggest that even within vista-scale spaces, perceived transport costs increase at a decreasing rate with distance, resulting in a distinct shift in exploration strategy type.
Integrated Time and Distance Line Cartogram: a Schematic Approach to Understand the Narrative of Movements
Authors: Kraak Menno-Jan , Köbben Barend , Tong Yanlin
Published: December 2014

To understand the nature of movement data, we introduce an alternative visual representation looking at paths from different perspectives. The movements and their stops are schematized into lines. These are distorted based on time or distance by applying line cartogram principles to answer specific location- or time-based questions. A prototype consisting of multiple linked views, including the line cartograms and a map, is implemented in a web environment using D3.js. It allows one to explore the nature of single or multiple movements. The option to compare multiple movements gives the solution its unique character. A preliminary evaluation of the product shows it is able the answer questions related to time and space accordingly.