bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Successful Management of a Cesarean Scar Defect with Dehiscence of the Uterine Incision by Using Wound Lavage
Authors: Ida Akinori , Kubota Yoko , Nosaka Maiko , Ito Koichi , Kato Hiroshi , Tsuji Yoshiyuki
Published: November 2014

Cesarean scar defects (CSDs) that can be visualized using transvaginal ultrasonography (TVUS) may cause prolonged menstruation, irregular genital bleeding, and secondary infertility; surgical repair is sometimes necessary. We present a case of CSD, with dehiscence of the uterine incision, which was managed using wound lavage. A 38-year-old woman (gravida 4, para 4) had delivered her third and fourth children by cesarean section. Upon the resumption of menstruation, 9 months after her second cesarean section, she demonstrated prolonged menstruation and the presence of a menstrual fistula due to dehiscence of the cesarean section incision from the myometrium to the serosa. We treated the defect by lavaging with a physiological saline solution. After lavaging the wound 3 times, spontaneous healing of the dehiscent muscle layer was successfully achieved. The treatment was complication-free and the healing of the muscle layer has been maintained for more than 8 months.
Site Specific Effect of Tobacco Addiction in Upper Aerodigestive Tract Tumors: A Retrospective Clinicopathological Study
Authors: Kumar Ashok , Sharma Amita , Ahlawat Babita , Sharma Sonam
Published: November 2014

An institutional study was carried out in 102 patients to investigate the site specific effect of addictions, that is, tobacco smoking and tobacco chewing (smokeless), both independently and synergistically in development of malignancies in upper aerodigestive tract through retrograde questionnaire. The histopathologically proven cases were interviewed regarding different forms of addictions followed by clinical examination and investigations for grading (according to Modified Broadmann’s method) and TNM staging (according to UICC) according to the tumor site. Statistical analysis was done by Pearson test. Out of all proven cases of cancers, 29.4% were only tobacco chewers (smokeless), 25.5% were only smokers, 42.2% were having both types of tobacco addictions (smoke and smokeless), and only 2.9% were having no addiction. Out of only tobacco chewers (smokeless), 83.3% were of oral cavity cancers, 6.7% were of oro- and hypopharynx and the rest were of others. Among only smokers, 69.2% cases were of laryngeal and oro- and hypopharynx as compared to 11.5% of oral cavity cancers (nearly 6 times). Tobacco (smokeless) chewing is associated with oral cancers whereas tobacco smoking is associated with laryngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinoma. Both smoking and smokeless tobacco act in synergy with each other.
Choroidal and Cutaneous Metastasis from Urothelial Carcinoma of the Bladder after Radical Cystectomy: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Mitsui Yozo , Arichi Naoko , Inoue Keita , Hiraki Miho , Nakamura Shigenobu , Hiraoka Takeo , Ishikawa Noriyoshi , Maruyama Riruke , Yasumoto Hiroaki , Shiina Hiroaki
Published: November 2014

Bladder cancer is the second most common genitourinary malignancy and has variable metastatic potential; however, choroidal and cutaneous metastases are extremely rare. Generally, a patient with these uncommon metastases has a very poor prognosis. We present a bladder cancer patient with a visual disorder in the right eye and multiple nodules on head and lower abdomen that developed 17 months after a radical cystectomy. These symptoms were determined to be caused by choroidal and cutaneous metastasis of bladder cancer. Although two cycles of combination chemotherapy were performed, the patient died 5 months after diagnosis of multiple metastases.
Effect of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Treatment on Deep Partial-Thickness Burn Injury in Rats: A Pilot Study
Authors: Djedovic Gabriel , Kamelger Florian Stefan , Jeschke Johannes , Piza-Katzer Hildegunde
Published: November 2014

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) enhances tissue vascularization and neoangiogenesis. Recent animal studies showed improved soft tissue regeneration using ESWT. In most cases, deep partial-thickness burns require skin grafting; the outcome is often unsatisfactory in function and aesthetic appearance. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the effect of ESWT on skin regeneration after deep partial-thickness burns. Under general anesthesia, two standardized deep partial-thickness burns were induced on the back of 30 male Wistar rats. Immediately after the burn, ESWT was given to rats of group 1 (N=15), but not to group 2 (N=15). On days 5, 10, and 15, five rats of each group were analyzed. Reepithelialization rate was defined, perfusion units were measured, and histological analysis was performed. Digital photography was used for visual documentation. A wound score system was used. ESWT enhanced the percentage of wound closure in group 1 as compared to group 2 (P<0.05). The reepithelialization rate was improved significantly on day 15 (P<0.05). The wound score showed a significant increase in the ESWT group. ESWT improves skin regeneration of deep partial-thickness burns in rats. It may be a suitable and cost effective treatment alternative in this type of burn wounds in the future.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Motivations towards Blood Donation among King Abdulaziz Medical City Population
Authors: Alfouzan Najd
Published: November 2014

Background. Blood donation is remarkably safe medical procedure. However, attitudes, beliefs, and level of knowledge may affect it. Objectives. To measure the level of knowledge regarding blood donation, find out positive and negative attitudes, identify the obstacles, and suggest some motivational factors. Methodology. A cross-sectional study was conducted at King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC). Participants were selected by convenient nonrandom sampling technique. A self-created questionnaire was used for data collection. Results. The study included 349 individuals. About 45.8% of the participants claimed that they have a history of blood donation. Reported causes for not donating blood were blood donation not crossing their mind (52.4%), no time for donation (45%), and difficulty in accessing blood donation center (41.3%). Reported motivating factors for donating blood were one day off (81.4%), mobile blood donation caravans in public areas (79.1%), token gifts (31.5%), and finally paying money (18.9%). Conclusion. People in the age group 31–50 years, males, higher education and military were more likely to donate blood as well as People who showed higher knowledge level and positive attitude towards blood donation. More educational programs to increase the awareness in specific targeted populations and also to focus on some motivational factors are recommended.
Trends in Dryness Index Based on Potential Evapotranspiration and Precipitation over 1961–2099 in Xinjiang, China
Authors: Li Yi , Zhou Mudan
Published: November 2014

Under the background of global warming, deep understanding for drought-related index is important. The spatial distributions and trends in annual mean (AM) climatic data, includingPAM,ETo,AM, andDIAMin Xinjiang, China, were analyzed. Statistical downscaling model (SDSM) was applied. FuturePAM,ETo,AM, andDIAMseries were generated and used to analyze their temporal trends, along with the historical climatic data. The results showed that (1) over 1960–2010,DIAMvaried greatly and ranged from 1.5 to 479.6. Trends inDIAMdecreased significantly. The regional climate turned to be from arid to humid in the past; (2) over 2015–2099,DIAMranged between 1.9 and 198.5 under A2 scenario and 1.6 and 130.4 under B2 scenario. Trends inDIWRdecreased insignificantly under A2 scenario and significantly under B2 scenario, indicating a weak drought stress from the future climate; (3) the modified Mann-Kendal (MKK) test generally decreased the significance of the trends because it considered the limitation of serial autocorrelation. Robust trend test of MMK method was recommended considering its rigor property. In conclusion, the drought in Xinjiang tends to be relieved over 2015–2099 compared to 1960–2010.
Explaining Sex Differentials in Child Mortality in India: Trends and Determinants
Authors: Kuntla Shrikant , Goli Srinivas , Jain Kshipra
Published: November 2014

This study has twofold objectives: (1) to investigate the progress in sex differentials in child mortality in India in terms of within and between group changes and (2) to identify the factors explaining the sex differentials in child mortality and quantify their relative contributions. We have used three rounds of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data, 1992 to 2006. Life table approach and Pyatt and Oaxaca decomposition models were used as methods of analyses. The results revealed that though sex differential in child mortality is still high in India, it declined during 1992 to 2006 (Gini index from 0.36 to 0.24). This decline was primarily led by a change in within inequality of female child mortality (Gini index from 0.18 to 0.14). Among the selected predictors, breastfeeding (40%), birth order (24%), antenatal care (9%), and mother’s age (7%) emerged as critical contributors for the excess female child mortality in India. From the findings of this study, we suggest that any efforts to do away with gender differences in child survival should focus more on within female child disparity across different population subgroups alongside male-female disparity. Implications are advanced.
New Evidence on the Impact of Antithrombotics in Patients Submitted to Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy for the Evaluation of Obscure Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Authors: Boal Carvalho Pedro , Rosa Bruno , Moreira Maria João , Cotter José
Published: November 2014

Objectives.Small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) plays a decisive role in the obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) diagnosis. Antithrombotics may increase bleeding risk in patients with preexistent lesions or through direct mucosal aggression. We aimed to correlate antithrombotics usage with lesions with bleeding potential found in SBCE.Methods.Retrospective single-center study including 274 consecutive SBCE performed over 7 years for OGIB. The lesions were classified as P0 (no bleeding potential), P1 (uncertain bleeding potential: erosions), and P2 (high bleeding potential: angioectasias, ulcers, and tumors). We assessed antiplatelet and anticoagulant drug use during the 60 days preceding SBCE.Results.One-third of the patients were under antithrombotic therapy. The diagnostic yield of SBCE for P2 lesions was 30.0%. Angioectasias (20.4%) were the most frequently observed lesions. There was a significant correlation between anticoagulant drug use and a higher incidence of P2 lesions in the small bowel (43.2% versus 26.5%; OR = 2.11,P=0.026). We found no significant correlation between antiplatelets and lesions with bleeding potential in SBCE.Conclusions.Small bowel lesions with high bleeding potential were more frequently detected when the patient was on anticoagulant drugs, resulting in a twofold risk. Antiplatelet drugs were not associated with small bowel lesions.
Demographic Characteristics and Medical Service Use of Failed Back Surgery Syndrome Patients at an Integrated Treatment Hospital Focusing on Complementary and Alternative Medicine: A Retrospective Review of Electronic Medical Records
Authors: Choi Hee Seung , Chi Eun Hya , Kim Me-riong , Jung Jaehoon , Lee Jinho , Shin Joon-Shik , Ha In-Hyuk
Published: November 2014

Objective. To report the patient demographics and nonsurgical complementary and alternative medicine treatment used at a Korean medicine hospital for low back pain (LBP) and/or sciatica after surgery. Methods. Medical records of patients who visited a spine‐specialized Korean medicine hospital at 2 separate sites for continuous or recurrent LBP or sciatica following back surgery were reviewed. The demographics, MRI and/or CT scans, and treatments were assessed. Results. Of the total 707 patients, 62% were male and the average age was 50.20 years. Ninety percent of patients presented with LBP and 67% with sciatica. Eighty‐four percent were diagnosed with herniated nucleus pulposus at time of surgery. Of these patients, 70% had pain recurrence 6 months or later, but 19% experienced no relief or immediate aggravation of pain after surgery. Many patients selected traditional Korean medicine treatment as primary means of postsurgery care (47%). When time to pain recurrence was short or pain persisted after surgery, return of symptoms at the same disc level and side was frequent. Conclusion. An integrative treatment model focusing on Korean medicine and used in conjunction with radiological diagnostics and conventional medicine is currently used as a treatment option for patients with pain after lumbar spine surgery.
Class III Malocclusion Surgical-Orthodontic Treatment
Authors: Furquim Bruna Alves , de Freitas Karina Maria Salvatore , Janson Guilherme , Simoneti Luis Fernando , de Freitas Marcos Roberto , de Freitas Daniel Salvatore
Published: November 2014

The aim of the present case report is to describe the orthodontic-surgical treatment of a 17-year-and-9-month-old female patient with a Class III malocclusion, poor facial esthetics, and mandibular and chin protrusion. She had significant anteroposterior and transverse discrepancies, a concave profile, and strained lip closure. Intraorally, she had a negative overjet of 5 mm and an overbite of 5 mm. The treatment objectives were to correct the malocclusion, and facial esthetic and also return the correct function. The surgical procedures included a Le Fort I osteotomy for expansion, advancement, impaction, and rotation of the maxilla to correct the occlusal plane inclination. There was 2 mm of impaction of the anterior portion of the maxilla and 5 mm of extrusion in the posterior region. A bilateral sagittal split osteotomy was performed in order to allow counterclockwise rotation of the mandible and anterior projection of the chin, accompanying the maxillary occlusal plane. Rigid internal fixation was used without any intermaxillary fixation. It was concluded that these procedures were very effective in producing a pleasing facial esthetic result, showing stability 7 years posttreatment.
Ocular Toxoplasmosis: Recent Aspects of Pathophysiology and Clinical Implications
Authors: Pleyer Uwe , Schlüter Dirk , Mänz Martin
Published: November 2014

Toxoplasma gondii is an extremely successful opportunistic parasite which infects approximately one third of the human population worldwide. The impact of this parasite on human health becomes particularly manifest in congenital damage with infection and subsequent inflammation of neuronal tissues including the retina. Although advances in our understanding could be achieved in ocular toxoplasmosis, large gaps still exist on factors influencing the epidemiology and pathophysiology of this potentially blinding disease. We are only at the beginning of understanding the complex biology of this parasite and its mechanisms of invasion, virulence and interaction with the host's immune response. Since it is a preventable cause of blindness, it is necessary to assess factors that have the potential to control this disease in the future. This mini review will focus on recent advances in postnatal acquired ocular infection and the factors that may influence its prevalence and functional outcome.
Treatment of Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Querques Giuseppe , Rosenfeld Philip J. , Cavallero Edoardo , Borrelli Enrico , Corvi Federico , Querques Lea , Bandello Francesco M. , Zarbin Marco A.
Published: November 2014

A number of different approaches are under development for treating nonexudative manifestations of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Some interventions target specific pathways that are believed to play a role in AMD pathogenesis, e.g. oxidative damage, lipofuscin accumulation, chronic inflammation (including complement activation), extracellular matrix changes (e.g. β-amyloid accumulation), impaired choroidal blood flow, and apoptosis. In principle, these therapies can be combined (‘combination therapy'), which may lead to synergistic effects that include better visual outcome, less likelihood for ‘escape' (i.e. drug resistance), and less frequent treatment.
Internet Claims on Dietary and Herbal Supplements in Advanced Nephropathy: Truth or Myth
Authors: Vamenta-Morris Helga , Dreisbach Albert , Shoemaker-Moyle Michael , Abdel-Rahman Emaad M.
Published: November 2014

Background: The use of complementary/alternative medicine has garnered rising interest in recent years. Natural products including herbs, vitamins, and minerals are the most popularly consumed. The Internet is a ubiquitous source of information/market for these supplements. Aim: To systematically evaluate the dietary and herbal supplement recommended for patients with CKD and ESRD on the Internet, and try to distinguish between the claim of the manufacturer and proven scientific data. Methods: A questionnaire assessing each website was formulated. Each product ingredient was recorded in the questionnaire by two independent reviewers and statistically analyzed. Results: Of the 184 websites, 28% claimed to decrease CKD progression, 60% did not advise to consult a doctor before taking the supplement, and >90% did not mention any potential drug interaction, disease interaction, or caution in use during pregnancy or in children. The ten common plant ingredients claiming to be beneficial in kidney diseases were uva ursi, dandelion, parsley, corn silk, juniper, celery, buchu, horsetail, marshmallow, and stinging nettle. In contrast to their claims, these substances were not adequately studied in humans. The available animal studies showed detrimental effects and potential drug interactions with commonly used medications in the CKD/ESRD population. Conclusions: Nephrologists need to be cognizant of the lack of substantiated proven benefits of these substances and of the potential adverse effects in the animal models that can translate to the patients. Most importantly, the policy needs to change regarding the regulation of these products to prevent patient harm and misinformation. i 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
MALÁRIA NO AMAPÁ. OBSERVAÇÕES SÔBRE O COMPORTAMENTO ANÔMALO DO PLASMODIUM FALCIPARUM EM FACE DO TRATAMENTO PELAS 4-AMINOQUINOLINAS
Authors: Galvão Augusto Leopoldo Ayroza , Gusmão Hermelino Herbster , Juarez Edmundo , Schmid Ary Walter , Ricci Antônio , Mello Javan Vale de
Published: November 2014

The authors describe 99 cases of infection by Plasmodium falciparum that responded abnormally to curative and suppressive treatment with Amodiaquin associated to Primaquine (Camoprim) and to treatment with Amodiaquin alone. The cases occurred in two industrial villages belonging to "Indústria e Comércio de Minérios" - ICOMI - a manganese mining company operating in Macapá, Território Federal do Amapá, Brazil. One of the villages has 1,97 4 inhabitants (Serra do Navio) and the other 1,561 (Vila Amazonas). The 99 cases were observed among 440 cases made up by the employees or relatives of employees, who suffered one or more attacks of malaria by P. vivax or P. falciparum between July 1, 1961 and February 28, 1962 and followed through March, 1962 at Serra do Navio and May, 1962 at Vila Amazonas. The problem seems identical with those observed by Moore and Lanier (1961) in Colombia and by Silva et ai.(1961) in Brazil. Both villages are situated in the malaria endemic zone and have suffered the influence of their situation due to intense interchange of their populations with those living in their vicinity but out of the company's boundaries, in a region where many breeding places of Anopheles darlingi are found. Of the 440 patients until February 28, 1962, 243 were infected by P. vivax, 227 by P. falciparum and 30 by both. Of the patients infected by P. falciparum 99 showed evidence of resistance or tolerance to Amodiaquin, with the following results: 53 resisted doses of 4-aminoquinolines usually considered to bring about radical cure the majority of which were treated, in addition, with weekly doses of Camoprim (2 pills). On the whole, 49 patients from Vila Amazonas (52. 8 per cent of P. falciparum cases observed in the village) and 50 patients from Serra do Navio (37. 3 per cent) showed signs of resistance to curative and suppressive treatment. Plasmodium falciparum caused one or more new attacks (relapses or new infections) in 35 per cent of infections whereas P. vivax caused only 19 per cent; there was, therefore, an inversion in what is expected of these two species of Plasmodia regarding use of 4-aminoquinolines. There were 38 cases in which infection by P. falciparum occurred despite suppressive treatment with two pills of Camoprim given once a fortnight. In 30 instances P. falciparum infection did not respond to suppressive treatment with weekly doses of Camoprim, of which in 8 cases the drug was administered before the primary attack and between attacks in 22. Judging from the data exposed it appears to be very likely that the 4-aminoquinoline resistant race of Plasmodium falciparum described by Silva et ai. (1961) in Brazil is widely spread.
Vertical distribution and diel migration of Crangon septemspinosa Say, 1818 (Decapoda, Caridea) on Georges Bank, northwest Atlantic
Authors: Brown Harmon , Brown Harmon , Bollens Stephen M. , Brown Harmon , Bollens Stephen M. , Brown Gretchen S.
Published: November 2014

We sampled for vertical distribution and possible diel vertical migration (DVM) of Crangon septemspinosa Say, 1818 on and around Georges Bank, Northwest Atlantic, between 1995 and 1999. Both juveniles and adults were found to undergo DVM, being distributed within the lower water column (and perhaps on or in the bottom) during the day, and distributed throughout the water column at night, with higher abundances seen in all depth strata at night. Differences in vertical distribution were also found based on location and chlorophyll concentration for juveniles, but no effects were seen of season, salinity, temperature, lunar periodicity, year, or copepod prey for either juveniles or adults. Variation in vertical distribution and DVM were only moderately well explained (50% of the total variance) by the above factors, suggesting that some other factor(s) not measured by us (e.g., predation) were potentially also controlling the vertical distribution and diel migration of C. septemspinosa on Georges Bank.
Musserakis sulawesiensis gen. et sp. n. (Nematoda: Heterakidae) collected from Echiothrix centrosa (Rodentia: Muridae), an old endemic rat of Sulawesi, ndonesia
Authors: HASEGAWA HIDEO , DEWI KARTIKA , ASAKAWA MITSUHIKO
Published: November 2014

Musserakis sulawesiensis gen. et sp. n. (Nematoda: Heterakidae) is described from the large-bodied shrew rat, Echiothrix centrosa, one of the old endemic rats of Sulawesi, Indonesia. Musserakis is readily distinguished from other heterakid genera by having non-recurrent and non-anastomosing cephalic cordons, by lacking papillae between papillae groups around precloacal sucker and cloacal aperture and by lacking teeth in the pharyngeal portion. The spicules are equal but with marked dimorphism among individuals. Heterakids collected from other old endemic murids examined, i.e., Crunomys celebensis, Tateomys macrocercus and Tateomys rhinogradoides, and the new endemic rats of Sulawesi, were Heterakis spumosa Schneider, 1866, a cosmopolitan nematode of various murids. It is suggested that M. sulawesiensis is specific to Echiothrix.
Wintertime Subkilometer Numerical Forecasts of Near-Surface Variables in the Canadian Rocky Mountains
Authors: Vionnet Vincent , Bélair Stéphane , Girard Claude , Plante André
Published: November 2014

Numerical weather prediction (NWP) systems operational at many national centers are nowadays used at the kilometer scale. The next generation of NWP models will provide forecasts at the subkilometer scale. Large impacts are expected in mountainous terrain characterized by highly variable orography. This study investigates the ability of the Canadian NWP system to provide an accurate forecast of near-surface variables at the subkilometer scale in the Canadian Rocky Mountains in wintertime when the region is fully covered by snow. Observations collected at valley and high-altitude stations are used to evaluate forecast accuracy at three different grid spacing (2.5, 1, and 0.25 km) over a period of 15 days. Decreasing grid spacing was found to improve temperature forecasts at high-altitude stations because of better orography representation. In contrast, no improvement is obtained at valley stations due to an inability of the model to fully capture at all resolutions the intensity of valley cold pools forming during nighttime. Errors in relative humidity reveal that the model tends to overestimate relative humidity at all resolutions, without improvement with decreasing grid spacing. Wind speed forecasts show large improvements with decreasing grid spacing for high-altitude stations exposed to or sheltered from wind. However, no systematic improvement with decreasing grid spacing is found for all stations, which is similar to previous studies. In addition, the model’s sensitivity at subkilometer grid spacing is investigated by evaluating the effects of (i) accounting for additional drag generated by subgrid orographic features, (ii) considering slope angle and aspect on surface radiation, and (iii) using high-resolution initialization for the surface fields.
Assimilation of High-Resolution Tropical Cyclone Observations with an Ensemble Kalman Filter Using HEDAS: Evaluation of 2008–11 HWRF Forecasts
Authors: Aberson Sim D. , Aksoy Altuğ , Sellwood Kathryn J. , Vukicevic Tomislava , Zhang Xuejin
Published: November 2014

NOAA has been gathering high-resolution, flight-level dropwindsonde and airborne Doppler radar data in tropical cyclones for almost three decades; the U.S. Air Force routinely obtained the same type and quality of data, excepting Doppler radar, for most of that time. The data have been used for operational diagnosis and for research, and, starting in 2013, have been assimilated into operational regional tropical cyclone models. This study is an effort to quantify the impact of assimilating these data into a version of the operational Hurricane Weather Research and Forecasting model using an ensemble Kalman filter. A total of 83 cases during 2008–11 were investigated. The aircraft whose data were used in the study all provide high-density flight-level wind and thermodynamic observations as well as surface wind speed data. Forecasts initialized with these data assimilated are compared to those using the model standard initialization. Since only NOAA aircraft provide airborne Doppler radar data, these data are also tested to see their impact above the standard aircraft data. The aircraft data alone are shown to provide some statistically significant improvement to track and intensity forecasts during the critical watch and warning period before projected landfall (through 60 h), with the Doppler radar data providing some further improvement. This study shows the potential for improved forecasts with regular tropical cyclone aircraft reconnaissance and the assimilation of data obtained from them, especially airborne Doppler radar data, into the numerical guidance.
Hurricane Wind–Pressure Relationship and Eyewall Replacement Cycles
Authors: Kossin James P.
Published: November 2014

The relationship between minimum central surface pressure and the maximum sustained surface wind in tropical cyclones has been studied for many years, motivated by the fact that minimum pressure is generally easier to measure, but maximum wind is a much more relevant metric when considering tropical cyclone risk and potential impacts. It is well understood that tropical cyclone wind is closely related to the radial gradient of pressure through gradient or cyclostrophic balance assumptions, and not to a single point value of the minimum pressure near the storm center. But it is often the case that the maximum wind must be inferred from this single value. To accomplish this, a number of statistical relationships have been documented, such as those used in the Dvorak technique for estimating tropical cyclone intensity from satellite imagery. Here, the relationship between tropical cyclone maximum wind and minimum pressure is explored during eyewall replacement cycles (ERCs) that have been observed in North Atlantic hurricanes. It is shown that the wind–pressure relationship (WPR) can vary substantially during an ERC and generally moves away from the statistically fitted WPR used by the Dvorak technique in that basin. The changes in WPR during an ERC can be quite different depending on the intensity of the hurricane at the start of the ERC.
Extracellular nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) promotes M2 macrophage polarization in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Audrito Valentina , Serra Sara , Brusa Davide , Mazzola Francesca , Arruga Francesca , Vaisitti Tiziana , Coscia Marta , Maffei Rossana , Rossi Davide , Wang Tao , Inghirami Giorgio , Rizzi Menico , Gaidano Gianluca , Garcia Joe G. N. , Wolberger Cynthia , Raffaelli Nadia , Deaglio Silvia
Published: November 2014

Key Points

CLL lymphocytes show high intracellular and extracellular NAMPT levels, further increased upon activation. eNAMPT prompts differentiation of CLL monocytes into M2 macrophages that sustain CLL survival and reduce T-cell proliferation.
Role of chaperones and ATP synthase in DNA gyrase reactivation in Escherichia coli stationary-phase cells after nutrient addition
Authors: Gutiérrez-Estrada Alejandra , Ramírez-Santos Jesús , Gómez-Eichelmann María del Carmen
Published: November 2014

Escherichia coli stationary-phase (SP) cells contain relaxed DNA molecules and recover DNA supercoiling once nutrients become available. In these cells, the reactivation of DNA gyrase, which is a DNA topoisomerase type IIA enzyme, is responsible for the recovery of DNA supercoiling. The results presented in this study show that DNA gyrase reactivation does not require cellular chaperones or polyphosphate. Glucose addition to SP cells induced a slow recovery of DNA supercoiling, whereas resveratrol, which is an inhibitor of ATP synthase, inhibited the enzyme reactivation. These results suggest that DNA gyrase, which is an ATP-dependent enzyme, remains soluble in SP cells, and that its reactivation occurs primarily due to a rapid increase in the cellular ATP concentration.
Introduction to this special section: Sensor technology and nanotechnology
Authors: Ronen Shuki
Published: November 2014

Geophysics students taking their first seismic data processing course during their freshman year often wonder how we seem to be perfectly happy with single-component data in a three-dimensional world, the single component being either vertical geophones on land or hydrophones in water. Some students ask the question but then are happy to accept an answer that multicomponent is not covered in the freshman course. They quickly get busy learning what material is in the course and will be on the final exam. Deconvolution, NMO, and migration — all applied to single-component data — will determine their grade. Childhood innocence lost! Years later, sometimes at an SEG honorary lecture, it comes back. It is a relief. They always knew that one-component data could not be complete. They are glad that somebody else cares. It is then usually assumed that in a three-dimensional world, three-component data would be complete. Right? No. Seabed systems record four components, not just three. Why do we need four components in a 3D world? If four components are more complete than 3C, then would 5C be more complete than 4C? How about 6C? Where will we stop … at 7C?
New evaluation methods using conventional logging data for gas shale in southern China
Authors: Liu Zhishui , Sun Sam Zandong
Published: November 2014

Because of characteristics of compactness, rich in organic matter and gas adsorption, the parameters that decide shale quality are not only porosity and permeability but also the abundance of organic matter, mineral composition, crack, and mechanical properties. Logging-evaluation methods of conventional reservoirs are not valid in gas shale. Advanced technology of core measurements can obtain more accurate parameters of gas shale. However, because it is restricted by heterogeneity and the high price of core, this method cannot be used widely to develop a continuous section. Based on conventional wireline logging data, the natural properties of rocks underground are calculated using the improved evaluation model, including mineral composition, clay constituents, total-organic-carbon (TOC) content, porosity, permeability, crack porosity, and mineral brittleness index. Moreover, based on the rock-physics model with rich organic matter, elastic properties are achieved to calculate mechanical properties, which include maximum and minimum horizontal principal stress, pore pressure, fracture pressure, differential horizontal-stress ratio (DHSR), and elastic brittleness index. By combining those calculated parameters with characteristics of high-quality gas shale, the target formation which is suitable for hydraulic-fracturing stimulation can be determined. The predicted results in a well in the Jiannan area of southern China prove the feasibility of the methods.
Retinoic acid regulates size, pattern and alignment of tissues at the head-trunk transition
Authors: Lee Keun , Skromne Isaac
Published: November 2014

At the head-trunk transition, hindbrain and spinal cord alignment to occipital and vertebral bones is crucial for coherent neural and skeletal system organization. Changes in neural or mesodermal tissue configuration arising from defects in the specification, patterning or relative axial placement of territories can severely compromise their integration and function. Here, we show that coordination of neural and mesodermal tissue at the zebrafish head-trunk transition crucially depends on two novel activities of the signaling factor retinoic acid (RA): one specifying the size and the other specifying the axial position relative to mesodermal structures of the hindbrain territory. These activities are each independent but coordinated with the well-established function of RA in hindbrain patterning. Using neural and mesodermal landmarks we demonstrate that the functions of RA in aligning neural and mesodermal tissues temporally precede the specification of hindbrain and spinal cord territories and the activation of hox transcription. Using cell transplantation assays we show that RA activity in the neuroepithelium regulates hindbrain patterning directly and territory size specification indirectly. This indirect function is partially dependent on Wnts but independent of FGFs. Importantly, RA specifies and patterns the hindbrain territory by antagonizing the activity of the spinal cord specification gene cdx4; loss of Cdx4 rescues the defects associated with the loss of RA, including the reduction in hindbrain size and the loss of posterior rhombomeres. We propose that at the head-trunk transition, RA coordinates specification, patterning and alignment of neural and mesodermal tissues that are essential for the organization and function of the neural and skeletal systems.
Justification of the Idea of Implementation of Judicial Decisions in Legislative Acts
Authors: Lazaryev Valyeriy , Fursov Dmitriy
Published: November 2014

In making legislative initiatives rarely turn to the judicial practice. Systematic approach to jurisprudence as the primary source, the supply lawmaking, in domestic science to date does not exist. The authors justify the need for fundamental analysis (precedent) judgments concerning the possibility of the implementation of the legal positions of the courts in the legislation. The problem is not confined to the perception of the provisions established by the constitutional courts or courts of interstate. The general courts are also involved in rulemaking. National courts in some cases make fundamental decisions. During judicial proceedings is born sometimes less, and even more abstract rule, the rule created by the legislator. Court decisions made ​​at the gaps in the legislation always seen a new regulation that deserves to become a full-fledged norm through a special procedure for the perception of the legislator. In article identifies the main directions of future activities of the forthcoming implementation of the idea and their doctrinal support. The authors conclude that in the Russian context acceptable and can be effective not only continental approaches to jurisprudence. The Institute of Legislation and Comparative Law under the Government of the Russian Federation established a department entrusted with the relevant work.
Legal Regulation of Priority of Competing Claimants of Assigned Claim
Authors: Prokofiev Aleksandr
Published: November 2014

In the present article the author analyses an important aspect of conflict of laws regulation of the assignment, namely, competing claimants’ priorities and other relevant issues such as proprietary aspects of assignment. Competing claimants legal notion includes the following types of persons: creditors of the assignor, insolvency administrator and other assignees. All of them may make claims in the right assigned and thus imperil assignee’s rights. Existing legislation in the area of private international law and the assignment of claims as well as the legal positions in the case law and doctrine are examined in the article. Foreign experience regarding this choice of law problem is elucidated from the comparative law perspective: different approaches are distinguished and examined therein. There are four approaches based on different connecting factors: law of the assignment contract, law of the assigned claim, law of the assignor’s location, law of the debtor’s location. Author examines each of the approaches, their advantages and disadvantages and other legal implications.
Protection of Rights of Rightful Owners in Case of Arrest of Property
Authors: Ostroumov Nikolay
Published: November 2014

This article is devoted to the analysis of the current Russian legislation, the theory and practice of judicial protection of the rights of legal owners when applying of security measures by the bailiff - performer in respect of their property. The article presents the ratio of concepts such as «exemption of property from impose arrest» and «exemption of property from arrest», «exemption of property from arrest» and «exclusion of property from property inventory». The author considers the ways to protect the legitimate owners when imposition of impose arrest of property. The main attention is paid to the problem of defining the legal nature of the lawsuit about the exemption of property from arrest or its exclusion of property from property inventory. On the basis of study of scientific approaches to this problem, the existing arbitration practice, the author singles the distinctive features that characterize a special way to protection of legitimate rights when imposition of impose arrest of property. The article listed the shortcomings of the current legislation, the lack of unity of views theorists and rather conflicting arbitration practice.
The problem with quality: A tale of two audits
Authors: Morton Mary
Published: November 2014

This article reflects on the impact of the present day audit culture on NHS staff. By examining the facts of two very different audit processes, some of the unintended consequences of increased auditing and monitoring are illustrated; the issue of trust within the organisation seems particularly vulnerable to such processes. Various perspectives are considered, and are drawn from economic theory and organisational theory. Finally, an alternative method of improving quality within an organisation is proposed, using the paradigm of complexity theory.
Correspondence
Authors: Blake David , Parrish Alan A , Lodge David , Lantworth Timothy
Published: November 2014

More nurses needed to correct NHS shortages.

Building knowledge on working with autism.

The quality of elderly care must be protected.

Treatment must be fair but cost-effective.
Antenatal screening for HIV: time to embrace change
Authors: Ottewill Melanie
Published: November 2014

In August 1999 the Government set a national objective of reducing the numbers of children acquiring human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection from their mothers by 80%. The key policy change towards achieving this objective was that HIV testing was to be recommended as a routine and integral part of antenatal care. The UK has fallen behind other Western industrialized countries in the uptake of antenatal testing and reduction in mother-to-child transmission. This article examines the background to these new recommendations, the substantial benefits of available interventions and the reasons why current testing policies have been failing.
Boosting your geography department's funding
Authors: Best Brin
Published: November 2014

Brin Best provides practical advice on finding funds to boost the teaching of geography in primary and secondary schools.
Tips on collaboration for budget efficiency
Authors: Highfield Flavia
Published: November 2014

Every month Nick Bannister invites experts to share five pieces of advice. This month, Flavia Highfield provides insight on ways in which schools can make budget savings through greater collaboration.
Book review
Authors: Jones Chris
Published: November 2014

Critical Care Nephrology, 2nd edition

Kidney Disease and Laboratory Medicine

Therapy in Nephrology & Hypertension
The story of early peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Turner Neil
Published: November 2014

The beginnings of haemodialysis have been described many times, but few know that the first successful peritoneal dialysis antedated the first successful haemodialysis by 7 years. Peritoneal dialysis was undertaken alongside haemodialysis in most renal units from the early 1960s, but also in many hospitals without renal units, and numbers are poorly recorded.
Adolescent health transitions and renal transplantation: an overview
Authors: Walsh Grainne , Bandler Nikki
Published: November 2014

Children and young people experience many transitions in their lives as they grow and learn to be independent. For young people with a kidney transplant, these health transitions are often more complex. Grainne Walsh and Nikki Bander provide an overview of the important elements of transitional health care for adolescent, focusing on young adult kidney transplant recipients.
Research roundup
Authors: Ellis Peter
Published: November 2014

Estimating glycaemic control using traditional methods may be misleading in renal patients with type 2 diabetes

Psychological factors affect quality of life of haemodialysis patients more than physiological ones

Early nephrological care leads to better survival on haemodialysis

Hypokalaemia and poor nutritional status may be risk factors for peritonitis in patients on CAPD

Switching between peritoneal dialysis and haemodialysis does not result in increased mortality
Measuring function after hip and knee surgery
Authors: Konan S. , Hossain F. , Patel S. , Haddad F. S.
Published: November 2014

Accurate, reproducible outcome measures are essential for the evaluation of any orthopaedic procedure, in both clinical practice and research.

Commonly used patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) have drawbacks such as ‘floor’ and ‘ceiling’ effects, limitations of worldwide adaptability and an inability to distinguish pain from function. They are also unable to measure the true outcome of an intervention rather than a patient’s perception of that outcome.

Performance-based functional outcome tools may address these problems. It is important that both clinicians and researchers are aware of these measures when dealing with high-demand patients, using a new intervention or implant, or testing a new rehabilitation protocol.

This article provides an overview of some of the clinically-validated performance-based functional outcome tools used in the assessment of patients undergoing hip and knee surgery.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1431–5.
Eccentric fashions: Prison and creativity
Authors: Lunghi Carla
Published: November 2014

Very particular forms of cultural production are presented in this article which explores three Italian brands: Sartoria San Vittore, I Gatti Galeotti and Made in carcere. These brands come from cooperatives working in San Vittore jail in Milan, and Lecce’s and Trani’s jails, and they are located in a very particular position within the Italian fashion system. Within such experiences, creative fashion work seems to develop not only as aesthetic research, experimentation and planning ability, but also as a form of social redemption and inclusion. Prison fashion brands are able to show new cultural ferments introducing, in daily garments, original emotions and stories, which talk of periphery but also of creativity, inclusion and handcraft, and work with the logic of beauty and production quality in order to recover and re-socialize people at the borders. They create a sustainable aesthetics which points to new productive horizons and new lifestyles and consumptions in accordance with contemporary scarcity of economic and cultural resources.
Glycolipozyme membrane protein integrase (MPIase): recent data
Authors: Nishiyama Ken-ichi , Shimamoto Keiko
Published: November 2014

A novel factor for membrane protein integration, from the cytoplasmic membrane of Escherichia coli, named MPIase (membrane protein integrase), has recently been identified and characterized. MPIase was revealed to be essential for the membrane integration of a subset of membrane proteins, despite that such integration reactions have been, thus far, thought to occur spontaneously. The structure determination study revealed that MPIase is a novel glycolipid comprising a glycan chain with three N-acetylated amino sugars connected to diacylglycerol through a pyrophosphate linker. As MPIase catalyzes membrane protein integration, we propose that MPIase is a glycolipozyme on the basis of its enzyme-like function. The glycan chain exhibits a molecular chaperone-like function by directly interacting with substrate membrane proteins. Moreover, MPIase also affects the dimer structure of SecYEG, a translocon, thereby significantly stimulating preprotein translocation. The molecular mechanisms of MPIase functions will be outlined.
Kinetics of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T or troponin I compared to creatine kinase in patients with revascularized acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Solecki Kamila , Dupuy Anne Marie , Kuster Nils , Leclercq Florence , Gervasoni Richard , Macia Jean-Christophe , Cung Thien-Tri , Lattuca Benoit , Cransac Frédéric , Cade Stéphane , Pasquié Jean-Luc , Cristol Jean-Paul , Roubille François
Published: November 2014

Cardiac biomarkers are the cornerstone of the biological definition of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The key role of troponins in diagnosis of AMI is well established. Moreover, kinetics of troponin I (cTnI) and creatine kinase (CK) after AMI are correlated to the prognosis. New technical assessment like high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) raises concerns because of its unclear kinetic following the peak. This study aims to compare kinetics of cTnI and hs-cTnT to CK in patients with large AMI successfully treated by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

We prospectively studied 62 patients with anterior AMI successfully reperfused with primary angioplasty. We evaluated two consecutive groups: the first one regularly assessed by both CK and cTnI methods and the second group by CK and hs-cTnT. Modeling of kinetics was realized using mixed effects with cubic splines.

Kinetics of markers showed a peak at 7.9 h for CK, at 10.9 h (6.9–12.75) for cTnI and at 12 h for hs-cTnT. This peak was followed by a nearly log linear decrease for cTnI and CK by contrast to hs-cTnT which appeared with a biphasic shape curve marked by a second peak at 82 h. There was no significant difference between the decrease of cTnI and CK (p=0.63). CK fell by 79.5% (76.1–99.9) vs. cTnI by 86.8% (76.6–92.7). In the hs-cTnT group there was a significant difference in the decrease by 26.5% (9–42.9) when compared with CK that fell by 79.5% (64.3–90.7).

Kinetic of hs-cTnT and not cTnI differs from CK. The role of hs-cTnT in prognosis has to be investigated.