bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does adjunctive use of metronidazole plus amoxicillin benefit patients receiving non-surgical scaling and root planing for the treatment of generalised aggressive periodontitis?
Authors: Van Zyl Andre W. , Hartshorne Johan , Carrasco-Labra Alonso
Published: March 2013

This article describes a double-blinded, placebo-controlled randomised clinical trial thatinvolved 30 eligible subjects experiencing generalised aggressive periodontitis. Subjectswere randomly assigned to either the test group (scaling and root planing + metronidazole[400 mg]) and amoxicillin [500 mg]) or the control group (scaling and root planing withoutthe adjunctive antibiotics combination). Both antibiotics and placebos were administeredthree times per day for 14 days. Participants were examined at baseline, and again six monthsand one year after therapy. Both therapies led to a statistically significant improvementin all clinical parameters as measured after one year. However, subjects who received themetronidazole–amoxicillin combination showed the greatest reduction in mean probingdepth, an improved clinical attachment level and a lower mean number of residual sitesafter one year. The investigators concluded that the non-surgical treatment of generalisedaggressive periodontitis was markedly improved by the adjunctive use of metronidazole andamoxicillin up to one year after treatment.
Butyrate Induced IGF2 Activation Correlated with Distinct Chromatin Signatures Due to Histone Modification
Authors: Shin Joo Heon , Li Robert W. , Gao Yuan , Bickhart Derek M. , Liu George E. , Li Weizhong , Wu Sitao , Li Cong-jun
Published: March 2013

Histone modification has emerged as a very important mechanism regulating the transcriptional status of the genome. Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) is a peptide hormone controlling various cellular processes, including proliferation and apoptosis. H19 gene is closely linked to IGF2 gene, and IGF2 and H19 are reciprocally regulated imprinted genes. The epigenetic signature of H19 promoter (hypermethylation) on the paternal allele plays a vital role in allowing the expression of the paternal allele of IGF2. 46 Our previous studies demonstrate that butyrate regulates the expression of IGF2 as well as genes encoding IGF Binding proteins. To obtain further understanding of histone modification and its regulatory potentials in controlling IGF2/H19 gene expression, we investigated the histone modification status of some key histones associated with the expression of IGF2/H19 genes in bovine cells using RNA-seq in combination with Chip-seq technology. A high-resolution map of the major chromatin modification at the IGF2/H19 locus induced by butyrate was constructed to illustrate the fundamental association of the chromatin modification landscape that may play a role in the activation of the IGF2 gene. High-definition epigenomic landscape mapping revealed that IGF2 and H19 have distinct chromatin modification patterns at their coding and promoter regions, such as TSSs and TTSs. Moreover, the correlation between the differentially methylated regions (DMRs) of IGF2/H19 locus and histone modification (acetylation and methylation) indicated that epigenetic signatures/markers of DNA methylation, histone methylation and histone acetylation were differentially distributed on the expressed IGF2 and silenced H19 genes. Our evidence also suggests that butyrate-induced regional changes of histone acetylation statusin the upstream regulation domain of H19 may be related to the reduced expression of H19 and strong activation of IGF2. Our results provided insights into the mechanism of butyrate-induced loss of imprinting (LOI) of IGF2 and regulation of gene expression by histone modification.
West Nile Virus in American White Pelican Chicks: Transmission, Immunity, and Survival
Authors: Sovada Marsha A. , Pietz Pamela J. , Hofmeister Erik K. , Bartos Alisa J.
Published: March 2013

West Nile virus (WNV) causes significant mortality of American White Pelican chicks at northern plains colonies. We tested oropharyngeal/cloacal swabs from moribund chicks for shed WNV. Such shedding could enable chick-to-chick transmission and help explain why WNV spreads rapidly in colonies. WNV was detected on swabs from 11% of chicks in 2006 and 52% of chicks in 2007; however, viral titers were low. Before onset of WNV mortality, we tested blood from < 3-week-old chicks for antibodies to WNV; 5% of chicks were seropositive, suggesting passive transfer of maternal antibodies. Among near-fledged chicks, 41% tested positive for anti-WNV antibodies, indicating that they survived infection. Among years and colonies, cumulative incidence of WNV in chicks varied from 28% to 81%, whereas the proportion of chicks surviving WNV (i.e., seropositive) was 64–75%. Our data revealed that WNV kills chicks that likely would fledge in the absence of WNV, that infection of chicks is pervasive, and that significant numbers of chicks survive infection.
Submandibular Abscess due to an Infected Keratocystic Odontogenic Tumor associated with Simultaneous Occurrence of a Traumatic Bone Cyst: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Davoodi Poorandokht , Rezaei-Soufi Loghman , Jazaeri Mina , Langaroodi Adineh Javadian , Zarch Seyed Hossein Hoseini
Published: March 2013

Aim

The aim of this report is to introduce a rare case in which an infected keratocystic odontogenic tumor (KCOT) was initially diagnosed and treated as a dentoalveolar abscess.

Background

Keratocystic odontogenic tumor (KCOT) is a benign neoplasm that can be secondarily infected. However, cervical soft tissue abscess formation as a result of an infected odontogenic cyst or tumor is a rare condition few of which have only been described in the existing literature. Also, there has been a single report regarding the coincidence of a traumatic bone cyst and a keratocytic odontogenic tumor to date.

Case report

The patient was a 29-year-old male, complaining of fever, pain and swelling in the left submandibular region. The panoramic radiography showed a well-defined and partially corticated radiolucency between the roots of the second and third left mandibular molars. In addition, a well-corticated radiolucent lesion was incidentally found on the right side of the mandible, which, following surgical exploration, was diagnosed as a traumatic bone cyst.

Conclusion

In the present report, an infected KCOT manifested as a cervical abscess, coincided with a traumatic bone cyst.

Clinical significance

From the clinical point of view, it is of paramount significance to prevent misdiagnosis of similar presentations as pulp and periapical lesions, which may lead to mistreatment and thus complications.

How to cite this article

Davoodi P, Rezaei-Soufi L, Jazaeri M, Javadian Langaroodi A, Hoseini Zarch SH. Submandibular Abscess due to an Infected Keratocystic Odontogenic Tumor associated with Simultaneous Occurrence of a Traumatic Bone Cyst: A Rare Case Report. J Contemp Dent Pract 2013;14(1): 133-136.
Factores de Riesgo Para Desarrollar Empiema Postraumático
Authors: Salcedo Alexander , Henao Carlos Alberto , Cardona Alexandra , Naranjo Santiago , Villegas María Isabel , Morales Carlos Hernando
Published: March 2013

Introducción

El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar los factores de riesgo asociados con el desarrollo del empiema postraumático en pacientes con trauma de tórax tratados con toracostomía cerrada.

Materiales y métodos

Estudio de casos y controles, en pacientes mayores de 12 años con trauma de tórax que requirieron una toracostomía cerrada para el tratamiento de su lesión torácica. Realizado en el Hospital Universitario San Vicente Fundación, (Medellín, Colombia) entre mayo de 2003 y diciembre de 2010.

Resultados

Se revisaron las historias de 220 pacientes, 52 casos y 168 controles. Se hizo un análisis bivariado y posteriormente una regresión logística en la que se demostró que los Factores de Riesgo (FR) independientes para el desarrollo de empiema postraumático (EPT) fueron: la presencia de hemotórax coagulado postraumático (OR: 52,22 – IC 95%: 16,99-160,52), no dar antibiótico presuntivo (OR: 4,54 – IC del 95%: 1,33-15,55) y tener trauma cerrado (OR: 5,07 – IC del 95%: 1,48-17,40). En la mayoría de los casos, el empiema fue tratado con toracoscopia y toracotomía. El germen más frecuentemente aislado fue el estafilococo aureus.

Conclusión

Dos factores de riesgo independientes son modificables; algunos autores han mencionado la utilización del antibiótico presuntivo para disminuir el riesgo de empiema. Y el hemotórax coagulado postraumático puede ser prevenido verificando tempranamente (posiblemente antes de 48 horas), que espacio pleural esté libre de colecciones.
Associação do Valor Preditivo do New Injury Severity Score (Niss) Com A Escala de Resultados de Glasgow em Pacientes Com Lesão Axonial Difusa
Authors: de Alencar Domingues Cristiane , de Cássia Almeida Vieira Rita , de Andrade Almir Ferreira , de Paula Guirado Vinícius Monteiro , de Sousa Regina Márcia Cardoso
Published: March 2013

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects large numbers of victims and constitutes a serious public health problem in Brazil. Diffuse axonal injury (DAI) is the most common consequence of TBI and it is responsible for most of the chronic sequelae. Analysis of the prognostic index new injury severity score (NISS) determines the severity of injuries by body region examined during the hospital stay and it is really useful in making decisions about treatment strategies and to predict mortality of victims. Given the above, the purpose of this study was to collect epidemiological data of victims with exclusive diagnosis of DAI and test the association of the predictive value of the NISS with the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) at the hospital discharge. We analyzed medical records of 21 victims with exclusive diagnosis of DAI admitted to the DAI ambulatory at Clinics Hospital of the Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, located in São Paulo city, from January 2011 to February 2012. The results show a predominance of male (76.2%) aged 24 years (±11.9) admitted during the morning (42.8%), on Saturday (23.8%), victims of motorcycle accidents (74 42%), referred to the hospital by prehospital specialized service (85.7%), with Glasgow Coma Scale less than or equal to 8 (76.2%); 71.4% of the victims were addmited at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), with an lenght of hospital stay of 07 days (±20.46) and NISS mean of 36 (± 9.99). All victims had serious head injury with elevated head MAIS and severe disability (66.7%). Statistically significant association was found between NISS and the GOS. The severity of the victims with DAI by NISS is an important indicator of health care and can assist in the planning of multidisciplinary rehabilitation program specialist.

How to cite this article

de Alencar Domingues C, de Cássia Almeida Vieira R, de Andrade AF, de Paula Guirado VM, de Sousa RMC. Associação do Valor Preditivo do New Injury Severity Score (Niss) Com A Escala de Resultados de Glasgow em Pacientes Com Lesão Axonial Difusa. Panam J Trauma Critical Care Emerg Surg 2012;1(3):186-187.
Eficacia de la Goma de Mascar en el Restablecimiento del Tránsito Intestinal por íleo Paralitico Postoperatorio: Un Estudio Prospectivo y Aleatorio
Authors: Cabrera Gonzalo Torres Ortiz , Justiniano Klaus , Herrera Luis , Ortiz Marlen Vásquez , Vargas Vivian Corrales
Published: March 2013

Introducción

El íleo postoperatorio es una importante causa de morbilidad después de un procedimiento quirúrgico abdominal. Un factor causal del retardo de la motilidad del tracto gastrointestinal es la presencia de una hiperactividad simpática generalizada que inhibe la motilidad intestinal.

La fase cefálica de la digestión se inicia con la masticación, que activa al nervio vago (parasimpático) estimulando la actividad eléctrica del músculo gastrointestinal y control hormonal. Por tal motivo, el presente trabajo pretende conocer si la goma de mascar estimula la actividad parasimpática y si logra restablecer el tránsito intestinal lo más precoz posible.

Métodos

Estudio experimental, prospectivo, longitudinal, randomizado y aleatorio. Se seleccionaron 2 grupos de acuerdo al orden de ingreso en Servicio de Cirugía—Hospital Clínico Viedma (hospital 3er nivel), atendidos por herida penetrante de abdomen con lesión del tubo digestivo, un grupo control y otro de estudio a los que se administró goma de mascar a las 6 horas del postoperatorio.

Resultados

Pacientes que recibieron goma de mascar recuperaron más rápidamente la motilidad intestinal con expulsión de gases antes de las 12 horas en el 76% de los casos, en comparación con el grupo control que eliminó más allá de las 24 horas, pacientes del grupo estudio experimentaron movimientos intestinales y defecación por primera vez dentro de las primeras 48 horas en un 65%, dos días antes que el grupo control.

Es así que a los pacientes del grupo estudio se les administró alimentación vía oral al día siguiente de su cirugía en el 76% de los casos en relación al grupo control que recibieron alimentación tres a cuatro días después.

Conclusiones

La goma de mascar debería incluirse como terapia complementaria en el postoperatorio de estos pacientes, ya que favorece el temprano restablecimiento del tránsito intestinal y constituye una forma económica y fisiológica de estimular la motilidad intestinal.
Response of fine particulate matter concentrations to changes of emissions and temperature in Europe
Authors: Megaritis A. G. , Fountoukis C. , Charalampidis P. E. , Pilinis C. , Pandis S. N.
Published: March 2013

Abstract. PMCAMx-2008, a three dimensional chemical transport model (CTM), was applied in Europe to quantify the changes in fine particle (PM2.5) concentration in response to different emission reductions as well as to temperature increase. A summer and a winter simulation period were used, to investigate the seasonal dependence of the PM2.5 response to 50% reductions of sulfur dioxide (SO2), ammonia (NH3), nitrogen oxides (NOx), anthropogenic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and anthropogenic primary organic aerosol (POA) emissions and also to temperature increases of 2.5 and 5 K. Reduction of NH3 emissions seems to be the most effective control strategy for reducing PM2.5, in both periods, resulting in a decrease of PM2.5 up to 5.1 μg m−3 and 1.8 μg m−3 (5.5% and 4% on average) during summer and winter respectively, mainly due to reduction of ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) (20% on average in both periods). The reduction of SO2 emissions decreases PM2.5 in both periods having a significant effect over the Balkans (up to 1.6 μg m−3) during the modeled summer period, mainly due to decrease of sulfate (34% on average over the Balkans). The anthropogenic POA control strategy reduces total OA by 15% during the modeled winter period and 8% in the summer period. The reduction of total OA is higher in urban areas close to its emissions sources. A slight decrease of OA (8% in the modeled summer period and 4% in the modeled winter period) is also predicted after a 50% reduction of VOCs emissions due to the decrease of anthropogenic SOA. The reduction of NOx emissions reduces PM2.5 (up to 3.4 μg m−3) during the summer period, due to a decrease of NH4NO3, causing although an increase of ozone concentration in major urban areas and over Western Europe. Additionally, the NOx control strategy actually increases PM2.5 levels during the winter period, due to more oxidants becoming available to react with SO2 and VOCs. The increase of temperature results in a decrease of PM2.5 in both periods over Central Europe, mainly due to a decrease of NH4NO3 during summer (18%) and fresh POA during wintertime (35%). Significant increases of OA are predicted during the summer due mainly to the increase of biogenic VOC emissions. On the contrary, OA is predicted to decrease in the modeled winter period due to the dominance of fresh POA reduction and the small biogenic SOA contribution to OA. The resulting increase of oxidant levels from the temperature rise lead to an increase of sulfate levels in both periods, mainly over North Europe and the Atlantic Ocean. The substantial reduction of PM2.5 components due to emissions reductions of their precursors outlines the importance of emissions for improving air quality, while the sensitivity of PM2.5 concentrations to temperature changes indicate that climate interactions need to be considered when predicting future levels of PM, with different net effects in different parts of Europe.
Vertical fluxes and atmospheric cycling of methanol, acetaldehyde, and acetone in a coastal environment
Authors: Yang M. , Beale R. , Smyth T. , Blomquist B.
Published: March 2013

Abstract. We present here vertical fluxes of methanol, acetaldehyde, and acetone measured directly with eddy covariance (EC) during March to July 2012 near the southwest coast of the UK. The performance of the proton-transfer reaction mass spectrometer (PTR-MS) for flux measurement is characterized, with additional considerations given to the homogeneity and stationarity assumptions required by EC. Concentrations and fluxes of these compounds vary significantly with time of day and wind direction. Higher values of acetaldehyde and acetone are usually observed in the daytime and from the direction of a forested park, most likely due to light-driven emissions from terrestrial plants. Methanol concentration and flux do not demonstrate clear diel variability, suggesting sources in addition to plants. We estimate air–sea exchange and photochemical rates of these compounds, which are compared to measured vertical fluxes. For acetaldehyde, the mean (1σ) concentration of 0.13 (0.02) ppb at night may be maintained by oceanic emission, while photochemical destruction outpaces production during the day. Air-sea exchange and photochemistry are probably net sinks of methanol and acetone in this region. Their nighttime concentrations of 0.46 (0.20) and 0.39 (0.08) ppb appear to be affected more by terrestrial emissions and long distance transport, respectively.
Tethered balloon-borne aerosol measurements: seasonal and vertical variations of aerosol constituents over Syowa Station, Antarctica
Authors: Hara K. , Osada K. , Yamanouchi T.
Published: March 2013

Abstract. Tethered balloon-borne aerosol measurements were conducted at Syowa Station, Antarctica during the 46th Japanese Antarctic expedition (2005–2006). Direct aerosol sampling was operated from near the surface to the lower free troposphere (approximately 2500 m) using a balloon-borne aerosol impactor. Individual aerosol particles were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer. Seasonal and vertical features of aerosol constituents and their mixing states were investigated. Results show that sulfate particles were dominant in the boundary layer and lower free troposphere in the summer, whereas sea-salt particles were dominant during winter–spring. Minerals, MgSO4, and sulfate containing K were identified as minor aerosol constituents in both boundary layer and free troposphere over Syowa Station. Although sea-salt particles were dominant during winter–spring, the relative abundance of sulfate particles increased in the boundary layer when air masses fell from the free troposphere over the Antarctic coast and continent. Sea-salt particles were modified considerably through heterogeneous reactions with SO42−, CH3SO3−, and their precursors during the summer, and were modified slightly through heterogeneous reactions with NO3− and its precursors. During winter–spring, sea-salt modification was insignificant, particularly in the cases of high relative abundance of sea-salt particles and higher number concentrations. In August, NO3− and its precursors contributed greatly to sea-salt modification over Syowa Station. Because of the occurrence of sea-salt fractionation on sea-ice, Mg-rich sea-salt particles were identified during April–November. In contrast, Mg-free sea-salt particles and slightly Mg-rich sea-salt particles co-existed in the lower troposphere during summer. Thereby, Mg separation can proceed by sea-salt fractionation during summer in Antarctic regions.
Priming and substrate quality interactions in soil organic matter models
Authors: Wutzler T. , Reichstein M.
Published: March 2013

Abstract. Interactions between different qualities of soil organic matter (SOM) affecting their turnover are rarely represented in models. In this study, we propose three mathematical strategies at different levels of abstraction to represent those interactions. By implementing these strategies into the Introductory Carbon Balance Model (ICBM) and applying them to several scenarios of litter input, we show that the different levels of abstraction are applicable at different timescales. We present a simple one-parameter equation of substrate limitation that can straightforwardly be implemented into other models of SOM dynamics at decadal timescale. The study demonstrates how substrate quality interactions can explain patterns of priming effects, accelerate turnover in FACE experiments, and the slowdown of decomposition in long-term bare fallow experiments as an effect of energy limitation of microbial biomass. The mechanisms of those interactions need to be further scrutinized empirically for a more complete understanding. Overall, substrate quality interactions contribute to both understanding and quantitatively modelling SOM dynamics.
Measurements of nitrite production and nitrite-producing organisms in and around the primary nitrite maximum in the central California Current
Authors: Santoro A. E. , Sakamoto C. M. , Smith J. M. , Plant J. N. , Gehman A. L. , Worden A. Z. , Johnson K. S. , Francis C. A. , Casciotti K. L.
Published: March 2013

Abstract. Nitrite (NO2–) is a substrate for both oxidative and reductive microbial metabolism. NO2– accumulates at the base of the euphotic zone in oxygenated, stratified open ocean water columns, forming a feature known as the primary nitrite maximum (PNM). Potential pathways of NO2– production include the oxidation of ammonia (NH3) by ammonia-oxidizing bacteria or archaea and assimilatory nitrate (NO3–) reduction by phytoplankton or heterotrophic bacteria. Measurements of NH3 oxidation and NO3– reduction to NO2– were conducted at two stations in the central California Current in the eastern North Pacific to determine the relative contributions of these processes to NO2– production in the PNM. Sensitive (< 10 nmol L−1), high-resolution measurements of [NH4+] and [NO2–] indicated a persistent NH4+ maximum overlying the PNM at every station, with concentrations as high as 1.5 μmol L−1. Within and just below the PNM, NH3 oxidation was the dominant NO2– producing process with rates of NH3 oxidation of up to 50 nmol L−1 d−1, coinciding with high abundances of ammonia-oxidizing archaea. Though little NO2– production from NO3– was detected, potentially nitrate-reducing phytoplankton (photosynthetic picoeukaryotes, Synechococcus, and Prochlorococcus) were present at the depth of the PNM. Rates of NO2– production from NO3– were highest within the upper mixed layer (4.6 nmol L−1 d−1) but were either below detection limits or 10 times lower than NH3 oxidation rates around the PNM. One-dimensional modeling of water column NO2– profiles supported direct rate measurements of a net biological sink for NO2– just below the PNM. Residence time estimates of NO2– within the PNM were similar at the mesotrophic and oligotrophic stations and ranged from 150–205 d. Our results suggest the PNM is a dynamic, rather than relict, feature with a source term dominated by ammonia oxidation.
Indian Ocean Dipole and El Niño/Southern Oscillation impacts on regional chlorophyll anomalies in the Indian Ocean
Authors: Currie J. C. , Lengaigne M. , Vialard J. , Kaplan D. M. , Aumont O. , Naqvi S. W. A. , Maury O.
Published: March 2013

Abstract. The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) and the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) frequently co-occur, driving significant interannual changes within the Indian Ocean. We use a four-decade hindcast from a coupled bio-physical ocean general circulation model, to disentangle patterns of chlorophyll anomalies driven by these two climate modes. Comparisons with remotely-sensed records show that the simulation competently reproduces the chlorophyll seasonal cycle, as well as open-ocean anomalies during the 1997–1998 ENSO and IOD event. Results show that anomalous surface and euphotic-layer chlorophyll blooms in the eastern equatorial Indian Ocean in fall, and southern Bay of Bengal in winter, are primarily related to IOD forcing. IOD depresses integrated chlorophyll in the 5° S–10° S thermocline ridge region, even though the signal is negligible in surface chlorophyll. A previously-unreported negative influence of IOD on chlorophyll concentrations is also shown in a region around the southern tip of India. The only investigated region where ENSO has a greater influence on chlorophyll than does IOD, is in the Somalia upwelling region, where it causes a decrease in fall and winter chlorophyll by reducing local upwelling winds. Lastly, we show that the chlorophyll impact of climate indices is frequently asymmetric, with a general tendency for larger positive than negative chlorophyll anomalies. ENSO and IOD cause significant and predictable regional re-organisation of phytoplankton productivity via their influence on near-surface oceanography. Resolving the details of these effects should improve our understanding, and eventually gain predictability, of interannual changes in Indian Ocean productivity, fisheries, ecosystems and carbon budgets.
Evaluating the dominant components of warming in Pliocene climate simulations
Authors: Hill D. J. , Haywood A. M. , Lunt D. J. , Hunter S. J. , Bragg F. J. , Contoux C. , Stepanek C. , Sohl L. , Rosenbloom N. A. , Chan W-L. , Kamae Y. , Zhang Z. , Abe-Ouchi A. , Chandler M. A. , Jost A. , Lohmann G. , Otto-Bliesner B. L. , Ramstein G. , Ueda H.
Published: March 2013

Abstract. The Pliocene Model Intercomparison Project is the first coordinated climate model comparison for a warmer palaeoclimate with atmospheric CO2 significantly higher than pre-industrial concentrations. The simulations of the mid-Pliocene warm period show global warming of between 1.8 and 3.6 °C above pre-industrial surface air temperatures, with significant polar amplification. Here we perform energy balance calculations on all eight of the coupled ocean–atmosphere simulations within PlioMIP Experiment 2 to evaluate the causes of the increased temperatures and differences between the models. In the tropics simulated warming is dominated by greenhouse gas increases, with cloud albedo feedbacks enhancing the warming in most of the models, but by widely varying amounts. The responses to mid-Pliocene climate forcing in the Northern Hemisphere mid-latitudes are substantially different between the climate models, with the only consistent response being a warming due to increased greenhouse gases. In the high latitudes all the energy balance components become important, but the dominant warming influence comes from the clear sky albedo. This demonstrates the importance of specified ice sheet and high latitude vegetation boundary conditions and simulated sea ice and snow albedo feedbacks. The largest components in the overall uncertainty are associated with cloud albedo feedbacks in the tropics and polar clear sky albedo, particularly in sea ice regions. These simulations show that high latitude albedo feedbacks provide the most significant enhancements to Pliocene greenhouse warming.
A new method to diagnose the contribution of anthropogenic activities to temperature: temperature tagging
Authors: Grewe V.
Published: March 2013

Abstract. This study presents a new methodology, called temperature tagging. It keeps track of the contributions of individual processes to temperature within a climate model simulation. As a first step and as a test bed, a simple box climate model is regarded. The model consists of an atmosphere, which absorbs and emits radiation, and of a surface, which reflects, absorbs and emits radiation. The tagging methodology is used to investigate the impact of the atmosphere on surface temperature. Four processes are investigated in more detail and their contribution to the surface temperature quantified: (i) shortwave influx and shortwave atmospheric absorption ("sw"), (ii) longwave atmospheric absorption due to non-CO2 greenhouse gases ("nC"), (iii) due to a base case CO2 concentration ("bC"), and (iv) due to an enhanced CO2 concentration ("eC"). The differential equation for the temperature in the box climate model is decomposed into four equations for the tagged temperatures. This method is applied to investigate the contribution of longwave absorption to the surface temperature (greenhouse effect), which is calculated to be 68 K. This estimate contrasts an alternative calculation of the greenhouse effect of slightly more than 30 K based on the difference of the surface temperature with and without an atmosphere. The difference of the two estimates is due to a shortwave cooling effect and a reduced contribution of the shortwave to the total downward flux: the shortwave absorption of the atmosphere results in a reduced net shortwave flux at the surface of 192 W m−2, leading to a cooling of the surface by 14 K. Introducing an atmosphere results in a downward longwave flux at the surface due to atmospheric absorption of 189 W m−2, which roughly equals the net shortwave flux of 192 W m−2. This longwave flux is a result of both the radiation due to atmospheric temperatures and its longwave absorption. Hence the longwave absorption roughly accounts for 91 W m−2 out of a total of 381 W m−2 (roughly 25%) and therefore accounts for a temperature change of 68 K. In a second experiment, the CO2 concentration is doubled, which leads to an increase in surface temperature of 1.2 K, resulting from a temperature increase due to CO2 of 1.9 K, due to non-CO2 greenhouse gases of 0.6 K and a cooling of 1.3 K due to a reduced importance of the solar heating for the surface and atmospheric temperatures. These two experiments show the feasibility of temperature tagging and its potential as a diagnostic for climate simulations.
On the water hazards in the trans-boundary Kosi River basin
Authors: Chen N. Sh. , Hu G. Sh. , Deng W. , Khanal N. , Zhu Y. H. , Han D.
Published: March 2013

Abstract. The Kosi River is an important tributary of the Ganges River, which passes through China, Nepal and India. With a basin area of 71 500 km2, the Kosi River has the largest elevation drop in the world (from 8848 m of Mt Everest to 60 m of the Ganges Plain) and covers a broad spectrum of climate, soil, vegetation and socioeconomic zones. The basin suffers from multiple water related hazards including glacial lake outburst, debris flow, landslides, flooding, drought, soil erosion and sedimentation. This paper describes the characteristics of water hazards in the basin, based on the literature review and site investigation covering hydrology, meteorology, geology, geomorphology and socio-economics. Glacial lake outbursts are a huge threat to the local population in the region and they usually further trigger landslides and debris flows. Floods are usually a result of interaction between man-made hydraulic structures and the natural environment. Debris flows are widespread and occur in clusters. Droughts tend to last over long periods and affect vast areas. Rapid population increase, the decline of ecosystems and climate change could further exacerbate various hazards in the region. The paper has proposed a set of mitigating strategies and measures. It is an arduous challenge to implement them in practice. More investigations are needed to fill in the knowledge gaps.
Variations in snow and firn chemistry along US ITASE traverses and the effect of surface glazing
Authors: Dixon D. A. , Mayewski P. A. , Korotkikh E. , Sneed S. B. , Handley M. J. , Introne D. S. , Scambos T. A.
Published: March 2013

Abstract. This study provides a baseline from which changes in the chemistry of the atmosphere over Antarctica can be monitored under expected warming scenarios and continued intensification of industrial activities in the Southern Hemisphere. It is the first study to measure more than 25 chemical constituents in the surface snow and firn across extensive regions of Antarctica. We present major ion, trace element, heavy metal, rare earth element and oxygen isotope data from a series of surface snow samples and shallow firn sections collected along four US ITASE traverses across East and West Antarctica. In each sample we measure dissolved concentrations of Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Cl−, NO3+, SO42−, and MS− using ion chromatography and total concentrations of Sr, Cd, Cs, Ba, La, Ce, Pr, Pb, Bi, U, As, Al, S, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Na, Mg, Li, and K using inductively coupled plasma sector field mass spectrometry (ICP-SFMS). We also measure δ18O by isotope ratio mass spectrometry. Satellite remote sensing measurements of microwave backscatter and grain size are used to assist in the identification of glaze/dune areas across Antarctica and determine if these areas can possibly contain useful chemical climate records. The majority of the non-glaze/dune samples in this study exhibit similar, or lower, concentrations to those from previous studies. Consequently, the results presented here comprise a conservative baseline for Antarctic surface snow chemical concentrations. The elements Cd, Pb, As and Bi are enriched across Antarctica relative to both ocean and upper crust elemental ratios. Local and global volcanic outgassing may account for the majority of the Bi measured in East and West Antarctica and for a significant fraction of the Cd and As. However, significant concentrations of Cd, Pb, and As remain across much of Antarctica.
Epidemiology of Disease Conditions in Italy. Has Anything Changed? Environment, Professional Exposure, and Lifestyle. Is Time for Screening?
Authors: Serretta Vincenzo , Colombo Renzo
Published: March 2013

Risk factors analysis in bladder cancer should consider not only the clinical and pathological features of the tumor but also environmental and lifestyle factors. They may play, in fact, a relevant role not only in the pathogenesis but also in the biological behavior of the tumor. The association between cigarette smoking and bladder cancer has been consistently confirmed in several case-control and cohort studies. The risk of bladder cancer seems to increase with duration and intensity of smoking. Another environmental risk factor, although not definitively proved, is water supply. Chlorination or water pollution by pesticides and other chemical factors is considered a relevant risk factor. Familiarity and genetic predisposition, diet and individual risk factors should be taken into account.
Cystoscopy in Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer: When and how (Rigid or Flexible)
Authors: Cicione Antonio , Cantiello Francesco , Damiano Rocco
Published: March 2013

Cystoscopy is a common procedure in the urological practice due to its ability to survey the bladder for a variety of indications. It is the principal means of diagnosis and surveillance of bladder tumors. Hematuria is the most common finding of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), as a consequence of that it is one of the most frequent reasons to perform cystoscopy.

The follow-up of patients treated for NMIBC is of great importance because of the high incidence of recurrence and progression of the disease, whereby patients with NMIBC undergo cystoscopy repeatedly (every three months generally). At present, the schedule and methods of follow-up is a sign of patient's progression and recurrence risk, which has to be rated for each patient when follow-up begins.

Moreover, before the development of flexible cystoscopy, patients underwent rigid cystoscopy with greater discomfort. The advance of flexible cystoscopy has significantly decreased the pain and discomfort associated with the procedure, and the flexible instrument is currently considered the standard tool to perform cystoscopy. However, controversies exist about the use of anesthetic gel during cystoscopy.

The aim of this study is to report some short evidence about cystoscopy in particularly about the follow-up timing for NMIBC and the use of rigid or flexible cystoscopy.
Endoscopic Resection. Aspects of Technique and Optimization of Outcomes. Current Indications to PDD-Guided Resection
Authors: Pomara Giorgio , Francesca Francesco
Published: March 2013

Trans-Urethral Resection (TUR) of bladder tumors is the gold standard to make the correct diagnosis and remove all visible lesions. The strategy of resection depends on the size of the lesion. Small tumors can be resected en bloc, while larger tumors should be resected separately in fractions to obtain a correct pathological diagnosis. Random biopsies from normal-looking mucosa should be performed in patients with positive urinary cytology and absence of visible tumor in the bladder. As a standard procedure, cystoscopy and TUR are performed using white light. Photodynamic diagnosis (PDD) is most useful for detecting CIS, and therefore should be restricted to those patients with a suspected high-grade tumor.
Second-Line Intravesical Therapy. What is the Present Role of Device-Assisted Therapy?
Authors: Racioppi Marco , D'Agostino Daniele , Di Gianfrancesco Luca , Bassi Pier Francesco
Published: March 2013

Non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer is a common urinary malignancy whose management is a challenge: strong evidence supports the use of passive intravesical chemotherapy in the management of this tumor. Despite current guidelines, the treatment is suboptimal as illustrated by the high risk of recurrence and progression. Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is the gold standard for the treatment of high-grade non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer, but in case of disease persistence, after 2 consecutive induction courses of BCG, patients must undergo radical cystectomy.

We discuss options for second-line adjuvant therapy for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer in standard treatment non-responder patients. We investigated the use and application of device-assisted therapy for the intravesical treatment of bladder cancer, such as thermochemotherapy (TCT) and electromotive drug administration (EMDA). Many studies demonstrate their synergistic therapeutic effect, greater than the single treatment with chemotherapy, inducing an increased absorption of the chemotherapeutic agent (Mitomycin C) to the urothelium. TCT and EMDA are safe and effective in terms of outcomes. For the future it will be important to encourage the use of the existing technology within the appropriate clinical indications.
ESTIMATION OF TORTUOSITY AND RECONSTRUCTION OF GEODESIC PATHS IN 3D
Authors: Peyrega Charles , Jeulin Dominique
Published: March 2013

The morphological tortuosity of a geodesic path in a medium can be defined as the ratio between its geodesic length and the Euclidean distance between its two extremities. Thus, the minimum tortuosity of all the geodesic paths into a medium in 2D or in 3D can be estimated by image processing methodsusing mathematical morphology. Considering a medium, the morphological tortuosities of its internal paths are estimated according to one direction, which is perpendicular to both starting and ending opposite extremities of the geodesicpaths. The used algorithm estimates the morphological tortuosities from geodesic distance maps, which are obtained from geodesic propagations. The shape of the propagated structuring element used to estimate the geodesic distance maps on a discrete grid has a direct influence on the morphological tortuosity and has to be chosen very carefully. The results of our algorithm is an image with pixels p having a value equal to the length of the shortest path containing p and connected to two considered opposite boundaries A and B of the image. The analysis of the histogram of the morphological tortuosities gives access to their statistical distribution. Moreover, for each tortuosity the paths can be extracted from the original image, which highlights the location of them into the sample. However, these geodesic paths have to be reconstructed for further processing. The extraction, because applying a threshold on the tortuosities, results in disconnected components, especially for highly tortuous paths. This reconstruction consists in reconnecting these components to the geodesic path linking the two opposite faces, by means of a backtracking algorithm.
IMPROVED ESTIMATION OF FIBER LENGTH FROM 3-DIMENSIONAL IMAGES
Authors: Ohser Joachim , Sandau Konrad , Kampf Jürgen , Vecchio Irene , Moghiseh Ali
Published: March 2013

A new method is presented for estimating the specific fiber length from 3D images of macroscopically homogeneous fiber systems. The method is based on a discrete version of the Crofton formula, where local knowledge from 3x3x3-pixel configurations of the image data is exploited. It is shown that the relative error resulting from the discretization of the outer integral of the Crofton formula amonts at most 1.2%. An algorithmic implementation of the method is simple and the runtime as well as the amount of memory space are low. The estimation is significantly improved by considering 3x3x3-pixel configurations instead of 2x2x2, as already studied in literature.
PROCESSOS DE LEITURA EM ESCOLARES COM TRANSTORNO DE DEFICIT DE ATENÇÃO/HIPERATIVIDADE
Authors: Marques de Oliveira Adriana , Herrera Cardoso Monique , Aparecida de Moura Ribeiro Padula Niura , Dalva Lourencetti Maria , Antunes dos Santos Lara Cristina , Aparecida Capellini Simone
Published: March 2013

Este estudo objetiva caracterizar e comparar o desempenho dos escolares com Transtorno de Deficit de Atenção e Hiperatividade (TDAH) com escolares com bom desempenho acadêmico nos processos de leitura. Participaram deste estudo 40 escolares na faixa etária de 8 anos e 2 meses a 10 anos e 11 meses de idade, de ambos os gêneros, de 1ª a 4ª série do Ensino Fundamental da cidade de Marília (SP), divididos em: GI, composto por 20 escolares com diagnóstico interdisciplinar de TDAH; GII, 20 escolares com bom desempenho acadêmico, pareados segundo gênero, faixa etária e escolaridade com o GI. Os escolares foram submetidos à aplicação da adaptação brasileira da Avaliação dos Processos de Leitura – PROLEC, composta por quatro blocos: identificação de letras, processos léxicos, sintáticos e semânticos. Foi encontrada diferença estatisticamente significativa entre GI e GII nas provas do PROLEC, com exceção das provas igual-diferente e decisão lexical, indicando que os escolares do GI apresentaram desempenho inferior quando comparados aos escolares do GII. Quanto à classificação dos resultados do PROLEC, observa-se diferençaestatisticamente significativa nos processos léxico, sintático, semântico e na prova som e letra, com exceção da prova igual-diferente do processo de identificação de letras. Os achados sugerem que o grupo de escolares com TDAH apresenta desempenho inferior em relação ao grupo sem dificuldades, o que indica que o fator atencional compromete o funcionamento das funções cognitivas, prejudicando a aquisição das habilidades necessárias para o aprendizado da leitura.
ROTAS FUNCIONAIS DE LEITURA DE PALAVRAS ISOLADAS EM CRIANÇAS BILÍNGUES
Authors: Horst Angelo , Kruszielski Leandro
Published: March 2013

O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar as rotas cognitivas de leitura de palavras isoladas preferencialmente utilizadas por alunos bilíngues falantes de português e alemão ou português e inglês do 3°, 4° e 5° ano do Ensino Fundamental de colégios particulares da cidade de Curitiba. A amostra foi composta por 34 crianças falantes somente do português, sendo 24 crianças do sexo feminino e dez do sexo masculino, e outro grupo de 30 crianças bilíngues, sendo 20 crianças falantes do português e alemão (sete crianças são do sexo masculino e 13 do sexo feminino) e dez crianças falantes de português e inglês (cinco crianças do sexo masculino e cinco do sexo feminino). Ao todo, 64 crianças participaram.De acordo com os resultados, os falantes somente da língua portuguesa utilizam preferencialmente a rota lexical, enquanto os bilíngues utilizam preferencialmente ambas as rotas. Não houve efeito de extensão na leitura dos grupos, sendo que os efeitos de regularidade e frequência foram mais intensos no grupo controle e o efeito de lexicalidade mais intenso no grupo de bilíngues. Mesmo sendo os valores semelhantes, essa diferença foi estatisticamente significativa. Em relação ao desempenho geral, notou-se que o salto qualitativo se deu aos 10 anos, com crianças desta idade tendo escores mais altos e estatisticamente significativos em relação às demais.
ENCONTROS E DESENCONTROS NA IDENTIFICAÇÃO DOS INDICADORES DE ALTAS HABILIDADES/SUPERDOTAÇÃO
Authors: Graciela Pérez Barrera Pérez Susana
Published: March 2013

A inclusão mais clara dos alunos com Altas Habilidades/Superdotação (AH/SD) nas políticas públicas educacionais brasileiras tem levado a um crescimento na procura e uso de instrumentos para a identificação dos indicadores de AH/SD, tanto no ensino regular quanto no Atendimento Educacional Especializado em salas de recursos multifuncionais, conforme determinam os documentos mais recentes. Um dos instrumentos utilizados para a identificação desses indicadores em alunos do Ensino Fundamental é a Lista de Itens para Observação em Sala de Aula, formulado por Guenther (2000, 2006) para ser aplicado no contexto escolar. Entretanto, na prática, o uso desse instrumento tem sido associado a referenciais teóricos de inteligência não compatíveis com os pressupostos que embasam esse instrumento, o que traz, como resultado, a identificação, prioritariamente, de um único perfil de alunos, os do tipo acadêmico em áreas valorizadas pela escola, e de outros que, mesmo apresentando um bom desempenho escolar, não têm indicadoresde AH/SD; do mesmo modo, outro resultado é a não identificação de alunos que, mesmo apresentando indicadores de AH/SD, não cumprem como os critérios privilegiados pelo mesmo. O objetivo deste artigo é analisar e discutir esses pressupostos, favorecendo suamelhor compreensão, apontando os aspectos que impedem a identificação de uma parcela de alunos que apresentam habilidade acima da média, comprometimento com a tarefae criatividade – os três conjuntos de traços que definem as pessoas com AH/SD; o intuito é de contribuir para a melhor contextualização do uso desse instrumento, promovendo uma aplicação com consciência de suas limitações e/ou mesmo uma reformulação ouadaptação dele.
DOCÊNCIA: PSICODINÂMICA E RELAÇÕES DE TRABALHO
Authors: Zanini Pereira Juliana , Soares Traesel Elisete , Roberto Crespo Merlo Álvaro
Published: March 2013

Este trabalho consiste em uma pesquisa qualitativa realizada com professores do Ensino Médio de uma escola pública de uma cidade do interior do estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Tal investigação teve o objetivo de analisar como se encontram estruturadas as relações no trabalho docente na contemporaneidade e quais seus impactos sobre a saúde e a subjetividade desse trabalhador. A metodologia utilizada foi a psicodinâmica do trabalho. Pôde-se constatar que o educador encontra-se inserido em um contexto de intensos desafios, múltiplas exigências e pressão por resultados. Constatou-se, ainda, que o prazer obtido através do reconhecimento está associado à intensa dedicação e sobrecarga. Por fim, percebeu-se que as relações sãobaseadas nas exigências pedagógicas, sendo que há pouco espaço para o não trabalho, para a interlocução e para outros relacionamentos, o que indica que necessitam de um espaço de convivência e de fortalecimento dos laços de cooperação em busca de relações de trabalho mais saudáveis.