bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MYCxing It Up with FGFR1 in Squamous Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Lockwood William , Politi Katerina
Published: February 2014

Summary: Recurrent amplification of 8p12 is observed in squamous cell lung cancer, and FGFR1 is thought to be the main oncogenic driver in this region. In this issue of Cancer Discovery, Malchers and colleagues perform a detailed characterization of 8p12 in squamous cell lung cancer and find remarkable genomic heterogeneity in this region, raising the possibility that other genes in addition to FGFR1 may play a role in squamous cell lung cancer. Mechanistic studies of the FGFR1-amplified subset of squamous cell lung cancer reveal potential roles for fibroblast growth factor (FGF) ligands and MYC expression levels in modulating the response of these tumors to FGF receptor inhibition. Cancer Discov; 4(2); 152–4. ©2014 AACR.

See related article by Malchers et al., p. 246
Renal Tubular Dysfunction in Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Silva Junior Geraldo B. , Vieira Ana Patrícia F. , Couto Bem Amanda X. , Alves Marília P. , Meneses Gdayllon C. , Martins Alice M.C. , Sanches Talita R. , Andrade Lúcia C. , Seguro Antonio C. , Libório Alexandre B. , Daher Elizabeth F.
Published: February 2014

Background/Aims: Kidney abnormalities are one of the main chronic complications of sickle cell disease (SCD). The aim of this study is to investigate the occurrence of renal tubular abnormalities among patients with SCD. Methods: This is a prospective study with 26 SCD adult patients in Brazil. Urinary acidification and concentration tests were performed using calcium chloride (CaCl2), after a 12h period of water and food deprivation. Fractional excretion of sodium (FENa), transtubular potassium gradient (TTKG) and solute free water reabsorption (TcH2O) were calculated. The SCD group was compared to a group of 15 healthy volunteers (control group). Results: Patient`s average age and gender were similar to controls. Urinary acidification deficit was found in 10 SCD patients (38.4%), who presented urinary pH >5.3 after CaCl2 test. Urinary osmolality was significantly lower in SCD patients (355±60 vs. 818±202mOsm/kg, p=0.0001, after 12h period water deprivation). Urinary concentration deficit was found in all SCD patients (100%). FENa was higher among SCD patients (0.75±0.3 vs. 0.55±0.2%, p=0.02). The TTKG was higher in SCD patients (5.5±2.5 vs. 3.0±1.5, p=0.001), and TcH2O was lower (0.22±0.3 vs. 1.1±0.3L/day, p=0.0001). Conclusions: SCD is associated with important kidney dysfunction. The main abnormalities found were urinary concentrating and incomplete distal acidification defect. There was also an increase in the potassium transport and decrease in water reabsorption, evidencing the occurrence of distal tubular dysfunction.
Tissue Response to Implanted Ahmed Glaucoma Valve with Adjunctive Amniotic Membrane in Rabbit Eyes
Authors: Lee Ji Woong , Park Won Young , Kim Eun Ah , Yun Il Han
Published: February 2014

Aims: To investigate the histopathology of the fibrous capsule around Ahmed glaucoma valves (AGVs) implanted with adjunctive amniotic membranes in rabbits. Methods: AGV implantation with or without adjunctive amniotic membrane was performed in a single eye of 20 albino rabbits. The upper surface of the AGV body was covered with amniotic membrane in the study group. After 2 months, histology was used to compare the thickness and characteristics of the fibrous capsule, transdifferentiation of myofibroblasts, and density of blood vessels and leukocytes between the study and control groups. Results: The fibrous capsule along the roof of the bleb was composed of compact collagen fibers with minimal vascularization in the control group. In contrast, in the study group, the fibrous capsule was looser and had a more disorganized collagen architecture. The thickness of the fibrous capsule and the myofibroblast layer was significantly thinner in the study group than in the control group (p < 0.001). The number of CD31-positive blood vessels did not differ between the two groups (p = 0.235). CD45-positive inflammatory cells were more frequently observed in the study group than the control group (p = 0.001). The groups did not differ in the thickness of the fibrous capsule or myofibroblast layer, or the density of blood vessels and leukocytes along the floor of the bleb. Conclusions: Adjunctive amniotic membranes could reduce the risk of encapsulation and aqueous outflow resistance by altering the tissue response to implanted AGVs and subsequent formation of a loose thin capsule.
Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Gene Polymorphisms (Promoter -786T/C, Exon 894 G/T and Intron G10T) in Unexplained Female Infertility
Authors: Karatas Ahmet , Eroz Recep , Bahadır Anzel , Keskin Fatih , Ozlu Tulay , Ozyalvaclı Mehmet Emin
Published: February 2014

Background/Aims: Recent investigations in both males and females show that there may also be some genetic risk factors associated with infertility, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) has important functions in implantation. We aimed to investigate the association of three different polymorphisms of eNOS (promoter -786T/C, exon 894 G/T and intron G10T) with unexplained female infertility. Materials and Methods: Two groups of patients were included in the study: (1) women with unexplained infertility and (2) healthy, fertile women with normal menstrual cycles. eNOS polymorphisms were studied in genomic DNA of each patient by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Results: Forty-one women with unexplained infertility and 40 fertile women were included. Baseline physical characteristics and hormonal parameters of the two groups were similar. For eNOS exon 894 G/T polymorphism, the GG homozygotes were significantly lower and the heterozygotes GT were significantly higher in the infertile group than in the control group (p < 0.05). eNOS gene polymorphism both for promoter and intron were similar in the two groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Altered eNOS protein caused by eNOS exon 894 G/T polymorphism might cause implantation failure, which may be a possible cause of unexplained female infertility.
Probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 and Commensal E. coli K12 Differentially Affect the Inflammasome in Intestinal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Becker Helen M. , Apladas Aretussa , Scharl Michael , Fried Michael , Rogler Gerhard
Published: February 2014

Background: The probiotic bacterial strain Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) is used for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC), diarrhea and constipation. Its beneficial effects in the treatment of UC have been demonstrated in several controlled clinical studies; however, the mechanism of action on the cellular level is still not completely clear. The intracellular pattern recognition receptor NLRP3 is expressed in intestinal epithelial cells (IEC), activates caspase-1 within the inflammasome complex and has been implicated to play a role in the etiology of inflammatory bowel diseases. Methods: Probiotic EcN and commensal E. coli K12 were applied to IEC in vitro. Inflammasome activation, interleukin (IL)-18 release and caspase-1 activation were determined by coimmunoprecipitation, Western blot and ELISA. Apoptosis was investigated by Western blot. Results: Incubation of Caco-2 cells with EcN resulted in lower inflammasome activation and subsequent secretion of mature IL-18 as compared to the commensal strain K12. Induction of apoptosis as determined by cleavage of caspase-3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase were lower in EcN-stimulated cells. Autophagy was induced by both bacterial strains, but to a higher extent by K12. Conclusion: These findings indicate that genetically very similar E. coli strains differ markedly in their ability to activate the inflammasome.
UVA-Photoactivated Riboflavin Treatment of Vaginal Cells Derived from Pelvic Organ Prolapse Cases
Authors: Schultz Kevin J. , Siddighi Sam , Hardesty Jeffrey S. , Waggonner David B. , Yune J. Joshua , Chan Philip J.
Published: February 2014

Background: The pathophysiology of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) involves vaginal collagen degradation. Strengthening collagen by UVA-photoactivated cross-linking has been demonstrated and suggested target applications include the vaginal wall. Aim: To identify UVA irradiation and riboflavin effects on vaginal cells. Materials and Methods: Vaginal cells were incubated for 24 h (DMEM/F-12 Ham's media) and were exposed to riboflavin (0, 0.1 and 10%) for 30 min before UVA photoactivation. Percentages of live, apoptotic and necrotic cells were determined by propidium iodide/Hoechst 33342 stains. Results: UVA decreased vaginal cell viability [mean ± standard error of the mean: 26.2 ± 0.5% vs. control (43.9 ± 3.8%)], but riboflavin blocked UVA-induced damage (57.9 ± 2.7 and 56.7 ± 2.1% at 0.1 and 10% riboflavin, respectively). Cells treated with low- and high-dose riboflavin had lower apoptosis (32.9 ± 1.0 and 35.5 ± 0.9%, respectively). Furthermore, riboflavin-treated cells had reduced necrosis (9.3 ± 1.7, 7.8 ± 3.0%) versus UVA-only (32.4 ± 5.5%) or control (17.1 ± 2.8%). Viability was similar for cells from the cervical and hymenal segments. Conclusion: The results demonstrated that riboflavin attenuated UVA damage in vaginal cells by inhibiting necrosis. Cervical and hymenal end vaginal cells were equally affected by UVA. UVA phototoxicity was reduced by the presence of riboflavin.
Low Hip Bone Mineral Density Predicts Mortality in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients: A Five-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Disthabanchong Sinee , Jongjirasiri Sutipong , Adirekkiat Surawat , Sumethkul Vasant , Ingsathit Atiporn , Domrongkitchaiporn Somnuek , Phakdeekitcharoen Bunyong , Kantachuvesiri Surasak , Kitiyakara Chagriya
Published: February 2014

Background: Bone loss is common among hemodialysis patients and contributes to mortality. The association between bone loss and vascular calcification may explain the increased mortality risk. Studies on the association between decreased bone mass and mortality in maintenance hemodialysis patients are limited. Methods: Eighty-three hemodialysis patients underwent bone mineral density (BMD) and coronary artery calcification (CAC) measurements. The relationship between BMD and mortality was analyzed after a 5-year follow-up period. Results: Eighty percent of the patients had reduced hip BMD. In univariate Cox regression analyses, age, cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, increased CAC score, increased comorbidity score and decreased hip BMD were associated with mortality. Low hip BMD remained independently associated with mortality after adjustments for cardiovascular risk factors, comorbidity score and CAC score. Patients with BMD in the lowest tertile had the worst survival. Conclusion: Low hip BMD predicted mortality in maintenance hemodialysis patients independent of CAC.
Primary Oral Health Care
Authors: Honkala Eino
Published: February 2014

The aim of this review was to describe the background and evolution of primary oral health care (POHC), including the development of an oral health policy, by identifying the resources necessary for oral health services, reviewing the evidence of the effectiveness of oral health promotion and education, providing essential oral health care, and establishing evidence of the benefits of regular dental visits for effective POHC. At present, evidence for the effectiveness of oral health education and regular dental visits is very weak. Nevertheless, POHC needs to be developed as an integral part of primary health care (PHC). Therefore, a need exists to increase financial investment, resources and workforce in PHC to lower the prevalence of dental caries and periodontal disease in the Middle-East using the POHC approach.
Cytomorphological Features of Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma in Ascitic Fluid with Radiological, Clinical and Histopathological Correlations
Authors: Enbom Elena T. , Abasolo Peter A. , Dixon Jedediah R. , Nikolaenko Liana M. , French Samuel W. , Duane Gloria B.
Published: February 2014

Background: Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is an uncommon vascular soft-tissue tumor. Five cases of EHE in body fluids have been documented in the literature, all of them occurring in pleural effusions. This is the first description of cytomorphological features of EHE cells in ascitic fluid, accompanied by corresponding histopathological findings, clinical, and radiological data. Case Report: Our patient presented with several liver masses, peritoneal involvement, bilateral pleural effusions, and massive ascites. EHE was suspected on cytological examination of the ascitic fluid and was confirmed by immunohistochemical studies. Simultaneously, a liver mass was identified and diagnosed on biopsy as EHE, affording accurate histopathological correlation. Cytologically, EHE cells appear relatively bland, often obscured by reactive mesothelial cells, and dispersed singly or clustered. They often possess intracytoplasmic vacuoles, referred to as ‘blister' or ‘signet ring' cells. High-power examination shows slightly misshapen mildly hyperchromatic nuclei with inconspicuous nucleoli. Immunohistochemically, EHE cells express strong positivity with vascular markers (CD31, CD34 and factor VIII). They are nonreactive with mesothelial markers (calretinin and WT-1). Conclusion: Recognition of the possibility of EHE cells in fluid by morphology should prompt proper immunohistochemical work-up to ensure an accurate diagnosis and timely patient management.
Biomarkers of Cardiovascular Remodeling in Patients on Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Rebić Damir , Rašić Senija , Valjevac Amina , Unčanin Snežana , Hamzić-Mehmedbašić Aida
Published: February 2014

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine endothelin (ET)-1 and nitric oxide (NO) serum concentration levels at baseline and after 1 year of peritoneal dialysis (PD) treatment. A further aim was to evaluate the association between ET-1 and NO with parameters of echocardiography and the common carotid artery (CCA) ultrasound, and to assess their impact on cardiovascular remodeling. We also aimed to evaluate the influence of dialysis adequacy and residual renal function (RRF) on cardiovascular remodeling. Methods: This study included 40 PD patients in whom we measured serum ET-1 and NO concentrations, echocardiography and CCA ultrasound parameters. Results: ET-1 decreased and NO serum concentration levels increased (p < 0.01) after 12 months of PD treatment compared to baseline values. Left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy was observed in 77.5% of patients at baseline with significant reduction in LV mass index (LVMI), CCA intima media thickness (IMT) and plaque score after 12 months of PD treatment (p < 0.001). The dialysis adequacy and RRF were significantly associated with LVMI and CCA IMT after 12 months on PD. Conclusion: In our study, ET-1 significantly decreased while NO increased during PD treatment and both were independently related to the cardiovascular remodeling parameters in PD patients.
Risk of Death in Heart Disease is Associated With Elevated Urinary Globotriaosylceramide
Authors: Schiffmann Raphael , Forni Sabrina , Swift Caren , Brignol Nastry , Wu Xiaoyang , Lockhart David J. , Blankenship Derek , Wang Xuan , Grayburn Paul A. , Taylor Matthew R. G. , Lowes Brian D. , Fuller Maria , Benjamin Elfrida R. , Sweetman Lawrence
Published: February 2014

Background

Elevated urinary globotriaosylceramide (Gb
3
) has been considered a hallmark of
F
abry disease, an X‐linked lysosomal disorder that is a risk factor for most types of heart disease.

Methods and Results

We screened 1421 consecutive patients with common forms of heart disease for
F
abry disease by measuring urinary Gb
3
in whole urine using tandem mass spectrometry, α‐galactosidase A activity in dried blood spots, and we looked for
GLA
mutations by parallel sequencing of the whole gene (exons and introns) in pooled genomic
DNA
samples followed by Sanger sequencing verification.

GLA

variants were found in 13 patients. In the 1408 patients without

GLA

mutations, urinary Gb
3
levels were significantly higher in heart disease patients compared to 116 apparently healthy controls (median difference=10.0 ng/mL and
P
<0.001). Urinary lipid profiling showed that levels of 5 other lipids significantly distinguished between urine of patients with
F
abry disease (n=7) and heart disease patients with elevated urinary Gb
3
(n=6). Sphingomyelin and Gb
3
levels were abnormal in the left ventricular wall of patients with ischemic heart failure. Elevated levels of urinary Gb
3
were independently associated with increased risk of death in the average follow‐up of 17 months (hazard ratio=1.59 for increase in Gb
3
of 200, 95%
CI
=1.36 and 1.87, and
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions

In heart disease patients who do not have
F
abry disease or

GLA

gene mutations, a higher level of urinary Gb
3
is positively associated with near‐term mortality. The elevation of urinary Gb
3
and that of other lipids suggests that heart disease is associated with multiorgan lipid abnormalities.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL: clinicaltrials.gov. Unique Identifier:
NCT
01019629.
Evaluation of Computed Tomography Angiography Plaque Thickness Measurements in High-Grade Carotid Artery Stenosis
Authors: Gupta Ajay , Baradaran Hediyeh , Kamel Hooman , Pandya Ankur , Mangla Atul , Dunning Allison , Marshall Randolph S. , Sanelli Pina C.
Published: February 2014

Background and Purpose—

Increasing evidence suggests that carotid artery imaging can identify vulnerable plaque elements that increase stroke risk. We correlated recently proposed markers, soft and hard plaque thickness measurements on axial computed tomography angiography source images, with symptomatic disease status (ipsilateral stroke or transient ischemic attack) in high-grade carotid disease.

Methods—

Soft plaque and hard plaque thickness were measured with a recently validated technique using computed tomography angiography source images in subjects with ≥70% extracranial carotid artery stenosis. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess the strength of association between soft and hard plaque thickness measurements and previous stroke or transient ischemic attack. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was also performed.

Results—

Compared with asymptomatic subjects, those with symptomatic carotid disease had significantly larger soft plaque and total plaque thickness measurements and smaller hard plaque thickness measurements. Each 1-mm increase in soft plaque resulted in a 2.7 times greater odds of previous stroke or transient ischemic attack. Soft plaque thickness measurements provided excellent discrimination between symptomatic and asymptomatic disease, with receiver operating characteristic analysis showing an area under the curve of 0.90. A cutoff of 3.5-mm maximum soft plaque thickness provided a sensitivity of 81%, specificity of 83%, positive predictive value of 85%, and a negative predictive value of 78%.

Conclusions—

Increasing maximum soft plaque thickness measurements are strongly associated with symptomatic disease status in carotid artery stenosis. Prospective validation of these results may translate into a widely accessible stroke risk stratification tool in high-grade carotid artery atherosclerotic disease.
Clinical Associations and Causes of Convexity Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Khurram Ashan , Kleinig Timothy , Leyden James
Published: February 2014

Background and Purpose—

It has been previously found noted that ≈15% to 20% of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is nonaneurysmal. Nontraumatic convexity SAH (cSAH) is increasingly recognized. Data concerning incidence and associations are scant.

Methods—

We identified all SAH-coded cases from South Australian public hospitals between January 2005 and July 2011. Electronic discharge summaries were reviewed, and cases of cSAH were ascertained. Clinical and radiological features were recorded, and pathogenesis was assigned.

Results—

Of 742 cases with SAH, 41 (6%) cases were cSAH, giving a minimum population annual incidence of 5.1 per million (95% confidence interval, 3.7–7.0). Median age was 70 years (interquartile range, 48–79). Commonest causes were cerebral amyloid angiopathy (39%), reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (17%), cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (10%), large-vessel stenotic atherosclerosis (10%), and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (5%). No cause was identified in 20% (mostly elderly patients with incomplete evaluation). Most (63%) presented with transient neurological symptoms. Many (49%) were misdiagnosed as transient ischemic attacks and treated inappropriately with antithrombotics.

Conclusions—

cSAH comprises a significant proportion of SAH. Commonest causes are cerebral amyloid angiopathy in the elderly and reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome in the young, but differential diagnosis is broad. Misdiagnosis is common and leads to potentially harmful treatments.
A revision of the New World genus Aptilotella Duda (Sphaeroceridae: Limosininae)
Authors: LUK STEPHEN P.L. , MARSHALL STEPHEN A.
Published: February 2014

The genus Aptilotella Duda (Diptera: Sphaeroceridae: Limosininae) is redefined and revised. The type species, Aptilotella borgmeieri Duda is redescribed, and twenty-seven species are described as new: Aptilotella andersoni sp. n., A. angela sp. n., A. caerulea sp. n., A. corona sp. n., A. diffisa sp. n., A. ebenea sp. n., A. erinacea sp. n., A. gemmula sp. n., A. germana sp. n., A. gladia sp. n., A. gloriosa sp. n., A. gracilis sp. n., A. hamata sp. n., A. involucris sp. n., A. macta sp. n., A. macula sp. n., A. pennifera sp. n., A. pichinchensis sp. n., A. pyropanda sp. n., A. quadrata sp. n., A. quatuorchela sp. n., A. radians sp. n., A. simplex sp. n., A. solaria sp. n., A. sphyra sp. n., A. umbracatus sp. n., and A. viva sp. n. A phylogenetic analysis and key to species are presented, with illustrations and distributional notes.
Modeling the Impacts of a Man-Made Lake on the Meteorological Conditions of the Surrounding Areas
Authors: Klaić Zvjezdana B. , Kvakić Marko
Published: February 2014

The possible modifications of the surface meteorological conditions due to construction of a small, man-made lake in midlatitudes (surface area of 11.55 km2 and maximum fetch distance L ≈ 5 km) were investigated using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model (version 3.3). The model was applied to four real typical synoptic situations for which the area of interest was under the influence of a wintertime anticyclone (WA), a wintertime cyclone (WC), a summertime anticyclone (SA), and a summertime cyclone (SC). Each of these four typical synoptic setups was simulated twice—once assuming the present state (“NO-LAKE” experiment) and again assuming the existence of the new lake (“LAKE” experiment). The differences between 36-h average LAKE and NO-LAKE simulation results show noticeable mean changes in the surface temperature and relative humidity as well as a small increase of the mean surface wind speeds in the air above the newly constructed lake. At other portions of the investigated area (distances up to ~4L–6L downstream of the new lake), the 36-h mean differences produced by the new lake are below the order of magnitude of accuracy of operational meteorological measurement instruments. In individual hours, however, these differences are occasionally very high, particularly for cyclonic episodes. In addition, results obtained for SA suggest an existence of a lake circulation cell associated with small differences between the lake and land temperatures (at most up to ~3°–5°C) and consequently, a slight enhancement of slope winds in future (LAKE) conditions.
What Controls the Mean East–West Sea Surface Temperature Gradient in the Equatorial Pacific: The Role of Cloud Albedo
Authors: Burls N. J. , Fedorov A. V.
Published: February 2014

The mean east–west sea surface temperature gradient along the equator is a key feature of tropical climate. Tightly coupled to the atmospheric Walker circulation and the oceanic east–west thermocline tilt, it effectively defines tropical climate conditions. In the Pacific, its presence permits the El Niño–Southern Oscillation phenomenon. What determines this temperature gradient within the fully coupled ocean–atmosphere system is therefore a central question in climate dynamics, critical for understanding past and future climates. Using a comprehensive coupled model [Community Earth System Model (CESM)], the authors demonstrate how the meridional gradient in cloud albedo between the tropics and midlatitudes (Δα) sets the mean east–west sea surface temperature gradient in the equatorial Pacific. To change Δα in the numerical experiments, the authors change the optical properties of clouds by modifying the atmospheric water path, but only in the shortwave radiation scheme of the model. When Δα is varied from approximately −0.15 to 0.1, the east–west SST contrast in the equatorial Pacific reduces from 7.5°C to less than 1°C and the Walker circulation nearly collapses. These experiments reveal a near-linear dependence between Δα and the zonal temperature gradient, which generally agrees with results from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 (CMIP5) preindustrial control simulations. The authors explain the close relation between the two variables using an energy balance model incorporating the essential dynamics of the warm pool, cold tongue, and Walker circulation complex.
A Framework for Dynamical Seasonal Prediction of Precipitation over the Pacific Islands
Authors: Annamalai H. , Hafner J. , Kumar A. , Wang H.
Published: February 2014

A three-step approach to develop a framework for dynamical seasonal prediction of precipitation over the U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands (USAPI) is adopted. First, guided by the climatological features of basic variables, a view that climates of the USAPI are connected by large-scale phenomena involving the warm pool, South Pacific convergence zone, tropical monsoons, and subtropical anticyclone is proposed. Second, prediction skill in ensemble hindcasts performed with the Climate Forecast System, version 2 (CFSv2), is evaluated with the hypothesis that ENSO is the leading candidate for large and persisting precipitation departures. Third, moist static energy budget diagnostics are performed to identify physical processes responsible for precipitation anomalies.

At leads of 0–6 months, CFSv2 demonstrates useful skill in predicting Niño-3.4 SST and equatorial Pacific precipitation anomalies. During El Niño, positive precipitation anomalies along the central (eastern) equatorial Pacific are anchored by net radiative flux (Frad) and moist advection (evaporation and Frad). The model’s skill in predicting precipitation anomalies over South Pacific (Hawaiian) islands is highest (lowest). Over the west Pacific islands, the skill is low during the rainy season. During El Niño, skill over the USAPI, in particular predicting dryness persistence at long leads is useful. Suppressed precipitation over the Hawaiian and South Pacific (west Pacific) islands are determined by anomalous dry and cold air advection (reduced evaporation and Frad). These processes are local, but are dictated by circulation anomalies forced by ENSO. Model budget estimates are qualitatively consistent with those obtained from reanalysis, boosting confidence for societal benefits. However, observational constraints, as well as budget residuals, pose limitations.
Benchmarking a Soil Moisture Data Assimilation System for Agricultural Drought Monitoring
Authors: Han Eunjin , Crow Wade T. , Holmes Thomas , Bolten John
Published: February 2014

Despite considerable interest in the application of land surface data assimilation systems (LDASs) for agricultural drought applications, relatively little is known about the large-scale performance of such systems and, thus, the optimal methodological approach for implementing them. To address this need, this paper evaluates an LDAS for agricultural drought monitoring by benchmarking individual components of the system (i.e., a satellite soil moisture retrieval algorithm, a soil water balance model, and a sequential data assimilation filter) against a series of linear models that perform the same function (i.e., have the same basic input/output structure) as the full system component. Benchmarking is based on the calculation of the lagged rank cross correlation between the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and soil moisture estimates acquired for various components of the system. Lagged soil moisture/NDVI correlations obtained using individual LDAS components versus their linear analogs reveal the degree to which nonlinearities and/or complexities contained within each component actually contribute to the performance of the LDAS system as a whole. Here, a particular system based on surface soil moisture retrievals from the Land Parameter Retrieval Model (LPRM), a two-layer Palmer soil water balance model, and an ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) is benchmarked. Results suggest significant room for improvement in each component of the system.
Evaluation of CLASS 2.7 and 3.5 Simulations of Snow Properties from the Canadian Regional Climate Model (CRCM4) over Québec, Canada*
Authors: Langlois A. , Bergeron J. , Brown R. , Royer A. , Harvey R. , Roy A. , Wang L. , Thériault N.
Published: February 2014

Snow cover simulations from versions 2.7 and 3.5 of the Canadian Land Surface Scheme (CLASS) coupled to the Canadian Regional Climate Model, version 4 (CRCM4), are evaluated over northern Québec and the larger Québec domain using in situ and remotely sensed datasets. Version 2.7 of CLASS has been used in the operational version of CRCM4 at Ouranos since 2006. Version 3.5 includes a number of improvements to the snow processes as well as a more realistic parameterization of snow thermal conductivity. The evaluation shows that version 3.5 provides improved simulations of snow water equivalent, density, depth, and snowpack temperature values. However, snowpack density still contains systematic biases during the snow season that need to be addressed. The snow albedo parameterization in CLASS was found to be very sensitive to an empirical snowfall rate threshold for albedo refreshment and does not keep track of the snow accumulation history in estimating the snow surface albedo. A modified albedo scheme based on snow-specific surface areas is proposed to address this problem.
A New Method for Generating Initial Condition Perturbations in a Regional Ensemble Prediction System: Blending
Authors: Wang Yong , Bellus Martin , Geleyn Jean-Francois , Ma Xulin , Tian Weihong , Weidle Florian
Published: February 2014

A blending method for generating initial condition (IC) perturbations in a regional ensemble prediction system is proposed. The blending is to combine the large-scale IC perturbations from a global ensemble prediction system (EPS) with the small-scale IC perturbations from a regional EPS by using a digital filter and the spectral analysis technique. The IC perturbations generated by blending can well represent both large-scale and small-scale uncertainties in the analysis, and are more consistent with the lateral boundary condition (LBC) perturbations provided by global EPS. The blending method is implemented in the regional ensemble system Aire Limitée Adaptation Dynamique Développement International-Limited Area Ensemble Forecasting (ALADIN-LAEF), in which the large-scale IC perturbations are provided by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF-EPS), and the small-scale IC perturbations are generated by breeding in ALADIN-LAEF. Blending is compared with dynamical downscaling and breeding over a 2-month period in summer 2007. The comparison clearly shows impact on the growth of forecast spread if the regional IC perturbations are not consistent with the perturbations coming through LBC provided by the global EPS. Blending can cure the problem largely, and it performs better than dynamical downscaling and breeding.
Assessing the Predictability of Convection Initiation in the High Plains Using an Object-Based Approach
Authors: Burghardt Brock J. , Evans Clark , Roebber Paul J.
Published: February 2014

This study investigates the short-range (0–12 h) predictability of convection initiation (CI) using the Advanced Research Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model (ARW) with a horizontal grid spacing of 429 m. A unique object-based method is used to evaluate model performance for 25 cases of CI across the west-central high plains of the United States from the 2010 convective season. In the aggregate, there exists a high probability of detection but, due to the significant overproduction of CI events by the model, high false alarm and bias ratios that lead to modestly skillful forecasts. Model CI objects that are matched with observed CI objects show, on average, an early bias of about 3 min and distance errors of around 38 km. The operational utility and inherent biases of such high-resolution simulations are discussed.
Glycated Apolipoprotein A-I Assay by Combination of Affinity Chromatography and Latex Immunoagglutination
Authors: Shishino Koji , Murase Mitsuharu , Makino Hideichi , Saheki Shuichi
Published: February 2014

The degree of glycation of plasma apolipoprotein A-I was measured by a combination of gel filtration, boronate affinity chromatography and latex immunoagglutination. The plasma concentrations of apolipoprotein A-I determined by this combination method ( y) correlated well with those determined by turbidimetric immunoassay ( x) ( y= 1·12 x + 1·9, r = 0·964). The inter- and intra-assay coefficients of variation in the glycated apolipoprotein A-I assay were 4·1–5·0% and 4·0–4·4%, respectively. Interference from plasma glucose at concentrations up to 55·1 mmol/L was eliminated by gel filtration. Labile glycated apolipoprotein A-I did not interfere with the measurement of glycated apolipoprotein A-I. Reference values for glycated apolipoprotein A-I were determined to be 2·4–4·0% ( n = 140), with no significant difference between men and women. The mean concentration of plasma glycated apolipoprotein A-I in patients with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (5·11%) was significantly higher than in normal subjects (3·12%, P < 0·001). The method is simple, rapid and highly sensitive for determination of the glycation level of plasma apolipoprotein A-I.
Immulite 2000 Parathyroid Hormone Assay: Stability of Parathyroid Hormone in EDTA Blood Kept at Room Temperature for 48 h
Authors: Omar H , Chamberlin A , Walker V , Wood P J
Published: February 2014

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations were compared in serum and EDTA plasma from 36 patients attending a renal stone clinic. Serum PTH concentrations ranged from 0·9 to 10·9pmol/L, with a mean of 4·6pmol/L. When serum and EDTA plasma results were compared, in samples frozen within 30 min of collection, EDTA plasma results were found to be significantly higher than those in serum ( P <0·0001; Wilcoxon test), with an average increase of 19·5% over the serum result. Results from EDTA-preserved blood left to stand at room temperature for 48 h were on average 14·8% lower than results from the corresponding EDTA plasma samples frozen within 30 min, with a highly significant difference ( P <0·0001). Freshly frozen serum and 48h EDTA plasma PTH results were not significantly different.

Parathyroid hormone in EDTA-preserved blood is not completely stable, and this could lead to misclassification of results for samples which are not frozen quickly.
Contamination by Iodine in the AutoAnalyzer Method for Serum Protein-Bound Iodine
Authors: Wilding P. , Rollason J. G.
Published: February 2014

A phenomenon is described whereby iodine was shown to be adsorbed from aqueous standards by precipitated protein, to be subsequently ‘leached-off’ this protein by the first serum sample. The excessive protein precipitation was thought to be due to the water as supplied by a mixed-bed automatic deioniser.

A simple method for detecting this phenomenon is to follow the range of aqueous standards with three identical serum samples. It is probable that the sensitivity of the standard curve is diminished due to the phenomenon described if the first of the replicate samples has a peak height greater than the subsequent samples.
Evaluation of a Kit for Serum Calcium Determination
Authors: Cossar J. M. , Fitzpatrick J.
Published: February 2014

A kit for serum calcium determination (Calcium Rapid Stat Kit), based on a methyl thymol blue method, has been investigated and the results compared with those obtained from an AutoAnalyzer cresolphthalein complexone method.

The kit technique is simple, requires a small amount of serum and has a better precision than the AutoAnalyzer method, with which it correlates well. The standards supplied should be checked before use.
Clinical Biochemistry Services for Liver Transplantation
Authors: Lines J. G.
Published: February 2014

The first significant successes with human liver transplantation took place only in 1968, but the future for this new surgical procedure now seems assured. Its success is heavily dependent upon the provision of pathology services, in particular from clinical biochemistry. The experiences with some of the 39 British liver transplants carried out so far are recorded. At operation, a minimum of 20 technician-hours, usually outside normal working hours, is called for. In the immediate post-operative period, intensive biochemical monitoring is essential. Once the major homeostatic mechanisms are re-established after surgery, the principal biochemical investigations are those of organ function. While no specific test for rejection is yet available, the diagnosis of rejection can be made from results of the routine pathology investigations. The role of the clinical biochemistry laboratory in the management of these patients is to provide reliable results seven days a week on a range of tests. The clinical biochemist is also well placed to contribute to the solution of some of the outstanding problems of organ transplantation.
An Appraisal of the “Vacutainer” System for Blood Collection
Authors: Ames A. C. , Bamford E.
Published: February 2014

The conventional syringe/needle/container system for the collection and handling of blood samples is compared with the Vacutainer system using evacuated tubes. The relative advantages and disadvantages of both systems are evaluated. The Vacutainer system is quicker and simpler to use, with greater versatility, producing blood specimens of higher quality and at a cost comparable with that by the syringe system. The problems of blood contamination during blood sampling and distribution with both systems are discussed.
Quality Control of Serum Alkaline Phosphatase Assays: Project Report and Discussion of Some Factors Affecting the Assay
Authors: Ellis G.
Published: February 2014

The factors which affect the standardisation and quality control of serum alkaline phosphatase assays are discussed. A quality control project was designed to test the performance of seven Birmingham laboratories in the assay of sera with alkaline phosphatase activities outside the range normally tested by the National Quality Control and Wellcome schemes. The results showed that the precision of individual laboratories was satisfactory. Differences between the results of the laboratories were considerable and could be accounted for by differences in methodology. AutoAnalyzer methods employing phenyl phosphate as substrate would best be standardised by adopting the optimised reaction conditions of Buch and Buch (1939); but the borate buffer of these authors should be replaced by the carbonate-bicarbonate buffer of Moss et al. (1971). To avoid the confusion which may arise in future if alkaline phosphatases are reported in U/1 irrespective of the substrate, it is suggested that some substrate—indicative nomenclature may be advisable.
An Evaluation of the “CentrifiChem” Parallel Fast Analyser
Authors: Henry P. , Saunders R. A.
Published: February 2014

The operating principles of the CentrifiChem are briefly described and the results of the evaluation are summarised. The pipettor, the temperature control unit, and the photometer were tested separately, but the remainder of the instrument is interdependent.

Up to 10 different tests were used to measure within-batch and between-day precision, and accuracy. Carryover was found to be small, and for the six tests investigated the linearity was good. Estimates are given of the running costs, and also included are sections on the reliability and safety of the instrument.

Since it requires only a small volume of serum, it is ideally suited to paediatric requirements. When used as an enzyme analyser it can work at about 200 specimens per hour.
Butanol Extraction of Serum and Urinary Gamma-Glutamyltransferase and its Application in Clinical Diagnosis
Authors: Beck P. R.
Published: February 2014

Summary Gamma-glutamyltransferase (γ-GT) activity was measured in serum and urine before and after extraction with n-butanol. Residual γ-GT activity after extraction of normal serum with butanol was more than 75 %, whereas for normal urine the figure was less than 68 %. The loss of activity from urine was not affected by prior dialysis, and the stabilisation which resulted from adding bovine serum albumin at a concentration of 40 g/l did not approach the residual activity with normal serum. In patients with a variety of renal diseases, residual γ-GT activity in the urine after butanol extraction was inversely correlated with the creatinine clearance. Butanol extraction was performed on serum samples from 182 patients with a variety of diseases. Eighty-one per cent of patients with elevated γ-GT activities caused by hepatobiliary disease had an increased loss of activity after butanol extraction. By contrast, only 34 % of patients with increased γ-GT activities in whom there was no clinical or other biochemical evidence of hepatic disease, had increased loss of γ-GT activity after butanol. The reasons for differences between urinary and serum γ-GT in response to butanol, and the implications in interpreting serum γ-GT activities are discussed.
Measurement of Acetate in Aqueous Solutions and Plasma by Gas Phase Chromatography using a Porous Polymer Stationary Phase
Authors: Laker M. F. , Mansell M. A.
Published: February 2014

Summary A method of acetate determination by gas phase chromatography using a porous polymer stationary phase is reported that is suitable for use with aqueous and plasma samples. It is linear up to 100 mmol/l and has a coefficient of variation of less than 4 % for acetate values of greater than 1 mmol/l. The recovery of acetate from plasma is 92 % and sample retention time is 3 minutes. The reference range of plasma acetate in a group of 40 apparently healthy subjects was from less than 0·1 to 0·35 mmol/l. The frequently encountered problem of adsorption and ghosting of volatile fatty acids is overcome without the addition of formic acid vapour to the carrier gas.
Radioimmunoassay of Methotrexate: Use of 75Se-Labelled Methotrexate
Authors: Aherne Wynne , Piall Evelyn , Marks Vincent
Published: February 2014

75Se-labelled methotrexate has been used as the radiolabel in a radioimmunoassay for methotrexate and its use compared with that of 3H-methotrexate. The gamma-labelled drug has proved to be extremely reliable and easier to use than 3H-methotrexate. Results obtained with it compare well with those obtained with tritiated drug. There are practical advantages in using a gamma emitter, and it is suggested that the modified radioimmunoassay is invaluable for routine monitoring of methotrexate in patients undergoing chemotherapy with the drug.
Cyclic Adenosine 3′, 5′ Monophosphate: A Possible Indicator of Premalignant Changes in the Large Bowel
Authors: Latner A. L. , Turner G. A. , Tregoning D.
Published: February 2014

Cyclic adenosine 3′, 5′ monophosphate (cyclic-AMP) has been estimated in mucosal biopsy samples removed from the descending colon and rectum at endoscopy to investigate the possibility of using this substance for monitoring pre-malignant changes in the large bowel. Four groups of patients have been studied: those with normal large bowel and rectal mucosa; those with non-malignant inflammatory bowel disease; those with an adenomatous polyp in the descending colon or sigmoid colon; and those with a rectal adenocarcinoma. No difference was found in the cyclic-AMP content of ‘normal’ rectal mucosa, ‘normal’ colonic mucosa, ‘diseased’ colonic mucosa, carcinomas, and uninvolved mucosa adjacent to the polyps. Less cyclic-AMP was found in the polyps than in adjacent uninvolved mucosa. Conversely, more cyclic-AMP was found in the carcinomas than in adjacent uninvolved mucosa. It is concluded that although cyclic-AMP may be a very useful parameter for delineating the extent of the disease in individual patients, it is not a suitable biochemical marker for the screening of neoplastic changes in the large bowel in the population as a whole.
An Interlaboratory Survey of Hydrogen Ion and Blood Gas Determinations
Authors: McSweeney F. M. , Bullock D. G. , Gregory Ann , Whitehead T. P.
Published: February 2014

A survey of [H+], Pco2, and Po2 analyses in 360 laboratories was conducted using three commercial control materials: two aqueous gas-equilibrated buffer solutions (General Diagnostics and IL) and one whole blood material (DADE). There was little difference in precision or accuracy between instruments, classified according to manufacturer into four groups, and materials for [H+] and Pco2, or in precision for Po2. There were, however, differences in accuracy between instrument groups for Po2 analysis on the aqueous materials, and in some cases the mean values lay outside the range assigned by the material manufacturers. The 35 instruments outside clinical chemistry departments yielded results similar to those of all participants. The relation between inter- and intra-laboratory precision was similar to that for many analytes, suggesting that neither these materials nor the state of these analyses is unsatisfactory. Aqueous materials should, however, be used with caution as accuracy controls for Po2.
Theophylline Estimation — a Comparative Evaluation of a Gas Chromatographic Method and a High-Performance Liquid Chromatographic Method
Authors: Naish Pamela J. , Chambers Robin E. , Cooke Michael
Published: February 2014

A comparative evaluation of a gas-liquid chromatographic (GLC) assay and a high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) assay for the determination of plasma theophylline levels has been carried out. Both methods are reliable, accurate, and technically simple and appear to be specific for theophylline. The HPLC system is more sensitive (sample volume 25 μl) than the GLC system (sample volume 500 μl) and is therefore suitable for the estimation of theophylline in microsamples. The HPLC system also has better precision (coefficient of variation: within-batch 2·0%, between-batch 3·0%) than the GLC system (coefficient of variation: within-batch 3·5%, between-batch 5·6%). Good correlation (r = 0·964) was found between plasma theophylline levels (n = 75, observed range 4–186 μmol/l) determined by each procedure. The results of this study indicate that, of the two systems investigated, HPLC is the method of choice.
Changes in Serum Succinyltrialanine P-Nitroanilide Hydrolysing Activity in Hepatobiliary Diseases
Authors: Ogawa Michio , Iwaki Kenjiro , Saito Naoko , Tanaka Shigenori , Kosaki Goro
Published: February 2014

Serum succinyltrialanine p-nitroanilide hydrolysing activity was elevated in patients with hepatobiliary diseases. The highest activities were seen in acute cholangitis and intrahepatic cholestasis. The change in succinyltrialanine p-nitroanilide hydrolysing activity was closely associated with those in γ-glutamyltranspeptidase and alkaline phosphatase activities. In some cases, however, the former was more sensitive than the latter.
Improved Continuous-Flow Analysis for Serum Bilirubin
Authors: Lolekha Porntip H
Published: February 2014

A simple and improved method of continuous-flow analysis for total and direct bilirubin in serum is described. Advantages of the method are: small serum and reagent volumes; the use of less concentrated caffeine solution in the accelerator; the substitution of distilled water for hydrochloric acid in the direct bilirubin channel; and the close agreement of results obtained by the present and Jendrassik-Grof reference method when purified bilirubin is used as the calibrating standard.