bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impacto de Una Política Pública En La Disminución de Las Lesiones Y La Mortalidad Por Accidentes de Tráfico Atribuibles Al Alcohol
Authors: Rubiano Andres M , Erazo Maria C , Vargas Marly Y
Published: April 2015

Introducción

El trauma es considerado un problema de salud pública. Es una de las patologías que generan mayor discapacidad y mortalidad a nivel de Latinoamérica. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los ingresos de pacientes politraumatizados en un hospital universitario de Colombia antes y después de la implementación de una política pública que aumentó la vigilancia y las penalidades asociadas a conducir en estado de embriaguez.

Materiales y métodos

Se construyó una base de datos de pacientes politraumatizados que ingresaron entre junio de 2013 y abril de 2014, con antecedentes de ingesta de alcohol. Se determinó el resultado de acuerdo al tiempo de ingreso con respecto a la implementación de la política pública y se realizó un análisis univariado. Se calcularon medidas de tendencia central y dispersión para las variables continuas.

Resultados

En total se analizaron 1295 pacientes, 760 antes y 535 después de la implementación de la política. La mediana de la edad fue de 34,6 vs 34,4 p: 0,793. La mediana del ISS para los grupos fue de 25 vs 24.8 p: 0,976. Con la implementación de la política pública, los ingresos hospitalarios disminuyeron de un 58,7% vs 41,3% p: 0,001 y la mortalidad en el servicio de urgencias disminuyó de 5,13% a 2,42% p: 0,003.

Conclusión

La adopción de una política pública que aumentó la vigilancia y las penalidades por conducir en estado de embriaguez, está asociada a la disminución de los ingresos hospitalarios y de la mortalidad en el servicio de urgencias en un hospital universitario de Colombia.

How to cite this article

Charry JD, Erazo MC, Vargas MY, Puyana JC, Rubiano AM. Impacto de Una Política Pública En La Disminución de Las Lesiones Y La Mortalidad Por Accidentes de Tráfico Atribuibles Al Alcohol. Panam J Trauma Crit Care Emerg Surg 2014;3(3):101-104.
Trauma y Emergencias En El Sur Del Ecuador; Historia, Realidad y Perspectivas
Authors: Aboutanos Michel B
Published: April 2015

How to cite this article

Michel B Aboutanos. Trauma y Emergencias En El Sur Del Ecuador; Historia, Realidad y Perspectivas. Panam J Trauma Crit Care Emerg Surg 2014; 3(3):141-142.
Concentration of three branched-chain fatty acids in adipose tissue does not affect meat sensory traits in crossbred and purebred German "Merinolandschaf" lambs
Authors: Schiller K. F. , Preuss S. , Kaffarnik S. , Vetter W. , Rodehutscord M. , Bennewitz J.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Intense sheep odour and flavour in lamb is often associated with lower consumer acceptance. Branched-chain fatty acids (BCFAs) are suggested as possible reasons. Therefore, muscle and subcutaneous adipose tissue samples of 98 lamb chops were analysed for three BCFAs (4-methyloctanoic, 4-ethyloctanoic and 4-methylnonanoic fatty acid). Samples were derived from a previous study, in which lambs were raised and fattened under intensive conditions and tested for sensory quality. BCFA contents of fat extracts from muscle tissue were very low and quantification was not possible. In subcutaneous adipose tissue different concentrations of BCFA and differences between crosses were detected. The sex of lambs had a significant influence. The BCFA correlations were significant, while correlations between BCFA of adipose tissue and sensory traits were not significant. Therefore, it seems likely that BCFA concentrations were too low and/or other substances are involved in causing the lamb flavour detected through sensory analysis.
Complex chemical composition of colored surface films formed from reactions of propanal in sulfuric acid at upper troposphere/lower stratosphere aerosol acidities
Authors: Van Wyngarden A. L. , Pérez-Montaño S. , Bui J. V. H. , Li E. S. W. , Nelson T. E. , Ha K. T. , Leong L. , Iraci L. T.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Particles in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (UT/LS) consist mostly of concentrated sulfuric acid (40–80 wt%) in water. However, airborne measurements have shown that these particles also contain a significant fraction of organic compounds of unknown chemical composition. Acid-catalyzed reactions of carbonyl species are believed to be responsible for significant transfer of gas phase organic species into tropospheric aerosols and are potentially more important at the high acidities characteristic of UT/LS particles. In this study, experiments combining sulfuric acid (H2SO4) with propanal and with mixtures of propanal with glyoxal and/or methylglyoxal at acidities typical of UT/LS aerosols produced highly colored surface films (and solutions) that may have implications for aerosol properties. In order to identify the chemical processes responsible for the formation of the surface films, attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopies were used to analyze the chemical composition of the films. Films formed from propanal were a complex mixture of aldol condensation products, acetals and propanal itself. The major aldol condensation products were the dimer (2-methyl-2-pentenal) and 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene that was formed by cyclization of the linear aldol condensation trimer. Additionally, the strong visible absorption of the films indicates that higher-order aldol condensation products must also be present as minor species. The major acetal species were 2,4,6-triethyl-1,3,5-trioxane and longer-chain linear polyacetals which are likely to separate from the aqueous phase. Films formed on mixtures of propanal with glyoxal and/or methylglyoxal also showed evidence of products of cross-reactions. Since cross-reactions would be more likely than self-reactions under atmospheric conditions, similar reactions of aldehydes like propanal with common aerosol organic species like glyoxal and methylglyoxal have the potential to produce significant organic aerosol mass and therefore could potentially impact chemical, optical and/or cloud-forming properties of aerosols, especially if the products partition to the aerosol surface.
An overview of regional and local characteristics of aerosols in South Africa using satellite, ground, and modeling data
Authors: Hersey S. P. , Garland R. M. , Crosbie E. , Shingler T. , Sorooshian A. , Piketh S. , Burger R.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. We present a comprehensive overview of particulate air quality across the five major metropolitan areas of South Africa (Cape Town, Bloemfontein, Johannesburg and Tshwane (Gauteng Province), the Industrial Highveld Air Quality Priority Area (HVAPA), and Durban), based on a decadal (1 January 2000 to 31 December 2009) aerosol climatology from multiple satellite platforms and detailed analysis of ground-based data from 19 sites throughout Gauteng Province. Satellite analysis was based on aerosol optical depth (AOD) from MODIS Aqua and Terra (550 nm) and MISR (555 nm) platforms, Ångström Exponent (α) from MODIS Aqua (550/865 nm) and Terra (470/660 nm), ultraviolet aerosol index (UVAI) from TOMS, and results from the Goddard Ozone Chemistry Aerosol Radiation and Transport (GOCART) model. At continentally influenced sites, AOD, α, and UVAI reach maxima (0.12–0.20, 1.0–1.8, and 1.0–1.2, respectively) during austral spring (September–October), coinciding with a period of enhanced dust generation and the maximum integrated intensity of close-proximity and subtropical fires identified by MODIS Fire Information for Resource Management System (FIRMS). Minima in AOD, α, and UVAI occur during winter. Results from ground monitoring indicate that low-income township sites experience by far the worst particulate air quality in South Africa, with seasonally averaged PM10 concentrations as much as 136% higher in townships that in industrial areas. We report poor agreement between satellite and ground aerosol measurements, with maximum surface aerosol concentrations coinciding with minima in AOD, α, and UVAI. This result suggests that remotely sensed data are not an appropriate surrogate for ground air quality in metropolitan South Africa.
Performance assessment of a triple-frequency spaceborne cloud–precipitation radar concept using a global cloud-resolving model
Authors: Leinonen J. , Lebsock M. D. , Tanelli S. , Suzuki K. , Yashiro H. , Miyamoto Y.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Multi-frequency radars offer enhanced detection of clouds and precipitation compared to single-frequency systems, and are able to make more accurate retrievals when several frequencies are available simultaneously. An evaluation of a spaceborne three-frequency Ku/Ka/W-band radar system is presented in this study, based on modeling radar reflectivities from the results of a global cloud-resolving model with a 875 m grid spacing. To produce the reflectivities, a scattering model has been developed for each of the hydrometeor types produced by the model, as well as for melting snow. The effects of attenuation and multiple scattering on the radar signal are modeled using a radiative transfer model, while nonuniform beam filling is reproduced with spatial averaging. The combined effects of these are then quantified both globally and in five localized case studies. Two different orbital scenarios using the same radar are compared. Overall, based on the results, it is expected that the proposed radar would detect a high-quality signal in most clouds and precipitation. The main exceptions are the thinnest clouds that are below the detection threshold of the W-band channel, and at the opposite end of the scale, heavy convective rainfall where a combination of attenuation, multiple scattering and nonuniform beam filling commonly cause significant deterioration of the signal; thus, while the latter can be generally detected, the quality of the retrievals is likely to be degraded.
Changes of the CO2 and CH4 production potential of rewetted fens in the perspective of temporal vegetation shifts
Authors: Zak D. , Reuter H. , Augustin J. , Shatwell T. , Barth M. , Gelbrecht J. , McInnes R. J.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Rewetting of long-term drained fens often results in the formation of eutrophic shallow lakes with an average water depth of less than 1 m. This is accompanied by a fast vegetation shift from cultivated grasses via submerged hydrophytes to helophytes. As a result of rapid plant dying and decomposition, these systems are highly dynamic wetlands characterised by a high mobilisation of nutrients and elevated emissions of CO2 and CH4. However, the impact of specific plant species on these phenomena is not clear. Therefore we investigated the CO2 and CH4 production due to the subaqueous decomposition of shoot biomass of five selected plant species which represent different rewetting stages (Phalaris arundinacea, Ceratophyllum demersum, Typha latifolia, Phragmites australis and Carex riparia) during a 154 day mesocosm study. Beside continuous gas flux measurements, we performed bulk chemical analysis of plant tissue, including carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and plant polymer dynamics. Plant-specific mass losses after 154 days ranged from 25% (P. australis) to 64% (C. demersum). Substantial differences were found for the CH4 production with highest values from decomposing C. demersum (0.4 g CH4 kg−1 dry mass day) that were about 70 times higher than CH4 production from C. riparia. Thus, we found a strong divergence between mass loss of the litter and methane production during decomposition. If C. demersum as a hydrophyte is included in the statistical analysis solely nutrient contents (nitrogen and phosphorus) explain varying greenhouse gas production of the different plant species while lignin and polyphenols demonstrate no significant impact at all. Taking data of annual biomass production as important carbon source for methanogens into account, high CH4 emissions can be expected to last several decades as long as inundated and nutrient-rich conditions prevail. Different restoration measures like water level control, biomass extraction and top soil removal are discussed in the context of mitigation of CH4 emissions from rewetted fens.
Probing the past 30 year phenology trend of US deciduous forests
Authors: Yue X. , Unger N. , Keenan T. F. , Zhang X. , Vogel C. S.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Phenology is experiencing dramatic changes over deciduous forests in the US. Estimates of trends in phenology on the continental scale are uncertain, however, with studies failing to agree on both the magnitude and spatial distribution of trends in spring and autumn. This is due to the sparsity of in situ records, uncertainties associated with remote sensing data, and the regional focus of many studies. It has been suggested that reported trends are a result of recent temperature changes, though multiple processes are thought to be involved and the nature of the temperature forcing remains unknown. To date, no study has directly attributed long-term phenological trends to individual forcings across the US through integrating observations with models. Here, we construct an extensive database of ground measurements of phenological events across the US, and use it to calibrate and evaluate a suite of phenology models. The models use variations of the accumulative temperature summation, with additional chilling requirements for spring phenology and photoperiod limitation for autumn. Including a chilling requirement or photoperiod limitation does not improve model performance, suggesting that temperature change, especially in spring and autumn, is the dominant driver of the observed trend during the past 3 decades. Our results show that phenological trends are not uniform over the contiguous US, with a significant advance of 0.34 day yr−1 for the spring budburst in the East, a delay of 0.15 day yr−1 for the autumn dormancy onset in the Northeast and West, but no evidence of change elsewhere. Relative to the 1980s, the growing season in the 2000s is extended by about 1 week (3–4%) in the East, New England, and the upper Rocky Mountains forests. These results help reconcile conflicting reports of phenological trends in the literature, and directly attribute observed trends to long-term changes in temperature.
New insights into the organic carbon export in the Mediterranean Sea from 3-D modeling
Authors: Guyennon A. , Baklouti M. , Diaz F. , Palmieri J. , Beuvier J. , Lebaupin-Brossier C. , Arsouze T. , Béranger K. , Dutay J.-C. , Moutin T.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. The Mediterranean Sea is one of the most oligotrophic regions of the oceans, and nutrients have been shown to limit both phytoplankton and bacterial activities. This has direct implications on the stock of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), whose high variability has already been well-documented even if measurements are still sparse and are associated with important uncertainties. We here propose a Mediterranean Basin-scale view of the export of organic carbon, under its dissolved and particulate forms. For this purpose, we have used a coupled model combining a mechanistic biogeochemical model (Eco3M-MED) and a high-resolution (eddy-resolving) hydrodynamic simulation (NEMO-MED12). This is the first Basin-scale application of the biogeochemical model Eco3M-MED and is shown to reproduce the main spatial and seasonal biogeochemical characteristics of the Mediterranean Sea. Model estimations of carbon export are of the same order of magnitude as estimations from in situ observations, and their respective spatial patterns are consistent with each other. As for surface chlorophyll, nutrient concentrations, and productivity, strong differences between the Western and Eastern Basins are evidenced by the model for organic carbon export, with only 39% of organic carbon (particulate and dissolved) export taking place in the Western Basin. The major result is that except for the Alboran Sea, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) contribution to organic carbon export is higher than that of particulate (POC) in the whole Basin, especially in the Eastern Basin. This paper also investigates the seasonality of DOC and POC exports as well as the differences in the processes involved in DOC and POC exports.
Normal-mode function representation of global 3-D data sets: open-access software for the atmospheric research community
Authors: Žagar N. , Kasahara A. , Terasaki K. , Tribbia J. , Tanaka H.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. This article presents new software for the analysis of global dynamical fields in (re)analyses, weather forecasts and climate models. A new diagnostic tool, developed within the MODES project, allows one to diagnose properties of balanced and inertio-gravity (IG) circulations across many scales. In particular, the IG spectrum, which has only recently become observable, can be studied simultaneously in the mass and wind fields while considering the whole model depth in contrast to the majority of studies. The paper includes the theory of normal-mode function (NMF) expansion, technical details of the Fortran 90 code, examples of namelists which control the software execution and outputs of the software application on the ERA Interim reanalysis data set. The applied libraries and default compiler are from the open-source domain. A limited understanding of Fortran suffices for the successful implementation of the software. The presented application of the software to the ERA Interim data set reveals several aspects of the large-scale circulation after it has been partitioned into the linearly balanced and IG components. The global energy distribution is dominated by the balanced energy while the IG modes contribute around 10% of the total wave energy. However, on sub-synoptic scales, IG energy dominates and it is associated with the main features of tropical variability on all scales. The presented energy distribution and features of the zonally averaged and equatorial circulation provide a reference for the validation of climate models.
Effects of snow ratio on annual runoff within the Budyko framework
Authors: Zhang D. , Cong Z. , Ni G. , Yang D. , Hu S.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. A warmer climate may lead to less precipitation falling as snow in cold seasons. Such a switch in the state of precipitation not only alters temporal distribution of intra-annual runoff but also tends to yield less total annual runoff. Long-term water balance for 282 catchments across China is investigated, showing that a decreasing snow ratio reduces annual runoff for a given total precipitation. Within the Budyko framework, we develop an equation to quantify the relationship between snow ratio and annual runoff from a water–energy balance viewpoint. Based on the proposed equation, attribution of runoff change during the past several decades and possible runoff change induced by projected snow ratio change using climate experiment outputs archived in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) are analyzed. Results indicate that annual runoff in northwestern mountainous and northern high-latitude areas are sensitive to snow ratio change. The proposed model is applicable to other catchments easily and quantitatively for analyzing the effects of possible change in snow ratio on available water resources and evaluating the vulnerability of catchments to climate change.
Hydrological drought types in cold climates: quantitative analysis of causing factors and qualitative survey of impacts
Authors: Van Loon A. F. , Ploum S. W. , Parajka J. , Fleig A. K. , Garnier E. , Laaha G. , Van Lanen H. A. J.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. For drought management and prediction, knowledge of causing factors and socio-economic impacts of hydrological droughts is crucial. Propagation of meteorological conditions in the hydrological cycle results in different hydrological drought types that require separate analysis. In addition to the existing hydrological drought typology, we here define two new drought types related to snow and ice. A snowmelt drought is a deficiency in the snowmelt discharge peak in spring in snow-influenced basins and a glaciermelt drought is a deficiency in the glaciermelt discharge peak in summer in glacierised basins. In 21 catchments in Austria and Norway we studied the meteorological conditions in the seasons preceding and at the time of snowmelt and glaciermelt drought events. Snowmelt droughts in Norway were mainly controlled by below-average winter precipitation, while in Austria both temperature and precipitation played a role. For glaciermelt droughts, the effect of below-average summer air temperature was dominant, both in Austria and Norway. Subsequently, we investigated the impacts of temperature-related drought types (i.e. snowmelt and glaciermelt drought, but also cold and warm snow season drought and rain-to-snow-season drought). In historical archives and drought databases for the US and Europe many impacts were found that can be attributed to these temperature-related hydrological drought types, mainly in the agriculture and electricity production (hydropower) sectors. However, drawing conclusions on the frequency of occurrence of different drought types from reported impacts is difficult, mainly because of reporting biases and the inevitably limited spatial and temporal scales of the information. Finally, this study shows that complete integration of quantitative analysis of causing factors and qualitative analysis of impacts of temperature-related droughts is not yet possible. Analysis of selected events, however, points out that it can be a promising research area if more data on drought impacts become available.
Uncertainty analysis for evaluating the accuracy of snow depth measurements
Authors: Lee J.-E. , Lee G. W. , Earle M. , Nitu R.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. A methodology for quantifying the accuracy of snow depth measurement are demonstrated in this study by using the equation of error propagation for the same type sensors and by compariong autimatic measurement with manual observation. Snow depth was measured at the Centre for Atmospheric Research Experiments (CARE) site of the Environment Canada (EC) during the 2013–2014 winter experiment. The snow depth measurement system at the CARE site was comprised of three bases. Three ultrasonic and one laser snow depth sensors and twelve snow stakes were placed on each base. Data from snow depth sensors are quality-controlled by range check and step test to eliminate erroneous data such as outliers and discontinuities. In comparison with manual observations, bias errors were calculated to show the spatial distribution of snow depth by considering snow depth measured from four snow stakes located on the easternmost side of the site as reference. The bias error of snow stakes on the west side of the site was largest. The uncertainty of all pairs of stakes and the average uncertainty for each base were 1.81 and 1.52 cm, respectively. The bias error and normalized bias removed root mean square error (NBRRMSE) for each snow depth sensor were calculated to quantify the systematic error and random error in comparison of snow depth sensors with manual observations that share the same snow depth target. The snow depth sensors on base 12A (11A) measured snow depth larger (less) than manual observation up to 10.8 cm (5.21 cm), and the NBRRMSEs ranged from 5.10 to 16.5%. Finally, the instrumental uncertainties of each snow depth sensor were calculated by comparing three sensors of the same type installed at the different bases. The instrumental uncertainties ranged from 0.62 to 3.08 cm.
Monitoring and prediction in early warning systems for rapid mass movements
Authors: Stähli M. , Sättele M. , Huggel C. , McArdell B. W. , Lehmann P. , Van Herwijnen A. , Berne A. , Schleiss M. , Ferrari A. , Kos A. , Or D. , Springman S. M.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Rapid mass movements (RMM) pose a substantial risk to people and infrastructure. Reliable and cost-efficient measures have to be taken to reduce this risk. One of these measures includes establishing and advancing the state of practice in the application of early warning systems (EWSs). EWSs have been developed during the past decades and are rapidly increasing. In this paper, we focus on the technical part of EWSs, i.e., the prediction and timely recognition of imminent hazards, as well as on monitoring slopes at risk and released mass movements. Recent innovations in assessing spatial precipitation, monitoring and precursors of the triggering and deformation of RMM offer new opportunities for next-generation EWSs. However, technical advancement can only be transferred into more reliable, operational EWSs with an adequate well-instructed dedicated staff. To this end, an intense dialog between scientists, engineers and those in charge of warning, as well as further experience with new comprehensive prototype systems jointly operated by scientists and practitioners, will be essential.
Estimation of insurance related losses resulting from coastal flooding in France
Authors: Naulin J. P. , Moncoulon D. , Le Roy S. , Pedreros R. , Idier D. , Oliveros C.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. A model has been developed in order to estimate insurance-related losses caused by coastal flooding in France. The deterministic part of the model aims at identifying the potentially flood-impacted sectors and the subsequent insured losses a few days after the occurrence of a storm surge event on any part of the French coast. This deterministic component is a combination of three models: a hazard model, a vulnerability model and a damage model. The first model uses the PREVIMER system to estimate the water level along the coast. A storage-cell flood model propagates these water levels over the land and thus determines the probable inundated areas. The vulnerability model, for its part, is derived from the insurance schedules and claims database; combining information such as risk type, class of business and insured values. The outcome of the vulnerability and hazard models are then combined with the damage model to estimate the event damage and potential insured losses. This system shows satisfactory results in the estimation of the magnitude of the known losses related to the flood caused by the Xynthia storm. However, it also appears very sensitive to the water height estimated during the flood period, conditioned by the junction between sea water levels and coastal topography for which the accuracy is still limited in the system.
Estimation of the total magnetization direction of approximately spherical bodies
Authors: Oliveira V. C. , Sales D. P. , Barbosa V. C. F. , Uieda L.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. We have developed a fast total-field anomaly inversion to estimate the magnetization direction of multiple sources with approximately spherical shapes and known centres. Our method is an overdetermined inverse problem that can be applied to interpret multiple sources with different but homogeneous magnetization directions. It requires neither the prior computation of any transformation-like reduction to the pole nor the use of regularly spaced data on a horizontal grid. The method contains flexibility to be implemented as a linear or non-linear inverse problem, which results, respectively, in a least-squares or robust estimate of the components of the magnetization vector of the sources. Applications to synthetic data show the robustness of our method against interfering anomalies and errors in the location of the sources' centre. Besides, we show the feasibility of applying the upward continuation to interpret non-spherical sources. Applications to field data over the Goiás alkaline province (GAP), Brazil, show the good performance of our method in estimating geologically meaningful magnetization directions. The results obtained for a region of the GAP, near to the alkaline complex of Diorama, suggest the presence of non-outcropping sources marked by strong remanent magnetization with inclination and declination close to −70.35 and −19.81°, respectively. This estimated magnetization direction leads to predominantly positive reduced-to-the-pole anomalies, even for other region of the GAP, in the alkaline complex of Montes Claros de Goiás. These results show that the non-outcropping sources near to the alkaline complex of Diorama have almost the same magnetization direction of those ones in the alkaline complex of Montes Claros de Goiás, strongly suggesting that these sources have been emplaced in the crust within almost the same geological time interval.
Unique case of disseminated toxoplasmosis and concurrent hepatic capillariasis in a ring-tailed lemur: first case description
Authors: Siskos N. , Lampe K. , Kaup F.-J. , Mätz-Rensing K.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. A unique co-infection with Toxoplasma gondii and Capillaria hepatica is reported in a semi-free-living ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta). In this case acute toxoplasmosis, characterised by severe necrotising inflammation in different organs, was the leading cause of death, whilst accompanying chronic capillariasis was regarded as a predisposing factor. A concise description of both disease manifestations is given.
Litter contribution to soil organic carbon in the processes of agriculture abandon
Authors: Novara A. , Rühl J. , La Mantia T. , Gristina L. , La Bella S. , Tuttolomondo T.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. The mechanisms of litter decomposition, translocation and stabilization into soil layers are fundamental processes in the functioning of the ecosystem, as they regulate the cycle of soil organic matter (SOM) and CO2 emission into the atmosphere. In this study the contribution of litters of different stages of Mediterranean secondary succession on carbon sequestration was investigated, analyzing the role of earthworms in the translocation of SOM into the soil profile. For this purpose the δ13C difference between meadow C4-C soil and C3-C litter was used in a field experiment. Four undisturbed litters of different stages of succession (45, 70, 100 and 120 since agriculture abandon) were collected and placed on the top of isolated C4 soil cores. The litter contribution to C stock was affected by plant species and it increased with the age of the stage of secondary succession. One year after the litter position, the soil organic carbon increased up to 40% in comparison to soils not treated with litter after 120 years of abandon. The new carbon derived from C3 litter was decomposed and transferred into soil profile thanks to earthworms and the leaching of dissolved organic carbon. After 1 year the carbon increase attributed to earthworm activity was 6 and 13% in the soils under litter of fields abandoned for 120 and 45 years, respectively.
Anterior Segment Morphologic Changes Related to α-1 Adrenergic Receptor Antagonists Use
Authors: Yuksel Nilay , Ozer Mediha Dilek , Takmaz Tamer , Ozen Umut , Metin Mustafa , Akcay Emine
Published: April 2015

Purpose

To investigate possible changes in anterior segment parameters with the Pentacam in patients taking tamsulosin or doxazosin for benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Methods

This prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted at Necip Fazil City Hospital, Kahramanmaras, Turkey. Patients included in the study were grouped as follows: 29 patients treated with tamsulosin (group 1), 27 patients treated with doxazosin (group 2), and 40 untreated controls (group 3). Right eyes of each patient were included in the study. All patients underwent examination with the Pentacam under standard dim light conditions and with undilated pupils. Anterior chamber depth (ACD), anterior chamber volume (ACV), anterior chamber angle (ACA) width, central corneal thickness (CCT), corneal volume (CV), and pupil diameter (PD) were recorded.

Results

Mean duration of treatments was 2.7 ± 1.2 (1–5) and 2.4 ± 0.9 (1–5) years in groups 1 and 2 (p = 0.276). The ACD, ACV, ACA width, and PD were statistically significantly decreased in groups 1 and 2 when compared to group 3 (p<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences among the groups in mean values of CCT and CV.

Conclusions

In this study, decreased ACD, ACV, ACA width, and PD values were detected in tamsulosin and doxazosin groups when compared to controls. These findings should be considered during anterior segment examinations and surgeries.
Epiretinal Membrane and Cystoid Macular Edema after Retinal Detachment Repair with Small-Gauge Pars Plana Vitrectomy
Authors: Banker Tanuj P. , Reilly Gayatri S. , Jalaj Sanjai , Weichel Eric D.
Published: April 2015

Purpose

To evaluate the incidence rates of cystoid macular edema (CME) and epiretinal membrane (ERM) formation after uncomplicated primary 23-G and 25-G retinal detachment (RD) repair and to identify risk factors associated with postoperative CME and ERM formation.

Methods

This was a consecutive interventional case series of 587 eyes that underwent one RD repair with 23-G or 25-G pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with scleral buckling. Epiretinal membrane and CME were confirmed by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fluorescein angiography (FA).

Results

A total of 587 eyes with a mean follow-up of 404 days had incidence rates of 35.1% for ERM and 15.2% for CME. The incidence of ERM after combined PPV and scleral buckling (48.4%) (n = 61) was greater (p<0.0001) compared to that after PPV alone (31.2%) (n = 144).

Conclusions

Epiretinal membrane and CME develop frequently after small-gauge RD repair. Pars plana vitrectomy combined with scleral buckling is associated with a higher incidence of ERM. Patients might benefit from increased use of OCT and FA to help rule out CME/ERM.
Effect of Intravitreal Bevacizumab on Retrobulbar Blood Flow of Patients with Diabetic Macular Edema
Authors: Örnek Nurgül , Inal Mikail , Erbahceci Inci Elif , Oğurel Tevfik , Örnek Kemal
Published: April 2015

Purpose

To determine the effect of intravitreal bevacizumab on retrobulbar blood flow of patients with diabetic macular edema.

Methods

Peak systolic velocity, end-diastolic velocity, resistance, and pulsatility indices of central retinal artery (CRA), nasal posterior ciliary artery (NPCA), temporal posterior ciliary artery (TPCA), and ophthalmic artery (OA) were assessed by color Doppler ultrasonography in injected and uninjected eyes of 37 patients at baseline and at day 1 and day 7 after the injection.

Results

At day 1 after the injection, peak systolic and end diastolic velocities of the CRA and NPCA in the injected eyes and peak systolic velocity of NPCA in the uninjected eyes decreased significantly (p<0.05, p = 0.025, respectively). Peak systolic and end diastolic velocities were not significantly different in the injected and uninjected eyes at day 7 after the injection (p>0.05). In the injected eyes, there was no significant change in resistance and pulsatility indices (p>0.05), but a decrease in resistance index of NPCA and resistance and pulsatility indices of TPCA occurred in uninjected eyes at day 7 after the injection (p = 0.016, p = 0.023, and p = 0.025, respectively).

Conclusions

Intravitreal bevacizumab affects retrobulbar blood flow in injected and uninjected eyes of patients with diabetic macular edema.
Arthroscopic Ligamentum Teres Reconstruction of the Hip in Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: A Case Study
Authors: Hammarstedt Jon E. , Redmond John M. , Gupta Asheesh , Domb Benjamin G.
Published: April 2015

Background

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a genetic disorder that affects the structural integrity of collagen within the body. This presents clinically as a connective tissue disorder with increased elasticity of joints, muscles, and ligaments. Multiple joints are affected by hypermobility and joint injury is common in these patients. It is estimated that EDS occurs once in every 5,000 births worldwide.

Case review

This article focuses on reconstruction of the ligamentum teres (LT) of the hip using a tibialis anterior allograft to treat severe instability and pain in a 43 year-old female with EDS. The LT reconstruction was accompanied by labral repair and capsular plication. The patient was assessed pre- and postoperatively using modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Hip Outcome Score Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADLS), Hip Outcome Score Sports Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS), Non Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and satisfaction. One year following surgery the patient has reported positive outcomes in terms of pain and instability.

Literature review

Ligament reconstruction has been reported in patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome for shoulders and knees with positive results and restoration of stability. Currently there is a paucity of literature regarding patients with EDS undergoing hip procedures. In addition, reconstruction of the ligamentum teres for hip instability and pain has rarely been reported in a normal patient cohort.

Clinical relevance

This is the first study to report ligamentum teres reconstruction of the hip in a patient with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and hip instability. The patient demonstrated satisfactory results 1 year from surgery.
The Immune Response to Crosslinked Tissue is Reduced in Decellularized Xenogeneic and Absent in Decellularized Allogeneic Heart Valves
Authors: Böer Ulrike , Schridde Ariane , Anssar Marcel , Klingenberg Melanie , Sarikouch Samir , Dellmann Ansgar , Harringer Wolfgang , Haverich Axel , Wilhelmi Mathias
Published: April 2015

Background

The degeneration and failure of xenogeneic heart valves, such as the Matrix P Plus valve (MP-V) consisting of decellularized porcine valves (dec-pV) and equine glutaraldehyde-fixed conduits (ga-eC) have been linked to tissue immunogenicity accompanied by antibody formation. In contrast, decellularized allograft valves (dec-aV) are well-tolerated. Here, we determined tissue-specific antibody levels in patients after implantation of MP-V or dec-aV and related them to valve failure or time period after implantation.

Methods and Results

Specific antibodies toward whole tissue-homogenates or alphaGal were determined retrospectively by ELISA analyses from patients who received MP-V with an uneventful course of 56.1 ± 5.1 months (n = 15), or with valve failure after 25.3 ± 14.6 months (n = 3), dec-aV for various times from 4 to 46 months (n = 14, uneventful) and from healthy controls (n = 4). All explanted valves were assessed histopathologically. MP-V induced antibodies toward both tissue components with significantly higher levels toward ga-eC than toward dec-pV (68.7 and 26.65 μg/ml IgG). In patients with valve failure, levels were not significantly higher and were related to inflammatory tissue infiltration. Anti-Gal antibodies in MP-V patients were significantly increased in both, the uneventful and the failure group. In contrast, in dec-aV patients only a slight tissue-specific antibody formation was observed after 4 months (6.24 μg/ml) that normalized to control levels after 1 year.

Conclusions

The strong humoral immune response to glutaraldehyde-fixed tissues is reduced in decellularized xenogeneic valves and almost absent in decellularized allogeneic tissue up to 4.5 years after implantation.
Associated Risk Factors for Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Etiologies in 241 Patients
Authors: Xing Xuexue , Lu Jing , Wang Zheng
Published: April 2015

Background

Apart from the well-known etiologies, there are still a high proportion of patients with chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu), which has rarely been reported on. In this study, we explored the potential associated risk factors for CKDu and identified those that occur in childhood.

Methods

700 patients with CKD we were selected randomly from 4 hospitals in Chengdu and 241 were screened for CKDu. The following clinical information was analyzed: demographic data, life style, personal and family history, nephrotoxic drugs, exposure to poison, allergies, and recurrent respiratory infections in childhood.

Results

Among 700 CKD patients, 34.43% (241/700) were CKDu. Of the 241 patients, there were 67.63% (163/241) with at least 1 associated risk factor and 56.44% (92/163) with more than 1. Patients with a personal history of an associated risk factor represented the largest proportion (31.95%, 77/241), while 28.63% (69/241) of the CKDu patients had risk factors appearing in childhood. Logistic regression analysis supported the results.

Conclusions

The study demonstrated that most so-called CKDu patients do have an identifiable etiology, and that several associated risk factors contribute to it. Of all the risk factors, age >60 years, nephrotoxic drugs, exposure to poison, and alcohol consumption were the independent significant factors for CKDu. Furthermore, many risk factors that caused kidney injury started in childhood.
Correlation of miRNA Expression Profiling in Surgical Pathology Materials, with Ki-67, HER2, ER and PR in Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Sakurai Minako , Masuda Mariko , Miki Yasuhiro , Hirakawa Hisashi , Suzuki Takashi , Sasano Hironobu
Published: April 2015

Background

New molecular markers related to prognosis and/or clinical outcome have been extensively studied in breast cancer. In particular, microRNA (miRNA) has attracted the interest of both basic and clinical investigators as one of the promising molecular markers of breast cancer patients. MiRNAs are a class of short noncoding RNAs that regulate mRNAs at posttranscriptional level and are deregulated in various human malignancies. Previous studies have reported that miRNAs were stably conserved in 10% formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues without significant degradation, in contrast to more fragile RNA.

Methods

Therefore, in this study, we examined 21 surgical breast cancer specimens using the Human Cancer microRNA PCR Array system (QIAGEN) to explore potential molecular targets of miRNAs.

Results

Profiling of miRNA expression in archival materials demonstrated that a group of deregulated miRNAs was associated with clinicopathological parameters of the patients, such as Ki-67, HER2, ER and PR. For instance, an abundant expression of multiple let-7 miRNA family, also known as tumor suppressor, was detected in low Ki-67 and HER2 groups. Elevated expression of 8 miRNAs overlapped between Ki-67+/HER2+/ER+/PR+ groups, including several known oncogenic miRNAs such as miR-148b, miR-15b, miR-200c, miR-150, miR-191, miR-96, miR-25 and miR-21.

Conclusions

These results all indicated that when analyzing miRNAs in surgical pathology specimens of breast cancer as a biomarker, they should be examined as a cluster through miRNA profiling, rather than relying on the analysis of a single miRNA.
Hemodialysis Catheter-related Infection: Prophylaxis, Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Böhlke Maristela , Uliano Gustavo , Barcellos Franklin C.
Published: April 2015

Purpose

Infectious complications associated with central venous catheters (CVCs) are a major source of morbidity and mortality among hemodialysis (HD) patients. This review aims to discuss prevention, diagnosis criteria and management of CVC-related infections in HD patients.

Methods

We searched Medline for articles published in the last 10 years, with the keywords “catheter,” “hemodialysis,” “infection,” “treatment,” “diagnosis,” “prophylaxis” and “adults.” Only English language articles were reviewed. We reviewed prophylaxis and surveillance protocols, diagnosis criteria, including new molecular tools, and the management of catheter-related infections, including antibiotic regimen, empiric and according to causal agents, lock therapy, catheter salvage or removal choice and treatment of complications.

Results

To prevent infectious complications, first of all we need to avoid using catheters. If we need CVC, adoption of prophylaxis and surveillance protocols, and antibiotic ointment at the exit site reduce infectious complications. The diagnosis of CVC-related infections should be made with drainage and/or blood cultures. Empiric systemic antibiotics should cover Gram-positive and -negative microorganisms, and final regimen should be based on culture results. In selected cases, salvage of site, by CVC exchange over wire, or salvage of catheter, using antibiotic lock, under the cover of systemic antibiotics, could be attempted.

Conclusions

The best approach to prevent CVC-related infection would be to avoid the use of CVC. However, in patients for whom it is impossible, the adoption of adequate prophylaxis protocols, early diagnosis and effective treatment of infectious complications are essential to improve outcomes.
Hyponatremia in Cancer Patients
Authors: Platania Marco , Verzoni Elena , Vitali Milena
Published: April 2015

Hyponatremia is the most frequent electrolyte disorder in hospitalized patients but also a well-known poor prognostic factor in cancer patients. The syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) is often misdiagnosed by oncologists because of difficulties in the interpretation of laboratory tests. The etiology of hyponatremia is heterogeneous, but the predominant cause is an imbalance between excessive presence of water and serum sodium deficiency. Ectopic production of arginine vasopressin develops most frequently in small cell lung cancer, but also occurs in other malignancies. Neurological impairment may range from subclinical to life-threatening symptoms depending on the rate of serum sodium deficiency. Accurate diagnosis is essential to establish the appropriate therapy. When hyponatremia is caused by SIADH, hypertonic saline infusion is indicated for acute presentations whereas fluid restriction is preferred in cases of an asymptomatic chronic evolution. Other options include vasopressin receptor antagonists (“vaptans”) targeted specifically to the correction of euvolemic hyponatremia. The aim of this brief report is to provide concise and specific information for the management of SIADH in clinical practice in oncology.
Outcomes of Patients with Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Esophagus who did not receive Surgical Resection after Neoadjuvant Radiochemotherapy
Authors: Fakhrian Khashayar , Ordu Arif Deniz , Nieder Carsten , Lordick Florian , Kup Philipp Günther , Theisen Jörg , Combs Stephanie E. , Geinitz Hans
Published: April 2015

Aims and Background

The primary objective was to assess the different reasons for refusal of surgical resection (SR) in patients with esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC), who were initially planned for neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy (N-RCT) + SR, but SR was not performed after N-RCT.

Methods and Study Design

From 1988 to 2011, 311 patients with ESCC were treated with N-RCT in a tertiary referral center for esophageal diseases. Fifty-three patients were analyzed who received RCT with 40–45 Gy and concomitant chemotherapy in neoadjuvant intention, but in whom the treatment was stopped or switched to definitive RCT due to progression, patient decision, or new findings.

Results

The reasons for refusal of SR for these 53 patients were as follows: ( 1 ) patients' or physicians' preference for the planned treatment was changed during the N-RCT, such that RCT was continued to a curative dose without a break (group 1, n = 23, 44%); ( 2 ) patients were restaged after 4 weeks, and the tumor board decided to continue RCT because RO resection was unlikely and/or patients were medically unfit (group 2, n = 15, 28%); ( 3 ) patients refused continuation of any treatment (group 3, n = 15, 28%). Refusal of SR was significantly more likely in patients with longitudinal tumor dimension >8 cm and those with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status score of 2. Median follow-up time from the start of N-RCT was 57 months (range 1–137 months). The survival rates at 2 and 5 years were 36 ± 7% and 27 ± 7%, respectively. Group 1 had significantly longer survival.

Conclusions

The planned N-RCT+SR could not be completed in a considerable number of patients in a tertiary referral center. More strict selection criteria for multimodality treatment including SR could spare some of these patients an incomplete treatment and probably lead to increased utilization of definitive RCT.