bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On the Near-Inertial Resonance of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation
Authors: Sévellec Florian , Hirschi Joël J.-M. , Blaker Adam T. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractThe Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) is a crucial component of the global climate system. It is responsible for around a quarter of the global northward heat transport and contributes to the mild European climate. Observations and numerical models suggest a wide range of AMOC variability. Recent results from an ocean general circulation model (OGCM) in a high-resolution configuration (¼°) suggest the existence of superinertial variability of the AMOC. In this study, the validity of this result in a theoretical framework is tested. At a low Rossby number and in the presence of Rayleigh friction, it is demonstrated that, unlike a typical forced damped oscillator (which shows subinertial resonance), the AMOC undergoes both super- and subinertial resonances (except at low latitudes and for high friction). A dimensionless number Sr, measuring the ratio of ageo- to geostrophic forcing (i.e., the zonal versus meridional pressure gradients), indicates which of these resonances dominates. If Sr ≪ 1, the AMOC variability is mainly driven by geostrophic forcing and shows subinertial resonance. Alternatively and consistent with the recently published ¼° OGCM experiments, if Sr ≫ 1, the AMOC variability is mainly driven by the ageostrophic forcing and shows superinertial resonance. In both regimes, a forcing of ±1 K induces an AMOC variability of ±10 Sv (1 Sv ≡ 106 m3 s−1) through these near-inertial resonance phenomena. It is also shown that, as expected from numerical simulations, the spatial structure of the near-inertial AMOC variability corresponds to equatorward-propagating waves equivalent to baroclinic Poincaré waves. The long-time average of this resonance phenomenon, raising and depressing the pycnocline, could contribute to the mixing of the ocean stratification.
Vacuum-assisted closure system in treatment of postoperative mediastinitis
Authors: Elawadi Mohamed Ahmed , Oueida Farouk 
Published: September 2013

Objectives Post-cardiac surgery mediastinitis is a serious complication with high morbidity and high financial costs. Using a vacuum-assisted closure system is the established line of treatment for mediastinitis, which improves outcome, especially in the high-risk group of patients. Methods From January 2007 to April 2011, a retrospective study was carried out to evaluate the outcome of vacuum-assisted closure in the treatment of postoperative mediastinitis. Results There were 34 patients; 27 were male and 7 female. Mean time from infection to vacuum-assisted closure was 3.34 ± 1.10 days. The duration of vacuum-assisted closure was 6.51 ± 1.85 days (3-9 days). The mean amount of discharge was 759.60 ± 175.28 mL (range, 354–990 mL). Of the 34 patients, 21 (61.76%) had direct surgical wound closure and 13 (41.16%) had re-wiring. Two patients had bilateral pectoral flaps. One patient had chronic fistula formation, and one had a tear in the right ventricle. Mean hospital stay was 11.28 ± 2.09 days (range, 6–16 days). Conclusion Vacuum-assisted closure therapy is a safe, reliable, and cost-effective modality of treatment for postoperative mediastinitis. It improves the outcome and can be combined with other modalities of conventional treatment, especially in high-risk groups such as the elderly or patients with diabetes.
The effectiveness of 3T time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography for follow-up evaluations after the stent-assisted coil embolization of cerebral aneurysms
Authors: Cho Won-Sang , Kim Sam Soo , Lee Seung Jin , Kim Sung Hun 
Published: September 2013

Background Artifacts introduced by stents limit the value of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging as a follow-up modality after the stent-assisted coil embolization of cerebral aneurysms. Purpose To investigate the usefulness of 3 Tesla (3T) time-of-flight (TOF) MR angiography (MRA) for the follow-up evaluation. Material and Methods Twenty-two aneurysms of 20 patients treated with stent-assisted coil embolization were followed up with 3T TOF MRA and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) with three-dimensional rotational angiography (3DRA). The status of coiled aneurysms was compared with 3T TOF MRA and DSA with 3DRA in terms of complete occlusion, residual neck, and residual aneurysm. TOF MRA at 3T was performed 1 day before DSA with 3DRA, with a mean follow-up period of 20.1 ± 10.8 months. Results Twenty (90.9%) of 22 cases were concordant between the two modalities. The degree of agreement and correlation between them were high (κ = 0.771, P < 0.001; r = 0.832 and P < 0.001). When evaluating the status of residual neck, the sensitivity was 80% (4/5 cases); specificity was not available because there were no cases of complete occlusion. For the status of residual aneurysm, the sensitivity and specificity were 94.1% (16/17 cases) and 100% (all 5 cases), respectively. Conclusion TOF MRA at 3T with source images could be useful as a non-invasive follow-up modality after the stent-assisted coil embolization of cerebral aneurysms. Further study with a larger patient sample is needed to confirm the effectiveness of 3T TOF MRA.
Comparison of Heidelberg retina tomography, optical coherence tomography and Humphrey visual field in early glaucoma diagnosis
Authors: Wang Hong , Tao Yuan , Sun Xiao-Ling , Zhuang Kang 
Published: September 2013

Objective To determine the value of optic disc parameters and perimetric defects in the early diagnosis of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Methods Optic disc parameters and perimetry were compared among patients in the early stage of POAG, patients with suspected POAG and healthy control subjects, using Heidelberg retina tomography (HRT-II), optical coherence tomography (OCT) and a Humphrey 750 i automatic field analyser, in order to determine whether these parameters could be used for early POAG diagnosis. Results A total of 55 participants were enrolled in the study. Significant differences in the optic disc parameter and perimetry values were observed between the three groups. HRT-II parameters showed good correlation with OCT parameters. The majority of the HRT-II and OCT parameters showed a good correlation with perimetry values. Conclusions HRT-II and OCT optic disc parameters both reflect morphological changes of the optic disc. These current findings suggest that they can both detect glaucomatous optic neuropathy earlier than a white-on-white perimetry examination. In addition, OCT can detect optic disc parameter changes that cannot be detected by HRT-II.
Multiple renal arteries with renal cell carcinoma: Preoperative evaluation using computed tomography angiography prior to laparoscopic nephrectomy
Authors: Guan Wen-Hua , Han Yan , Zhang Xuan , Chen Dian-Shen , Gao Zhong-Wei , Feng Xiao-Shan 
Published: September 2013

Objective To investigate anatomical variations in the renal arteries of patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) using computed tomography angiography (CTA). Methods Patients diagnosed with RCC were evaluated using CTA prior to undergoing laparoscopic nephrectomy. Any anatomical variations of the renal arteries on the side affected by the RCC were recorded. The CTA results were compared with the observations made during surgery and those produced by conventional digital subtraction angiography. Results A total of 107 patients with RCC were enrolled in the study. Multiple renal arteries were found in 11 patients (10.3%). Accessory renal inferior polar arteries were the most common type of multiple renal arteries. Multiple renal arteries acting as the feeding arteries to the RCC were found in five patients (4.7%). Conclusion CTA can be used as part of the preoperative evaluation prior to laparoscopic nephrectomy to provide anatomical information about the presence of multiple renal arteries in the affected kidney of patients with RCC. This could help with planning the surgery and reducing surgical complications.
Ipsilateral Versus Contralateral Hamstring Grafts in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: McRae Sheila , Leiter Jeff , McCormack Robert , Old Jason , MacDonald Peter 
Published: September 2013

Background: Benefits of graft harvest from the side contralateral to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)–deficient leg have been identified when using bone–patellar tendon–bone autografts in ACL reconstruction (ACLR). As hamstring tendon autografts are becoming more commonly used, a study examining the effect of contralateral graft harvest of semitendinosus gracilis (STG) tendons on patient quality of life was conducted. Purpose: To evaluate if ACLR using a hamstring tendon autograft results in better patient quality of life if the graft is harvested from the leg contralateral to the ACL rupture compared with the ipsilateral leg. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: A total of 100 participants between 16 and 50 years of age with a complete ACL tear were randomly assigned to undergo ACLR using either the ipsilateral or contralateral leg as the STG graft donor. Primary outcome measures were the ACL Quality of Life questionnaire (ACL-QOL), concentric knee flexion and extension strength at 60 and 240 deg/s, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) knee assessment form, early postoperative pain and diary of analgesic use, and rate of reruptures. Outcome measures were evaluated before surgery and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. Results: The ACL-QOL score improved over time for both groups ( P < .001), and there were no significant differences between groups at any time point ( P = .528). Significant differences in knee flexion and extension strength were found at 3 months after surgery. There were no differences between groups in IKDC knee assessment scores or rerupture rates. Conclusion: There does not appear to be any measurable benefit or drawback in quality of life to the use of an STG graft from the unaffected limb. In light of this finding, further research to examine other possible effects on agility and balance as well as time and ability to return to sport should be conducted. Longer term follow-up beyond 2 years would allow for a more thorough evaluation of the risk of reruptures or contralateral reruptures using this novel approach.
The incidence, diagnostic clinical manifestations and severity of juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus in New Zealand Maori and Pacific Island children: The Starship experience (2000−2010)
Authors: Concannon A , Rudge S , Yan J , Reed P 
Published: September 2013

Objectives To describe the incidence, diagnostic clinical manifestations and severity of juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (jSLE) in a cohort of New Zealand Maori and Pacific Island children compared to European children. Methods A chart review was conducted of children with jSLE seen by the Starship paediatric rheumatology and/or renal services between January 2000 and November 2010. Diagnostic clinical data and lupus nephritis data at anytime were collated while classic British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG) and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) scores were derived retrospectively. Results Thirty-two children were diagnosed with jSLE with an annual incidence of 0.52 per 100,000 per year. Compared with European children (0.31 per 100,000 per year) the incidence of jSLE was higher among Maori and Pacific (0.67 per 100,000 per year, p = 0.06) and significantly higher among Asian children (1.17 per 100,000 per year, p = 0.01). Compared with European children, Maori and Pacific children were more frequently diagnosed with lupus nephritis (80% vs 40%, p = 0.09) and severe (WHO class 4 or 5) renal lesions (60% vs 40%, p = 0.43) at presentation. Similarly, at any time during the study, lupus nephritis (100% vs 40%, p = 0.001) and severe (WHO class 4 or 5) renal lesions (73.3% vs 40%, p = 0.12) were more frequent among Maori and Pacific compared with European children. Furthermore, retrospective BILAG assessment of diagnostic disease severity demonstrated that Maori and Pacific children experienced the majority of severe “Category A” disease (56.8% vs 22.7%, p = 0.17) which was predominantly renal (73.3% vs 40%, p = 0.12) in nature. Conclusions This is the first description of the incidence and clinical manifestations of jSLE in a cohort of New Zealand children. Although limited by the small numbers involved it confirmed anecdotal suspicions that the incidence of jSLE among Maori, Pacific and Asian children is higher than European children. Lupus nephritis is also more frequent and severe in Maori and Pacific children.
Esomeprazole in the Australian courts: The acid test
Authors: Condon Wayne 
Published: September 2013

A number of decisions have already been handed down this year by the Australian Federal Court in a series of pharmaceutical patent challenges. The most recent of them is the decision in the esomeprazole case. At issue was the validity and infringement of three patents: the so-called purity patent claiming an optically pure salt of the (−)- enantiomer of omeprazole, including the magnesium salt; the so-called multiple unit tableted dosage form patent claiming, amongst other things, omeprazole or one of its single enantiomers or an alkaline salt thereof in a tablet form with defined characteristics; and the so-called 774 patent claiming an oral pharmaceutical dosage form comprising, amongst other things, a proton pump inhibitor including omeprazole or the (−)- enantiomer of omeprazole. This case is another example of the Federal Court complying with the parties’ express desire for a prompt delivery of reasons for judgement. After a hearing of some weeks, which concluded on 28 March 2013, there were final written submissions filed on 12 April 2013. The parties (and in particular Ranbaxy) requested a determination preferably by no later than 23 April 2013. That gave Justice Middleton just under one month from the conclusion of the hearing and only 10 days after the final written submissions to deliver a judgement with respect to the validity of three separate patents, each of which was attacked on numerous bases including lack of novelty, a lack of inventive step and manner of manufacture. His Honour’s judgement extends to 1017 separate paragraphs over 148 pages. Although the decision does not traverse any astoundingly new ground or offer any particularly insightful new approach to the conventional validity attacks that were mounted, some general observations may be of interest.
Low vitamin D level is an independent predictor of poor outcomes in Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea
Authors: Wang Wallace J. , Gray Sondra , Sison Cristina , Arramraju Sushma , John Bijo K. , Hussain Syed A. , Kim Sang H. , Mehta Preeti , Rubin Moshe 
Published: September 2013

Background: The incidence, recurrence, and all-cause mortality rate for Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) has increased markedly over the past 10 years despite treatment. Low vitamin D levels are known to impair immune responses to infection and are associated with increased mortality. We compared the role of patient comorbidity measured by the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) with vitamin D levels to ascertain whether vitamin D levels were an independent variable affecting the outcome of CDAD or a marker of overall comorbidity. Methods: A prospective cohort study studied 62 patients hospitalized between 2008 and 2009 with manifestations of CDAD and a positive C. difficile toxin assay. All patients received standard antibiotics (metronidazole and/or vancomycin). Their status at 30-day follow up was classified as resolved or recurred/expired. Patients’ CCI was calculated using their medical history. Logistic regression analysis of variables including 25-hydroxyvitamin D, CCI, age, gender, white blood cell count (WBC), albumin and residence type were performed. Results: There were 62 patients (43.6% men, 56.4% women) with CDAD; mean age was 75 ± 17 years. At 30-day follow up, 28 (45.2%) expired, 10 (16.1%) had persistent or recurrent diarrhea and 24 (38.7%) resolved. Nonresolution was seen in 38 (61.3%). There was no significant association between 30-day resolution status and CCI, gender, WBC, albumin level or residence type. Two variables were found to be independent predictors of resolution of CDAD: normal vitamin D levels ( p = 0.028) and age <70 years ( p = 0.024). Subjects with low vitamin D were 4.75 times more likely to fail to resolve CDAD than subjects with normal Vitamin D. Conclusion: In this study, vitamin D level and age are independent predictors of CDAD resolution in hospitalized patients. Low vitamin D levels and age >70 years old are associated with increased likelihood of recurrence. Low vitamin D levels are not a marker of comorbidity or advanced age.
A pilot study of the efficacy and safety of empiric daptomycin therapy in oncology patients with fever and severe neutropenia
Authors: Bubalo Joseph S. , Kullar Ravina , Maziarz Richard T. 
Published: September 2013

Objectives: Patients with extended periods of time spent with low or absent absolute neutrophil counts (ANCs) are at risk for bacterial infections. Febrile neutropenia is a complication in this patient population, requiring administration of antibiotics. The use of daptomycin in treating patients with febrile neutropenia is not well described. Our objective was to describe the clinical course of febrile neutropenic patients that received daptomycin therapy. Methods: This was an open-labeled, pilot study of 30 patients with documented febrile neutropenia treated with empiric daptomycin. Eligible patients received daptomycin 6 mg/kg/day, in addition to concomitant broad-spectrum antimicrobials. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to estimate the median days to reach an afebrile state and negative bacterial cultures. Results: A total of 30 febrile neutropenic patients were enrolled and received daptomycin as part of an empiric antimicrobial regimen. All patients had severe neutropenia with ANC <100 cells/mm3. Two patients were removed from study due to the development of pneumonia. Clinically, 87% patients improved on daptomycin in combination with Gram-negative coverage, with 73% of patients succeeding therapy. A total of 18 of 19 (95%) subjects with positive blood cultures had microbiological eradication, with the median time to reach an afebrile state of 4.3 days (range 1–13). Four patients were discontinued from daptomycin due to a suspected related adverse event or to clinical failure. Conclusions: This pilot study supports future evaluation of the use of empiric daptomycin therapy in combination with Gram-negative coverage compared with vancomycin in patients with neutropenic fever in a large, randomized controlled trial.
Transcriptional regulation of the Ikzf1 locus
Authors: Yoshida Toshimi , Landhuis Esther , Dose Marei , Hazan Idit , Zhang Jiangwen , Naito Taku , Jackson Audrey F. , Wu Jeffrey , Perotti Elizabeth A. , Kaufmann Christoph , Gounari Fotini , Morgan Bruce A. , Georgopoulos Katia 
Published: September 2013

Key Points
Multiple enhancers identified at the Ikzf1 locus with shared and distinct epigenetic and transcriptional properties. Transcription factor networks that distinguish between LMPP-specific and T cell–specific Ikzf1 enhancers.
Noninvasive ventilation in the management of acute hypercapnic respiratory failure
Authors: Dwarakanath Akshay , Elliott Mark W. 
Published: September 2013

Educational aimsTo discuss the role of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) in the management of acute hypercapnic respiratory failure in various conditions.To discuss the common problems encountered during NIV.To provide practical considerations for setting up and delivering an optimal NIV service.SummaryNoninvasive ventilation (NIV) is considered the standard of care in the management of acute hypercapnic respiratory failure secondary to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It can be delivered safely in any dedicated setting ranging from emergency and medical admissions departments to high-dependency and intensive care units. It reduces the demand for invasive mechanical ventilation, decreases in-hospital mortality and shortens hospital stay. The way the NIV service is delivered will depend on the model of hospital care and this varies greatly from country to country. Adequately trained staff and appropriate monitoring facilities, available around the clock, are important. A successful outcome is dependent on good patient selection and the correct implementation of NIV.
Pathway-PDT: a flexible pathway analysis tool for nuclear families
Authors: Park Yo Son , Schmidt Michael , Martin Eden R , Pericak-Vance Margaret A , Chung Ren-Hua 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
Pathway analysis based on Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) data has become popular as a secondary analysis strategy. Although many pathway analysis tools have been developed for case-control studies, there is no tool that can use all information from raw genotypes in general nuclear families. We developed Pathway-PDT, which uses the framework of Pedigree Disequilibrium Test (PDT) for general family data, to perform pathway analysis based on raw genotypes in family-based GWAS.

Results
Simulation results showed that Pathway-PDT is more powerful than the p-value based method, ALIGATOR. Pathway-PDT also can be more powerful than the PLINK set-based test when analyzing general nuclear families with multiple siblings or missing parents. Additionally, Pathway-PDT has a flexible and convenient user interface, which allows users to modify their analysis parameters as well as to apply various types of gene and pathway definitions.

Conclusions
The Pathway-PDT method is implemented in C++ with POSIX threads and is computationally feasible for pathway analysis with large scale family GWAS datasets. The Windows binary along with Makefile and source codes for the Linux are available at https://sourceforge.net/projects/pathway-pdt/.
Human amniotic fluid stem cells have a potential to recover ovarian function in mice with chemotherapy-induced sterility
Authors: Lai Dongmei , Wang Fangyuan , Chen Yifei , Wang Li , Wang Yanlin , Cheng Weiwei 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
Background
Human amniotic fluid cells (hAFCs) may differentiate into multiple cell lineages and thus have a great potential to become a donor cell source for regenerative medicine. The ability of hAFCs to differentiate into germ cell and oocyte-like cells has been previously documented. Herein we report the potential use of hAFCs to help restore follicles in clinical condition involving premature ovarian failure.

Results
Human amniotic fluid was obtained via amniocentesis, yielding a subpopulation of cloned hAFCs that was able to form embryoid bodies (EBs) and differentiate into three embryonic germ layers. Moreover, culture of EBs in medium containing human follicular fluid (HFF) or a germ cell maturation factor cocktail (FAC), expressed germ cells markers such as BLIMP1, STELLA, DAZL, VASA, STRA8, SCP3, SCP1, and GDF9. Furthermore, one cell line was grown from clone cells transfected with lentivirus-GFP and displaying morphological characteristics of mesenchymal cells, had the ability to restore ovarian morphology following cell injection into the ovaries of mice sterilized by intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide and busulphan. Restored ovaries displayed many follicle-enclosed oocytes at all stages of development, but no oocytes or follicles were observed in sterilized mice whose ovaries had been injected with medium only (control). Notably, identification of GFP-labeled cells and immunostaining with anti–human antigen-specific antibodies demonstrated that grafted hAFCs survived and differentiated into granulosa cells which directed oocyte maturation. Furthermore, labeling of ovarian tissue for anti-Müllerian hormone expression, a functional marker of folliculogenesis, was strong in hAFCs-transplanted ovaries but inexistent in negative controls.

Conclusion
These findings highlight the possibility of using human amniotic fluid-derived stem cells in regenerative medicine, in particular in the area of reproductive health.