A dataset of direct observations of sea ice drift and waves in ice.

Variability in sea ice conditions, combined with strong couplings to the atmosphere and the ocean, lead to a broad range of complex sea ice dynamics. More in-situ measurements are needed to better identify the phenomena and mechanisms that govern sea ice growth, drift, and breakup. To this end, we have gathered a dataset of in-situ observations of sea ice drift and waves in ice. A total of 15 deployments were performed over a period of 5 years in both the Arctic and Antarctic, involving 72 instruments. These provide both GPS drift tracks, and measurements of waves in ice. The data can, in turn, be used for tuning sea ice drift models, investigating waves damping by sea ice, and helping calibrate other sea ice measurement techniques, such as satellite based observations.

MicroRNA expression in Sezary syndrome: identification, function, and diagnostic potential.

MicroRNAs are commonly aberrantly expressed in many cancers. Very little is known of their role in T-cell lymphoma, however. We therefore elucidated the complete miRNome of purified T cells from 21 patients diagnosed with Sézary Syndrome (SzS), a rare aggressive primary cutaneous T-cell (CD4(+)) lymphoma. Unsupervised cluster analysis of microarray data revealed that the microRNA expression profile was distinct from CD4(+) T-cell controls and B-cell lymphomas. The majority (104 of 114) of SzS-associated microRNAs (P < .05) were down-regulated and their expression pattern was largely consistent with previously reported genomic copy number abnormalities and were found to be highly enriched (P < .001) for aberrantly expressed target genes. Levels of miR-223 distinguished SzS samples (n = 32) from healthy controls (n = 19) and patients with mycosis fungoides (n = 11) in more than 90% of samples. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the down-regulation of intronically encoded miR-342 plays a role in the pathogenesis of SzS by inhibiting apoptosis, and describe a novel mechanism of regulation for this microRNA via binding of miR-199a* to its host gene. We also provide the first in vivo evidence for down-regulation of the miR-17-92 cluster in malignancy and demonstrate that ectopic miR-17-5p expression increases apoptosis and decreases cell proliferation in SzS cells.

A comprehensive classification of mandibular fractures: a preliminary agreement validation study.

This study evaluates a comprehensive classification system for mandibular fractures based on imaging analysis. The AO/ASIF scheme, defining three fracture types (A, B, C), three groups within each type (e.g. A1, A2, A3) and three subgroups within each group (e.g. A1.1, A1.2, A1.3) with increasing severity from A1.1 (lowest) to C3.3 (highest) was used. The mandible is divided into two vertical units (I and V), two lateral horizontal units (II and IV) and one central unit (III) comprising the symphyseal and parasymphyseal region. Type A fractures are non-displaced, type B are displaced and type C are multifragmentary/defect injuries. Groups and subgroups are further defined in the classification system. Two classification sessions using semi-automatic software with 7 and 9 surgeons were performed to evaluate 100 fracture cases in the first session and 50 in the second. Inter-observer reliability and individual rater's accuracy were evaluated by kappa coefficient and latent class analysis, respectively. The analysis of inter-observer agreement for the detailed coding showed kappa coefficients around 0.50 with higher agreement among raters in the vertical units. This system allows standardization of documentation of mandibular fractures, although improvement in the definition of categories and their application is required.

Reconstruction of orbital wall defects: critical review of 72 patients.

Between January 1996 and December 2001, 72 out of 354 patients were included in a retrospective study analysing the outcome of repaired orbital wall defects. Selection was dependent on the availability of pre and postoperative CT scans and on ophthalmologic examination. In particular, orthoptical assessment was performed up to 1 year after operation. In 72 patients, 83 orbital wall defects were analysed and allocated to one of five categories. Accuracy and type of reconstruction were assessed in unilateral orbital wall defects (n=61) and compared with functional outcome. Reconstruction was performed by using PDS membrane (39%), calvarian bone (13%), titanium mesh (7%) or a combination of these materials (37%). Postoperatively, 91% of the patients had normal vision without double images within 20 degrees at every gaze. Accuracy of reconstruction correlated with severity of orbital injury and functional outcome. Functional outcome between category II and III fractures showed no significant difference. The medial margin of the lateral infraorbital fissure being preserved (category II fracture) facilitates reconstruction technically. Accuracy of orbital reconstruction is one important factor to obtain best functional outcome, but other determinants like displacement and/or atrophy of intramuscular cone fat should be considered.

Ultrafast relaxation in picosecond photolysis of nitrosylhemoglobin.

We report the successful observation of a picosecond transient difference spectrum in human nitrosylhemoglobin. The sample (23 degrees C) is excited with an approximately 8 ps, approximately 10 microJ pulse at 353 nm that generates a prompt transient having a two-component decay: the first is approximately exponential with tau = 17 +/- 4 ps, whereas the second is much weaker with an approximate tau = 100 ps. At slightly lower temperature (4 degrees C), the spectrum and time dependence are essentially unchanged. In contrast to our previous observations on carboxyhemoglobin and oxyhemoglobin, we find no long-lived photoproduct in nitrosylhemoglobin. We tentatively attribute the 17 +/- 4 ps decay to geminate recombination. These results, in conjunction with our previous work in HbO2 and HbCO, show that the rate of geminate recombination for 5 ns greater than tau greater than 5 ps increases through the series HbCO less than HbO2 less than HbNO. We note that trends are also seen for microsecond recombination rates HbCO less than HbO2 approximately equal to HbNO and for the kinetic co-operativity ratio HbCO greater than HbO2 greater than HbNO. A "critical on-barrier" model is presented that provides a consistent representation of these results. We suggest that spin-orbit effects could be a major contribution to the different recombination characteristics exhibited by the three ligands.

Stabbing chest pain: a case of intermittent diaphragmatic herniation.

A case of traumatic diaphragmatic herniation is described in which gross mediastinal shift was caused by a combination of the herniated abdominal organs, purulent exudate, and air. This complex presentation might best be described as a case of gastrocolopyopneumothorax, diagnosis of which was further complicated by the intermittent nature of the herniation.

Waiting times for radiotherapy: consequences of volume increase for the TCP in oropharyngeal carcinoma.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Waiting lists for radiotherapy have become longer over the past years. Apart from the psychological distress for the patient we are concerned about tumour growth during this waiting time, which may worsen prognosis. The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate tumour growth in the waiting time and to obtain an indication of its clinical consequences for patients with oropharyngeal carcinoma. A tumour control probability (TCP) model was applied to evaluate consequences for outcome. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Increase in tumour volume was measured for 13 patients with oropharyngeal carcinoma by outlining the tumour on the diagnostic as well as on the treatment planning CT scan. Waiting time was defined as time between histopathological diagnosis and start of radiotherapy. For each tumour we calculated the increase in tumour volume and the tumour doubling time. The potential increase in TCP was calculated for each tumour for the situation without treatment delay. RESULTS: The mean increase in tumour volume was 70%. The mean waiting time was 56 days. Expected TCP with incorporation of delay was 47%, without delay it might have been 63-66%. CONCLUSION: This study shows tumour progression during the time between the diagnostic CT scan and the treatment planning CT scan in oropharyngeal cancer. As a consequence of waiting time, which allows tumour volume increase, there may be an average control loss of 16-19 % for these tumours during the total waiting time before radiotherapy.

Effects of L-triiodothyronine and the thyromimetic L-94901 on serum lipoprotein levels and hepatic low-density lipoprotein receptor, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase, and apo A-I gene expression.

The mechanisms by which thyroid hormone (triiodothyronine (T3)) and a thyromimetic, 2-amino-3-(3,5-dibromo-4-[4-hydroxy-3-(6-oxo-1,6-dihydro-pyridazin -3-ylmethyl)-phenoxyl]-phenyl)propionic acid (L-94901), lower plasma low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and raise plasma high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels was investigated in thyroidectomized and sham-operated rats. Thyroidectomy resulted in a 77% increase in plasma LDL cholesterol, a 60% decrease in plasma triglycerides, and a modest reduction in HDL cholesterol. Daily oral dosing with T3 (10-170 nmol/kg) or L94901 (100-1000 nmol/kg) for 7 days decreased plasma LDL cholesterol in thyroidectomized rats by 60-80%, respectively. This reduction in LDL cholesterol was accompanied by a dose-dependent increase in HDL cholesterol levels of up to 60%. Thus, the ratio of LDL to HDL was decreased from 1.01 to 0.12 after treatment with L-94901 and to 0.25 after dosing with T3. In sham-operated animals, T3 and L-94901 lowered LDL cholesterol by 61 and 46%, respectively, and increased HDL cholesterol by 25 and 53%, respectively. Immunoblotting analysis of liver membranes prepared from thyroidectomized or sham-operated rats demonstrated that LDL receptor protein levels were increased by up to eight-fold. Northern blotting analysis revealed similar large increases in hepatic LDL receptor mRNA levels that accounted for the increases in LDL receptor protein levels. Hepatic 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase mRNA, protein, and activity were increased 2- to 3-fold. The T3- and L-94901-mediated increases in serum HDL levels were associated with 2- to 3-fold increases in apo A-I mRNA levels. In contrast with most other hypocholesterolemic agents, T3 and L-94901 significantly increase HDL cholesterol levels in addition to decreasing LDL cholesterol levels due to induction of hepatic apo A-I and LDL receptor gene expression.

Characterization of the tumour necrosis factor receptor in human placenta.

A specific receptor for tumour necrosis factor present in a purified plasma membrane preparation from the villous tissue of human placenta has been characterized. The data fit a one-class-of-sites model exhibiting a KD = 28.4 (+/- 0.002) nM, with 8.1 (+/- 0.05) X 10(11) receptors mg-1 membrane protein. These data provide evidence for the existence of a specific receptor for a major endotoxin-induced cytokine in the placenta.

Plasma eicosanoid levels in rats with nonketotic diabetes mellitus: effect of severity.

Nonketotic diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with increased platelet production of thromboxane (TX) A2 and decreased endothelial production of prostacyclin (prostaglandin [PG]I2), but measurements of stable derivatives of these substances in the circulation have yielded discordant results. We studied the relationship between the severity of nonketotic DM and the plasma levels of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGE2, 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, and TXB2 (stable derivatives of PGE2, PGI2, and TXA2, respectively) in rats, using three commonly employed doses of streptozotocin (40, 50, and 60 mg/kg body weight) to induce nonketotic DM of varying severity. Small differences in the severity of DM were associated with considerable differences in the plasma levels of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGE2 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha but not TXB2. Each eicosanoid responded differently to variations in the severity of DM. The plasma 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGE2 level was significantly lower than normal in the rats given 40 mg/kg streptozotocin, was unchanged from normal in the rats given 50 mg/kg and was significantly higher than normal in the rats given 60 mg/kg. The plasma 6-keto-PGF1 alpha level was significantly increased in rats given 40 mg/kg and 60 mg/kg, but was unchanged in those given 50 mg/kg. The plasma TXB2 level was not significantly different from normal in any one of the three groups of rats with nonketotic DM. The effect of severity on the plasma levels of the PGE2 and PGI2 derivatives is unexplained, but may reflect the origin of these derivatives from diverse organs and tissues, and the differing effects of abnormal metabolic factors (eg, fatty acids, glucose, insulin, pH) on the synthesis of these derivatives.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Thiamin supplementation and the ingestive behavior of beef cattle grazing endophyte-infected tall fescue.

Livestock grazing endophyte (Acremonium coenophialum Morgan-Jones and Gams)-infected tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) perform poorly due to tall fescue toxicosis, especially when animals are under heat stress. In order to determine whether thiamin promotes recovery from tall fescue toxicosis, 1 or 0 g of thiamin per day, as mononitrate, was fed orally to adult Angus (Bos taurus) cows (380 +/- 8 kg) grazing either tall fescue pasture with and without endophyte or alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). A tethered grazing system employing a split-plot design was used to estimate intake and components of ingestive behavior. No significant differences attributable to thiamin supplements were seen in rates of intake and biting, grazing time and intake per bite when cows grazed endophyte-infected tall fescue during the first 4 d of exposure. When cows grazed endophyte-infected (greater than 95%) tall fescue with 2,091 micrograms/g loline alkaloids after 4 d of exposure, the untreated animals ingested herbage dry matter (DM) at 1.19 kg/h, whereas the cows receiving thiamin ate 1.57 kg/h (P less than .05). Cattle achieved these rates of DM intake by forming bites of 1.0 and 1.2 g DM at 24 and 26 bites/min when treated with 0 and 1 g of thiamin per day, respectively. Thiamin supplements had no effect on ingestive behavior of cows grazing endophyte-free tall fescue or alfalfa after exposure to these forages for 4 d. Responses to thiamin generally were greater when cattle grazing endophyte-infected tall fescue were exposed to heat stress. Oral thiamin supplementation may alleviate tall fescue toxicosis of beef cattle during warm weather.

Induction of tall fescue toxicosis in heat-stressed cattle and its alleviation with thiamin.

Livestock grazing endophyte (Acremonium coenophialum)-infected tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb. cv. Kentucky 31) at high ambient temperatures may suffer from fescue toxicosis. Adult Angus cows (Bos taurus) were fed 0 to 1 kg/d of 70% infected tall fescue seed containing about 4.4 g of loline alkaloids in factorial combination with thiamin at 0 or 1 g/d. Cows assigned to the zero level of tall fescue seed received a supplement of equivalent energy and protein. Ingestive behavior was measured at 1330 to 1430 EDT during two 4-d periods in two consecutive weeks in August on alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) pastures using a tethered grazing system. Alfalfa intake per measured grazing session of cows given tall fescue seed declined linearly (P less than .01) as air temperatures during grazing increased above 25 degrees C, largely because of shorter grazing meals. Thiamin increased alfalfa intake per measured grazing session by extending grazing time. Alkaloids in ingested endophyte-infected tall fescue induce thiamin deficiencies in cattle that result in symptoms of tall fescue toxicosis.

Vinegar as a disarming agent to prevent further discharge of the nematocysts of the stinging hydromedusa Olindias sambaquiensis.

Olindias sambaquiensis, known as agua viva, is an endemic hydromedusa that is distributed from latitude 23 degrees to 42 degrees south in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean and is known to cause severe stings. This is the first report of the use of vinegar in disarming O sambaquiensis nematocysts and includes preliminary observations on its use in managing the stings of hydromedusae.

Prevention of NSAID-associated gastrointestinal lesions: a comparison study pantoprazole versus omeprazole.

AIM: To investigate tolerability and efficacy of pantoprazole 20 mg, once daily (o.d.), pantoprazole 40 mg o.d., and omeprazole 20 mg o.d., in patients taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug(s) (NSAIDs). METHODS: Included in this randomized, double-blind, multicenter, parallel-group study were rheumatic patients (>55 yr) on continual NSAIDs and with at least one more recognized risk factor that contributes to the development of gastrointestinal (GI) injury. Study duration was 6 months, and the treatment consisted of pantoprazole 20 mg o.d. (N = 196), pantoprazole 40 mg o.d. (N = 199), or omeprazole 20 mg o.d. (N = 200). Patients took NSAID(s) (except COX-2 inhibitors), had no more than five erosions/petechiae in the upper GI tract, no current peptic ulcers or reflux esophagitis, and had at most moderate intensity GI symptoms. Endoscopy was performed at baseline, 3, and 6 months. The primary end points were lack of "therapeutic failure" and lack of "endoscopic failure" at 6 months. RESULTS: After 6 months, the probabilities to remain in remission were 90% pantoprazole 20 mg o.d., 93% pantoprazole 40 mg o.d., and 89% omeprazole 20 mg o.d. for lack of "therapeutic failure;" 91% pantoprazole 20 mg o.d., 95% pantoprazole 40 mg o.d., and 93% omeprazole 20 mg o.d. for lack of "endoscopic failure." CONCLUSIONS: For patients taking NSAIDs continually, pantoprazole 20 mg o.d., pantoprazole 40 mg o.d., or omeprazole 20 mg o.d. provide equivalent, effective, and well-tolerated prophylaxis against GI lesions, including peptic ulcers.

Identity coefficients and covariances between relatives in a parent-offspring inbreeding system.

A one-locus "operator" for a younger parent-offspring inbreeding system is obtained by a generation matrix method in which 14 "classes" of matings are defined. The eigenvalues and a set of eigenvectors for the generation matrix and, also, the general solution for the frequencies of mating classes among descendants of an original mating of genotypes ab x cd are given. The operator gives the genotypic array of descendants of a given mating an arbitrary number of generations later. Using this operator, an algorithm is developed for calculating identity coefficients between any two relatives in a possibly branching younger parent-off spring mating system. Application to obtaining covariances between relatives for a one-locus model is illustrated.

Intravenous immunoglobulin use in pediatric patients.

New trends in home intravenous therapy for the pediatric population are being developed. One trend in particular is proving to be both exciting and promising. This trend is the use of intravenous immunoglobulin in the homecare setting. This article explores the most commonly seen disorders and treatments using this specific intravenous prescription. Safe nursing practice and future trends also are discussed.