Rise and fall of sea ice production in the Arctic Ocean's ice factories.

The volume, extent and age of Arctic sea ice is in decline, yet winter sea ice production appears to have been increasing, despite Arctic warming being most intense during winter. Previous work suggests that further warming will at some point lead to a decline in ice production, however a consistent explanation of both rise and fall is hitherto missing. Here, we investigate these driving factors through a simple linear model for ice production. We focus on the Kara and Laptev seas-sometimes referred to as Arctic "ice factories" for their outsized role in ice production, and train the model on internal variability across the Community Earth System Model's Large Ensemble (CESM-LE). The linear model is highly skilful at explaining internal variability and can also explain the forced rise-then-fall of ice production, providing insight into the competing drivers of change. We apply our linear model to the same climate variables from observation-based data; the resulting estimate of ice production over recent decades suggests that, just as in CESM-LE, we are currently passing the peak of ice production in the Kara and Laptev seas.

Middle ear deformity in arthrogryposis multiplex congenita.

Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) is a rare congenital syndrome consisting of two or more joint contractures in different parts of the body. Otolaryngological abnormalities have been previously described in a significant proportion of cases. However, to date, the only frequent otologic deformity recorded in the published literature has been low-set ears. We present a case with a combination of AMC and a bilateral conductive hearing loss due to an unusual middle ear deformity. To our knowledge, no such case has been previously reported.

Antibodies to Pasteurella haemolytica somatic antigens in two models of the bovine respiratory disease complex.

Serum samples obtained from feeder calves before and after entry into the market system (days 0 to 7) were assayed for antibodies to Pasteurella hamolytica biotype A, serotype 1 capsular polysaccharide (CPS) and lipopolysaccharide/outer membrane protein (LPSp) by isotype in a kinetic-augmented, antigen-capture ELISA. These test results, plus indirect hemagglutination (IHA) antibody titers, and hemolysin-in-gel test (HIGT) findings were compared with clinical performance data during the initial 4 weeks in the feedlot (receiving period). High concentrations of HIGT antibody, at the point of initial assembly of feeder calves at weaning and during the subsequent 7-day marketing period, were associated with freedom from bovine respiratory disease (BRD) during the receiving period. High or rapidly increasing concentrations of anti-CPS IgG1 during the marketing period were also associated with less BRD. However, high concentrations of anti-LPSp IgG1 during the marketing period were associated with increased BRD during the receiving period. There was no correlation between the concentrations of antibody determined by IHA tests early in the marketing period and freedom from BRD during the receiving period. High concentrations of antibody determined by this test at entry into the feedlot (day 7) were associated with a high incidence of BRD. Calves vaccinated with a P haemolytica bacterin had significantly (P less than 0.05) higher HIGT values and concentrations of anti-LPSp IgG1 and IHA antibody than did nonvaccinated calves on entry into the feedlot (day 7). Vaccination appeared to have little effect on the amount of anti-CPS IgG1. Of all the tests used to quantitate antibody, the HIGT correlated best with clinical performance.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Intra-operative air testing: an audit on rectal anastomosis.

Thirty three patients having an anastomosis to the rectum were studied prospectively to determine the usefulness of intra-operative air testing. The pelvis was filled with saline and the anastomosis was distended with air. Any leaks demonstrated were oversewn. A Gastrografin enema was performed on all the patients on the eighth postoperative day. Overall, there were 4 (12%) clinical leaks and 10 (30%) radiological leaks. In six patients with air leaks demonstrated at operation, two had a radiological leak, one of which presented clinically as well. We believe that in the other four patients a potential leak was probably avoided as a result of intra-operative air testing. This technique is simple, safe and effective and probably helps reduce leakage after colorectal anastomosis.

Radical surgical treatment for extensive chronic fronto-ethmoidal sinusitis.

An unusually extensive case of fronto-ethmoidal sinusitis is presented in which normal conservative surgical measures failed to achieve clearance. A modified form of craniofacial resection was therefore performed with effective clearance of disease.

Epiglottopexy: a modification using additional hyoid suspension.

A case of non-progressive severe laryngeal incompetence is described in which, in addition to the already established operation of epiglottopexy and cricopharyngeal myotomy, a laryngeal suspension using a carbon fibre implant is performed. This provides additional protection to the laryngeal inlet, thus obviating the need for a long-term tracheostomy.

Glomus vagale: an unusual presentation.

An unusual case of glomus vagale tumour is presented where severe pain was a predominant feature. The pathological and clinical features of this rare tumour are reviewed and the investigations and treatment are discussed.