> I would like to eliminate the layer with the <indications_row 
> num="1">

Sounds like a classic "modified identity transform":

<xsl:template match="*">
  <xsl:copy><xsl:copy-of select="@*"/><xsl:apply-templates/></xsl:copy>
</xsl:template>

<xsl:template match="indications_row">
  <xsl:apply-templates/>
</xsl:template>

Michael Kay
http://www.saxonica.com/