bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of MR cisternography in the diagnosis of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea with diagnostic nasal endoscopy and surgical correlation
Authors: Rajeswaran R , Chandrasekharan A , Mohanty S , Murali K , Joseph S
Published: October 2009

Objectives : To study the usefulness and accuracy of MR cisternography as noninvasive study in the diagnosis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistula with diagnostic sinonasal endoscopy and surgical correlation.
Material and Methods: Twenty four patients with clinically suspected CSF rhinorrhoea were examined for CSF fistula with MR cisternography. The MR imaging technique included 3mm thin T2 weighted coronal and sagittal sections using Fast spin echo. In addition 1.5mm thin T2 weighted coronal sections were also obtained using CISS (Constructive Interference in Steady State) sequence. MR findings were correlated with diagnostic sinonasal endoscopy and surgical findings.
Results : MR cisternography demonstrated the presence of fistula in 17 patients, absence of fistula in seven patients. Out of 17 patients with fistula, the diagnosis could be confirmed in 14 patients by diagnostic sinonasal endoscopy/surgery. Out of the seven patients without fistula, there was positive correlation in six patients when they were followed up clinically and by diagnostic nasal endoscopy. However in one patient, fistula was demonstrated on CT cisternography and was confirmed on sinonasal endoscopic surgery. The accuracy, sensitivity of MR cisternography was 96, 94% respectively.
Conclusion : MR cisternography is a useful and accurate noninvasive study in localizing the site and extent of CSF fistula.
Primary Ewing′s sarcoma of occipital bone
Authors: Kaza RK , Sandhu MS , Ojili V
Published: October 2009

Ewing′s sarcoma commonly involves the long bones. Primary Ewing′s sarcoma of the cranium is rare and is difficult to distinguish from other tumors involving the cranium. Radiological features and immuno-histochemistry are helpful in diagnosing this tumor. In this report we present a rare case of primary Ewing′s sarcoma of the occipital bone and discuss the differential diagnostic options.
Imaging of cochlear implants
Authors: Chaturvedi A , Mohan C , Mahajan SB , Kakkar Vipin
Published: October 2009

Aim : To evaluate the role of various imaging modalities in pre and post operative evaluation of cochlear implant candidates.
Materials and methods : 30 patients were evaluated by HRCT and 15 of these subsequently underwent MRI temporal bones prior to cochlear implant device insertion. All implanted patients were subjected to post operative radiography to assess position of implant.
Results : Both modalities provided critical information on abnormalities of the otic capsule, pneumatisation of the mastoid, middle ear abnormalities, cochlear ducts patency and vascular abnormalities- thus helping to assess the suitability of the ear for implantation, determine the side to be implanted and to find any associated abnormality which could adversely influence the surgery or post op period. HRCT missed two cases of luminal ossification and MRI was more reliable in detecting early luminal obstruction.
Conclusion : Based on our findings, we offer a realistic and practical protocol for imaging in cochlear implants in the Indian setting. HRCT is recommended in all patients for pre implant analysis of the temporal bone morphology due to its reliability and easy availability. MRI is recommended in all cases of post meningitic deafness and in others with doubtful CT findings.
"Imaging features of extramedullary plasmacytoma of skull base with multiple myeloma"- a rare case
Authors: Pancholi A , Raniga S , Vohra PA , Vaidya V , Prajapati A , Mansingani S
Published: October 2009

Imaging features of extramedullary plasmacytoma of skull base with multiple myeloma is reported in a 65 year old woman patient presented with multiple cranial nerve palsies. Contrast Enhanced CT revealed a large homogeneously enhancing mass in the left parapharyngeal region with extension in left petrous apex, left cavernous sinus and upper two cervical vertebrae. An extramedullary plasmacytoma associated with multiple myeloma was diagnosed after biopsy from the mass and laboratory investigations.
Symptomatic vertebral hemangiomas- results of treatment with radiotherapy
Authors: Suparna H C , Vadhiraja B M , Apsani RC , Seetharamaiah T , Fernandes DJ , Rao K , Vidyasagar K
Published: October 2009

Objectives :
Vertebral hemangiomas are benign vascular lesions occurring in spine. Though vertebral hemangiomas are frequently seen, they are rarely symptomatic. Pain is the commonest symptom. There is no agreement on single treatment modality for symptomatic lesions. Surgery, intralesional injection of absolute alcohol, methyl methacrylate injection are few methods used to treat them. Radiotherapy has been shown effective in many studies in terms of pain relief and at times in cord compression too. Results of radiotherapy in symptomatic vertebral hemangiomas treated in our centre are analyzed.
Materials and methods:
Six patients with symptomatic vertebral hemangiomas were treated with external radiotherapy to a dose of 36-40 Gy. Four patients had only pain as their symptom. Two patients had additional neurological deficits with paraperesis at presentation. Result in terms of pain relief was assessed at the end of RT and during follow up. Median follow up was four and half months.
Results :
Out of six patients, pain relief was seen in four patients who had only pain as their symptom. There was neither pain relief nor improvement in neurological deficits in remaining two patients.
Conclusion :
Radiotherapy is an effective and simple modality of treatment for symptomatic vertebral hemangiomas where pain is the main symptom without neurological deficits. It is non invasive and safe.
Endovascular coiling of ruptured internal iliac artery aneurysm in a leukemia patient-a case report
Authors: Gupta A K
Published: October 2009

Endovascular occlusion of isolated internal iliac artery aneurysm is a safe and effective procedure. We report a case of coiling of a ruptured Internal Iliac artery aneurysm in a leukaemia patient with intramuscular haematoma achieving an excellent immediate result and no recanalisation on 6 month follow up.
Doppler prediction of adverse perinatal outcome in PIH and IUGR
Authors: Lakhkar B N , Rajagopal K V , Gourisankar P T
Published: October 2009

Purpose : To determine and compare the diagnostic performance of Dopler sonography of fetal middle cerebral artery (MCA), descending abdominal aorta (DAA), umbilical artery (UA), umbilical vein (UV) and inferior vea cava (IVC) for predictoin of adverse perinatal outcome in suspected intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) and pre-eclampsia (PET).
Materials ad Methods : Fifty-eight Singleton pregnancies beyond 30 weeks of gestation complicated by intrauterine growth restriction and severe pre-eclampsia or both were prospectively examined with Doppler US of the UA, MCA, DAA, UV and IVC.
Results : Thirty-six patients of the 58 included in the study population had at least one major or minor adverse outcome. Major adverse outcome criteria included perinatal deaths - includinag intrauterine and early neonatal deaths, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, intraventricular hemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia, pulmonary hemorrhage and necrotizing enterocolitis. Minor outcomes included cesarean delivery for fetal distress, APGAR score below 7 at 5 minutes, admission to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for treatment.
Conclusion
S/D ratio of MCA/UA is the most sensitive and specific index in predicting major perinatal adverse outcome (83% and 75%), while umbilical artery S/D ratio is the most sensitive index (66.6%) in predicting any adverse perinatal outcome i.e. including both major and minor outcome. MCA pulsatility index (P.I) is the most specific index (90.9%) for predicting in any adverse perinatal outcome. The sensitivity of the Doppler studies can be significantly increased by studying multiple vessels (91.6%). Hence we conclude that Doppler studies of multiple vessels in the fetoplacental circulation can help in the monitoring of compromised fetus and can help us predicting neonatal morbidity. This may be helpful in determining the optimal time of delivery in complicated pregnancies.
Role of CT angiography in pulmonary embolism and its comparative evaluation with conventional pulmonary angiography
Authors: Sood S , Negi A , Dhiman D S , Sood R G , Negi P C , Sharma S
Published: October 2009

OBJECTIVES : The purpose of this study is to assess the role of spiral CT angiography in suspected cases of pulmonary embolism and to do comparative evaluation of CT angiography with conventional pulmonary angiography.
MATERIAL AND METHODS : Twenty five patients of suspected pulmonary embolism (PE) underwent spiral CT angiography from the level of arch of aorta to the dome of diaphragm .Scanning was done with collimation of 5mm and an interval of 5mm at 130 mA and 120 kV. 100 cc of contrast containing 300 mg I/ ml, diluted with 60cc of normal saline in ratio 5:3 was injected at a flow rate of 3ml/sec with a scan delay of 20 seconds. Retro - reconstruction was done at 3mm interval.
RESULTS : Spiral CTA showed a sensitivity of 80 % and a specificity of 85.7% for the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. It also provided ancillary findings in the form of parenchymal and mediastinal structural information.
CONCLUSION : CTA is an effective alternative to PA in diagnosis of suspected cases of PE. With its non- invasive nature, low cost, over and above high sensitivity and specificity, it may be used as the first line of investigation in the diagnosis of PE.
Is HRCT reliable in determining disease activity in pulmonary tuberculosis?
Authors: Raniga S , Parikh N , Arora A , Vaghani M , Vora P A , Vaidya V
Published: October 2009

Aims and Objectives
The purpose of our study is to [1] determine the activity of disease based on the HRCT findings (2) to define indications for the use of HRCT in evaluation of Pulmonary TB and (3) to determine whether additional information provided by HRCT alters clinical management of the disease.
Materials and Methods
The present study was carried out at Shree Sayajirao General Hospital (SSGH), Baroda, Gujarat, India from January 2002 to December 2002. Twenty five patients with sputum positive post-primary pulmonary TB were studied prospectively with chest radiographs and HRCT. The diagnosis of active TB was based on detection of acid-fast bacilli in sputum. None of the patients in our study population was HIV positive. All patients underwent x-ray chest and HRCT chest (Philips Tomoscan, Best, Netherlands). The pattern, extent and severity of HRCT findings were recorded and compared with the plain x-ray findings. The gathered information and investigations were subjected to statistical analysis.
Results
Our study population consisted of sputum positive (AFB positive) 25 patients, 22 of them were newly diagnosed/suspected post-primary tuberculosis (GROUP 1) and 3 of them had taken six months of AKT (GROUP 2). Our study included 22 males and 3 females with average age of 38 years (range, 14-65 years.) In total chest radiographic signs of active tuberculosis were seen in twelve (48%) patients. HRCT showed evidences of active tuberculosis in all 22 patients of newly diagnosed tuberculosis; and in 2 out of 3 patients with prior history of AKT. Thus, total of 24 (96%) patients had evidence of active pulmonary TB on HRCT. One patient with prior history of AKT showed evidence of pulmonary Koch′s sequel.
Conclusion
Although chest radiography remains the foremost imaging technique in the evaluation of pulmonary TB, HRCT can be useful in certain circumstances and can provide important information in the diagnosis and management of the disease. HRCT is helpful in the distinction of active form inactive TB. HRCT is better than plain chest radiograph in identification of extent of pulmonary TB, especially subtle areas of consolidation, cavitation, bronchogenic and miliary spread. HRCT is recommended when the radiographic findings are normal or inconclusive and tuberculosis is suspected clinically for the confirmation of diagnosis and determination of activity.
FDG-PET AND PET/CT - Part I
Authors: Takalkar Amol M , El-Haddad Ghassan , Lilien David L
Published: October 2009

Positron emission tomography (PET) with 18 F fluoro-deoxyglucose (FDG) is now an established functional imaging modality predominantly used in the work-up of several neoplastic diseases. It also has several neurological and cardiac applications in routine clinical practice. However, the radiopharmaceutical, 18 F-FDG, most commonly used for clinical PET studies today is also taken up by inflammatory and infectious cells and it also has a potential role in inflammation imaging in the future. Since this technique provides a map of glucose metabolism in the body, it is extremely important to understand the bio-distribution of FDG in the human body and factors that alter it. Accordingly, the technique used and several patient factors have a significant impact on the quality of images obtained. Hence, it becomes critical to perform this highly sophisticated exam with adequate patient preparation, following an accepted technique and interpret the images with the knowledge of normal and physiologic bio-distribution of FDG in several body organs and tissues. With this objective, this two-series review article will review the current principles and practice of clinical FDG-PET. The first section of this article deals mostly with basic aspects of FDG-PET and PET/CT including properties of FDG, PET instrumentation and technique and normal variants.
Ultrasound of musculoskeletal soft tissue masses
Authors: Kinare Arun , Brahmnalkar Mugdha , D′Costa Shalini
Published: October 2009

Soft tissue masses have a varied presentation. Though all masses cannot be optimally imaged on USG, its easy availability, real-time capability, and cost-effectiveness, as well as the freedom it provides to examine in any direction, make it an automatic choice as a first-line modality. Though Doppler is an exciting modality, it has its limitations and is not always rewarding. USG is more useful for superficially located masses.
The role of USG is to provide information about the extent of the mass, its nature, and its relationship to the surrounding structures. One important aim is to differentiate between a pseudotumor and a true mass lesion. Doppler can provide additional information in selected cases. USG can play a pivotal role in guiding a needle for obtaining a sample for tissue diagnosis. Benign lesions are more common than malignant ones, in day-to-day practice.
As with any other musculoskeletal examination, technical expertise and a sound knowledge of musculoskeletal anatomy are important.
Surrogate indicators of sensitivity in gynecologic cytology: Can they be used to improve the measurement of sensitivity in the laboratory?
Authors: Renshaw Andrew A , Brimo Fadi , Auger Manon
Published: October 2009

Background:

Measuring the sensitivity of screening in gynecologic cytology in real life is problematic. However, other quality measures may correlate with sensitivity, including the atypical squamous cells (ASC)/squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL) ratio. Whether these other measures can function as “surrogate indicators” for sensitivity and improve the assessment of sensitivity in the laboratory is not known.

Materials and Methods:

We compared multiple quality measures with true screening sensitivity in a variety of situations.

Results:

The abnormal rate, ASC rate, and ASC/SIL ratio were all highly correlated (r =.83 or greater) with sensitivity when the overall laboratory sensitivity was low (85%) but became less correlated (.64 or less) or uncorrelated when the screening sensitivity was higher (88% or 95%, respectively). Sensitivity was more highly correlated with the abnormal rate than the ASC/SIL ratio at low screening sensitivity. While thresholds could be set that were highly sensitive and specific for suboptimal screening, these thresholds were often less than one standard deviation away from the mean.

Conclusion:

The correlation of the abnormal rate and the ASC/SIL ratio with sensitivity depends on overall sensitivity. Standards to define minimum screening sensitivity can be defined, but these standards are relatively narrow. These features may limit the utility of these quality measures as surrogates for sensitivity.
Hemostatic Changes in Vietnamese Children with Mild Dengue Correlate with the Severity of Vascular Leakage Rather than Bleeding
Authors: Wills Bridget , Van Ngoc Tran , Van Nguyen Thi Hong , Thuy Truong Thi Thu , Thuy Tran Thi Nhu , Dung Nguyen Minh , Diet Tran Vinh , Van Vinh Chau Nguyen , Trung Dinh The , Farrar Jeremy
Published: October 2009

The mechanisms underlying the bleeding manifestations and coagulopathy associated with dengue remain unclear, in part because of the focus of much previous work on severe disease without an appropriate comparison group. We describe detailed clinical and laboratory profiles for a large group of children with dengue of all severities, and a group with similar non-dengue febrile illnesses, all followed prospectively from early presentation through to recovery. Among the dengue-infected patients but not the controls, thrombocytopenia, increased partial thromboplastin times and reduced fibrinogen concentrations were apparent from an early stage, and these abnormalities correlated strongly with the severity and timing of vascular leakage but not bleeding. There was little evidence of procoagulant activation. The findings do not support a primary diagnosis of disseminated intravascular coagulation to explain the intrinsic coagulopathy. An alternative biologically plausible hypothesis is discussed.
Effect of Peridomestic Environments on Repeated Infestation by Preadult Aedes aegypti in Urban Premises in Nha Trang City, Vietnam
Authors: Tsuzuki Ataru , Duoc Vu Trong , Higa Yukiko , Yen Nguyen Thi , Takagi Masahiro
Published: October 2009

To determine the effect of peridomestic environments on Aedes aegypti infestation in urban premises, we conducted two consecutive surveys in the hot-dry and cool-wet seasons. Most Ae. aegypti pupae (79%) were recovered from premises where preadult forms (larvae and/or pupae) had been detected in both surveys. Hence, repeated infestation appears to be a useful parameter to identify premises associated with a high potential risk of dengue transmission. Multivariate analysis revealed that not only the persistent presence of containers discarded outdoors, wells, large plastic buckets, jars, and concrete toilet basins in the premises (adjusted odds ratios [aORs] = 63.3, 23.3, 22.5, 6.6, and 5.6, respectively) but also the presence of six or more residents was significantly associated with repeated infestation (aOR = 6.1). Premises with six or more residents along with specific container types from which a large number of pupae were recovered should be targeted in dengue-control programs.
Tegumentary Leishmaniasis as the Cause of Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome in a Patient Co-infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Leishmania guyanensis
Authors: Chrusciak-Talhari Anette , Ribeiro-Rodrigues Rodrigo , Talhari Carolina , Silva Roberto Moreira , de Lima Ferreira Luis Carlos , de Castro Botileiro Simone Ferreira , Santos Lucilaide Oliveira , Dietze Reynaldo , Talhari Sinésio
Published: October 2009

We report a case of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) in a 32-year-old man infected with human immunodeficiency virus and Leishmania guyanensis. Three months after initiation of highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART), the patient had disseminated cutaneous leishmaniasis and started anti-leishmanial therapy. The patient’s leishmaniasis manifestations during HAART ranged form an anergic response (46 CD4+ T cells/μL) to a disseminated cutaneous leishmaniasis (112 CD4+ T cells/μL). Eight weeks later (168 CD4+ T cells/μL, skin biopsy specimens showed inflammatory infiltrates with no detectable amastigotes. The patient then became comatose. Prednisone therapy (60 mg/day) was initiated with a significant improvement within 48 hours. Three months later (CD4+ T cell count = 184 cell/μL), localized, classic, cutaneous leishmaniasis developed in the patient and anti-leishmanial treatment was re-introduced. On that occasion, frequency of T regulatory cells was 1.82% of all CD4+ cells. Our data suggest a pivotal role for CD4+ T cells in the onset of IRIS and lesion ulceration and their association with a low frequency of T regulatory cells.
Flea Diversity and Infestation Prevalence on Rodents in a Plague-Endemic Region of Uganda
Authors: Amatre Gerald , Babi Nackson , Enscore Russell E. , Ogen-Odoi Asaph , Atiku Linda A. , Akol Anne , Gage Kenneth L. , Eisen Rebecca J.
Published: October 2009

In Uganda, the West Nile region is the primary epidemiologic focus for plague. The aims of this study were to 1) describe flea–host associations within a plague-endemic region of Uganda, 2) compare flea loads between villages with or without a history of reported human plague cases and between sampling periods, and 3) determine vector loads on small mammal hosts in domestic, peridomestic, and sylvatic settings. We report that the roof rat, Rattus rattus, is the most common rodent collected in human dwellings in each of the 10 villages within the two districts sampled. These rats were commonly infested with efficient Y. pestis vectors, Xenopsylla cheopis and X. brasiliensis in Arua and Nebbi districts, respectively. In peridomestic and sylvatic areas in both districts, the Nile rat, Arvicanthus niloticus, was the most abundant rodent and hosted the highest diversity of flea species. When significant temporal differences in flea loads were detected, they were typically lower during the dry month of January. We did not detect any significant differences in small mammal abundance or flea loads between villages with our without a history of human plague, indicating that conditions during inter-epizootic periods are similar between these areas. Future studies are needed to determine whether flea abundance or species composition changes during epizootics when humans are most at risk of exposure.
Resurgence of Plasmodium vivax Malaria in the Republic of Korea during 2006–2007
Authors: Jun Gyo , Yeom Joon-Sup , Hong Jee-Young , Shin E-Hyun , Chang Kyu-Sik , Yu Jae-Ran , Oh Sejoong , Chung Hyeok , Park Jae-Won
Published: October 2009

Plasmodium vivax malaria, which re-emerged in the Republic of Korea (ROK) in 1993, had decreased since 2001. However, case numbers began to increase again in 2005. The number of cases rose 54.0% in 2006, but the rate of increase slowed down in 2007. Among the total of 4,206 cases of P. vivax malaria during 2006–2007, 756 cases (18.0%) were ROK military personnel, 891 cases (21.2%) were veterans, and 2,559 cases (60.8%) were civilians. The rapid increase during this period was mostly contributed by the western part of the malaria-risk areas that is under the influence of adjacent North Korea. Local transmission cases in ROK have also increased gradually and the transmission period seemingly became longer. Chemoprophylaxis in the military should be re-assessed in view of chloroquine-resistance. Continuous surveillance and monitoring are warranted to prevent further expansion of P. vivax malaria caused by climate change in ROK.
Comparative Efficacy of BioUD to Other Commercially Available Arthropod Repellents against the Ticks Amblyomma americanum and Dermacentor variabilis on Cotton Cloth
Authors: Bissinger Brooke W. , Zhu Jiwei , Apperson Charles S. , Sonenshine Daniel E. , Watson D. Wesley , Roe R. Michael
Published: October 2009

BioUD is an arthropod repellent that contains the active ingredient 2-undecanone originally derived from wild tomato plants. Repellency of BioUD was compared with five commercially available arthropod repellents against the ticks Amblyomma americanum (L.) and Dermacentor variabilis Say in two-choice bioassays on treated versus untreated cotton cheesecloth. Overall mean percentage repellency against both species was greatest for and did not differ significantly between BioUD (7.75% 2-undecanone) and products containing 98.1% DEET, 19.6% IR3535, and 30% oil of lemon eucalyptus. Products containing 5% and 15% Picaridin and 0.5% permethrin were also repellent compared with untreated controls but to a lesser degree than BioUD. The four most active repellents at the same concentrations used before were directly compared in head-to-head bioassays on cotton cheesecloth. BioUD provided significantly greater overall mean percentage repellency than IR3535 for A. americanum and D. variabilis. BioUD was significantly more repellent than oil of lemon eucalyptus for A. americanum but did not differ significantly in repellency against D. variabilis. No statistically significant difference in overall mean percentage repellency was found between BioUD and DEET for A. americanum or D. variabilis. In a 7-week time course bioassay, BioUD applied to cotton cheesecloth and held at room temperature provided 5 weeks of > 90% repellency against A. americanum.
Assessing the Impact of Indoor Residual Spraying on Malaria Morbidity Using a Sentinel Site Surveillance System in Western Uganda
Authors: Bukirwa Hasifa , Yau Vincent , Kigozi Ruth , Filler Scott , Quick Linda , Lugemwa Myers , Dissanayake Gunawardena , Kamya Moses , Wabwire-Mangen Fred , Dorsey Grant
Published: October 2009

A single round of indoor residual spraying (IRS) using lambda-cyhalothrin was implemented in a district of Uganda with moderate transmission intensity in 2007. Individual patient data were collected from one health facility within the district 8 months before and 16 months after IRS. There was a consistent decrease in the proportion of patients diagnosed with clinical malaria after IRS for patients < 5 and > 5 years of age (52% versus 26%, P < 0.001 and 36% versus 23%, P < 0.001, respectively). There was a large decrease in the proportion of positive blood smears in the first 4 months after IRS for patients < 5 (47% versus 14%, P < 0.001) and > 5 (26% versus 9%, P < 0.001) years of age, but this effect waned over the subsequent 12 months. IRS was effective in reducing malaria morbidity, but this was not sustained beyond 1 year for the proportion of blood smears read as positive.
Development of Field-Based Real-Time Reverse Transcription–Polymerase Chain Reaction Assays for Detection of Chikungunya and O’nyong-nyong Viruses in Mosquitoes
Authors: Smith Darci R. , Lee John S. , Jahrling Jordan , Kulesh David A. , Turell Michael J. , Groebner Jennifer L. , O’Guinn Monica L.
Published: October 2009

Chikungunya (CHIK) and O’nyong-nyong (ONN) are important emerging arthropod-borne diseases. Molecular diagnosis of these two viruses in mosquitoes has not been evaluated, and the effects of extraneous mosquito tissue on assay performance have not been tested. Additionally, no real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay exists for detecting ONN virus (ONNV) RNA. We describe the development of sensitive and specific real-time RT-PCR assays for detecting CHIK and ONN viral RNA in mosquitoes, which have application for field use. In addition, we compared three methods for primer/probe design for assay development by evaluating their sensitivity and specificity. This comparison resulted in development of virus-specific assays that could detect less than one plaque-forming unit equivalent of each of the viruses in mosquitoes. The use of these assays will aid in arthropod-borne disease surveillance and in the control of the associated diseases.
Sensitive, Specific, and Rapid Detection of Leishmania donovani DNA by Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification
Authors: Takagi Hidekazu , Itoh Makoto , Islam Mohammad Zahidul , Razzaque Abdur , Ekram A. R. M. Saifuddin , Hashighuchi Yoshihisa , Noiri Eisei , Kimura Eisaku
Published: October 2009

We have applied a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technique to detect Leishmania donovani DNA. The LAMP technique detected 1 fg of L. donovani DNA, which was 10-fold more sensitive than a conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR). All nested PCR–positive blood samples from visceral leishmaniasis patients were positive with the LAMP technique, and DNA samples from L. infantum, L. major, L. mexicana, L. tropica, L. braziliensis, Plasmodium falciparum, and healthy humans were negative with the LAMP technique. The advantages of the LAMP method are its shorter reaction time, a lack of requirement of sophisticated equipment, and visual judgment of positivity based on the turbidity of reaction mixture. Our LAMP technique can be a better alternative to a conventional PCR, especially under field conditions.
Macrofilaricidal Activity and Amelioration of Lymphatic Pathology in Bancroftian Filariasis after 3 Weeks of Doxycycline Followed by Single-Dose Diethylcarbamazine
Authors: Mand Sabine , Pfarr Kenneth , Sahoo Prakash K. , Satapathy Ashok K. , Specht Sabine , Klarmann Ute , Debrah Alexander Y. , Ravindran Balachandran , Hoerauf Achim
Published: October 2009

In a placebo controlled trial, the effects of 21- and 10-day doxycycline treatments (200 mg/day) followed by single dose diethylcarbamazine (administered 4 months post treatment) on depletion of Wolbachia endobacteria from Wuchereria bancrofti, filaricidal activity, and amerlioration of scrotal lymph vessel dilation were studied in 57 men from Orissa, India. The 21-day doxycycline course reduced Wolbachia in W. bancrofti by 94% before diethylcarbamazine administration. After 12 months, all patients with this treatment were amicrofilaremic and different from the 10-day doxycycline (42.9%) and placebo (37.5%) groups, and significantly fewer were positive for scrotal worm nests (6.7%) compared with 10-day doxycycline (60%) and placebo (66.7%). Average scrotal lymph vessel diameters were reduced from 0.7 cm pre-treatment to 0.02 cm in patients after 21 days of treatment, while no significant changes were seen in the other groups. This latter feature confirms the beneficial effects of doxycycline on lymphatic dilation and thus adds to the existing evidence that doxycycline, in addition to being macrofilaricidal, may be used to prevent or reverse lymphatic pathology.
Seroprevalence of Q Fever in the United States, 2003–2004
Authors: Anderson Alicia D. , Kruszon-Moran Deanna , Loftis Amanda D. , McQuillan Geraldine , Nicholson William L. , Priestley Rachel A. , Candee Amanda J. , Patterson Nicole E. , Massung Robert F.
Published: October 2009

We performed serum testing for IgG antibodies against Coxiella burnetii (phase I and phase II) and analyzed questionnaire data from 4,437 adults ≥ 20 years of age who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003–2004 survey cycle. National Q fever seroprevalence was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and confirmed by using immunofluorescent antibody testing. Overall seroprevalence for Coxiella burnetii was 3.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.1–4.3%) among 4,437 adults ≥ 20 years of age. Coxiella burnetii age-adjusted antibody prevalence was higher for men than for women (3.8%, 95% CI = 2.7–5.2% versus 2.5%, 95% CI = 1.5–3.7%, respectively, P < 0.05). Mexican Americans had a significantly higher antibody prevalence (7.4%, 95% CI = 6.6–8.3%) than either non-Hispanic whites (2.8%, 95% CI = 1.7–4.3%) or non-Hispanic blacks (1.3%, 95% CI = 0.6–2.5%) (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that the risk for Q fever antibody positivity increased with age and was higher among persons who were foreign-born, male, and living in poverty. These findings indicate that the national seroprevalence of Q fever in the United States is higher than expected on the basis of case numbers reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from state health departments. Potential differences in risk for exposure by race/ethnicity warrant further study.
Spatial Variation of Yersinia pestis from Yunnan Province of China
Authors: Zhang Zhikai , Hai Rong , Song Zhizhong , Xia Lianxu , Liang Yun , Cai Hong , Liang Ying , Shen Xiaona , Zhang Enmin , Xu Jianguo , Yu Dongzheng , Yu Xue-Jie
Published: October 2009

Yunnan Province of China is considered the site of origin for modern plague. We analyzed the genotypes of eight Yersinia pestis strains isolated from three counties in Yunnan Province by pulse field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). PFGE showed that strains isolated from the same site were identical regardless of hosts or year of isolation. However, Y. pestis strains isolated from geographically distinct loci were genetically divergent. Whole genome sequences of two strains from two foci in Yunnan showed that the genetic variation of Y. pestis strains was caused by genome rearrangement. We concluded that Y. pestis strains in each epidemic focus in Yunnan were a clonal population and selected by host environments. The genomic variability of the Y. pestis strains from different foci were caused by genome rearrangement, which may provide a positive selective advantage for Y. pestis to adapt to its host environments.
Common Sources of Errors in Measurement Systems
Authors: Hofmann Dietrich
Published: October 2009

The perfect measurement does not exist nor does the perfect measurement circumstance. Described here is the definition of errors in measurement systems and how errors arise in measurement systems. Errors can be classified in different classes for easier handling. Error standards for clear communication between different specialists are discussed. A glossary of terms for errors and uncertainties is included that can be used as a checklist for error handling.
Errors in Signal Systems
Authors: Woschni Eugen Georg
Published: October 2009

Errors in measuring systems appear because of noise (unwanted signals) leading to differences and thus errors arising between the output and the input quantity to be measured. Of great importance are errors generated in dynamic measurement situations. Mean‐square errors take into consideration both dynamic and static errors and are the foundation of optimal filtering.
Calculation and Treatment of Errors
Authors: McGhee Joseph
Published: October 2009

Errors in measurement are classified and described. It is shown that errors may be gross, systematic, or random. Each of these groups is described.
Outline of Systems Thinking
Authors: Sydenham Peter H.
Published: October 2009

This article supports the practice of measuring system design by providing information on the ways to improve the development and operation through the adoption of a systems thinking approach. This helps give a sharper focus to design issues and targets the wider responsibilities of the design team. Covered here are the elements of systems engineering and systems thinking; holistic detail design; engineering reductionism and soft systems methods; systems of systems; and the application of systems thinking.
Life Cycle Concept
Authors: Patterson Floyd Guyton
Published: October 2009

The concept of the life cycle is as old as the concept of life. Early references in the literature make clear that the concept was well understood as early as in Classical Greece. For example, Aristotle wrote of the birth and decay of living things and likened the events to the changes in the weather and the perceived motion in the heavens. In every case, the cycle begins when life begins and ends when life ends, at which time the cycle is repeated. For engineered systems, life begins when the need for the system is first addressed and ends when the system is recycled. The stages of the engineering life cycle are discussed showing how it is modeled and applied.
Mathematical Methods of Optimization
Authors: Eren Halit
Published: October 2009

Optimization is used to maximize or minimize the value of a function chosen as the performance index or cost function,
J
. Appropriate formulation of performance index involves a compromise between a meaningful evaluation of the system performance and availability of mathematical descriptions and algorithms. This block introduces the use of formal methods of systems optimization.
Thermocouple Temperature Sensors
Authors: Kucharski Jacek
Published: October 2009

One of the most widely applied methods for temperature measurement is the thermoelectric thermometer. The physics of the thermoelectric effect, thermocouples, problems of reference temperature, and the measuring circuits are described. Materials used for thermocouples are listed.
Practice of Vibration Measurement
Authors: Sydenham Peter H.
Published: October 2009

Vibration sensing is commonly used in many fields. The components are widely available and the methodology mature. This article describes the technology of the mass‐spring‐damper, seismic form of vibration sensor. Potential sources of error are reviewed that can arise if installation of the sensor is not sound. Calibration of this sensor type for amplitude, acceleration, shock, and force are outlined.
Iron‐catalyzed efficient three‐component allylation of imine in aqueous media
Authors: Yuan Yu , Chen Feng , Zhao Dongbo
Published: October 2009

Iron trichloride hexahydrate has proved to be a very effective catalyst for the three‐component condensation of aromatic aldehydes, amines and allyltributylstannane, which produces high yields of homoallylic amines in water in the presence of surfactant SDS. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Decisions from experience and statistical probabilities: Why they trigger different choices than a priori probabilities
Authors: Hau Robin , Pleskac Timothy J. , Hertwig Ralph
Published: October 2009

The distinction between risk and uncertainty is deeply entrenched in psychologists' and economists' thinking. Knight (1921), to whom it is frequently attributed, however, went beyond this dichotomy. Within the domain of risk, he set apart a priori and statistical probabilities, a distinction that maps onto that between decisions from description and experience, respectively. We argue this distinction is important because risky choices based on a priori (described) and statistical (experienced) probabilities can substantially diverge. To understand why, we examine various possible contributing factors to the description–experience gap. We find that payoff variability and memory limitations play only a small role in the emergence of the gap. In contrast, the presence of rare events and their representation as either natural frequencies in decisions from experience or single‐event probabilities in decisions from description appear relevant for the gap. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of 5 days of aspartate and asparagine supplementation on glucose transport activity in rat muscle
Authors: Lancha Antonio H. , Poortmans Jacques R. , Pereira Luciana O.
Published: October 2009

The consumption of protein supplements containing amino acids is increasing around the world. Aspartate (Asp) and asparagine (Asn) are amino acids metabolized by skeletal muscle. This metabolism involves biochemical pathways that are involved in increasing Krebs cycle activity via anaplerotic reactions, resulting in higher glutamine concentrations. A connection between amino acid supplementation, glycogen concentration, and glucose uptake has been previously demonstrated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Asp and Asn supplementation on glucose uptake in rats using three different glycogen concentrations. The results indicate that Asp and Asn supplementation in rats with high glycogen concentrations (fed state) further increased the glycogen concentration in the muscle, and decreased in vitro 2‐deoxyglucose (a glucose analog) uptake by the muscle at maximal insulin concentrations. When animals had a medium glycogen concentration (consumed lard for 3 days), glucose uptake was higher in the supplemented group at sub‐maximal insulin concentrations. We conclude that supplementation of Asp and Asn reduced glucose transport in rat muscle only at higher levels of glycogen. The ingestion of lard for 3 days changed the responsiveness and sensitivity to insulin, and that group had higher levels of insulin sensitivity with Asp and Asn supplementation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Organ preservation solutions attenuate accumulation and nuclear translocation of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α in the hepatoma cell line HepG2
Authors: Paddenberg Renate , Howold Nele , Hoger Christiane , Janßen Hermann , Grau Veronika , Kummer Wolfgang
Published: October 2009

Hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) is a key transcription factor orchestrating hypoxic and inflammatory reactions. Here, we determined the impact of organ preservation solutions (Celsior; histidine‐tryptophan‐ketoglutarate solution, HTK; University of Wisconsin solution; UW), oxygen supply, and temperature on HIF‐1α accumulation, recorded by Western blotting and immunocytochemistry, in the human hepatoma cell line HepG2. Generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), NO, and cell viability were concomitantly assessed. At 4°C, HIF‐1α accumulation was not detectable. In normothermic (37°C) cell culture medium (Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium, DMEM), HepG2 cells accumulated HIF‐1α even in normoxia (21% O2) which was not observed in either of the preservation solutions. This correlated to high generation of NO, a normoxic stabilizer of HIF‐1α, and L‐arginine content (substrate for NO synthesis) in DMEM, and low NO production and absence of L‐arginine in preservation solutions. In normothermic hypoxia up to 24 h, intracellular HIF‐1α accumulated in all conditions, but less in preservation solutions compared to DMEM. The inhibitory effect on accumulation and nuclear translocation was most prominent for HTK, the only solution containing the activator of HIF‐1α degradation, α‐ketoglutarate. Addition of other intermediates of the tricarbon acid cycle—succinate, fumarate, malate—did not alter HIF‐1α accumulation, although succinate exhibited a beneficial effect on cell viability in cold storage. In conclusion, preservation solutions attenuate accumulation and nuclear translocation of the transcription factor HIF‐1α, and this property is seemingly related to their chemical composition (L‐arginine, α‐ketoglutarate). Thus, it appears feasible to design preservation solution specifically to modify HIF‐1α accumulation and nuclear translocation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ChemInform Abstract: Photoelectron Spectroscopy of Lanthanide—Silicon Cluster Anions LnSin‐ (3 ≤ n ≤ 13; Ln: Ho, Gd, Pr, Sm, Eu, Yb): Prospect for Magnetic Silicon‐Based Clusters.
Authors: Grubisic Andrej , Ko Yeon Jae , Wang Haopeng , Bowen Kit H.
Published: October 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis, Crystal Structure, Infrared Spectrum and Thermal Behavior of α‐BaHPO4.
Authors: Hoeppe Henning A. , Daub Michael , Oeckler Oliver
Published: October 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Magneto‐Transport Properties of Polycrystalline YBa2 (Cu1‐xMx)3O7‐δ (M: B and Mn).
Authors: Albiss B. A. , Obaidat I. M. , Gharaibeh M. , Hatamleh W. , Barhoum S. A. , Hasan M. K.
Published: October 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Structural and Magnetic Properties of Hole‐Doped (La0.56Ce0.14)Sr0.30MnO3 Perovskite.
Authors: Kallel Nabil , Kallel Sami , Pena Octavio , Oumezzine Mohamed
Published: October 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Sb‐MOx‐C (M: Al, Ti, or Mo) Nanocomposite Anodes for Lithium‐Ion Batteries.
Authors: Yoon Sukeun , Manthiram Arumugam
Published: October 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Photocatalytic Activity of Cu2O Nanoparticles Prepared Through Novel Synthesis Method of Precursor Reduction in the Presence of Thiosulfate.
Authors: Kakuta Seiji , Abe Toshiyuki
Published: October 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Noncentrosymmetric Ce3OCl[AsO3]2.
Authors: Ben Yahia Hamdi , Rodewald Ute Ch. , Poettgen Rainer
Published: October 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Electrochemical and Magnetic Properties of Inorganic Polymers Constructed from Mn(II)/Co(II)‐Substituted Heteropolymolybdates.
Authors: Liu Xizheng , Gao Guanggang , Xu Lin , Li Fengyan , Liu Li , Jiang Ning , Yang Yanyang
Published: October 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Electrochemical Fluorination of La2CuO4: A Mild “Chimie Douce” Route to Superconducting Oxyfluoride Materials.
Authors: Delville M. H. , Barbut D. , Wattiaux A. , Bassat J. M. , Menetrier M. , Labrugere C. , Grenier J. C. , Etourneau J.
Published: October 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: First Dynamic Kinetic Resolution of Selenium‐Containing Chiral Amines Catalyzed by Palladium (Pd/BaSO4) and Candida antartica Lipase (CAL‐B).
Authors: Andrade Leandro H. , Silva Alexandre V. , Pedrozo Eliane C.
Published: October 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: (η6‐Arene)RuII/Chiral SN Ligand: A Novel Bifunctional Catalyst System for Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation of Aromatic Ketones.
Authors: Ito Masato , Shibata Yuji , Watanabe Akira , Ikariya Takao
Published: October 2009

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.