bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
katG (SER 315 THR) Gene Mutation in Isoniazid Resistant Mycobacterium Tuberculosis
Authors: Marahatta S B , Gautam S , Dhital S , Pote N , Jha A K , Mahoto R , Mishra S , Poudel B H , Ramasoota P , Kaewkungwal J , Singhasivanon P
Published: June 2012

Background Isoniazid (INH) together with Rifampicin (RFP) forms the cornerstone of a short chemotherapy course for tuberculosis (TB) treatment. Mutation at codon 315 of katG gene is most prevalent in isoniazid resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and is high in area with high TB incidence. Polymerase Chain Reaction Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) has been found to be a reliable and effective tool for the identification of the specific gene alteration. Objective The objective of this study was to screen Ser315Thr mutation of KatG gene of INH resistant MTB strain by PCR-RFLP technique. Methods Altogether 37 INHr MTB isolates obtained from German Nepal Tuberculosis Project (GENETUP) Kathmandu Nepal was included in the study. Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) extraction was performed according to protocol of SORPOCLEAN™ from the culture isolates. Amplification of the fragment with katG codon 315 was performed in a Biometra Thermocycler using primers. The amplified fragment was cleaved with MspI. The restriction fragments obtained were electrophoresed in a 2% agarose gel and were visualized using transilluminator. Results The katG Ser315Thr mutation was observed in 23 (62.2%) out of 37 INH resistant isolates. The drug susceptibility profile of INHr MTB isolates showed all isolates to be resistant to INH and RFP whereas 26 and 27 MTB isolates were resistant to Ethambutol (EMB) and Streptomycin (S) respectively. Seventeen (17) patients were harbouring katG gene mutated strain among Ethambutol and Streptomycin resistant cases. Conclusion The study identified high prevalence of Ser315Thr mutation in katG. The isolates harbouring this mutation were also simultaneously resistant to RFP. Ser315Th could be a potential genetic marker for predicting MDR-TBhttp://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v9i1.6256 Kathmandu Univ Med J 2011;9(1):19-23
Incidence and Risk Factors for Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in Kathmandu University Hospital
Authors: Ranjit S , Bhattarai B
Published: June 2012

Background Ventilator associated pneumonia is a major cause of morbidity in the intensive care unit. Difficulties in identification of the risk factors, in diagnosing and in prevention, have intensified the problem. Objectives To measure the incidence of ventilator associated pneumonia in intensive care unit and to identify the risk factors associated. Methods A prospective observational cohort study of 69 patients who were mechanically ventilated for more than 48 hours were evaluated to find out the development of nosocomial pneumonia and presence or absence of risk factors. Data were subjected to univariate analysis using chi-square and t-test. Level of significance was set at 0.05. Results Twenty two (31.88%) out of 69 patients developed ventilator associated pneumonia, majority of them between four days to 14 days. Reintubation, invasive lines, H2 blockers and low PaO2/FiO2 were identified as major risk factors in our study. Enteral feeding via nasogastric tube and use of steroids was not associated with development of ventilator associated pneumonia. The patients with ventilator associated pneumonia had significantly longer duration of mechanical ventilation (18.88±7.7 days vs 7.36±4.19 days) and stay (29±17.8 days vs 9.22±5.14 days). The morality was similar for both the groups with or without ventilator associated pneumonia. ConclusionThe incidence of ventilator pneumonia is high. Patients requiring prolonged ventilation, re-intubation, more invasive lines and H2 blockers, are at high risk and need special attention towards prevention.http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v9i1.6258 Kathmandu Univ Med J 2011;9(1):28-31
Culture Proven Bacterial Meningitis in Children: Agents, Clinical Profile and Outcome
Authors: Ansari I , Pokhrel Y
Published: June 2012

Background Meningitis is a serious infection. Little is known about the bacterial agents and their antibacterial sensitivity in Nepalese children. Objectives To study bacteriological agents, clinical profile and immediate outcome in patients admitted to children’s ward of Patan Hospital with meningitis. Methods Prospective observational study conducted in paediatric ward of Patan Hospital. All the children admitted to the ward, with the diagnosis of culture proven bacterial meningitis’ on discharge were eligible. Results Out of 7,751 children, 296 (3.8%) had meningitis. This was a group ranging from neonates to adolescents aged 18 years. Only 13 (4.4%) of cerebrospinal fluid samples taken from them yielded positive culture reports. The organisms were pneumococcus (6), Haemophilus influenza ‘b’ (3), ?-hemolytic Streptococcus (1), ?-hemolytic Streptococcus (1), N. meningitides (1) and Pseudomonas (1). Whereas Haemophilus influenza ‘b’ was isolated from young infants, pneumococci were found in the young as well as the old. Fever, vomiting, high leukocyte count with left shift were all commonly present. All but one had cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis. Low sugar and high protein was found in most specimens. Neuroimaging was done in six children of which three were abnormal (all young infants and pneumococci cases). Ceftriaxone was given to all but one child. Everybody recovered but three had complications – profound hearing loss and cortical atrophy with subdural collection in pneumococcal and septic arthritis with persistence of fever in Haemophilus influenzae ‘b’ meningitis. Conclusion The present study corroborates most of the epidemiological and clinical features of acute bacterial meningitis and sheds light on the causative agents of bacterial meningitis in Nepalese children. http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v9i1.6260 Kathmandu Univ Med J 2011;9(1):36-40
Clinical Profile of Invasive Pneumococcal Disease in Patan Hospital, Nepal
Authors: Chhetri U D , Shrestha S , Pradhan R , Shrestha A , Adhikari N , Thorson S , Pollard A J , Murdoch D R , Kelly D F
Published: June 2012

Background Pneumococcal infection is one of the leading causes of pneumonia, meningitis and septicemia in developing countries. It accounts for one million deaths each year in children. Objectives The objective of this study is to see the clinical profile of invasive pneumococcal disease, antibiotics sensitivity pattern and prevalent serotypes in children admitted at Patan Hospital. Methods This is a retrospective analytical study conducted in the department of Paediatrics, Patan hospital. The lab data of those children who grew pneumococci in their blood, cerebrospinal fluid or body fluids over a period of 3 years (January 2007 to Dec 2009) were collected and the case files were then studied. Results Out of 42 cases of invasive pneumococcal diseases studied admitted diagnoses included pneumonia, febrile seizure, bacteremia or septicemia, meningitis, acute gastroenteritis and glomerulonephritis. Twenty seven of them were children under five. The male to female ratio was 1.7:1. On investigation 64%, 52% and 5% of the patients had leucocytosis, anaemia, and leucopenia respectively. Twenty six of them had radiological changes suggestive of pneumonia. Streptococcus pneumoniae grew in 38 blood samples, 5 cerebrospinal fluid and 3 pleural fluids. Almost all of these isolates were sensitive to penicillin, cefotaxime, amoxycillin, choloramphenicol, erythromycin and ofloxacin and resistant to cotrimoxazole and gentamicin.Pneumococcal serotypes found in our study were 1, 14, 5, 23B, 6B, 8, 9A, 9V, 10A, 15 and 23F (11 serotypes). ConclusionsPenicillin is still the most effective antibiotic for streptococcal infection in our study. Of the pneumococcal serotypes identified; 36% were covered by the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, 54% each by PCV-10 and PCV-13, and 72% by the e 23 valent vaccines.http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v9i1.6262 Kathmandu Univ Med J 2011;9(1):45-9
Giant Parathyroid Adenoma
Authors: Jayant M , Kaushik R , Kochar S , Attri A K
Published: June 2012

Primary Hyperparathyroidism is most commonly caused by parathyroid adenoma. Parathyroid adenoma is generally suspected by certain symptoms and biochemical abnormalities. They rarely attain large size to be evident clinically. We report a rare case of giant parathyroid adenoma measuring 5x4x3cm and weighing 35 gm.http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v9i1.6269 Kathmandu Univ Med J 2011;9(1):77-9
Stereotactic endoscopic placement of third ventricle catheter for long-term infusion of baclofen in patients with secondary generalized dystonia
Authors: Bollo Robert J. , Gooch Judith L. , Walker Marion L.
Published: June 2012

Continuous infusion of baclofen is a treatment option for severe generalized dystonia. Catheter insertion within the third ventricle has been described as an alternative to standard intrathecal placement to maximize intracranial concentrations of baclofen. The authors describe their experience with a novel technique for stereotactic endoscopic insertion of baclofen infusion catheters in the third ventricle in 3 patients with severe secondary generalized dystonia. Insertion was successful in all 3 patients, and all of them experienced significant improvement in dystonia scores on the Barry-Albright Dystonia Scale. Follow-up ranged from 5.5 to 7 months (mean 6 months), and no mechanical complications or CSF leaks were observed. The stereotactic endoscopic insertion of a baclofen infusion catheter into the third ventricle appears to be a safe method for continuous intraventricular baclofen infusion in patients with generalized secondary dystonia.
Novel neurodevelopmental disorder in the case of a giant occipitoparietal meningoencephalocele
Authors: Vogel Timothy W. , Manjila Sunil , Cohen Alan R.
Published: June 2012

Giant occipitoparietal encephaloceles are rare forms of neurodevelopmental defects whose etiologies remain uncertain. Their occurrence can lead to variable neurological outcomes depending on the extent of cerebral cortex involved and the ability to repair the defect. In addition, encephaloceles may be associated with various genetic syndromes and familial inheritance. Here, the authors describe a unique constellation of malformations associated with the case of a giant occipitoparietal meningoencephalocele with herniation of cortical tissue and continuity with the ventricular system. The patient had a cleft lip and palate, hemivertebrae of the thoracic spine, a patent ductus arteriosus, a ventricular septal defect, and coarctation of the aorta. To identify the genetic underpinnings of these malformations, fluorescence in situ hybridization and microarray analysis were performed and revealed an 80.65-kb gain within chromosome band 2p11.2. Duplications of this region involving RMND5A, whose product contains a C-terminal to lis homology (LisH) domain, have not previously been associated with a defined phenotype but may present insight into encephalocele formation. Surgical repair and follow-up for the neurological malformations are also discussed.
Open-wound treatment for gunshot to the brain
Authors: van den Munckhof Pepijn , Geukers Vincent G. , Bleeker Fonnet E. , Allison Celia E. , Vandertop W. Peter
Published: June 2012

The authors report a case of a gunshot wound to the brain in a 2.5-year-old girl. To treat the uncontrollably elevated intracranial pressure, the patient underwent bilateral decompressive craniectomy and experimental open-wound treatment. She recovered to a good functional level.
Gamma Knife surgery for the management of glomus tumors: a multicenter study
Authors: Sheehan Jason P. , Tanaka Shota , Link Michael J. , Pollock Bruce E. , Kondziolka Douglas , Mathieu David , Duma Christopher , Young A. Byron , Kaufmann Anthony M. , McBride Heyoung , Weisskopf Peter A. , Xu Zhiyuan , Kano Hideyuki , Yang Huai-che , Lunsford L. Dade
Published: June 2012

Object

Glomus tumors are rare skull base neoplasms that frequently involve critical cerebrovascular structures and lower cranial nerves. Complete resection is often difficult and may increase cranial nerve deficits. Stereotactic radiosurgery has gained an increasing role in the management of glomus tumors. The authors of this study examine the outcomes after radiosurgery in a large, multicenter patient population.

Methods

Under the auspices of the North American Gamma Knife Consortium, 8 Gamma Knife surgery centers that treat glomus tumors combined their outcome data retrospectively. One hundred thirty-four patient procedures were included in the study (134 procedures in 132 patients, with each procedure being analyzed separately). Prior resection was performed in 51 patients, and prior fractionated external beam radiotherapy was performed in 6 patients. The patients' median age at the time of radiosurgery was 59 years. Forty percent had pulsatile tinnitus at the time of radiosurgery. The median dose to the tumor margin was 15 Gy. The median duration of follow-up was 50.5 months (range 5–220 months).

Results

Overall tumor control was achieved in 93% of patients at last follow-up; actuarial tumor control was 88% at 5 years postradiosurgery. Absence of trigeminal nerve dysfunction at the time of radiosurgery (p = 0.001) and higher number of isocenters (p = 0.005) were statistically associated with tumor progression–free tumor survival. Patients demonstrating new or progressive cranial nerve deficits were also likely to demonstrate tumor progression (p = 0.002). Pulsatile tinnitus improved in 49% of patients who reported it at presentation. New or progressive cranial nerve deficits were noted in 15% of patients; improvement in preexisting cranial nerve deficits was observed in 11% of patients. No patient died as a result of tumor progression.

Conclusions

Gamma Knife surgery was a well-tolerated management strategy that provided a high rate of long-term glomus tumor control. Symptomatic tinnitus improved in almost one-half of the patients. Overall neurological status and cranial nerve function were preserved or improved in the vast majority of patients after radiosurgery.
Diagnostic yield of computed tomography angiography and magnetic resonance angiography in patients with catheter angiography–negative subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Delgado Almandoz Josser E. , Jagadeesan Bharathi D. , Refai Daniel , Moran Christopher J. , Cross DeWitte T. , Chicoine Michael R. , Rich Keith M. , Diringer Michael N. , Dacey Ralph G. , Derdeyn Colin P. , Zipfel Gregory J.
Published: June 2012

Object

The yield of CT angiography (CTA) and MR angiography (MRA) in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) who have a negative initial catheter angiogram is currently not well understood. This study aims to determine the yield of CTA and MRA in a prospective cohort of patients with SAH and a negative initial catheter angiogram.

Methods

From January 1, 2005, until September 1, 2010, the authors instituted a prospective protocol in which patients with SAH—as documented by noncontrast CT or CSF xanthochromia and a negative initial catheter angiogram— were evaluated using CTA and MRA to assess for causative cerebral aneurysms. Two neuroradiologists independently evaluated the noncontrast CT scans to determine the SAH pattern (perimesencephalic or not) and the CT and MR angiograms to assess for causative cerebral aneurysms.

Results

Seventy-seven patients were included, with a mean age of 52.8 years (median 54 years, range 19–88 years). Fifty patients were female (64.9%) and 27 male (35.1%). Forty-three patients had nonperimesencephalic SAH (55.8%), 29 patients had perimesencephalic SAH (37.7%), and 5 patients had CSF xanthochromia (6.5%). Computed tomography angiography demonstrated a causative cerebral aneurysm in 4 patients (5.2% yield), all of whom had nonperimesencephalic SAH (9.3% yield). Mean aneurysm size was 2.6 mm (range 2.1–3.3 mm). Magnetic resonance angiography demonstrated only 1 of these aneurysms. No causative cerebral aneurysms were found in patients with perimesencephalic SAH or CSF xanthochromia.

Conclusions

Computed tomography angiography is a valuable adjunct in the evaluation of patients with nonperimesencephalic SAH who have a negative initial catheter angiogram, demonstrating a causative cerebral aneurysm in 9.3% of patients.
Spontaneous resolution of invasive cerebral aspergillosis following partial resection in a medically untreated infant
Authors: Thakar Sumit , Chickabasaviah Yasha T. , Hegde Alangar S.
Published: June 2012

Invasive craniocerebral aspergillosis, often encountered in an immunocompromised setting, is almost uniformly fatal despite radical surgical and medical management, and is frequently a necropsy finding. The authors report a unique, self-resolving clinical course of this aggressive infection in a 10-month-old infant. The infant was brought to the emergency services in altered sensorium with a 1-week history of left-sided hemiparesis, excessive irritability, and vomiting. An MRI study of the brain revealed multiple, heterogeneously enhancing lesions in the right cerebral hemisphere with mass effect. The largest lesion in the frontotemporal cortical and subcortical regions was decompressed on an emergent basis. Histopathological findings were suggestive of invasive aspergillosis, although there was no evidence of the infection in the lungs or paranasal sinuses. Computed tomography–guided aspiration of the remaining lesions and follow-up antifungal therapy were recommended. The parents, however, requested discharge without further treatment. The child was seen at a follow-up visit 3 years later without having received any antifungal treatment. Imaging showed resolution of the infection and features of Dyke-Davidoff-Masson syndrome (cerebral hemiatrophy). This report of invasive cerebral aspergillosis resolving without medical therapy is the first of its kind. Its clinicoradiological aspects are discussed in light of previously reported cases.
Influence of hemodynamics on recanalization of totally occluded intracranial aneurysms: a patient-specific computational fluid dynamic simulation study
Authors: Li Chuanhui , Wang Shengzhang , Chen Jialiang , Yu Hongyu , Zhang Ying , Jiang Fan , Mu Shiqing , Li Haiyun , Yang Xinjian
Published: June 2012

Object

Some totally occluded intracranial aneurysms may recur. The role of hemodynamic mechanisms in this process remains to be elucidated. The authors used computational fluid dynamic analysis and investigated the local hemodynamic characteristics at the aneurysm neck before and after total embolization, attempting to identify hemodynamic risk factors leading to recurrence of totally embolized aneurysms.

Methods

Between May 2008 and June 2010, the authors recruited 17 consecutive patients with totally occluded intracranial aneurysms (7 recanalized and 10 stable lesions). Using patient-specific 3D digital subtraction angiography data, the hemodynamic features before and after embolization were retrospectively characterized.

Results

The overall preembolization blood flow patterns were nearly the same in the recanalized and stable groups, with no significant difference in either the maximum wall shear stress (WSS) (p = 0.914) or the spatially averaged WSS (p = 0.322) at peak systole at the aneurysm neck. After occlusion, the overall flow pattern changed, and the WSS distribution at the treated aneurysm neck differed in the 2 groups. In all of the 7 recanalized cases, both the maximum WSS and spatially averaged WSS at peak systole at the treated aneurysm neck were higher than those at the aneurysm neck before embolization. In contrast, both parameters were decreased in 70%–80% of the stable cases. After embolization, both the maximum WSS (p = 0.021) and spatially averaged WSS (p = 0.041) at peak systole at the treated aneurysm neck were higher in the recanalized group than in the stable group.

Conclusions

Higher WSS at the treated aneurysm neck after total embolization can be an important hemodynamic factor that contributes to aneurysm recurrence after endovascular treatment.
Seizure outcome and complications following hypothalamic hamartoma treatment in adults: endoscopic, open, and Gamma Knife procedures
Authors: Drees Cornelia , Chapman Kevin , Prenger Erin , Baxter Leslie , Maganti Rama , Rekate Harold , Shetter Andrew , Bobrowitz Maggie , Kerrigan John F.
Published: June 2012

Object

This study aimed at identifying outcomes with respect to seizures, morbidity, and mortality in adult patients undergoing resective or Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) to treat intractable epilepsy associated with hypothalamic hamartoma (HH).

Methods

Adult patients undergoing surgical treatment for HH-related epilepsy were prospectively monitored at a single center for complications and seizure outcome by using a proprietary database. Preintervention and postintervention data for patients 18 years of age and older, and with at least 1 year of follow-up, were analyzed, with specific attention to seizure control, complications, hormonal status, and death.

Results

Forty adult patients were found in the database (21 were women). The median HH volume was 0.54 cm3. In 70% of patients, it was located inside the third ventricle, attached unilaterally and vertically to the hypothalamus (Delalande Type II). Most patients (26) underwent an endoscopic resection, 10 patients had a transcallosal or other type of open (pterional or orbitozygomatic) resection, and 4 patients chose GKS.

Twenty-nine percent became seizure free in the long term, and overall a majority of patients (55%) reported at least > 90% seizure improvement. Only 3 patients were ultimately able to discontinue anticonvulsants, whereas most patients were taking an average of 2 antiepileptic drugs pre- and postoperatively. The only factor significantly correlated with seizure-free outcome was the absence of mental retardation. The HH volume, HH type, and amount of resection or disconnection were not correlated to seizure freedom. A total of 4 patients (10%) died, 2 immediately after surgery and 2 later. All of them had undergone a resection, as opposed to GKS, and still had seizures. Postoperatively, persistent neurological deficits were seen in 1 patient; 34% of patients had mild hormonal problems; and 59% experienced weight gain of at least 6.8 kg (average gain 12.7 kg).

Conclusions

Surgical or GKS procedures in adults with HH provided seizure freedom in one-third of patients. The only significant favorable prognostic factor was the absence of mental retardation. The overall mortality rate was high, at 10%. Other important morbidities were persistent hormonal disturbances and weight gain.
Diagnostic value of the optic nerve sheath subarachnoid space in patients with intracranial hypotension syndrome
Authors: Takeuchi Nobuyasu , Horikoshi Toru , Kinouchi Hiroyuki , Watanabe Arata , Yagi Takashi , Mitsuka Kentaro , Senbokuya Nobuo
Published: June 2012

Object

The size of the subarachnoid space in the optic nerve sheath (ONS) on MR images is thought to reflect intracranial pressure. The diagnostic value of this space was investigated in patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) syndrome.

Methods

Coronal fat-saturated T2-weighted MRI of the orbit was performed in 15 patients with SIH fulfilling the diagnostic criteria for headache caused by low CSF pressure of the International Classification of Headache Disorders or the criteria for spontaneous spinal CSF leaks and intracranial hypotension. The size of the subarachnoid space in the ONS was measured in 2 slices behind the eyeballs. The images were compared before and after treatment. The CSF pressure was measured by lumbar puncture.

Results

Before treatment, the diameter of the ONS subarachnoid space ranged from 2.58 to 4.21 mm (mean 3.34 mm) and the thickness from 0 to 0.48 mm (mean 0.15 mm). Both measurements showed significant correlations with CSF opening pressure, and 8 patients had no CSF space before treatment. The size of CSF space increased in many patients after effective treatment.

Conclusions

Disappearance of the CSF space in the ONS was frequently observed in patients with SIH. This characteristic finding may be useful in the diagnosis of SIH as well as in the evaluation of treatment effectiveness.
Clinical significance of diffusion tensor tractography as a predictor of functional recovery after laminoplasty in patients with cervical compressive myelopathy
Authors: Nakamura Masaya , Fujiyoshi Kanehiro , Tsuji Osahiko , Konomi Tsunehiko , Hosogane Naobumi , Watanabe Kota , Tsuji Takashi , Ishii Ken , Momoshima Suketaka , Toyama Yoshiaki , Chiba Kazuhiro , Matsumoto Morio
Published: June 2012

Object

This study was conducted to determine whether postoperative changes in the fractional anisotropy (FA) value and diffusion tensor imaging of the cervical spinal cord can predict functional outcome for patients with cervical compressive myelopathy (CCM).

Methods

Twenty patients with CCM were treated by laminoplasty from 2008 to 2009. Both T2-weighted MRI and diffusion tensor imaging were performed before and after surgery. The FA values were analyzed and fiber tracking was performed. The fiber tract (FT) ratio was calculated according to the following formula: (number of fibers at the compressed level)/(number of fibers at the C-2 level) × 100%. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association scoring system for cervical myelopathy was used to determine pre- and postoperative neurological status of the patients, and the Hirabayashi method was used to calculate the recovery rate.

Results

There was no significant difference in recovery rates between patients with and those without intramedullary high signal intensity on preoperative T2-weighted images. Substantial differences in FA value among spinal cord, bone, and CSF made it difficult to obtain a precise FA value for the compressed spinal cord. There was a significant correlation between the preoperative FT ratio and the recovery rate (p = 0.0006). A poor outcome (recovery rate < 40%) could be anticipated for CCM patients with preoperative FT ratios below 60%.

Conclusions

The preoperative FT ratio correlated significantly with the recovery rates in CCM patients. Preoperative diffusion tensor tractography can be a new prognostic predictor for neurological recovery in CCM patients after laminoplasty.
Can ELISPOT Be Applied to A Clinical Setting as A Diagnostic Utility for Neuroborreliosis?
Authors: Nordberg Marika , Forsberg Pia , Nyman Dag , Skogman Barbro H. , Nyberg Clara , Ernerudh Jan , Eliasson Ingvar , Ekerfelt Christina
Published: June 2012

The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the diagnostic performance of Borrelia (Bb)-induced interferon (IFN)-γ secretion detected by ELISPOT modified to be feasible for clinical laboratories as a supplementary test to the laboratory diagnosis of Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB) in an endemic setting. Between 2002 and 2004, patients with symptoms of suspected clinical LNB were included in a study conducted on the Åland islands in the Finnish archipelago, which is a hyper-endemic area for Lyme borreliosis (LB). Fourteen patients with confirmed LNB and 103 patients with non-LNB were included, and the numbers of spontaneous and Bb-induced IFN-γ-secreting cells were assayed by the ELISPOT test. The ELISPOT assay showed a weak diagnostic performance with a sensitivity of 36% and a specificity of 82%. The findings in this study show that this ELISPOT-assay modified to be feasible in clinical routine laboratories is not useful as a supplementary diagnostic tool in the laboratory diagnosis of patients with clinically suspected LNB.
Localization in Wireless Sensor Networks and Anchor Placement
Authors: Kunz Thomas , Tatham Benjamin
Published: June 2012

Applications of wireless sensor network (WSN) often expect knowledge of the precise location of the nodes. Many different localization protocols have been proposed that allow nodes to derive their location rather than equipping them with dedicated localization hardware such as GPS receivers, which increases node costs. We provide a brief survey of the major approaches to software-based node localization in WSN. One class of localization protocols with good localization performance patches together relative-coordinate, local maps into a global-coordinate map. These protocols require some nodes that know their absolute coordinates, called anchor nodes. While many factors influence the node position errors, in this class of protocols, using Procrustes Analysis, the placement of the anchor nodes can significantly impact the error. Through simulation, using the Curvilinear Component Analysis (CCA-MAP) protocol as a representative protocol in this category, we show the impact of anchor node placement and propose a set of guidelines to ensure the best possible outcome, while using the smallest number of anchor nodes possible.
Chemical Composition of Essential Oils of Litsea cubeba Harvested from Its Distribution Areas in China
Authors: Si Linlin , Chen Yicun , Han Xiaojiao , Zhan Zhiyong , Tian Shengping , Cui Qinqin , Wang Yangdong
Published: June 2012

Litsea cubeba (Lour.) Pers. is a promising industrial crop with fruits rich in essential oils. The chemical composition of essential oils of L. cubeba (EOLC) were determined for fruits harvested from eight regions in China. The overall essential oil content, obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), ranged from 3.04% to 4.56%. In total, 59 compounds were identified, the dominant components being monoterpenes (94.4–98.4%), represented mainly by neral and geranial (78.7–87.4%). D-Limonene was unexpectedly a lesser constituent (0.7–5.3%) in fruits, which differed from previous reports (6.0–14.6%). Several components were only detected in certain regions and compounds such as o-cymene and eremophilene have never before been reported in EOLC. These results demonstrate significant regional variation in the chemical composition of EOLC. This investigation provides important information with regard to the bioactivity, breeding work and industrial applications of L. cubeba.
Synthesis, DNA-Binding and Antiproliferative Properties of Acridine and 5-Methylacridine Derivatives
Authors: Ferreira Rubén , Aviñó Anna , Mazzini Stefania , Eritja Ramon
Published: June 2012

Several acridine derivatives were synthesized and their anti-proliferative activity was determined. The most active molecules were derivatives of 5-methylacridine-4-carboxylic acid. The DNA binding properties of the synthesized acridines were analyzed by competitive dialysis and compared with the anti-proliferative activities. While inactive acridine derivatives showed high selectivity for G-quadruplex structures, the most active 5-methylacridine-4-carboxamide derivatives had high affinity for DNA but showed poor specificity. An NMR titration study was performed with the most active 5-methylacridine-4-carboxamide, confirming the high affinity of this compound for both duplex and quadruplex DNAs.
Nutrition Education by a Registered Dietitian Improves Dietary Intake and Nutrition Knowledge of a NCAA Female Volleyball Team
Authors: Valliant Melinda W. , Pittman Emplaincourt Heather , Kieckhaefer Wenzel Rachel , Garner Bethany Hilson
Published: June 2012

Eleven female participants from a NCAA Division I volleyball team were evaluated for adequate energy and macronutrient intake during two off-seasons. Total energy and macronutrient intake were assessed by food records and results were compared against estimated needs using the Nelson equation. Dietary intervention was employed regarding the individual dietary needs of each athlete as well as a pre- and post-sports nutrition knowledge survey. Post dietary intervention, total energy, and macronutrient intake improved, as well as a significant improvement in sports nutrition knowledge (p < 0.001). Nutrition education is useful in improving dietary intake and nutrition knowledge of female athletes.
Unmanned Aircraft Systems in Remote Sensing and Scientific Research: Classification and Considerations of Use
Authors: Watts Adam C. , Ambrosia Vincent G. , Hinkley Everett A.
Published: June 2012

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) have evolved rapidly over the past decade driven primarily by military uses, and have begun finding application among civilian users for earth sensing reconnaissance and scientific data collection purposes. Among UAS, promising characteristics are long flight duration, improved mission safety, flight repeatability due to improving autopilots, and reduced operational costs when compared to manned aircraft. The potential advantages of an unmanned platform, however, depend on many factors, such as aircraft, sensor types, mission objectives, and the current UAS regulatory requirements for operations of the particular platform. The regulations concerning UAS operation are still in the early development stages and currently present significant barriers to entry for scientific users. In this article we describe a variety of platforms, as well as sensor capabilities, and identify advantages of each as relevant to the demands of users in the scientific research sector. We also briefly discuss the current state of regulations affecting UAS operations, with the purpose of informing the scientific community about this developing technology whose potential for revolutionizing natural science observations is similar to those transformations that GIS and GPS brought to the community two decades ago.
Personalized Alert Notifications and Evacuation Routes in Indoor Environments
Authors: Aedo Ignacio , Yu Shuxin , Díaz Paloma , Acuña Pablo , Onorati Teresa
Published: June 2012

The preparedness phase is crucial in the emergency management process for reaching an adequate level of readiness to react to potential threats and hazards. During this phase, emergency plans are developed to establish, among other procedures, evacuation and emergency escape routes. Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) can support and improve these procedures providing appropriate, updated and accessible information to all people in the affected zone. Current emergency management and evacuation systems do not adapt information to the context and the profile of each person, so messages received in the emergency might be useless. In this paper, we propose a set of criteria that ICT-based systems could achieve in order to avoid this problem adapting emergency alerts and evacuation routes to different situations and people. Moreover, in order to prove the applicability of such criteria, we define a mechanism that can be used as a complement of traditional evacuation systems to provide personalized alerts and evacuation routes to all kinds of people during emergency situations in working places. This mechanism is composed by three main components: CAP-ONES for notifying emergency alerts, NERES for defining emergency plans and generating personalized evacuation routes, and iNeres as the interface to receive and visualize these routes on smartphones. The usability and understandability of proposed interface has been assessed through a user study performed in a fire simulation in an indoor environment. This evaluation demonstrated that users considered iNeres easy to understand, to learn and to use, and they also found very innovative the idea to use smartphones as a support for escaping instead of static signals on walls and doors.
A Novel Human Autonomy Assessment System
Authors: Munstermann Marco , Stevens Torsten , Luther Wolfram
Published: June 2012

This article presents a novel human autonomy assessment system for generating context and discovering the behaviors of older people who use ambulant services. Our goal is to assist caregivers in assessing possibly abnormal health conditions in their clients concerning their level of autonomy, thus enabling caregivers to take countermeasures as soon as possible.
The UspIC: Performing Scan Matching Localization Using an Imaging Sonar
Authors: Burguera Antoni , González Yolanda , Oliver Gabriel
Published: June 2012

This paper presents a novel approach to localize an underwater mobile robot based on scan matching using a Mechanically Scanned Imaging Sonar (MSIS). When used to perform scan matching, this sensor presents some problems such as significant uncertainty in the measurements or large scan times, which lead to a motion induced distortion. This paper presents the uspIC, which deals with these problems by adopting a probabilistic scan matching strategy and by defining a method to strongly alleviate the motion induced distortion. Experimental results evaluating our approach and comparing it to previously existing methods are provided.
Acetylcholinesterase Immobilized on Magnetic Beads for Pesticides Detection: Application to Olive Oil Analysis
Authors: Ben Oujji Najwa , Bakas Idriss , Istamboulié Georges , Ait-Ichou Ihya , Ait-Addi Elhabib , Rouillon Régis , Noguer Thierry
Published: June 2012

This work presents the development of bioassays and biosensors for the detection of insecticides widely used in the treatment of olive trees. The systems are based on the covalent immobilisation of acetylcholinesterase on magnetic microbeads using either colorimetry or amperometry as detection technique. The magnetic beads were immobilised on screen-printed electrodes or microtitration plates and tested using standard solutions and real samples. The developed devices showed good analytical performances with limits of detection much lower than the maximum residue limit tolerated by international regulations, as well as a good reproducibility and stability.
Ultra Low Power Signal Oriented Approach for Wireless Health Monitoring
Authors: Marinkovic Stevan , Popovici Emanuel
Published: June 2012

In recent years there is growing pressure on the medical sector to reduce costs while maintaining or even improving the quality of care. A potential solution to this problem is real time and/or remote patient monitoring by using mobile devices. To achieve this, medical sensors with wireless communication, computational and energy harvesting capabilities are networked on, or in, the human body forming what is commonly called a Wireless Body Area Network (WBAN). We present the implementation of a novel Wake Up Receiver (WUR) in the context of standardised wireless protocols, in a signal-oriented WBAN environment and present a novel protocol intended for wireless health monitoring (WhMAC). WhMAC is a TDMA-based protocol with very low power consumption. It utilises WBAN-specific features and a novel ultra low power wake up receiver technology, to achieve flexible and at the same time very low power wireless data transfer of physiological signals. As the main application is in the medical domain, or personal health monitoring, the protocol caters for different types of medical sensors. We define four sensor modes, in which the sensors can transmit data, depending on the sensor type and emergency level. A full power dissipation model is provided for the protocol, with individual hardware and application parameters. Finally, an example application shows the reduction in the power consumption for different data monitoring scenarios.
Palmprint Recognition across Different Devices
Authors: Jia Wei , Hu Rong-Xiang , Gui Jie , Zhao Yang , Ren Xiao-Ming
Published: June 2012

In this paper, the problem of Palmprint Recognition Across Different Devices (PRADD) is investigated, which has not been well studied so far. Since there is no publicly available PRADD image database, we created a non-contact PRADD image database containing 12,000 grayscale captured from 100 subjects using three devices, i.e., one digital camera and two smart-phones. Due to the non-contact image acquisition used, rotation and scale changes between different images captured from a same palm are inevitable. We propose a robust method to calculate the palm width, which can be effectively used for scale normalization of palmprints. On this PRADD image database, we evaluate the recognition performance of three different methods, i.e., subspace learning method, correlation method, and orientation coding based method, respectively. Experiments results show that orientation coding based methods achieved promising recognition performance for PRADD.
Reliable Finite Frequency Filter Design for Networked Control Systems with Sensor Faults
Authors: Ju He-Hua , Long Yue , Wang Heng
Published: June 2012

This paper is concerned with the reliable finite frequency filter design for networked control systems (NCSs) subject to quantization and data missing. Taking into account quantization, possible data missing and sensor stuck faults, NCSs are modeled in the framework of discrete time-delay switched systems, and the finite frequency l2 gain is adopted for the filter design of discrete time-delay switched systems, which is converted into a set of linear matrix inequality (LMI) conditions. By the virtues of the derived conditions, a procedure of reliable filter synthesis is presented. Further, the filter gains are characterized in terms of solutions to a convex optimization problem which can be solved by using the semi-definite programme method. Finally, an example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Application of Live-Cell RNA Imaging Techniques to the Study of Retroviral RNA Trafficking
Authors: Bann Darrin V. , Parent Leslie J.
Published: June 2012

Retroviruses produce full-length RNA that serves both as a genomic RNA (gRNA), which is encapsidated into virus particles, and as an mRNA, which directs the synthesis of viral structural proteins. However, we are only beginning to understand the cellular and viral factors that influence trafficking of retroviral RNA and the selection of the RNA for encapsidation or translation. Live cell imaging studies of retroviral RNA trafficking have provided important insight into many aspects of the retrovirus life cycle including transcription dynamics, nuclear export of viral RNA, translational regulation, membrane targeting, and condensation of the gRNA during virion assembly. Here, we review cutting-edge techniques to visualize single RNA molecules in live cells and discuss the application of these systems to studying retroviral RNA trafficking.
L'anonymat dans la tradition manuscrite de la lyrique troubadouresque
Authors: Gambino Francesca
Published: June 2012

Dans les chansonniers provençaux, il est assez rare de trouver un texte sans rubrique attributive. Son absence peut presque toujours être imputée à un accident matériel. L'anonymat est donc un phénomène exceptionnel. Les textes sans auteur connu sont des unica, souvent transmis par des sources qui ne sont pas des chansonniers. En outre, l'absence de la rubrique est incontestablement plus fréquente dans les manuscrits qui ont transmis les mélodies : il est encore une fois évident que pour les compilateurs de ces anthologies l'intérêt était surtout d'ordre musical.

Les différences selon les genres sont également intéressantes, même si dans la lyrique en langue d'oc il n'y a pas de véritable opposition entre le registre appelé « aristocratisant » et le registre « popularisant », comme on pourrait s'y attendre. Enfin, dans certains cas on peut établir une connexion entre l'anonymat et un auteur qu'on pourrait qualifier de « faible » : les coblas esparsas, pour lesquelles l'anonymat peut être un élément constitutif, appartiennent plutôt au monde des jongleurs qu'à celui des troubadours ; enfin, les pièces dont le sujet lyrique est une femme ont beaucoup plus de chances de rester sans attribution que celles dont le sujet lyrique est un homme.
Nouveaux fragments sculptés en stuc provenant de Pietramontecorvino près de Lucera (Pouilles)
Authors: Bertelli Gioia
Published: June 2012

Cette étude vise à présenter une analyse des fragments en stuc inédits, conservés aujourd'hui dans des locaux jouxtant l'église Sainte-Marie de Pietramontecorvino (province de Foggia). Appartenant autrefois à ce lieu de culte, ils devaient vraisemblablement en décorer la barrière de chœur ou plus probablement l'ambon. Les caractéristiques artistiques de ces pièces aussi bien que leur configuration architecturale permettent de les comparer avec des monuments similaires des Abruzzes et avec la production sculptée des Pouilles au milieu du XIIe s. Sur ce point, nous devons constater que les fragments de Pietromontecorvino ne semblent pas correspondre aux stucs produits en Calabre, en Lucanie et en Sicile à cette même époque.
La parenté en l'an mil
Authors: Aurell Martin
Published: June 2012

L'étude de la parenté de l'an mil a été considérablement renouvelée par les travaux récents. Le cousinage de l'époque carolingienne, à faible profondeur généalogique, présente une conscience et une mémoire matrilinéaires ; il pousse ses membres à l'itinérance et privilégie les stratégies matrimoniales isogamiques et endogamiques. Par contraste, le lignage, issu d'une radicale mutation sociale, se caractérise par son agnatisme, un nouvel accent mis sur la filiation patrilinéaire. Il sédentarise et individualise des lignées familiales autour du château, devenu leur point d'ancrage. Il encourage l'hypergamie et l'avunculat. Enfin, cette évolution s'accompagne de l'action menée par le clergé pour christianiser le mariage : indissolubilité et unicité mettent en cause les stratégies matrimoniales et patrimoniales de l'aristocratie.
Gerbert, théoricien de la musique, vu de l'an 2000
Authors: Huglo Michel
Published: June 2012

La correspondance de Gerbert (220 lettres) est centrée principalement sur son activité politique : deux lettres (Ep. 134 et 155) concernent directement ses travaux de mathématiques et onze lettres y font allusion. Enfin, cinq réponses à Constantin de Micy résolvent des questions posées au sujet de l'« Arithmétique » ou de la « Musique » de Boèce. Son principal ouvrage est un court traité sur le calcul de la dimension des tuyaux d'orgue, publié seulement en 1970 par Klaus-Jürgen Sachs. En fait, les lettres et opuscules scientifiques de Gerbert ont été sollicités par ses disciples, mais aucun n'a été écrit à son initiative, car, de son propre aveu, il était beaucoup trop absorbé par les affaires politiques.
Les Normands et la littérature latine au débat du nouveau millénium
Authors: Bate Keith
Published: June 2012

At the dawn of the millennium a unique style of poetry is produced in Normandy, probably as a result of the interaction of languages and cultures similar to that experienced in England after the Norman Conquest, but not identical. The poetry of the court of Rouen is probably the Scandinavian love of rhetoric and repartee expressed by foreign poets in the Latin hermeneutic style of England and strongly influenced by the indigenous musical culture. This mix could explain the importance of religious and secular theatre in Normandy and afterwards in England.
Le roi et la loi chez les penseurs du royaume occidental du deuxième quart du IXe à la fin du XIe s.
Authors: Sassier Yves
Published: June 2012

In close relation to the development of a vision of the monarchy which intends to submit the exercise of the royal potestas to the auctoritas and control of the bishops and deny the king his quality of mediator of divinity, the discourse of some intellectuals at the time of Charles the Bald, in particular the one of Hincmar de Reims, uses again and amplifies the elements of a reflection, of long-standing already, on the relationship between the king and the law. Conformity of human laws to the divine law, necessity for the king to obey his own laws and, more generally, assertion of a principle of legality binding every act of government and administration, emphasis on a royal function of keeping ancient laws true to the Christian ideal, such are the principles that will be insisted on by the scholars close to the king for nearly three centuries. In this manner, in spite of crises, they will maintain the idea that the legislative equipment of the Christian world has been completed and that the primary task of the king is to "keep" the law.