bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of a Naturally Occurring Class D β-Lactamase from
Achromobacter xylosoxidans
Authors: Doi Yohei , Poirel Laurent , Paterson David L. , Nordmann Patrice
Published: March 2008

A chromosomally encoded class D β-lactamase, OXA-114, was characterized from
Achromobacter xylosoxidans
strain CIP69598. β-Lactamase OXA-114 shared 56% amino acid identity with the naturally occurring class D β-lactamase of
Burkholderia cenocepacia
and 42% identity with the acquired oxacillinases OXA-9 and OXA-18. OXA-114 has a narrow-spectrum hydrolysis profile, although it includes imipenem, at a very low level. PCR and sequencing revealed that
bla
OXA-114
-like genes were identified in all
A. xylosoxidans
strains tested (
n
= 5), indicating that this β-lactamase is naturally occurring in that species. Induction experiments with imipenem and cefoxitin did not show inducibility of
bla
OXA-114
expression.
Interactions of DB75, a Novel Antimalarial Agent, with Other Antimalarial Drugs In Vitro
Authors: Purfield Anne E. , Tidwell Richard R. , Meshnick Steven R.
Published: March 2008

Pafuramidine is a novel orally active antimalarial. To identify a combination partner, we measured the in vitro antimalarial activities of the active metabolite, DB75, with amodiaquine, artemisinin, atovaquone, azithromycin, chloroquine, clindamycin, mefloquine, piperaquine, pyronaridine, tafenoquine, and tetracycline. None of the drugs tested demonstrated antagonistic or synergistic activity in combination with pafuramidine.
Antistreptococcal Activity of AR-709 Compared to That of Other Agents
Authors: Smith Kathy , Ednie Lois M. , Appelbaum Peter C. , Hawser Stephen , Lociuro Sergio
Published: March 2008

Against 300 strains of pneumococci and 100 group A streptococci of differing β-lactam, macrolide, and quinolone resistance phenotypes, AR-709 was very active, with all MICs being ≤2 μg/ml. Furthermore, AR-709 was active against strains that were both susceptible and resistant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.
Bactericidal Antibody Responses Induced by Meningococcal Recombinant Chimeric Factor H-Binding Protein Vaccines
Authors: Beernink Peter T. , Granoff Dan M.
Published: March 2008

Factor H-binding protein (fHbp) is a novel meningococcal vaccine candidate that elicits serum antibodies that activate classical complement pathway bacteriolysis and also inhibit binding of the complement down-regulatory protein, factor H, to the bacterial surface. One limitation of fHbp as a vaccine candidate is antigenic variability, since antibodies to fHbp in the variant 1 (v.1) antigenic group do not protect against strains expressing v.2 or v.3 proteins, and vice versa. We have identified amino acid residues of epitopes recognized by bactericidal anti-fHbp monoclonal antibodies prepared against fHbp from each of the variant groups. One epitope expressed by nearly all v.1 proteins mapped to the B domain, while epitopes expressed by fHbp v.2 or v.3 mapped to the C domain. The results provided the rationale for engineering chimeric fHbp molecules containing the A domain (which is conserved across all variant groups), a portion of the B domain of a v.1 protein, and the carboxyl-terminal portion of the B domain and the C domain of a v.2 protein. By enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, the resulting recombinant chimeric proteins expressed epitopes from all three variant groups. In mice, the chimeric vaccines elicited serum antibodies with bactericidal activity against a panel of genetically diverse strains expressing fHbp v.1, v.2, or v.3. The data demonstrate the feasibility of preparing a meningococcal vaccine from a single recombinant protein that elicits broad bactericidal activity, including group B strains, which account for 50 percent of cases of meningococcal disease and for which there currently is no broadly protective vaccine.
Upregulation of Cytokines Is Detected in the Placentas of Cattle Infected withNeospora caninumand Is More Marked Early in Gestation When Fetal Death Is Observed
Authors: Rosbottom Anne , Gibney E. Helen , Guy Catherine S. , Kipar Anja , Smith Robert F. , Kaiser Pete , Trees Alexander J. , Williams Diana J. L.
Published: March 2008

The protozoan parasiteNeospora caninumcauses fetal death after experimental infection of pregnant cattle in early gestation, but the fetus survives a similar infection in late gestation. An increase in Th1-type cytokines in the placenta in response to the presence of the parasite has been implicated as a contributory factor to fetal death due to immune-mediated pathological alterations. We measured, using real-time reverse transcription-PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, the levels of cytokines in the placentas of cattle experimentally infected withN. caninumin early and late gestation. After infection in early gestation, fetal death occurred, and the levels of mRNA of both Th1 and Th2 cytokines, including interleukin-2 (IL-2), gamma interferon (IFN-γ), IL-12p40, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), IL-18, IL-10, and IL-4, were significantly (P< 0.01) increased by up to 1,000-fold. There was extensive placental necrosis and a corresponding infiltration of CD4+T cells and macrophages. IFN-γ protein expression was also highly increased, and a modest increase in transforming growth factor β was detected. A much smaller increase in the same cytokines and IFN-γ protein expression, with minimal placental necrosis and inflammatory infiltration, occurred afterN. caninuminfection in late gestation when the fetuses survived. Comparison of cytokine mRNA levels in separated maternal and fetal placental tissue that showed maternal tissue was the major source of all cytokine mRNA except for IL-10 and TNF-α, which were similar in both maternal and fetal tissues. These results suggest that the magnitude of the cytokine response correlates with but is not necessarily the cause of fetal death and demonstrate that a polarized Th1 response was not evident in the placentas ofN. caninum-infected cattle.
Cadmium reduces nitric oxide production by impairing phosphorylation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase
Authors: Majumder Syamantak , Muley Ajit , Kolluru Gopi Krishna , Saurabh Samir , Tamilarasan K. P. , Chandrasekhar Sidhharth , Reddy Hima Bindu , Purohit Sharad , Chatterjee Suvro
Published: March 2008

Cadmium (Cd) perturbs vascular health and interferes with endothelial function. However, the effects of exposing endothelial cells to low doses of Cd on the production of nitric oxide (NO) are largely unknown. The objective of the present study was to evaluate these effects by using low levels of CdCl2concentrations, ranging from 10 to 1000 nmol/L. Cd perturbations in endothelial function were studied by employing wound-healing and MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assays. The results suggest that a CdCl2concentration of 100 nmol/L maximally attenuated NO production, cellular migration, and energy metabolism in endothelial cells. An egg yolk angiogenesis model was employed to study the effect of Cd exposure on angiogenesis. The results demonstrate that NO supplementation restored Cd-attenuated angiogenesis. Immunofluorescence, Western blot, and immuno-detection studies showed that low levels of Cd inhibit NO production in endothelial cells by blocking eNOS phosphorylation, which is possibly linked to processes involving endothelial function and dysfunction, including angiogenesis.
Cardiac myofilament regulation by protein phosphatase type 1α and CapZ
Authors: Yang Fenghua , Aiello David L. , Pyle W. Glen
Published: March 2008

Myofilament regulation by protein kinases is well characterized, but relatively little is known about protein phosphatase control of myofilaments. Increased protein phosphatase type 1 (PP1) activity observed in failing hearts underscores the need for investigation of this intracellular signal, including the elements that regulate its activity. The Z-disc protein CapZ controls protein kinase C (PKC) regulation of cardiac myofilaments, but whether this effect is specific to PKC, or CapZ plays a general role in intracellular signalling, is not known. We sought to determine how the α isoform of PP1 (PP1α) regulates murine cardiac myofilaments and whether CapZ influences PP1α-dependent regulation of cardiac myofilaments. Immunoblot analysis showed PP1α binding to cardiac myofilaments. Exogenous PP1α increased myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity and maximal actomyosin Mg2+-ATPase activity while dephosphorylating myosin binding protein C, troponin T, troponin I, and myosin light chain 2. Extraction of CapZ decreased myofilament-associated PP1α and attenuated the effects of PP1α on myofilament activation. PP1α-dependent dephosphorylation of myofilament proteins was reduced with CapZ extraction, except for troponin I. Extracting CapZ after PP1α treatment allowed most of the PP1α-dependent effects on myofilament activation to remain, indicating that CapZ removal modestly desensitizes cardiac myofilaments to dephosphorylation. Our results demonstrate myofilament regulation by PP1α and support the concept that cardiac Z-discs are vital components in intracellular signalling.
MESSAGE PASSING WITHOUT MEMORY COPY
Authors: Yaikhom Gagarine
Published: March 2008

We consider here reduction of send latencies for send-and-forget type communications, where senders do not reuse data that have already been sent. We introduce a commit based message sending approach, and describe the corresponding application programming interfaces. These interfaces allow applications to take advantage of message buffering, such as overlapping of computations and communications, while avoiding performance degradation due to intermediate memory copy. The approach works by allowing applications to safely access the implementation buffer through the provided interfaces. Experimental results show that the new approach is effective, and reduces the interface latency significantly compared to related approaches. Since send-and-forget type communications are often observed in skeletal programming, we demonstrate the approach by implementing a pipeline algorithmic skeleton.
HIGH LEVEL PARALLEL SKELETONS FOR DYNAMIC PROGRAMMING
Authors: PELÁEZ IGNACIO , ALMEIDA FRANCISCO , GONZÁLEZ DANIEL
Published: March 2008

Dynamic Programming is an important problem-solving technique used for solving a wide variety of optimization problems. Dynamic Programming programs are commonly designed as individual applications and software tools are usually tailored to specific classes of recurrences and methodologies. That contrasts with some other algorithmic techniques where a single generic program may solve all the instances. We have developed a general skeleton tool providing support for a wide range of dynamic programming methodologies on different parallel architectures. Genericity, flexibility and efficiency are basic issues of the design strategy. Parallelism is supplied to the user in a transparent manner through a common sequential interface. A set of test problems representative of different classes of Dynamic Programming formulations has been used to validate our skeleton on an IBM-SP.
EVALUATING COMPUTATIONAL COSTS WHILE HANDLING DATA AND CONTROL PARALLELISM
Authors: CAMPA SONIA
Published: March 2008

The aim of this work is to introduce a computational costs system associated to a semantic framework for orthogonal data and control parallelism handling. In such a framework a parallel application is described by a semantic expression involving in an orthogonal manner both data access and control parallelism abstractions. The evaluation of such an expression is driven by a set of rewriting rules each of which is combined with a computational cost. We present how to proceed in the evaluation of the final cost of the application as well as how such information together with the semantic framework capabilities can be exploited to increase the overall performance.
CIRCUIT TECHNIQUES FOR EFFECTIVE WIRELESS TRANSFER OF POWER AND DATA TO ELECTRONIC IMPLANTS
Authors: DJEMOUAI ABDELOHAHAB , SAWAN MOHAMAD
Published: March 2008

Novel circuit techniques and design approaches are proposed in this paper to build a controller dedicated to wireless power and data transmission systems used in the area of implantable devices such as sensors and neurostimulators. The aim of this controller is to regulate automatically the level of the power to be transferred and to modulate the carrier signals during data transmission. It includes several new integrated building blocks such as integrated pulse-width modulator (PWM), RF envelope detector, frequency-locked loop (FLL), and amplitude-shift keying (ASK) modulator and demodulator. CMOS 0.18 μm technology is used to implement this controller that operates at 1.8 V power supply and a frequency of 20 MHz. Preliminary postlayout simulation results prove that all the main blocks of the controller (the FLL, the PWM, and the ASKD) operate adequately. From simulation results, the time response of the system is estimated at 0.8 μs. The complete controller has been recently submitted for fabrication.
ANALYSIS AND TOOLS FOR THE DESIGN OF VLIW EMBEDDED SYSTEMS IN A MULTI-OBJECTIVE SCENARIO
Authors: CATANIA VINCENZO , PALESI MAURIZIO , PATTI DAVIDE
Published: March 2008

The use of Application-Specific Instruction-set Processors (ASIP) in embedded systems is a solution to the problem of increasing complexity in the functions these systems have to implement. Architectures based on Very Long Instruction Word (VLIW) have found fertile ground in multimedia electronic appliances thanks to their ability to exploit high degrees of Instruction Level Parallelism (ILP) with a reasonable trade-off in complexity and silicon costs. In this case the ASIP specialization involves a complex interaction between hardware- and software-related issues. In this paper we propose tools and methodologies to cope efficiently with this complexity from a multi-objective perspective. We present EPIC-Explorer, an open platform for estimation and system-level exploration of an EPIC/VLIW architecture. We first analyze the possible design objectives, showing that it is necessary, given the fundamental role played by the VLIW compiler in instruction scheduling, to evaluate the appropriateness of ILP-oriented compilation on a case-by-case basis. Then, in the architecture exploration phase, we will use a multi-objective genetic approach to obtain a set of Pareto-optimal configurations. Finally, by clustering the configurations thus obtained, we extract those representing possible trade-offs between the objectives, which are used as a starting point for evaluation via more accurate estimation models at a subsequent stage in the design flow.
MODELING OF TRACE- AND BLOCK-BASED CACHES
Authors: BEG AZAM , CHU YUL
Published: March 2008

Recent cache schemes, such as trace cache, (fixed-sized) block cache, and variable-sized block cache, have helped improve instruction fetch bandwidth beyond the conventional instruction caches. Trace- and block-caches function by capturing the dynamic sequence of instructions. For industry standard benchmarks (e.g., SPEC2000), performance comparison of various configurations of these caches using simulations can take days or even weeks. In this paper, we demonstrate that neural network models can be time-efficient alternatives to the simulations. The models are able to predict the multi-variate and non-linear behavior of trace- and block-caches, in terms of trace miss rate and average trace length. The models can be potentially used in compiler optimization or in pedagogical settings.
SOME REMARKS ABOUT THE CONNECTION BETWEEN FRACTIONAL DIVIDED DIFFERENCES, FRACTIONAL B-SPLINES, AND THE HERMITE–GENOCCHI FORMULA
Authors: MASSOPUST PETER , FORSTER BRIGITTE
Published: March 2008

Fractional B-splines are a natural extension of classical B-splines. In this short paper, we show their relations to fractional divided differences and fractional difference operators, and present a generalized Hermite–Genocchi formula. This formula then allows the definition of a larger class of fractional B-splines.
CHARACTERIZATION OF WILSON SYSTEMS FOR GENERAL LATTICES
Authors: WOJDYŁŁO PIOTR
Published: March 2008

The Wilson orthonormal basis was constructed in 1991 by Daubechies, Jaffard and Journé using combinations of elements of Gabor tight frame with redundancy 2. In 1994, Auscher gave a characterization of the atoms for which the Wilson system is an orthonormal basis. Recently, Kutyniok and Strohmer generalized the notion of the Wilson system to the lattices whose generator matrix is in Hermite normal form.

We extend their result to the full characterization of Wilson orthonormal bases on the general lattice of volume 1/2. Moreover, we generalize this result to other forms of Wilson systems differing from the classical one by the appropriate sign modification.
Information preserving XML schema embedding
Authors: Fan Wenfei , Bohannon Philip
Published: March 2008

A fundamental concern of data integration in an XML context is the ability to
embed
one or more source documents in a target document so that (a) the target document conforms to a target schema and (b) the information in the source documents is
preserved
. In this paper, information preservation for XML is formally studied, and the results of this study guide the definition of a novel notion of
schema embedding
between two XML DTD schemas represented as graphs. Schema embedding generalizes the conventional notion of graph similarity by allowing an edge in a source DTD schema to be mapped to a path in the target DTD. Instance-level embeddings can be derived from the schema embedding in a straightforward manner, such that conformance to a target schema and information preservation are guaranteed. We show that it is NP-complete to find an embedding between two DTD schemas. We also outline efficient heuristic algorithms to find candidate embeddings, which have proved effective by our experimental study. These yield the first systematic and effective approach to finding information preserving XML mappings.
Message Dropping Attacks in Overlay Networks
Authors: Xie Liang , Zhu Sencun
Published: March 2008

Overlay multicast networks are used by service providers to distribute contents such as Web pages, static and streaming multimedia data, or security updates to a large number of users. However, such networks are extremely vulnerable to message-dropping attacks by malicious or selfish nodes that intentionally drop the packets they are required to forward to others. It is difficult to detect such attacks both efficiently and effectively and to further identify the attackers, especially when members in the overlay switch between online/offline statuses frequently. In this article, we consider various attacking strategies of an attacker and propose an optimal sampling-based scheme to detect such attacks in the overlay network. We analyze the detection problem from a game-theoretical viewpoint and show that our scheme outperforms a random sampling-based scheme in terms of detection rate. In addition, based on a reputation system, we propose a sampling-based path-resolving scheme to identify compromised or selfish nodes. Unlike other existing approaches, our schemes do not assume global knowledge of the overlay hierarchy and work for dynamic overlay networks as well. Extensive analysis and simulation results show that besides being band width efficient, our schemes have high detection and identification rates and low false-positive rates.
Noninvasive Methods for Host Certification
Authors: Traynor Patrick , Chien Michael , Weaver Scott , Hicks Boniface , McDaniel Patrick
Published: March 2008

Determining whether a user or system is exercising appropriate security practices is difficult in any context. Such difficulties are particularly pronounced when uncontrolled or unknown platforms join public networks. Commonly practiced techniques used to vet these hosts, such as system scans, have the potential to infringe on the privacy of users. In this article, we show that it is possible for clients to prove both the presence and proper functioning of security infrastructure without allowing unrestricted access to their system. We demonstrate this approach, specifically applied to antivirus security, by requiring clients seeking admission to a network to positively identify the presence or absence of malcode in a series of puzzles. The implementation of this mechanism and its application to real networks are also explored. In so doing, we demonstrate that it is not necessary for an administrator to be invasive to determine whether a client implements required security practices.
TA T1 Low and Intermediate Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Bladder: Recurrence Rates and the Timing of Check Cystoscopies within the First Year
Authors: Guney Soner , Guney Nese , Canogullari Zeynel , Ergenekon Erbil
Published: March 2008

Introduction: The intensity of cystoscopic follow-up in the first year for patients with superficial bladder cancer has not been clearly defined. The cystoscopic follow-up of superficial bladder cancer accounts for a considerable workload for the urologist and is also an invasive procedure with high costs. We retrospectively reviewed our experience to determine any possible criteria which can lead to reduce the frequency of check cystoscopy. Material and Methods: A retrospective study was done on 427 patients with primary stage Ta and T1 bladder cancers treated between 1998 and 2005. The pattern of recurrence in the first year was assessed and recurrence rates calculated. Results: The recurrence rate was 22% at 3 months. The recurrence rates at 6 and 9 months were 8 and 13.6% respectively. The recurrence rate at 12 months was 9.4%. For tumors with no recurrence at 3 months, the recurrence rates at 6, 9 and 12 months were 6.6, 13.4 and 8.9% respectively. With respect to stages, there was a statistically significant difference in recurrence rate stages pTa and pT1 in the first and in the third control (p = 0.001, p = 0.003) respectively. According to the recurrence rate within the first year, the difference between G1 and G2 tumors was not statistically significant regardless of the stage (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Patients with initial stage Ta or T1 grade 1 and 2 bladder cancers and negative first cystoscopy have a significantly lower recurrence rate than those with recurrence at first cystoscopy. There is a reason to change follow-up routines but in our opinion only in patients with initial low-grade carcinoma. If the third-month cystoscopy is clear, it is appropriate to perform the first check cystoscopy 1 year after initial resection.
Biopsy-Derived Gleason Artifact and Prostate Volume: Experience Using Ten Samples in Larger Prostates
Authors: Sciarra Alessandro , Autran Gomez Anna , Salciccia Stefano , Dattilo Cristian , Ciccariello Mauro , Gentile Vincenzo , Di Silverio Franco
Published: March 2008

Purpose: To verify whether a significant relationship between the risk of Gleason upgrading and the prostate volume remains when the number of biopsies is increased for larger prostate volumes. Materials: A total of 281 biopsy-proven prostate adenocarcinoma cases who underwent radical prostatectomy (RRP) formed the cohort for this study. Change in transrectal ultrasound of the prostate (TRUS) biopsies number based on total gland volume was made simply by increasing the number of biopsies from 6 to 10 when prostate volume was >50 cc. The total number of cancers with Gleason pattern 4 or greater on biopsy and on RRP was tabulated over TRUS volume categories and tests for trend. Results: The proportion of Gleason score (GS) ≧7 at biopsy was 44.5% whereas, at RRP, it was 68.3%. The rate of upgrading from Gleason <7 at biopsy to GS ≧7 at RRP was 46.8%. No significant difference in terms of age, serum PSA, prostate volume and pT stage was found between not upgraded and upgraded cases (p > 0.05). As prostate volume categories increase, the number of cancers upgraded at RRP slightly increases in particular from prostate volume 30–39 to 40–49 cc (where only 6 biopsies were performed). However, either at biopsy or at RRP, the percentage of GS ≧7 tumors does not show a significant trend in changing (p > 0.05). Conclusions: We verified that the relationship between the risk of Gleason upgrading and prostate volume does not become significant simply by increasing the number of laterally directed biopsies from 6 to 10.
Serum PSA and Percent Free PSA Value Changes after Antibiotic Treatment
Authors: Kobayashi Minoru , Nukui Akinori , Morita Tatsuo
Published: March 2008

Introduction: An association between inflammatory foci in prostatic tissues and elevated serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels has been a controversial issue. We studied the effects of antibiotics on elevated PSA levels to improve the diagnostic value of prostate cancer findings. Patients and Methods: Of 65 asymptomatic men with inconstant PSA elevation, 51 with laboratory signs of prostatitis received antibiotics instead of undergoing a prompt prostate biopsy. Asymptomatic prostatic inflammation was defined as the presence of >10 white blood cells/high-power field in the post-prostate massage urine. Follow-up measurements of PSA and percent free PSA values were obtained. Results: Approximately 30% of the patients had a treatment response, defined as PSA decrease >20% from baseline. The range of the variations of PSA and percent free PSA values, expressed as coefficient of variation, also decreased significantly. Moreover, antibiotic treatment lowered the extent of histological prostatic inflammation in some patients. Conclusions: Subclinical prostatic inflammation potentially contributes to an elevated PSA level and its variation among prostate cancer suspects. Watchful observation may be an optional tool for patients showing a significant PSA decrease following antibiotic treatment.
Alteration in Contractile Responses in Human Detrusor Smooth Muscle from Obstructed Bladders with Overactivity
Authors: Kosan Murat , Tul Mesut , Ozturk Bulent , Hafez Gaye , Inal Gurdal , Cetinkaya Mesut
Published: March 2008

Introduction: In this study, we aimed to evaluate changes in contractile responses under in vitro conditions in detrusor overactivity (DO) in patients with bladder outflow obstruction (BOO). Materials and Methods: Detrusor strips obtained during open prostatectomy procedure from 16 patients with BOO related to benign prostate hyperplasia were evaluated under in vitro conditions. Patients were assigned to two groups as patients with (DO) and without (no DO) DO. Four detrusor strips were prepared from each bladder in dimensions of 2 × 10 mm, and were suspended in organ bath. Responses to carbachol (10–8 to 10–3M), electrical field stimulation (EFS) (0.5–32 Hz), single-dose adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP) (10–3M) and KCl (120 mM) were recorded to evaluate the contractile responses. EFS responses were repeated in the presence of NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME; 10 µM) and L-NAME + indomethacin. All responses were expressed as mg tension developed per mg of bladder tissue. Data obtained were compared using independent t test and one-way ANOVA test. Values of p < 0.05 were accepted as statistically significant. Results: Of the 16 patients on whom open prostatectomy was performed because of BOO, 8 of the patients were determined as no DO and 8 as DO. There were no differences between groups regarding age and residual urine. We found statistically significant differences between groups regarding dimensions of prostate, maximum bladder capacity and maximum bladder pressure. In the comparison of cumulative dose of carbachol, it was seen that responses were higher in the DO group, but the differences were not statistically significant. In EFS application, contractile responses were found to increase significantly in the DO group. No changes were observed between groups for ATP and KCl. EFS responses were found to be significantly higher in presence of L-NAME + indomethacin in the no DO group; however, no difference was seen in the DO group. Conclusions: Detrusor contractile responses to EFS increased in patients with BOO in presence of overactivity. These changes in contractile responses are observed possibly as a result of deterioration in neuromodulation, rather than as a result of changes in purinergic or cholinergic receptor sensation or level. We suggest that a noncholinergic-nonpurinergic mechanism can have some effect on these changes.
Blood Eosinophilia, Corticoadrenal Insufficiency and Eosinophilic Cystitis
Authors: Lin Hsin-Hung , Yen Tzung-Hai , Huang Chiu-Ching , Chiang Yang-Jen , Kuo Huey-Liang
Published: March 2008

Blood eosinophilia generally indicates an underlying allergic, infectious or hematologic disease. Corticoadrenal insufficiency is known to be another cause of blood eosinophilia. Eosinophilic cystitis is a rare disease in which the bladder wall is infiltrated by eosinophils; however, the etiology of eosinophilic cystitis remains unclear. We report a case of corticoadrenal insufficiency with blood eosinophilia developing gross hematuria and eosinophilic cystitis. The patient was treated with medical therapy, including oral corticosteroids, obtaining excellent results.
Multicentric Cerebellopontine Angle Glioblastoma Multiforme
Authors: Kasliwal Manish K. , Gupta Deepak K. , Mahapatra Ashok K. , Sharma Mehar C.
Published: March 2008

Posterior fossa glioblastoma multiforme is a very rare childhood tumor with an extremely poor prognosis. There are only few cases of primary cerebellar glioblastoma described in the literature, and primary cerebellar glioblastoma presenting radiologically as a cerebellopontine angle mass lesion has not been reported previously. The authors report a multicentric glioblastoma multiforme in an 11-year-old child presenting predominantly as a cerebellopontine angle mass lesion, who finally expired 2 months after surgery. The presentation was very bizarre and the diagnosis was made only after histopathology examination.
Resting Tremor Secondary to a Pineal Cyst: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Morgan Jonathan T. , Scumpia Alexander J. , Webster Toni M. , Mittler Mark A. , Edelman Morris , Schneider Steven J.
Published: March 2008

Background: Patients with pineal lesions typically present with the classical signs of increased intracranial pressure (headache, nausea, vomiting) and/or Parinaud’s syndrome. Rare symptomatology of secondary parkinsonism attributed to pineal lesions has been previously reported in the literature. We describe an unusual case of a pineal cyst in a patient with the presenting sign of a resting tremor. Case Description: We report an 18-year-old Caucasian female who presented with a 1-month history of a new-onset progressive, unilateral low-frequency right-hand resting tremor with associated headache, nausea, vomiting, and excessive diarrhea. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated an atypical appearance with enhancement of a mildly prominent pineal gland, possibly representing a pineal cyst. The patient did not exhibit radiographic signs of hydrocephalus. Based upon the radiographic appearance, one could not exclude with absolute certainty the presence of a malignancy. The patient ultimately underwent a bilateral suboccipital craniotomy with gross total resection of the lesion. Postoperatively, the patient exhibited immediate resolution of her preoperative resting tremor and continues to be symptom free at 1 year. Conclusions: A new-onset, resting tremor and/or other secondary parkinsonism symptoms should raise clinical suspicions of pineal lesions. Treatment can be guided based on tissue type and the presence or absence of hydrocephalus. We observed that complete surgical resection of the lesion provided the best treatment option for the total resolution of symptoms attributed to the disturbance of the microvasculature surrounding the nigro-striatal-pallidal system.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBO) for the Treatment of an Epidural Abscess in the Posterior Fossa in an 8-Month-Old Infant
Authors: Baechli H. , Schmutz J. , Mayr J.-M.
Published: March 2008

Epidural abscesses in children are extremely rare, especially in the posterior fossa. In some cases antibiotic therapy and surgical drainage are insufficient for complete healing. We present the case of an 8-month-old boy who developed an epidural abscess in the posterior fossa after repeated surgical procedures for retrocerebellar arachnoid cysts and hydrocephalus. We decided to use adjuvant hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) to avoid removal of the bone and the existing ventriculoperitoneal shunt. In this way osteomyelitis, potentially leading to bone removal and shunt infection, could be prevented. HBO is a relatively safe, noninvasive and cost-effective therapy to improve healing of chronic and deep-seated wound infections. To our knowledge HBO has never been used before in such a young child in neurosurgery. Multidisciplinary management is recommended to optimize treatment.
Intradural Spinal Meningioma in a 20-Month-Old Female
Authors: Brusius Carlos V. , Pereira Filho Arthur A. , Barnewitz João Paulo , Pütten Antônio Carlos , Pitta Pinheiro Claudio , Aesse Flávio F.
Published: March 2008

Meningiomas in children account for less than 2% of all meningiomas, and their location in the spinal region is even less common. The authors present a case of a 20-month-old female who presented with lumbar back pain, neurogenic bladder and progressive paraparesis 6 months after she started to walk. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated an intradural extramedullary neoplasm extending from the tenth thoracic vertebra to the third lumbar vertebra. Complete excision of the tumor was performed by means of laminoplasty and the patient had a satisfactory postoperative recovery. Pathology and immunohistochemical studies diagnosed psammomatous meningioma.
Protection of the Spinal Cord from Ischemia: Comparative Effects of Levosimendan and Iloprost
Authors: Lafci B. , Yasa H. , Ilhan G. , Ortac R. , Yilik L. , Kestelli M. , Goktogan T. , Gurbuz A.
Published: March 2008

Background: The purpose of the study was to investigate and compare iloprost and levosimendan on spinal cord ischemia in an experimental model. Materials and Methods: The study was done in two stages. For the 4-hour short survival study, 50 New Zealand white rabbits were randomly allocated into five groups. Spinal cord ischemia was induced by clamping the aorta just below the left renal artery and just proximal to the aortic bifurcation with bulldog artery clamps. The aortic clamps were removed after 40 min and restoration of blood flow was verified visually. The groups were analyzed at 1 and 4 h after reperfusion. For the 48-hour survival study, two different groups (iloprost plus levosimendan, n = 10; saline-treated controls, n = 10) were analyzed at 24 and 48 h after reperfusion. Results: The neurologic status of the animals in the treatment and sham groups was better than that in the control group both at 1 and 4 h after reperfusion. Viability index values in the levosimendan, iloprost and iloprost plus levosimendan groups were statistically higher than in the control group indicating less or no neuronal damage. Discussion: The results suggest that levosimendan, as well as iloprost, may reduce ischemic damage in transient spinal ischemia and provide better neurologic outcome.
Characterization of IgE Binding to Lupin, Peanut and Almond with Sera from Lupin-Allergic Patients
Authors: Holden Lise , Sletten Gaynour B.G. , Lindvik Helene , Fæste Christiane K. , Dooper Maaike M.B.W.
Published: March 2008

Background: The increasing number of applications of sweet lupins in food is paralleled by an increase in immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated allergic reactions to lupin proteins. In particular, lupin allergy seems to appear in patients with an existing peanut allergy. In the present study, IgE-binding studies towards fractionated lupin seed proteins, and peanut and almond proteins were performed using sera from patients with confirmed lupin allergy. Methods:Immunoblotting and indirect ELISA were performed to investigate IgE binding to protein extracts. ELISA inhibition experiments were performed to investigate the presence of cross-reactive allergens in the protein extracts. Results: Immunoblotting and ELISA experiments demonstrated IgE binding to all lupin conglutins (α, β, γ and δ) as well as to peanut and almond proteins, with a unique IgE-binding profile for each patient. High IgE binding to α-conglutin was observed and IgE from the majority of patients similarly recognized two proteins within the α-conglutin-containing fraction, 40 and 43 kDa in size. Inhibition ELISA experiments showed that preincubation of sera with lupin conglutins, peanut and almond resulted in decreased IgE binding to lupin flour. Conclusions: Overall, these results indicate that α-, β-, γ- and δ-conglutins are candidate allergens in lupin and suggest a particularly strong allergenicity of α-conglutins. Furthermore, the results indicate the presence of cross-reactive allergens in lupin, peanut and almond.
The European Labelling Law for Foodstuffs Contains Life-Threatening Exemptions for Food-Allergic Consumers
Authors: Buhl Timo , Kampmann Hubert , Martinez Jose , Fuchs Thomas
Published: March 2008

The prevalence of food allergies still continues to rise in western Europe. As the strict avoidance of food allergens represents a major issue in the management of this disease, information for consumers on food labels about allergenic ingredients is crucial. The European labelling law for foodstuffs excludes declarations of the ingredients on individually wrapped foodstuffs with outer packages and products whose largest single surface area falls below 10 cm2. One potentially avoidable case, with fatal consequences due to this law and the current legal situation, is discussed herein. We suggest evaluating the benefits of a mandatory safety warning (symbol) for major allergenic food ingredients on every foodstuff package, without any exceptions based on the size of the product or the presence of secondary packages.
High-Dose Folic Acid Pretreatment Blunts Cardiac Dysfunction During Ischemia Coupled to Maintenance of High-Energy Phosphates and Reduces Postreperfusion Injury
Authors: Moens An L. , Champion Hunter C. , Claeys Marc J. , Tavazzi Barbara , Kaminski Pawel M. , Wolin Michael S. , Borgonjon Dirk J. , Van Nassauw Luc , Haile Azeb , Zviman Muz , Bedja Djahida , Wuyts Floris L. , Elsaesser Rebecca S. , Cos Paul , Gabrielson Kathy L. , Lazzarino Giuseppe , Paolocci Nazareno , Timmermans Jean-Pierre , Vrints Christiaan J. , Kass David A.
Published: March 2008

Background—

The B vitamin folic acid (FA) is important to mitochondrial protein and nucleic acid synthesis, is an antioxidant, and enhances nitric oxide synthase activity. Here, we tested whether FA reduces myocardial ischemic dysfunction and postreperfusion injury.

Methods and Results—

Wistar rats were pretreated with either FA (10 mg/d) or placebo for 1 week and then underwent in vivo transient left coronary artery occlusion for 30 minutes with or without 90 minutes of reperfusion (total n=131; subgroups used for various analyses). FA (4.5×10
−6
mol/L IC) pretreatment and global ischemia/reperfusion (30 minutes/30 minutes) also were performed in vitro (n=28). After 30 minutes of ischemia, global function declined more in controls than in FA-pretreated rats (ΔdP/dtmax, −878±586 versus −1956±351 mm Hg/s placebo;
P
=0.03), and regional thickening was better preserved (37.3±5.3% versus 5.1±0.6% placebo;
P
=0.004). Anterior wall perfusion fell similarly (−78.4±9.3% versus −71.2±13.8% placebo at 30 minutes), yet myocardial high-energy phosphates ATP and ADP reduced by ischemia in controls were better preserved by FA pretreatment (ATP: control, 2740±58 nmol/g; ischemia, 947±55 nmol/g; ischemia plus FA, 1332±101 nmol/g;
P
=0.02). Basal oxypurines (xanthine, hypoxanthine, and urate) rose with FA pretreatment but increased less during ischemia than in controls. Ischemic superoxide generation declined (3124±280 cpm/mg FA versus 5898±474 cpm/mg placebo;
P
=0.001). After reperfusion, FA-treated hearts had smaller infarcts (3.8±1.2% versus 60.3±4.1% placebo area at risk;
P
<0.002) and less contraction band necrosis, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase–mediated dUTP nick-end labeling positivity, superoxide, and nitric oxide synthase uncoupling. Infarct size declined similarly with 1 mg/d FA.

Conclusions—

FA pretreatment blunts myocardial dysfunction during ischemia and ameliorates postreperfusion injury. This is coupled to preservation of high-energy phosphates, reducing subsequent reactive oxygen species generation, eNOS-uncoupling, and postreperfusion cell death.
Severe Preeclampsia With and Without HELLP Differ With Regard to Placental Pathology
Authors: Vinnars Marie-Therese , Wijnaendts Liliane C.D. , Westgren Magnus , Bolte Annemieke C. , Papadogiannakis Nikos , Nasiell Josefine
Published: March 2008

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the histopathology in placentas from patients with severe preeclampsia with and without hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome. An additional aim was to compare the prevalence of infants born small for gestational age in the 2 groups. The study is retrospective and includes 178 women who have been diagnosed at the Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge or at the Free University Medical Center between 2000 and 2005 with severe preeclampsia. A total of 96 women had severe preeclampsia without signs of HELLP (preeclampsia group), whereas 82 fulfilled the criteria for having HELLP syndrome (HELLP group). Infarction (
P
=0.014), intervillous thrombosis (
P
<0.001), and abruption (
P
=0.002) were more common in the preeclampsia group than in the HELLP group. There was no statistically significant difference in the frequency of accelerated villous maturation (
P
=0.61), decidual arteriopathy (
P
=0.27), or chorioamnionitis (
P
=0.61). Furthermore, there was a higher mean placental weight, adjusted for gestational age, in the Swedish HELLP material than in the preeclampsia group (
P
<0.001). Finally, mothers in the preeclampsia group gave birth significantly more often to small for gestational age babies than mothers suffering from HELLP syndrome (
P
<0.001). The histopathologic profile and the range of placental lesions were partly different in the preeclampsia and HELLP patients. Considering the central role that placenta seems to have in preeclampsia, the present result might suggest that different underlying pathogenetic mechanisms and courses can be in play in patients with preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome.
Gravity Wave Generation around the Polar Vortex in the Stratosphere Revealed by 3-Hourly Radiosonde Observations at Syowa Station
Authors: Sato Kaoru , Yoshiki Motoyoshi
Published: March 2008

Intensive radiosonde observations were performed at Syowa Station (69.0°S, 39.6°E) over about 10 days in each of March, June, October, and December 2002 to examine inertia–gravity wave characteristics in the Antarctic lower stratosphere. Based on the 3-hourly observation data, two-dimensional (i.e., vertical wavenumber versus frequency) spectra of wind fluctuations were examined, utilizing a double Fourier transform method. Clear signals of gravity waves whose phases propagate upward, suggesting downward energy propagation, are detected in June and October when the polar night jet (PNJ) was present. On the other hand, downward phase propagation (i.e., upward energy propagation) components are dominant in all months. There is a spectral peak around the inertial frequency in a wide range of vertical wavenumbers in December when the background wind was weak, whereas large spectral densities are distributed over lower-frequency regions in June and October. These spectral characteristics are consistent with the results obtained using a gravity wave–resolving global circulation model (GCM) by Sato et al. Dynamical characteristics are examined separately for upward- and downward-propagating gravity waves in June, using a hodograph analysis method. As a result, it is found that upward- and downward-propagating wave packets observed simultaneously in the same height regions have similar horizontal wavelengths and phase velocities. This fact suggests that these gravity waves are generated from the same source with a similar mechanism. When the wave packets were observed, both the local Rossby number and the residual in the nonlinear balance equation estimated using NCEP–NCAR reanalysis data are large around the PNJ situated slightly to the lower latitudes of Syowa Station. Therefore, it is likely that the observed inertia–gravity waves are generated by a spontaneous adjustment around the geostrophically unbalanced PNJ and propagate toward Syowa Station. The possibility of spontaneous gravity wave generation around the PNJ is confirmed by comparison with the GCM simulation by Sato et al.
An Observational and Modeling Study of an Atmospheric Internal Bore during NAME 2004
Authors: Martin Elinor R. , Johnson Richard H.
Published: March 2008

Observations from the 2004 North American Monsoon Experiment (NAME) have been used to identify an atmospheric internal bore that occurred over the Gulf of California (GoC) on 31 July 2004. This bore disturbance was identified at Bahia Kino along the northwest coast of Mexico during the late evening of 31 July. It was hypothesized to have originated from the interaction of a gravity current from a large mesoscale convective system (MCS), which formed along the western slopes of the Sierra Madre Occidental during the afternoon, and a surface stable layer that developed from a sea-breeze circulation. It is suggested that the bore’s energy was trapped at low levels by an elevated stable layer. The vertical structure and undular nature of the bore was initially identified from 915-MHz wind profiler data at Bahia Kino. Results show a series of waves along the bore’s leading edge and turbulent mixing of air from above the stable layer to the surface on the downstream face of the leading undulation. The speed of the bore calculated from satellite imagery and surface observations (approximately 16.8 m s−1) compared favorably with the speed of a bore from hydraulic theory when a reliable estimate of the bore depth was used.

A real-data simulation of the event was performed using the Weather Research and Forecasting model (WRF). Results show the model captured both the formation mechanism and structure of the bore, but it was produced too far south compared to observations, as the MCS also developed too far south. Model results indicated that while evidence of a trapping mechanism due to the stability of the atmosphere was present in the simulation, the conditions for trapping were modified by the passage of the bore allowing vertical propagation of wave energy. The bore led to increased moisture in the lowest levels of the atmosphere across the GoC, providing evidence of the possible importance of these features as moisture transport mechanisms in this region.
Some Perspectives on Social Work Education at the Undergraduate Level in Hawaii, Minnesota and "Elsewhere''
Authors: Wiebler James R.
Published: March 2008

Undergraduate education for social workers is very much on our minds these days as social workers and educators. How will it relate to programmes of the "established" past? How to the "real world" in the last quarter of the second millenium? James Wiebler, who has been a teacher in undergraduate and graduate social work programmes at the University of Minnesota since 1966, and previous to that at Loyola University in Chicago and the ENSISS School of Social Work in Milan, Italy, was stimulated to write this article by experiences he 'has had while serving as consultant to the Undergraduate Committee of the School of Social Work of the University of Hawaii during the Fall Semester of 1974, just ended. Wiebler is a past NASW Chapter chairman in Illinois.
Social Planning-the Intractable Issues
Authors: Morgan John S.
Published: March 2008

[Abridged from Problems of Social Security Planning in Industrialized and Develop ing Countries by Valdimir Rys, Head of Planning, Research and Documentation. General Secretariat of the International Social Security Association (ISSA) Geneva. Report X, Adopted by XVlllth General Assembly of ISSA. Published by General Secretariat ISSA, 154 Rue de Lausanne, Geneva, Switzerland.] International Social Security Review, Year XXVII, Nos. 2-3, 1974.