bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three Case Reports Illustrating the Use of the Protocol for Recent Traumatic Events Following the World Trade Center Terrorist Attack
Authors: Colelli Gina , Patterson Bruce
Published: April 2008

Following the attacks on the New York World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, the EMDR Humanitarian Assistance Program initiated a response establishing the New York City Disaster Mental Health Recovery Network. The network provided coordination and assistance to local psychotherapists who volunteered to provide treatment to individuals directly affected by the tragedy. The psychotherapists utilized both the EMDR standard protocol and the EMDR Recent Events protocol during the initial aftermath and ongoing recovery at the World Trade Center site. The development of the network is reviewed, and detailed descriptions are provided regarding three cases to illustrate the use of the EMDR Recent Events protocol. The research findings reported by Silver, Rogers, Knipe, & Colelli (2005) that demonstrated support for EMDR as a postdisaster treatment are summarized. Further research is recommended.
EMDR-HAP Training in Sri Lanka Following the 2004 Tsunami
Authors: Errebo Nancy , Knipe James , Forte Karen , Karlin Victoria , Altayli Benek
Published: April 2008

On December 26, 2004, an earthquake in the Indian Ocean triggered a catastrophic tsunami. In Sri Lanka, 35,000 people died, 21,000 were injured, and more than half a million were displaced. An EMDR training program was conducted as a joint project of three organizations: EMDR Humanitarian Assistance Programs (HAP), International Relief Teams (IRT), and the Sri Lankan National Counselors Association (SRILNAC). Between March and December 2005, 30 Sri Lankan counselors were trained in EMDR. These counselors demonstrated competence in EMDR on several measures, treated more than 1,000 children and more than 350 adult tsunami victims with EMDR in 2005, provided narrative reports and outcome measures for most of their clients, and formed the Sri Lanka EMDR Association (SEA). The crucial steps in establishing and implementing this training program are explained, with a summary of the subjective impressions and learning experiences most valued by the training team, including an excerpt from a trainer’s journal. This information may be useful to future cross-cultural humanitarian efforts following large-scale disasters.
Trauma, Research, and EMDR: A Disaster Responder’s Wish List
Authors: Gelbach Robert A.
Published: April 2008

Disasters, both natural and “man-made,” affect a large portion of the Earth’s population and can be expected to increase in intensity over the coming decades. The impact of disasters on mental health of affected populations is substantial and likely to be insufficiently addressed in the overall context of disaster response. While successful mental health intervention has been demonstrated in a variety of cases, including through the use of EMDR treatment, this problem needs more attention. Effective mental health response will be greatly supported by increased research on questions related to the incidence, form, and prognosis of disaster-generated traumatic stress, as these are affected by type of disaster, culture of affected population, sociological conditions, and neuropsychological factors, and the interactions among these. A brief summary of desirable research is presented that could help responders meet these challenges.
The EMDR Integrative Group Treatment Protocol: Application With Child Victims of a Mass Disaster
Authors: Jarero Ignacio , Artigas Lucina , Montero María , Lena López
Published: April 2008

The EMDR Integrative Group Treatment protocol (EMDR-IGTP) has been used in different parts of the world since 1998 with both adults and children after natural or man-made disasters. This protocol combines the eight standard EMDR treatment phases with a group therapy model, thus providing more extensive reach than the individual application of EMDR. In this study the EMDR-IGTP was used with 16 bereaved children after a human provoked disaster in the Mexican State of Coahuila in 2006. Results showed a significant decrease in scores on the Child’s Reaction to Traumatic Events Scale that was maintained at 3-month follow-up. Although controlled research is needed to establish the efficacy of this intervention, preliminary results suggest that EMDR-IGTP may be an effective means of providing treatment to large groups of people impacted by large-scale critical incidents (e.g., human-provoked disasters, terrorism, natural disasters).
Determinants of Recent HIV Infection Among Seattle-Area Men Who Have Sex with Men
Authors: Thiede Hanne , Jenkins Richard A. , Carey James W. , Hutcheson Rebecca , Thomas Katherine K. , Stall Ronald D. , White Edward , Allen Iris , Mejia Roberto , Golden Matthew R.
Published: April 2008

Objectives. We sought to identify HIV-infection risk factors related to partner selection and sexual behaviors with those partners among men who have sex with men (MSM) in King County, Washington.

Methods. Participants were recruited from HIV testing sites in the Seattle area. Recent HIV infection status was determined by the Serologic Testing Algorithm for Recent HIV Seroconversion (STARHS) or a self-reported previous HIV-negative test. Data on behaviors with 3 male partners were collected via computer-based self-interviews. Generalized estimating equation models identified partnership factors associated with recent infection.

Results. We analyzed data from 32 HIV-positive MSM (58 partners) and 110 HIV-negative MSM (213 partners). In multivariate analysis, recent HIV infection was associated with meeting partners at bathhouses or sex clubs, bars or dance clubs, or online; methamphetamine use during unprotected anal intercourse; and unprotected anal intercourse, except with HIV-negative primary partners.

Conclusions. There is a need to improve efforts to promote condom use with casual partners, regardless of their partner's HIV status. New strategies to control methamphetamine use in MSM and to reduce risk behaviors related to meeting partners at high-risk venues are needed.
HIV Infection, Sexual Risk Behavior, and Substance Use Among Latino Gay and Bisexual Men and Transgender Persons
Authors: Ramirez-Valles Jesus , Garcia Dalia , Campbell Richard T. , Diaz Rafael M. , Heckathorn Douglas D.
Published: April 2008

Objectives. We examined HIV prevalence and the socioeconomic correlates of HIV infection, sexual risk behaviors, and substance use among Latino gay and bisexual men and transgender persons in Chicago and San Francisco.

Methods. Data were collected from a sample of 643 individuals (Chicago: n=320; San Francisco: n=323) through respondent-driven sampling and computer-assisted self-administered interviews.

Results. HIV prevalence in San Francisco (0.325; 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.260, 0.393) was higher than in Chicago (0.112; 95% CI=0.079, 0.163). In San Francisco, HIV prevalence was higher among US-born residents than among those born outside the country; in Chicago, the opposite was true. Heavy use of alcohol was prevalent, especially in Chicago (0.368; 95% CI=0.309, 0.432; San Francisco: 0.154; 95% CI=0.116, 0.192). Drug use and more education were positively correlated and greater age was negatively correlated with unprotected anal intercourse.

Conclusions. Heavy alcohol drinking and use of drugs remain a significant public health problem in this population. Drug use was more closely linked to HIV sexual risk behaviors than was heavy drinking.
Sexual Risk Taking Among Young Internet-Using Men Who Have Sex With Men
Authors: Horvath Keith J. , Rosser B.R. Simon , Remafedi Gary
Published: April 2008

Objectives. We examined the characteristics of young Internet-using men who have sex with men (MSM) and risks associated with seeking sex online, offline, or through both strategies.

Methods. Data were obtained from MSM aged 18 to 24 years who completed a 45-minute online survey regarding sex and Internet use in the preceding 3 months.

Results. Significantly more Internet-using MSM who had met sexual partners both online and offline (43%) reported unprotected anal intercourse than did those who had met sexual partners exclusively online (29%) or offline (34%). MSM who met sexual partners exclusively offline reported the fewest partners but the greatest proportion of partnerships involving unprotected anal intercourse (49%). Meeting sexual partners both online and offline (odds ratio [OR]=3.38–58.42) and being drunk (OR=1.57) or high (OR=2.24) increased the odds of having more sexual partners. The same factors increased the odds of having unprotected anal intercourse (online and offline sexual partners, OR=1.60; being drunk, OR=1.43; being high, OR=1.61).

Conclusions. Risky sexual behavior was prevalent among all of the study subgroups. Our findings suggest that online sex seeking is associated with greater numbers of sexual partners but neither promotes nor discourages unprotected anal intercourse. Regardless of where sexual partners met, being drunk and high were significant risks for unprotected anal intercourse.
Condom Use and Hip Hop Culture: The Case of Urban Young Men in New York City
Authors: Muñoz-Laboy Miguel A. , Castellanos Daniel H. , Haliburton Chanel S. , del Aguila Ernesto Vasquez , Weinstein Hannah J. , Parker Richard G.
Published: April 2008

Objectives. We explored how young men’s perceptions of and participation in hip hop culture—urban social and artistic expressions, such as clothing style, breakdancing, graffiti, and rap music—and how contextual factors of the hip hop scene may be associated with their condom use, condom-use self-efficacy, and sense of community.

Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 95 African American and Latino men aged 15 to 25 years as part of a 4-year ethnographic study in New York City.

Results. Differences in young men’s perceptions of and levels of affiliation with hip hop culture were not statistically associated with differences in their sense of community or condom-use self-efficacy. Frequency of participation in the hip hop nightclub scene was the strongest factor negatively associated with condom use.

Conclusions. Popular discourses on young men’s health risks often blame youths’ cultures such as the hip hop culture for increased risk practices but do not critically examine how risk emerges in urban young men’s lives and what aspects of youths’ culture can be protective. Further research needs to focus on contextual factors of risk such as the role of hip hop nightlife on increased HIV risk.
Resilience to Urban Poverty: Theoretical and Empirical Considerations for Population Health
Authors: Sanders Anne E. , Lim Sungwoo , Sohn Woosung
Published: April 2008

Objectives. To better understand the trajectory that propels people from poverty to poor health, we investigated health resilience longitudinally among African American families with incomes below 250% of the federal poverty level.

Methods. Health resilience is the capacity to maintain good health in the face of significant adversity. With higher levels of tooth retention as a marker of health resilience, we used a social–epidemiological framework to define capacity for health resilience through a chain of determinants starting in the built environment (housing quality) and community context (social support) to familial influences (religiosity) and individual mental health and health behavior.

Results. Odds of retaining 20 or more teeth were 3 times as likely among adults with resilience versus more-vulnerable adults (odds ratio=3.1; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.3, 7.4). Children of caregivers with resilience had a lower incident rate of noncavitated tooth decay at 18- to 24-month follow-up (incidence risk ratio=0.8; 95% CI=0.7, 0.9) compared with other children.

Conclusions. Health resilience to poverty was supported by protective factors in the built and social environments. When poverty itself cannot be eliminated, improving the quality of the built and social environments will foster resilience to its harmful health effects.
The Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome Among US Women of Childbearing Age
Authors: Ramos Rosemarie G. , Olden Kenneth
Published: April 2008

Objectives. We sought to determine whether the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among US women of childbearing age (18–44 years) has increased since 1988 and to estimate its current prevalence by race/ethnicity and risk that a maternal history of select metabolic syndrome characteristics imposes on offspring.

Methods. We used survey-specific data analysis methods to examine data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys conducted from 1988 to 2004.

Results. The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome phenotype and 2 of its clinical correlates significantly increased between 1988 and 2004 (increase for metabolic syndrome phenotype=7.6%, for obesity=13.3%, and for elevated C-reactive protein=10.6%; P<.001 for all 3). Hispanic women were more likely than were White women to possess the phenotype (P= .004). Women who reported that their mothers had been diagnosed with diabetes were more likely to possess the phenotype than those whose mothers had not been so diagnosed (odds ratio=1.9; 95% confidence interval=1.3, 2.8).

Conclusions. The current trends of metabolic syndrome among women of childbearing age demonstrate the need for additional rigorous investigations regarding its long-term effects in these women and their offspring.
Moving Upstream: Ecosocial and Psychosocial Correlates of Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Young Adults in the United States
Authors: Buffardi Anne L. , Thomas Kathy K. , Holmes King K. , Manhart Lisa E.
Published: April 2008

Objectives. We determined the associations of ecosocial factors and psychosocial factors with having a prevalent sexually transmitted infection (STI), recent STI diagnoses, and sexual risk behaviors.

Methods. Young adults aged 18 to 27 years in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (n=14322) provided ecosocial, psychosocial, behavioral, and STI-history data. Urine was tested for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae by ligase chain reaction and for Trichomonas vaginalis, human papillomavirus, and Mycoplasma genitalium by polymerase chain reaction.

Results. Prevalent STI was associated with housing insecurity (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.3; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.00, 1.72), exposure to crime (AOR=1.4; 95% CI=1.02, 1.80), and having been arrested (AOR=1.4; 95% CI=1.07, 1.84). STI prevalence increased linearly from 4.9% for 0 factors to 14.6% for 4 or more (P< .001, for trend). Nearly all contextual conditions predicted more lifetime partners and earlier sexual debut. Recent STI diagnosis was associated with childhood sexual abuse, gang participation, frequent alcohol use, and depression, adjusted for sexual risk behaviors.

Conclusions. Often present before sexual debut, contextual conditions enhance STI risk by increasing sexual risk behaviors and likelihood of exposure to infection. These findings suggest that upstream conditions such as housing and safety contribute to the burden of STIs and are appropriate targets for future intervention.
Receipt of Prevention Services Among HIV-Infected Men Who Have Sex with Men
Authors: Steward Wayne T. , Charlebois Edwin D. , Johnson Mallory O. , Remien Robert H. , Goldstein Risë B. , Wong F. Lennie , Morin Stephen F.
Published: April 2008

Unprotected sexual intercourse remains a primary mode of HIV transmission in the United States. We found that receipt of services to reduce HIV transmission-risk behaviors was low among 3787 HIV-infected individuals and that men who have sex with men were especially unlikely to receive these services even though they were more likely to report unprotected sexual intercourse with seronegative and unknown serostatus casual partners. Greater efforts should be made to ensure that prevention counseling is delivered to all HIV-infected persons, especially men who have sex with men.
Ensuring Success on an Extended Reach Well: Expandable Liner Hangers and the Use of Advanced Software Modeling
Authors: Wardak Ajmal , Williford James , Walker Angus , Nughaimish Faisal , Atanu Ogacheko , Al-Saggaf Hatem
Published: April 2008

Over the course of time, the oil and gas industry has increased its usage of state-of-the-art equipment and advanced software to access oil and gas reserves that were previously considered as technically and/or economically prohibitive. Today's well designs are inherently more complex since the current targets are deeper, require extended reach configurations or are in locations that present greater difficulties in developing appropriate well designs. Success, therefore, depends upon careful up-front planning to ensure that the goals sought are attained. The planning requires detailed calculations at each step of the well development — from the geological survey to drilling to completing the well. The advanced modeling software available in the market today has made the required analysis possible.

Extended-reach wells carry significant risks where cost of failure regarding the deployment of the liner and liner hanger system could consume the whole well. One of the major risks with deploying such a long liner is the risk of pre-setting the liner hanger and/or the liner hanger packer. An expandable liner hanger (ELH) system, recently introduced to the industry, inherently eliminates this risk with its design and setting procedure and is the focus of this paper. When the liner is deployed using the detailed analysis generated during the planning stages, the risks mentioned above can be significantly reduced and greater assurance that the liner can be run to depth can be provided.

The extended-reach section of these wells creates additional problems relating to friction during the deployment of the liner hanger. This phenomenon can be addressed with ‘torque and drag' software as well as ‘surge and swab' software to optimize the solution with a detailed analytical output that will determine the best method to use to deploy the liner into the hole. The analysis will help determine whether centralizers should be used (and if so, specific spacing), whether fluids that will reduce the friction coefficients should be considered, and will also examine whether there is the possibility of floating the liner hanger to depth.

To summarize, the ultimate goal of the well designer is to apply the available software to develop and optimize a plan to reduce friction during deployment of an expandable liner hanger to depth while reducing cost impact and eliminating nonproductive time.

The case history in this well will verify how the proper planning and use of the ELH system selected was capable of addressing the challenges of successfully deploying the ELH system in an extended-reach well for Saudi Aramco. These wells have a measured depth (MD) of 19,000 to 31,000+ feet and true vertical depths (TvD) between 7,000 and 9,000 feet. The liner lengths ranged from 5,000 to 10,000 feet in length.
Evaluating Differences in Harvest Data Used in the Sex‐Age‐Kill Deer Population Model
Authors: MATTSON KIMBERLY M. , MORITZ WILLIAM E.
Published: April 2008

Abstract: A steady increase in archery hunting participation and frequent changes in hunter regulations led to an evaluation of harvest data used in a common white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) population model. Our goal was to determine if model parameters and population estimates traditionally estimated solely by firearm harvest data were biased with respect to altered sex and age ratios brought about by increases in archery hunting and harvest success. The sex‐age‐kill (SAK) model, commonly used by state agencies, was developed in the mid‐1900s when deer numbers were low and firearm harvest was predominant. Management actions were concentrated on increasing deer numbers, and model assumptions relied heavily on a stable age distribution and a minimal antlerless deer harvest. We evaluated the reliance of SAK in a modern hunting scenario using a 10‐year dataset obtained from Michigan, USA, that encompassed a variety of climatic regions, hunting seasons, and regulation scenarios. We found that firearm and archery harvest sex and age ratios differed among 5 geographic groups and study years for males, females, and fawns (P<0.001, P = 0.001, and P = 0.037, respectively). Also, the addition of archery harvest data increased population estimates but did not alter overall trends. We recommend that managers reassess harvest‐based population estimates in 2 situations: 1) if regulation changes affect antlerless deer harvest, and 2) when trends in hunter success rates cause fluctuations in harvest data.
Blackbird Repellency of Selected Registered Pesticides
Authors: WERNER SCOTT J. , CUMMINGS JOHN L. , TUPPER SHELAGH K. , GOLDADE DAVID A. , BEIGHLEY DONN
Published: April 2008

Abstract: Bird depredation of agricultural crops is a worldwide problem. New strategies to include chemical repellents are needed to mitigate crop losses. We evaluated 3 preplant seed treatments (Apron XL® LS [Syngenta Crop Protection, Greensboro, NC], Dividend Extreme® [Syngenta], and Maxim® 4 FS [Syngenta]), one foliar insecticide (Karate® with Zeon Technology™ [Syngenta]), and one foliar fungicide (Tilt® [Syngenta]) as potential blackbird repellents in caged feeding trials and a field study. For all repellents tested, red‐winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) discriminated between untreated and treated rice during preference testing in captivity. We observed a positive concentration‐response relationship among birds offered rice treated with 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%, or 200% of the manufacturer label for Dividend Extreme, Karate, and Tilt. Relative to pretreatment, blackbirds ate 32% and 69% less rice treated with 100% and 200% Tilt label rates, respectively, during the concentration‐response test. Maximum repellency of Dividend Extreme and Karate was 55% at 200% of their label rates. We observed no repellency of a combination of Apron and Maxim at 25–200% label rates during the concentration‐response test. We subsequently measured rice crop consumption and propiconazole (active ingredient, Tilt) residues among 10 plots (i.e., netted enclosures) populated with red‐winged blackbirds within a maturing rice field. Average mass of rice harvested between treated (Tilt) and untreated subplots did not differ. We recovered an average of 12.3 μg/g propiconazole immediately following the first application and 20.2 μ g/g propiconazole immediately following the second application of Tilt. We recovered <0.1 μ g/g propiconazole on 15 August 2006, just before populating plots with blackbirds. Thus, the label application of Tilt fungicide did not reduce blackbird consumption within a maturing rice field, and residues of the active ingredient were insufficient for repellent efficacy. Additional studies are needed to determine whether higher concentrations of Tilt repel blackbirds under field conditions and to evaluate other potential repellents for protection of newly planted and ripening crops.
How to Be an Alien: Cross-Cultural Transition of Russian-Speaking Youth in Israeli High Schools
Authors: Niznik Marina
Published: April 2008

This study focuses on adolescents who immigrated to Israel between 2000 and 2002. The aim of the survey on which the article is based was to investigate the determinants of cross-cultural transition, focusing on family problems, identity crises, educational achievements, and language behavior. Since the beginning of the mass immigration from the former Soviet Union, the Israeli educational system has not managed to reorient itself to accommodate the newcomers. Among the main reasons are differences in the Russian and Israeli educational systems and the changing character of the immigration itself. Despite existing problems, the younger generation of these recent immigrants wants to be integrated into Israeli society. It is the task of the formal education system to provide them with support and guide them on a path toward successful adjustment.
The Dramatic Growth of Private Legislation in Israel, 1992-2006
Authors: Maor Anat
Published: April 2008

Very little research has been conducted on the functioning of the Israeli Parliament (the Knesset) in general and on private members' legislation in particular. This article contributes to the perception of the role of the legislator as political initiator in modern parliamentarism.
Intracranial pressure monitoring with the Neurodur-P epidural sensor: a prospective study in patients with adult hydrocephalus or idiopathic intracranial hypertension
Authors: Poca Maria A. , Martínez-Ricarte Francisco , Sahuquillo Juan , Lastra Roberto , Torné Ramón , Armengol Maria S.
Published: April 2008

Object

Continuous intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring using an epidural sensor is a common technique used in selected neurosurgical patients. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and accuracy of the Neurodur-P epidural sensor in the clinical setting.

Methods

The zero drift, as well as the medical and technical complications, of using the Neurodur-P sensor placed in the epidural space was evaluated in 106 patients with hydrocephalus of varying causes or with suspected intracranial hypertension.

Results

The median duration of ICP monitoring was 8 days (interquartile range [IQR] 6–12 days). In 78 (73.6%) of the 106 patients the pressure reading was recorded at sensor removal. No zero drift was observed in 28 sensors. The median drift was 0 mm Hg with an IQR of −1 to 1 mm Hg. No significant differences were found between patients monitored for ≤ 5 days and those monitored for > 5 days (t = 535, p = 0.100). No correlation was found between zero drift and monitoring time (r = 0.153, p = 0.181). Of the 83 patients with a follow-up computed tomography scan, 3 showed a < 1 ml collection of blood at the catheter tip. No clinical infections could be attributed to the devices. Only 1 sensor malfunctioned.

Conclusions

Continuous ICP monitoring using the Neurodur-P sensor is safe, reliable, and easy to perform. At present, using this device is the authors' standard method for the long-term monitoring of patients with alterations in complex cerebrospinal fluid dynamics or with implanted shunts.
Lateral lakes of Trolard: anatomy, quantitation, and surgical landmarks
Authors: Tubbs R. Shane , Loukas Marios , Shoja Mohammadali M. , Apaydin Nihal , Ardalan Mohammad R. , Oakes W. Jerry
Published: April 2008

Object

There is scant and conflicting information in the literature regarding the lateral lacunae, or lateral lakes of Trolard. As these venous structures can be encountered surgically, this study aimed at further elucidating their anatomy, identifying surgical landmarks, and associated quantitation.

Methods

Thirty-five adult cadavers were dissected of lateral lacunae. Following quantitation of the lacunae, these structures were measured, as were the distances from them to the coronal and sagittal sutures.

Results

A mean of 1.9 lacunae were identified on the right sides and 1.4 lacunae on the left sides. Although there tended to be slightly more lacunae on the right sides, this difference did not reach statistical significance (p > 0.05). The average lengths of the lacunae were 3.2 and 2.0 cm for the right and left sides, respectively. The mean widths of these venous lakes were 1.5 cm for the right sides and 0.8 cm for the left sides. Lacunae were variably positioned but tended to cluster near the vertex of the skull. None were identified posterior to the lambdoid sutures, and only 5 were found to lie anterior to the coronal suture, with 4 of these located on right sides (p < 0.05). When lacunae were identified anterior to the coronal suture, they were generally 5–6 cm from this structure. The majority of lacunae could be identified between the coronal and lambdoid sutures and within 3 cm of the midline.

Conclusions

Although the situation varies, lateral lacunae are concentrated posterior to the coronal suture and anterior to the lambdoid sutures. They are most often found within 3 cm of the sagittal suture. These previously unreported data could be useful to the neurosurgeon in planning surgical procedures that traverse the calvaria.
Nonvasculitic autoimmune inflammatory meningoencephalitis as a cause of potentially reversible dementia
Authors: Lyons Mark K. , Caselli Richard J. , Parisi Joseph E.
Published: April 2008

✓The aim of this study is to evaluate the presentation of unusual dementias in 4 patients and correlate these presentations with the histopathological findings after brain biopsy sampling to define a diagnostic entity. The authors detail the cases of 4 patients (2 women, 46 and 56 years of age; and 2 men, 67 and 74 years of age) who presented with acute and subsequently subacute encephalopathies. Their bizarre presenting symptom complexes and the results of neurological examinations, radiographic studies, electroencephalography (EEG) recordings, and serological marker tests are reviewed. The diagnostic surgical procedures and successful treatments in these patients are discussed.

All 4 patients underwent craniotomy and excisional brain biopsy sampling as part of a comprehensive evaluation. Histopathological confirmation of nonvasculitic autoimmune inflammatory meningoencephalitis (NAIM) by a neuropathologist was present in all 4 patients. All patients were successfully treated with a course of corticosteroid medication.

Nonvasculitic autoimmune inflammatory meningoencephalitis is a potentially treatable form of dementia whose salient features include a younger average age at onset, rapid progression with significant cognitive and behavioral features, absence of family history, abnormal EEG findings, and elevated levels of inflammatory markers. Although it is an invasive procedure, brain biopsy sampling is safe and can offer histological confirmation of this condition. This procedure is important because NAIM can be treated successfully if it is distinguished from the nontreatable dementias that mimic it.
Combination of myxopapillary ependymoma and fatty filum in a child with tethered cord syndrome
Authors: Karabatsou Konstantina , Crooks Daniel , Williams Dawn , Buxton Neil
Published: April 2008

✓ The authors present a case of a child with a tethered spinal cord associated with a myxopapillary ependymoma. This 16-month-old boy presented to the authors' institution with developmental delays in standing and walking. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging demonstrated a fatty terminal filum and tethered cord. The child underwent surgical exploration of the spine with resection of the fatty filum tissue and release of the cord. Histological analysis of the fatty filum suggested the presence of a coexisting myxopapillary ependymoma. The child made a good recovery with no evidence of tumor recurrence after 4-years of follow-up with serial MR imaging. This unusual combination has not previously been reported in children, and to the authors' knowledge there is only one reported case in an adult. The likelihood of a common pathophysiological process in these conditions is also discussed.
Chiari malformation presenting as a focal motor deficit
Authors: Laufer Ilya , Engel Murray , Feldstein Neil , Souweidane Mark M.
Published: April 2008

✓Chiari malformations may present with a wide range of symptoms and signs. Nevertheless, focal foot weakness as a presentation of a Chiari malformation has not been described in the pediatric neurosurgical literature. Two children with Chiari malformations and holocord syringomyelia presented with manifestations of a supposed isolated lumbar radiculopathy. Neurological deficits completely resolved after decompressive suboccipital craniectomy and cervical laminectomy. These cases emphasize the importance of imaging the entire craniospinal axis and avoidance of therapeutic intervention specifically aimed at a radiculopathic process when initial imaging fails to show a structural abnormality at the spinal level of deficit. The possible pathophysiological origins for this unusual presentation are discussed. Based on the experience gained with these patients, recommendations are made regarding the diagnostic workup and management of this entity in children presenting with focal deficits that are not supported by imaging of the affected root levels. Chiari malformations may rarely masquerade as lower motor and sensory deficits, and appropriate treatment may result in excellent recovery of function.
Giant true dorsal thoracic meningocele in a school-age child
Authors: Şanlı A. Metin , Kertmen Hayri , Karavelioglu Ergün , Şekerci Zeki
Published: April 2008

✓A meningocele is a common form of spinal dysraphic lesions, but it is extremely uncommon in children in the upper thoracic region. The authors describe a rare case in which they found a giant true dorsal meningocele in the upper thoracic region in a symptomatic child, which, to their knowledge, is the first such reported case.

A school-age child, who harbored a giant dorsal mass, complained of restriction of function. He underwent successful surgery in which the meningocele sac was totally removed.
A porcine model of intervertebral disc degeneration induced by annular injury characterized with magnetic resonance imaging and histopathological findings
Authors: Yoon Seung-Hwan , Miyazaki Masashi , Hong Soon-Woo , Tow Ben , Morishita Yuichiro , Hu Ming , Ahn Sung-Joon , Wang Jeffrey C.
Published: April 2008

Object

Appropriate animal models of disc degeneration are critical for the study of proposed interventions as well as to further delineate the degenerative process. The purpose of this study was to characterize a porcine model for disc degeneration confirmed on magnetic resonance (MR) imaging studies and histological analysis.

Methods

Twelve miniature pigs were used (weight 48–65 kg) to study degeneration in the lumbar spine. Under fluoroscopic guidance, the disc was percutaneously punctured with a 3.2-mm-diameter trephine to a 5-mm depth into the annulus fibrosus. Control and experimental levels were randomized among 6 levels in the lumbar spine. The unlesioned spinal levels were used as controls and were compared with lesioned levels. Magnetic resonance imaging grading and disc height were serially recorded preoperatively, and at 5, 8, 19, 32, and 39 weeks postoperatively. The animals were killed in groups of 3 at 7, 18, 32, and 41 weeks postinjury, and the discs were examined histopathologically.

Results

Consistent, sequential, and progressive degeneration of the annular injury was observed on MR imaging and histopathological studies from the time of injury to the final time point. The disc height and the disc height index also sequentially decreased from the time of the injury in a consistent manner. The uninjured control levels did not show any progressive degeneration and maintained their normal state.

Conclusions

Based on MR imaging and histopathological findings, the authors demonstrated and characterized a reliable model of sequential disc degeneration in miniature pigs with percutaneous injury to the annulus fibrosus. In the early stages, as soon as 5 weeks after injury, significant disc degeneration was seen on MR imaging grading with decreases in disc height. This degeneration did not improve by the final time point of 39 weeks.
Spontaneous thoracic spinal subdural hematoma associated with fibromuscular dysplasia
Authors: Kim Sang-Dae , Park Je-On , Kim Se-Hoon , Lee Young-Hen , Lim Dong-Jun , Park Jung-Yul
Published: April 2008

✓Spontaneous spinal subdural hematoma (SDH) is an uncommon cause of acute spinal cord compression. When it does occur, however, it may have disastrous results and a poor prognosis. The nontraumatic acute spinal SDH usually results from a defect in a hemostatic mechanism (such as coagulopathy or the use of anticoagulant therapy) or from iatrogenic causes (such as spinal puncture). Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is a nonatherosclerotic systemic arteriopathy of unknown cause that typically affects the small and medium arteries in young to middle-aged women. The authors report on their experience with a patient with an acute spontaneous spinal SDH that occurred in conjunction with FMD.
An Unexpected Role for Ion Channels in Brain Tumor Metastasis
Authors: Sontheimer Harald
Published: April 2008

Over the past two decades it has become apparent that essentially all living cells express voltage-activated ion channels. While the role of ion channels for electrical signaling between excitable cells is well known, their function in non-excitable cells is somewhat enigmatic. Research on cancer cells suggests that certain ion channels, K+ channels in particular, may be involved in aberrant tumor growth and channel inhibitors often lead to growth arrest. An unsuspected role for K+ and Cl− channels has now been documented for primary brain tumors, glioma, where the concerted activity of these channels promotes cell invasion and the formation of brain metastasis. Specifically, Ca2+-activated K+ (BK) channels colocalize with ClC-3 Cl− channels to the invading processes of these tumor cells. Upon a rise in intracellular Ca2+, these channels activate and release K+ and Cl− ions together with obligated water causing a rapid shrinkage of the leading process. This in turn facilitates the invasion of the cell into the narrow and tortuous extracellular brain spaces. The NKCC1 cotransporter accumulates intracellular Cl− to unusually high concentrations, thereby establishing an outward directed gradient for Cl− ions. This allows glioma cells to utilize Cl− as an osmotically active anion during invasion. Importantly, the inhibition of Cl− channels retards cell volume changes, and, in turn, compromises tumor cell invasion. These findings have led to the clinical evaluation of a Cl− channel blocking peptide, chlorotoxin, in patients with malignant glioma. Data from this clinical trial shows remarkable tumor selectivity for chlorotoxin. The experimental therapeutic was well tolerated and is now evaluated in a multi-center phase II clinical trial. A similar role for Cl− and K+ channels is suspected in other metastatic cancers, and lessons learned from studies of gliomas may pave the way towards the development of novel therapeutics targeting ion channels.
Mercury in Traditional Medicines: Is Cinnabar Toxicologically Similar to Common Mercurials?
Authors: Liu Jie , Shi Jing-Zheng , Yu Li-Mei , Goyer Robert A. , Waalkes Michael P.
Published: April 2008

Mercury is a major toxic metal ranked top in the Toxic Substances List. Cinnabar, which contains mercury sulfide, has been used in Chinese traditional medicines for thousands of years as an ingredient in various remedies, and 40 cinnabar-containing traditional medicines are still used today. Little is known about toxicology profiles or toxicokinetics of cinnabar and cinnabar-containing traditional medicines, and the high mercury content in these Chinese medicines raises justifiably escalations of public concern. This minireview, by searching the available database of cinnabar and by comparing cinnabar with common mercurials, discusses differences in their bioavailability, disposition, and toxicity. The analysis showed that cinnabar is insoluble and poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Absorbed mercury from cinnabar is mainly accumulated in the kidneys, resembling the disposition pattern of inorganic mercury. Heating cinnabar results in release of mercury vapor, which in turn can produce toxicity similar to inhalation of these vapors. The doses of cinnabar required to produce neurotoxicity are 1000 times higher than methyl mercury. Following long-term use of cinnabar, renal dysfunction may occur. Dimercaprol and succimer are effective chelation therapies for general mercury intoxication including cinnabar. Pharmacological studies of cinnabar suggest sedative and hypnotic effects, but the therapeutic basis of cinnabar is still not clear. In summary, cinnabar is chemically inert with a relatively low toxic potential when taken orally. In risk assessment, cinnabar is less toxic than many other forms of mercury, but the rationale for its inclusion in traditional Chinese medicines remains to be fully justified.
Multiple Molecular Pathways Are Involved in the Neuroprotection of GDNF Against Proteasome Inhibitor Induced Dopamine Neuron Degeneration In Vivo
Authors: Du Yunlan , Li Xuping , Yang Dehua , Zhang Xiaojie , Chen Shen , Huang Kaixing , Le Weidong
Published: April 2008

The impairment of ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is a cellular mechanism underlying the neurodegenerative process in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is one of the most potent neurotrophic factors promoting the growth and survival of mesencephalic dopamine (DA) neurons. To investigate whether GDNF has neuroprotective effects in a PD model induced by UPS impairment we administered GDNF by osmotic pump in C57BL/6 mice after nigrostriatal lesions with stereotactic injection of proteasome inhibitor lactacystin in the middle forebrain bundle. We found that lactacystin injection severely injured the nigral DA neurons and reduced the striatal levels of DA and its metabolites, while prolonged administration of GDNF at a sustained moderate dose for two weeks can significantly attenuate the lactacystin-induced loss of nigral DA neurons and striatal DA levels by 31% and 40%, respectively. We also investigated the molecular mechanisms for the neuroprotective effects of GDNF showing that lactacystin administration can cause the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38MAPK (p38), and the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), whereas GDNF treatment can further enhance the phosphorylation of ERK and Akt but reduce the levels of JNK and p38. These results indicate that prolonged treatment with GDNF can protect the nigral DA neurons from the UPS impairment-induced degeneration. Several signaling path-ways including p38, JNK, Akt and ERK molecules seem to play an important role in this neuroprotection by GDNF.
Smooth Muscle-Specific Gene Delivery in the Vasculature Based on Restriction of DNA Nuclear Import
Authors: Young Jennifer L. , Zimmer Warren E. , Dean David A.
Published: April 2008

The two currently employed approaches restricting gene delivery and/or expression to desired cell types in vivo rely on cell surface targeting or cell-specific promoters. We have developed a third approach based on cell-specific nuclear transport of the delivered plasmid DNA. We have previously shown that plasmid nuclear import in non-dividing cells is sequence-specific and have identified a set of cell-specific DNA nuclear targeting sequences that can be used to limit DNA nuclear import to desired cell types. Specifically we have identified elements of the smooth muscle gamma actin (SMGA) promoter that direct plasmid nuclear import selectively in smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in vitro (Vacik et al, 1999, Gene Therapy 6:1006–1014). In the present study, we demonstrate that the SMC-specific DNA nuclear targeting sequence from the SMGA promoter drives nuclear accumulation of plasmids and subsequent gene expression exclusively in the smooth muscle cell layer of the vessel wall in the intact vasculature of rats using electroporation mediated delivery. These results demonstrate that certain DNA nuclear targeting sequences can be used to restrict DNA nuclear import to specific cell types providing a new, novel means of cell targeting for gene therapy.
Direct Interaction of Tumor Suppressor CEACAM1 with Beta Catenin: Identification of Key Residues in the Long Cytoplasmic Domain
Authors: Jin Lan , Li Yun , Chen Charng-Jui , Sherman Mark A. , Le Keith , Shively John E.
Published: April 2008

CEACAM1-4L (carcinoembryonic antigen cell adhesion molecule 1, with 4 extracellular Ig-like domains and a long, 71 amino acid cytoplasmic domain) is expressed in epithelial cells and activated T-cells, but is down-regulated in most epithelial cell cancers and T-cell leukemias. A highly conserved sequence within the cytoplasmic domain has ca 50% sequence homology with Tcf-3 and −4, transcription factors that bind β-catenin, and to a lesser extent (32% homology), with E-cadherin that also binds β-catenin. We show by quantitative yeast two-hybrid, BIAcore, GST-pull down, and confocal analyses that this domain directly interacts with β-catenin, and that H-469 and K-470 are key residues that interact with the armadillo repeats of β-catenin. Jurkat cells transfected with CEACAM1-4L have 2-fold less activity in the TOPFLASH reporter assay, and in MCF7 breast cancer cells that fail to express CEACAM1, transfection with CEACAM1 and growth in Ca2+media causes redistribution of β-catenin from the cytoplasm to the cell membrane, demonstrating a functional role for the long cytoplasmic domain of CEACAM1 in regulation of β-catenin activity.
GLOBAL CONVERGENCE OF RTLSQEP: A SOLVER OF REGULARIZED TOTAL LEAST SQUARES PROBLEMS VIA QUADRATIC EIGENPROBLEMS
Authors: Lampe J. , Voss H.
Published: April 2008

The total least squares (TLS) method is a successful approach for linear problems if both the matrix and the right hand side are contaminated by some noise. In a recent paper Sima, Van Huffel and Golub suggested an iterative method for solving regularized TLS problems, where in each iteration step a quadratic eigenproblem has to be solved. In this paper we prove its global convergence, and we present an efficient implementation using an iterative projection method with thick updates.
OPTIMAL DIFFERENCE SCHEMES ON PIECEWISE‐UNIFORM MESHES FOR A SINGULARLY PERTURBED PARABOLIC CONVECTION‐DIFFUSION EQUATION
Authors: Shishkin G.
Published: April 2008

A grid approximation of a boundary value problem is considered for a singularly perturbed parabolic convection‐diffusion equation. For this problem, upwind difference schemes on the well‐known piecewise‐uniform meshes converge ϵ‐uniformly in the maximum discrete norm at the rate O(N− 1lnN + N0 −1 ), where N + 1 and N 0 + 1 are the number of mesh points in x and t respectively; the number of nodes in the x‐mesh before the transition point (the point where the step‐size changes) and after it are the same. Under the condition N Â N 0 this scheme converges at the rate O(P−1/2 ln P); here P = (N + 1)(N 0 + 1) is the total number of nodes in the piecewise‐uniform mesh. Schemes on piecewise‐uniform meshes are constructed that are optimal with respect to the convergence rate. These schemes converge ϵ‐uniformly at the rate O(P−1/2 ln1/2 P). In optimal meshes based on widths that are similar to Kolmogorov's widths, the ratio of mesh points in x and t is of O((ϵ + ln−1 P)−1). Under the condition ϵ = o( 1), most nodes in such a mesh in x are placed before the transition point.
Reliable computation of equilibrium cascades with affine arithmetic
Authors: Baharev Ali , Rév Endre
Published: April 2008

Computing the steady state of multistage counter‐current processes like distillation, extraction, or absorption is the equivalent to finding solutions for large‐scale nonlinear equation systems. The conventional solution techniques are fast and efficient if a good estimation is available, but are prone to fail, and do not provide information about the reason for the failure. This is the main motive to apply reliable methods in solving them. Reliable computations are usually realized with interval methods. A reliable root finding method is presented, based on affine arithmetic (AA), a recently developed linearization technique and interval method. AA is compared here to another linearization technique, the widely known Interval Newton method. The studied examples seem to indicate superiority of the novel method over the traditional one. The comparison is made with a pruning technique not state‐of‐the‐art, but analogous in the two compared methods. AA can be combined with constraint propagation (CP), or linear programming (LP) aided CP, as pruning techniques. The combined techniques, AA/CP and AA/LP are studied and compared. AA/LP proves to be preferable because of its robustness. Short distillation columns are successfully computed with the proposed AA/LP method. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2008