bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TDP‐43 pathology in polyglutamine diseases: With reference to amyotrphic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Toyoshima Yasuko , Takahashi Hitoshi
Published: July 2013

A nuclear protein, transactivation response (TAR) DNA binding protein 43 kDa (TDP‐43), is the major component of neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions (NCIs) in frontotemporal lobar degeneration with ubiquitin inclusions (FTLD‐U) and sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (SALS). While initially thought to be relatively specific to FTLD‐U and ALS, TDP‐43 pathology has now been detected in a number of other neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. In such tauopathies and α‐synucleinopathies, occurrence of TDP‐43‐positive neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions may be associated with other distinct molecular pathologic processes primarily involving their own pathological proteins, tau and α–synuclein, respectively (secondary TDP‐43 proteinopathies). On the other hand, in several polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases, TDP‐43 appears to play an important pathomechanistic role. Interestingly, intermediate‐length polyQ expansions (27–33 Qs) in ataxin 2, the causative gene of spinocerebellar ataxia type 2, have recently been reported to be a genetic risk factor for SALS. Here, with a review of the literature, we discuss the relationship between ALS and polyQ diseases from the viewpoint of TDP‐43 neuropathology.
Bilateral ganglioglioma of the trigeminal nerve in an 83‐year‐old man
Authors: Hargus Gunnar , Bink Andrea , Nagel Inga , Paulus Werner , Harder Anja
Published: July 2013

Gangliogliomas are well‐differentiated, mixed glio‐neuronal tumors of the CNS that are most frequently localized within the temporal lobe. In a minority of cases, gangliogliomas have been described in the brain stem where they may critically impinge anatomical structures. Rarely, ganglioglioma develop in cranial nerves, almost exclusively in the optic pathway, where they usually present as singular space‐occupying masses. Here, we report on an 83‐year‐old patient who presented with unusual symmetrical, bilateral gangliogliomas of the trigeminal nerves. These tumors showed an exophytic growth within the subarachnoid space toward the Gasserian ganglion and surprisingly appeared as isointense masses on T1‐ and T2‐weighted MRI. Due to their bilateral appearance, we performed array‐comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) on the gangliogliomas to address the possibility of an underlying tumor syndrome in this patient. To our knowledge, this is the first case of bilateral ganglioglioma of the trigeminal nerve described so far.
Roles of M2 and M3 muscarinic receptors in the generation of rhythmic motor activity in mouse small intestine
Authors: Tanahashi Y. , Waki N. , Unno T. , Matsuyama H. , Iino S. , Kitazawa T. , Yamada M. , Komori S.
Published: July 2013

Background

The roles of M2 and M3 muscarinic receptor subtypes in the regulation of gut motor activity were investigated.

Methods

We simultaneously recorded changes in the intraluminal pressure (IP) and longitudinal tension (LT) in small intestinal segments from M2 or M3 receptor knockout (KO) and wild‐type (WT) mice.

Key Results

In the WT preparations, luminal distension induced a continuous rhythmic contractile activity that was characterized by synchronous rises in IP and LT, occurring periodically at a constant interval. Tetrodotoxin completely abolished the response, whereas atropine either abolished or attenuated it. In the majority of the M2KO preparations, however, no rhythmic activity was observed in response to the luminal distention, even though networks of enteric neurons and interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) seemed to be intact. Where rhythmic activity did occur in M2KO preparations, it was atropine resistant. In the M3KO preparations, the IP and LT were synchronously changed by the luminal distention, but the changes occurred at irregular intervals. The W/Wv mutant preparations, which lack ICC in the myenteric plexus (ICC‐MY), showed results similar to those of the M3KO preparations. In some of the M2/M3 double‐KO preparations, rhythmic activity was not observed, but in the others, an atropine‐resistant rhythmicity appeared.

Conclusions & Inferences

These results suggest that M2 and M3 muscarinic receptors differentially regulate the intestinal motor activity: M2 receptors play an essential role in the generation of rhythmic motor activity, and M3 receptors have a modulatory role in controlling the periodicity of the rhythmic activity together with the ICC‐MY.
Preservation of the native spleen in multivisceral transplantation
Authors: Hernandez F. , Andres A. M. , Encinas J. L. , Domínguez E. , Gamez M. , Murcia F. J. , Leal N. , Martinez L. , Molina M. , Ramos E. , Sarria J. , Martinez‐Ojinaga E. , Prieto G. , Frauca E. , Lopez‐Santamaria M.
Published: July 2013

The native spleen is usually removed in patients undergoing MTV. The consequential asplenic state is associated with a high risk of sepsis, especially in immunosuppressed children. In contrast, the inclusion of an allogeneic spleen in multivisceral grafts has been associated with a high incidence of GVHD. We propose an alternative technique for patients undergoing MTV, consisting of the preservation of the native spleen. This approach avoids the additional risk of infection that characterizes the asplenic state without the detrimental side effects of the allogeneic spleen.
Understanding the role of antibodies in murine infections with Heligmosomoides (polygyrus) bakeri: 35 years ago, now and 35 years ahead
Authors: Harris N. L. , Pleass R. , Behnke J. M.
Published: July 2013

The rodent intestinal nematode H.p.bakeri has played an important role in the exploration of the host–parasite relationship of chronic nematode infections for over six decades, since the parasite was first isolated in the 1950s by Ehrenford. It soon became a popular laboratory model providing a tractable experimental system that is easy to maintain in the laboratory and far more cost‐effective than other laboratory nematode–rodent model systems. Immunity to this parasite is complex, dependent on antibodies, but confounded by the parasite's potent immunosuppressive secretions that facilitate chronic survival in murine hosts. In this review, we remind readers of the state of knowledge in the 1970s, when the first volume of Parasite Immunology was published, focusing on the role of antibodies in protective immunity. We show how our understanding of the host–parasite relationship then developed over the following 35 years to date, we propose testable hypotheses for future researchers to tackle, and we speculate on how the new technologies will be applied to enable an increasingly refined understanding of the role of antibodies in host‐protective immunity, and its evasion, to be achieved in the longer term.
Phylogeography and genetic effects of habitat fragmentation on endangered Taxus yunnanensis in southwest China as revealed by microsatellite data
Authors: Miao Y. C. , Lang X. D. , Zhang Z. Z. , Su J. R.
Published: July 2013

It is not known how the profoundly complex topography and habitat heterogeneity generated by the uplift of the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau (QTP) during the late Tertiary affected population genetic structure of endangered Taxus yunnanensis. In addition, the effects of habitat fragmentation due to anthropogenic disturbance on genetic diversity and population differentiation of this species have not been studied. T. yunnanensis is an ancient tree/shrub mainly distributed in southwest China. Recently, the species has suffered a sharp decline due to excessive logging for its famous anticancer metabolite taxol, resulting in smaller and more isolated populations. To understand the phylogeography and genetic consequences of habitat fragmentation of this endangered species, using 11 polymorphic microsatellites, we genotyped 288 individuals from 14 populations from a range‐wide sampling in China. Our results suggest that two different population groups that were once isolated have persisted in situ during glacial periods in both areas, and have not merged since. Habitat fragmentation has led to significant genetic bottlenecks, high inbreeding and population divergence in this species. The two different population groups of T. yunnanensis could be attributed to restricted gene flow caused through isolation by geographical barriers and by habitat heterogeneity during uplift of the QTP, or the existence of two separate glacial refugia during the Pleistocene. In situ and ex situ conservation of the two Evolutionarily Significant Units (ESUs), artificial gene flow between populations and a comprehensive understanding of the pollination system in this endangered species are suggested from this study.
Theories of Time and the Asymmetry in Human Attitudes
Authors: Yehezkel Gal
Published: July 2013

An important aspect of the debate between the A‐theory and the B‐theory of time relates to the supposed implications of each for some of the most basic human attitudes and stances. The asymmetry in our attitudes towards past and future events in our life (pleasant and unpleasant), and towards the temporal limits of our existence, that is, toward birth and death, is supposedly considered differently by the two theories. I argue that our attitudes are neither justified nor discredited by anything which is in debate between the A‐Theory and the B‐theory, and therefore that neither theory of time is supported by the asymmetry in our attitudes.
The Collaboration as Empowerment Claim: The Case of Visual Social Research
Authors: Williams Richard
Published: July 2013

This article uses the case of visually based collaborative social science research to explore the problem of inequality between researchers and research subjects in social science research. This dilemma is ever present for social scientists researching topics where the research subject represents a group experiencing social exclusion. The paper uses the claim of those social scientists that argue that collaboration between researchers and research subjects can diminish the inequality problem by empowering research subjects. Through this interrogation of the “collaboration as empowerment claim,” as an ideal type construction the paper argues that (i) it pays insufficient attention to the knowledge frameworks and incentive structures around which research projects are carried out and disseminated, (ii) it does not interrogate the fact that the claim of empowerment as outcome is made by those in the researcher role, and (iii) it does not explicitly document the research subject's own assessment of a collaboration/empowerment link. The paper moves beyond the insights drawn from the visual case to point to their implications for other areas in which collaboration research is claimed as a means to empower research subjects and by implication to diminish researcher/research subject inequalities.
Race, Hyper‐Incarceration, and US Poverty Policy in Historic Perspective
Authors: Miller Reuben Jonathan
Published: July 2013

In this article, I bring scholarship on welfare reform into discussion with work on crime control and racial and ethnic relations. I locate the genesis of hyper‐incarceration and the moral suasion imposed on the recipients of contemporary social welfare services through the poverty policies of the Victorian era and later the postbellum south, implicating the checkered history of racial domination in the United States in the development of social welfare and criminal justice policy. I conclude by discussing the ways in which the United States has been reconfigured to facilitate these trends and of new terrain in the study of marginality in the neoliberal age. Doing so demonstrates the long‐standing collusion between welfare state and criminal justice actors, identifies the racialized target of punishment and poverty management, highlights the significance of race in the development of social policy, and exhibits the importance of social welfare policy in contemporary race and ethnic relations.
Locating Zombies in the Sociology of Popular Culture
Authors: Platts Todd K.
Published: July 2013

In this essay, focusing primarily on the cinema of the walking corpse, I provide an overview of zombie studies and suggest potential avenues for sociological inquiry into zombie phenomena. I argue that zombie films, comic books, novels, video games, and the like can be seen as significant cultural objects that reflect and reveal the cultural and material circumstances of their creation. Despite emanating from complex culture‐producing institutions and (arguably) capturing extant social anxieties, sociology has remained quiet on zombie phenomena. Issues of significance, history, and definition are discussed. I then locate three avenues of inquiry ideally suited to the sociological toolkit: symptomatic analysis of content, production, and audience response and interaction. I conclude by calling for a multipronged sociological analysis into “zombie culture.”
Visualization of plant cell wall lignification using fluorescence‐tagged monolignols
Authors: Tobimatsu Yuki , Wagner Armin , Donaldson Lloyd , Mitra Prajakta , Niculaes Claudiu , Dima Oana , Kim Jeong Im , Anderson Nickolas , Loque Dominique , Boerjan Wout , Chapple Clint , Ralph John
Published: July 2013

Lignin is an abundant phenylpropanoid polymer produced by the oxidative polymerization of p‐hydroxycinnamyl alcohols (monolignols). Lignification, i.e., deposition of lignin, is a defining feature of secondary cell wall formation in vascular plants, and provides an important mechanism for their disease resistance; however, many aspects of the cell wall lignification process remain unclear partly because of a lack of suitable imaging methods to monitor the process in vivo. In this study, a set of monolignol analogs γ‐linked to fluorogenic aminocoumarin and nitrobenzofuran dyes were synthesized and tested as imaging probes to visualize the cell wall lignification process in Arabidopsis thaliana and Pinus radiata under various feeding regimens. In particular, we demonstrate that the fluorescence‐tagged monolignol analogs can penetrate into live plant tissues and cells, and appear to be metabolically incorporated into lignifying cell walls in a highly specific manner. The localization of the fluorogenic lignins synthesized during the feeding period can be readily visualized by fluorescence microscopy and is distinguishable from the other wall components such as polysaccharides as well as the pre‐existing lignin that was deposited earlier in development.
Optimization of microbial screening for cord blood
Authors: Clark Pamela , Trickett Annette , Chimenti Mel , Stark Damien
Published: July 2013

Background

Collection and processing of cord blood (CB) is associated with significant risk of contamination; hence standards mandate microbial screening of the final product. The sensitivity of current methods to evaluate the microbial content of CB is unknown, given the small volume tested and reduced sensitivity of pediatric bottles. Hence, this study was undertaken to evaluate an optimal microbial screening method.

Study Design and Methods

CB was collected using a closed system then spiked with organisms at 1 or 10 colony‐forming units (CFUs)/mL. Samples were screened using culture bottles (BacT/ALERT, bioMérieux; and BACTEC, Becton Dickinson). Several methods were evaluated with different combinations of inoculated bottles (adult vs. pediatric), sample types (plasma discard, red blood cell [RBC] discard, or final product), and sample volumes.

Results

Of 94 cord blood units (CBUs) spiked with organisms before screening, 81% tested positive for contamination overall. Screening of CB in pediatric bottles resulted in equivalent detection rates on the BacT/ALERT and BACTEC systems (33% at 1 CFU/mL and 73% at 10 CFUs/mL, respectively). However, the pediatric bottle screen only detected 15% of obligate anaerobes. A combined fraction method showed superior detection (71%) compared to the plasma fraction (27%) and resulted in optimal anaerobic detection.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that the optimal microbial screening method for CB includes testing a combination of discard fractions (plasma and RBCs) in addition to final product using an automated culture system. Inoculating a small sample of final product in a pediatric bottle is suboptimal for microbial detection and may lead to distribution of contaminated CB for transplantation.
Determining staffing requirements for blood donor clinics: the Canadian Blood Services experience
Authors: Blake John T. , Shimla Susan
Published: July 2013

Background

Canadian Blood Services runs approximately 16,000 donor clinics annually. While there were more than 220 different clinic configurations used in 2011 and 2012, 67% of all clinic configurations followed one of 51 standard models. As part of operational planning for current and future configurations it was necessary for Canadian Blood Services to calculate staffing requirements for standard clinic models.

Study Design and Methods

In this article we present a method that incorporates both cost control and impact on donor experience. We calculate staffing requirements to minimize costs, but adjust using queuing theory to ensure donor wait time metrics are met. The method can be applied in a wide variety of situations.

Results

Although developed for a particular study, the methods described in this article can be applied in a wide variety of situations. A case study in which the model is used to review existing staffing arrangements at Canadian Blood Services is presented.

Conclusion

The staffing model can be used to balance the requirements of minimizing staffing costs with that of ensuring that donors do not suffer unnecessary delays. Moreover, in an example application, savings of 3.4% were identified through the modeling process.
Quality assessment of buffy‐coat‐derived leucodepleted platelet concentrates in PAS‐plasma, prepared by the OrbiSac or TACSI automated system
Authors: Plaza E. M. , Céspedes P. , Fernández H. , Sánchez‐Guiu M. I. , Egea J. M. , Vicente V. , Lozano M. L. , Rivera J.
Published: July 2013

Background and Objectives

Buffy‐coat (BC)‐derived platelet concentrates (PCs) are the predominant product for platelet transfusion in many countries. Two automated systems, OrbiSac and TACSI, have been introduced in blood centres to prepare these PCs, as an alternative to the manual method. We compared the in vitro quality of PCs prepared by both methods during standard storage.

Study Design and Methods

Twenty primary BC pools were split into two parts, which were processed with OrbiSac and TACSI system to obtain OrbiSac PCs (O‐PCs) and TACSI PCs (T‐PCs), respectively. On days 1, 5 and 7 of standard storage, samples were taken and the following analysed: cell count, metabolic variables, platelet function and content of activation and proinflammatory substances.

Results

Both the OrbiSac and TACSI systems produced PCs that meet the standards for platelet products in terms of platelet and leucocyte content. In vitro evaluation pointed to the similar preservation of platelet metabolism (pH, glucose, bicarbonate and lactate) in O‐PCs and T‐PCs. Moreover, there were no significant differences between O‐PCs and T‐PCs as regards the hypotonic shock response or in the platelet aggregation profile. The OrbiSac system caused greater platelet activation, which resulted in higher concentrations of sCD62P, RANTES and sCD40L on the day the PCs were prepared.

Conclusion

The systems OrbiSac and TACSI can be used to produce buffy‐coat‐derived PCs whose cell content, platelet function and metabolism are similar during standard storage. However, the preparation with the OrbiSac system induces a transient increase in platelet activation and release of proinflammatory substances.
Thermal Tuning of Band Structures in a One-Dimensional Phononic Crystal
Authors: Bian Zuguang , Peng Wei , Song Jizhou
Published: July 2013

Phononic crystals make the realization of complete acoustic band gaps possible, which suggests many applications such as vibration isolation, noise suppression, acoustic barriers, filters, wave guides, and transducers. In this paper, an analytic model, based on the transfer matrix method, is developed to study the band structures of bulk acoustic waves including SH-, P-, and SV-waves in a one-dimensional phononic crystal, which is formed by alternating strips of two different materials. The analysis is demonstrated by the phononic crystal of Ba0.7Sr0.3TiO3 (BST) and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), whose elastic properties depend strongly on the temperature. The results show that some band gaps are very sensitive to the temperature. Depending on the wave mode, the center frequency of the first band gap may decrease over 25% and band gap width may decrease over 60% as the temperature increases from 30 °C to 50 °C. The transmission of acoustic waves in a finite phononic crystal is also studied through the coefficient of transmission power. These results are very useful for the design and optimization of thermal tuning of phononic crystals.
Modeling the Thermoviscoelastic Properties and Recovery Behavior of Shape Memory Polymer Composites
Authors: Alexander Stephen , Xiao Rui , Nguyen Thao D.
Published: July 2013

This work investigated the effects of stiff inclusions on the thermoviscoelastic properties and recovery behavior of shape memory polymer composites. Recent manufacturing advances have increased the applicability and interest in SMPCs made with carbon and glass inclusions. The resulting biphasic material introduces changes to both the thermal and mechanical responses, which are not fully understood. Previous studies of these effects have been concerned chiefly with experimental characterization and application of these materials. The few existing computational studies have been constrained by the limitations of available constitutive models for the SMP matrix material. The present study applied previously developed finite-deformation, time-dependent thermoviscoelastic models for amorphous SMPs to investigate the properties and shape memory behavior of SMPCs with a hexagonal arrangement of hard inclusions. A finite element model of a repeating unit cell was developed for the periodic microstructure of the SMPC and used to evaluate the temperature-dependent viscoelastic properties, including the storage modulus, tan δ, coefficient of thermal expansion, and Young's modulus, as well as the shape recovery response, characterized by the unconstrained strain recovery response and the constrained recovery stress response. The presence of inclusions in greater volume fractions were shown to lower both the glass transition and recovery temperatures slightly, while substantially increasing the storage and Young's modulus. The inclusions also negligibly affected the unconstrained strain recovery rate, while decreasing the constrained recovery stress response. The results demonstrate the potential of using hard fillers to increase the stiffness and hardness of amorphous networks for structural application without significantly affecting the temperature-dependence and time-dependence of the shape recovery response.
Flexure-Based Device for Cyclic Strain-Mediated Osteogenic Differentiation
Authors: Shin Kang Kyung , Hun Jeong Young , Min Hong Jung , Yong Woon-Jae , Rhie Jong-Won , Cho Dong-Woo
Published: July 2013

Application of low-magnitude strains to cells on small-thickness scaffolds, such as those for rodent calvarial defect models, is problematic, because general translation systems have limitations in terms of generating low-magnitude smooth signals. To overcome this limitation, we developed a cyclic strain generator using a customized, flexure-based, translational nanoactuator that enabled generation of low-magnitude smooth strains at the subnano- to micrometer scale to cells on small-thickness scaffolds. The cyclic strain generator we developed showed predictable operational characteristics by generating a sinusoidal signal of a few micrometers (4.5 μm) without any distortion. Three-dimensional scaffolds fitting the critical-size rat calvarial defect model were fabricated using poly(caprolactone), poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid), and tricalcium phosphate. Stimulation of human adipose–derived stem cells (ASCs) on these fabricated scaffolds using the cyclic strain generator we developed resulted in upregulated osteogenic marker expression compared to the nonstimulated group. These preliminary in vitro results suggest that the cyclic strain generator successfully provided mechanical stimulation to cells on small-thickness scaffolds, which influenced the osteogenic differentiation of ASCs.
An Instrumented Pendulum System for Measuring Energy Absorption During Fracture Insult to Large Animal Joints in Vivo
Authors: Diestelmeier B. W. , Rudert M. J. , Tochigi Y. , Baer T. E. , Fredericks D. C. , Brown T. D.
Published: July 2013

For systematic laboratory studies of bone fractures in general and intra-articular fractures in particular, it is often necessary to control for injury severity. Quantitatively, a parameter of primary interest in that regard is the energy absorbed during the injury event. For this purpose, a novel technique has been developed to measure energy absorption in experimental impaction. The specific application is for fracture insult to porcine hock (tibiotalar) joints in vivo, for which illustrative intra-operative data are reported. The instrumentation allowed for the measurement of the delivered kinetic energy and of the energy passed through the specimen during impaction. The energy absorbed by the specimen was calculated as the difference between those two values. A foam specimen validation study was first performed to compare the energy absorption measurements from the pendulum instrumentation versus the work of indentation performed by an MTS machine. Following validation, the pendulum apparatus was used to measure the energy absorbed during intra-articular fractures created in 14 minipig hock joints in vivo. The foam validation study showed close correspondence between the pendulum-measured energy absorption and MTS-performed work of indentation. In the survival animal series, the energy delivered ranged from 31.5 to 48.3 Js (41.3 ± 4.0, mean ± s.d.) and the proportion of energy absorbed to energy delivered ranged from 44.2% to 64.7% (53.6% ±4.5%). The foam validation results support the reliability of the energy absorption measure provided by the instrumented pendulum system. Given that a very substantial proportion of delivered energy passed—unabsorbed—through the specimens, the energy absorption measure provided by this novel technique arguably provides better characterization of injury severity than is provided simply by energy delivery.
Cardiac amyloidosis masquerading as biventricular hypertrophy in a patient with multiple myeloma
Authors: Ilias Basha Haseeb , Raj Ethiraj , Bachuwa Ghassan
Published: July 2013

Cardiac amyloidosis or amyloid cardiomyopathy is a rare disorder characterised by extracellular deposition of insoluble polymers composed of low-molecular-weight subunit proteins within the myocardium. This often results in an infiltrative cardiomyopathy with restrictive pathophysiology, leading to progressive heart failure. In this report, we present an interesting case of cardiac amyloidosis that eventually led to the diagnosis of underlying multiple myeloma in a patient with no previous cardiac history. Cardiac amyloidosis should be suspected in patients with unexplained congestive heart-failure symptoms accompanied by low-voltage complexes on ECG, preserved ejection fraction with asymmetric ventricular hypertrophy and abnormal myocardial texture, described as ‘granular sparkling’ on echocardiogram. Patients with cardiac amyloidosis should be closely monitored as mortality remains high, despite advances in treatment.
Catatonic schizophrenia: therapeutic challenges and potentially a new role for electroconvulsive therapy?
Authors: Philbin Deirdre , Mulryan D , O'Grady M
Published: July 2013

A 36-year-old man with known schizophrenia, presented with increasingly bizarre behaviour. The development of catatonia and subsequent neuroleptic malignant syndrome in itself posed numerous therapeutic challenges. However, following resolution of neuroleptic malignant syndrome, the reintroduction of antipsychotics was not tolerated. This case report proposes a novel use for electroconvulsive therapy as a treatment of mental state, following resolution of neuroleptic malignant syndrome, to facilitate successful reintroduction of antipsychotics.
Do not forget the contralateral side: late onset bilateral carotid dissecting aneurysms
Authors: Velioglu Murat , Cuce Ferhat , Saglam Muzaffer
Published: July 2013

Internal carotid artery dissection may occur spontaneously or following a blunt or penetrating trauma to the head and/or neck. Bilateral dissections and pseudoaneurysm formations are extremely rare and usually detected simultaneously. In this report, we present a trauma case with bilateral dissecting pseudoaneurysms of the carotid arteries; in whom, the one side was initially occult and then developed during the follow-up of the contralateral side.
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in a patient with Good’s syndrome
Authors: Sveinsson Olafur , Matell Henrik , Herrman Lars
Published: July 2013

Good’s syndrome (GS) is an immunodeficiency characterised by thymoma, hypogammaglobulinemia and impaired T-cell function. The clinical symptoms are recurrent or chronic infections from common or opportunistic pathogens and diarrhoea. Encephalitis is rare, mostly associated to cytomegalovirus. We present a 65-year-old woman who developed blindness, motor deficits and cognitive changes over a 4-month period. MRI of the brain showed symmetric subcortical white matter changes in the occipital lobes, first thought to correspond to posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. A thymoma was found and operated. The patient had no B cells, low immunoglobulins and an inverted CD4/CD8 ratio. GS was diagnosed. In the cerbrospinal fluid >1  million JC virus copies/mL were found and a repeat MRI now showed a picture compatible with progressive multifocal leucoencephalopathy (PML). Her disease had a fatal outcome. The present case is the second reported association between GS and PML.
Hybrid in situ replacement for Samson group VStaphylococcus aureusaortic graft infection
Authors: Karpenko A A , Ignatenko P V , Beliaev A M
Published: July 2013

Aortic prosthesis replacements including extra-anatomical bypass procedures, in situ revascularisations with the neoaortoiliac system, antibiotic bounded prostheses or allogeneic grafts have high graft reinfection rates. We described a case of a 68-year-old man with Samson group VStaphylococcus aureusinfection of his aortobifemoral graft. He underwent an explantation of the infected graft, wound debridement and a hybrid in situ allogeneic aortoiliofemoral replacement. During surgery one of the limbs of the cryopreserved human aortic allogeneic graft was anastomosed with the endarterectomised left common iliac artery, which later was angioplastied and stented. The closed system Jackson-Pratt drains were used to prevent perigraft fluid collection. The groin wound was treated with the vacuum-assisted closure dressing. On review in 6 months he remained symptom free. We conclude that a hybrid management of infected aortic prosthesis may reduce graft reinfection.
Intestinal obstruction secondary to adhesions in an infant with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Jawad Mohammed , Klafkowski Gillian , Lenney Warren , Gilchrist Francis J
Published: July 2013

We report the case of a 9-week-old boy with cystic fibrosis (CF) who presented with intestinal obstruction. He was initially diagnosed with distal intestinal obstruction syndrome (DIOS) and started on laxatives and gastrograffin. This conservative management was unsuccessful and he therefore underwent an exploratory laparotomy. Despite not having undergone any previous surgery, extensive intra-abdominal adhesions were identified as the cause of the intestinal obstruction. The only previous abdominal pathology occurred in the neonatal period prior to his diagnosis of CF, when he was managed conservatively for possible necrotising enterocolitis. We hypothesise that this episode was associated with a subclinical bowel perforation that led to the formation of intra-abdominal adhesions. Although DIOS is the commonest cause of intestinal obstruction in children with CF, this case highlights that surgical causes should always be considered. It also demonstrates that the intra-abdominal adhesions can occur in the absence of previous surgery.
Pore-water extraction from the unsaturated and saturated zones
Authors: Moncur Michael C. , Blowes David W. , Ptacek Carol J.
Published: July 2013

A simple, inexpensive method for extracting pore water from unsaturated soils, which uses a combination of immiscible fluid displacement, suction, and mechanical compression, is described. This method uses a squeezing chamber to contain the unsaturated sediments in aluminum core tubing to prevent exposure of the sediments and pore water to atmospheric O2 and subsequent oxidation reactions. Geochemical artifacts resulting from high-compression squeezing are prevented by maintaining the pressure applied during the squeezing at a minimum. Comparison of squeezed profiles with field measured profiles of pH, Eh (oxidation–reduction potential), alkalinity, and metal speciation indicates good agreement between these parameters using this method. Depending on the water content of the sediments, a range of water volumes (several millilitres to excess of 100 mL) can be extracted from a single core section 7.6 cm in diameter by 20 cm long. Pore water was produced immediately from sediments at near-saturated conditions, whereas several hours were required to obtain pore water from sediment with low moisture contents. Pore water was extracted from unsaturated sediments with as little as 6% volumetric moisture content. The squeezing technique provided water samples from both unsaturated and saturated sediments ranging from silt- to sand-sized particles. The method was applied successfully to collect pore waters from unsaturated sediments in neutral and acidic mine tailings; processed sands from oil sand operations, septic beds, agriculturally impacted sediments; and saturated soils from peat bogs, from wetlands, and at groundwater–surface interfaces.
Directional selection and repeatability in nest-site preferences of Semipalmated Plovers (Charadrius semipalmatus)
Authors: Nguyen Linh P. , Nol Erica , Abraham Kenneth F. , Lishman Carmen
Published: July 2013

Using marked individuals, we assessed directional selection and repeatability of nest-site characteristics of Semipalmated Plovers (Charadrius semipalmatus Bonaparte, 1825) on Akimiski Island, Nunavut, Canada, 2002–2005, to test the hypothesis that long- and short-term selection patterns were in the same direction. Plovers placed nests in microsites (1 m2 scale) with more pebbles and less bare mud and vegetation than what was available in the environment, indicating long-term selection for these features. Linear (directional selection) effects were stronger than quadratic (stabilizing or disruptive) effects in 3 of 4 years and in the analysis of all data. In the combined 4-year sample, significant directional selection occurred in the opposite direction than that present when comparing used and available sites. Birds with more bare mud and vegetation and fewer pebbles at their nest sites were more successful than birds with pebbled nest sites. Repeatability of nest-site preferences was low and nonsignificant. Neither successful nor unsuccessful pairs chose significantly different nest-site characteristics in subsequent nesting attempts, but options for moving to different nest sites may be limited by interannual site fidelity. Wide individual variability and low repeatability of nest-site characteristics suggests behavioral flexibility in the population. Applying quantitative genetic techniques to patterns of habitat selection may allow researchers to predict the degree to which animals can adjust to changing environments.
REVIEW OF DIAGNOSTIC APPROACHES FOR PROLIFERATIVE MYOSITIS, IN THE LIGHT OF TWO CASES
Authors: Haidar Rachid K. , Itani Malak , Jabbour Mark , Der-Boghossian Asdghig H. , Khoury Nabil J.
Published: July 2013

Purpose: Proliferative myositis (PM) is a rare pseudosarcoma affecting muscles and mimicking malignancy. Due to its rare presentation, the diagnosis of PM is difficult. Method: The realms of diagnosis are discussed through two cases, one of adult patient and the other of adolescent patient; both were diagnosed with PM in the gastrocnemius. Results: The former case was diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging and computer tomography scan, followed by histological analysis. The second case, which presented a rare occurrence with respect to age-group, was identified using ultrasound and diagnosis was confirmed by histological analysis of a biopsy. Conclusion: Holistic approach, depending on clinical presentation, imaging, and pathological examination is necessary to confirm the diagnosis of such pseudosarcoma.
Smooth Approximation of Lipschitz Functions on Finsler Manifolds
Authors: Garrido M. I. , Jaramillo J. A. , Rangel Y. C.
Published: July 2013

We study the smooth approximation of Lipschitz functions on Finsler manifolds, keeping control on the corresponding Lipschitz constants. We prove that, given a Lipschitz functionf:M→ℝdefined on a connected, second countable Finsler manifoldM, for each positive continuous functionε:M→(0,∞)and eachr>0, there exists aC1-smooth Lipschitz functiong:M→ℝsuch that|f(x)-g(x)|≤ε(x), for everyx∈M, andLip(g)≤Lip(f)+r. As a consequence, we derive a completeness criterium in the class of what we call quasi-reversible Finsler manifolds. Finally, considering the normed algebraCb1(M)of allC1functions with bounded derivative on a complete quasi-reversible Finsler manifoldM, we obtain a characterization of algebra isomorphismsT:Cb1(N)→Cb1(M)as composition operators. From this we obtain a variant of Myers-Nakai Theorem in the context of complete reversible Finsler manifolds.
Selective Arterial Embolization of Liver Metastases from Gastrinomas: A Single-Centre Experience
Authors: Jilesen Anneke P. J. , Klümpen Heinz Josef , Busch Olivier R. C. , van Gulik T. M. , van Lienden Krijn P. , Gouma Dirk J. , Nieveen van Dijkum Els J. M.
Published: July 2013

Background. Gastrinomas are rare functional neuroendocrine tumors causing the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ZES). At presentation, up to 25% of gastrinomas are metastasized, predominantly to the liver. Embolization of liver metastases might reduce symptoms of ZES although a postembolization syndrome can occur. In this study, the results of embolization are presented, and the literature results are described. Methods. From a prospective database of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, all patients with liver metastatic gastrinomas were selected if treated with arterial embolization. Primary outcome parameters were symptom reduction, complications, and response rate. The literature search was performed with these items. Results. Three patients were identified; two presented with synchronous liver metastases. All the three patients had symptoms of ZES before embolization. Postembolization syndrome occurred in two patients. Six months after embolization, all the 3 patients had a clinical and complete radiological response; a biochemical response was seen in 2/3 patients. From the literature, only a small number of gastrinoma patients treated with liver embolization for liver metastases were found, and similar results were described.
Conclusion. Selective liver embolization is an effective and safe therapy for the treatment of liver metastatic gastrinomas in the reduction of ZES. Individual treatment strategies must be made for the optimal success rate.
Generalizations of Hölder’s and Some Related Integral Inequalities on Fractal Space
Authors: Chen Guang-Sheng
Published: July 2013

Based on the local fractional calculus, we establish some new generalizations of Hölder’s inequality. By using it, some related results on the generalized integral inequality in fractal space are investigated in detail.
Internal Cumulants for Femtoscopy with Fixed Charged Multiplicity
Authors: Eggers H. C. , Buschbeck B.
Published: July 2013

A detailed understanding of all effects and influences on higher-order correlations is essential. At low charged multiplicity, the effect of a non-Poissonian multiplicity distribution can significantly distort correlations. Evidently, the reference samples with respect to which correlations are measured should yield a null result in the absence of correlations. We show how the careful specification of desired properties necessarily leads to an average-of-multinomials reference sample. The resulting internal cumulants and their averaging over several multiplicities fulfill all requirements of correctly taking into account non-Poissonian multiplicity distributions as well as yielding a null result for uncorrelated fixed-Nsamples. Various correction factors are shown to be approximations at best. Careful rederivation of statistical variances and covariances within the frequentist approach yields errors for cumulants that differ from those used so far. We finally briefly discuss the implementation of the analysis through a multiple event buffer algorithm.
Methadone Induced Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Authors: Saifan Chadi , Glass Daniel , Barakat Iskandar , El-Sayegh Suzanne
Published: July 2013

Background.Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) caused by opiate abuse or overuse has been well documented in the medical literature. Most documented case reports have involved either heroin or hydrocodone/acetaminophen. Recently, case reposts of methadone induced SSHL have been published.Case Report.We present the case of a 31-year-old man who developed SSHL after a methadone overdose induced stupor. He was subsequently restarted on methadone at his regular dose. On follow-up audiometry exams, he displayed persistent moderately severe sensorineural hearing loss bilaterally.Discussion.This case is notable because unlike all but one previously reported case, the patient—who was restated on methadone—did not make a complete recovery.Conclusion. Methadone overuse in rare cases causes SSHL.
A Novel Type of Ureteral Stents in the Treatment of a Bilateral Iatrogenic Transaction of the Ureters
Authors: Mazza Ernesto , Mondaini Francesco , Abdulcadir Dalmar , Raspanti Claudio , Citone Michele , Lapini Alberto
Published: July 2013

This report illustrates the case of a patient who suffered an iatrogenic complete injury of both ureters after a complex surgical procedure to remove a large sacral chordoma. Ureteral recanalization was achieved with two removable, autoexpandable, and polytetrafluoroethylene covered nitinol stents. To our knowledge, we describe the first application of this type of stents to treat a bilateral ureteral transection. Despite the bad general conditions of the patient, the ureteral stents successfully restored and maintained the bilateral ureteral continuity.
The Effect of Fluoxetine on Progression in Progressive Multiple Sclerosis: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Mostert Jop , Heersema Thea , Mahajan Manju , Van Der Grond Jeroen , Van Buchem Mark A. , De Keyser Jacques
Published: July 2013

Preclinical studies suggest that fluoxetine may have neuroprotective properties. In this pilot study forty-two patients with secondary or primary progressive MS were randomized to receive fluoxetine 20 mg twice daily or placebo for 2 years. Every 3 months the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), 9-hole peg test (9-HPT) and ambulation index (AI) were assessed. Brain MRI scans, Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite, Fatigue Impact Scale, Guy’s neurological disability Scale and SF-36 were performed at baseline, year 1 and year 2. Seven out of 20 (35%) patients in the fluoxetine group and 7 out of 22 (32%) patients in the placebo group had sustained progression on the EDSS, 9-HPT, or AI at 2 years. No differences were identified between the 2 treatment groups with respect to secondary clinical outcomes and T2 lesion load, grey matter volume and white matter volume. An unanticipated low rate of disability progression in the placebo group decreased the statistical power. At least 200 patients would have been needed to detect a 50% treatment effect. This trial shows that fluoxetine was generally well tolerated, but no assumptions can be made about a possible treatment effect. An adequately powered controlled trial of fluoxetine in progressive MS is still warranted. This trial is registered with Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN38456328.
CTAB-Assisted Hydrothermal Synthesis of Bi2Sn2O7Photocatalyst and Its Highly Efficient Degradation of Organic Dye under Visible-Light Irradiation
Authors: Xu Weicheng , Liu Zhang , Fang Jianzhang , Zhou Guangyin , Hong Xiaoting , Wu Shuxing , Zhu Ximiao , Chen YunFang , Cen Chaoping
Published: July 2013

Pyrochlore-type Bi2Sn2O7(BSO) nanoparticles have been prepared by a hydrothermal method assisted with a cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). These BSO products were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy (IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), and UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The results indicated that CTAB alters the surface parameters and the morphology and enhances the photoinduced charge separation rate of BSO. The photocatalytic degradation test using rhodamine B as a model pollutant showed that the photocatalytic activity of the BSO assisted with CTAB was two times that of the reference BSO. Close investigation revealed that the size, the band gap, the structure, and the existence of impurity level played an important role in the photocatalytic activities.
Maxillary First Molars with Six Canals Diagnosed with the Aid of Cone Beam Computed Tomography: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Kaushik Mamta , Mehra Neha
Published: July 2013

The case reports present the endodontic management of two maxillary first molars with six canals. The diagnosis of morphology of multiple canal systems was identified under magnification of the dental operating microscope and was confirmed with the help of cone beam computed tomography. This paper discusses the variations in the canal morphology and the use of the latest adjuncts in successfully diagnosing and treating unusual canal anatomy.
Development of Composite Scaffolds for Load-Bearing Segmental Bone Defects
Authors: Pilia Marcello , Guda Teja , Appleford Mark
Published: July 2013

The need for a suitable tissue-engineered scaffold that can be used to heal load-bearing segmental bone defects (SBDs) is both immediate and increasing. During the past 30 years, various ceramic and polymer scaffolds have been investigated for this application. More recently, while composite scaffolds built using a combination of ceramics and polymeric materials are being investigated in a greater number, very few products have progressed from laboratory benchtop studies to preclinical testing in animals. This review is based on an exhaustive literature search of various composite scaffolds designed to serve as bone regenerative therapies. We analyzed the benefits and drawbacks of different composite scaffold manufacturing techniques, the properties of commonly used ceramics and polymers, and the properties of currently investigated synthetic composite grafts. To follow, a comprehensive review ofin vivomodels used to test composite scaffolds in SBDs is detailed to serve as a guide to design appropriate translational studies and to identify the challenges that need to be overcome in scaffold design for successful translation. This includes selecting the animal type, determining the anatomical location within the animals, choosing the correct study duration, and finally, an overview of scaffold performance assessment.