bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The case for reprecipitation of human bone as an event in a Bronze Age cist burial, Scotland
Authors: Hall Allan J. , Wilson Lyn , Young Maureen E.
Published: November 2014

A hard whitish precipitate was observed on the lower part of the sandstone sidewalls and as pebble coatings in a Bronze Age cist burial near Forteviot, Strathearn, Scotland. The cist was discovered on excavation of a Neolithic henge in August 2009 during the joint Glasgow and Aberdeen Universities [Strathearn and Environs Royal Forteviot (SERF)] archaeological landscape research project and summer field school. Similar cists have not been found in this area. Scrapings of the precipitate proved on examination by powder X-ray diffraction to be hydroxyapatite. The mamillary material proved on examination by scanning electron microscopy to be calcium carbonate, calcite which had grown as groups of mm-size spheroids consisting of bundles of acicular crystals. Both components of the precipitate were also identified using oil immersion microscopy. Much organic material was preserved in the cist but neither (inorganic) bone nor teeth has been located to date (November 2010). The phosphatic mineral-precipitates provided the first confirmation that there had been bone and therefore an inhumation. Computational aqueous geochemistry using Geochemist’s Workbench confirms that the inorganic calcium phosphate component of human bone is soluble in acidic fluid and demonstrates how it can reprecipitate with change in fluid chemistry. Bone dissolution should be anticipated as being an expected early process when a human body produces an acidic fluid rich in organic molecules as it decays in an essentially closed, but wet, anoxic environment. Any precipitates on grave stonework should be identified as such material could represent human remains and could also provide evidence of environmental processes in the archaeological setting of a burial.
Measuring heavy metal content in bone using portable X-ray fluorescence
Authors: Little Nicole C. , Florey Victoria , Molina Irma , Owsley Douglas W. , Speakman Robert J.
Published: November 2014

The ability of inorganic-based analytical chemistry techniques to quantify trace amounts of heavy metals in skeletal remains has been integral for understanding health and social status in human populations. Low detection limits and the sensitivity of inductively coupled plasma- mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and other techniques to most elements on the periodic table are ideally suited for the quantification of lead (Pb) and other heavy metals in bone. However, the time required for sample preparation and analysis, expense, destructive analytical process, and availability of instrumentation often limit researchers’ ability to utilise these techniques for archaeological applications. This paper explores the use of portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) instrumentation for heavy metal analysis of bone as an alternative to more traditional analytical techniques. XRF has been shown to be an extremely useful tool for archaeologists seeking to conduct quantitative analyses of cultural materials such as obsidian and metals. However, little research has been undertaken to assess the usefulness of portable XRF for measuring heavy metals found in low concentrations in archaeological bone. This paper compares data derived from ICP-MS and portable XRF analyses of bone. Results demonstrate that XRF analyses of bone are problematic due to diagenesis and variability of Pb content in bone.
Exploring the use of stable carbon isotope ratios in short-lived leporids for local paleoecological reconstruction
Authors: Smith Stephen , Mauldin Raymond , Munoz Cynthia M. , Hard Robert , Paul Debajyoti , Skrzypek Grzegorz , Villanueva Patricio , Kemp Leonard
Published: November 2014

Most ecological proxies used in archaeological research operate at scales that are too coarse-grained for consideration of huntergatherer adaptive decisions. Hunter-gatherers adapt to local ecological conditions and short (e.g. seasonal, yearly) time frames. Our goal is to develop proxies to identify ecological shifts at fine-grained temporal and spatial scales for archaeological research. We use stable carbon isotope ratios (δ13C) in bone collagen from 58 modern leporids from two distinct ecological areas in the American Southwest as a proxy to reconstruct vegetation and climate patterns at fine-grained scales. Higher δ13C values in collagen of cottontail (Sylvilagus sp.) and jackrabbit (Lepus sp.) collected in the northern Chihuahuan Desert of New Mexico and West Texas suggest a more C4/crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) dominated local vegetation when contrasted to samples from Kerr County in Central Texas. Comparisons of temperature and precipitation patterns between the two areas, along with vegetation data, suggest that key ecological differences, reflected in the collagen isotopic compositions, are likely related to rainfall amounts and the type of green forage available to leporids, especially during winter months. Leporids in dry areas may be relying on CAM plants, including prickly pear, which has a C4 isotopic signature. Alternative resources are likely to be available in wetter areas such as Central Texas.
Thermal characterisation of Bronze Age hearths from the cave of Les Fraux (Dordogne, France) by thermoluminescence and magnetic susceptibility techniques
Authors: Brodard Aurélie , Guibert Pierre , Lévêque François , Mathé Vivien , Burens Albane , Carozza Laurent
Published: November 2014

In the cave of Les Fraux (Dordogne, France) numerous traces of fires are visible in the galleries. A multidisciplinary investigation was carried out to study these fires. This paper presents the methodology applied for the hearth study. It is based on the examination of the thermoluminescence (TL) of quartz and the magnetic susceptibility of iron oxides. First of all, magnetic susceptibility was measured on the surface of hearths. Based on both susceptibility mapping and visible sediment characteristics, small sediment samples (1-2 g) were taken. Subsequently, quartz grains were extracted from the sediment samples. Fourteen thermal references were obtained by heating (from 200 to 650°C) fractions of the pristine unfired cave sediment. Comparing the TL signal of anciently heated quartz to the reference samples allowed to obtain the maximum equivalent temperature attained for each sample extracted from ancient fires. Consequently, the correspondence between magnetic susceptibility and temperature allowed for the reconstruction of a paleotemperature map of the study area. This research provides information about fire intensity in the cave, which can help to understand its function.
Assessment of portable X-ray fluorescence analysis for the evaluation of slate procurement and exchange: a Maritime Archaic case study from Newfoundland and Labrador
Authors: Wolff Christopher B. , Speakman Robert J. , Fitzhugh William W.
Published: November 2014

Prehistoric peoples of Newfoundland and Labrador, like many northern coastal populations, produced many of their stone tools from slate; however, the procurement and movement of this material in that Province and elsewhere has gone virtually unstudied beyond generalised typologies and macroscopic evaluation. This paper provides an overview of a recent study utilising non-destructive portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) technology to analyse slates used by people of the Maritime Archaic tradition (ca. 8000-3200 BP) in Newfoundland and Labrador. Because pXRF is non-destructive, these instruments allow archaeologists to chemically analyse artifacts directly in non-traditional laboratory environments. Through the examination of 164 slate artifacts recovered from 50 sites from throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, we were successful at identifying broad regional patterns in slate distribution, as well as identifying preferred use of particular slate varieties in the production of specific artifact classes. Although limitations exist in the use of this technology, mostly having to do with the physical nature of the source material and the appropriate scale of research, this study demonstrates its potential in identifying broad use patterns and distribution of slate in ancient exchange systems.
Characterisation of copper alloy antique ornamental accessories found in Northern Albania
Authors: Çakaj Olta , Duka Edlira , Tafilica Zamir , Stamati Frederik , Civici Nikolla , Dilo Teuta
Published: November 2014

This study was performed to determine the chemical elements used to produce ancient metallic alloys and to understand the manufacture technique of three archaeological founds. It also presents an evaluation method of the objects’ authenticity based on the observation of the corrosion products. This article also includes three ornamental accessories ca. VII-IV century BC found in the vicinity of Shkodra (Albania). A necklace, a belt application and a button are examined using X ray fluorescence (XRF) to determine the chemical composition and optical microscopy (OM) with reflected and polarised light in order to study the microstructure and the corrosion products. From the XRF results all the objects are bronze, copper-tin and copper-tin-lead alloys. After the OM analysis they are authentic objects (not fake replicas) and might have been produced after a casting process in moulds.
Language Outcomes Using Hearing Aids in Children with Auditory Dys-Synchrony
Authors: Praveena Jayakumar , Prakash Hari , Rukmangathan Thuruvas Mohan
Published: November 2014

There is a considerable debate on the use of hearing aid in children with auditory dys-synchrony (AD). To current date there are no similar Studies which show the effect of acoustic amplification on outcomes on speech and language development in children with AD are found in the literature. Thus, in the present study three children diagnosed to have AD were recruited and subjected to hearing aid trial and fitting based on the late latency response thresholds. Ranging from 7 months to 41 months of intervention period, each child’s language age was reassessed and compared with that of their pre-therapy language age. The comparison showed a good improvement in receptive age, though the children had moderate to severe degree of hearing loss. But their expressive age was significantly delayed irrespective of their age of identification and duration of intervention. Thus the delay in expression with a good amount of improvement in reception can be a characteristic of an AD child with amplification.
Defining an acceptable period of time from melanoma biopsy to excision
Authors: Huff Laura S. , Chang Caroline A. , Thomas Jacob F. , Cook-Shimanek Margaret K. , Blomquist Paul , Konnikov Nellie , Dellavalle Robert P.
Published: November 2014

Melanoma is the most lethal form of skin cancer and it is the second most common cancer among adolescents and young adults. The aim of this work is to determine if surgical intervals differ between four different clinics and between departments within the hospitals, and to compare these to industry standards. Surgical intervals were measured through retrospective chart review at four dermatology clinics. Of 205 melanoma cases, clinic and departmental median surgical intervals ranged 15-36.5 days and 26-48 days, respectively. There was significant association between clinic and time between biopsy and pathology report, time between pathology report and excision, and total surgical interval (P<0.0001, P=0.03, and P<0.0001 respectively). There was significant association between department and time between pathology report and excision, and surgical interval (P<0.0001, and P=0.003 respectively). Pair-wise comparisons detected significantly longer intervals between some clinics and departments (maximum difference 67.3%, P<0.0001). Hypothesis-based, informal guidelines recommend treatment within 4-6 weeks. In this study, median surgical intervals varied significantly between clinics and departments, but nearly all were within a 6-week frame.
Mucinous eccrine carcinoma of the eyelid: re-emphasizing the need for awareness of rare lesions
Authors: Gowda Kiran Krishne , Agarwal Parimal , Bal Amanjit
Published: November 2014

We report here the case of a man presenting with mucinous eccrine carcinoma (MEC) involving eyelid. This is a rare adencocarcinoma of the skin that originates from the deepest portion of eccrine sweat duct. The aim of our paper is to underline the importance of distinguishing MEC from metastatic carcinomas of the skin, making clinicians aware that what seems to be a harmless benign lesion may be a malignant one.
Coupling soil-vegetationatmosphere- transfer model with energy balance model for estimating energy and water vapor fluxes over an olive grove in a semi-arid region
Authors: Ezzahar Jamal , Er-Raki Salah , Marah Hamid , Khabba Said , Amenzou Noureddine , Chehbouni Ghani
Published: November 2014

Simple soil-vegetation-transfer (SVAT) and energy balance models were used to estimate the surface turbulent fluxes (i.e. sensible and latent heat fluxes) over a complex olive grove using thermal infra-red surface temperature (TIRST). This approach used a dual source SVAT model to calculate the sensible heat fluxes from radiometric surface temperature. These fluxes were then used together with the estimates of the available energy also derived from TIRST to estimate the latent heat flux by applying the first law of thermodynamics i.e. the conservation of energy principle. The data used to validate this approach were collected over an irrigated olive grove site located in central Morocco near Marrakech. Mass and energy fluxes, as well as micrometeorological parameters, were continuously measured during the year 2003. The comparison between estimated and measured daily sensible heat fluxes yielded an acceptable agreement in spite of the complexity of the study surface with a correlation coefficient (R2=0.86) and root mean square error (RMSE) of 28 Wm-2. For the latent heat fluxes, the statistical result for the comparison between estimated and measured daily values showed a larger scatter than that revealed for the sensible heat fluxes (R2=0.75; RMSE=31.42 Wm-2). However, the correspondence is to be considered acceptable given the difficulty in estimating latent heat flux over such a complex field. Therefore, it can be concluded that, in spite of the simplicity of the proposed approach, it can be considered a suitable tool for estimating the turbulent fluxes using TIRST over complex surfaces.
Prevalence of Thrombophilic Gene Polymorphisms in an Azari Population of Iran
Authors: Bargahi Nasrin , Farajzadeh Malak , Poursadegh-Zonouzi Ahmad , Farajzadeh Davoud
Published: November 2014

There is several evidence suggests that thrombophilic gene polymorphisms may influence susceptibility to thromboembolic events. The prevalence of these polymorphisms is different in various races and ethnics. Accordingly, we studied the prevalence of Factor V (G1691A and A4070G), prothrombin G20210A and PAI-1 4G/5G in healthy northwest population of Iran. In this prospective study, 500 healthy individuals, who had no history of both personal and family history of thromboembolic disorders, were selected as a sample of healthy population in northwestern Iran. Genotyping of these polymorphisms was performed using the amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction method. No significant differences were detected between the expected and observed frequencies of FV G1691A and A4070G, prothrombin G20210A polymorphisms (p > 0.05), while the expected frequency of 4G allele was significantly more than observed frequency in the studied population (p < 0.01). These findings were compared with other reports from various populations. In conclusion, the allele frequency for FV G1691A and PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphisms showed relative consistency compared to those of previous studies, while the incidence pattern of FV A4070G polymorphism in Northwestern population of Iran showed conflicting results regarding other studied population. The prothrombin G20210A polymorphism was observed at a higher frequency than other studied populations.
Myositis in a child with murine typhus
Authors: Seshadri Sheshashree , Fergie Jaime
Published: November 2014

A 12-year-old boy presented with fever, lower extremity pain and weakness. Examination revealed paraparesis, thigh and calf tenderness. Labs showed high creatinine phosphokinase and Rickettsia typhi titers. This case illustrates endemic typhus should be considered in the differential diagnosis of myositis especially in areas with high prevalence of the disease. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of myositis and paraparesis associated with a case of murine typhus.
A patient presenting with cholangitis due to Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa successfully treated with intrabiliary colistine
Authors: Pérez Pablo N. , Ramírez María A. , Fernández José A. , Ladrón de Guevara Laura
Published: November 2014

Anatomical barriers for antibiotic penetration can pose a particular challenge in the clinical setting. Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (SM) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) are two pathogens capable of developing multiple drug-resistance (MDR) mechanisms. We report the case of a 56-year-old female patient with a permanent percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD), who was admitted to our hospital with a cholangitis due to a MDR Escherichia coli strain. Upon admission, culture-guided antimicrobial therapy was conducted and the biliary catheter was replaced, with poor clinical response. Subsequently, SM and PA were detected. Treatment with fosfomycin and colistine was initiated, again without adequate response. Systemic colistine and tigecycline along with an intrabiliary infusion of colistine for 5 days was then used, followed by parenteral fosfomycin and tigecycline for 7 days. The patient was then successfully discharged. This is the first case report we are aware of on the use of intrabiliary colistine. It describes a new approach to treating cholangitis by MDR bacteria in patients with a PTBD.
Early diagnosis of leptospirosis
Authors: Babic-Erceg Andrea , Karlovic-Martinkovic Diana , Santini Marija , Persic Zdenka , Vilibic-Cavlek Tatjana
Published: November 2014

A 25-years old man from Zagreb, Croatia, was admitted to the University Hospital for Infectious Diseases four days after the onset of symptoms such as fever, intense pain in the calves and anuria. The patient owned a rabbit and, before the onset of the disease, repaired some rubber pipes damaged by rodents. At admission, he had a severe clinical picture with fever, hypotension, jaundice, immobility, and pain in leg muscles. Treatment with ceftriaxone was initiated in combination with volume restitution. Renal failure soon ensued. Consequently continuous venovenous hemodiaphiltration therapy was performed. Due to acute respiratory distress syndrome, the patient was mechanically ventilated. The patient’s condition gradually improved and he recovered fully from multi-organ failure. Diagnosis was confirmed by a microscopic agglutination test (MAT) covering 15 leptospira serovars and real-time polymerase-chain reaction (PCR). The first serum sample taken on day 6 tested negative for leptospira, while PCR showed positive results for leptospiral DNA. The second serum sample taken on day 13 tested positive for serovar Canicola serogroup Canicola, serovar Patoc, serovar Grippotyphosa serogroup Grippotyphosa and serovar Tarassovi serogroup Tarassovi (titre 4000, 4000, 1000 and 2000, respectively), while PCR was negative. This report highlights the benefits of combining MAT and PCR methods in early diagnosis of leptospirosis.
Mortality and loss to follow up before initiation of antiretroviral therapy among HIV-infected children eligible for HIV treatment
Authors: Alvarez-Uria Gerardo , Naik Praveen Kumar , Midde Manoranjan , Pakam Raghavakalyan
Published: November 2014

Data on attrition due to mortality or loss to follow-up (LTFU) from antiretroviral therapy (ART) eligibility to ART initiation of HIV-infected children are scarce. The aim of this study is to describe attrition before ART initiation of 247 children who were eligible for ART in a cohort study in India. Multivariable analysis was performed using competing risk regression. The cumulative incidence of attrition was 12.6% (95% confidence interval, 8.7-17.3) after five years of follow-up, and the attrition rate was higher during the first months after ART eligibility. Older children (>9 years) had a lower mortality risk before ART initiation than those aged <2 years. Female children had a lower risk of LTFU before ART initiation than males. Children who belonged to scheduled tribes had a higher risk of delayed ART initiation and LTFU. Orphan children had a higher risk of delayed ART initiation and mortality. Children who were >3 months in care before ART eligibility were less likely to be LTFU. The 12-month risk of AIDS, which was calculated using the absolute CD4 cell count and age, was strongly associated with mortality. A substantial proportion of ART-eligible children died or were LTFU before the initiation of ART. These findings can be used in HIV programmes to design actions aimed at reducing the attrition of ART-eligible children in India.
Staphylococcus lugdunensis: novel organism causing cochlear implant infection
Authors: Bhumbra Samina , Mahboubi Mona , Blackwood R. Alexander
Published: November 2014

A majority of cochlear implant infections are caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Reported here is a pediatric patient with a cochlear implant infection caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus lugdunensis, a coagulase-negative Staphylococcus that has only recently been determined to be clinically relevant (1988). Unlike other coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, it is more aggressive, carrying a greater potential for tissue destruction. In pediatrics, the organism is uncommon, poorly described, and generally pan-susceptible. Described herein is the presentation and management of this unusual organism in a pediatric setting.
Massive alimentary tract bleeding due to cytomegalovirus infection in an elderly patient
Authors: Koc Bora , Bircan Huseyin Yuce , Altaner Semsi , Cinar Ozlem , Ozcelik Umit , Yavuz Alpaslan , Kemik Ozgur
Published: November 2014

In recent years, cytomegalovirus (CMV) has been recognized as an important common pathogen in immunocompromized patients. This is due to the increasing number of immunosuppressive medications, intensive cancer chemotherapy use, recurrent transplantations, progressively aging population, and the higher number of human immunodeficiency virus infections. Cytomegalovirus infection especially interests the gastrointestinal tract, anywhere, from the mouth to the anus. Namely, the most commonly affected area is the colon, followed by duodenum, stomach, esophagus and small intestine. The most frequent manifestations of CMV colitis are: diarrhea, fever, gastrointestinal bleeding and abdominal pain. We report here the case of an 82-year-old woman, who was treated for non-Hodgkin lymphoma; she was admitted to the emergency department for abdominal pain and diffuse arthralgia, following massive upper- and lower- gastrointestinal bleeding, due to duodenal and colonic ulcers related to CMV infection.
Transprocessing: a proposed neurobiological mechanism of psychotherapeutic processing
Authors: Novac Andrei , Bota Robert G.
Published: November 2014

How does the human brain absorb information and turn it into skills of its own in psychotherapy? In an attempt to answer this question, the authors will review the intricacies of processing channels in psychotherapy and propose the term transprocessing (as in transduction and processing combined) for the underlying mechanisms. Through transprocessing the brain processes multimodal memories and creates reparative solutions in the course of psychotherapy. Transprocessing is proposed as a stage-sequenced mechanism of deconstruction of engrained patterns of response. Through psychotherapy, emotional-cognitive reintegration and its consolidation is accomplished. This process is mediated by cellular and neural plasticity changes.
Psychiatric worker and family members: pathways towards co-operation networks within psychiatric assistance services
Authors: Carbone Silvia
Published: November 2014

The family’s role in patient care was greatly altered by Law 180. This law, introduced in Italy in 1978, led to a gradual phasing out of custodial treatment for psychiatric patients. This different mindset, which views the family as an alternative to institutionalization, leads to it being seen as an essential entity in the setting up of community service dynamics. We interviewed health professionals in order to understand obstacles of collaboration between family members and mental health care workers. The goal was to uncover actions that promote collaboration and help build alliances between families and psychiatric workers. Results showed that health professionals view the family as a therapeutic resource. Despite this view, family members were rarely included in patient treatment. The reasons is: the structures have a theoretical orientation of collaboration with the family but, for nurses not are organized a few meeting spaces with family members. Services should create moments, such as multi-family groups or groups of information, managed by nurses and not only by doctors. These occasions it might facilitate the knowledge between professionals and family members.
Study of inter-relationship of depression, seizure frequency and quality of life of people with epilepsy in India
Authors: Mehta Shubham , Tyagi Alok , Tripathi Richa , Kumar Mahesh
Published: November 2014

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that can have profound physical, social and psychological consequences. We aimed to assess the clinical predictors of quality of life of people with epilepsy. We recruited 31 patients suffering from epilepsy in this cross-sectional study. Their clinical profile was recorded. Quality Of Life in Epilepsy (QOLIE-31) was used to assess quality of life of our patients. Depression was screened by Neurological Disorders Depression Inventory in Epilepsy (NDDI-E). Among all the clinical variables, only seizure frequency significantly correlated with seizure worry (P=0.002), emotional well-being (P=0.026) and social functions (P=0.013) subscales of QOLIE-31. NDDI-E score showed a significant negative correlation with all the subscales of QOLIE-31 except medication effects (P=0.993). A significant positive correlation was also noted between seizure frequency and NDDI-E score (r=0.417, P=0.020). Seizure frequency and depression are the most important predictors of quality of life in epilepsy patients. The management of patients with epilepsy should not only be aimed at just preventing seizures but the treating clinicians should also be cognizant about depression which itself can significantly affect the quality of life of patients.
Art therapy: an underutilized, yet effective tool
Authors: Bitonte Robert A. , De Santo Marisa
Published: November 2014

Art therapy has been recognized as beneficial and effective since first described by Adrian Hill in 1942. Even before this time, art therapy was utilized for moral reinforcement and psychoanalysis. Art therapy aids patients with, but not limited to, chronic illness, physical challenges, and cancer in both pediatric and adult scenarios. Although effective in patient care, the practice of art therapy is extremely underutilized, especially in suburban areas. While conducting our own study in northeastern Ohio, USA, we found that only one out of the five inpatient institutions in the suburban area of Mahoning County, Ohio, that we contacted provided continuous art therapy to it’s patients. In the metropolitan area of Cuyahoga County, Ohio, only eight of the twenty-two inpatient institutions in the area provided art therapy. There could be many reasons as to why art therapy is not frequently used in these areas, and medical institutions in general. The cause of this could be the amount of research done on the practice. Although difficult to conduct formal research on such a broad field, the American Art Therapy Association has succeeded in doing such, with studies showing improvement of the patient groups emotionally and mentally in many case types.
Post-vasectomy depression: a case report and literature review
Authors: Shaik Subahani , Rajkumar Ravi Philip
Published: November 2014

Vasectomy is a commonly performed and relatively safe procedure, with low reported rates of psychological morbidity, though there is some variability across studies. Depression following a vasectomy is relatively infrequent. A married man aged 30 developed a chronic depressive episode, lasting four years and resistant to an adequate trial of fluoxetine, following a vasectomy. His depression was heralded by a post-operative panic attack, and was accompanied by medically unexplained symptoms and the attribution of all his symptoms to the procedure – a belief that was shared by his family. Psychological complications of vasectomy have generally been studied under four heads: sexual dysfunction, effects on marital relationships, chronic post-operative pain, and other complications including anxiety and depression. These complications have generally been reported at higher rates in developing countries, and are linked to poor knowledge about the procedure and inadequate pre-operative counseling. The implications of the existing literature for the patient’s current complaints, and the mechanisms and risk factors involved, are discussed in the light of existing research. Suggestions for the prevention and treatment of post-vasectomy depression are also outlined.
Bilateral hemiballism-hemichorea presenting in a diabetes Taiwanese woman
Authors: Lin Chih Ming , Liu Chi-Kuang
Published: November 2014

Hemiballism-hemichorea (HB-HC) is a hyperkinetic disorder characterized by continuous involuntary movements of the extremities. It could be associated with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. A very few cases of bilateral HB-HC have been reported until today. We describe here the case of a Taiwanese woman (85 years old) presenting with bilateral HB-HC and diabetes mellitus.
Jet streams anomalies as possible short-term precursors of earthquakes with M>6.0
Authors: Wu Hong-Chun , Tikhonov Ivan N.
Published: November 2014

Satellite data of thermal images revealed the existence of thermal fields, connected with big linear structures and systems of crust faults. The measuring height of outgoing longwave radiation is located to the range of jet stream. This work describes a possible link between strong earthquakes and jet streams in two regions. The front or tail ends of jet groups maintain their position for 6 or more hours in the vicinity of epicenters of strong (M>6.0) earthquakes in 2006-2010. The probability of observing a stationary jet stream behavior is estimated in 93.6% of the cases on one sixhour map and in 26.7% of cases - on two adjacent maps. The median of distribution of distances between epicenters and the relevant positions of jet stream corresponds to 36.5 km. Estimates of cumulative probability of realization of prediction were 24.2% for 10 days, 48.4% for 20 days, 66.1% for 30 days, 87.1% for 40 days, 93.5% for 50 days and 100% during 70 days. The observed precursory effects are of considerable interest for possible use for real short-term prediction of earthquakes.
Identification of temporal patterns in the seismicity of Sumatra using Poisson Hidden Markov models
Authors: Orfanogiannaki Katerina , Karlis Dimitris , Papadopoulos Gerassimos A.
Published: November 2014

On 26 December 2004 and 28 March 2005 two large earthquakes occurred between the Indo-Australian and the southeastern Eurasian plates with moment magnitudes Mw=9.1 and Mw=8.6, respectively. Complete data (mb≥4.2) of the post-1993 time interval have been used to apply Poisson Hidden Markov models (PHMMs) for identifying temporal patterns in the time series of the two earthquake sequences. Each time series consists of earthquake counts, in given and constant time units, in the regions determined by the aftershock zones of the two mainshocks. In PHMMs each count is generated by one of m different Poisson processes that are called states. The series of states is unobserved and is in fact a Markov chain. The model incorporates a varying seismicity rate, it assigns a different rate to each state and it detects the changes on the rate over time. In PHMMs unobserved factors, related to the local properties of the region are considered affecting the earthquake occurrence rate. Estimation and interpretation of the unobserved sequence of states that underlie the data contribute to better understanding of the geophysical processes that take place in the region. We applied PHMMs to the time series of the two mainshocks and we estimated the unobserved sequences of states that underlie the data. The results obtained showed that the region of the 26 December 2004 earthquake was in state of low seismicity during almost the entire observation period. On the contrary, in the region of the 28 March 2005 earthquake the seismic activity is attributed to triggered seismicity, due to stress transfer from the region of the 2004 mainshock.
Microscopic Thymoma and Parathyroid Adenoma: Rare Combination of Two Distinct Pathologies
Authors: Walton Benjamin , Gleinser David , Boroumand Nahal , Watts Tammara , Underbrink Michael
Published: November 2014

While there is an intimate anatomical and embryological relationship between the inferior parathyroid gland and thymus, concurrent pathology is rare. Three cases have been reported in the literature of a parathyroid adenoma in conjunction with a thymoma. We present a case report of a 60-year-old female with a past medical history of hypercalcemia subsequently found to have primary hyperparathyroidism. Sestamibi scan of the parathyroid revealed increased uptake in the lower left neck consistent with a parathyroid adenoma. A standard transverse neck incision was performed with exploration of the lower left thyroid pole. Further dissection was required to identify the parathyroid gland which was intimately associated with thymic tissue in the superior mediastinum. Both thymic tissue and the parathyroid gland were sent for pathology. Permanent pathology subsequently revealed a parathyroid adenoma with an incidental spindle cell thymoma. The embryological relationship of the inferior parathyroid glands and the thymus is well known as both are derived from the third branchial pouch. However, there are only 3 other previous reports of parathyroid adenoma associated with a thymoma in the current literature. Interestingly, up to 16% of parathyroid adenomas are found in the mediastinum, and the current literature states the incidence of thymoma varies from 10-42%.
A Huge Mucinous Cystadenoma of Ovarian: A Rare Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Posabella Alberto , Galetti Ken , Engelberger Stephan , Giovannacci Luca , Gyr Thomas , Rosso Raffaele
Published: November 2014

We report a case of a 63-years-old woman with a ten years history of increasing abdominal girth with associated abdominal pain. Abdomino-pelvic ultrasound and computed tomography scan revealed a large left ovarian cyst. The patient underwent laparotomy, resection of ovarian cyst and hysterectomy with bilateral ovarian resection. The removed huge mucinous cystadenoma, weighed 27 kg. Her post-operative course was unremarkable.
Aggressive Angiomyxoma in Pregnancy
Authors: Goyal Prashant , Agrawal Dipti , Sehgal Shelly , Ghosh Soumyesh , Kumar Awanindra , Singh Sompal
Published: November 2014

Aggressive angiomyxoma (AA) is a rare, slow-growing mesenchymal neoplasm of vulvo-perineal region. Although AA is common in females of reproductive age, only a few cases during pregnancy have been documented in the English literature. It carries a high risk of local recurrence but rarely metastasizes. The high recurrence rate can partially be due to inadequate excision, which may be due to an incorrect preoperative diagnosis. We present a case of 25-year-old pregnant female presenting with a painless and soft mass attached to left labia majora by a stalk. This mass was clinically thought to be a lipoma. It was completely excised and was diagnosed as AA on histopathology. Gynecologists should consider the diagnosis of AA when a young female especially during her pregnancy presents with a vulvo-perineal mass. Incorrect diagnosis may lead to incomplete excision and recurrence.
Synovial Sarcoma of the Kidney in a Young Patient with a Review of the Literature
Authors: Abbas Mahmoud , Dämmrich Maximilian E. , Braubach Peter , Meinardus Andre , Kramer Mario W. , Merseburger Axel S. , Herrmann Thomas R.W. , Grünwald Viktor , Kreipe Hans-Heinrich
Published: November 2014

Synovial sarcoma (SS) is a soft tissue, generally deep seated neoplasms that occurs generally in the proximity of large joints. We report of a case of a 33-year-old man who was diagnosed with primary SS of the kidney which is an extremely rare tumor that accounts for less than 2% of malignant renal tumors. Contemporary management of renal synovial sarcoma includes surgical resection and ifosfamide-based chemotherapy and they remain the mainstay of therapy of synovial sarcoma, which is often applied, combined as part of an aggressive treatment approach. Fewer than 50 patients have been described in the English literature. Physicians should be aware of the possibility of malignancy in cystic renal masses and raise the suspicion of synovial sarcoma, especially when patients with renal masses are young adults. Along with the case report a literature review on primary synovial sarcomas of the kidney is provided with focus on the renal tumors’ differential diagnosis.
Aggressive Angiomyxoma of the Pelvis with a Cellular Nodule Composed of Tumor Cells showing Epithelioid Features
Authors: Tajima Shogo , Kohashi Kenichi , Fan Bo , Doi Wataru , Kimura Ryosuke , Tamura Yoshihiro , Abe Hirokazu , Oda Yoshinao
Published: November 2014

A 49-year-old female presented with an aggressive pelvic angiomyxoma (AAM). The completely resected specimen revealed the usual myxedematous tumor with a nodule inside it. Histopathologically, the myxedematous area consisted of bland spindle-shaped cells in the background of blood vessels of varying calibers, and the nodule was composed of tumor cells with epithelioid features. In the nodule, cellularity was increased and nuclear enlargement was observed, but nuclear atypia was not significant and mitotic figures were scarce. Immunohistochemically, both components were positive for desim, αSMA, estrogen receptors, and progesterone receptors. However, they were negative for AE1/3, EMA, S100, CD34, HMB45, and Melan A. The MIB-1 labeling index was 5.8% in the nodule and 1ess than 1% outside it. The nodule was therefore considered a benign component of AAM. To the best of our knowledge, the presence of such a nodule in AAM has not been reported previously.
The Rare Cancer Network: Ongoing Studies and Future Strategy
Authors: Ozsahin Mahmut , Mirimanoff René-Olivier , Thariat Juliette , Sun Xu Shan , Atalar Banu , Lassen-Ramshad Yasmin , Ugurluer Gamze , Krishnan Sunil , Hallemeier Christopher , Van Houtte Paul , Krengli Marco , Zhang Lan Jun , Chang Kenneth , Funk Ryan , Rooney Jessica , Miller Robert C.
Published: November 2014

The Rare Cancer Network (RCN) was formed in the early 1990's to create a global network that could pool knowledge and resources in the studies of rare malignancies whose infrequency prevented both their study with prospective clinical trials. To date, the RCN has initiated 74 studies resulting in 46 peer reviewed publications. The First International Symposium of the Rare Cancer Network took place in Nice in March of 2014. Status updates and proposals for new studies were heard for fifteen topics. Ongoing studies continue for cardiac sarcomas, thyroid cancers, glomus tumors, and adult medulloblastomas. New proposals were presented at the symposium for primary hepatic lymphoma, solitary fibrous tumors, Rosai-Dorfman disease, tumors of the ampulla of Vater, salivary gland tumors, anorectal melanoma, midline nuclear protein in testes carcinoma, pulmonary lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma of the trachea, osteosarcomas of the mandible, and extra-cranial hemangiopericytoma. This manuscript presents the abstracts of those proposals and updates on ongoing studies, as well a brief summary of the vision and future of the RCN.
Vertical Alveolar Crest Split and Widening—An Experimental Study on Cow Ribs, Ultrasonic Tool Development and Test on Human Cadaver Heads
Authors: Troedhan Angelo , Kurrek Andreas , Wainwright Marcel
Published: November 2014

Vertical alveolar crest splitting and horizontal distraction of narrow alveolar crests is limited when rotating and low frequency oscillating tools are used due to large amounts of procedural bone loss and poor handling provisions. Aim of this study was to determine the safest osteotomy depth and to develop ultrasonic-surgery- tips to enable flapless vertical crest splitting and distraction of narrow alveolar crests of 2 mm or less. The safest osteotomy depth was determined on a cow-rib-model. To enable a flapless crest splitting and widening procedure, prototype-tips for the Piezotome-device were developed and tested against mechanical tools (widening screws and distractors) on cow-ribs, as well as their safe use in the hands of novicesurgeons on human cadaver heads. A minimum vertical osteotomy depth of 7–8 mm revealed the least fracture rates (3%). The use of the ultrasonic distraction tools showed the least risk of procedural failures (2%). Twentythree Piezotome-trainees performed the procedure with the developed tips on fresh full human cadaver skulls with a success rate of 100%. The results of this study suggest that, with the use of ultrasonic surgical devices, the indication for vertical crest-splitting can be narrowed down to a crest width of 2 mm and even less and that it can be performed flapless, thus leaving the physiological bone-periosteum system fully intact.
Ectopic Ovary: One New Location
Authors: Dgheem Mounzer , Salman Hosam
Published: November 2014

Ectopic ovarian tissue is a rare gynecologic condition. Accessory ovaries were defined as excess ovarian tissue adjacent and connected to a normal ovary, while supernumerary ovaries were described as those ovaries situated away from normal ones. The one presented here is a case of a 20 year-old unmarried woman operated for recurrent abdominal pain. During laparoscopy we found a mass 2 × 1.5 cm in size in the ileum, located 80 cm from the ileocecal valve: the lesion was resected and an ileoileal anastomosis was performed, the anatomopathological examination of the mass proved to be ovarian tissue. The history of previous pelvic surgery with adhesiolysis, and the unusual location of the ectopic ovary, support the theory of an ovarian implant in the intestine, but the true ectopic ovary hypothesis is still probable because of the location of the ectopic ovary inside the intestinal wall. In any case, the location of ectopic ovary discussed here is unusual and perhaps unpublished before.
Factors influencing sexual function in women with genital prolapse
Authors: Marcelli Maxime , Karsenty Gilles , Estrade Jean-Philippe , Agostini Aubert , Cravello Ludovic , Serment Gérard , Gamerre Marc
Published: November 2014

Background. To evaluate the impact of the different types of genital prolapse and associated factors, on sexual quality of life in women presenting a genital prolapse. Design and methods. Forty-four women were included in this prospective observational study. We collected clinical data. Genital prolapse was quantified according to the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification scale (POP-Q). Sexual function was evaluated using a validated questionnaire (PISQ-12). Statistical analysis between POP-Q stages, clinical characteristics and PISQ-12 scores was undertaken. Results. A history of abdominal surgery significantly decreases the sexual quality of life (P=0.03). PISQ-12 scores were poorly affected by the type and the severity of genital prolapse. Conclusions. The only factor influencing sexual quality of life was a history of previous abdominal surgery. The type and severity of genital prolapse did not influence sexual function. These results must be confirmed further studies with a higher sample size.
Two-hole extracapsular technique for the repair of canine cranial cruciate ligament rupture in thirty-eight dogs
Authors: Isaka Mitsuhiro , Befu Masahiko , Matsubara Nami , Ishikawa Mayuko , Arase Yurie , Doi Akiko , Namba Shinichi
Published: November 2014

Extracapsular technique with lateral fabellar suture (LFS) is one of the commonest surgical techniques for canine cranial cruciate ligament (CRCL) rupture. Among LFS methods, parallel double holes in the tibia are the most effective for the repair of canine stifle joint. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of two-hole LFS for canine CRCL rupture. We retrospectively evaluated the outcome of canine CRCL rupture treated with two-hole LFS technique performed by two surgeons from October 2011 to September 2013. Breeds included Beagle (n=5), Yorkshire terrier (n=5), German shepherd (n=4), and so on. Mean body weight was 14.0±11.6 kg (>10 kg: n=16, <10 kg: n=22). Body condition score (5 scales) was as follows: 1 (n=0), 2 (n=1), 3 (n=18), 4 (n=18), and 5 (n=1). There were 18 males [neutered (n=11)] and 20 females [spayed (n=12)]. Mean age was 83.4±44.8 months (>12 months: n=35, <12 months: n=3). The type of rupture was partial (n=17) and complete (n=21). The affected site was right (n=20), left (n=18), and bilateral (n=4). Rehabilitation after operation was needed in 8 cases. There were 12 cases of previous medial patellar luxation operation, and 6 cases of opposite site CRCL surgery. Start of weight bearing and resolution of extension function was on day 1 (n=30), day 2 (n=0), and after day 2 (n=8). There was no evidence of surgical site infection/inflammation in any cases. The results of this study showed that two-hole LFS is an easy and effective technique for the repair of canine CRCL.
Determine the prevalence of Brucella spp. and Leptospira spp. in blood samples by multiplex polymerase chain reaction collected from cattle, sheep and goats in herds located in provinces of Iran
Authors: Khamesipour Faham , Nejat Dehkordi Shahin , Taktaz Hafshejani Taghi , Tajbakhsh Elahe , Azizi Shahrzad
Published: November 2014

Leptospirosis and brucellosis are common zoonosis that affect many species of mammals mostly causing economical losses. Further, very important fact is huge danger for human and animal health around the world. The purpose of the study is to determine the prevalence of Brucella spp. and Leptospira spp. using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (mPCR) method, in blood samples collected from cattle, sheep and goats. In this study, a total number of 250 blood samples (5 cc of blood with ethilen diamin tetra asetic acid) were collected randomly from 100 cattle, 80 sheep and 70 goats located on 6 herds in Chaharmahal Va Bakhtiari and Esfahan provinces, Iran. After DNA extraction and setting of mPCR for Brucella spp. and Leptospira spp. mPCR products were screened. The DNA of these microorganisms was detected by multiplex PCR from 31 and 21 out of 100 cattle, respectively. Four of 70 goat’s blood samples from goat breeding farms were positive for Leptospira spp. and 11 were positive for Brucella spp. Out of 80 sheep blood samples 23 were positive for Brucella spp. and 14 for Leptospira spp. The results of the present study show ruminant as an important reservoir for transmission of these zoonotic diseases to humans in Iran. mPCR has the ability to concurrently detect both Brucella and Leptospira species from blood samples of ruminants. The convenience and the possibility of detection of both bacteria at a time, strongly support the use of this mPCR for routine diagnostics.