Mefloquine improved progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus.

PubMed

Beppu, Minako; Kawamoto, Michi; Nukuzuma, Souichi; Kohara, Nobuo

2012-01-01

We describe a case of a 67-year-old man with systemic lupus erythematosus who presented with progressive left hemiplegia. Although the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the JC virus was negative, a brain biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). The tapering of prednisone and the use of cidofovir could not arrest the disease progression. Administration of mefloquine stopped the extension of the lesion, and resulted in obvious clinical improvement. The CSF nested PCR for the JC virus also became negative. This widely used drug should be tried for the treatment of non-HIV PML.

Presentation and progression of childhood-onset inflammatory bowel disease in Northern Stockholm County.

PubMed

Malmborg, Petter; Grahnquist, Lena; Ideström, Maja; Lindholm, Johan; Befrits, Ragnar; Björk, Jan; Montgomery, Scott; Hildebrand, Hans

2015-05-01

Some studies have suggested that childhood-onset inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by extensive intestinal involvement and rapid progression to complications. Here, we report the presentation and progression of patients diagnosed with IBD during childhood in a population-based cohort from northern Stockholm County. Medical records for all 280 patients diagnosed in the period 1990-2007 with childhood-onset IBD in northern Stockholm County were followed until 2011 (median follow-up time, 8.8 yr). Disease phenotypes were classified according to the Paris pediatric IBD classification. Among the 74 patients with ulcerative colitis, 72% presented with pancolitis. Among the 200 patients with Crohn's disease (CD), 75% presented with colitis. Complicated disease behavior was observed in 18% of patients with CD by end of follow-up. Extension of the disease territory was observed in 22% of patients with ulcerative colitis and 15% of patients with CD. The cumulative risk of intra-abdominal surgery after 10 years was 8% (95% confidence interval, 4%-20%) for ulcerative colitis and 22% (95% confidence interval, 15%-28%) for patients with CD. Nonmucosal healing at 1 year was associated with a complicated disease course in patients with CD (hazard ratio = 14.56; 95% confidence interval, 1.79-118.68; P = 0.01). Patients with childhood-onset IBD were characterized by extensive colitis that was relatively stable over time and associated with a relatively low risk of complications and abdominal surgery. Our findings confirm the more extensive disease location in pediatric IBD but did not identify the proposed dynamic and aggressive nature of the childhood-onset phenotype. The association of nonmucosal healing with a complicated disease course suggests that endoscopy should guide treatment intensity in childhood-onset CD.

A Pilot Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Treatments in Newly Diagnosed High-Grade Gliomas: The Example of 5-Aminolevulinic Acid Compared With White-Light Surgery

PubMed Central

Alves, Marta; Castel-Branco, Marta; Stummer, Walter

2015-01-01

BACKGROUND: High-grade gliomas are aggressive, incurable tumors characterized by extensive diffuse invasion of the normal brain parenchyma. Novel therapies at best prolong survival; their costs are formidable and benefit is marginal. Economic restrictions thus require knowledge of the cost-effectiveness of treatments. Here, we show the cost-effectiveness of enhanced resections in malignant glioma surgery using a well-characterized tool for intraoperative tumor visualization, 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of 5-ALA fluorescence-guided neurosurgery compared with white-light surgery in adult patients with newly diagnosed high-grade glioma, adopting the perspective of the Portuguese National Health Service. METHODS: We used a Markov model (cohort simulation). Transition probabilities were estimated with the use of data from 1 randomized clinical trial and 1 noninterventional prospective study. Utility values and resource use were obtained from published literature and expert opinion. Unit costs were taken from official Portuguese reimbursement lists (2012 values). The health outcomes considered were quality-adjusted life-years, life-years, and progression-free life-years. Extensive 1-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed. RESULTS: The incremental cost-effectiveness ratios are below €10 000 in all evaluated outcomes, being around €9100 per quality-adjusted life-year gained, €6700 per life-year gained, and €8800 per progression-free life-year gained. The probability of 5-ALA fluorescence-guided surgery cost-effectiveness at a threshold of €20000 is 96.0% for quality-adjusted life-year, 99.6% for life-year, and 98.8% for progression-free life-year. CONCLUSION: 5-ALA fluorescence-guided surgery appears to be cost-effective in newly diagnosed high-grade gliomas compared with white-light surgery. This example demonstrates cost-effectiveness analyses for malignant glioma surgery to be feasible on the basis of existing data. ABBREVIATIONS: 5-ALA, 5-aminolevulinic acid ICER, incremental cost-effectiveness ratio LY, life-year PFLY, progression-free life-year QALY, quality-adjusted life-year PMID:25714513

Tracking the follow-up of work in progress papers.

PubMed

Mubin, Omar; Arsalan, Mudassar; Al Mahmud, Abdullah

2018-01-01

Academic conferences offer numerous submission tracks to support the inclusion of a variety of researchers and topics. Work in progress papers are one such submission type where authors present preliminary results in a poster session. They have recently gained popularity in the area of Human Computer Interaction (HCI) as a relatively easier pathway to attending the conference due to their higher acceptance rate as compared to the main tracks. However, it is not clear if these work in progress papers are further extended or transitioned into more complete and thorough full papers or are simply one-off pieces of research. In order to answer this we explore self-citation patterns of four work in progress editions in two popular HCI conferences (CHI2010, CHI2011, HRI2010 and HRI2011). Our results show that almost 50% of the work in progress papers do not have any self-citations and approximately only half of the self-citations can be considered as true extensions of the original work in progress paper. Specific conferences dominate as the preferred venue where extensions of these work in progress papers are published. Furthermore, the rate of self-citations peaks in the immediate year after publication and gradually tails off. By tracing author publication records, we also delve into possible reasons of work in progress papers not being cited in follow up publications. In conclusion, we speculate on the main trends observed and what they may mean looking ahead for the work in progress track of premier HCI conferences.

Lattice Boltzmann Methods to Address Fundamental Boiling and Two-Phase Problems

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Uddin, Rizwan

2012-01-01

This report presents the progress made during the fourth (no cost extension) year of this three-year grant aimed at the development of a consistent Lattice Boltzmann formulation for boiling and two-phase flows. During the first year, a consistent LBM formulation for the simulation of a two-phase water-steam system was developed. Results of initial model validation in a range of thermo-dynamic conditions typical for Boiling Water Reactors (BWRs) were shown. Progress was made on several fronts during the second year. Most important of these included the simulation of the coalescence of two bubbles including the surface tension effects. Work during themore » third year focused on the development of a new lattice Boltzmann model, called the artificial interface lattice Boltzmann model (AILB model) for the 3 simulation of two-phase dynamics. The model is based on the principle of free energy minimization and invokes the Gibbs-Duhem equation in the formulation of non-ideal forcing function. This was reported in detail in the last progress report. Part of the efforts during the last (no-cost extension) year were focused on developing a parallel capability for the 2D as well as for the 3D codes developed in this project. This will be reported in the final report. Here we report the work carried out on testing the AILB model for conditions including the thermal effects. A simplified thermal LB model, based on the thermal energy distribution approach, was developed. The simplifications are made after neglecting the viscous heat dissipation and the work done by pressure in the original thermal energy distribution model. Details of the model are presented here, followed by a discussion of the boundary conditions, and then results for some two-phase thermal problems.« less

75 FR 37815 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Two-Year Extension of an Existing Information...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-30

... measures, collects data on overall project performance related to the Bureau's strategic goals, objectives, outcomes, and indicators. Progress will be measured based on the objectives of the grant project, and... health professions and nursing education and training programs. The reporting system measures the grantee...

Focal thoracolumbar spinal cord lymphosarcoma in a ferret (Mustela putorius furo)

PubMed Central

Ingrao, Joelle C.; Eshar, David; Vince, Andrew; Lee-Chow, Bridget; Nykamp, Stephanie; DeLay, Josepha; Smith, Dale

2014-01-01

A 6-year-old, castrated male domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo) was euthanized following progressive hind limb paresis and atonia of the bladder of 1-year duration. Neurological evaluation localized the lesion to the thoracolumbar spinal region, and magnetic resonance imaging showed a focal intramedullary spinal cord lesion. Histopathology revealed an extensive, unencapsulated, poorly demarcated mass within the thoracolumbar spinal cord, diagnosed as lymphosarcoma. PMID:24982519

A pilot cost-effectiveness analysis of treatments in newly diagnosed high-grade gliomas: the example of 5-aminolevulinic Acid compared with white-light surgery.

PubMed

Esteves, Susana; Alves, Marta; Castel-Branco, Marta; Stummer, Walter

2015-05-01

High-grade gliomas are aggressive, incurable tumors characterized by extensive diffuse invasion of the normal brain parenchyma. Novel therapies at best prolong survival; their costs are formidable and benefit is marginal. Economic restrictions thus require knowledge of the cost-effectiveness of treatments. Here, we show the cost-effectiveness of enhanced resections in malignant glioma surgery using a well-characterized tool for intraoperative tumor visualization, 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA). To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of 5-ALA fluorescence-guided neurosurgery compared with white-light surgery in adult patients with newly diagnosed high-grade glioma, adopting the perspective of the Portuguese National Health Service. We used a Markov model (cohort simulation). Transition probabilities were estimated with the use of data from 1 randomized clinical trial and 1 noninterventional prospective study. Utility values and resource use were obtained from published literature and expert opinion. Unit costs were taken from official Portuguese reimbursement lists (2012 values). The health outcomes considered were quality-adjusted life-years, life-years, and progression-free life-years. Extensive 1-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratios are below &OV0556;10 000 in all evaluated outcomes, being around &OV0556;9100 per quality-adjusted life-year gained, &OV0556;6700 per life-year gained, and &OV0556;8800 per progression-free life-year gained. The probability of 5-ALA fluorescence-guided surgery cost-effectiveness at a threshold of &OV0556;20000 is 96.0% for quality-adjusted life-year, 99.6% for life-year, and 98.8% for progression-free life-year. 5-ALA fluorescence-guided surgery appears to be cost-effective in newly diagnosed high-grade gliomas compared with white-light surgery. This example demonstrates cost-effectiveness analyses for malignant glioma surgery to be feasible on the basis of existing data.

Airborne Measurements of Formaldehyde Employing a Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectrometer During TRACE-P

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fried, Alan; Drummond, James

2003-01-01

This final report summarizes the progress achieved over the entire 3-year proposal period including two extensions spanning 1 year. These activities include: 1) Preparation for and participation in the NASA 2001 TRACE-P campaign using our airborne tunable diode laser system to acquire measurements of formaldehyde (CH2O); 2) Comprehensive data analysis and data submittal to the NASA archive; 3) Follow up data interpretation working with NASA modelers to place our ambient CH2O measurements into a broader photochemical context; 4) Publication of numerous JGR papers using this data; 5) Extensive follow up laboratory tests on the selectivity and efficiency of our CH20 scrubbing system; and 6) An extensive follow up effort to assess and study the mechanical stability of our entire optical system, particularly the multipass absorption cell, with aircraft changes in cabin pressure.

Etiology Replaces Interminability: A Historiographical Analysis of the Mental Hygiene Movement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kearl, Benjamin Kelsey

2014-01-01

The mental hygiene movement, a dramatic extension of Progressive Era delinquency prevention into America's public schools, began to take form in the United States in 1908, catalyzed by the publication of Clifford Whittingham Beers' "A Mind That Found Itself." That same year, Beers helped found the Connecticut Society for Mental Hygiene,…

Observation of Alfven Waves in the Solar Corona (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tomczyk, S.

2013-12-01

I will review the extensive progress made in recent years on the observation of Alfven waves in the solar corona, with an emphasis on the measurements made with the Coronal Multi-channel Polarimeter. Application of the wave measurements to coronal seismology will be presented. Future prospects in the field will be discussed.

Educational Responses to Immigrant Students in Madrid

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Permisan, Cristina Goenechea; Fernandez, Jose Antonio Garcia

2007-01-01

During the last few years, changes in the Spanish educational system have had a far reaching impact. Several factors have been critical: (1) the progressive decentralization of education by the government, now a responsibility of regional governments; (2) the extension of compulsory education to the age of 16; and finally (3) the increase in the…

Solar Cell Efficiency Tables (Version 51)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Levi, Dean H; Green, Martin A.; Hishikawa, Yoshihiro

Consolidated tables showing an extensive listing of the highest independently confirmed efficiencies for solar cells and modules are presented. Guidelines for inclusion of results into these tables are outlined and new entries since July 2017 are reviewed, together with progress over the last 25 years. Appendices are included documenting area definitions and also listing recognised test centres.

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and MRI Tractography in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy-Like Syndrome

PubMed Central

Vaphiades, Michael S.; Visscher, Kristina; Rucker, Janet C.; Vattoth, Surjith; Roberson, Glenn H.

2015-01-01

ABSTRACT An 18-year-old woman underwent an uneventful ascending aortic aneurysm repair then developed progressive supranuclear palsy-like syndrome. Extensive neuroimaging including contrasted fat-suppressed cranial and orbital magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), MRI tractography, and functional MRI (fMRI) revealed no clear radiographic involvement except for a single tiny hypoechoic midbrain dot on the T2*-weighted gradient-echo imaging, which is not considered sufficient to account for the patient’s deficits. This case attests to the occult nature of this rare and devastating syndrome. PMID:27928334

Post Kalman progress

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sonnabend, David

1995-01-01

In a paper here last year, an idea was put forward that much greater performance could be obtained from an observer, relative to a Kalman filter if more general performance indices were adopted, and the full power spectra of all the noises were employed. The considerable progress since then is reported here. Included are an extension of the theory to regulators, direct calculation of the theory's fundamental quantities - the noise effect integrals - for several theoretical spectra, and direct derivations of the Riccati equations of LQG (Linear-Quadratic-Gaussian) and Kalman theory yielding new insights.

An aggressive vertebral hemangioma in pregnancy: a case report.

PubMed

Slimani, Ouafae; Jayi, Sofia; Fdili Alaoui, Fatimazahra; Bouguern, Hakima; Chaara, Hekmat; Fikri, Ghizlane; Alaoui Rachidi, Siham; Sqalli Houssaini, Nadia; Himmich, Mariam; Abdelilah Melhouf, Moulay

2014-06-18

Pregnancy-related compressive myelopathy secondary to vertebral hemangioma is a rare occurrence and its treatment antepartum is rare. A 19-year-old North African woman in her 38th week of pregnancy presented with paraplegia that progressed within 2 days after a rapidly progressive weakness of her lower limbs. Magnetic resonance imaging studies showed compression of her spinal cord in front of the fourth thoracic vertebra for suspected tuberculous spondylitis. A Caesarean section was done followed by corpectomy with a bone graft because we intraoperatively discovered a vertebral hemangioma. Pathology showed an aggressive hemangioma. At any term of pregnancy, extensive neurological involvement which is rapidly progressive due to compression should be considered for immediate decompression.

The Health IT Regional Extension Center Program: evolution and lessons for health care transformation.

PubMed

Lynch, Kimberly; Kendall, Mat; Shanks, Katherine; Haque, Ahmed; Jones, Emily; Wanis, Maggie G; Furukawa, Michael; Mostashari, Farzad

2014-02-01

Assess the Regional Extension Center (REC) program's progress toward its goal of supporting over 100,000 providers in small, rural, and underserved practices to achieve meaningful use (MU) of an electronic health record (EHR). Data collected January 2010 through June 2013 via monitoring and evaluation of the 4-year REC program. Descriptive study of 62 REC programs. Primary data collected from RECs were merged with nine other datasets, and descriptive statistics of progress by practice setting and penetration of targeted providers were calculated. RECs recruited almost 134,000 primary care providers (PCPs), or 44 percent of the nation's PCPs; 86 percent of these were using an EHR with advanced functionality and almost half (48 percent) have demonstrated MU. Eighty-three percent of Federally Qualified Health Centers and 78 percent of the nation's Critical Access Hospitals were participating with an REC. RECs have made substantial progress in assisting PCPs with adoption and MU of EHRs. This infrastructure supports small practices, community health centers, and rural and public hospitals to use technology for care delivery transformation and improvement. © Health Research and Educational Trust.

Effects of inclusion on the academic achievement and adaptive behaviour of children with intellectual disabilities.

PubMed

Dessemontet, R Sermier; Bless, G; Morin, D

2012-06-01

While an extensive body of research has examined the outcomes of inclusion for pupils with special needs, in particular learning disabilities, its effects on the development of children with intellectual disabilities (ID) have been less explored. As inclusive practices tend to be more common for this group of children, it is important to acquire more knowledge on this issue. A comparative study with an experimental group of 34 children with ID fully included in general education classrooms with support, and a control group of 34 comparable children in special schools has been conducted. The progress accomplished by these two groups in their academic achievement and adaptive behaviour has been compared over two school years. Included children made slightly more progress in literacy skills than children attending special schools. No differences were found between the progress of the two groups in mathematics and adaptive behaviour. Inclusive education is an appropriate educational option for primary pupils with ID who require extensive support in school. © 2011 The Authors. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Ischemic diabetic retinopathy as a possible prognostic factor for chronic kidney disease progression

PubMed Central

Lee, W J; Sobrin, L; Kang, M H; Seong, M; Kim, Y J; Yi, J-H; Miller, J W; Cho, H Y

2014-01-01

Purpose To assess the value of diabetic retinopathy (DR) severity as a possible predictive prognostic factor for the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Patients and methods Retrospective cohort study. Patients (51) who were initially diagnosed with DR and CKD were enrolled and their medical records were evaluated. The following ophthalmic factors were assessed by fluorescein angiography at the initial visit: area of capillary nonperfusion, presence of neovascularization and vitreous hemorrhage, and DR grade. The effect of these factors on CKD progression over the 2-year period of the study, defined as doubling of serum creatinine or the development of end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis or renal transplant, was evaluated. Results The study included 51 patients with DR and CKD; of these, 11 patients (21.6%) were found to have proliferative DR (PDR) and seven patients (13.7%) had high-risk PDR at baseline. Patients with ischemic DR, who showed extensive capillary nonperfusion (≥10 optic disc areas) in the retina, had a greater risk for CKD progression (hazard ratio=6.64; P=0.002). Conclusion We found that extensive capillary nonperfusion in the retina greatly increased the risk of progression of CKD in patients with DR. This suggests that the retina and the kidney may have shared risk factors for microvascular disease secondary to diabetes mellitus, and emphasizes the need for a team approach to diabetes care. PMID:24993319

A Constitutional System of Educational Accountability. Part III. [Sound Basic Education Task Force Proposal

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Campaign for Fiscal Equity, Inc., 2004

2004-01-01

In recent years, New York, like most other states, has adopted a set of challenging educational standards that are geared to preparing all students to be capable citizens and to compete in the global marketplace. The state has also implemented extensive Regents testing programs to measure student progress toward meeting the standards. These…

Midwest Nuclear Science and Engineering Consortium

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dr. Wynn Volkert; Dr. Arvind Kumar; Dr. Bryan Becker

2010-12-08

The objective of the Midwest Nuclear Science and Engineering Consortium (MNSEC) is to enhance the scope, quality and integration of educational and research capabilities of nuclear sciences and engineering (NS/E) programs at partner schools in support of the U.S. nuclear industry (including DOE laboratories). With INIE support, MNSEC had a productive seven years and made impressive progress in achieving these goals. Since the past three years have been no-cost-extension periods, limited -- but notable -- progress has been made in FY10. Existing programs continue to be strengthened and broadened at Consortium partner institutions. The enthusiasm generated by the academic, state,more » federal, and industrial communities for the MNSEC activities is reflected in the significant leveraging that has occurred for our programs.« less

The Extension of the Progressive Aspect in Black South African English

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

van Rooy, Bertus

2006-01-01

The extension of the progressive aspect to stative verbs has been identified as a characteristic feature of New Varieties of English across the world, including the English of black South Africans (BSAfE). This paper examines the use of the progressive aspect in BSAfE, by doing a comparative analysis of three corpora of argumentative student…

Partial interhemispheric disconnection syndrome (P-IHDS) secondary to Marchiafava-Bignami disease type B (MBD-B).

PubMed

Canepa, Carlo; Arias, Lorena

2016-11-23

A 53-year-old man with a 35-year history of excessive alcohol intake presents to our neurology department with 4-year history of progressive neurocognitive deterioration and disconnection syndrome. MRI head demonstrates extensive demyelination of the corpus callosum (and of extracallosal sites as well), leading to a diagnosis of Marchiafava-Bignami disease. He was given treatment with vitamin B complex (including folate) and was assessed and managed by psychology, occupational therapy and physiotherapy with initial signs of improvement. 2016 BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.

Extremely high data-rate, reliable network systems research

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Foudriat, E. C.; Maly, Kurt J.; Mukkamala, R.; Murray, Nicholas D.; Overstreet, C. Michael

1990-01-01

Significant progress was made over the year in the four focus areas of this research group: gigabit protocols, extensions of metropolitan protocols, parallel protocols, and distributed simulations. Two activities, a network management tool and the Carrier Sensed Multiple Access Collision Detection (CSMA/CD) protocol, have developed to the point that a patent is being applied for in the next year; a tool set for distributed simulation using the language SIMSCRIPT also has commercial potential and is to be further refined. The year's results for each of these areas are summarized and next year's activities are described.

Brain reserve against physical disability progression over 5 years in multiple sclerosis.

PubMed

Sumowski, James F; Rocca, Maria A; Leavitt, Victoria M; Meani, Alessandro; Mesaros, Sarlota; Drulovic, Jelena; Preziosa, Paolo; Habeck, Christian G; Filippi, Massimo

2016-05-24

The brain reserve hypothesis links larger maximal lifetime brain growth (MLBG, estimated with intracranial volume [ICV]) with lower risk for cognitive decline/dementia. We examined whether larger MLBG is also linked to less physical disability progression over 5 years in a prospective sample of treatment-naive patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Physical disability was measured with the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) at baseline and 5-year follow-up in 52 treatment-naive Serbian patients with MS. MRI measured disease burden (cerebral atrophy, T2 lesion volume) and MLBG: a genetically determined, premorbid (established during adolescence, stable thereafter) patient characteristic estimated with ICV (adjusted for sex). Logistic regression tested whether MLBG (smaller vs larger) predicts disability progression (stable vs worsened) independently of disease burden. Disability progression was observed in 29 (55.8%) patients. Larger MLBG predicted lower risk for progression (odds ratio 0.13, 95% confidence interval 0.02-0.78), independently of disease burden. We also calculated absolute change in EDSS scores, and observed that patients with smaller MLBG showed worse EDSS change (0.91 ± 0.71) than patients with larger MLBG (0.42 ± 0.87). Larger MLBG was linked to lower risk for disability progression in patients with MS over 5 years, which is the first extension of the brain reserve hypothesis to physical disability. MLBG (ICV) represents a clinically available metric that may help gauge risk for future disability in patients with MS, which may advance the science and practice of early intervention. Potential avenues for future research are discussed. © 2016 American Academy of Neurology.

Severe tracheal stenosis with tracheopathia osteoplastica-like changes due to traumatic blunt injury.

PubMed

Kakinuma, Kazutaka; Morikawa, Kei; Miyamoto, Yasuhiro; Saji, Hisashi; Mineshita, Masamichi; Miyazawa, Teruomi

2014-12-01

A 17-year-old man was injured in a motorcycle accident, leading to a complex cerebral contusion and hepatic injury. Approximately one month after being discharged from the hospital, the patient experienced gradually progressive dyspnea on exertion. Chest computed tomography revealed severe upper tracheal stenosis; thus, emergency tracheotomy and subsequent tracheoplasty were performed. Microscopically, the deformation of tracheal cartilage and extensive interstitial ossification/fibro-elastic changes were observed. To our knowledge, this is the first report documenting the ossification of the trachea that rapidly progressed after injury, which was confirmed by surgical resection of the upper trachea.

Advanced Thermal Emission Imaging Systems Definition and Development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Blasius, Karl; Nava, David (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

Santa Barbara Remote Sensing (SBRS), Raytheon Company, is pleased to submit this quarterly progress report of the work performed in the third quarter of Year 2 of the Advanced THEMIS Project, July through September 2002. We review here progress in the proposed tasks. During July through September 2002 progress was made in two major tasks, Spectral Response Characterization and Flight Instrument Definition. Because of staffing problems and technical problems earlier in the program we have refocused the remaining time and budget on the key technical tasks. Current technical problems with a central piece of test equipment has lead us to request a 1 quarter extension to the period of performance. This request is being made through a separate letter independent of this report.

An aggressive vertebral hemangioma in pregnancy: a case report

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Introduction Pregnancy-related compressive myelopathy secondary to vertebral hemangioma is a rare occurrence and its treatment antepartum is rare. Case presentation A 19-year-old North African woman in her 38th week of pregnancy presented with paraplegia that progressed within 2 days after a rapidly progressive weakness of her lower limbs. Magnetic resonance imaging studies showed compression of her spinal cord in front of the fourth thoracic vertebra for suspected tuberculous spondylitis. A Caesarean section was done followed by corpectomy with a bone graft because we intraoperatively discovered a vertebral hemangioma. Pathology showed an aggressive hemangioma. Conclusion At any term of pregnancy, extensive neurological involvement which is rapidly progressive due to compression should be considered for immediate decompression. PMID:24943121

Annual Progress Report, 1978. Southern Rural Development Center, Mississippi State University. SRDC Series Publication No. 28.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Southern Rural Development Center, State College, MS.

Summarizing Southern Rural Development Center (SRDC) activities during the October 1977-September 1978 fiscal year, this fifth annual report indicates that with Title V funding SRDC has continued its efforts to bring research and extension personnel together to work on problems in rural development. Support for programs and research at land grant…

[Modified posterior exenteration (radical oophorectomy type II) as a part of an extensive surgery of ovarian cancer--case report].

PubMed

Knapp, Paweł; Łukaszewicz, Jerzy; Knapp, Piotr

2013-06-01

Epithelial ovarian cancer remains to be the most deadly gynecologic cancer among the female population. Carcinogenesis and abdomen extension are the reasons why ovarian cancer is still examined in advances stages. Ovarian cancer frequent metastasizes to the uterus, rectosigmoid colon, and other pelvic structures by intraperitoneal seeding of tumor deposits, as well as direct extension. Multiple modalities of therapy are utilized in the management of the disease. Numerous medical trials and research programs have demonstrated the most important role of surgery in the treatment of this disease. A vast majority of authors are of the opinion that the surgical interventions have a major influence on the overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS) in ovarian cancer cases. The paper presents a case of a 35-year-old woman diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer who underwent modified posterior exenteration as a part of extensive cytoreductive surgery

IT-26IDENTIFICATION OF PSEUDO-PROGRESSION IN NEW DIAGNOSED GLIOBLASTOMA (GBM) IN A RANDOMIZED PHASE 2 OF ICT-107: MRI AND PATHOLOGY CORRELATION

PubMed Central

Phuphanich, Surasak; Yu, John; Bannykh, Serguei; Zhu, Jay-Jiguang

2014-01-01

BACKGROUND: Previously reports of pseudo-progression in patients with brain tumor after therapeutic vaccines in pediatric and adult glioma (Pollack, JCO online on June 2, 2014 and Okada, JCO Jan 20, 2011; 29: 330-336) demonstrated that RANO criteria for tumor progression may not be adequate for immunotherapy trials. Similar observations were also seen in other checkpoint inhibitor in melanoma and NSLSC. METHODS: We identified 2 patients, who developed tumor progression by RANO criteria, underwent surgery following enrollment in a phase 2 randomized ICT-107 (an autologous vaccine consisting of patient dendritic cells pulsed with peptides from AIM-2, TRP-2, HER2/neu, IL-13Ra2, gp100, MAGE1) after radiation and Temozolomide (TMZ). RESULTS: The first case is a 69 years old Chinese male, who underwent 1st surgery of gross total resection right occipital GBM on 10/26/2011. Subsequently he received 19 cycles of TMZ and 9 vaccines/placebo. MRI from 7/2/2013 showed enhancement surrounding surgical cavity. After 2nd surgery, pathology showed only rare residual tumor cells with macrophages and positive CD 8 cells. He continued on this vaccine program and MRI showed more progression with finger-like extension into parietal lobe 4 months later. The 3rd surgery also showed extensive reactive changes with no active tumor cells. For 2nd case, a 62 years old male, who underwent first surgery on 7/11/2011 of right temporal lobe, developed 2 areas of enhancement after 6 cycles of TMZ and 7 vaccines/placebo on 4/18/2012. With 2nd surgery, pathology showed reactive gliosis without active tumor. The subject continued in this trial. CONCLUSION: Pseudo-progression was confirmed by pathology in these 2 patients at 20 and 9 months which were delayed comparing to pseudo-progression observed in patients treated with concurrent XRT/TMZ (3-6 months). Future iRANO criteria development is essential for immunotherapy trials. Accurately identifying and managing such patients is necessary to avoid premature termination of therapy.

Progression of degenerative mitral stenosis: insights from a cohort of 254 patients.

PubMed

Tyagi, Gaurav; Dang, Patricia; Pasca, Ioana; Patel, Reena; Pai, Ramdas G

2014-11-01

Degenerative mitral stenosis (DMS) is an increasingly common echocardiographic finding, yet the clinical and biological behavior and rate of progression of the condition are unknown. A total of 254 patients was identified from the authors' echocardiographic database with DMS, defined as severe mitral annular calcification with extension into the mitral leaflets resulting in transmitral flow acceleration with a mean diastolic gradient of >2 mmHg in the absence of commissural fusion. Each patient required paired echocardiograms to have been recorded at least three months apart. Clinical, biochemical and pharmacological data were collected from each patient and related to the annualized rate of increase in mean diastolic mitral gradient and stenosis severity on a scale of 0 to 3. The characteristics of the patients were as follows: mean age 71 +/- 15 years; female gender 73%; and left ventricular ejection fraction 66 +/- 13%. Diabetes was present in 50% of patients, renal insufficiency in 40%, and coronary artery disease in 50%. Over a follow up period of 2.6 +/- 2.2 years, the mean gradient was increased by 0.8 +/- 2.4 mmHg (range: 0-15 mmHg) per year, while the stenosis grade was increased by 0.18 +/- 0.5 (range: 0-3) per year. The rate of progression was faster in patients with lesser degrees of stenosis (p = 0.01) and low serum albumen levels (p = 0.04), and slower in those receiving beta-blockers (p = 0.01). Milder stenosis, diabetes mellitus and lack of beta-blocker use were independent predictors of faster DMS progression. DMS progression is highly variable, but generally slow; its progression is accelerated in the presence of diabetes mellitus, but is retarded by beta-blocker use. DMS may be an active biological process offering potentially modifiable targets for intervention.

Current progress and future prospect of microalgal biomass harvest using various flocculation technologies.

PubMed

Wan, Chun; Alam, Md Asraful; Zhao, Xin-Qing; Zhang, Xiao-Yue; Guo, Suo-Lian; Ho, Shih-Hsin; Chang, Jo-Shu; Bai, Feng-Wu

2015-05-01

Microalgae have been extensively studied for the production of various valuable products. Application of microalgae for the production of renewable energy has also received increasing attention in recent years. However, high cost of microalgal biomass harvesting is one of the bottlenecks for commercialization of microalgae-based industrial processes. Considering harvesting efficiency, operation economics and technological feasibility, flocculation is a superior method to harvest microalgae from mass culture. In this article, the latest progress of various microalgal cell harvesting methods via flocculation is reviewed with the emphasis on the current progress and prospect in environmentally friendly bio-based flocculation. Harvesting microalgae through bio-based flocculation is a promising component of the low-cost microalgal biomass production technology. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

77 FR 1508 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Extension of a Currently Approved Collection; Comments...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-01-10

... DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE [OMB Number 1122-0006] Agency Information Collection Activities: Extension... Budget, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Attention Department of Justice Desk Officer... hour to complete a semi-annual progress report. The semi-annual progress report is divided into...

Lung development: orchestrating the generation and regeneration of a complex organ

PubMed Central

Herriges, Michael; Morrisey, Edward E.

2014-01-01

The respiratory system, which consists of the lungs, trachea and associated vasculature, is essential for terrestrial life. In recent years, extensive progress has been made in defining the temporal progression of lung development, and this has led to exciting discoveries, including the derivation of lung epithelium from pluripotent stem cells and the discovery of developmental pathways that are targets for new therapeutics. These discoveries have also provided new insights into the regenerative capacity of the respiratory system. This Review highlights recent advances in our understanding of lung development and regeneration, which will hopefully lead to better insights into both congenital and acquired lung diseases. PMID:24449833

78 FR 58557 - Agency Information Collection Activities; Extension of a Currently Approved Collection; Comments...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-09-24

... DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE [OMB Number 1122-0024] Agency Information Collection Activities; Extension... Office of Management and Budget, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Attention Department of...) approximately one hour to complete a semi-annual progress report. The semi-annual progress report is divided...

77 FR 63339 - Agency Information Collection Activities; Extension of a Currently Approved Collection; Comments...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-10-16

... DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE [OMB Number 1122-0022] Agency Information Collection Activities; Extension..., Attention Department of Justice Desk Officer, Washington, DC 20503. Additionally, comments may be submitted...) approximately one hour to complete a semi-annual progress report. The semi-annual progress report is divided...

Reversible CSF cyst related to a functioning ventriculo-peritoneal shunt.

PubMed

Vajramani, G V; Fugleholm, K

2005-11-01

Although the occurrence of CSF oedema and cyst has been described in presence of a blocked ventriculoperitoneal shunt, especially distal end block, its occurrence in presence of a well functioning shunt has not been described so far. We report a case where a 51-year old lady developed an insidious onset and gradually progressive CSF cyst without any clinical or radiological feature of shunt block over a period of about 2 years. The changes started about 6 months after a course of radiation therapy for an extensive residual supra and infratentorial meningioma. Following surgery, where the cyst was punctured and a new ventricular catheter was inserted, despite well functioning upper and lower end, the cyst gradually disappeared. We review the literature and hypothesize that the radiation-induced changes were responsible for initiation and progression of the cyst.

Under pressure: progressively enlarging facial mass following high-pressure paint injection injury.

PubMed

Mushtaq, Jameel; Walker, Abigail; Hunter, Ben

2016-01-19

High-pressure paint injection injuries are relatively rare industrial accidents and almost exclusively occur on the non-dominant hand. A rarely documented complication of these injuries is the formation of a foreign body granuloma. We report a case of a 33-year-old man presenting with extensive facial scarring and progressive right paranasal swelling 7 years after a high-pressure paint injury. After imaging investigations, an excision of the mass and revision of scarring was performed. Access to the mass was gained indirectly through existing scarring over the nose to ensure an aesthetic result. Histological analysis revealed a florid granulomatous foreign body reaction to retained paint. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a facial high-pressure paint injury with consequent formation of a foreign body granuloma. 2016 BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.

[Rare benign space-occupying processes of the larynx].

PubMed

Daniilidis, I; Megas, I

1991-01-01

Two rare benign space occupying lesions of the larynx are presented. The first case was a big lateral saccular cyst in a female 68 years old and the second a myxolipom of the larynx in an old man, 80 years old. The presenting symptoms, in both cases, were progressive dyspnea und dysphagia. The therapy was the surgical removal of the lesion with the "open" approach. The importance of the CT scanning is emphasized as well its usefulness in the diagnosis and in the definition of the extension of the lesion.

Fundus autofluorescence and optical coherence tomography in the management of progressive outer retinal necrosis

PubMed Central

Yeh, Steven; Wong, Wai T.; Weichel, Eric D.; Lew, Julie C.; Chew, Emily Y.; Nussenblatt, Robert B.

2011-01-01

A 41 year-old female patient with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) presented with progressive nasal visual field loss in her right eye. Ophthalmic exam revealed widespread areas of retinal opacification with hemorrhage consistent with progressive outer retinal necrosis (PORN), which was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for varicella zoster virus (VZV) DNA. The patient was treated with intravenous and intravitreal foscarnet and ganciclovir with a resultant improvement clinically. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fundus autofluorescence (FAF) imaging revealed progressive changes indicative of widespread retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) and outer retinal dysfunction. OCT was useful in documenting progressive changes in macular architecture during therapy including neurosensory elevation, cystoid macular edema, and severe outer retinal necrosis, at initial exam, 1 week, and 1 month follow-up. Fundus autofluorescence revealed areas of stippled, hyperfluorescence within extensive zones of hypofluorescence, which progressed during the follow-up period. These areas appeared to represent lipofuscin or its photoreactive components within larger regions of RPE loss. The combination of OCT and FAF was useful in the characterization of the RPE and retinal anatomy in this patient with PORN. PMID:20337261

SAVY-4000 Surveillance and Life Extension Program Fiscal Year 2013 Annual Report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Stone, Timothy A.; Blair, Michael W.; Weis, Eric

2014-03-03

The Packaging Surveillance Program section of the DOE M441.1-1 /sup>1, Nuclear Material Packaging Manual (DOE, 2008) requires DOE contractors to “ensure that a surveillance program is established and implemented to ensure the nuclear material storage package continues to meet its design criteria.” In order to ensure continuing safe storage of nuclear material and the maximization of risk reduction, TA-55 has established a Surveillance Program to ensure storage container integrity for operations within its specified design life. The LANL SAVY-4000 Field Surveillance Plan2 defines the near-term field surveillance plan for SAVY-4000 containers as required by the Manual. A long-term surveillance planmore » will be established based on the results of the first several years of surveillance and the results of the lifetime extension studies as defined in the Accelerated Aging Plan3. This report details progress in positioning the Surveillance Program for successful implementation in FY14 and status of the Design Life Extension Program in terms of its implementation and data collection for FY13.« less

Takayasu's arteritis: Anesthetic significance and management of a patient for cesarean section using the epidural volume extension technique

PubMed Central

Tiwari, Akhilesh Kumar; Tomar, Gaurav Singh; Chadha, Madhur; Kapoor, Mukul C.

2011-01-01

Takayasu's arteritis (TA) is a rare, chronic progressive pan-endarteritis involving the aorta and its main branches. Anesthesia for patients with TA is complicated by severe uncontrolled hypertension, end-organ dysfunction, stenosis of major blood vessels, and difficulties in monitoring arterial blood pressure. We present the successful anesthetic management of a 23-year-old woman having TA with bilateral subclavian and renal artery stenosis posted for emergency cesarean section by using the epidural volume extension technique, which offers the combined advantage of both spinal and epidural anesthesia and, at the same time, also avoids the need of sophisticated neurological monitors like EEG and transcranial Doppler. PMID:25885310

Agricultural Extension: Farm Extension Services in Australia, Britain and the United States.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Williams, Donald B.

By analyzing the scope and structure of agricultural extension services in Australia, Great Britain, and the United States, this work attempts to set guidelines for measuring progress and guiding extension efforts. Extension training, agricultural policy, and activities of national, international, state, and provincial bodies are examined. The…

IGF-1 in autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia - open-label trial.

PubMed

Sanz-Gallego, Irene; Rodriguez-de-Rivera, Francisco J; Pulido, Irene; Torres-Aleman, Ignacio; Arpa, Javier

2014-01-01

The objective of this clinical open-label trial was to test the safety, tolerability and efficacy of IGF-1 therapy for autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia (ADCA) patients. A total of 19 molecularly confirmed patients with SCA3, 1 patient with SCA6 and 6 patients with SCA7 completed our study. They were 8 females and 18 males, 28 to 74 years of age (average ± SD: 49.3 ± 14.1). Patients were treated with IGF-1 therapy with a dosage of 50 μg/kg twice a day for 12 months. The efficacy of this therapy was assessed by change from baseline on the scale for the assessment and rating of ataxia (SARA). Ten patients, consecutively selected, continued their assigned dosages in a second year open-label extension trial. A statistically significant improvement in SARA scores was observed for patients with SCA3, patients with SCA7 and all patients grouped together after the first year of IGF-1 therapy, while a stabilization of the disease was confirmed during the second year (extension study). The single patient with SCA6 showed 3 improvement points in SARA score after 3 four-month periods of IGF-1 therapy when compared with baseline measurements. Our data indicate that IGF-1 is safe and well tolerated in general. Our data, in comparison with results from previous cohorts, indicate a trend for IGF-1 treatment to stabilize the disease progression for patients with SCA, indicating that IGF-1 therapy is able to decrease the progressivity of ADCA.

[Research progress of larger flexion gap than extension gap in total knee arthroplasty].

PubMed

Zhang, Weisong; Hao, Dingjun

2017-05-01

To summarize the progress of larger flexion gap than extension gap in total knee arthro-plasty (TKA). The domestic and foreign related literature about larger flexion gap than extension gap in TKA, and its impact factors, biomechanical and kinematic features, and clinical results were summarized. During TKA, to adjust the relations of flexion gap and extension gap is one of the key factors of successful operation. The biomechanical, kinematic, and clinical researches show that properly larger flexion gap than extension gap can improve both the postoperative knee range of motion and the satisfaction of patients, but does not affect the stability of the knee joint. However, there are also contrary findings. So adjustment of flexion gap and extension gap during TKA is still in dispute. Larger flexion gap than extension gap in TKA is a new joint space theory, and long-term clinical efficacy, operation skills, and related complications still need further study.

Modeling the Cost-Effectiveness of Alternative Upper Age Limits for Breast Cancer Screening in England and Wales.

PubMed

Rafia, Rachid; Brennan, Alan; Madan, Jason; Collins, Karen; Reed, Malcolm W R; Lawrence, Gill; Robinson, Thompson; Greenberg, David; Wyld, Lynda

2016-06-01

Currently in the United Kingdom, the National Health Service (NHS) Breast Screening Programme invites all women for triennial mammography between the ages of 47 and 73 years (the extension to 47-50 and 70-73 years is currently examined as part of a randomized controlled trial). The benefits and harms of screening in women 70 years and older, however, are less well documented. The aim of this study was to examine whether extending screening to women older than 70 years would represent a cost-effective use of NHS resources and to identify the upper age limit at which screening mammography should be extended in England and Wales. A mathematical model that allows the impact of screening policies on cancer diagnosis and subsequent management to be assessed was built. The model has two parts: a natural history model of the progression of breast cancer up to discovery and a postdiagnosis model of treatment, recurrence, and survival. The natural history model was calibrated to available data and compared against published literature. The management of breast cancer at diagnosis was taken from registry data and valued using official UK tariffs. The model estimated that screening would lead to overdiagnosis in 6.2% of screen-detected women at the age of 72 years, increasing up to 37.9% at the age of 90 years. Under commonly quoted willingness-to-pay thresholds in the United Kingdom, our study suggests that an extension to screening up to the age of 78 years represents a cost-effective strategy. This study provides encouraging findings to support the extension of the screening program to older ages and suggests that further extension of the UK NHS Breast Screening Programme up to age 78 years beyond the current upper age limit of 73 years could be potentially cost-effective according to current NHS willingness-to-pay thresholds. Copyright © 2016 International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Incorporating Environmental Justice into Second Generation Indices of Multiple Deprivation: Lessons from the UK and Progress Internationally

PubMed Central

Fairburn, Jon; Maier, Werner; Braubach, Matthias

2016-01-01

Second generation area-based indices of multiple deprivation have been extensively used in the UK over the last 15 years. They resulted from significant developments in political, technical, and conceptual spheres for deprivation data. We review the parallel development of environmental justice research and how and when environmental data was incorporated into these indices. We explain the transfer of these methods from the UK to Germany and assess the progress internationally in developing such indices. Finally, we illustrate how billions of pounds in the UK was allocated by using these tools to tackle neighbourhood deprivation and environmental justice to address the determinants of health. PMID:27472347

Incorporating Environmental Justice into Second Generation Indices of Multiple Deprivation: Lessons from the UK and Progress Internationally.

PubMed

Fairburn, Jon; Maier, Werner; Braubach, Matthias

2016-07-26

Second generation area-based indices of multiple deprivation have been extensively used in the UK over the last 15 years. They resulted from significant developments in political, technical, and conceptual spheres for deprivation data. We review the parallel development of environmental justice research and how and when environmental data was incorporated into these indices. We explain the transfer of these methods from the UK to Germany and assess the progress internationally in developing such indices. Finally, we illustrate how billions of pounds in the UK was allocated by using these tools to tackle neighbourhood deprivation and environmental justice to address the determinants of health.

Very high energy gamma ray extension of GRO observations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weekes, Trevor C.

1992-01-01

This has been an exiciting year for high energy gamma-ray astronomy, both from space and from ground-based observatories. It has been a particularly active period for the Whipple Observatory gamma-ray group. In phase 1 of the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (GRO), there has not been too much opportunity for overlapping observations with the Energetic Gamma Ray Experiment Telescope (EGRET) and the other GRO telescopes; however, significant progress was made in the development of data analysis techniques and in improving the sensitivity of the technique which will have direct application in correlative observations in phase 2. Progress made during the period 1 Jul. 1991 - 31 Dec. 1991 is presented.

Atomic force microscopy on chromosomes, chromatin and DNA: a review.

PubMed

Kalle, Wouter; Strappe, Padraig

2012-12-01

The purpose of this review is to discuss the achievements and progress that has been made in the use of atomic force microscopy in DNA related research in the last 25 years. For this review DNA related research is split up in chromosomal-, chromatin- and DNA focused research to achieve a logical flow from large- to smaller structures. The focus of this review is not only on the AFM as imaging tool but also on the AFM as measuring tool using force spectroscopy, as therein lays its greatest advantage and future. The amazing technological and experimental progress that has been made during the last 25 years is too extensive to fully cover in this review but some key developments and experiments have been described to give an overview of the evolution of AFM use from 'imaging tool' to 'measurement tool' on chromosomes, chromatin and DNA. Crown Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Facial Age Synthesis Using Sparse Partial Least Squares (The Case of Ben Needham).

PubMed

Bukar, Ali M; Ugail, Hassan

2017-09-01

Automatic facial age progression (AFAP) has been an active area of research in recent years. This is due to its numerous applications which include searching for missing. This study presents a new method of AFAP. Here, we use an active appearance model (AAM) to extract facial features from available images. An aging function is then modelled using sparse partial least squares regression (sPLS). Thereafter, the aging function is used to render new faces at different ages. To test the accuracy of our algorithm, extensive evaluation is conducted using a database of 500 face images with known ages. Furthermore, the algorithm is used to progress Ben Needham's facial image that was taken when he was 21 months old to the ages of 6, 14, and 22 years. The algorithm presented in this study could potentially be used to enhance the search for missing people worldwide. © 2017 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

US Army Institute of Surgical Research Annual Research Progress Report for Fiscal Year 1984.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-10-01

the product of the individual and collaborative scientific activities of the Institute’s professionals made possible by the efforts of all members... activities on the process of medical research with the resultant blurring of the distinction between the process and the product. Extensive administrative...professional activities , regulate human studies, and restrict the use of animals in research, but to what effect? Benefits of such administrative

Building an Agricultural Extension Services System Supported by ICTs in Tanzania: Progress Made, Challenges Remain

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sanga, C.; Kalungwizi, V. J.; Msuya, C. P.

2013-01-01

The conventional agricultural extension service in Tanzania is mainly provided by extension officers visiting farmers to provide agricultural advisory service. This system of extension service provision faces a number of challenges including the few number of extension officers and limited resources. This article assesses the effectiveness of an…

Division File of Extension Research Materials; Additions During 1968.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Byrn, Darcie, Comp.

In this annotated bibliography of acquisitions during 1968 appear 265 Extension studies on administrative organization and management; training and staff development; mobilizing participation in Extension work; local leadership; program content and planning procedures; general effectiveness and progress in Extension; teaching methods, techniques,…

The effects of an extensive exercise programme on the progression of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

PubMed

Devenney, Kate E; Sanders, Marit L; Lawlor, Brian; Olde Rikkert, Marcel G M; Schneider, Stefan

2017-03-22

Exercise interventions to prevent dementia and delay cognitive decline have gained considerable attention in recent years. Human and animal studies have demonstrated that regular physical activity targets brain function by increasing cognitive reserve. There is also evidence of structural changes caused by exercise in preventing or delaying the genesis of neurodegeneration. Although initial studies indicate enhanced cognitive performance in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) following an exercise intervention, little is known about the effect of an extensive, controlled and regular exercise regimen on the neuropathology of patients with MCI. This study aims to determine the effects of an extensive exercise programme on the progression of MCI. This randomised controlled clinical intervention study will take place across three European sites. Seventy-five previously sedentary patients with a clinical diagnosis of MCI will be recruited at each site. Participants will be randomised to one of three groups. One group will receive a standardised 1-year extensive aerobic exercise intervention (3 units of 45 min/week). The second group will complete stretching and toning (non-aerobic) exercise (3 units of 45 min/week) and the third group will act as the control group. Change in all outcomes will be measured at baseline (T0), after six months (T1) and after 12 months (T2). The primary outcome, cognitive performance, will be determined by a neuropsychological test battery (CogState battery, Trail Making Test and Verbal fluency). Secondary outcomes include Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), cardiovascular fitness, physical activity, structural changes of the brain, quality of life measures and measures of frailty. Furthermore, outcome variables will be related to genetic variations on genes related to neurogenesis and epigenetic changes in these genes caused by the exercise intervention programme. The results will add new insights into the prevailing notion that exercise may slow the rate of cognitive decline in MCI. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02913053.

Stanford V program for locally extensive and advanced Hodgkin lymphoma: the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center experience.

PubMed

Edwards-Bennett, S M; Jacks, L M; Moskowitz, C H; Wu, E J; Zhang, Z; Noy, A; Portlock, C S; Straus, D J; Zelenetz, A D; Yahalom, J

2010-03-01

The Stanford group has reported excellent results with the Stanford V regimen for patients with bulky and/or advanced Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). However, Gobbi reported markedly inferior failure-free survival (FFS) comparing Stanford V to other regimens but included major deviations from the original program. We retrospectively examined whether treatment at our institution carefully following Stanford V guidelines would confirm the original Stanford outcome data. From June 1995 to May 2002, 126 patients with either locally extensive or advanced HL were treated with the 12-week Stanford V chemotherapy program followed by 36-Gy involved-field radiotherapy to sites initially > or =5 cm and/or to macroscopic splenic disease. Overall, 26% had stage IV disease and 20% had international prognostic score (IPS) > or =4. Overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival, progression-free survival (PFS), FFS, and freedom from second relapse (FF2R) were determined. The 5- and 7-year OS were 90% and 88%, respectively. The 5-year FFS was 78%. IPS > or =4 was a significant independent predictor of worse OS and PFS. The FF2R was 64% at 3 years. Stanford V with appropriate radiotherapy is a highly effective regimen for locally extensive and advanced HL.

Progression of pectinate ligament dysplasia over time in two populations of Flat-Coated Retrievers.

PubMed

Pearl, Rose; Gould, David; Spiess, Bernhard

2015-01-01

Two of the authors (DG, BS) independently observed that a number of Flat-Coated Retrievers (FCRs) previously unaffected by pectinate ligament dysplasia (PLD) appeared to develop the condition later in life. This study was instigated to investigate progression of PLD within individual dogs over time. Flat-Coated Retrievers that had previously undergone gonioscopy under the UK/ECVO hereditary eye schemes were included in the study. A second gonioscopic examination was performed 1.92-12.58 years later (mean 6, median 5.75 years) and the results compared. 39 FCR (17 males, 22 females) in the UK and 57 FCR (27 males, 30 females) in Switzerland were included. Slit-lamp biomicroscopy, indirect ophthalmoscopy, and gonioscopy were performed in all dogs. Gonioscopy allowed classification as either unaffected or affected; percentage of the iridocorneal drainage angle (ICA) affected by PLD was determined, before calculating progression observed as mild, moderate, or severe. 39 of 96 (40.6%) dogs demonstrated progression of PLD (P < 0.0001). Of these, 13 of 96 (13.5%) were classified as mild progression (from either unaffected to 10-20% or 10-20% to 20-90% ICA affected). Progression was more extensive in 26 of 96 (27.1%) dogs (P < 0.0001), of which 12 of 96 (12.5%) went from unaffected to severe PLD of >90% ICA affected, consistent with a high risk of glaucoma. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report describing progression of PLD in individual dogs over time, in a breed affected by primary, angle closure glaucoma. © 2013 American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.

Eight-year follow-up of autogenous tooth transplantation involving multidisciplinary treatment.

PubMed

Candeiro, George T M; Alencar-Júnior, Emmanuel A; Scarparo, Henrique C; Furtado-Júnior, João H C; Gavini, Giulio; Caldeira, Celso L

2015-09-01

Although autogenous tooth transplantation is a widely reported procedure, its success is dependent on a number of factors. Here we describe the surgical technique, endodontic treatment and rehabilitation employed for a patient in whom a lower right third molar was transplanted to substitute an adjacent second molar with extensive caries. During an 8-year follow-up period, normal periodontal healing was observed and no infection, ankylosis or progressive resorption occurred. It may be concluded that transplantation of a third molar is a practicable approach for replacement of a lost permanent tooth, with restoration of esthetics and function.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ruzic, David

The Thermoelectric-Driven Liquid-Metal Plasma-Facing Structures (TELS) project was able to establish the experimental conditions necessary for flowing liquid metal surfaces in order to be utilized as surfaces facing fusion relevant energetic plasma flux. The work has also addressed additional developments along with progressing along the timeline detailed in the proposal. A no-cost extension was requested to conduct other relevant experiment- specifically regarding the characterization droplet ejection during energetic plasma flux impact. A specially designed trench module, which could accommodate trenches with different aspect ratios was fabricated and installed in the TELS setup and plasma gun experiments were performed. Droplet ejectionmore » was characterized using high speed image acquisition and also surface mounted probes were used to characterize the plasma. The Gantt chart below had been provided with the original proposal, indicating the tasks to be performed in the third year of funding. These tasks are listed above in the progress report outline, and their progress status is detailed below.« less

Necrotizing fasciitis in a patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Kanuck, David M; Zgonis, Thomas; Jolly, Gary Peter

2006-01-01

Necrotizing fasciitis is a soft-tissue infection characterized by extensive necrosis of subcutaneous fat, neurovascular structures, and fascia. In general, fascial necrosis precedes muscle and skin involvement, hence its namesake. Initially, this uncommon and rapidly progressive disease process can present as a form of cellulitis or superficial abscess. However, the high morbidity and mortality rates associated with necrotizing fasciitis suggest a more serious, ominous condition. A delay in diagnosis can result in progressive advancement highlighted by widespread infection, multiple-organ involvement, and, ultimately, death. We present a case of limb salvage in a 52-year-old patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus and progressive fascial necrosis. A detailed review of the literature is presented, and current treatment modalities are described. Aggressive surgical debridement, comprehensive medical management of the sepsis and comorbidities, and timely closure of the resultant wound or wounds are essential for a successful outcome.

Mitral valve pericardioplasty—a long-term follow-up study

PubMed Central

Van Der Spuy, J. C.

1972-01-01

Posterior (17) and anterior (3) mitral cusp pericardioplasties were performed in 20 patients between 6 December 1961 and 10 July 1963. A long-term follow-up study was done in nine patients. In six of these, mitral valvectomy with Starr-Edwards ball valve replacement was required after intervals varying between two years and three months and seven years and three months. In only one of the six cases did the pericardium macroscopically appear normal. In four it was obviously thickened and in two of the four there was also evidence of calcification in the pericardium only. In one of these, calcification was gross, causing complete immobility of the whole 2 × 0·6 in (5 × 1·7 cm) pericardial inlay. In only one of the six cases had the pericardium become larger and thinner and this also was in the only patient with a dilated mitral ring. Only three patients remain with the pericardium as inserted into the posterior mitral cusp between eight years and eight years and eleven months previously, but in all three there is clinical evidence of progressive pathology in the mitral valve. The progressive mitral valve involvement in this series could well have been caused by progression of the pre-existing pathology in the cusps and chordae tendineae but the involvement of the pericardial inlay was much more extensive than that of the rest of the cusp. Images PMID:5034597

The evolution of the histology in pleomorphic xanthoastrocytomas in children: a study of 15 cases.

PubMed

Wu, Xiangru; Bandopadhayay, Pratiti; Ng, Jessica; Ashley, David; Chow, C W

2011-01-01

To review the clinicopathological spectrum and evolution of the histology of pleomorphic xanthoastrocytomas (PXAs) seen at a single children's hospital. PXAs were selected from the Royal Children's Hospital archives over 30 years. The clinical features and pathology were reviewed, specifically checking the histological variation between areas, and the changes between biopsies. Fifteen patients were identified. Ten had repeat biopsies. Eleven patients did not show histological features of anaplasia. Of these eleven, three did not show the characteristic histological features, which developed 3 and 11 years later in repeat biopsies in two. Seven showed uncommon potentially confusing histology. One died, one had stable disease and one had progressive disease. Three with incomplete initial surgery remained in complete remission following more surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy when the tumours progressed, up to 11 years later. Four patients did show anaplasia, with abrupt change from typical PXA in two, and years following initial biopsy in one. Of these four patients, three died, one with extensive metastasis. PXA should be considered in superficial cerebral tumours composed only of compact bundles of glial fibrillary acidic protein positive spindle cells with inconspicuous mitosis, even when the highly characteristic features of this tumour are not seen. The prominent variation in histology makes small biopsies difficult for diagnosis and assessing anaplasia. Patients with non-anaplastic tumours can often be salvaged by more treatment for tumour progression.

Assessment of safety and efficacy of long-term treatment with combination lumacaftor and ivacaftor therapy in patients with cystic fibrosis homozygous for the F508del-CFTR mutation (PROGRESS): a phase 3, extension study.

PubMed

Konstan, Michael W; McKone, Edward F; Moss, Richard B; Marigowda, Gautham; Tian, Simon; Waltz, David; Huang, Xiaohong; Lubarsky, Barry; Rubin, Jaime; Millar, Stefanie J; Pasta, David J; Mayer-Hamblett, Nicole; Goss, Christopher H; Morgan, Wayne; Sawicki, Gregory S

2017-02-01

The 24-week safety and efficacy of lumacaftor/ivacaftor combination therapy was shown in two randomised controlled trials (RCTs)-TRAFFIC and TRANSPORT-in patients with cystic fibrosis who were aged 12 years or older and homozygous for the F508del-CFTR mutation. We aimed to assess the long-term safety and efficacy of extended lumacaftor/ivacaftor therapy in this group of patients in PROGRESS, the long-term extension of TRAFFIC and TRANSPORT. PROGRESS was a phase 3, parallel-group, multicentre, 96-week study of patients who completed TRAFFIC or TRANSPORT in 191 sites in 15 countries. Patients were eligible if they were at least 12 years old with cystic fibrosis and homozygous for the F508del-CFTR mutation. Exclusion criteria included any comorbidity or laboratory abnormality that, in the opinion of the investigator, might confound the results of the study or pose an additional risk in administering the study drug to the participant, history of drug intolerance, and history of poor compliance with the study drug. Patients who previously received active treatment in TRANSPORT or TRAFFIC remained on the same dose in PROGRESS. Patients who had received placebo in TRANSPORT or TRAFFIC were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive lumacaftor (400 mg every 12 h)/ivacaftor (250 mg every 12 h) or lumacaftor (600 mg once daily)/ivacaftor (250 mg every 12 h). The primary outcome was to assess the long-term safety of combined therapy. The estimated annual rate of decline in percent predicted FEV 1 (ppFEV 1 ) in treated patients was compared with that of a matched registry cohort. Efficacy analyses were based on modified intention-to-treat, such that data were included for all patients who were randomly assigned and received at least one dose of study drug. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01931839. Between Oct 24, 2013, and April 7, 2016, 1030 patients from the TRANSPORT and TRAFFIC studies enrolled in PROGRESS, and 1029 received at least one dose of study drug. 340 patients continued treatment with lumacaftor 400 mg every 12 h/ivacaftor 250 mg every 12 h; 176 patients who had received placebo in the TRANSPORT or TRAFFIC studies initiated treatment with lumacaftor 400 mg every 12 h/ivacaftor 250 mg every 12 h, the commercially available dose, for which data are presented. The most common adverse events were infective pulmonary exacerbations, cough, increased sputum, and haemoptysis. Modest blood pressure increases seen in TRAFFIC and TRANSPORT were also observed in PROGRESS. For patients continuing treatment, the mean change from baseline in ppFEV 1 was 0·5 (95% CI -0·4 to 1·5) at extension week 72 and 0·5 (-0·7 to 1·6) at extension week 96; change in BMI was 0·69 (0·56 to 0·81) at extension week 72 and 0·96 (0·81 to 1·11) at extension week 96. The annualised pulmonary exacerbation rate in patients continuing treatment through extension week 96 (0·65, 0·56 to 0·75) remained lower than the placebo rate in TRAFFIC and TRANSPORT. The annualised rate of ppFEV 1 decline was reduced in lumacaftor/ivacaftor-treated patients compared with matched controls (-1·33, -1·80 to -0·85 vs -2·29, -2·56 to -2·03). The efficacy and safety profile of the lumacaftor 600 mg once daily/ivacaftor 250 mg every 12 h groups was generally similar to that of the lumacaftor 400 mg every 12 h/ivacaftor 250 mg every 12 h groups. The long-term safety profile of lumacaftor/ivacaftor combination therapy was consistent with previous RCTs. Benefits continued to be observed with longer-term treatment, and lumacaftor/ivacaftor was associated with a 42% slower rate of ppFEV 1 decline than in matched registry controls. Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Tension-free repair during extensive radical surgery for cecal cancer with abdominal wall invasion and inguinal lymph node metastasis

PubMed Central

Xu, Kaiwu; Chen, Zhihui; Song, Xinming

2014-01-01

We report a case of cecal cancer with invasion of the abdominal wall and right inguinal lymph node metastasis. This patient had undergone an appendectomy 2 years previously. He underwent extensive radical right hemicolectomy with anastomosis and tension-free repair of the damaged right lower abdominal wall. The surgery progressed successfully, and the vital signs of the patient were stable (approximately 200 mL blood loss). Postoperative diagnosis revealed moderately to poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of the cecum with invasion of the abdominal wall and metastasis of the inguinal lymph nodes (pT4bN2bM1, IV4a). The patient has remained well post-surgery. PMID:24855366

Promoting the Synthesis of Methanol: Understanding the Requirements for an Industrial Catalyst for the Conversion of CO2.

PubMed

Behrens, Malte

2016-11-21

The hydrogenation of CO 2 to methanol is a potential process for the sustainable production of synthetic liquid fuels. The Cu/ZnO catalyst employed for this reaction has been studied extensively for many years, and recent progress now has the potential to turn it into a prototype for complex promotional interactions in heterogeneous catalysis. © 2016 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Progression of Myopic Maculopathy during 18-Year Follow-up.

PubMed

Fang, Yuxin; Yokoi, Tae; Nagaoka, Natsuko; Shinohara, Kosei; Onishi, Yuka; Ishida, Tomoka; Yoshida, Takeshi; Xu, Xian; Jonas, Jost B; Ohno-Matsui, Kyoko

2018-06-01

To examine the progression pattern of myopic maculopathy. Retrospective, observational case series. Highly myopic patients who had been followed up for 10 years or more. Using fundus photographs, myopic features were differentiated according to Meta-analysis of Pathologic Myopia (META-PM) Study Group recommendations. Progression pattern of maculopathy. The study included 810 eyes of 432 patients (mean age, 42.3±16.8 years; mean axial length, 28.8±1.9 mm; mean follow-up, 18.7±7.1 years). The progression rate of myopic maculopathy was 47.0 per 1000 eye-years. Within the pathologic myopia (PM) group (n = 521 eyes), progression of myopic maculopathy was associated with female gender (odds ratio [OR], 2.21; P = 0.001), older age (OR, 1.03; P = 0.002), longer axial length (OR, 1.20; P = 0.007), greater axial elongation (OR, 1.45; P = 0.005), and development of parapapillary atrophy (PPA; OR, 3.14; P < 0.001). Diffuse atrophy, found in 217 eyes without choroidal neovascularization (CNV) or lacquer cracks (LCs) at baseline, progressed in 111 (51%) eyes, leading to macular diffuse atrophy (n = 64; 64/111 or 58%), patchy atrophy (n = 59; 53%), myopic CNV (n = 18; 16%), LCs (n = 9; 5%), and patchy-related macular atrophy (n = 3; 3%). Patchy atrophy, detected in 63 eyes without CNV or LCs at baseline, showed progression in 60 eyes (95%), leading to enlargement of original patchy atrophy (n = 59; 59/60 or 98%), new patchy atrophy (n = 29; 48%), CNV-related macular atrophy (n = 13; 22%), and patchy-related macular atrophy (n = 5; 8%). Of 66 eyes with LCs, 43 eyes (65%) showed progression with development of new patchy atrophy (n = 38; 38/43 or 88%) and new LCs (n = 7; 16%). Reduction in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was associated mainly (all P < 0.001) with the development of CNV or CNV-related macular atrophy and enlargement of macular atrophy. The most frequent progression patterns were an extension of peripapillary diffuse atrophy to macular diffuse atrophy in diffuse atrophy, enlargement of the original atrophic lesion in patchy atrophy, and development of patchy atrophy in LCs. Main risk factors for progression were older age, longer axial length, and development of PPA. Copyright © 2018 American Academy of Ophthalmology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Myopic progression and dark focus variation in optometric students during the first academic year.

PubMed

Jiang, Bai-chuan; Schatz, Scott; Seger, Ken

2005-05-01

The aim of this research was to investigate the change in refractive error (RE) of optometric students during their first academic year and whether these changes relate to changes in their dark focus (DF). The RE and DF of 64 students were measured objectively every three months during the first academic year, a total of four times, using a Canon R-1 infrared optometer. Thirty-five of the 64 students had an additional RE and DF measurement three weeks immediately after their Summer vacation. Students completed a survey regarding the near work demands they experienced during the Winter break and the teaching semesters. Over nine months, the average RE of the students changed significantly from -2.22 +/- 1.93 (SD) D to -2.50 +/- 2.05 D (p = 0.0002). The rate of myopic progression averaged -0.37 dioptres per year. Inclusion of measurements taken on 35 students immediately after the Summer vacation showed that their change in RE during the Summer vacation was not significant (p = 0.79). For these subjects, the DF measured immediately after the vacation was significantly lower than the DF measured before the vacation (p = 0.007). The reduction in the DF after the vacations corresponded to a period of relative myopic stability in these subjects. The results of this study suggest that optometric students performing extensive near work are at risk of developing myopia. The variation of their DF values indicates the changing demand for near work during different periods of the year. After Winter and Summer vacations, the DF was lower and the myopic progression was suspended. These findings further support the notion that myopic progression is related to high near work demands and suggest that this progression can be slowed by a period of reduced near work, for example, vacation periods.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gu, Meng; He, Yang; Zheng, Jianming

Silicon (Si), associated with its natural abundance, low discharge voltage vs. Li/Li+, and extremely high theoretical discharge capacity (~ 4200 mAh g-1,), has been extensively explored as anode for lithium ion battery. One of the key challenges for using Si as anode is the large volume change upon lithiation and delithiation, which causes a fast capacity fading. Over the last few years, dramatic progress has been made for addressing this issue. In this paper, we summarize the progress towards tailoring of Si as anode for lithium ion battery. The paper is organized such that it covers the fundamentals, the promisemore » offered based on nanoscale designing, and the remaining challenges that need to be attacked to allow using of Si based materials as anode for battery.« less

Gorham's disease of the proximal tibia successfully treated with local administration of OK-432, followed by reconstruction with distraction osteogenesis: a case report.

PubMed

Yamagishi, Eiki; Takeda, Akira; Konno, Shinichi; Takeda, Koichiro; Hagino, Seita; Hakozaki, Michiyuki

2016-01-01

Gorham's disease (GD) is a rare and intractable disease characterized by marked progression of osteolysis associated with lymphangioma and/or hemangioma. Here, we describe a case of GD of the proximal tibia occurring in a 10-year-old boy. Although we could not correctly diagnose it at first, we finally diagnosed him as having GD. Progression of osteolysis of the tibia stopped 3 months after the local administration of OK-432. Thereafter, the huge bone defect with varus and extension deformity was reconstructed successfully by distraction osteogenesis using the Ilizarov method. The present case suggests that local administration of OK-432, followed by distraction osteogenesis is a treatment option for GD.

The Qatar Biobank: background and methods.

PubMed

Al Kuwari, Hanan; Al Thani, Asma; Al Marri, Ajayeb; Al Kaabi, Abdulla; Abderrahim, Hadi; Afifi, Nahla; Qafoud, Fatima; Chan, Queenie; Tzoulaki, Ioanna; Downey, Paul; Ward, Heather; Murphy, Neil; Riboli, Elio; Elliott, Paul

2015-12-03

The Qatar Biobank aims to collect extensive lifestyle, clinical, and biological information from up to 60,000 men and women Qatari nationals and long-term residents (individuals living in the country for ≥15 years) aged ≥18 years (approximately one-fifth of all Qatari citizens), to follow up these same individuals over the long term to record any subsequent disease, and hence to study the causes and progression of disease, and disease burden, in the Qatari population. Between the 11(th)-December-2012 and 20(th)-February-2014, 1209 participants were recruited into the pilot study of the Qatar Biobank. At recruitment, extensive phenotype information was collected from each participant, including information/measurements of socio-demographic factors, prevalent health conditions, diet, lifestyle, anthropometry, body composition, bone health, cognitive function, grip strength, retinal imaging, total body dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, and measurements of cardiovascular and respiratory function. Blood, urine, and saliva were collected and stored for future research use. A panel of 66 clinical biomarkers was routinely measured on fresh blood samples in all participants. Rates of recruitment are to be progressively increased in the coming period and the recruitment base widened to achieve a cohort of consented individuals broadly representative of the eligible Qatari population. In addition, it is planned to add additional measures in sub-samples of the cohort, including Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the brain, heart and abdomen. The mean time for collection of the extensive phenotypic information and biological samples from each participant at the baseline recruitment visit was 179 min. The 1209 pilot study participants (506 men and 703 women) were aged between 28-80 years (median 39 years); 899 (74.4%) were Qatari nationals and 310 (25.6%) were long-term residents. Approximately two-thirds of pilot participants were educated to graduate level or above. The pilot has proven that recruitment of volunteers into the Qatar Biobank project with intensive baseline measurements of behavioural, physical, and clinical characteristics is well accepted and logistically feasible. Qatar Biobank will provide a powerful resource to investigate the major determinants of ill-health and well-being in Qatar, providing valuable insights into the current and future public health burden that faces the country.

Lower extremity thrust and non-thrust joint mobilization for patellofemoral pain syndrome: a case report.

PubMed

Simpson, Brad G; Simon, Corey B

2014-05-01

A 40-year old female presented to physical therapy with a one-year history of insidious right anteromedial and anterolateral knee pain. Additionally, the patient had a history of multiple lateral ankle sprains bilaterally, the last sprain occurring on the right ankle 1 year prior to the onset of knee pain. The patient was evaluated and given a physical therapy diagnosis of patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), with associated talocrural and tibiofemoral joint hypomobility limiting ankle dorsiflexion and knee extension, respectively. Treatment included a high-velocity low amplitude thrust manipulation to the talocrural joint, which helped restore normal ankle dorsiflexion range of motion. The patient also received tibiofemoral joint non-thrust manual therapy to regain normal knee extension mobility prior to implementing further functional progression exercises to her home program (HEP). This case report highlights the importance of a detailed evaluation of knee and ankle joint mobility in patients presenting with anterior knee pain. Further, manual physical therapy to the lower extremity was found to be successful in restoring normal movement patterns and pain-free function in a patient with chronic anterior knee pain.

Prophylactic cranial irradiation in small cell lung cancer: a single institution experience.

PubMed

Naidoo, J; Kehoe, M; Sasiadek, W; Hacking, D; Calvert, P

2014-03-01

Prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) is used to prevent the development of brain metastases in small cell lung carcinoma. PCI confers an overall survival (OS) benefit in both limited and extensive stage disease. We analyze the incidence of symptomatic brain metastases, progression-free survival (PFS) and OS in a cohort of patients who received PCI, in a 5-year period. A retrospective review of all patients who had received PCI between 2006 and 2011 at the Whitfield Clinic was completed. Patient- and disease-related characteristics, the number of patients who developed brain metastases, PFS and OS data were collected. 24 patients were identified. 14 (58.3 %) patients were male, 10 (41.7 %) were female, with a mean age of 62.5 years (range 31-78). All patients were smokers. 12 (50 %) patients had limited stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC), 12 (50 %) had extensive stage disease. 2 (8.2 %) patients developed brain metastases post PCI (p = 0.478.) The median PFS for limited stage SCLC was 13 months (range 3-20) and 10 months (range 5-18) for extensive stage SCLC. Median OS was 15 months (range 4-29) in limited stage SCLC, and 11 months (range 5-29) in extensive stage SCLC. Our study demonstrated a low incidence of symptomatic brain metastases and favourable median PFS and OS in the patients that received PCI, when compared to published phase III data.

Disease progression and recurrence in women treated for vulvovaginal intraepithelial neoplasia

PubMed Central

Baumann, Marc; Mueller, Michael; Fink, Daniel; Heinzl, Siegfried; Imesch, Patrick; Dedes, Konstantin

2013-01-01

Objective The malignant potential of intraepithelial neoplasia of the vulva and vagina after treatment is not well defined. Our objective was to examine risk factors for recurrence and invasive disease. Methods Four hundred sixty-four women with biopsy proven high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia of the vulva and vagina were identified in the electronic databases of four colposcopy clinics. Inclusion criteria were a follow-up of more than one year, no history of invasive cancer and no invasive cancer within the first year after initial treatment. We investigated the potential factors associated with recurrence and progression using a logistic regression analysis to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results Of the 411 eligible patients, 123 patients (29.9%) recurred later than one year after initial treatment and 24 patients (5.8%) progressed to invasive disease. According to multivariate analyses, the risk factors associated with recurrence were multifocality (OR, 3.33; 95% CI, 2.02 to 5.51), immunosuppression (OR, 2.51; 95% CI, 1.09 to 5.81), excision as initial treatment (vs. laser evaporation; OR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.11 to 2.91) and smoking (OR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.02 to 2.55). Risk factors for progression to invasive disease were immunosuppression (OR, 4.00; 95% CI, 1.30 to 12.25), multifocality (OR, 3.05; 95% CI, 1.25 to 7.43) and smoking (OR, 2.97; 95% CI, 1.16 to 7.60), but not treatment modality. Conclusion Laser evaporation combined with extensive biopsy is at least as efficacious as initial treatment of intraepithelial neoplasia with excision. Smoking is a risk factor for both recurrence and progression to invasive disease. Hence, smoking cessation should be advised and maintaining a long follow-up period due to late relapses is necessary. PMID:23875073

Optic neuritis and rapidly progressive necrotizing retinitis as the initial signs of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis: a case report with clinical and histopathologic findings.

PubMed

Oray, Merih; Tuncer, Samuray; Kir, Nur; Karacorlu, Murat; Tugal-Tutkun, Ilknur

2014-08-01

We report a case of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) presenting first with optic neuritis and rapidly progressive necrotizing retinitis at the posterior pole. We reviewed the clinical, laboratory, photographic, angiographic, and histopathologic records of a patient with SSPE. A 15-year-old girl was referred after rapid loss of vision due to optic neuritis and macular necrosis in the right eye. She had a history of cardiac valve surgery, but had no systemic symptoms and extensive work-up was unrewarding. Contralateral involvement with rapidly progressive optic neuritis and macular necrotizing retinitis prompted retinochoroidal biopsy of the right eye, which revealed necrosis of inner retinal layers and perivascular lymphoplasmocytic infiltration with intact choroid and outer retina without any findings of inclusion bodies, microorganisms, or atypical cells. The diagnosis was based on histopathologic findings consistent with SSPE, and detection of elevated measles antibody titers in cerebrospinal fluid and serum. It was further confirmed by development of typical electroencephalography pattern at 6 months and neurological symptoms at 4-year follow-up. Clinicians need to be aware that optic neuritis and necrotizing retinitis at the posterior pole may be the presenting features of SSPE.

Expected Science Performance of the Square Kilometre Array Phase 1 (SKA1)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bourke, Tyler; Braun, Robert; Bonaldi, Anna; Garcia-Miro, Cristina; Keane, Evan; Wagg, Jeff; SKAO Science Team

2018-01-01

The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) will be the world’s largest radio telescope when Phase 1 (SKA1) is completed in the next decade. The past few years have seen great progress toward this goal, through extensive design activities, with construction to start before the end of this decade, and early operations anticipated to begin around 2026. This poster describes the SKA and presents the expected performance and capabilities of SKA1 based on the modelling and proto-typing to date.

Interleaved concatenated codes: new perspectives on approaching the Shannon limit.

PubMed

Viterbi, A J; Viterbi, A M; Sindhushayana, N T

1997-09-02

The last few years have witnessed a significant decrease in the gap between the Shannon channel capacity limit and what is practically achievable. Progress has resulted from novel extensions of previously known coding techniques involving interleaved concatenated codes. A considerable body of simulation results is now available, supported by an important but limited theoretical basis. This paper presents a computational technique which further ties simulation results to the known theory and reveals a considerable reduction in the complexity required to approach the Shannon limit.

Central amaurosis induced by an intraocular, posttraumatic fibrosarcoma in a cat.

PubMed

Barrett, P M; Merideth, R E; Alarcon, F L

1995-01-01

A 12-year-old, castrated male, domestic shorthair cat with a previous penetrating trauma to the left globe which progressed to a phthisical eye presented for acute blindness. Ophthalmic examination and electroretinography of the right eye were found to be normal. Following euthanasia, gross and microscopic examinations were completed. A left intraocular, posttraumatic fibrosarcoma with extension to the optic nerve and chiasm and induced right optic nerve fiber degeneration at the optic chiasm with necrosis leading to central amaurosis were diagnosed.

Improving Soldier Recovery from Catastrophic Bone Injuries: Developing an Animal Model for Standarizing the Bone Reparative Potential of Emerging Progenitor Cell Therapies

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-08-01

To better understand the cellular basis of a long bone defect, we have utilized the GFP reporters in the closed tibial fracture. The surprise finding...callus. In the coming year we will apply the information learned from the calvarial defect to a non-union extension of the tibial fracture model...initiated a comprehensive examination of the tibial fracture model in mice bearing GFP reporters of lineage progression. This project has been assumed

Leukoencephalopathy with brain stem and spinal cord involvement and high lactate: a genetically proven case without elevated white matter lactate.

PubMed

Sharma, Suvasini; Sankhyan, Naveen; Kumar, Atin; Scheper, Gert C; van der Knaap, Marjo S; Gulati, Sheffali

2011-06-01

A 17-year-old Indian boy with gradually progressive ataxia with onset at 12 years of age is described. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain revealed extensive, inhomogeneous signal abnormalities in the cerebral white matter, with involvement of selected tracts in the brain stem and spinal cord. The imaging findings were characteristic of leukoencephalopathy with brain stem and spinal cord involvement and high lactate, a recently described leukodystrophy. Interestingly, magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the abnormal white matter did not reveal elevated lactate. The patient was compound heterozygous for 2 new mutations in DARS2, genetically confirming the diagnosis.

Medical journals--in the news and for the wrong reasons.

PubMed

Pai, Sanjay A

2014-01-01

2013 has been a landmark year, in fact, a bad year for biomedical journals. Medical journals and their editors have been respected for long, as they are the harbingers of change and of progress in scientific thought. Science expects transparency from the agents through which scientists publish their latest research findings and this expectation is usually fulfilled. Recent developments have, however, thrown into doubt the integrity of some science journals, their editors, and by extension, the entire field of biomedical and science publishing. These developments involve wide-ranging issues--the impact factor, the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE), and the birth, existence and rise of predatory journals.

Progressive Inhibition by Water Deficit of Cell Wall Extensibility and Growth along the Elongation Zone of Maize Roots Is Related to Increased Lignin Metabolism and Progressive Stelar Accumulation of Wall Phenolics1

PubMed Central

Fan, Ling; Linker, Raphael; Gepstein, Shimon; Tanimoto, Eiichi; Yamamoto, Ryoichi; Neumann, Peter M.

2006-01-01

Water deficit caused by addition of polyethylene glycol 6000 at −0.5 MPa water potential to well-aerated nutrient solution for 48 h inhibited the elongation of maize (Zea mays) seedling primary roots. Segmental growth rates in the root elongation zone were maintained 0 to 3 mm behind the tip, but in comparison with well-watered control roots, progressive growth inhibition was initiated by water deficit as expanding cells crossed the region 3 to 9 mm behind the tip. The mechanical extensibility of the cell walls was also progressively inhibited. We investigated the possible involvement in root growth inhibition by water deficit of alterations in metabolism and accumulation of wall-linked phenolic substances. Water deficit increased expression in the root elongation zone of transcripts of two genes involved in lignin biosynthesis, cinnamoyl-CoA reductase 1 and 2, after only 1 h, i.e. before decreases in wall extensibility. Further increases in transcript expression and increased lignin staining were detected after 48 h. Progressive stress-induced increases in wall-linked phenolics at 3 to 6 and 6 to 9 mm behind the root tip were detected by comparing Fourier transform infrared spectra and UV-fluorescence images of isolated cell walls from water deficit and control roots. Increased UV fluorescence and lignin staining colocated to vascular tissues in the stele. Longitudinal bisection of the elongation zone resulted in inward curvature, suggesting that inner, stelar tissues were also rate limiting for root growth. We suggest that spatially localized changes in wall-phenolic metabolism are involved in the progressive inhibition of wall extensibility and root growth and may facilitate root acclimation to drying environments. PMID:16384904

Oblique rift opening revealed by reoccurring magma injection in central Iceland.

PubMed

Ruch, Joël; Wang, Teng; Xu, Wenbin; Hensch, Martin; Jónsson, Sigurjón

2016-08-05

Extension deficit builds up over centuries at divergent plate boundaries and is recurrently removed during rifting events, accompanied by magma intrusions and transient metre-scale deformation. However, information on transient near-field deformation has rarely been captured, hindering progress in understanding rifting mechanisms and evolution. Here we show new evidence of oblique rift opening during a rifting event influenced by pre-existing fractures and two centuries of extension deficit accumulation. This event originated from the Bárðarbunga caldera and led to the largest basaltic eruption in Iceland in >200 years. The results show that the opening was initially accompanied by left-lateral shear that ceased with increasing opening. Our results imply that pre-existing fractures play a key role in controlling oblique rift opening at divergent plate boundaries.

A case of systemic lupus erythematosus presenting as bilateral avascular necrosis of femur.

PubMed

Adikari, Madura; Gunawardane, Aloka; Illangantilaka, Sachithra; Atukorale, Himantha; Rubasinghe, Jeevanie

2016-08-05

Avascular necrosis occur as a result of diverse etiology. Chronic inflammatory conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus considered as a recognize cause. Many cases were reported in systemic lupus erythematosus after treating with corticosteroids. We report a case of a corticosteroid naïve patient presented as bilateral avascular necrosis of femoral head and later progressed to a case of systemic lupus erythematosus. A 26 year old lady presented with right sided hip pain and diagnosed as avascular necrosis of the femoral head. After 6 months she presented a similar pain in left hip, which revealed avascular necrosis of left femoral head as well. A probable cause for her clinical presentation could not be found after extensive clinical and laboratory evaluation. Patient reported high erythrocyte sedimentation rate persistently, and over the next few years progressed as a case of systemic lupus erythematosus. Above case illustrated avascular necrosis could be an early musculoskeletal manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus even in the absence of corticosteroid administration.

Progressive paralyzing sciatica revealing a pelvic pseudoaneurysm a year after hip surgery in a 12yo boy.

PubMed

Boulouis, Grégoire; Shotar, Eimad; Dangouloff-Ros, Volodia; Janklevicz, Pierre-Henri; Boddaert, Nathalie; Naggara, Olivier; Brunelle, Francis

2016-01-01

Identifying extra spinal causes of a lumbar radiculopathy or polyneuropathy can be a tricky diagnosis challenge, especially in children. Among them, traumatic or iatrogenic pseudoaneurysms of iliac arteries have been seldom reported, in adults' series. The authors report an unusual case of progressive paralyzing left sciatica and lumbar plexopathy in a 12 years old boy, 12 months after a pelvic osteotomy for bilateral hip luxation secondary to osteochondritis dissecans. Spine MRI and pelvic CT angiography revealed a giant internal iliac artery pseudoaneurysm, enclosed in a chronic hematoma. The patient was successfully treated with endovascular coil embolization, and subsequent surgical hematoma evacuation. However, three months after treatment, neurological recovery was incomplete. This case highlights the importance of a rapid and extensive diagnosis work up of all causes of lower limb radiculopathies in children, including pelvic arteries lesions especially after pelvic surgery to avoid therapeutic delays that may jeopardize the chances of neurological recovery. Copyright © 2015 European Paediatric Neurology Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Systematic analysis of factors associated with progression and regression of ulcerative colitis in 918 patients.

PubMed

Safroneeva, E; Vavricka, S; Fournier, N; Seibold, F; Mottet, C; Nydegger, A; Ezri, J; Straumann, A; Rogler, G; Schoepfer, A M

2015-09-01

Studies that systematically assess change in ulcerative colitis (UC) extent over time in adult patients are scarce. To assess changes in disease extent over time and to evaluate clinical parameters associated with this change. Data from the Swiss IBD cohort study were analysed. We used logistic regression modelling to identify factors associated with a change in disease extent. A total of 918 UC patients (45.3% females) were included. At diagnosis, UC patients presented with the following disease extent: proctitis [199 patients (21.7%)], left-sided colitis [338 patients (36.8%)] and extensive colitis/pancolitis [381 (41.5%)]. During a median disease duration of 9 [4-16] years, progression and regression was documented in 145 patients (15.8%) and 149 patients (16.2%) respectively. In addition, 624 patients (68.0%) had a stable disease extent. The following factors were identified to be associated with disease progression: treatment with systemic glucocorticoids [odds ratio (OR) 1.704, P = 0.025] and calcineurin inhibitors (OR: 2.716, P = 0.005). No specific factors were found to be associated with disease regression. Over a median disease duration of 9 [4-16] years, about two-thirds of UC patients maintained the initial disease extent; the remaining one-third had experienced either progression or regression of the disease extent. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging study shows progressive pyramidal and callosal damage in Friedreich's ataxia.

PubMed

Rezende, Thiago J R; Silva, Cynthia B; Yassuda, Clarissa L; Campos, Brunno M; D'Abreu, Anelyssa; Cendes, Fernando; Lopes-Cendes, Iscia; França, Marcondes C

2016-01-01

Spinal cord and peripheral nerves are classically known to be damaged in Friedreich's ataxia, but the extent of cerebral involvement in the disease and its progression over time are not yet characterized. The aim of this study was to evaluate longitudinally cerebral damage in Friedreich's ataxia. We enrolled 31 patients and 40 controls, which were evaluated at baseline and after 1 and 2 years. To assess gray matter, we employed voxel-based morphometry and cortical thickness measurements. White matter was evaluated using diffusion tensor imaging. Statistical analyses were both cross-sectional and longitudinal (corrected for multiple comparisons). Group comparison between patients and controls revealed widespread macrostructural differences at baseline: gray matter atrophy in the dentate nuclei, brainstem, and precentral gyri; and white matter atrophy in the cerebellum and superior cerebellar peduncles, brainstem, and periventricular areas. We did not identify any longitudinal volumetric change over time. There were extensive microstructural alterations, including superior cerebellar peduncles, corpus callosum, and pyramidal tracts. Longitudinal analyses identified progressive microstructural abnormalities at the corpus callosum, pyramidal tracts, and superior cerebellar peduncles after 1 year of follow-up. Patients with Friedreich's ataxia present more widespread gray and white matter damage than previously reported, including not only infratentorial areas, but also supratentorial structures. Furthermore, patients with Friedreich's ataxia have progressive microstructural abnormalities amenable to detection in a short-term follow-up. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Silicosis in West Country Granite Workers

PubMed Central

Hale, L. W.; Sheers, G.

1963-01-01

The granite industry in Cornwall and Devon is briefly described, especially the production of dust in dressing the stone. In 1951, 210 granite masons were examined (about 84% of the total at that time) and 37 (17·6%) showed silicosis. These men were followed up for 10 years. No silicosis was seen in men with less than 15 years' exposure, but after this time the risk increased to 11 out of 14 in those with over 35 years' exposure. Nine deaths occurred, two of which were due to silicosis. Radiological progression was observed in 13 of the 28 survivors. It was not necessarily associated with additional exposure but was related to age. More young men progressed. In 1961, 132 of the granite masons (about 93% of the total at that time) were re-examined and nine new cases of silicosis were found to have developed during the 10-year interval. The exposure in the 1961 cases was comparable with that of similar cases in 1951. Thus the risk has not been much reduced over this period. Pulmonary tuberculosis occurred in eight of the 37 cases of silicosis in 1951, and between 1951 and 1961 a further five cases were diagnosed, four being from one locality. This was by far the most frequent and disabling complication. Only one case of progressive massive fibrosis was seen. More extensive use of protective antituberculous chemotherapy is advocated, and also better dust control. Images PMID:14046159

A successful treatment of necrotizing fasciitis following the surgery of distal radius plate removal: A case report and literature review.

PubMed

Cai, Yuchen; Gan, Yaokai; Yu, Chao; Tang, Jian; Sun, Yuehua

2018-04-01

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is defined as a rare, rapidly progressive, and highly lethal skin infection characterized by necrosis of the fascia and subcutaneous tissue. The present study aims to discuss the case of a 35-year-old man who developed NF following a routine sterile right distal radius bone plate removal surgery. The patient was suspected of NF based on his clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, and imaging results. The diagnosis of NF was confirmed by histological examinations. Serial prompt and extensive debridement was performed during the rapid and aggressive extension of the skin infection, together with antibiotics and supportive treatments. The condition of the patient finally improved on the sixth day of disease progression. Skin grafting of his right forearm wound was performed successfully 2 months after the admission. NF can occur during the perioperative period for routine clean radius plate removal operation in patients with no risk factor for NF. The objective is to remind the physicians to stay aware of this disease, especially its early clinical signs and symptoms. Urgent subsequent treatment, including surgical debridement, antibiotic therapy, and supporting management, is the key to ensure the survival and better prognosis of patients.

Food Preservation Mini-Modules Offer Options for Learners and Extension Staff

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Driessen, Suzanne

2013-01-01

Renewed interest in growing and purchasing locally grown foods quadrupled requests for food preservation classes. Economic times tightened budgets, decreasing staffing levels of Extension educators. Offering options via the Internet was a natural progression to meet the increased demand. Extension educators created 20 5-minute online video--like…

Agricultural Extension Services and the Issue of Equity in Agricultural Development.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Monu, Erasmus D.

1981-01-01

Reviews experiments in Kenya and Nigeria attempting to modify the progressive-farmer strategy. Success requires that extension services recognize small farmers' ability to make their own rational decisions and involve farmers in planning and implementing extension programs. Available from: Rural Sociological Society, 325 Morgan Hall, University of…

University Extension and Social Change: Positioning a University of the People in Saskatchewan

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McLean, Scott

2007-01-01

There are two predominant interpretations of the history of Canadian university extension. The "liberal or institutional" perspective argues that extension has been a means for universities to disseminate resources, foster progress in society, and meet the learning needs of individuals. The "critical or nostalgic" perspective…

Prospective study of natural history of deep vein thrombosis: early predictors of poor late outcomes.

PubMed

van Rij, André M; Hill, Gerry; Krysa, Jo; Dutton, Samantha; Dickson, Riordon; Christie, Ross; Smillie, Judi; Jiang, Ping; Solomon, Clive

2013-10-01

A proportion of patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) will develop postthrombotic syndrome (PTS). Currently, the only clearly identified risk factors for developing PTS are recurrent ipsilateral DVT and extensive proximal disease. The aim of the study was to assess the natural history of DVT and identify early predictors of poor clinical outcome at 5 years. Patients with suspected acute DVT in the lower limb were assessed prospectively. All patients with a confirmed DVT were asked to participate in this study. Within 7-10 days after diagnosis of DVT, patients underwent a further review, involving clinical, ultrasound, and air plethysmography assessment of both lower limbs. Patients were reassessed at regular intervals for 5 years. One hundred twenty-two limbs in 114 patients were included in this study. Thrombus regression occurred in two phases, with a rapid regression between 10 days and 3 months, and a more gradual regression thereafter. Reflux developed as thrombus regression occurred. Segmental reflux progressed to axial deep reflux and continued to deteriorate in a significant proportion of patients with iliofemoral-popliteal-calf DVT throughout the 5-year study period. Similarly, venous filling index became progressively more abnormal, in this group, over the course of the study. Four risk factors for PTS were identified as best predictors: extensive clot load on presentation; <50% clot regression at 6 months; venous filling index >2.5 mL/sec; and abnormal outflow rate (<0.6). Patients with three or more of these risk factors had a significant risk of developing PTS with sensitivity 100%, specificity 83%, and positive predictive value 67%. Patients scoring 2 or less did not have PTS at 5 years with a negative predictive value of 100%. This is the first study to show that venous assessment at 6 months post-DVT can predict PTS at 5 years. Those who will not develop PTS can be reassured of this at 6 months. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Lipid-Altering Therapies and the Progression of Atherosclerotic Disease

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wierzbicki, Anthony S.

2007-04-15

Lipids play a key role in the progression of atherosclerosis, and lipid-lowering therapies have been studied for 30 years in coronary disease. Measurement of the progression of atherosclerosis through carotid intima-media thickness, coronary mean lumen diameter, and, mostly recently, intravascular ultrasound is generally accepted. This article reviews the role of lipid-lowering therapies in changing the rate of atherosclerosis progression in the coronary and carotid circulations. Statins are the primary therapy used to reduce atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events, including strokes and transient ischemic attacks, and have benefits in reducing events in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy. In contrast, data for other agents,more » including fibrates and nicotinic acid, in reducing the progression of atherosclerosis are less extensive and not as well known. There is increasing interest in optimizing the whole lipid profile, as this might deliver extra benefits over and above statin therapy alone. Initial proof of this concept has recently come from studies that measured the progression of atherosclerosis and showed that adding nicotinic acid to statin therapy and, more directly, infusion of high-density lipoprotein-like particles reduced progression and indeed might induce regression of the disease. It is likely that the management of significant carotid stenosis will become ever more drug focused and will be customized to the lipid profile of each patient with intervention reserved only for late-stage symptomatic disease.« less

A comparison between progressive extension method (PEM) and iterative method (IM) for magnetic field extrapolations in the solar atmosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wu, S. T.; Sun, M. T.; Sakurai, Takashi

1990-01-01

This paper presents a comparison between two numerical methods for the extrapolation of nonlinear force-free magnetic fields, viz the Iterative Method (IM) and the Progressive Extension Method (PEM). The advantages and disadvantages of these two methods are summarized, and the accuracy and numerical instability are discussed. On the basis of this investigation, it is claimed that the two methods do resemble each other qualitatively.

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"How To" Communities OSU Open Campus Oregon's Agricultural Progress Magazine Emerging Issues Oregon's Agricultural Progress cover image Oregon's Agricultural Progress, the research magazine for the Oregon State University Agricultural Experiment Station. Read current OAP issue » Bridges logo image

The impact of the new biology on radiation risks in space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dicello, John F.

2003-01-01

Radiation is considered to be one of three or four major hazards for personnel in space and has emerged as the most critical issue to be resolved for long-term missions, both orbital and interplanetary. Space habitats are stressful and dangerous environments. Health and medical consequences arising from microgravity, stress, and trauma include weakened immune systems, increased viral activity, and loss of bone mass. The greatest risks from radiation are generally assumed to be cancers and possibly damage to the central nervous system. Synergistic effects arising from the other environmental hazards along with abscopal and exogenic factors are likely. Space programs represent an exceptional opportunity for examining the biological consequences of low-dose exposures of humans to radiation at every level of progression. Although astronauts are a relatively small population, they are healthy, physically active volunteers who undergo extensive testing and medical examinations before, during, and after protracted exposures with periodic follow-up examinations. The radiation environments along with other hazards are likewise monitored and documented. Extensive international research programs are in progress. Seven years ago the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration established the National Space Biomedical Research Institute through a cooperative agreement with a consortium of research and academic institutions in order to address radiation issues through a concerted, programmatic effort. Advanced technologies are rapidly being incorporated into these programs to determine the significance of new biological data and to evaluate the interplay among the different medical hazards. Programmatic in vivo and in vitro studies of the processes leading to carcinogenesis are in progress. Drugs and dietary supplements are being examined at the cellular and in vivo levels to assess their potential as dose-modifying agents. The infrastructure of this new approach, recent results, and research in progress are reviewed and discussed.

User-defined Material Model for Thermo-mechanical Progressive Failure Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Knight, Norman F., Jr.

2008-01-01

Previously a user-defined material model for orthotropic bimodulus materials was developed for linear and nonlinear stress analysis of composite structures using either shell or solid finite elements within a nonlinear finite element analysis tool. Extensions of this user-defined material model to thermo-mechanical progressive failure analysis are described, and the required input data are documented. The extensions include providing for temperature-dependent material properties, archival of the elastic strains, and a thermal strain calculation for materials exhibiting a stress-free temperature.

Gypsy Field project in reservoir characterization

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Castagna, John P.; Jr., O'Meara, Daniel J.

The overall objective of this project was to use extensive Gypsy Field Laboratory and data as a focus for developing and testing reservoir characterization methods that are targeted at improved recovery of conventional oil. This report describes progress since project report DOE/BC/14970-7 and covers the period June 1997-September 1998 and represents one year of funding originally allocated for the year 1996. During the course of the work previously performed, high resolution geophysical and outcrop data revealed the importance of fractures at the Gypsy site. In addition, personnel changes and alternative funding (OCAST and oil company support of various kinds) allowedmore » the authors to leverage DOE contributions and focus more on geophysical characterization.« less

Lower extremity thrust and non-thrust joint mobilization for patellofemoral pain syndrome: a case report

PubMed Central

Simpson, Brad G; Simon, Corey B

2014-01-01

A 40-year old female presented to physical therapy with a one-year history of insidious right anteromedial and anterolateral knee pain. Additionally, the patient had a history of multiple lateral ankle sprains bilaterally, the last sprain occurring on the right ankle 1 year prior to the onset of knee pain. The patient was evaluated and given a physical therapy diagnosis of patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), with associated talocrural and tibiofemoral joint hypomobility limiting ankle dorsiflexion and knee extension, respectively. Treatment included a high-velocity low amplitude thrust manipulation to the talocrural joint, which helped restore normal ankle dorsiflexion range of motion. The patient also received tibiofemoral joint non-thrust manual therapy to regain normal knee extension mobility prior to implementing further functional progression exercises to her home program (HEP). This case report highlights the importance of a detailed evaluation of knee and ankle joint mobility in patients presenting with anterior knee pain. Further, manual physical therapy to the lower extremity was found to be successful in restoring normal movement patterns and pain-free function in a patient with chronic anterior knee pain. PMID:24976753

Post Surgical Giant Epidermal Inclusion Cyst of the Lid and Orbit- A Rare Case

PubMed Central

Mandal, Aparna; Bandyopadhya, Arghya

2015-01-01

Epidermoid cyst within the lid and orbit is extremely rare. Epidermoid tumours are inclusion of ectodermal elements in the site not normally containing these structures. It is of two types; primary type related to implantation of ectoderm at the time of closure of the neural groove and secondary type caused by post traumatic inclusion of the surface epithelium. A 45-year-old male had complaint of swelling on the right upper lid and orbital region. It first appeared two years back. It was painless progressively increased in size and shape. There was difficulty in opening of eye lid due to large swelling, feeling of heaviness in the right upper lid and occasional headache. There was history of right eye ocular infection following vegetative matter injury three years back. Evisceration of right eye was done for aforementioned reason. USG report shows cystic encapsulated mass with calcification foci in right upper lid-orbital region with fat component. MRI right orbit shows fairly large hyperintense cystic lesion seen involving right orbit with posterior extension up to optic canal. No intracranial extension. FNAC confirmed epidermal inclusion cyst. We did upper lid reconstruction with removal of mass. We have successfully removed the mass without any complication and with one year follow-up there is no recurrence. PMID:26500932

[MiRNA system in unicellular eukaryotes and its evolutionary implications].

PubMed

Zhang, Yan-Qiong; Wen, Jian-Fan

2010-02-01

microRNAs (miRNAs) in higher multicellular eukaryotes have been extensively studied in recent years. Great progresses have also been achieved for miRNAs in unicellular eukaryotes. All these studies not only enrich our knowledge about the complex expression regulation system in diverse organisms, but also have evolutionary significance for understanding the origin of this system. In this review, Authors summarize the recent advance in the studies of miRNA in unicellular eukaryotes, including that on the most primitive unicellular eukaryote--Giardia. The origin and evolution of miRNA system is also discussed.

The Evolution of Three Dimensional Visualization for Commanding the Mars Rovers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hartman, Frank R.; Wright, John; Cooper, Brian

2014-01-01

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory has built and operated four rovers on the surface of Mars. Two and three dimensional visualization has been extensively employed to command both the mobility and robotic arm operations of these rovers. Stereo visualization has been an important component in this set of visualization techniques. This paper discusses the progression of the implementation and use of visualization techniques for in-situ operations of these robotic missions. Illustrative examples will be drawn from the results of using these techniques over more than ten years of surface operations on Mars.

Aircraft fire safety research

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Botteri, Benito P.

1987-01-01

During the past 15 years, very significant progress has been made toward enhancing aircraft fire safety in both normal and hostile (combat) operational environments. Most of the major aspects of the aircraft fire safety problem are touched upon here. The technology of aircraft fire protection, although not directly applicable in all cases to spacecraft fire scenarios, nevertheless does provide a solid foundation to build upon. This is particularly true of the extensive research and testing pertaining to aircraft interior fire safety and to onboard inert gas generation systems, both of which are still active areas of investigation.

Micromechanics of composite laminate compression failures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Guynn, E. Gail; Bradley, Walter L.

1988-01-01

The purpose of this annual progress report is to summarize the work effort and results accomplished from July 1987 through July 1988 on NASA Research Grant NAG1-659 entitled Micromechanics of Composite Laminate Compressive Failure. The report contains: (1) the objective of the proposed research, (2) the summary of accomplishments, (3) a more extensive review of compression literature, (4) the planned material (and corresponding properties) received to date, (5) the results for three possible specimen geometries, experimental procedures planned, and current status of the experiments, and (6) the work planned for the next contract year.

Interleaved concatenated codes: New perspectives on approaching the Shannon limit

PubMed Central

Viterbi, A. J.; Viterbi, A. M.; Sindhushayana, N. T.

1997-01-01

The last few years have witnessed a significant decrease in the gap between the Shannon channel capacity limit and what is practically achievable. Progress has resulted from novel extensions of previously known coding techniques involving interleaved concatenated codes. A considerable body of simulation results is now available, supported by an important but limited theoretical basis. This paper presents a computational technique which further ties simulation results to the known theory and reveals a considerable reduction in the complexity required to approach the Shannon limit. PMID:11038568

[Tuberculous otitis media].

PubMed

Hamouda, S; Opsomer, H; Delattre, A; Thumerelle, C; Flammarion, S; Santos, C; Deschildre, A

2008-11-01

Tuberculous otitis media is a rare disease. Its diagnosis is often made late. We report the case of a 13-year-old girl presenting with a right chronic otitis media and a massive and painful cervical adenitis. High resolution CT-scan revealed cervical and mediastinal adenitis associated with extensive lesions involving the middle ear, mastoid air cells, and sphenoidal bone. The diagnosis of tuberculous otitis media was made on a positive tuberculin skin test and on the identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in gastric juices. The young girl progressed well after 9 months of antituberculous chemotherapy.

Unilateral temporal myositis heralding polymyositis: ultrasonographic and elastographic findings. Case report.

PubMed

Damian, Laura; Botar Jid, Carolina; Rogojan, Liliana; Dinu, Cristian; Maniu, Alma; Fodor, Daniela; Rednic, Simona; Simon, Siao-Pin

2016-03-01

Temporal myositis is a rare inflammatory disease of the temporal muscle. We report a case of unilateral temporal myositis, in which a polymyositis was diagnosed two years thereafter. Although focal myositis may rarely herald polymyositis, isolated temporal myositis preceding inflammatory myopathies has not been described, to our knowledge. In the setting of a temporal pain and swelling, ultrasonography may help in diagnosis, biopsy guidance, disease extension, and progression assessment. Further studies are necessary to establish the role of elastography in differentiating between muscle inflammation and hypertrophy.

Aggressive hemangioma of the thoracic spine.

PubMed

Schrock, Wesley B; Wetzel, Raun J; Tanner, Stephanie C; Khan, Majid A

2011-01-01

Vertebral hemangiomas are common lesions and usually considered benign. A rare subset of them, however, are characterized by extra-osseous extension, bone expansion, disturbance of blood flow, and occasionally compression fractures and thereby referred to as aggressive hemangiomas. We present a case of a 67-year-old woman with progressive paraplegia and an infiltrative mass of T4 vertebra causing mass effect on the spinal cord. Multiple conventional imaging modalities were utilized to suggest the diagnosis of aggressive hemangioma. Final pathologic diagnosis after decompressive surgery confirmed the diagnosis of an osseous hemangioma.

Aggressive hemangioma of the thoracic spine

PubMed Central

Schrock, Wesley B.; Wetzel, Raun J.; Tanner, Stephanie C.; Khan, Majid A.

2011-01-01

Vertebral hemangiomas are common lesions and usually considered benign. A rare subset of them, however, are characterized by extra-osseous extension, bone expansion, disturbance of blood flow, and occasionally compression fractures and thereby referred to as aggressive hemangiomas. We present a case of a 67-year-old woman with progressive paraplegia and an infiltrative mass of T4 vertebra causing mass effect on the spinal cord. Multiple conventional imaging modalities were utilized to suggest the diagnosis of aggressive hemangioma. Final pathologic diagnosis after decompressive surgery confirmed the diagnosis of an osseous hemangioma. PMID:22470764

Current concepts in AIDS pathogenesis: insights from the SIV/macaque model.

PubMed

Lackner, Andrew A; Veazey, Ronald S

2007-01-01

The pathogenesis of AIDS has proven to be quite complex and dynamic, with most of the critical events (e.g., transmission, CD4(+) T cell destruction) occurring in tissues that are not easily accessible for analysis. In addition, although the disease can progress over years, many critical events happen within the first few weeks of infection, when most patients are unaware that they are infected. The nonhuman primate model of AIDS has been used extensively to fill these gaps in our understanding of AIDS pathogenesis.

Dementia Pugilistica Revisited

PubMed Central

Castellani, Rudy J.; Perry, George

2017-01-01

 Extensive exposure of boxers to neurotrauma in the early 20th century led to the so-called punch drunk syndrome, which was formally recognized in the medical literature in 1928. “Punch drunk” terminology was replaced by the less derisive ‘dementia pugilistica’ in 1937. In the early case material, the diagnosis of dementia pugilistica required neurological deficits, including slurring dysarthria, ataxia, pyramidal signs, extrapyramidal signs, memory impairment, and personality changes, although the specific clinical substrate has assumed lesser importance in recent years with a shift in focus on molecular pathogenesis. The postmortem neuropathology of dementia pugilistica has also evolved substantially over the past 90 years, from suspected concussion-related hemorrhages to diverse structural and neurofibrillary changes to geographic tauopathy. Progressive neurodegenerative tauopathy is among the prevailing theories for disease pathogenesis currently, although this may be overly simplistic. Careful examination of historical cases reveals both misdiagnoses and a likelihood that dementia pugilistica at that time was caused by cumulative structural brain injury. More recent neuropathological studies indicate subclinical and possibly static tauopathy in some athletes and non-athletes. Indeed, it is unclear from the literature whether retired boxers reach the inflection point that tends toward progressive neurodegeneration in the manner of Alzheimer’s disease due to boxing. Even among historical cases with extreme levels of exposure, progressive disease was exceptional. PMID:29036831

Multilevel thoracic hemangioma with spinal cord compression in a pediatric patient: case report and review of the literature.

PubMed

Cherian, Jacob; Sayama, Christina M; Adesina, Adekunle M; Lam, Sandi K; Luerssen, Thomas G; Jea, Andrew

2014-09-01

Vertebral hemangiomas are common benign vascular tumors of the spine. It is very rare for these lesions to symptomatically compress neural elements. If spinal cord compression does occur, it usually involves only a single level. Multilevel vertebral hemangiomas causing symptomatic spinal cord compression have never been reported in the pediatric population to the best of our knowledge. We report the case of a 15-year-old boy presenting with progressive paraparesis due to thoracic spinal cord compression from a multilevel thoracic hemangioma (T5-T10) with epidural extension. Because of his progressive neurological deficit, he was initially treated with urgent multilevel decompressive laminectomies from T4 to T11. This was to be followed by radiotherapy for residual tumor, but the patient was unfortunately lost to follow-up. He re-presented 3 years later with recurrent paraparesis and progressive disease. This was treated with urgent radiotherapy with good response. As of 6 months follow-up, he has made an excellent neurological recovery. In this report, we present the first case of a child with multilevel vertebral hemangiomas causing symptomatic spinal cord compression and review the literature to detail the pathophysiology, management, and treatment of other cases of spinal cord compression by vertebral hemangiomas.

Finger extension weakness and downbeat nystagmus motor neuron disease syndrome: A novel motor neuron disorder?

PubMed

Delva, Aline; Thakore, Nimish; Pioro, Erik P; Poesen, Koen; Saunders-Pullman, Rachel; Meijer, Inge A; Rucker, Janet C; Kissel, John T; Van Damme, Philip

2017-12-01

Disturbances of eye movements are infrequently encountered in motor neuron diseases (MNDs) or motor neuropathies, and there is no known syndrome that combines progressive muscle weakness with downbeat nystagmus. To describe the core clinical features of a syndrome of MND associated with downbeat nystagmus, clinical features were collected from 6 patients. All patients had slowly progressive muscle weakness and wasting in combination with downbeat nystagmus, which was clinically most obvious in downward and lateral gaze. Onset was in the second to fourth decade with finger extension weakness, progressing to other distal and sometimes more proximal muscles. Visual complaints were not always present. Electrodiagnostic testing showed signs of regional motor axonal loss in all patients. The etiology of this syndrome remains elusive. Because finger extension weakness and downbeat nystagmus are the discriminating clinical features of this MND, we propose the name FEWDON-MND syndrome. Muscle Nerve 56: 1164-1168, 2017. © 2017 The Authors Muscle & Nerve Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Finger extension weakness and downbeat nystagmus motor neuron disease syndrome: A novel motor neuron disorder?

PubMed Central

Delva, Aline; Thakore, Nimish; Pioro, Erik P.; Poesen, Koen; Saunders‐Pullman, Rachel; Meijer, Inge A.; Rucker, Janet C.; Kissel, John T.

2017-01-01

ABSTACT Introduction: Disturbances of eye movements are infrequently encountered in motor neuron diseases (MNDs) or motor neuropathies, and there is no known syndrome that combines progressive muscle weakness with downbeat nystagmus. Methods: To describe the core clinical features of a syndrome of MND associated with downbeat nystagmus, clinical features were collected from 6 patients. Results: All patients had slowly progressive muscle weakness and wasting in combination with downbeat nystagmus, which was clinically most obvious in downward and lateral gaze. Onset was in the second to fourth decade with finger extension weakness, progressing to other distal and sometimes more proximal muscles. Visual complaints were not always present. Electrodiagnostic testing showed signs of regional motor axonal loss in all patients. Discussion: The etiology of this syndrome remains elusive. Because finger extension weakness and downbeat nystagmus are the discriminating clinical features of this MND, we propose the name FEWDON‐MND syndrome. Muscle Nerve 56: 1164–1168, 2017 PMID:28440863

77 FR 48540 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Extension of a Currently Approved Collection; Semi...

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2012-08-14

... of a Currently Approved Collection; Semi-Annual Progress Report for the Sexual Assault Services...-Annual Progress Report for Grantees from the Semi-Annual Progress Report for the Sexual Assault Services... assistance for adult, youth, and child victims of sexual assault, family and household members of victims...

Progress Evaluation for the Restaurant Industry Assessed by a Voluntary Marketing-Mix and Choice-Architecture Framework That Offers Strategies to Nudge American Customers toward Healthy Food Environments, 2006-2017.

PubMed

Kraak, Vivica; Englund, Tessa; Misyak, Sarah; Serrano, Elena

2017-07-12

Consumption of restaurant food and beverage products high in fat, sugar and sodium contribute to obesity and non-communicable diseases. We evaluated restaurant-sector progress to promote healthy food environments for Americans. We conducted a desk review of seven electronic databases (January 2006-January 2017) to examine restaurant strategies used to promote healthful options in the United States (U.S.). Evidence selection ( n = 84) was guided by the LEAD principles (i.e., locate, evaluate, and assemble evidence to inform decisions) and verified by data and investigator triangulation. A marketing-mix and choice-architecture framework was used to examine eight voluntary strategies (i.e., place, profile, portion, pricing, promotion, healthy default picks, priming or prompting and proximity) to evaluate progress (i.e., no, limited, some or extensive) toward 12 performance metrics based on available published evidence. The U.S. restaurant sector has made limited progress to use pricing, profile (reformulation), healthy default picks (choices), promotion (responsible marketing) and priming and prompting (information and labeling); and some progress to reduce portions. No evidence was available to assess progress for place (ambience) and proximity (positioning) to promote healthy choices during the 10-year review period. Chain and non-chain restaurants can apply comprehensive marketing-mix and nudge strategies to promote healthy food environments for customers.

Progress Evaluation for the Restaurant Industry Assessed by a Voluntary Marketing-Mix and Choice-Architecture Framework That Offers Strategies to Nudge American Customers toward Healthy Food Environments, 2006–2017

PubMed Central

Misyak, Sarah; Serrano, Elena

2017-01-01

Consumption of restaurant food and beverage products high in fat, sugar and sodium contribute to obesity and non-communicable diseases. We evaluated restaurant-sector progress to promote healthy food environments for Americans. We conducted a desk review of seven electronic databases (January 2006–January 2017) to examine restaurant strategies used to promote healthful options in the United States (U.S.). Evidence selection (n = 84) was guided by the LEAD principles (i.e., locate, evaluate, and assemble evidence to inform decisions) and verified by data and investigator triangulation. A marketing-mix and choice-architecture framework was used to examine eight voluntary strategies (i.e., place, profile, portion, pricing, promotion, healthy default picks, priming or prompting and proximity) to evaluate progress (i.e., no, limited, some or extensive) toward 12 performance metrics based on available published evidence. The U.S. restaurant sector has made limited progress to use pricing, profile (reformulation), healthy default picks (choices), promotion (responsible marketing) and priming and prompting (information and labeling); and some progress to reduce portions. No evidence was available to assess progress for place (ambience) and proximity (positioning) to promote healthy choices during the 10-year review period. Chain and non-chain restaurants can apply comprehensive marketing-mix and nudge strategies to promote healthy food environments for customers. PMID:28704965

The Learning Facilitation Role of Agricultural Extension Workers in the Adoption of Integrated Pest Management by Tropical Fruit Growers in Thailand.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Elsey, Barry; Sirichoti, Kittipong

2002-01-01

A sample of 120 Thai fruit growers reported that agricultural extension workers were influential in their adoption of integrated pest management, which balances cultural tradition and progressive practice. Extension workers used discussion and reflection on practical experience, a participatory and collaborative approach to the adoption of…

Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM): novel biological insights and development of early treatment strategies

PubMed Central

Kristinsson, Sigurdur Y.

2011-01-01

Monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS) and smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) are asymptomatic plasma cell dyscrasias, with a propensity to progress to symptomatic MM. In recent years there have been improvements in risk stratification models (involving molecular markers) of both disorders, which have led to better understanding of the biology and probability of progression of MGUS and SMM. In the context of numerous molecular events and heterogeneous risk of progression, developing individualized risk profiles for patients with MGUS and SMM represents an ongoing challenge that has to be addressed by prospective clinical monitoring and extensive correlative science. In this review we discuss the current standard of care of patients with MGUS and SMM, the use of risk models, including flow cytometry and free-light chain analyses, for predicting risk of progression. Emerging evidence from molecular studies on MGUS and SMM, involving cytogenetics, gene-expression profiling, and microRNA as well as molecular imaging is described. Finally, future directions for improving individualized management of MGUS and SMM patients, as well as the potential for developing early treatment strategies designed to delay and prevent development of MM are discussed. PMID:21441462

Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM): novel biological insights and development of early treatment strategies.

PubMed

Korde, Neha; Kristinsson, Sigurdur Y; Landgren, Ola

2011-05-26

Monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS) and smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) are asymptomatic plasma cell dyscrasias, with a propensity to progress to symptomatic MM. In recent years there have been improvements in risk stratification models (involving molecular markers) of both disorders, which have led to better understanding of the biology and probability of progression of MGUS and SMM. In the context of numerous molecular events and heterogeneous risk of progression, developing individualized risk profiles for patients with MGUS and SMM represents an ongoing challenge that has to be addressed by prospective clinical monitoring and extensive correlative science. In this review we discuss the current standard of care of patients with MGUS and SMM, the use of risk models, including flow cytometry and free-light chain analyses, for predicting risk of progression. Emerging evidence from molecular studies on MGUS and SMM, involving cytogenetics, gene-expression profiling, and microRNA as well as molecular imaging is described. Finally, future directions for improving individualized management of MGUS and SMM patients, as well as the potential for developing early treatment strategies designed to delay and prevent development of MM are discussed.

A progressive data compression scheme based upon adaptive transform coding: Mixture block coding of natural images

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rost, Martin C.; Sayood, Khalid

1991-01-01

A method for efficiently coding natural images using a vector-quantized variable-blocksized transform source coder is presented. The method, mixture block coding (MBC), incorporates variable-rate coding by using a mixture of discrete cosine transform (DCT) source coders. Which coders are selected to code any given image region is made through a threshold driven distortion criterion. In this paper, MBC is used in two different applications. The base method is concerned with single-pass low-rate image data compression. The second is a natural extension of the base method which allows for low-rate progressive transmission (PT). Since the base method adapts easily to progressive coding, it offers the aesthetic advantage of progressive coding without incorporating extensive channel overhead. Image compression rates of approximately 0.5 bit/pel are demonstrated for both monochrome and color images.

Tinea corporis due to Trichophyton rubrum in a woman and Tinea capitis in her 15-day-old baby: molecular evidence of vertical transmission.

PubMed

Mapelli, E T M; Borghi, E; Cerri, A; Sciota, R; Morace, G; Menni, S

2012-03-01

We report a case of a 40-year-old Caucasian woman who came under our observation with a 7-year history of a chronic erythematous scaly dermatitis, diagnosed as psoriasis, involving gluteal area and thighs, and treated with topical steroids without benefit. During pregnancy, a progressive worsening of her condition and an extension of cutaneous lesions were observed. Her newborn, a 15-day-old girl, presented a similar scaly and squamous lesion on her scalp. Mycological examination was positive for Trichophyton rubrum in both cases, and random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis confirmed the isogenicity of the two isolates. We performed a diagnosis of T. rubrum tinea corporis and tinea capitis. The case we describe illustrates an unusual clinical presentation of tinea corporis with remarkable extension of cutaneous lesions due to the diagnostic delay and the continuous use of local steroids, together with a rare tinea capitis in the newborn. Our experience highlights the possibility of mother-child transmission and the importance of an early diagnosis.

Total En Bloc Spondylectomy for Locally Aggressive Vertebral Hemangioma Causing Neurological Deficits

PubMed Central

Ogawa, Ryo; Hikata, Tomohiro; Fujita, Nobuyuki; Iwanami, Akio; Watanabe, Kota; Ishii, Ken; Nakamura, Masaya; Toyama, Yoshiaki; Matsumoto, Morio

2015-01-01

Vertebral hemangiomas are common; however, aggressive vertebral hemangiomas with extraosseous extensions causing neurological deficits are rare. The treatment for this subtype of hemangioma remains controversial, since there are few reports on long-term clinical outcomes or tumor recurrence rates. We describe a case of aggressive vertebral hemangioma treated by total en bloc spondylectomy, with a literature review focusing on long-term recurrence. A 52-year-old male with a two-month history of numbness in the bilateral lower extremities was referred to our hospital. Imaging studies showed a tumor originating in the T9 vertebra and extending to the T8 and T10 vertebrae, with extraosseous extension causing spinal-cord compression. Ten months after onset, the patient presented with progressive paraparesis and hypalgesia. Total en bloc spondylectomy was performed, and pathology was consistent with cavernous hemangioma. Motor and sensory deficits improved significantly, and no signs of recurrence are seen at 2.5 years after operation. A review of literature revealed a recurrence rate of 12.7% (10/79 cases). The available evidence indicates satisfactory long-term outcomes for total tumor resection without adjuvant radiotherapy. PMID:25918662

Slow Disease Progression in a C57BL/6 Pten-Deficient Mouse Model of Prostate Cancer

PubMed Central

Svensson, Robert U.; Haverkamp, Jessica M.; Thedens, Daniel R.; Cohen, Michael B.; Ratliff, Timothy L.; Henry, Michael D.

2011-01-01

Prostate-specific deletion of Pten in mice has been reported to recapitulate histological progression of human prostate cancer. To improve on this model, we introduced the conditional ROSA26 luciferase reporter allele to monitor prostate cancer progression via bioluminescence imaging and extensively backcrossed mice onto the albino C57BL/6 genetic background to address variability in tumor kinetics and to enhance imaging sensitivity. Bioluminescence signal increased rapidly in Ptenp−/− mice from 3 to 11 weeks, but was much slower from 11 to 52 weeks. Changes in bioluminescence signal were correlated with epithelial proliferation. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed progressive increases in prostate volume, which were attributed to excessive fluid retention in the anterior prostate and to expansion of the stroma. Development of invasive prostate cancer in 52-week-old Ptenp−/− mice was rare, indicating that disease progression was slowed relative to that in previous reports. Tumors in these mice exhibited a spontaneous inflammatory phenotype and were rapidly infiltrated by myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Although Ptenp−/− tumors responded to androgen withdrawal, they failed to exhibit relapsed growth for up to 1 year. Taken together, these data identify a mild prostate cancer phenotype in C57BL/6 prostate-specific Pten-deficient mice, reflecting effects of the C57BL/6 genetic background on cancer progression. This model provides a platform for noninvasive assessment of how genetic and environmental risk factors may affect disease progression. PMID:21703427

The cortical damage, early relapses, and onset of the progressive phase in multiple sclerosis.

PubMed

Scalfari, Antonio; Romualdi, Chiara; Nicholas, Richard S; Mattoscio, Miriam; Magliozzi, Roberta; Morra, Aldo; Monaco, Salvatore; Muraro, Paolo A; Calabrese, Massimiliano

2018-05-16

To investigate the relationship among cortical radiologic changes, the number of early relapses (ERs), and the long-term course of multiple sclerosis (MS). In this cohort study, we assessed the number of cortical lesions (CLs) and white matter (WM) lesions and the cortical thickness (Cth) at clinical onset and after 7.9 mean years among 219 patients with relapsing remitting (RR) MS with 1 (Low-ER), 2 (Mid-ER), and ≥3 (High-ER) ERs during the first 2 years. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses investigated early factors influencing the risk of secondary progressive (SP) MS. Fifty-nine patients (27%) converted to SPMS in 6.1 mean years. A larger number of CLs at onset predicted a higher risk of SPMS (hazard ratio [HR] 2.16, 4.79, and 12.3 for 2, 5, and 7 CLs, respectively, p < 0.001) and shorter latency to progression. The High-ER compared to the Low-ER and Mid-ER groups had a larger volume of WM lesions and CLs at onset, accrued more CLs, experienced more severe cortical atrophy over time, and entered the SP phase more rapidly. In the multivariate model, older age at onset (HR 1.97, p < 0.001), a larger baseline CL (HR 2.21, p = 0.005) and WM lesion (HR 1.32, p = 0.03) volume, early changes of global Cth (HR 1.36, p = 0.03), and ≥3 ERs (HR 6.08, p < 0.001) independently predicted a higher probability of SP. Extensive cortical damage at onset is associated with florid inflammatory clinical activity and predisposes to a rapid occurrence of the progressive phase. Age at onset, the number of early attacks, and the extent of baseline focal cortical damage can identify groups at high risk of progression who may benefit from more active therapy. © 2018 American Academy of Neurology.

A phase 1 study of the PI3Kδ inhibitor idelalisib in patients with relapsed/refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL)

PubMed Central

Spurgeon, Stephen E.; Furman, Richard R.; Flinn, Ian W.; Coutre, Steven E.; Brown, Jennifer R.; Benson, Don M.; Byrd, John C.; Peterman, Sissy; Cho, Yoonjin; Yu, Albert; Godfrey, Wayne R.; Wagner-Johnston, Nina D.

2014-01-01

Idelalisib, an oral inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase δ (PI3Kδ), was evaluated in a 48-week phase 1 study (50-350 mg daily or twice daily) enrolling 40 patients with relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). Primary outcome was safety and dose-limiting toxicity (DLT). Secondary outcomes were pharmacokinetic parameters, pharmacodynamic effects, overall response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), and duration of response (DOR). Patients without DLT and no evidence of disease progression after 48 weeks enrolled in the extension study. Patients had median age of 69 years (range, 52-83) and received median of 4 prior therapies (1-14); 17 of 40 patients (43%) were refractory to their most recent treatment. Median duration of idelalisib treatment was 3.5 months (range, 0.7-30.7), with 6 (15%) continuing extension treatment. Common grade ≥3 adverse events (AEs) included (total%/grade ≥3%) diarrhea (40/18), nausea (33/5), pyrexia (28/0), fatigue (25/3), rash (23/3), decreased appetite (20/15), upper respiratory infection (20/0), pneumonia (13/10), and alanine transaminase or aspartate transaminase elevations (60/20). ORR was 16 of 40 patients (40%), with CR in 2 of 40 patients (5%). Median DOR was 2.7 months, median PFS was 3.7 months, and 1-year PFS was 22%. These data provide proof of concept that targeting PI3Kδ is a viable strategy and worthy of additional study in MCL. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT00710528. PMID:24615778

Outcomes of hip resurfacing in a professional dancer: a case report.

PubMed

Dunleavy, Kim

2012-02-01

A new surgical option (hip resurfacing arthroplasty) is now available for younger patients with hip osteoarthritis. A more aggressive rehabilitation program than the typical total hip arthroplasty protocol is needed for active individuals. This case report describes interventions used to maximize function in a 46-year-old professional dancer after hip resurfacing with a progressive therapeutic exercise program. Exercise choices were selected to address dance-specific requirements while respecting healing of the posterior capsular incision. Strengthening focused on hip abduction, extension, and external rotation. Precautions included avoiding gluteal stretching until 6 months. Pelvic alignment and weight-bearing distribution were emphasized. The patient was able to return to rehearsal by 7 months, at which time strength was equivalent to the unaffected leg. Range of motion reached unaffected side values at week 8 for internal rotation, week 11 for extension, week 13 for adduction, and week 28 for flexion. External rotation and abduction were still limited at 1 year, which influenced pelvic alignment with resultant pain on the unaffected side. Functional and impairment outcomes are presented with timelines to provide a basis for postoperative benchmarks for active clients after hip resurfacing. Although this case report presents a dance-specific program, exercise progressions for other active individuals may benefit from similar exercise intensity and sports-specific focus. Future rehabilitation programs should take into account possible flexion and external rotation range limitations and the need for gluteal muscle strengthening along with symmetry and pelvic alignment correction. Long-term studies investigating intensity of rehabilitation are warranted for patients intending to participate in higher level athletic activity.

The effects of lumbar extensor strength on disability and mobility in patients with persistent low back pain.

PubMed

Helmhout, Pieter H; Witjes, Marloes; Nijhuis-VAN DER Sanden, Ria W; Bron, Carel; van Aalst, Michiel; Staal, J Bart

2017-04-01

It is assumed that low back pain patients who use pain-avoiding immobilizing strategies may benefit from specific back flexion and extension exercises aimed at reducing sagittal lumbar hypomobility. The aim of this study was to test this potential working mechanism in chronic low back pain patients undergoing lumbar extensor strengthening training. A single-group prospective cohort design was used in this study. Patients with persistent low back complaints for at least 2 years were recruited at a specialized physical therapy clinics center. They participated in a progressive 11-week lumbar extensor strength training program, once a week. At baseline, sagittal lumbar mobility in flexion and extension was measured with a computer-assisted inclinometer. Self-rated pain intensity was measured using a visual analogue scale, back-specific functional status was assessed with the Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale and the Patient Specific Complains questionnaire. Statistically significant improvements were found in pain (28% decrease) and functional disability (23% to 36% decrease). Most progress was seen in the first 5 treatment weeks. Lumbar mobility in flexion showed non-significant increases over time (+12%). Pre-post treatment changes in flexion and extension mobility did not contribute significantly to the models. The retained factors together explained 15% to 48% of the variation in outcome. Specific lumbar strengthening showed clinically relevant improvements in pain and disability in patients with persistent chronic low back pain. These improvements did not necessarily relate to improvements in lumbar mobility. Parameters representing other domains of adaptations to exercise may be needed to evaluate the effects of back pain management.

Multidrug-resistant, progressive, invasive diffuse spinal aspergillosis: case report and review of the literature.

PubMed

Andaluz, N; Zuccarello, M

2008-06-01

The authors describe a 65-year-old man who, after 7 years of complete remission from lung cancer, was found on routine oncologic follow imaging to have lesions on several vertebral bodies. Open biopsy of the affected thoracic vertebrae and surrounding soft tissue were negative for neoplasia. Bacteriology cultures revealed colonies of aspergillus fumigatus in all bone samples. Unlike most reported cases in which vertebral compromise rarely extends to more than two adjacent vertebrae, our patient had extensive compromise of the thoracic spine. This infection progressed despite treatment with antifungal regimens known to be effective, even in immunocompromised patients. Invasive aspergillosis of the spine is a rare and typically occurred in terminal patients. However, the spectrum of hosts and clinical presentations of invasive aspergillosis are increasing, due in part to better medical treatments that prolong the survival of patients with cancer, severe infections, and organ failure. In reviewing the literature, the authors discuss the currently available therapies for such infections of the spine, and highlight the growing incidence these and other formerly rare infections.

[Streptococcus milleri: An unusual cause of skull extensive osteomyelitis in an immunocompetent patient].

PubMed

Duquenne, C; Dernis, E; Zehrouni, A; Bizon, A; Duquenne, M

2017-09-01

Streptococcus milleri (Streptococcus anginosus, intermedius and constellatus) are commensal organisms, which can become pathogenic and cause infection with frequent abscess formation, local or metastatic extension. Osteomyelitis of the skull has been rarely reported in this type of infection. Skull osteomyelitis due to Streptococcus milleri is reported in a 61-year-old immunocompetent man without any medical history, occurring 10 months after a head injury without any wound or complication at initial presentation. A progressive right parieto-occipital headache with worsening and increased acute phase reactants evoked a giant cell arteritis. After few days of corticosteroid therapy (0.5 mg/kg/day), diagnosis of subcutaneous abscess associated to an extensive osteomyelitis of the skull due to Streptococcus milleri was diagnosed. The outcome was favorable after drainage of one liter of pus, irrigation, debridement and antibiotherapy by amoxicillin for 8 weeks. It is necessary to discuss the differential diagnosis of giant cell arteritis particularly when symptoms are unusual. Even a short-term corticosteroid therapy may dramatically exacerbate an undetected infection. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier SAS.

Long-term efficacy of rasagiline in early Parkinson's disease.

PubMed

Lew, Mark F; Hauser, Robert A; Hurtig, Howard I; Ondo, William G; Wojcieszek, Joanne; Goren, Tamar; Fitzer-Attas, Cheryl J

2010-06-01

This study was designed to follow the long-term efficacy, safety, and tolerability of rasagiline for Parkinson's disease (PD) with data collected from all patients who had ever taken rasagiline during the 12-month TEMPO monotherapy trial (N = 398) and subsequent open-label extension. Patients were followed for up to 6.5 years with a mean of 3.5 +/- 2.1 years. After 12 months, additional PD medications were added as required. Of patients remaining in the trial at 2 years, 46% were maintained on rasagiline monotherapy. The majority of patients received a dopamine agonist prior to levodopa as the first additional dopaminergic agent. Analysis using a Kaplan-Meier method indicated that by 5.4 years only 25% of patients progressed to Hoehn & Yahr stage III. Rasagiline was well tolerated, with 11.3% of patients (45/398) withdrawing because of an adverse event. Rasagiline therapy for PD was effective, well tolerated, and safe in this long-term trial.

Quadriplegia secondary to cervical spondylotic myelopathy-a rare complication of head and neck surgery.

PubMed

Chen, Wei-Fan; Kang, Chung-Jan; Lee, Sai-Cheung; Tsao, Chung-Kan

2013-02-01

Free tissue reconstruction after ablation of head and neck malignancy often requires extensive cervical manipulation, which may exacerbate preexisting cervical spondylosis and result in progression to cervical myelopathy. We present a rare case of postoperative quadriplegia caused by cervical spondylotic myelopathy after head and neck reconstruction. A 63-year-old man without a history of cervical spondylosis underwent resection of a gingivo-buccal squamous cell carcinoma with immediate reconstruction with free fibula osteocutaneous flap. On postoperative day 4, the patient was found to have quadriplegia. MRI demonstrated severe cervical myelopathy. Decompressive laminectomy was performed. The patient underwent an extensive rehabilitation program but only realized moderate improvement. Cervical spondylotic myelopathy is a rare but disastrous complication of head and neck surgery. We hypothesize that it is potentially avoidable with heightened awareness of this disease entity, preoperative identification of patients at risk, and prophylactic interventions Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Incidental synovial myxoma with extensive intermuscular infiltration in a dog.

PubMed

Izawa, Takeshi; Tanaka, Miyuu; Aoki, Mika; Ohashi, Fumihito; Yamate, Jyoji; Kuwamura, Mitsuru

2012-12-01

A 16-year-old male mixed-breed dog was euthanized due to progression of renal failure caused by renal adenocarcinoma in the left kidney. Apart from main symptomatic lesion, accumulation of transparent jelly-like fluid was observed between the right femoral muscles. Gross examination of the right hindlimb revealed multiple nodules in the articular surface and capsule of the stifle joints, which extended into the crural muscles. Histopathologically, the joint and intermuscular masses were characterized by variously-sized hypocellular nodules consisting of spindle to stellate cells suspended in an abundant myxoid matrix. There were cystic structures within the intermuscular masses, lined by synoviocyte-like cells. Based on the gross and histopathologic findings, the case was diagnosed as synovial myxoma with extensive intermuscular infiltration. Synovial myxoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of dogs with myxomatous tumor between skeletal muscles, even in absence of joint or muscle symptoms.

Telescope Array measurement of UHECR composition from stereoscopic fluorescence detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stroman, Thomas; Bergman, Douglas; Abu Zayyad, Tareq

2014-03-01

The chemical composition of ultra-high-energy cosmic rays (UHECRs) is an important constraint on models of UHECR production and propagation, and must be determined experimentally. A UHECR-induced extensive air shower's longitudinal development is dictated by the energy per nucleon of the primary particle. The observed distribution of atmospheric slant depths (Xmax) is therefore sensitive to the composition, facilitating measurement of the relative abundances of ``light'' (proton-like) and ``heavy'' (iron-like) primary UHECR particles. The Telescope Array (TA) experiment, the northern hemisphere's largest UHECR detector, includes three fluorescence detector (FD) stations that record the longitudinal development of the extensive air showers produced by UHECR arrivals. ``Stereo'' observation of individual showers by multiple FDs tightly constrains the trajectory reconstruction, allowing a precise measurement of Xmax as well as energy. We will present the stereo TA data from six years of operation and progress toward a measurement of chemical composition.

Synoptic maps constructed from brightness observations of Thomson scattering by heliospheric electrons

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hick, P.; Jackson, B.; Schwenn, R.

1991-01-01

Observations of the Thomson scattering brightness by electrons in the inner heliosphere provide a means of probing the heliospheric electron distributions. An extensive data base of Thomson scattering observations, stretching over many years, is available from the zodiacal light photometers on board the two Helios spacecraft. A survey of these data is in progress, presenting these scattering intensities in the form of synoptic maps for successive Carrington rotations. The Thomson scattering maps reflect conditions at typically several tenths of an astronomical unit from the sun. Some representative examples from the survey in comparison with other solar/heliospheric data, such as in situ observations of the Helios plasma experiment and synoptic maps constructed from magnetic field, H alpha and K-coronameter data are presented. The comparison will provide some information about the extension of solar surface features into the inner heliosphere.

Microglial Activation Correlates with Disease Progression and Upper Motor Neuron Clinical Symptoms in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

PubMed Central

Brettschneider, Johannes; Toledo, Jon B.; Van Deerlin, Vivianna M.; Elman, Lauren; McCluskey, Leo; Lee, Virginia M.-Y.; Trojanowski, John Q.

2012-01-01

Background/Aims We evaluated clinicopathological correlates of upper motor neuron (UMN) damage in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and analyzed if the presence of the C9ORF72 repeat expansion was associated with alterations in microglial inflammatory activity. Methods Microglial pathology was assessed by IHC with 2 different antibodies (CD68, Iba1), myelin loss by Kluver-Barrera staining and myelin basic protein (MBP) IHC, and axonal loss by neurofilament protein (TA51) IHC, performed on 59 autopsy cases of ALS including 9 cases with C9ORF72 repeat expansion. Results Microglial pathology as depicted by CD68 and Iba1 was significantly more extensive in the corticospinal tract (CST) of ALS cases with a rapid progression of disease. Cases with C9ORF72 repeat expansion showed more extensive microglial pathology in the medulla and motor cortex which persisted after adjusting for disease duration in a logistic regression model. Higher scores on the clinical UMN scale correlated with increasing microglial pathology in the cervical CST. TDP-43 pathology was more extensive in the motor cortex of cases with rapid progression of disease. Conclusions This study demonstrates that microglial pathology in the CST of ALS correlates with disease progression and is linked to severity of UMN deficits. PMID:22720079

Scleredema adultorum of Buschke presenting as periorbital edema: a diagnostic challenge.

PubMed

Ioannidou, Despina I; Krasagakis, Konstantin; Stefanidou, Maria P; Karampekios, Spyros; Panayiotidis, John; Tosca, Androniki D

2005-02-01

Scleredema adultorum is a rare sclerotic disorder characterized by diffuse swelling and nonpitting induration of the skin. Its occurrence has been documented in association with infections, diabetes mellitus, paraproteinemia, multiple myeloma, and monoclonal gammopathy. We report an unusual case of a 48-year-old man with an asymptomatic bilateral eyelid edema of sudden onset. During a period of 6 months, the condition slowly progressed to extensive nonpitting edematous swelling restricted to the periorbital sites. The presumptive diagnosis of scleredema adultorum was confirmed by the presence of typical histologic findings. This case is unique in that the periorbital swelling remained as the sole clinical manifestation of scleredema during the 5-year follow-up and was complicated with partial vision blockage.

Documenting, Understanding, and Predicting the Aggregate Surface Radiation Fluxes for SHEBA

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Key, Jeffrey R.; Curry, Judith; Evans, Frank; Pinto, James; Maslanik, James; Steffen, Konrad

2001-01-01

This document serves as a final report for NASA grant NAG5-8625 to the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW). The report covers work done at Boston University for the first two years of the project (as NAG5-4903) and the third and final year of the project at the University of Wisconsin (NAG5-8625). In 1999 the third year's funding and tasks were transferred to UW where the Principal Investigator (J. Key) is now stationed. A no-cost extension period of the grant ended on June 15, 2001. This is a group project with the University of Colorado (CU) as the lead institution, where Judith Curry is the Principal Investigator. The overall project is jointly funded by NASA and NSF. The progress reported herein is specific to Boston University and the University of Wisconsin.

Development of EXITE3, Imaging Detectors and a Long Duration Balloon Gondola

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2003-01-01

In this Report we summarize the work conducted for the EXITE program under grant NAG5-5103. This grant supported the ongoing EXITE program at Harvard for the development of imaging hard x-ray detectors and telescopes over the 3 year period 1997-2000 with a one year extension to 2001 to transition to the next SR&T grant in this program. Work was conducted in three major parts: analysis of the EXITE2 balloon flight data (from our May 1997 flight); development of pixellated imaging Cd-Zn-Te detector arrays and readout systems for the proposed EXITE3 detector and telescope; and development of systems for a Long Duration Balloon (LDB) gondola. Progress on all three major aspects of this research is summarized for each of the years of this grant.

Progress Monitoring with Computer Adaptive Assessments: The Impact of Data Collection Schedule on Growth Estimates

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nelson, Peter M.; Van Norman, Ethan R.; Klingbeil, Dave A.; Parker, David C.

2017-01-01

Although extensive research exists on the use of curriculum-based measures for progress monitoring, little is known about using computer adaptive tests (CATs) for progress-monitoring purposes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of the frequency of data collection on individual and group growth estimates using a CAT. Data were…

A Molecular View of Kinetochore Assembly and Function

PubMed Central

Musacchio, Andrea; Desai, Arshad

2017-01-01

Kinetochores are large protein assemblies that connect chromosomes to microtubules of the mitotic and meiotic spindles in order to distribute the replicated genome from a mother cell to its daughters. Kinetochores also control feedback mechanisms responsible for the correction of incorrect microtubule attachments, and for the coordination of chromosome attachment with cell cycle progression. Finally, kinetochores contribute to their own preservation, across generations, at the specific chromosomal loci devoted to host them, the centromeres. They achieve this in most species by exploiting an epigenetic, DNA-sequence-independent mechanism; notable exceptions are budding yeasts where a specific sequence is associated with centromere function. In the last 15 years, extensive progress in the elucidation of the composition of the kinetochore and the identification of various physical and functional modules within its substructure has led to a much deeper molecular understanding of kinetochore organization and the origins of its functional output. Here, we provide a broad summary of this progress, focusing primarily on kinetochores of humans and budding yeast, while highlighting work from other models, and present important unresolved questions for future studies. PMID:28125021

Radiation injury to the temporal bone

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Guida, R.A.; Finn, D.G.; Buchalter, I.H.

1990-01-01

Osteoradionecrosis of the temporal bone is an unusual sequela of radiation therapy to the head and neck. Symptoms occur many years after the radiation is administered, and progression of the disease is insidious. Hearing loss (sensorineural, conductive, or mixed), otalgia, otorrhea, and even gross tissue extrusion herald this condition. Later, intracranial complications such as meningitis, temporal lobe or cerebellar abscess, and cranial neuropathies may occur. Reported here are five cases of this rare malady representing varying degrees of the disease process. They include a case of radiation-induced necrosis of the tympanic ring with persistent squamous debris in the external auditorymore » canal and middle ear. Another case demonstrates the progression of radiation otitis media to mastoiditis with bony sequestration. Further progression of the disease process is seen in a third case that evolved into multiple cranial neuropathies from skull base destruction. Treatment includes systemic antibiotics, local wound care, and debridement in cases of localized tissue involvement. More extensive debridement with removal of sequestrations, abscess drainage, reconstruction with vascularized tissue from regional flaps, and mastoid obliteration may be warranted for severe cases. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has provided limited benefit.« less

Pott disease in the thoracolumbar spine with marked kyphosis and progressive paraplegia necessitating posterior vertebral column resection and anterior reconstruction with a cage.

PubMed

Pappou, Ioannis P; Papadopoulos, Elias C; Swanson, Andrew N; Mermer, Matthew J; Fantini, Gary A; Urban, Michael K; Russell, Linda; Cammisa, Frank P; Girardi, Federico P

2006-02-15

Case report. To report on a patient with Pott disease, progressive neurologic deficit, and severe kyphotic deformity, who had medical treatment fail and required posterior/anterior decompression with instrumented fusion. Treatment options will be discussed. Tuberculous spondylitis is an increasingly common disease worldwide, with an estimated prevalence of 800,000 cases. Surgical treatment consisting of extensive posterior decompression/instrumented fusion and 3-level posterior vertebral column resection, followed by anterior debridement/fusion with cage reconstruction. Neurologic improvement at 6-month follow-up (Frankel B to Frankel D), with evidence of radiographic fusion. A 70-year-old patient with progressive Pott paraplegia and severe kyphotic deformity, for whom medical treatment failed is presented. A posterior vertebral column resection, multiple level posterior decompression, and instrumented fusion, followed by an anterior interbody fusion with cage was used to decompress the spinal cord, restore sagittal alignment, and debride the infection. At 6-month follow-up, the patient obtained excellent pain relief, correction of deformity, elimination of the tuberculous foci, and significant recovery of neurologic function.

TOPICAL REVIEW: A review of micropumps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Laser, D. J.; Santiago, J. G.

2004-06-01

We survey progress over the past 25 years in the development of microscale devices for pumping fluids. We attempt to provide both a reference for micropump researchers and a resource for those outside the field who wish to identify the best micropump for a particular application. Reciprocating displacement micropumps have been the subject of extensive research in both academia and the private sector and have been produced with a wide range of actuators, valve configurations and materials. Aperiodic displacement micropumps based on mechanisms such as localized phase change have been shown to be suitable for specialized applications. Electroosmotic micropumps exhibit favorable scaling and are promising for a variety of applications requiring high flow rates and pressures. Dynamic micropumps based on electrohydrodynamic and magnetohydrodynamic effects have also been developed. Much progress has been made, but with micropumps suitable for important applications still not available, this remains a fertile area for future research.

Management of complications of cosmetic iris implants in a phakic eye: a case report and literature review.

PubMed

Bore, Millicent; Choudhari, Nikhil; Chaurasia, Sunita

2018-03-21

To report the intricacies of managing complications that arose out of cosmetic iris implants (BrightOcular) placement. Interventional case report. A thirty-year-old gentleman presented with complaint of progressive loss of vision after having cosmetic iris implant surgery to change his eye colour. He then developed raised intraocular pressures and had a right eye trabeculectomy conducted with the implants in situ. Subsequently, he had implant removal surgery because of persistent implant-associated complications. The vision was impaired due to progressive corneal oedema and glaucoma. Various considerations were taken while planning for surgical intervention because of the extensive structural damage to the anterior segment of the eye. This case report highlights that cosmetic iris implants are dangerous intraocular devices and management of the associated complications is also challenging. As these devices cause irreversible structural and functional damage, their use should be discouraged in normal eyes.

[Modern research progress of traditional Chinese medicine based on integrative pharmacology].

PubMed

Wang, Ping; Tang, Shi-Huan; Su, Jin; Zhang, Jia-Qi; Cui, Ru-Yi; Xu, Hai-Yu; Yang, Hong-Jun

2018-04-01

Integrative pharmacology (IP) is a discipline that studies the interaction, integration and principle of action of multiple components with the body, emphasizing the integrations of multi-level and multi-link, such as "whole and part", " in vivo and in vitro ", " in vivo process and activity evaluation". After four years of development and practice, the theory and method of IP has received extensive attention and application.In order to better promote the development of IP, this paper systematically reviews the concepts, research contents, research methods and application fields about IP. Copyright© by the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association.

M dwarfs: Theoretical work

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mullan, Dermott J.

1987-01-01

Theoretical work on the atmospheres of M dwarfs has progressed along lines parallel to those followed in the study of other classes of stars. Such models have become increasingly sophisticated as improvements in opacities, in the equation of state, and in the treatment of convection were incorporated during the last 15 to 20 years. As a result, spectrophotometric data on M dwarfs can now be fitted rather well by current models. The various attempts at modeling M dwarf photospheres in purely thermal terms are summarized. Some extensions of these models to include the effects of microturbulence and magnetic inhomogeneities are presented.

Catamenial psychosis in an adolescent girl

PubMed Central

Fernando, Myra Deanne; Grizzaffi, Joseph; Crapanzano, Kathleen A; Jones, Glenn N

2014-01-01

We report the case of an adolescent girl who was 14 years old at initial presentation. A shy, immature and timid individual, she began to have recurring, progressive episodes characterised by insomnia, paranoia, distorted thinking and mood instability with a mix of depressive and manic-like symptoms. An extensive medical work up was unrevealing. Her family noted a pattern that coincided with her menstrual cycle. An endocrine consult was obtained, and the diagnosis of catamenial psychosis was performed. After treatment with leuprolide, resulting in a shutdown of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, the patient’s symptoms were resolved completely. PMID:25422338

Alternative medicine: an update on cupping therapy.

PubMed

Chen, B; Li, M-Y; Liu, P-D; Guo, Y; Chen, Z-L

2015-07-01

To know the research progress of cupping therapy all over the world, the authors analyze the research of cupping therapy in recent 5 years. It indicates that cupping therapy can be applied to extensive curable disease, but has poor clinical evidence. Some improvements in the mechanism research of cupping therapy have been made, but it needs further research. The adverse events of cupping therapy attract attention. The standardization of cupping therapy has emerged. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Association of Physicians. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

[Perianal pyoderma].

PubMed

Slauf, P; Antos, F; Novák, J; Benes, J; Kálal, J

1993-10-01

Perianal pyoderma (hidradenitis suppurativa-acne conglobata) is a chronic disease which in its progressive form cannot be treated by conservative methods. Extensive suppurative foci must be radically excised incl. all systems of fistulas right down to the fascia and the defects which develop are allowed to heal per secundam or after several weeks they can at a different period of time be covered by a skin transplant. The authors present their 30-year experience with surgical treatment of 39 patients. Treatment was in all instances successful after radical surgical excision. All these patients have fully recovered as regards work capacity as well as social aspects.

The initial impact of a workplace lead-poisoning prevention project.

PubMed Central

Bellows, J; Rudolph, L

1993-01-01

The California Department of Health Services began an occupational lead poisoning prevention project in cooperation with 275 radiator service companies. The agency developed and marketed resources to facilitate companies' own efforts, tracked the progress of each company, and urged the companies to conduct blood lead testing. Testing by participating employers increased from 9% to 95%, and 10 times as many companies with likely overexposures were identified as had been reported to the state's lead registry in the previous year. The success of this project indicates that the model should be applied more extensively. Images FIGURE 1 PMID:8438981

Contemporary management of jugular paragangliomas.

PubMed

Wanna, George B; Sweeney, Alex D; Haynes, David S; Carlson, Matthew L

2015-04-01

Jugular paragangliomas are generally benign slow-growing tumors that can cause pulsatile tinnitus, hearing loss, and cranial nerves neuropathy. Progressive growth can also lead to intracranial extension. Historically, the treatment of choice for these lesions has been gross total resection. However, over the last 15 years, many groups have adopted less invasive management strategies including stereotactic radiation therapy, subtotal resection, and primary observation in order to reduce treatment-associated morbidity. The focus of this article is to review the modern management of jugular paraganglioma, highlighting the evolving treatment paradigm at the Otology Group of Vanderbilt. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Advances in nonlinear optical materials and devices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Byer, Robert L.

1991-01-01

The recent progress in the application of nonlinear techniques to extend the frequency of laser sources has come from the joint progress in laser sources and in nonlinear materials. A brief summary of the progress in diode pumped solid state lasers is followed by an overview of progress in nonlinear frequency extension by harmonic generation and parametric processes. Improved nonlinear materials including bulk crystals, quasiphasematched interactions, guided wave devices, and quantum well intersubband studies are discussed with the idea of identifying areas of future progress in nonlinear materials and devices.

The Fukuoka Kidney disease Registry (FKR) Study: design and methods.

PubMed

Tanaka, Shigeru; Ninomiya, Toshiharu; Fujisaki, Kiichiro; Yoshida, Hisako; Nagata, Masaharu; Masutani, Kosuke; Tokumoto, Masanori; Mitsuiki, Koji; Hirakata, Hideki; Fujimi, Satoru; Kiyohara, Yutaka; Kitazono, Takanari; Tsuruya, Kazuhiko

2017-06-01

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an established independent risk factor for progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The onset and progression of CKD are associated with both genetic predisposition and various lifestyle-related factors, but little is known about the influence of genetic-environmental interactions on the incidence of ESRD or CVD in patients with CKD. The Fukuoka Kidney disease Registry (FKR) Study is designed as one of the largest prospective, multicenter, observational cohort studies in non-dialysis dependent CKD patients. The FKR Study aims to enroll approximately 5000 individuals at multiple clinical centers and follow them for up to at least 5 years. At baseline, subjects enrolled in the FKR Study will fill out extensive lifestyle-related questionnaires. Further, their health status and treatments will be monitored annually through a research network of nephrology centers. Blood and urine samples, including DNA/RNA, will be collected at the time of enrolment and every 5-years follow-up. The FKR Study will provide many insights into the onset and progression of CKD, which will suggest hypothesis-driven interventional clinical trials aimed at reducing the burden of CKD. The features of the FKR Study may also facilitate innovative research to identify and validate novel risk factors, including genetic susceptibility and biomarkers, using biomaterials by high-throughput omics technologies.

Learning Problems in Kindergarten Students with Extremely Preterm Birth

PubMed Central

Taylor, H. Gerry; Klein, Nancy; Anselmo, Marcia G.; Minich, Nori; Espy, Kimberly A.; Hack, Maureen

2012-01-01

Objective To assess learning problems in extremely preterm children in kindergarten and identify risk factors. Design Cohort study. Setting Children’s hospital. Participants A cohort of extremely preterm children born January 2001 – December 2003 (n=148), defined as <28 weeks gestation and/or <1000 g birth weight, and term-born normal birth weight classmate controls (n=111). Main Interventions The children were enrolled during their first year in kindergarten and assessed on measures of learning progress. Main Outcome Measures Achievement testing, teacher ratings of learning progress, and individual educational assistance. Results The extremely preterm children had lower mean standard scores than controls on tests of spelling (8.52 points, 95% CI: 4.58, 12.46) and applied mathematics (11.02 points, 95% CI: 6.76, 15.28). They also had higher rates of substandard learning progress by teacher report in written language (OR = 4.23, 95% CI: 2.32, 7.73) and mathematics (OR = 7.08, 95% CI: 2.79, 17.95). Group differences on mathematics achievement and in teacher ratings of learning progress were significant even in children without neurosensory deficits or low global cognitive ability. Neonatal risk factors, early childhood neurodevelopmental impairment, and socioeconomic status predicted learning problems in extremely preterm children, yet many of the children with problems were not in a special education program. Conclusion Learning problems in extremely preterm children are evident in kindergarten and are associated with neonatal and early childhood risk factors. The findings support efforts to provide more extensive monitoring and interventions both prior to and during the first year in school. PMID:21893648

77 FR 14347 - Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; NOAA Restoration Center Performance Progress...

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2012-03-09

... Collection; Comment Request; NOAA Restoration Center Performance Progress Report AGENCY: National Oceanic and... is for an extension of a currently approved information collection. NOAA funds habitat restoration projects including grass-roots, community-based habitat restoration; debris prevention and removal; removal...

Advances in pediatric asthma and atopic dermatitis.

PubMed

Foroughi, Shabnam; Thyagarajan, Ananth; Stone, Kelly D

2005-10-01

Allergic diseases, including asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, food allergy, and urticaria are common in general pediatric practice. This review highlights several significant advances in pediatric allergy over the past year, focusing on asthma and atopic dermatitis. With increasing options for the treatment of allergic diseases, much work is now focused on methods for individualizing treatments to a patient's phenotype and genotype. Progress over the past year includes the characterization of effects of regular albuterol use in patients with genetic variations in the beta-adrenergic receptor. Maintenance asthma regimens for children in the first years of life are also an ongoing focus. The relation between upper airway allergic inflammation and asthma has continued to accumulate support and now extends to the middle ear. Environmental influences on asthma and interventions have been described, including environmental controls for asthma and the role of air pollution on lung development in children. Finally, concerns have been raised regarding the use of topical immunomodulators in young children with atopic dermatitis. Progress continues in the care of children with atopic diseases. Attention to treatment with appropriate medications, patient-individualized environmental controls, and extensive education are the keys to successfully treating atopic children. This review highlights several recent advances but is not intended to be a comprehensive review.

Long-term management of IPF with pirfenidone - a clinical case study with 5 years follow-up.

PubMed

Richeldi, L; Sgalla, G; Cerri, S

2013-09-01

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressively fibrotic interstitial lung disease that is associated with a median survival of 2-5 years from initial diagnosis. To date, the search for an effective treatment has involved numerous clinical trials of investigational agents but without significant success. Nevertheless, research over the past 10 years has provided us with a wealth of information on its histopathology, diagnostic work-up, and a greater understanding of its pathophysiology. Specifically, IPF is no longer thought to be a predominantly pro-inflammatory disorder. Rather, the fibrosis in IPF is increasingly understood to be the result of a fibroproliferative and aberrant wound healing cascade. The development of therapeutic targets has therefore shifted in accordance with this paradigm change. Emerging clinical data from recently published and ongoing trials investigating new potential pharmacological agents should be considered in the routine clinical management of these patients. Based upon encouraging results from randomised-controlled trials showing a positive effect in slowing decline in pulmonary function and reducing disease progression, pirfenidone was approved in 2011 as the first treatment in patients with IPF. This case study describes the clinical course of a patient enrolled into the Phase III and open-label extension studies of pirfenidone.

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The association between the 4G/5G polymorphism in the promoter of the plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 gene and extension of postsurgical calf vein thrombosis.

PubMed

Ferrara, Filippo; Meli, Francesco; Raimondi, Francesco; Montalto, Salvatore; Cospite, Valentina; Novo, Giuseppina; Novo, Salvatore

2013-04-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether the presence of a plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) promoter polymorphism 4G/5G could significantly influence the proximal extension of vein thrombosis in spite of anticoagulant treatment in patients with calf vein thrombosis (CVT) following orthopaedic, urological and abdominal surgery. We studied 168 patients with CVT, who had undergone orthopaedic, urological and abdominal surgery, subdivided as follows: first, 50 patients with thrombosis progression; second, 118 patients without thrombosis progression. The 4G/5G polymorphism of the plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 was evaluated in all patients and in 70 healthy matched controls. We also studied PAI-1 activity in plasma. The presence of 4G/5G genotype was significantly increased in the group of patients with the extension of thrombotic lesions and was associated with an increase in CVT extension risk (odds ratio adjusted for sex 2.692; 95% confidence interval 1.302-4.702). Moreover, we observed a significant increase of PAI-1 plasma activity in patients with extension of thrombotic lesion vs. patients without extension (P=0.0001). Patients with 4G/5G genotype in the promoter of the plasminogen activator inhibitor - 1 gene present a higher risk of extension of thrombotic lesions.

Age-related reduction of trunk muscle torque and prevalence of trunk sarcopenia in community-dwelling elderly: Validity of a portable trunk muscle torque measurement instrument and its application to a large sample cohort study

PubMed Central

Sasaki, Shizuka; Chiba, Daisuke; Yamamoto, Yuji; Nawata, Atsushi; Tsuda, Eiichi; Nakaji, Shigeyuki; Ishibashi, Yasuyuki

2018-01-01

Trunk muscle weakness and imbalance are risk factors for postural instability, low back pain, and poor postoperative outcomes. The association between trunk muscle strength and aging is poorly understood, and establishing normal reference values is difficult. We aimed to establish the validity of a novel portable trunk muscle torque measurement instrument (PTMI). We then estimated reference data for healthy young adults and elucidated age-related weakness in trunk muscle strength. Twenty-four university students were enrolled to validate values for PTMI, and 816 volunteers from the general population who were recruited to the Iwaki Health Promotion Project were included to estimate reference data for trunk muscle strength. Trunk flexion and extension torque were measured with PTMI and KinCom, and interclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were estimated to evaluate the reliability of PTMI values. Furthermore, from the young adult reference, the age-related reduction in trunk muscle torque and the prevalence of sarcopenia among age-sex groups were estimated. The ICC in flexion and extension torque were 0.807 (p<0.001) and 0.789 (p<0.001), respectively. The prevalence of sarcopenia increased with age, and the prevalence due to flexion torque was double that of extension torque. Flexion torque decreased significantly after 60 years of age, and extension torque decreased after 70 years of age. In males over age 80, trunk muscle torque decreased to 49.1% in flexion and 63.5% in extension. In females over age 80, trunk muscle torque decreased to 60.7% in flexion and 68.4% in extension. The validity of PTMI was confirmed by correlation with KinCom. PTMI produced reference data for healthy young adults, and demonstrated age-related reduction in trunk muscle torque. Trunk sarcopenia progressed with aging, and the loss of flexion torque began earlier than extension torque. At age 80, trunk muscle torque had decreased 60% compared with healthy young adults. PMID:29471310

Age-related reduction of trunk muscle torque and prevalence of trunk sarcopenia in community-dwelling elderly: Validity of a portable trunk muscle torque measurement instrument and its application to a large sample cohort study.

PubMed

Sasaki, Eiji; Sasaki, Shizuka; Chiba, Daisuke; Yamamoto, Yuji; Nawata, Atsushi; Tsuda, Eiichi; Nakaji, Shigeyuki; Ishibashi, Yasuyuki

2018-01-01

Trunk muscle weakness and imbalance are risk factors for postural instability, low back pain, and poor postoperative outcomes. The association between trunk muscle strength and aging is poorly understood, and establishing normal reference values is difficult. We aimed to establish the validity of a novel portable trunk muscle torque measurement instrument (PTMI). We then estimated reference data for healthy young adults and elucidated age-related weakness in trunk muscle strength. Twenty-four university students were enrolled to validate values for PTMI, and 816 volunteers from the general population who were recruited to the Iwaki Health Promotion Project were included to estimate reference data for trunk muscle strength. Trunk flexion and extension torque were measured with PTMI and KinCom, and interclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were estimated to evaluate the reliability of PTMI values. Furthermore, from the young adult reference, the age-related reduction in trunk muscle torque and the prevalence of sarcopenia among age-sex groups were estimated. The ICC in flexion and extension torque were 0.807 (p<0.001) and 0.789 (p<0.001), respectively. The prevalence of sarcopenia increased with age, and the prevalence due to flexion torque was double that of extension torque. Flexion torque decreased significantly after 60 years of age, and extension torque decreased after 70 years of age. In males over age 80, trunk muscle torque decreased to 49.1% in flexion and 63.5% in extension. In females over age 80, trunk muscle torque decreased to 60.7% in flexion and 68.4% in extension. The validity of PTMI was confirmed by correlation with KinCom. PTMI produced reference data for healthy young adults, and demonstrated age-related reduction in trunk muscle torque. Trunk sarcopenia progressed with aging, and the loss of flexion torque began earlier than extension torque. At age 80, trunk muscle torque had decreased 60% compared with healthy young adults.

A new surgical technique for medial collateral ligament balancing: multiple needle puncturing.

PubMed

Bellemans, Johan; Vandenneucker, Hilde; Van Lauwe, Johan; Victor, Jan

2010-10-01

In this article, we present our experience with a new technique for medial soft tissue balancing, where we make multiple punctures in the medial collateral ligament (MCL) using a 19-gauge needle, to progressively stretch the MCL until a correct ligament balance is achieved. Ligament status was evaluated both before and after the procedure using computer navigation and mediolateral stress testing. The procedure was considered successful when 2 to 4-mm mediolateral joint line opening was obtained in extension and 2 to 6 mm in flexion. In 34 of 35 cases, a progressive correction of medial tightness was achieved according to the above described criteria. One case was considered overreleased in extension. Needle puncturing is a new, effective, and safe technique for progressive correction of MCL tightness in the varus knee. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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2012-11-13

... of a Currently Approved Collection: Semi-Annual Progress Report for the Sexual Assault Services...-Annual Progress Report for Grantees from the Sexual Assault Services Program--Grants to Culturally... sustainable sexual assault services provided by culturally specific organizations, which are uniquely situated...

Disease management patterns for postmenopausal women in Europe with hormone-receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 negative advanced breast cancer.

PubMed

André, Fabrice; Neven, Patrick; Marinsek, Nina; Zhang, Jie; Baladi, Jean-Francois; Degun, Ravi; Benelli, Giancarlo; Saletan, Stephen; Jerusalem, Guy

2014-06-01

International guidelines for hormone-receptor-positive (HR(+)), human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 negative (HER2(-)) advanced breast cancer (BC) recommend sequential lines of hormonal therapy (HT), and only recommend chemotherapy for patients with extensive visceral involvement or rapidly progressive disease. This study evaluated actual physician-reported treatments for advanced BC in Europe. We conducted a retrospective chart review of 355 postmenopausal women with HR(+), HER2(-) advanced BC who progressed on ≥1 line of HT (adjuvant or advanced) and completed ≥1 line of chemotherapy (advanced). Treatment choice was evaluated for each line of therapy. Of 355 patients, 111 (31%) received first-line chemotherapy, whereas 218 (61%) and 26 (7%) switched from HT to chemotherapy in second and third line, respectively. More patients receiving first-line HT had bone metastases (73% vs 27% chemotherapy). Patients treated with first-line chemotherapy had more brain (12% vs 3% HT) or extensive liver (13% vs 6% HT) metastases. Subgroup analysis of 188 patients who received first-line HT and had de novo advanced BC or relapsed/recurrent disease more than 1 year after adjuvant therapy found that the majority (89%; n = 167) of these patients switched to chemotherapy in second line. However, among these 167 patients, 27% had no significant changes in metastases between first and second line. Among the 73% of patients who had significant changes in metastases, 20% had no brain metastases or extensive visceral disease. Our study suggests that the guideline-recommended use of multiple HT lines is open to interpretation and that optimal treatment for European postmenopausal women with HR(+), HER2(-) advanced BC who responded to HT may not be achieved.

German second-opinion network for testicular cancer: sealing the leaky pipe between evidence and clinical practice.

PubMed

Zengerling, Friedemann; Hartmann, Michael; Heidenreich, Axel; Krege, Susanne; Albers, Peter; Karl, Alexander; Weissbach, Lothar; Wagner, Walter; Bedke, Jens; Retz, Margitta; Schmelz, Hans U; Kliesch, Sabine; Kuczyk, Markus; Winter, Eva; Pottek, Tobias; Dieckmann, Klaus-Peter; Schrader, Andres Jan; Schrader, Mark

2014-06-01

In 2006, the German Testicular Cancer Study Group initiated an extensive evidence-based national second-opinion network to improve the care of testicular cancer patients. The primary aims were to reflect the current state of testicular cancer treatment in Germany and to analyze the project's effect on the quality of care delivered to testicular cancer patients. A freely available internet-based platform was developed for the exchange of data between the urologists seeking advice and the 31 second-opinion givers. After providing all data relevant to the primary treatment decision, urologists received a second opinion on their therapy plan within <48 h. Endpoints were congruence between the first and second opinion, conformity of applied therapy with the corresponding recommendation and progression-free survival rate of the introduced patients. Significance was determined by two-sided Pearson's χ2 test. A total of 1,284 second-opinion requests were submitted from November 2006 to October 2011, and 926 of these cases were eligible for further analysis. A discrepancy was found between first and second opinion in 39.5% of the cases. Discrepant second opinions led to less extensive treatment in 28.1% and to more extensive treatment in 15.6%. Patients treated within the framework of the second-opinion project had an overall 2-year progression-free survival rate of 90.4%. Approximately every 6th second opinion led to a relevant change in therapy. Despite the lack of financial incentives, data from every 8th testicular cancer patient in Germany were submitted to second-opinion centers. Second-opinion centers can help to improve the implementation of evidence into clinical practice.

Long-Term Follow-Up of Dose-Adapted and Reduced-Field Radiotherapy With or Without Chemotherapy for Central Nervous System Germinoma

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jensen, Ashley W.; Issa Laack, Nadia N., E-mail: laack.nadia@mayo.ed; Buckner, Jan C.

Purpose: To update our institutional experience with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and minimized radiotherapy vs. radiation monotherapy for intracranial germinoma. Methods and Materials: We retrospectively reviewed records of 59 patients with diagnosis of primary intracranial germinoma between 1977 and 2007. Treatment was irradiation alone or neoadjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy and local irradiation (initial tumor plus margin) for patients with localized complete response and reduced-dose craniospinal irradiation for others. Results: For the chemoradiotherapy group (n = 28), median follow-up was 7 years. No patient died. The freedom from progression (FFP) rate was 88% at 5 years and 80% at 10 years. In 4 patients,more » disease recurred 1.1 to 6.8 years after diagnosis. All were young male patients who received 30.6 Gy to local fields after complete response to chemotherapy. The FFP rate was 88% for local irradiation vs. 100% for more extensive fields (p = .06). For the radiotherapy-alone group (n = 31), median follow-up was 15 years. Overall and disease-free survival rates were 93% and 93% at 5 years and 90% and 87% at 15 years. In 5 patients, disease recurred 1.1 to 4.9 years after diagnosis. Most patients in this group were young men 18 to 23 years of age with suprasellar primary disease treated with about 50 Gy to local fields. The FFP rate was 44% for local irradiation vs. 100% for more extensive fields (p < .01). Conclusions: The addition of neoadjuvant chemotherapy to local-field radiotherapy reduced central nervous system cancer recurrence when high-risk patients were excluded by thorough pretreatment staging. There was trend toward improved central nervous system tumor control when larger fields (whole brain, whole ventricle, or craniospinal axis) were used.« less

Clinical outcome following DIAM implantation for symptomatic lumbar internal disk disruption: a 3-year retrospective analysis

PubMed Central

Lu, Kang; Liliang, Po-Chou; Wang, Hao-Kuang; Chen, Jui-Sheng; Chen, Te-Yuan; Huang, Ruyi; Chen, Han-Jung

2016-01-01

Background/objective Internal disk disruption (IDD), an early event of lumbar disk degeneration, is the most common cause of low back pain. Since increased intradiskal pressure (IDP) is associated with symptoms and progression of disk degeneration, unloading a painful disk with an interspinous process device (IPD) is a rational treatment option. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of dynamic stabilization with an IPD in the treatment of symptomatic IDD of the lumbar spine. Patients and methods Patients with symptomatic IDD were treated with implantation of an IPD, the device for intervertebral assisted motion (DIAM). Diagnosis of IDD was based on typical MRI finding of posterior annular high-intensity zone and positive provocative test on discography. IDP was analyzed intraoperatively. Axial back and leg pain was evaluated with visual analog scale, functional status with Oswestry Disability Index, and final clinical outcomes with Odom criteria. Data from 34 patients followed up for at least 3 years were collected. Results DIAM implantation significantly reduced IDP (n=11, P<0.0001). All 34 patients reported symptom relief. Thirty-one patients (91%) remained symptom free until the last followups. Three patients (9%) experienced recurrence of pain, of which the causes were unrelated to the IDD or surgery. Disk status at the DIAM-implanted segments remained stable. Segmental flexion/extension mobility was preserved in 27 of 30 patients with preoperative mobility. No proximal or distal adjacent segment degeneration was observed. The final clinical outcomes were excellent/good in 31 and fair/poor in three patients. Conclusion For patients with symptomatic IDD, dynamic stabilization with DIAM provides pain relief and functional improvement. The implantation maintains disk status and prevents progression of disk degeneration, without compromising segmental flexion/extension mobility or causing adjacent segment degeneration. PMID:27826214

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Missouri Small Farm Family Program. Revised.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Enlow, George; And Others

Records maintained by rural extension designees on the Missouri Small Farm Family Program, (initiated in 1972 by the cooperative extension service to help low income farm families learn to use available resources to improve their quality of life) provided data re: family characteristics, farm improvement progress, and improvement in the quality of…

Southern Rural Development Center Annual Progress Report, 1996.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Southern Rural Development Center, Mississippi State, MS.

This annual report of the Southern Rural Development Center (SRDC) describes the agency's extension and research activities from October 1, 1995, to October 1, 1996. SRDC is one of four regional centers coordinating rural development research and extension education programs cooperatively with the land-grant institutions. SRDC cooperates with 29…

Long-term (up to 4.5 years) treatment with fingolimod in multiple sclerosis: results from the extension of the randomised TRANSFORMS study.

PubMed

Cohen, Jeffrey A; Khatri, Bhupendra; Barkhof, Frederik; Comi, Giancarlo; Hartung, Hans-Peter; Montalban, Xavier; Pelletier, Jean; Stites, Tracy; Ritter, Shannon; von Rosenstiel, Philipp; Tomic, Davorka; Kappos, Ludwig

2016-05-01

The 12-month (M), phase 3, double-blind, randomised TRANSFORMS study demonstrated significant benefits of fingolimod 0.5 or 1.25 mg over interferon β-1a (IFNβ-1a) in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. We report the results of long-term (up to 4.5 years) extension of TRANSFORMS. Patients randomised to fingolimod (0.5/1.25 mg) in the core phase continued the same dose (continuous-fingolimod) in the extension, whereas those on IFNβ-1a were re-randomised (1:1) to fingolimod (IFN-switch; IFN: 0.5/1.25 mg). Outcomes included annualised relapse rate (ARR), confirmed disability progression and MRI measures. Results are presented here for the continuous-fingolimod 0.5 mg and pooled IFN-switch groups. Of the 1027 patients who entered the extension, 772 (75.2%) completed the study. From baseline to the end of the study (EOS), ARR in patients on continuous-fingolimod 0.5 mg was significantly lower than in the IFN-switch group (M0-EOS: 0.17 vs 0.27). After switching to fingolimod (M0-12 vs M13-EOS), patients initially treated with IFN had a 50% reduction in ARR (0.40 vs 0.20), reduced MRI activity and a lower rate of brain volume loss. In a post hoc analysis, the proportion of IFN-switch patients with no evidence of disease activity increased by approximately 50% in the first year after switching to fingolimod treatment (44.3% to 66.0%). The safety profile was consistent with that observed in the core phase. These results support a continued effect of long-term fingolimod therapy in maintaining a low rate of disease activity and sustained improved efficacy after switching from IFNβ-1a to fingolimod. NCT00340834. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

Electronic Self-report Assessment--Cancer (ESRA-C): Working towards an integrated survey system.

PubMed

Karras, Bryant T; Wolpin, Seth; Lober, William B; Bush, Nigel; Fann, Jesse R; Berry, Donna L

2006-01-01

The Clinical Informatics Research Group and Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Systems at the University of Washington are working with interdisciplinary teams to improve patient care and tracking of patient-reported symptoms and outcomes by creating an extensible web-based survey and intervention platform. The findings and cumulative experience from these processes have led to incremental improvements and variations in each new implementation of the platform. This paper presents progress in the first year of a three-year NIH study entitled Electronic Self Report Assessment--Cancer (ESRA-C). The project's goals are to enhance and evaluate the web-based computerized patient self-reporting and assessment system at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. Preliminary work and lessons learned in the modification of the platform and enhancements to the system will be described.

Retinoblastoma in the adolescent. Unusual clinical and histopathology findings.

PubMed

Hernández-Ayuso, I; Ríos y Valles-Valles, D; Lome-Maldonado, C; Gómez-Leal, A; Rodríguez-Martínez, H A; Rodríguez-Reyes, A A

2016-03-01

A 17-year- old male with 2years history of an intraocular mass and progressive visual loss of the left eye. Spontaneous sclera rupture occurred during enucleation. Microscopic evaluation with H-E, PAS and immunohistochemistry (NSE, GAFP, SYN, CD99) revealed a small blue round cell malignant neoplasm with extensive necrosis and apoptosis. The optic nerve, ciliary body, choroid, anterior chamber, and sclera were infiltrated. SYN was positive and CD99 was negative in neoplastic cells, consistent with a poorly differentiated retinoblastoma. Retinoblastoma is the most frequent primary intraocular malignant tumour in childhood, but occasionally older patients can be affected. Immunohistochemistry is mandatory in poorly differentiated retinoblastomas. Copyright © 2015 Sociedad Española de Oftalmología. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Crustal deformation at long Valley Caldera, eastern California, 1992-1996 inferred from satellite radar interferometry

USGS Publications Warehouse

Thatcher, W.; Massonnet, D.

1997-01-01

Satellite radar interferometric images of Long Valley caldera show a pattern of surface deformation that resembles that expected from analysis of an extensive suite of ground-based geodetic data. Images from 2 and 4 year intervals respectively, are consistent with uniform movement rates determined from leveling surveys. Synthetic interferograms generated from ellipsoidal-inclusion source models based on inversion of the ground-based data show generally good agreement with the observed images. Two interferograms show evidence for a magmatic source southwest of the caldera in a region not covered by ground measurements. Poorer image quality in the 4 year interferogram indicates that temporal decorrelation of surface radar reflectors is progressively degrading the fringe pattern in the Long Valley region. Copyright 1997 by the American Geophysical Union.

Atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor in a 65-year-old man presenting with disseminated leptomeningeal disease: A case report and review of the literature.

PubMed

Babi, Marc-Alain; Fecci, Peter; Luedke, Matthew; Pineda, Olinda; O'Keefe, Yasmin Ali

2018-01-01

Central nervous system atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors are very rare aggressive tumor of childhood, primarily occurring at age of less than 3 years old. The prognosis of these tumors is very poor, with a reported median survival of 6-12 months in most cases. Treatment typically consists of aggressive chemotherapy and radiotherapy. We present the case of a 65-year-old man who presented with progressive encephalopathy and change in personality over 3 months period. The patient had further accelerated decline over 3 weeks. The diagnosis of atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor initially remained elusive despite very extensive workup, but was eventually confirmed via open brain biopsy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the oldest reported case of atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor in the literature. We further extend the spectrum of this rare disease.

Kaolinosis in a cotton mill worker.

PubMed

Levin, J L; Frank, A L; Williams, M G; McConnell, W; Suzuki, Y; Dodson, R F

1996-02-01

A 62-year-old white male employed for 43 years in the polishing room of a cotton textile mill was admitted to a tertiary care center with progressive dyspnea and productive cough that had not responded to therapy for tuberculosis. In spite of aggressive antibiotic therapy and respiratory support, the patient died as a consequence of respiratory failure. Small rounded and irregular opacities had been noted on the chest radiograph. Review of job-site spirometry demonstrated a worsening restrictive pattern over a 4-year period prior to his death. Additional occupational history revealed long-term exposure to kaolin in the polishing room, and pathologic examination of lung tissue confirmed extensive fibrosis and substantial quantities of kaolin. Kaolinosis is a disease typically found among individuals involved in mining or processing this material rather than in user industries. This case illustrates the importance of obtaining a complete occupational history in reaching a diagnosis. The clinicopathologic aspects of kaolinosis are also reviewed.

[Tibia reconstruction using cross-leg pedicled fibular flaps: report of two cases].

PubMed

Molski, M

2000-01-01

The paper presents the results of treatment of two children with cross-leg pedicle fibular flaps. A boy (10 years old) was operated because of an extensive defect of the proximal tibial shaft (15 cm) and soft tissue deficit due to osteosarcoma. He had been previously operated several times: tumor resection with chemiotherapy, bone reconstruction using allografts and two other procedures because of inflammatory complications. The second case was a 9-year old girl who underwent an extensive excision of congenital pseudoarthrosis of the tibia due to neurofibroma and reconstruction of the further fragment of the tibia. Vascularized fibula was nailed deep into the tibial shaft, beyond the previously implanted metal elements. This allowed to maintain a correct axis of the limb, a firm stabilization of the transplant and probably evoked a quick periosteal reaction of the tibia. Plaster of Paris was used to immobilize the limb. Postoperative course showed no complications. The flap pedicle was cut off after 3-4 weeks. Progressive bone healing followed by bony hypertrophy was observed after 8 weeks. The children were able to fully load the operated extremities and ambulate without crutches (the boys 12 months post-surgery and the girl 6 months post-surgery).

Progress In Optical Memory Technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsunoda, Yoshito

1987-01-01

More than 20 years have passed since the concept of optical memory was first proposed in 1966. Since then considerable progress has been made in this area together with the creation of completely new markets of optical memory in consumer and computer application areas. The first generation of optical memory was mainly developed with holographic recording technology in late 1960s and early 1970s. Considerable number of developments have been done in both analog and digital memory applications. Unfortunately, these technologies did not meet a chance to be a commercial product. The second generation of optical memory started at the beginning of 1970s with bit by bit recording technology. Read-only type optical memories such as video disks and compact audio disks have extensively investigated. Since laser diodes were first applied to optical video disk read out in 1976, there have been extensive developments of laser diode pick-ups for optical disk memory systems. The third generation of optical memory started in 1978 with bit by bit read/write technology using laser diodes. Developments of recording materials including both write-once and erasable have been actively pursued at several research institutes. These technologies are mainly focused on the optical memory systems for computer application. Such practical applications of optical memory technology has resulted in the creation of such new products as compact audio disks and computer file memories.

Childhood intracranial ependymoma: twenty-year experience from a single institution.

PubMed

Shu, Hui-Kuo G; Sall, Walter F; Maity, Amit; Tochner, Zelig A; Janss, Anna J; Belasco, Jean B; Rorke-Adams, Lucy B; Phillips, Peter C; Sutton, Leslie N; Fisher, Michael J

2007-07-15

Because few large studies of pediatric ependymoma treatment are available, the authors believed that a retrospective review of treatment outcomes from a single institution would yield potentially valuable information regarding potential prognostic factors. In this article, they report their 20-year institutional experience with this disease. Medical records were reviews of patients with intracranial ependymoma who received their initial treatment at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)/Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) between January 1980 and December 2000. Of the 61 patients who were identified, 49 patients underwent primary therapy at CHOP/HUP and formed the basis for the study. Actuarial overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were determined by the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using the log-rank test and Cox proportional-hazards models. With median follow-up of 110.2 months, the 5-year OS and PFS rates were 66.2% and 40.7%, respectively. Older age and higher radiation dose significantly predicted for improved OS. Anaplastic histology predicted for decreased PFS. Cervical spinal cord extension resulted in decreased OS primarily caused by failures outside the primary site. Patients who had a favorable prognosis (aged >/=3 years, no dissemination or cord extension, complete resection, and radiation dose >/=54 grays [Gy]) had 5-year OS and PFS rates of 83.1% and 60.6%, respectively. In this study of patients with pediatric intracranial ependymoma, OS and PFS rates were concordant with the rates published in other modern series. The finding of a dose response up to 54 Gy supported the current trend toward dose escalation. Tumor extension to the cervical spine was identified as a predictor for failure outside of the primary site. Although the survival rates were encouraging, there is still significant room for improvement in the management of this disease.

76 FR 11277 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Extension of a Currently Approved Collection

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

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...- Annual Progress Report for Grantees From the Grants To Support Tribal Domestic Violence and Sexual...-Annual Progress Report for Grantees from the Grants to Support Tribal Domestic Violence and Sexual... development and operation of new or existing nonprofit tribal domestic violence and sexual assault coalitions...

Failure Analysis of Discrete Damaged Tailored Extension-Shear-Coupled Stiffened Composite Panels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baker, Donald J.

2005-01-01

The results of an analytical and experimental investigation of the failure of composite is tiffener panels with extension-shear coupling are presented. This tailored concept, when used in the cover skins of a tiltrotor aircraft wing has the potential for increasing the aeroelastic stability margins and improving the aircraft productivity. The extension-shear coupling is achieved by using unbalanced 45 plies in the skin. The failure analysis of two tailored panel configurations that have the center stringer and adjacent skin severed is presented. Finite element analysis of the damaged panels was conducted using STAGS (STructural Analysis of General Shells) general purpose finite element program that includes a progressive failure capability for laminated composite structures that is based on point-stress analysis, traditional failure criteria, and ply discounting for material degradation. The progressive failure predicted the path of the failure and maximum load capability. There is less than 12 percent difference between the predicted failure load and experimental failure load. There is a good match of the panel stiffness and strength between the progressive failure analysis and the experimental results. The results indicate that the tailored concept would be feasible to use in the wing skin of a tiltrotor aircraft.

NASA's Space Launch System: Progress Report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cook, Jerry; Lyles, Garry

2017-01-01

After more than four decades exploring the space environment from low Earth orbit and developing long-duration spaceflight operational experience with the International Space Station (ISS), NASA is once again preparing to send explorers into deep space. Development, test and manufacturing is now underway on the launch vehicle, the crew spacecraft and the ground processing and launch facilities to support human and robotic missions to the moon, Mars and the outer solar system. The enabling launch vehicle for these ambitious new missions is the Space Launch System (SLS), managed by NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). Since the program began in 2011, the design has passed Critical Design Review, and extensive development, test and flight hardware has been produced by every major element of the SLS vehicle. Testing continues on engines, boosters, tanks and avionics. While the program has experienced engineering challenges typical of a new development, it continues to make steady progress toward the first SLS mission in roughly two years and a sustained cadence of missions thereafter. This paper will discuss these and other technical and SLS programmatic successes and challenges over the past year and provide a preview of work ahead before first flight.

Renal transplant immunology in the last 20 years: A revolution towards graft and patient survival improvement.

PubMed

Sá, Helena; Leal, Rita; Rosa, Manuel Santos

2017-05-04

To deride the hope of progress is the ultimate fatuity, the last word in poverty of spirit and meanness of mind. There is no need to be dismayed by the fact that we cannot yet envisage a definitive solution of our problems, a resting-place beyond which we need not try to go. -P.B. Medawar, 1969 * Thomas E. Starlz, also known as the Father of Clinical Transplantation, once said that organ transplantation was the supreme exception to the rule that most major advances in medicine spring from discoveries in basic science [Starzl T. The mystique of organ transplantation. J Am Coll Surg 2005 Aug;201(2):160-170]. In fact, the first successful identical-twin kidney transplantation performed by Murray's team in December 1954 (Murray J et al. Renal homotransplantations in identical twins. Surg Forum 1955;6:432-436) was the example of an upside down translation medicine: Human clinical transplantation began and researchers tried to understand the underlying immune response and how to control the powerful rejection pathways through experimental models. In the last 20 years, we have witnessed an amazing progress in the knowledge of immunological mechanisms regarding alloimmune response and an outstanding evolution on the identification and characterization of major and minor histocompatibility antigens. This review presents an historical and clinical perspective of those important advances in kidney transplantation immunology in the last 20 years, which contributed to the improvement in patients' quality of life and the survival of end-stage renal patients. In spite of these significant progresses, some areas still need substantial progress, such as the definition of non-invasive biomarkers for acute rejection; the continuous reduction of immunosuppression; the extension of graft survival, and finally the achievement of real graft tolerance extended to HLA mismatch donor: recipient pairs.

Recent progresses in biomedical applications of aptamer-functionalized systems.

PubMed

Ding, Fei; Gao, Yangguang; He, Xianran

2017-09-15

Aptamers, known as "chemical antibodies" are screened via a combinational technology of systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX). Due to their specific targeting ability, high binding affinity, low immunogenicity and easy modification, aptamer-functionalized systems have been extensively applied in various fields and exhibit favorable results. However, there is still a long way for them to be commercialized, and few aptamer-functionalized systems have yet successfully entered clinical and industrial use. Thus, it is necessary to overview the recent research progresses of aptamer-functionalized systems for the researchers to improve or design novel and better aptamer-functionalized systems. In this review, we first introduce the recent progresses of aptamer-functionalized systems' applications in biosensing, targeted drug delivery, gene therapy and cancer cell imaging, followed by a discussion of the challenges faced with extensive applications of aptamer-functionalized systems and speculation of the future prospects of them. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Southern Rural Development Center Annual Progress Report, FY 1981.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Southern Rural Development Center, Mississippi State, MS.

Since 1974 the Southern Rural Development Center (SRDC) has provided support staff for capacity building and innovative programming for the experiment stations and extension services of 28 land-grant universities in 13 southern states and Puerto Rico. The Center exists to provide the best possible information and assistance to extension and…

76 FR 32968 - Proposed Extensions and Waivers: National Center To Enhance the Professional Development of...

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42 CFR 93.311 - Investigation time limits.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

..., preparing the report of findings, providing the draft report for comment in accordance with § 93.312, and sending the final report to ORI under § 93.315. (b) Extension of time limit. If unable to complete the investigation in 120 days, the institution must ask ORI for an extension in writing. (c) Progress reports. If...

Arthroscopic Fragment Resection for Capitellar Osteochondritis Dissecans in Adolescent Athletes: 5- to 12-Year Follow-up

PubMed Central

Ueda, Yusuke; Sugaya, Hiroyuki; Takahashi, Norimasa; Matsuki, Keisuke; Tokai, Morihito; Onishi, Kazutomo; Hoshika, Shota; Hamada, Hiroshige

2017-01-01

Background: Capitellar osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) in skeletally immature athletes has often been seen in baseball players and gymnasts. The choice of surgical procedure for unstable lesions in skeletally immature athletes remains controversial. Purpose: To investigate functional outcomes and radiographic changes in the midterm to long-term postoperative period after arthroscopic (AS) resection for small to large capitellar OCD lesions in skeletally immature athletes. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A total of 38 elbows in 38 patients (33 boys, 5 girls; mean age, 14 years [range, 13-15 years]) with skeletally immature elbows underwent AS resection for capitellar OCD. Patients were observed for at least 5 years (mean, 8 years [range, 5-12 years]). Elbows with a lesion width that did not exceed one-half of the radial head diameter were assigned to group 1 (n = 17 elbows), and larger lesions were assigned to group 2 (n = 21 elbows). Functional scores, patient satisfaction, range of motion (ROM), and osteoarthritis (OA) grades were evaluated between the groups. Results: All patients returned to sports activity. Functional scores at the final follow-up were not significantly different between the groups. Patient satisfaction scores were significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2. There was significant improvement in flexion ROM at the final follow-up compared with preoperative values in group 1 (P = .017), and there was a significant between-group difference (group 1: 141°; group 2: 133°; P = .002). Extension ROM showed significant improvement in both groups (group 1: from –8° to 3°; group 2: from –17° to –1°; P < .001 for both). Group 1 tended to have better extension than group 2, but the difference was not significant. There were no elbows with severe OA in either group, but the OA grade progressed in 5 elbows (29%) in group 1 and 9 elbows (43%) in group 2, and this rate of OA progression was statistically significant between groups (P = .005). Conclusion: Both functional outcomes and radiological findings after AS fragment resection were excellent in elbows with small lesions. Although overall outcomes were acceptable in elbows with larger lesions, flexion ROM and patient satisfaction scores were significantly inferior to those in elbows with smaller lesions. PMID:29276715

Molecular cogs of the insect circadian clock.

PubMed

Shirasu, Naoto; Shimohigashi, Yasuyuki; Tominaga, Yoshiya; Shimohigashi, Miki

2003-08-01

During the last five years, enormous progress has been made in understanding the molecular basis of circadian systems, mainly by molecular genetic studies using the mouse and fly. Extensive evidence has revealed that the core clock machinery involves "clock genes" and "clock proteins" functioning as molecular cogs. These participate in transcriptional/translational feedback loops and many homologous clock-components in the fruit fly Drosophila are also expressed in mammalian clock tissues with circadian rhythms. Thus, the mechanisms of the central clock seem to be conserved across animal kingdom. However, some recent studies imply that the present widely accepted molecular models of circadian clocks may not always be supported by the experimental evidence.

Proceedings of the Black-footed Ferret & Prairie Dog Workshop, September 4-6, 1973

USGS Publications Warehouse

Linder, R.L.; Hillman, C.N.

1973-01-01

Both State and Federal agencies have been working with the black-footed ferret and prairie dog during the past few years. Much of the work is not extensive enough for publication in scientific journals and is, therefore, not reported. The objective of this Workshop was to bring workers together for discussion of the current status of the two species. Each of the Conservation Departments in the states and provinces within the former range of the prairie dog and the black-footed ferret was invited to participate. Federal agencies were also invited to report on current programs in progress on public lands.

[Necrotizing fasciitis of the hand and forearm : Acute surgical treatment and defect reconstruction with MatriDerm® and split-thickness skin graft].

PubMed

Niedermueller, B; Singer, G; Pickl, P; Jesacher, M

2018-03-01

This case report describes a 55-year-old male patient with type II necrotizing fasciitis (NF) of the hand and forearm. The rapid progression of the tissue infection could be successfully stopped with radical surgical débridement and antibiotic therapy. For the reconstruction of the extensive loss of soft tissue a combination of split-thickness skin graft (STSG) and the synthetic dermal substitute MatriDerm® was used. In cases of NF, MatriDerm® and STSG provide a rapidly available and simple alternative to other reconstruction techniques.

Environmental analysis of higher brominated diphenyl ethers and decabromodiphenyl ethane.

PubMed

Kierkegaard, Amelie; Sellström, Ulla; McLachlan, Michael S

2009-01-16

Methods for environmental analysis of higher brominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), in particular decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE209), and the recently discovered environmental contaminant decabromodiphenyl ethane (deBDethane) are reviewed. The extensive literature on analysis of BDE209 has identified several critical issues, including contamination of the sample, degradation of the analyte during sample preparation and GC analysis, and the selection of appropriate detection methods and surrogate standards. The limited experience with the analysis of deBDethane suggests that there are many commonalities with BDE209. The experience garnered from the analysis of BDE209 over the last 15 years will greatly facilitate progress in the analysis of deBDethane.

Gangrene of the penis, scrotum, and perineum, occurred after radiotherapy of rectal cancer

PubMed Central

Życzkowski, Marcin; Bryniarski, Piotr; Nowakowski, Krzysztof; Muskała, Bartosz; Paradysz, Andrzej

2013-01-01

We present a case of a 58-year-old man hospitalized because of gangrene of the penis and scrotum, after radiochemotherapy for rectal cancer. At the time of the admission the patient presented with extensive gangrene with necrosis affecting the scrotum and the penis. During the first day of hospitalization the patient was operated. Due to the progress of the disease he had to be operated again. The status of the patient, which initially was very bad, was gradually improving. He was discharged from the hospital after 59 days in a good general state with good wound healing. PMID:24707380

Cuminum cyminum and Carum carvi: An update

PubMed Central

Johri, R. K.

2011-01-01

Cuminum cyminum and Carum carvi are the sources of cumin and caraway seeds respectively, which have been used since antiquity for the treatment of various indications in traditional healing systems in wide geographical areas. Cumin and caraway seeds are rich sources of essential oils and have been actively researched for their chemical composition and biological activities. In recent times (especially during the last 3 years) considerable progress has been made regarding validation of their acclaimed medicinal attributes by extensive experimental studies. In this attempt many novel bioactivities have been revealed. This review highlights the significance of cumin and caraway as potential source of diverse natural products and their medicinal applications. PMID:22096320

Mechanisms of alternative splicing regulation: insights from molecular and genomics approaches

PubMed Central

Chen, Mo; Manley, James L.

2010-01-01

Alternative splicing of mRNA precursors provides an important means of genetic control and is a crucial step in the expression of most genes. Alternative splicing markedly affects human development, and its misregulation underlies many human diseases. Although the mechanisms of alternative splicing have been studied extensively, until the past few years we had not begun to realize fully the diversity and complexity of alternative splicing regulation by an intricate protein–RNA network. Great progress has been made by studying individual transcripts and through genome-wide approaches, which together provide a better picture of the mechanistic regulation of alternative pre-mRNA splicing. PMID:19773805

Industry progress to market a healthful diet to American children and adolescents.

PubMed

Kraak, Vivica I; Story, Mary; Wartella, Ellen A; Ginter, Jaya

2011-09-01

The IOM released an expert committee report in 2005 that assessed the nature, extent, and influence of food and beverage marketing practices on the diets and health of American children and adolescents. The report concluded that prevailing marketing practices did not support a healthful diet and offered recommendations for diverse stakeholders to promote a healthful diet. The investigators evaluated progress made by food, beverage, and restaurant companies; trade associations; entertainment companies; and the media to achieve the IOM report recommendations over 5 years. A literature review was conducted of electronic databases and relevant government, industry, and media websites between December 1, 2005, and January 31, 2011. Evidence selection was guided by the IOM LEAD principles (i.e., locate, evaluate, and assemble evidence to inform decisions) and five qualitative-research criteria, and it was validated by data and investigator triangulation. The investigators selected and categorized 117 data sources into two evidence tables used to evaluate industry progress (i.e., no, limited, moderate, and extensive). Food and beverage companies made moderate progress; however, limited progress was made by other industry subsectors. Industry stakeholders used integrated marketing communications (IMC) to promote primarily unhealthy products, which threaten children's and adolescents' health and miss opportunities to promote a healthy eating environment. Diverse industry stakeholders have several untapped opportunities to advance progress by promoting IMC to support a healthful diet; substantially strengthening self-regulatory programs; supporting truthful and non-misleading product labeling and health claims; engaging in partnerships; and funding independent evaluations of collective efforts. Copyright © 2011 American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Revisiting 30 years of biofunctionalization and surface chemistry of inorganic nanoparticles for nanomedicine

PubMed Central

Conde, João; Dias, Jorge T.; Grazú, Valeria; Moros, Maria; Baptista, Pedro V.; de la Fuente, Jesus M.

2014-01-01

In the last 30 years we have assisted to a massive advance of nanomaterials in material science. Nanomaterials and structures, in addition to their small size, have properties that differ from those of larger bulk materials, making them ideal for a host of novel applications. The spread of nanotechnology in the last years has been due to the improvement of synthesis and characterization methods on the nanoscale, a field rich in new physical phenomena and synthetic opportunities. In fact, the development of functional nanoparticles has progressed exponentially over the past two decades. This work aims to extensively review 30 years of different strategies of surface modification and functionalization of noble metal (gold) nanoparticles, magnetic nanocrystals and semiconductor nanoparticles, such as quantum dots. The aim of this review is not only to provide in-depth insights into the different biofunctionalization and characterization methods, but also to give an overview of possibilities and limitations of the available nanoparticles. PMID:25077142

Rapidly Progressive Dementia

PubMed Central

Geschwind, Michael D.

2016-01-01

Purpose of Review: This article presents a practical and informative approach to the evaluation of a patient with a rapidly progressive dementia (RPD). Recent Findings: Prion diseases are the prototypical causes of RPD, but reversible causes of RPD might mimic prion disease and should always be considered in a differential diagnosis. Aside from prion diseases, the most common causes of RPD are atypical presentations of other neurodegenerative disorders, curable disorders including autoimmune encephalopathies, as well as some infections, and neoplasms. Numerous recent case reports suggest dural arterial venous fistulas sometimes cause RPDs. Summary: RPDs, in which patients typically develop dementia over weeks to months, require an alternative differential than the slowly progressive dementias that occur over a few years. Because of their rapid decline, patients with RPDs necessitate urgent evaluation and often require an extensive workup, typically with multiple tests being sent or performed concurrently. Jakob-Creutzfeldt disease, perhaps the prototypical RPD, is often the first diagnosis many neurologists consider when treating a patient with rapid cognitive decline. Many conditions other than prion disease, however, including numerous reversible or curable conditions, can present as an RPD. This chapter discusses some of the major etiologies for RPDs and offers an algorithm for diagnosis. PMID:27042906

[Progress of midfacial fat compartments and related clinical applications].

PubMed

Wen, Lihong; Wang, Jinhuang; Li, Yang; Liu, Dalie

2018-02-01

To review the research progress of midfacial fat compartments, and to thoroughly understand its current state of the anatomy and the aging morphologic characters of midfacial fat compartments, as well as the current status of clinical applications. The recent literature concerning the midfacial fat compartments and related clinical applications were extensively reviewed and analyzed. Midfacial fat layer has been considered as a fusion and a continuous layer, experiencing a global atrophy when aging. As more anatomical researches have done, recent studies have shown that midfacial fat layer is broadly divided into superficial and deep layers, which are both divided into different fat compartments by fascia, ligaments, or muscles. Midfacial fat compartments tend to atrophy with age, specifically in the deep fat compartments while hypertrophy in the superficial fat compartments. Clinical applications show that fat volumetric restoration with deep medial cheek fat and Ristow's space can restore the appearance of midface effectively. In recent years, the researches of midfacial fat compartments have achieved obvious progress, which will provide new ideas and basis for fat volumetric restoration. Corresponding treatments are selected based on different sites and different layers with different aging changes, reshaping a more youthful midface.

76 FR 10064 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Extension of a Previously Approved Collection; Comments...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-02-23

... Collection Under Review: COPS Progress Report. The Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) will be submitting the following information collection request to the Office of... Form/Collection: COPS Progress Report. (3) Agency form number, if any, and the applicable component of...

Adaptive harvest management for the Svalbard population of Pink-Footed Geese: 2014 progress summary

USGS Publications Warehouse

Johnson, Fred A.; Madsen, J.

2015-01-01

During the summer of 2013 we computed an optimal harvest strategy for the 3-year period 2013 – 2015. The strategy suggested that the appropriate annual harvest quota is 15 thousand. The 1-year harvest strategy calculated to determine whether an emergency closure of the hunting season is required this year suggested an allowable harvest of 25.0 thousand; thus, a hunting-season closure is not warranted.  If the harvest quota of 15 thousand were met in the coming hunting season, the next population count would be expected to be 71.0 thousand.  If only the most recent 4-year mean harvest were realized (11.3 thousand), a population size of 74.8 thousand would be expected.  Simulations suggest that it will take approximately seven years at current harvest levels to reduce population size to the goal of 60 thousand.  However, it is possible that the extension of the forthcoming hunting season in Denmark could result in a total harvest approaching 15 thousand; in this case, simulations suggest it would only take about three years to reach the goal.

[Hepatobiliary System Diseases as the Predictors of Psoriasis Progression].

PubMed

Smirnova, S V; Barilo, A A; Smolnikova, M V

2016-01-01

To assess the state of the hepatobiliary system in psoriasis andpsoriatic arthritis in order to establish a causal relationship and to identify clinical and functional predictors of psoriatic disease progression. The study includedpatients with extensive psoriasis vulgaris (n = 175) aged 18 to 66 years old and healthy donors (n = 30), matched by sex and age: Group 1--patients with psoriasis (PS, n = 77), group 2--patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA, n = 98), group 3--control. The evaluation of functional state of the hepatobiliary system was performed by the analysis of the clinical and anamnestic data and by the laboratory-instrumental methods. We identified predictors of psoriasis: triggers (stress and nutritionalfactor), increased total bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, eosinophilia, giardiasis, carriers of hepatitis C virus, ductal changes andfocal leisons in the liver, thickening of the walls of the gallbladder detected by ultrasound. Predictors ofpsoriatic arthritis: age over 50 years, dyspeptic complaints, the presence of hepatobiliary system diseases, the positive right hypochondrium syndrome, the clinical symptoms of chronic cholecystitis, excess body weight, high levels of bilirubin, cholesterol and low density lipoprotein, hepatomegaly, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. High activity of hepatocytes cytolysis, cholestasis, inflammation, metabolic disorders let us considerpsoriatic arthritis as a severe clinical stage psoriatic disease when the hepatobiliary system, in turn, is one of the main target organs in systemic psoriatic process. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and chronic cholecystitis are predictors of psoriatic disease progression.

The 1974 Ethiopian rift geodimeter survey

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mohr, P.

1977-01-01

The field techniques and methods of data reduction for five successive geodimeter surveys in the Ethiopian rift valley are enlarged upon, with the considered conclusion that there is progressive accumulation of upper crustal strain, consonant with on-going rift extension. The extension is restricted to the Quaternary volcanotectonic axis of the rift, namely the Wonji fault belt, and is occurring at rates of 3 to 6 mm/yr in the northern sector of the rift valley. Although this concurs with the predictions of platetectonic analysis of the Afar triple junction, it is considered premature to endorse such a concurrence on the basis of only 5 years of observations. This is underlined by the detection of local tectonic contractions and expansions associated with geothermal and gravity anomalies in the central sector of the rift valley. There is a hint of a component of dextral slip along some of the rift-floor fault zones, both from geological evidence and from the strain patterns detected in the present geodetic surveys.

Macular function and morphological features in juvenile Stargardt disease: Longitudinal study

PubMed Central

Testa, Francesco; Melillo, Paolo; Iorio, Valentina Di; Orrico, Ada; Attanasio, Marcella; Rossi, Settimio; Simonelli, Francesca

2014-01-01

Purpose to evaluate disease progression in a cohort of patients with clinical and genetic diagnosis of Stargardt disease. Design longitudinal cohort study. Subjects 56 selected patients with a clinical and molecular diagnosis of Stargardt disease, an early age of onset and a median follow-up length of two years. Methods patients underwent routine examination including full-field electroretinography, microperimetry and optical coherence tomography. Main Outcome Measures best corrected visual acuity, mean retinal sensitivity, fixation stability, preferred retinal locus, inner-outer segment (IS/OS) junction loss, atrophic lesion area. Results 56 patients with a mean age of disease onset of 15.3 years (range: 3 - 28 years), a mean disease length of 12.1 years and a mean age at baseline of 27.4 years were analyzed. The median best corrected visual acuity was 20/200 in both eyes. Optical coherence tomography parameters (IS/OS alteration and retinal pigment epithelium lesion area) were obtained in 49 patients because signal quality was poor in the remaining 7 patients. Optical coherence tomography revealed a mean retinal pigment epithelium lesion area of 2.6 mm2, preserved foveal IS/OS in 4.1% of patients, loss of foveal IS/OS in 59.2%, and extensive loss of macular IS/OS in 36.7%. Microperimetric findings showed a reduced macular sensitivity (mean 10 dB) and an unstable fixation in half of the patient cohort. The longitudinal analysis showed a significant progressive reduction of best corrected visual acuity and macular sensitivity (at an estimated rate of 0.04 decimals and 1.19 dB per year, respectively) associated with a significant enlargement of retinal pigment epithelium lesion area (0.282 mm2 per year). No significant changes in ophthalmoscopic findings and electroretinographic responses were detected. Conclusions this study highlights the importance of microperimetry and optical coherence tomography in monitoring Stargardt patients. In fact, quantifying the decline of visual functionality and detecting morphological macular changes proves useful to evaluate disease progression over a short-term follow-up and should be taken into account for the design of future gene therapy clinical trials to treat retinal dystrophy. PMID:25097154

Substitutes for Bear Bile for the Treatment of Liver Diseases: Research Progress and Future Perspective

PubMed Central

Li, Sha; Tan, Hor Yue; Wang, Ning; Hong, Ming; Li, Lei; Cheung, Fan; Feng, Yibin

2016-01-01

Bear bile has been a well-known Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Because of the endangered species protection, the concept on substitutes for bear bile was proposed decades ago. Based on their chemical composition and pharmacologic actions, artificial bear bile, bile from other animals, synthetic compounds, and medicinal plants may be the promising candidates to replace bear bile for the similar therapeutic purpose. Accumulating research evidence has indicated that these potential substitutes for bear bile have displayed the same therapeutic effects as bear bile. However, stopping the use of bear bile is a challenging task. In this review, we extensively searched PubMed and CNKI for literatures, focusing on comparative studies between bear bile and its substitutes for the treatment of liver diseases. Recent research progress in potential substitutes for bear bile in the last decade is summarized, and a strategy for the use of substitutes for bear bile is discussed carefully. PMID:27087822

The progress of Chinese burn medicine from the Third Military Medical University-in memory of its pioneer, Professor Li Ao.

PubMed

Li, Haisheng; Zhou, Junyi; Peng, Yizhi; Zhang, Jiaping; Peng, Xi; Luo, Qizhi; Yuan, Zhiqiang; Yan, Hong; Peng, Daizhi; He, Weifeng; Wang, Fengjun; Liang, Guangping; Huang, Yuesheng; Wu, Jun; Luo, Gaoxing

2017-01-01

Professor Li Ao was one of the founders of Chinese burn medicine and one of the most renowned doctors and researchers of burns in China. He established one of the Chinese earliest special departments for burns at Third Military Medical University (TMMU) in 1958. To memorialize Professor Li Ao on his 100th birthday in 2017 and introduce our extensive experience, it is our honor to briefly review the development and achievement of the Chinese burn medicine from TMMU. The epidemiology and outcomes of admitted burn patients since 1958 were reviewed. Furthermore, main achievements of basic and clinical research for the past roughly 60 years were presented. These achievements mainly included the Chinese Rule of Nine, fluid resuscitation protocol, experience in inhalation injury, wound treatment strategies, prevention and treatment of burn infections, nutrition therapy, organ support therapies, and rehabilitation. The progress shaped and enriched modern Chinese burn medicine and promoted the development of world burn medicine.

Molecular orbital studies of the bonding in heavy element organometallics: Progress report

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bursten, B. E.

1988-03-01

Over the past two years we have made considerable progress in the understanding of the bonding in heavy element mononuclear and binuclear complexes. For mononuclear complexes, our strategy has been to study the orbital interactions between the actinide metal center and the surrounding ligands. One particular system which has been studied extensively is X sub 3 AnL (where X = Cp, Cl, NH sub 2 ; An = actinide; and L = neutral or anionic ligand). We are interested not only in the mechanics of the An-X orbital interactions, but also how the relative donor characteristics of X may influence coordination of the fourth ligand L to the actinide. For binuclear systems, we are interested not only in homobimetallic complexes, but also in heterobimetallic complexes containing actinides and transition metals. In order to make the calculations of such large systems tractable, we have transferred the X-alpha-SW codes to the newly acquired Cray XMP24 at the Ohio Supercomputer Center. This has resulted in significant savings of money and time.

Recent progress in VSTOL technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roberts, L.; Deckert, W. R.

1982-01-01

Progress in vertical and short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) aircraft technology, in particular, during the 1970 to 1980 period at Ames Research Center is discussed. Although only two kinds of V/STOL aircraft (the helicopter and the British direct lift Harrier) have achieved operational maturity, understanding of the technology has vastly improved during this 10 year period. To pursue an aggressive R and D program at a reasonable cost, it was decided to conduct extensive large scale testing in wind tunnel and flight simulation facilities, to develop low cost research aircraft using modified airframes or engines, and to involve other agencies and industry contractors in joint technical and funding arrangements. The STOL investigations include exploring STOL performance using the rotating cylinder flap concept, the augmentor wing, upon initiation of the Quiet Short Haul Research Aircraft program, the upper surface blown flap concept. The VTOL investigations were conducted using a tilt rotor aircraft, resulting in the XV-15 tilt rotor research aircraft. Direct jet lift is now being considered for application to future supersonic fighter aircraft.

Learning From Leaders: Life-span Trends in Olympians and Supercentenarians

PubMed Central

Berthelot, Geoffroy; Marck, Adrien; Noirez, Philippe; Latouche, Aurélien; Toussaint, Jean-François

2015-01-01

Life-span trends progression has worldwide practical implications as it may affect the sustainability of modern societies. We aimed to describe the secular life-span trends of populations with a propensity to live longer—Olympians and supercentenarians—under two hypotheses: an ongoing life-span extension versus a biologic “probabilistic barrier” limiting further progression. In a study of life-span densities (total number of life durations per birth date), we analyzed 19,012 Olympians and 1,205 supercentenarians deceased between 1900 and 2013. Among most Olympians, we observed a trend toward increased life duration. This trend, however, decelerates at advanced ages leveling off with the upper values with a perennial gap between Olympians and supercentenarians during the whole observation period. Similar tendencies are observed among supercentenarians, and over the last years, a plateau attests to a stable longevity pattern among the longest-lived humans. The common trends between Olympians and supercentenarians indicate similar mortality pressures over both populations that increase with age, scenario better explained by a biologic “barrier” forecast. PMID:25143003

[Dislocated fracture of the lesser trochanter with malrotation of the stem after robot assisted implantation of a cementless hip prosthesis: a casuistic report].

PubMed

Prymka, M; Hassenpflug, J

2003-08-01

This paper presents the case of a 63 year old female with a severe coxarthrosis. She got a robot assited implantation of a cementless hip prosthesis (Osteolock, Stryker-Howmedica, Mühlheim). As operation robot the CASPAR-System (Orto-Maquet, Rastatt) was used. Initially, the clinical progress of the patient was fine. She was nearly painfree within 14 days and showed an acceptable range of motion in the operated joint (flexion/ extension 90 degrees /05 degrees /00 degrees ). She was mobilized with crutches and 15 kg weight bearing at the operated leg. 3 weeks postoperative the patient complaint about increasing pain without trauma or intensification of the weight bearing. X-rays showed not only a dislocated fracture of the lesser trochanter, but also a sinking combined with a malrotation of the stem. A revision operation was necessary,where we implanted a cemented stem. Now clinical progress was completely satisfying.

Role of Carbamazepine in the Symptomatic Treatment of Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

PubMed Central

Ravikumar, Sandhya; Crawford, John Ross

2013-01-01

We describe the clinical presentation and clinical course of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis in a 13-year-old previously healthy boy who recently immigrated to the United States from Iraq. He presented with macular retinopathy, followed by progressive myoclonus and encephalopathy. After extensive workup, a diagnosis of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis was suspected by the presence of period epileptiform discharges on electroencephalogram and confirmed by elevated measles titers in the cerebrospinal fluid. Combination immunomodulatory therapy with isoprinosine, ribavirin, and intra-Ommaya interferon alpha did not result in clinical improvement. Within days following the administration of carbamazepine, there was remarkable improvement in the myoclonus and he was able to ambulate independently for a period of 4 months at which time he unfortunately progressed to a vegetative state. This case highlights the importance of carbamazepine as a potential first line symptomatic treatment of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis and provides a review of the literature on the subject. PMID:23533854

Long-term survival of high-risk melanoma patients immunized with a Hyper-IL-6-modified allogeneic whole-cell vaccine after complete resection.

PubMed

Mackiewicz, Andrzej; Mackiewicz, Jacek; Wysocki, Piotr J; Wiznerowicz, Maciej; Kapcinska, Malgorzata; Laciak, Maria; Rose-John, Stefan; Izycki, Dariusz; Burzykowski, Tomasz; Karczewska-Dzionk, Aldona

2012-06-01

Two single arm, Phase II trials (3 and 5) were undertaken to determine the efficacy and toxicity of an adjuvant treatment using Hyper-IL-6 gene-modified whole-cell allogeneic melanoma vaccine in patients with stage IIIB-IV resected disease. Ninety-seven and 99 patients were enrolled into Trials 3 and 5, respectively. The primary endpoint was disease-free survival (DFS), and the secondary was overall survival (OS). Vaccine was administered eight times every 2 weeks (induction), every month (maintenance) until patient's death. At progression, maintenance was continued or induction was repeated followed by maintenance. Median follow-up was 10.5 and 6.2 years for Trials 3 and 5, respectively. No grade 3 or 4 toxicities were observed. An extension of DFS and OS was observed, when compared with historical non-treated controls. DFS probability at 5 years for Trials 3 and 5 was, respectively, 54.8% and 40.6% for stage IIIB, 25.0% and 24.0% for IIIC, and 8.5% and 17.7% for IV. OS probability at 5 years was, respectively, 66.7% and 56.3% for IIIB, 43.8% and 39.8% for IIIC, and 26.1% and 41.2% for IV. Continuous vaccination, regardless of the disease progression, re-induction, and immunization of patients until death resulted in patients a long-term survival.

Radiotherapy after surgical resection for head and neck mucosal melanoma.

PubMed

Wu, Abraham J; Gomez, Jennifer; Zhung, Joanne E; Chan, Kelvin; Gomez, Daniel R; Wolden, Suzanne L; Zelefsky, Michael J; Wolchok, Jedd D; Carvajal, Richard D; Chapman, Paul B; Wong, Richard J; Shaha, Ashok R; Kraus, Dennis H; Shah, Jatin P; Lee, Nancy Y

2010-06-01

To present our single-institution experience with postoperative radiotherapy for mucosal melanoma of the head and neck. Between 1992 and 2007, 27 patients with mucosal melanoma of the head and neck underwent surgical resection followed by postoperative radiotherapy. Median age was 68 years (range: 45-89 years). Sites included were sinonasal in 24 patients, oral cavity in 2, and oropharynx in 1. All but 2 patients had stage I disease. Twenty-two patients received hypofractionated radiation. Radiation techniques were intensity-modulated radiation therapy in 13, 3-dimensional conformal in 4, and conventional in 10. The median follow-up for living patients was 45 months (range: 24-122 months). The 3- and 5-year estimates of local progression-free, loco-regional progression-free, distant metastasis-free, and overall survival were: 47% and 35%; 34% and 22%; 30% and 24%; and 40% and 33%, respectively. Median time to local failure and distant metastasis was 32 and 14 months, respectively. Acute toxicities included 19% with grade 2 or higher mucositis. No late complications related to the optic structures were seen. Modern radiotherapeutic techniques including intensity-modulated radiation therapy appear feasible and well-tolerated in the postoperative treatment of head and neck mucosal melanoma. Unusual or serious late complications have not been observed despite extensive use of hypofractionated regimens. However, rates of local and distant failure remain high.

Promoting academic and social-emotional school readiness: the head start REDI program.

PubMed

Bierman, Karen L; Domitrovich, Celene E; Nix, Robert L; Gest, Scott D; Welsh, Janet A; Greenberg, Mark T; Blair, Clancy; Nelson, Keith E; Gill, Sukhdeep

2008-01-01

Forty-four Head Start classrooms were randomly assigned to enriched intervention (Head Start REDI-Research-based, Developmentally Informed) or "usual practice" conditions. The intervention involved brief lessons, "hands-on" extension activities, and specific teaching strategies linked empirically with the promotion of: (a) social-emotional competencies and (b) language development and emergent literacy skills. Take-home materials were provided to parents to enhance skill development at home. Multimethod assessments of three hundred and fifty-six 4-year-old children tracked their progress over the course of the 1-year program. Results revealed significant differences favoring children in the enriched intervention classrooms on measures of vocabulary, emergent literacy, emotional understanding, social problem solving, social behavior, and learning engagement. Implications are discussed for developmental models of school readiness and for early educational programs and policies.

Retrospectives on Factors Influencing Inclusive Opportunities for College Students with Extensive Support Needs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Orlando, Ann-Marie; Klinepeter, Elizabeth; Foster, Megan

2016-01-01

Current U.S. legislation calls for students with disabilities to be involved and make progress in general education curriculum. Despite the legislation, students with extensive support needs continue to be segregated from their peers and post-school outcomes remain dismal for this population of students. The purpose of this retrospective study was…

Helping Memory-Impaired Elders: A Guide for Caregivers. A Pacific Northwest Extension Publication. PNW 314.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schmall, Vicki L.; Cleland, Marilyn

This cooperative extension bulletin is designed to help family and professional caregivers understand dementia in later life and learn to cope more effectively with the changes resulting from a progressive dementing illness. The first three sections describe the differences between senility and dementia, causes of dementia, and adjustments that…

Using a Learning Management System to Enhance an Extensive Reading Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Koby, Cory J.

2017-01-01

The Extensive Reading (ER) approach to second language acquisition is increasingly one of the methods of choice amongst English as a Foreign Language (EFL) educators around the world. This method requires learners to read a large volume of easily comprehensible text, and teachers to track and manage their students' progress in some manner. There…

Evaluation of an Extension-Delivered Resource for Accelerating Progress in Childhood Obesity Prevention: The BEPA-Toolkit

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gunter, Katherine B.; Abi Nader, Patrick; Armington, Amanda; Hicks, John C.; John, Deborah

2017-01-01

The Balanced Energy Physical Activity Toolkit, or the BEPA-Toolkit, supports physical activity (PA) programming via Extension in elementary schools. In a pilot study, we evaluated the effectiveness of the BEPA-Toolkit as used by teachers through Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education partnerships. We surveyed teachers (n = 57)…

Conducting a Multivocal Thematic Synthesis on an Extensive Body of Literature

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Befus, Madelaine

2016-01-01

This paper will provide a methodology and progress report from a multivocal thematic synthesis being conducted on an extensive, diverse body of empirical studies. The study data includes a corpus of peer-reviewed empirical literature sharing a common reference published in English between 2000 and 2014. In this study, data to be synthesized share…

Personalized predictive modeling for patients with Alzheimer's disease using an extension of Sullivan's life table model.

PubMed

Stallard, Eric; Kinosian, Bruce; Stern, Yaakov

2017-09-20

Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression varies substantially among patients, hindering calculation of residual total life expectancy (TLE) and its decomposition into disability-free life expectancy (DFLE) and disabled life expectancy (DLE) for individual patients with AD. The objective of the present study was to assess the accuracy of a new synthesis of Sullivan's life table (SLT) and longitudinal Grade of Membership (L-GoM) models that estimates individualized TLEs, DFLEs, and DLEs for patients with AD. If sufficiently accurate, such information could enhance the quality of important decisions in AD treatment and patient care. We estimated a new SLT/L-GoM model of the natural history of AD over 10 years in the Predictors 2 Study cohort: N = 229 with 6 fixed and 73 time-varying covariates over 21 examinations covering 11 measurement domains including cognitive, functional, behavioral, psychiatric, and other symptoms/signs. Total remaining life expectancy was censored at 10 years. Disability was defined as need for full-time care (FTC), the outcome most strongly associated with AD progression. All parameters were estimated via weighted maximum likelihood using data-dependent weights designed to ensure that the estimates of the prognostic subtypes were of high quality. Goodness of fit was tested/confirmed for survival and FTC disability for five relatively homogeneous subgroups defined to cover the range of patient outcomes over the 21 examinations. The substantial heterogeneity in initial patient presentation and AD progression was captured using three clinically meaningful prognostic subtypes and one terminal subtype exhibiting highly differentiated symptom severity on 7 of the 11 measurement domains. Comparisons of the observed and estimated survival and FTC disability probabilities demonstrated that the estimates were accurate for all five subgroups, supporting their use in AD life expectancy calculations. Mean 10-year TLE differed widely across subgroups: range 3.6-8.0 years, average 6.1 years. Mean 10-year DFLE differed relatively even more widely across subgroups: range 1.2-6.5 years, average 4.0 years. Mean 10-year DLE was relatively much closer: range 1.5-2.3 years, average 2.1 years. The SLT/L-GoM model yields accurate maximum likelihood estimates of TLE, DFLE, and DLE for patients with AD; it provides a realistic, comprehensive modeling framework for endpoint and resource use/cost calculations.

Advances and Future Directions for Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Research: Recommendations from the 2015 Strategic Planning Conference

PubMed Central

Sahin, Mustafa; Henske, Elizabeth P.; Manning, Brendan D.; Ess, Kevin C.; Bissler, John J.; Klann, Eric; Kwiatkowski, David J.; Roberds, Steven L.; Silva, Alcino J.; Hillaire-Clarke, Coryse St.; Young, Lisa R.; Zervas, Mark; Mamounas, Laura A.

2016-01-01

On March 10–12, 2015, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance sponsored a workshop in Bethesda, Maryland to assess progress and new opportunities for research in tuberous sclerosis complex with the goal of updating the 2003 Research Plan for Tuberous Sclerosis (http://www.ninds.nih.gov/about_ninds/plans/tscler_research_plan.htm). In addition to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance, participants in the strategic planning effort and workshop included representatives from six other Institutes of the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Defense Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Research Program and a broad cross-section of basic scientists and clinicians with expertise in tuberous sclerosis complex along with representatives from the pharmaceutical industry. This review summarizes outcomes from the extensive pre-meeting deliberations and final workshop recommendations, and includes: 1) progress in the field since publication of the initial 2003 research plan for tuberous sclerosis complex; 2) the key gaps, needs and challenges that hinder progress in tuberous sclerosis complex research; and 3) a new set of research priorities along with specific recommendations for addressing the major challenges in each priority area. The new research plan is organized around both short-term and long-term goals with the expectation that progress toward specific objectives can be achieved within a five- to ten-year timeframe. PMID:27267556

Very High Energy Gamma Ray Extension of GRO Observations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weekes, Trevor C.

1994-01-01

The membership, progress, and invited talks, publications, and proceedings made by the Whipple Gamma Ray Collaboration is reported for june 1990 through May 1994. Progress was made in the following areas: the May 1994 Markarian Flare at Whipple and EGRET (Energetic Gamma Ray Experiment Telescope) energies; AGN's (Active Galactic Nuclei); bursts; supernova remnants; and simulations and energy spectra.

Putting Children First: A Progressive Family Policy for the 1990s.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kamarck, Elaine Ciulla; Galston, William A.

Four policy papers delineate a progressive family policy for the 1990s that makes the family central among social issues and children central in families. An extensive introduction delineates the split between leaders' and ordinary citizens' views on the family and provides a summary of the papers. The first paper offers an economic review of the…

Improving Job Opportunities for Women. A Chartbook Focusing on the Progress in Business.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shaeffer, Ruth Gilbert; Axel, Helen

This chartbook documents with extensive charts what happened between 1970-75 in improving job opportunities for women, with special emphasis on the progress made in business. Employment data come from census, payroll, report, and survey information. Section 1 considers male-female employment profiles (1970, 1975) for the whole economy. Section 2…

The Reception of German Progressive Education in Russia: On Regularities of International Educational Transfer

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mchitarjan, Irina

2015-01-01

This article reports a historical case study of extensive educational transfer: the reception, adaptation, and use of German progressive education and German school reform ideas and practices in Russia at the beginning of the twentieth century. The reception of German educational ideas greatly enriched the theory and practice of the Russian school…

Very high gamma ray extension of GRO observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weekes, Trevor C.

1994-12-01

The membership, progress, and invited talks, publications, and proceedings made by the Whipple Gamma Ray Collaboration is reported for june 1990 through May 1994. Progress was made in the following areas: the May 1994 Markarian Flare at Whipple and EGRET (Energetic Gamma Ray Experiment Telescope) energies; AGN's (Active Galactic Nuclei); bursts; supernova remnants; and simulations and energy spectra.

A Compendium of Tests, Scales and Questionnaires: The Practitioner's Guide to Measuring Outcomes after Acquired Brain Impairment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tate, Robyn L.

2010-01-01

This "Compendium" is a comprehensive reference manual containing an extensive selection of instruments developed to measure signs and symptoms commonly encountered in neurological conditions, both progressive and non-progressive. It provides a repository of established instruments, as well as newly-developed scales, and covers all aspects of the…

Curriculum-Based Measurement of Reading Progress Monitoring: The Importance of Growth Magnitude and Goal Setting in Decision Making

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Van Norman, Ethan R.; Christ, Theodore J.; Newell, Kirsten W.

2017-01-01

Research regarding the technical adequacy of growth estimates from curriculum-based measurement of reading progress monitoring data suggests that current decision-making frameworks are likely to yield inaccurate recommendations unless data are collected for extensive periods of time. Instances where data may not need to be collected for long…

Forces directing germ-band extension in Drosophila embryos.

PubMed

Kong, Deqing; Wolf, Fred; Großhans, Jörg

2017-04-01

Body axis elongation by convergent extension is a conserved developmental process found in all metazoans. Drosophila embryonic germ-band extension is an important morphogenetic process during embryogenesis, by which the length of the germ-band is more than doubled along the anterior-posterior axis. This lengthening is achieved by typical convergent extension, i.e. narrowing the lateral epidermis along the dorsal-ventral axis and simultaneous extension along the anterior-posterior axis. Germ-band extension is largely driven by cell intercalation, whose directionality is determined by the planar polarity of the tissue and ultimately by the anterior-posterior patterning system. In addition, extrinsic tensile forces originating from the invaginating endoderm induce cell shape changes, which transiently contribute to germ-band extension. Here, we review recent progress in understanding of the role of mechanical forces in germ-band extension. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Long-term follow-up of a phase 2 study of oral teriflunomide in relapsing multiple sclerosis: safety and efficacy results up to 8.5 years

PubMed Central

Li, David K; Freedman, Mark S; Truffinet, Philippe; Benzerdjeb, Hadj; Wang, Dazhe; Bar-Or, Amit; Traboulsee, Anthony L; Reiman, Lucy E; O’Connor, Paul W

2012-01-01

Background: Teriflunomide, an oral disease-modifying therapy in development for patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (RMS), was well tolerated and effective in reducing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesions in 179 RMS patients in a phase 2 36-week, placebo-controlled study. Methods: A total of 147 patients who completed the core study entered an open-label extension. Teriflunomide patients continued their assigned dose, and placebo patients were re-allocated to teriflunomide, 7 mg/day or 14 mg/day. An interim analysis was performed at a cut-off on January 8 2010. Results: The mean and median duration of study treatment, including both the core and extension phase, from baseline to the interim cut-off, was 5.6 years (standard deviation: 2.7 years) and 7.1 years (range: 0.05–8.5 years), respectively. Of 147 patients, 62 (42.2%) discontinued (19% due to treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs)). The most common TEAEs were mild infections, fatigue, sensory disturbances and diarrhoea. No serious opportunistic infections occurred, with no discontinuations due to infection. Asymptomatic alanine aminotransferase increases (≤3× upper limit of normal (ULN)) were common (7 mg, 64.2%; 14 mg, 62.1%); increases >3×ULN were similar across groups (7 mg, 12.3%; 14 mg, 12.1%). Mild decreases in neutrophil counts occurred; none led to discontinuation. The incidence of malignancies was comparable to that of the general population, and cases were not reminiscent of those observed in immunocompromised patients. Annualised relapse rates remained low, minimal disability progression was observed, with a dose-dependent benefit with teriflunomide 14 mg for several MRI parameters. Conclusion: Teriflunomide had a favourable safety profile for up to 8.5 years. PMID:22307384

Progress on the three-particle quantization condition

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Briceno, Raul; Hansen, Mawell T.; Sharpe, Stephen R.

2016-10-01

We report progress on extending the relativistic model-independent quantization condition for three particles, derived previously by two of us, to a broader class of theories, as well as progress on checking the formalism. In particular, we discuss the extension to include the possibility of 2->3 and 3->2 transitions and the calculation of the finite-volume energy shift of an Efimov-like three-particle bound state. The latter agrees with the results obtained previously using non-relativistic quantum mechanics.

Effect of total knee replacement surgery and postoperative 12 month home exercise program on gait parameters.

PubMed

Heikkilä, A; Sevander-Kreus, N; Häkkinen, A; Vuorenmaa, M; Salo, Petr; Konsta, P; Ylinen, J

2017-03-01

To evaluate the effects of surgery and a postoperative progressive home exercise program on gait parameters among individuals operated with total knee arthroplasty. Single blinded randomized controlled trial. 108 patients (84 females, 24 males, mean age 69 years). Patients were equally randomized into an exercise group (EG) and control group (CG). The 12-months progressive home exercise program starting two months postoperatively was compared to usual care. Gait analysis was performed using the Gaitrite electronic walkway system. In addition, knee extension and flexion strength were measured by a dynamometer preoperatively, and pain on visual analog scale (VAS) at two months and 14 months postoperatively. At the 12-month follow-up, maximal gait velocity (p=0.006), cadence (p=0.003) and stance time (p=0.039) showed a greater increase among EG than CG. All the other gait parameters improved among both groups, but with not statistically discernible difference between groups. Weak correlations were found between changes in maximal gait velocity and the knee extension (r=-0.31, p=0.002), flexion strength (r=0.28, p=0.004) and pain during loading (r=-0.27, p=0.005) values. The intervention produced statistically significant changes in maximal gait velocity, cadence and stance times in the exercise group compared to controls. Although the average change was small it is of importance that biggest changes occurred in those with low performance. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A review of the 11-year solar cycle, the QBO, and the atmosphere relationship

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chanin, M. L.

1989-01-01

The papers published by Labitzke (1987) and by Labitzke and Van Loon (1988) indicated that the separation of Winter stratospheric data according to the phase of the Quasi-Biennial Oscillation (Q.B.O.) led to a largely improved relationship with the 11 year solar cycle. Since then, this possible relationship has been studied and extended from the surface to the lower thermosphere and its extension to other seasons is in progress. An opportunity is provided to review the state of the problem and to attempt to give a general view of the experimentally observed responses of the atmosphere to solar activity, when considering the phases of the Q.B.O. After a brief recall of the relationship discovered in the winter stratosphere, its extension downwards, upwards and to the other seasons are successively reviewed. The existing models are not adequate right now to represent the solar influence as they only take into account the change in UV flux, but before being able to use the large scale dynamics in a coupled radiative photochemical model, one needs to understand the mechanism able to explain the forcing from the lower atmosphere or the surface which could be induced by a change in solar activity.

Extensible Adaptive System for STEM Learning

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-07-16

Copyright 2013 Raytheon BBN Technologies Corp. All Rights Reserved ONR STEM Grand Challenge Extensible Adaptive System for STEM Learning ...Contract # N00014-12-C-0535 Raytheon BBN Technologies Corp. (BBN) Reference # 14217 In partial fulfillment of contract deliverable item # A001...Quarterly Progress Report #2 April 7, 2013 –July 6, 2013 Submitted July 16, 2013 BBN Technical POC: John Makhoul Raytheon BBN Technologies

Metamorphic core complexes: Expression of crustal extension by ductile-brittle shearing of the geologic column

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davis, G. H.

1985-01-01

Metamorphic core complexes and detachment fault terranes in the American Southwest are products of stretching of continental crust in the Tertiary. The physical and geometric properties of the structures, fault rocks, and contact relationships that developed as a consequence of the extension are especially well displayed in southeastern Arizona. The structures and fault rocks, as a system, reflect a ductile-through-brittle continuum of deformation, with individual structures and faults rocks showing remarkably coordinated strain and displacement patterns. Careful mapping and analysis of the structural system has led to the realization that strain and displacement were partitioned across a host of structures, through a spectrum of scales, in rocks of progressively changing rheology. By integrating observations made in different parts of the extensional system, especially at different inferred depth levels, it has been possible to construct a descriptive/kinematic model of the progressive deformation that achieved continental crustal extension in general, and the development of metamorphic core complexes in particular.

Spectroscopy, Manipulation and Trapping of Neutral Atoms, Molecules, and Other Particles Using Optical Nanofibers: A Review

PubMed Central

Morrissey, Michael J.; Deasy, Kieran; Frawley, Mary; Kumar, Ravi; Prel, Eugen; Russell, Laura; Truong, Viet Giang; Chormaic, Síle Nic

2013-01-01

The use of tapered optical fibers, i.e., optical nanofibers, for spectroscopy and the detection of small numbers of particles, such as neutral atoms or molecules, has been gaining interest in recent years. In this review, we briefly introduce the optical nanofiber, its fabrication, and optical mode propagation within. We discuss recent progress on the integration of optical nanofibers into laser-cooled atom and vapor systems, paying particular attention to spectroscopy, cold atom cloud characterization, and optical trapping schemes. Next, a natural extension of this work to molecules is introduced. Finally, we consider several alternatives to optical nanofibers that display some advantages for specific applications. PMID:23945738

Liquid propulsion turbomachinery model testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcdaniels, David M.; Snellgrove, Lauren M.

1992-01-01

For the past few years an extensive experimental program to understand the fluid dynamics of the Space Shuttle Main Engine hot gas manifold has been in progress. This program includes models of the Phase II and II+ manifolds for each of the air and water flow facilities, as well as two different turbine flow paths and two simulated power levels for each manifold. All models are full-scale (geometric). The water models are constructed partially of acrylic to allow flow visualization. The intent of this paper is to discuss the concept, including the test objectives, facilities, and models, and to summarize the data for an example configuration, including static pressure data, flow visualization, and the solution of a specific flow problem.

Buckling of Carbon Nanotubes: A State of the Art Review

PubMed Central

Shima, Hiroyuki

2011-01-01

The nonlinear mechanical response of carbon nanotubes, referred to as their “buckling" behavior, is a major topic in the nanotube research community. Buckling means a deformation process in which a large strain beyond a threshold causes an abrupt change in the strain energy vs. deformation profile. Thus far, much effort has been devoted to analysis of the buckling of nanotubes under various loading conditions: compression, bending, torsion, and their certain combinations. Such extensive studies have been motivated by (i) the structural resilience of nanotubes against buckling and (ii) the substantial influence of buckling on their physical properties. In this contribution, I review the dramatic progress in nanotube buckling research during the past few years. PMID:28817032

Percutaneous Aponeurotomy and Lipofilling (PALF): A Regenerative Approach to Dupuytren Contracture.

PubMed

Hovius, Steven E R; Kan, Hester J; Verhoekx, Jennifer S N; Khouri, Roger K

2015-07-01

Dupuytren disease is a progressive fibroproliferative disorder, which leads to flexion contractures of the digits. A minimally invasive technique consisting of an extensive percutaneous aponeurotomy of the cord with a needle combined with lipofilling is presented. The selective cutting of the cords under continuous tension disintegrates the cords while sparing the looser neurovascular bundles. Subsequently, lipoaspirate is injected subcutaneously. The authors' prospective results show a significantly shorter recovery time and less overall complications in this technique when compared with open surgery, while no significant difference was observed in the extent of immediate contracture correction and in the recurrence rate at 1 year follow-up. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Calculation of the recirculating compressible flow downstream a sudden axisymmetric expansion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vandromme, D.; Haminh, H.; Brunet, H.

1988-01-01

Significant progress has been made during the last five years to adapt conventional Navier-Stokes solver for handling nonconservative equations. A primary type of application is to use transport equation turbulence models, but the extension is also possible for describing the transport of nonpassive scalars, such as in reactive media. Among others, combustion and gas dissociation phenomena are topics needing a considerable research effort. An implicit two step scheme based on the well-known MacCormack scheme has been modified to treat compressible turbulent flows on complex geometries. Implicit treatment of nonconservative equations (in the present case a two-equation turbulence model) opens the way to the coupled solution of thermochemical transport equations.

Using structured games to teach early fraction concepts to students who are deaf or hard of hearing.

PubMed

Markey, Carmel; Power, Des; Booker, George

2003-01-01

The study focused on the development of the concept of fractions in a group of 11- and 12-year-old students who were deaf or hard of hearing. The approach implemented in the study relied extensively on the use of games with very little formal instruction. It emphasized the development of appropriate language to facilitate an understanding of the notion of fractions through the investigation of concrete materials, pictorial representations, and interactions between students and teacher. The progress achieved by means of this approach is reported, and the implications of developing an understanding of fractions (and mathematics generally) among students who are deaf or hard of hearing are noted.

Combinatorial and high-throughput approaches in polymer science

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Huiqi; Hoogenboom, Richard; Meier, Michael A. R.; Schubert, Ulrich S.

2005-01-01

Combinatorial and high-throughput approaches have become topics of great interest in the last decade due to their potential ability to significantly increase research productivity. Recent years have witnessed a rapid extension of these approaches in many areas of the discovery of new materials including pharmaceuticals, inorganic materials, catalysts and polymers. This paper mainly highlights our progress in polymer research by using an automated parallel synthesizer, microwave synthesizer and ink-jet printer. The equipment and methodologies in our experiments, the high-throughput experimentation of different polymerizations (such as atom transfer radical polymerization, cationic ring-opening polymerization and emulsion polymerization) and the automated matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectroscopy (MALDI-TOF MS) sample preparation are described.

MRI-guided Wire Localization Surgical Biopsy in an Adolescent Patient with a Difficult to Diagnose Case of Lymphoma

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Thompson, Scott M., E-mail: Thompson.scott@mayo.edu; Gorny, Krzysztof R.; Jondal, Danielle E.

A 17-year-old previously healthy female presented with a progressive soft tissue infiltrative process involving the neck and thorax. Extensive diagnostic evaluation including multiple imaging, laboratory, and biopsy studies was nondiagnostic. Due to an urgent need to establish a diagnosis and several previous nondiagnostic biopsies, she was referred to interventional radiology for MRI-guided wire localization immediately prior to open surgical biopsy. Under general anesthesia, wires were placed in the areas of increased T2 signal within the bilateral splenius capitis muscles using intermittent MRI-guidance followed by immediate surgical biopsy down to the wires. Pathology confirmed the diagnosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

The growing and glowing toolbox of fluorescent and photoactive proteins

PubMed Central

Rodriguez, Erik A.; Campbell, Robert E.; Lin, John Y.; Lin, Michael Z.; Miyawaki, Atsushi; Palmer, Amy E.; Shu, Xiaokun; Zhang, Jin

2016-01-01

Over the past 20 years, protein engineering has been extensively used to improve and modify the fundamental properties of fluorescent proteins (FPs) with the goal of adapting them for a fantastic range of applications. FPs have been modified by a combination of rational design, structure-based mutagenesis, and countless cycles of directed evolution (gene diversification followed by selection of clones with desired properties) that have collectively pushed the properties to photophysical and biochemical extremes. In this review, we attempt to provide both a summary of the progress that has been made during the past two decades, and a broad overview of the current state of FP development and applications in mammalian systems. PMID:27814948

Center for Multiscale Plasma Dynamics: Report on Activities (UCLA/MIT), 2009-2010

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Troy Carter

2011-04-18

The final 'phaseout' year of the CMPD ended July 2010; a no cost extension was requested until May 2011 in order to enable the MIT subcontract funds to be fully utilized. Research progress over this time included verification and validation activities for the BOUT and BOUT++ code, studies of spontaneous reconnection in the VTF facility at MIT, and studies of the interaction between Alfven waves and drift waves in LAPD. The CMPD also hosted the 6th plasma physics winter school in 2010 (jointly with the NSF frontier center the Center for Magnetic Self-Organization, significant funding came from NSF for thismore » most recent iteration of the Winter School).« less

Ceramic Technology for Advanced Heat Engines Project. Semiannual progress report, October 1984-March 1985

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

1985-09-01

A five-year project plan was developed with extensive input from private industry. The objective of the project is to develop the industrial technology base required for reliable ceramics for application in advanced automotive heat engines. The project approach includes determining the mechanisms controlling reliability, improving processes for fabricating existing ceramics, developing new materials with increased reliability, and testing these materials in simulated engine environments to confirm reliability. Although this is a generic materials project, the focus is on structural ceramics for advanced gas turbine and diesel engines, ceramic bearings and attachments, and ceramic coatings for thermal barrier and wear applicationsmore » in these engines.« less

Ceramic technology for advanced heat engines project: Semiannual progress report for April through September 1986

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

1987-03-01

An assessment of needs was completed, and a five-year project plan was developed with extensive input from private industry. Objective is to develop the industrial technology base required for reliable ceramics for application in advanced automotive heat engines. The project approach includes determining the mechanisms controlling reliability, improving processes for fabricating existing ceramics, developing new materials with increased reliability, and testing these materials in simulated engine environments to confirm reliability. Although this is a generic materials project, the focus is on structural ceramics for advanced gas turbine and diesel engines, ceramic bearings and attachments, and ceramic coatings for thermal barriermore » and wear applications in these engines.« less

Autism in Early Childhood: An Unusual Developmental Course—Three Case Reports

PubMed Central

Cohen-Ophir, Michal; Castel-Deutsh, Tsophia; Tirosh, Emanuel

2012-01-01

Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) is typically characterized by either an emerging and gradual course or developmental regression in early childhood. The versatile clinical course is progressively acknowledged in recent years. Children with developmental disorders in general are referred to the Child Development Center for a multidisciplinary assessment, investigation, treatment and followup. We report three infants with an initial diagnosis of developmental delays, recovery of normal development following intervention in a multidisciplinary center, and subsequent regression into classic autism following their discharge from the program. An extensive medical workup was noncontributory. This unusual presentation, to our knowledge not reported previously, should be recognized by professionals involved in child development and psychiatry. PMID:22937419

Sensitivity studies of pediatric material properties on juvenile lumbar spine responses using finite element analysis.

PubMed

Jebaseelan, D Davidson; Jebaraj, C; Yoganandan, Narayan; Rajasekaran, S; Kanna, Rishi M

2012-05-01

The objective of the study was to determine the sensitivity of material properties of the juvenile spine to its external and internal responses using a finite element model under compression, and flexion-extension bending moments. The methodology included exercising the 8-year-old juvenile lumbar spine using parametric procedures. The model included the vertebral centrum, growth plates, laminae, pedicles, transverse processes and spinous processes; disc annulus and nucleus; and various ligaments. The sensitivity analysis was conducted by varying the modulus of elasticity for various components. The first simulation was done using mean material properties. Additional simulations were done for each component corresponding to low and high material property variations. External displacement/rotation and internal stress-strain responses were determined under compression and flexion-extension bending. Results indicated that, under compression, disc properties were more sensitive than bone properties, implying an elevated role of the disc under this mode. Under flexion-extension moments, ligament properties were more dominant than the other components, suggesting that various ligaments of the juvenile spine play a key role in modulating bending behaviors. Changes in the growth plate stress associated with ligament properties explained the importance of the growth plate in the pediatric spine with potential implications in progressive deformities.

Alternatives for jet engine control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sain, M. K.

1979-01-01

The research is classified in two categories: (1) the use of modern multivariable frequency domain methods for control of engine models in the neighborhood of a set-point, and (2) the use of nonlinear modelling and optimization techniques for control of engine models over a more extensive part of the flight envelope. Progress in the first category included the extension of CARDIAD (Complex Acceptability Region for Diagonal Dominance) methods developed with the help of the grant to the case of engine models with four inputs and four outputs. A suitable bounding procedure for the dominance function was determined. Progress in the second category had its principal focus on automatic nonlinear model generation. Simulations of models produced satisfactory results where compared with the NASA DYNGEN digital engine deck.

From miracle fruit to transgenic tomato: mass production of the taste-modifying protein miraculin in transgenic plants.

PubMed

Hiwasa-Tanase, Kyoko; Hirai, Tadayoshi; Kato, Kazuhisa; Duhita, Narendra; Ezura, Hiroshi

2012-03-01

The utility of plants as biofactories has progressed in recent years. Some recombinant plant-derived pharmaceutical products have already reached the marketplace. However, with the exception of drugs and vaccines, a strong effort has not yet been made to bring recombinant products to market, as cost-effectiveness is critically important for commercialization. Sweet-tasting proteins and taste-modifying proteins have a great deal of potential in industry as substitutes for sugars and as artificial sweeteners. The taste-modifying protein, miraculin, functions to change the perception of a sour taste to a sweet one. This taste-modifying function can potentially be used not only as a low-calorie sweetener but also as a new seasoning that could be the basis of a new dietary lifestyle. However, miraculin is far from inexpensive, and its potential as a marketable product has not yet been fully developed. For the last several years, biotechnological production of this taste-modifying protein has progressed extensively. In this review, the characteristics of miraculin and recent advances in its production using transgenic plants are summarized, focusing on such topics as the suitability of plant species as expression hosts, the cultivation method for transgenic plants, the method of purifying miraculin and future advances required to achieve industrial use.

Radiation-induced brain structural and functional abnormalities in presymptomatic phase and outcome prediction.

PubMed

Ding, Zhongxiang; Zhang, Han; Lv, Xiao-Fei; Xie, Fei; Liu, Lizhi; Qiu, Shijun; Li, Li; Shen, Dinggang

2018-01-01

Radiation therapy, a major method of treatment for brain cancer, may cause severe brain injuries after many years. We used a rare and unique cohort of nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients with normal-appearing brains to study possible early irradiation injury in its presymptomatic phase before severe, irreversible necrosis happens. The aim is to detect any structural or functional imaging biomarker that is sensitive to early irradiation injury, and to understand the recovery and progression of irradiation injury that can shed light on outcome prediction for early clinical intervention. We found an acute increase in local brain activity that is followed by extensive reductions in such activity in the temporal lobe and significant loss of functional connectivity in a distributed, large-scale, high-level cognitive function-related brain network. Intriguingly, these radiosensitive functional alterations were found to be fully or partially recoverable. In contrast, progressive late disruptions to the integrity of the related far-end white matter structure began to be significant after one year. Importantly, early increased local brain functional activity was predictive of severe later temporal lobe necrosis. Based on these findings, we proposed a dynamic, multifactorial model for radiation injury and another preventive model for timely clinical intervention. Hum Brain Mapp 39:407-427, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Integrating language models into classifiers for BCI communication: a review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Speier, W.; Arnold, C.; Pouratian, N.

2016-06-01

Objective. The present review systematically examines the integration of language models to improve classifier performance in brain-computer interface (BCI) communication systems. Approach. The domain of natural language has been studied extensively in linguistics and has been used in the natural language processing field in applications including information extraction, machine translation, and speech recognition. While these methods have been used for years in traditional augmentative and assistive communication devices, information about the output domain has largely been ignored in BCI communication systems. Over the last few years, BCI communication systems have started to leverage this information through the inclusion of language models. Main results. Although this movement began only recently, studies have already shown the potential of language integration in BCI communication and it has become a growing field in BCI research. BCI communication systems using language models in their classifiers have progressed down several parallel paths, including: word completion; signal classification; integration of process models; dynamic stopping; unsupervised learning; error correction; and evaluation. Significance. Each of these methods have shown significant progress, but have largely been addressed separately. Combining these methods could use the full potential of language model, yielding further performance improvements. This integration should be a priority as the field works to create a BCI system that meets the needs of the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis population.

Integrating language models into classifiers for BCI communication: a review.

PubMed

Speier, W; Arnold, C; Pouratian, N

2016-06-01

The present review systematically examines the integration of language models to improve classifier performance in brain-computer interface (BCI) communication systems. The domain of natural language has been studied extensively in linguistics and has been used in the natural language processing field in applications including information extraction, machine translation, and speech recognition. While these methods have been used for years in traditional augmentative and assistive communication devices, information about the output domain has largely been ignored in BCI communication systems. Over the last few years, BCI communication systems have started to leverage this information through the inclusion of language models. Although this movement began only recently, studies have already shown the potential of language integration in BCI communication and it has become a growing field in BCI research. BCI communication systems using language models in their classifiers have progressed down several parallel paths, including: word completion; signal classification; integration of process models; dynamic stopping; unsupervised learning; error correction; and evaluation. Each of these methods have shown significant progress, but have largely been addressed separately. Combining these methods could use the full potential of language model, yielding further performance improvements. This integration should be a priority as the field works to create a BCI system that meets the needs of the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis population.

High-grade soft tissue sarcoma arising in a desmoid tumor: case report and review of the literature.

PubMed

Bertucci, François; Faure, Marjorie; Ghigna, Maria-Rosa; Chetaille, Bruno; Guiramand, Jérôme; Moureau-Zabotto, Laurence; Sarran, Anthony; Perrot, Delphine

2015-01-01

Desmoid tumors are rare benign monoclonal fibroblastic tumors. Their aggressiveness is local with no potential for metastasis or dedifferentiation. Here we report on a 61-year-old patient who presented a locally advanced breast desmoid tumor diagnosed 20 years after post-operative radiotherapy for breast carcinoma. After 2 years of medical treatment, a high-grade undifferentiated pleomorphic soft tissue sarcoma arose within the desmoid tumor. Despite extensive surgery removing both tumors, the patient showed locoregional relapse by the sarcoma, followed by multimetastatic progression, then death 25 months after the surgery. The arising of a soft tissue sarcoma in a desmoid tumor is an exceptional event since our case is the fourth one reported so far in literature. It reinforces the need for timely and accurate diagnosis when a new mass develops in the region of a preexisting desmoid tumor, and more generally when a desmoid tumor modifies its clinical or radiological aspect.

The virtual brain: 30 years of video-game play and cognitive abilities.

PubMed

Latham, Andrew J; Patston, Lucy L M; Tippett, Lynette J

2013-09-13

Forty years have passed since video-games were first made widely available to the public and subsequently playing games has become a favorite past-time for many. Players continuously engage with dynamic visual displays with success contingent on the time-pressured deployment, and flexible allocation, of attention as well as precise bimanual movements. Evidence to date suggests that both brief and extensive exposure to video-game play can result in a broad range of enhancements to various cognitive faculties that generalize beyond the original context. Despite promise, video-game research is host to a number of methodological issues that require addressing before progress can be made in this area. Here an effort is made to consolidate the past 30 years of literature examining the effects of video-game play on cognitive faculties and, more recently, neural systems. Future work is required to identify the mechanism that allows the act of video-game play to generate such a broad range of generalized enhancements.

The virtual brain: 30 years of video-game play and cognitive abilities

PubMed Central

Latham, Andrew J.; Patston, Lucy L. M.; Tippett, Lynette J.

2013-01-01

Forty years have passed since video-games were first made widely available to the public and subsequently playing games has become a favorite past-time for many. Players continuously engage with dynamic visual displays with success contingent on the time-pressured deployment, and flexible allocation, of attention as well as precise bimanual movements. Evidence to date suggests that both brief and extensive exposure to video-game play can result in a broad range of enhancements to various cognitive faculties that generalize beyond the original context. Despite promise, video-game research is host to a number of methodological issues that require addressing before progress can be made in this area. Here an effort is made to consolidate the past 30 years of literature examining the effects of video-game play on cognitive faculties and, more recently, neural systems. Future work is required to identify the mechanism that allows the act of video-game play to generate such a broad range of generalized enhancements. PMID:24062712

The emergence of modern sea ice cover in the Arctic Ocean.

PubMed

Knies, Jochen; Cabedo-Sanz, Patricia; Belt, Simon T; Baranwal, Soma; Fietz, Susanne; Rosell-Melé, Antoni

2014-11-28

Arctic sea ice coverage is shrinking in response to global climate change and summer ice-free conditions in the Arctic Ocean are predicted by the end of the century. The validity of this prediction could potentially be tested through the reconstruction of the climate of the Pliocene epoch (5.33-2.58 million years ago), an analogue of a future warmer Earth. Here we show that, in the Eurasian sector of the Arctic Ocean, ice-free conditions prevailed in the early Pliocene until sea ice expanded from the central Arctic Ocean for the first time ca. 4 million years ago. Amplified by a rise in topography in several regions of the Arctic and enhanced freshening of the Arctic Ocean, sea ice expanded progressively in response to positive ice-albedo feedback mechanisms. Sea ice reached its modern winter maximum extension for the first time during the culmination of the Northern Hemisphere glaciation, ca. 2.6 million years ago.

Representation of the equatorial stratospheric quasi-biennial oscillation in EOF phase space. [EOF (empirical orthogonal function)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wallace, J.M.; Panetta, R.L.; Estberg, J.

1993-06-15

A 35-year record of monthly mean zonal wind data for the equatorial stratosphere is represented in terms of a vector (radius and phase angle) in a two-dimensional phase space defined by the normalized expansion coefficients of the two leading empirical orthogonal functions (EOFs) of the vertical structure. The tip of the vector completes one nearly circular loop during each cycle of the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO). Hence, its position and rate of progress along the orbit of the point provide a measure of the instantaneous amplitude and rate of phase progression of the QBO. Although the phase of the QBO bearsmore » little if any relation to calendar month, the rate of phase progression is strongly modulated by the first and second harmonics of the annual cycle, with a primary maximum in April/May, in agreement with previous studies based on the descent rates of easterly and westerly regimes. A simple linear prediction model is developed for the rate of phase progression, based on the phase of the QBO and the phase of the annual cycle. The model is capable of hindcasting the phase of the QBO to within a specified degree of accuracy approximately 50% longer than a default scheme based on the mean observed rate of phase progression of the QBO (1 cycle per 28.1 months). If the seasonal dependence is ignored, the prediction equation corresponds to the [open quotes]circle map,[close quotes] for which an extensive literature exists in dynamical systems theory. 17 refs., 14 figs., 2 tabs.« less

Conformal Radiotherapy in the Treatment of Advanced Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma With Intracranial Extension: An Institutional Experience

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chakraborty, Santam, E-mail: drsantam@gmail.com; Ghoshal, Sushmita; Patil, Vijay Maruti

2011-08-01

Purpose: To describe the results of conformal radiotherapy in advanced juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma in a tertiary care institution. Methods and Materials: Retrospective chart review was conducted for 8 patients treated with conformal radiotherapy between 2006 and 2009. The median follow-up was 17 months. All patients had Stage IIIB disease with intracranial extension. Radiotherapy was considered as treatment because patients were deemed inoperable owing to extensive intracranial/intraorbital extension or proximity to optic nerve. All but 1 patient were treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy using seven coplanar fields. Median (range) dose prescribed was 39.6 (30-46) Gy. Actuarial analysis of local control and descriptivemore » analysis of toxicity profile was conducted. Results: Despite the large and complex target volume (median planning target volume, 292 cm{sup 3}), intensity-modulated radiotherapy achieved conformal dose distributions (median van't Reit index, 0.66). Significant sparing of the surrounding organs at risk was obtained. No significant Grade 3/4 toxicities were experienced during or after treatment. Actual local control at 2 years was 87.5%. One patient died 1 month after radiotherapy secondary to massive epistaxis. The remaining 7 patients had progressive resolution of disease and were symptom-free at last follow-up. Persistent rhinitis was the only significant toxicity, seen in 1 patient. Conclusions: Conformal radiotherapy results in good local control with minimal acute and late side effects in juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibromas, even in the presence of advanced disease.« less

Vulval elephantiasis as a result of tubercular lymphadenitis: two case reports and a review of the literature

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Introduction Elephantiasis as a result of chronic lymphedema is characterized by gross enlargement of the arms, legs or genitalia, and occurs due to a variety of obstructive diseases of the lymphatic system. Genital elephantiasis usually follows common filariasis and lymphogranuloma venereum. It may follow granuloma inguinale, carcinomas, lymph node dissection or irradiation and tuberculosis but this happens rarely. Vulval elephantiasis as a consequence of extensive lymph node destruction by tuberculosis is very rare. We present two very unusual cases of vulval elephantiasis due to tuberculous destruction of the inguinal lymph nodes. Case presentation Two Indian women - one aged 40 years and the other aged 27 years, with progressively increasing vulval swellings over a period of five and four years respectively - presented to our hospital. In both cases, there was a significant history on presentation. Both women had previously taken a complete course of anti-tubercular treatment for generalized lymphadenopathy. The vulval swellings were extremely large: in the first case report, measuring 35 × 25 cm on the right side and 45 × 30 cm on the left side, weighing 20 lb and 16 lb respectively. Both cases were managed by surgical excision with reconstruction and the outcome was positive. Satisfactory results have been maintained during a follow-up period of six years in both cases. Conclusions Elephantiasis of the female genitalia is unusual and it has rarely been reported following tuberculosis. We report two cases of vulval elephantiasis as a consequence of extensive lymph node destruction by tuberculosis, in order to highlight this very rare clinical scenario. PMID:21092075

43 CFR 3207.14 - How do I qualify for a drilling extension?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 43 Public Lands: Interior 2 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false How do I qualify for a drilling extension... Lease Terms and Extensions § 3207.14 How do I qualify for a drilling extension? (a) BLM will extend your lease for 5 years under a drilling extension if at the end of the 10th year or any subsequent year of...

43 CFR 3207.14 - How do I qualify for a drilling extension?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 43 Public Lands: Interior 2 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false How do I qualify for a drilling extension... Lease Terms and Extensions § 3207.14 How do I qualify for a drilling extension? (a) BLM will extend your lease for 5 years under a drilling extension if at the end of the 10th year or any subsequent year of...

Clinical and genetic characterization of an autosomal dominant nephropathy.

PubMed

Parvari, R; Shnaider, A; Basok, A; Katchko, L; Borochovich, Z; Kanis, A; Landau, D

2001-03-15

Autosomal dominant familial nephropathies with adult onset, no macroscopic cysts, and progressive deterioration include medullary cystic disease (ADMCKD) as well as other less specific entities. We studied a kindred of Jewish ancestry in which 15 members (both male and female) have suffered from chronic renal failure. The first evidence of renal involvement was observed between 18 and 38 years. It included hypertension followed by progressive renal insufficiency. No polyuria, anemia, gout, hematuria, nor proteinuria were seen. An average of 4.5 years elapsed from diagnosis to end-stage renal disease. Renal pathology at early stages of the disease showed extensive tubulointerstitial fibrosis and global glomerulosclerosis. Linkage analysis was performed at the two known loci of ADMCKD, on Chromosomes 1 and 16. Linkage to the chromosome 16 locus was excluded. However, linkage to the chromosome 1q21 locus of ADMCKD was established with a maximum two-point LOD score of 3.82 to D1S394. The disease interval could be narrowed to about 9 cM/7.4 Mb between D1S1156 and D1S2635. Multiple-point linkage analysis revealed a maximum LOD of 4.21, with a broad peak from markers D1S2858 and D1S2624. This report establishes linkage between a familial nephropathy characterized by hypertension and progressive renal failure to the locus described for ADMCKD, a disease classically associated with macroscopic corticomedullary cysts, salt-losing tubulointerstitial nephropathy, and anemia. This finding broadens the clinical spectrum of ADMCKD positioned on chromosome 1q21 locus. Copyright 2001 Wiley-Liss. Inc.

Multiple large infected scrotal sebaceous cysts masking Fournier's gangrene in a 32-year-old man

PubMed Central

Angus, William; Mistry, Rahul; Floyd, Michael S; Machin, Derek G

2012-01-01

Extensive large sebaceous cysts on the scotum are rare and present a problem only when infected or when cosmesis is deemed unacceptable by the patient. Fournier's gangrene is an infective condition with a high death rate. We describe a case of Fournier's gangrene in a patient masked by multiple large infected scrotal sebaceous cysts. A 32-year-old man with a history of alcohol dependency, cirrhosis and multiple scrotal sebaceous cysts presented with acute scrotal pain and erythema. Necrosis of the area became evident within 12 h of his admission and an emergency surgical debridement was performed. The wound was left open to heal via secondary intention over 4 weeks without complication. Fournier's gangrene is a rapidly progressive condition and early surgical debridement is crucial to achieve satisfactory outcomes. In this case, prompt intervention allowed a large scrotal defect to heal without the need for skin grafting. PMID:22669874

Femoral head wedge resection for the treatment of avascular necrosis of the femoral head after pediatric femoral neck fracture: a case report.

PubMed

Kim, Ha Yong; Cha, Yong Han; Choy, Won Sik; Jeung, Sang Wook; Min, Yeon Seung

2018-05-01

This research focuses on femoral head wedge resection for the treatment of avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head. A 9-year-old girl presented to the emergency room complaining of right hip pain that occurred after a pedestrian car accident. After 8 months of internal fixation using cannulated screws for Delbet-type 2 fracture of the femoral neck, AVN of the femoral head developed in the patient. Even though valgus-derotation-extension intertrochanteric osteotomy was performed for the treatment of AVN, it progressed further and femoral head wedge resection was performed to recover the femoral head sphericity. After 3 years of follow-up, radiograph results showed appropriate and satisfactory congruency and containment. This research shows that the treatment of AVN of the femoral head using femoral head wedge resection is an effective method that can yield excellent results.

[Thrombotic skin gangrene: A rare extra-intestinal manifestation of ulcerative colitis].

PubMed

Aounallah, A; Ghariani Fetoui, N; Ghariani, N; Korbi, M; Mokni, S; Boussofara, L; Saidi, W; Ksiaa, M; Ben Jazia, I; Guerfala, M; Sriha, B; Belajouza, C; Denguezli, M; Nouira, R

2017-02-01

Thrombotic cutaneous gangrene is a rare extra-intestinal manifestation of ulcerative colitis with a severe prognosis. A 35-year-old woman with a 7-year history of ulcerative colitis presented with extensive ecchymotic lesions that began a few hours earlier. On examination, she was febrile with multiple necrotic lesions. Skin biopsy showed multiple microthrombi in the dermal vessels. A diagnosis of thrombotic cutaneous gangrene was established. The patient was treated with heparin and systemic corticosteroids. The majority of cutaneous lesions showed improvement after 1 month. Thrombophlebitis of the left lower limb occurred subsequently. Thrombotic cutaneous gangrene is attributed to microvascular thrombosis, which arises from the hypercoagulability observed in ulcerative colitis. Complete blood and coagulation tests must be performed and early anticoagulation with heparin must be considered in order to prevent the progression of cutaneous infarction. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Primary meningeal myxoid liposarcoma with aggressive behavior after recurrence: case report.

PubMed

Watanabe, Noriyuki; Ohtani, Haruo; Mori, Shuichi; Iguchi, Masahiro; Zaboronok, Alexander; Sakamoto, Noriaki; Matsuda, Masahide; Ishikawa, Eiichi; Matsumura, Akira

2018-06-19

Although liposarcomas are the most common soft tissue sarcomas, their intracranial variants are extremely rare. Here, we present a case of a primary intracranial myxoid liposarcoma in a 23-year-old Japanese man who presented with generalized seizures and a mass in the left frontal lobe. The tumor was totally removed, and histological analyses pointed to liposarcoma. Thirteen years after his initial treatment, the patient presented with right-side weakness and local recurrence of tumor was discovered. Histology from the second resection confirmed the diagnosis of myxoid liposarcoma. Shortly after the second resection, progressive, new intracranial lesions were observed and despite a third resection, extensive intracerebral invasion by the tumor proved fatal. The histological features of myxoid liposarcoma were essentially similar with each recurrence, but the aggressive tumor behavior after the second operation did not align with expectations based on histological classification.

Case report: A rare case of focal myositis presenting as Sartorius muscle contracture: A case report and review of literature.

PubMed

Wang, Jin; Jiao, Juyang; Zhao, Guanglei; Shi, Jingsheng; Xia, Jun

2018-05-01

Focal myositis (FM) is a very rare myopathy of unknown etiology characterized by focal enlargement within one single skeletal muscle. In particular, it occurs only involving the Sartorius muscle has never been reported. A 25-year-old man was admitted to the hospital with progressive restricted left hip joint extension, left thigh discomfort and gait disturbance for 6 years. Combining clinical manifestations with results of radiological and pathological examinations, it was consistent with the diagnosis of FM INTERVENTIONS:: The patient received a surgery under general anesthesia to release the contracted Sartorius tendon. The range of motion of the patient's left hip and ipsilateral knee has significantly improved as well as the discomfort of his left thigh relieved obviously after the surgery. This case report is the first to report FM presenting as sartorius muscle contracture and the surgery is an alternative therapy for these patients.

Wisconsin Twin Research: early development, childhood psychopathology, autism, and sensory over-responsivity.

PubMed

Schmidt, Nicole L; Van Hulle, Carol A; Brooker, Rebecca J; Meyer, Lauren R; Lemery-Chalfant, Kathryn; Goldsmith, H Hill

2013-02-01

The Wisconsin Twin Research Program comprises multiple longitudinal studies that utilize a panel recruited from statewide birth records for the years 1989 through 2004. Our research foci are the etiology and developmental course of early emotions, temperament, childhood anxiety and impulsivity, autism, sensory over-responsivity, and related topics. A signature feature of this research program is the breadth and depth of assessment during key periods of development. The assessments include extensive home- and laboratory-based behavioral batteries, recorded sibling and caregiver interactions, structured psychiatric interviews with caregivers and adolescents, observer ratings of child behavior, child self-report, cognitive testing, neuroendocrine measures, medical records, dermatoglyphics, genotyping, and neuroimaging. Across the various studies, testing occasions occurred between 3 months and 18 years of age. Data collection for some aspects of the research program has concluded and, for other aspects, longitudinal follow-ups are in progress.

Wisconsin Twin Research: Early Development, Childhood Psychopathology, Autism, and Sensory Over-responsivity

PubMed Central

Schmidt, Nicole L.; Van Hulle, Carol; Brooker, Rebecca J.; Meyer, Lauren R.; Lemery-Chalfant, Kathryn; Goldsmith, H. H.

2012-01-01

The Wisconsin Twin Research Program comprises multiple longitudinal studies that utilize a panel recruited from statewide birth records for the years 1989 through 2004. Our research foci are the etiology and developmental course of early emotions, temperament, childhood anxiety and impulsivity, autism, sensory over-responsivity, and related topics. A signature feature of this research program is the breadth and depth of assessment during key periods of development. The assessments include extensive home and laboratory-based behavioral batteries, recorded sibling and caregiver interactions, structured psychiatric interviews with caregivers and adolescents, observer ratings of child behavior, child self-report, cognitive testing, neuroendocrine measures, medical records, dermatoglyphics, genotyping, and neuroimaging. Across the various studies, testing occasions occurred between 3 months and 18 years of age. Data collection for some aspects of the research program has concluded and, for other aspects, longitudinal follow-ups are in progress. PMID:23200241

Two-Stage Surgical Management of Multilevel Symptomatic Thoracic Haemangioma Using Ethanol and Iliac Crest Bone Graft

PubMed Central

Brahmajoshyula, Venkatramana; Mayi, Shivanand; Teegala, Suman

2014-01-01

This article presents a 56-year-old obese female who presented with back pain and progressive weakness in her lower limbs for three months. She was bed-ridden for one week before reporting to our hospital. Plain radiographs showed vertical striations in multiple vertebrae classical of haemangioma. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) spine revealed multiple thoracic and lumbar vertebral haemangiomas. Extra osseous extension of haemangioma at T12 was causing spinal cord compression. Two-stage surgery was performed with absolute alcohol (ethanol) injection followed by pedicle screw fixation and decompression with tricortical iliac crest bone graft into the vertebral body. Postoperatively rapid neurological improvement was seen. After three weeks, she could walk independently. One year later, computed tomography showed complete incorporation of bone graft and maintained vertebral body height. MRI showed complete resolution of the cord edema at T12. These findings indicated diminished vascularity of the tumor. PMID:25187869

The status of beryllium technology for fusion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scaffidi-Argentina, F.; Longhurst, G. R.; Shestakov, V.; Kawamura, H.

2000-12-01

Beryllium was used for a number of years in the Joint European Torus (JET), and it is planned to be used extensively on the lower heat-flux surfaces of the reduced technical objective/reduced cost international thermonuclear experimental reactor (RTO/RC ITER). It has been included in various forms in a number of tritium breeding blanket designs. There are technical advantages but also a number of safety issues associated with the use of beryllium. Research in a variety of technical areas in recent years has revealed interesting issues concerning the use of beryllium in fusion. Progress in this research has been presented at a series of International Workshops on Beryllium Technology for Fusion. The most recent workshop was held in Karlsruhe, Germany on 15-17 September 1999. In this paper, a summary of findings presented there and their implications for the use of beryllium in the development of fusion reactors are presented.

18F-fluorodeoxyglucose imaging of primary malignant pericardial mesothelioma with concurrent pericardial and pleural effusions and bone metastasis: A case report.

PubMed

Li, Xiaohui; Lu, Rugang; Zhao, Youcai; Wang, Feng; Shao, Guoqiang

2018-06-01

Primary malignant pericardial mesothelioma (PMPM) is an aggressive tumor that originates from the mesothelial cells of the pericardium. PMPM with extensive atrial infiltration and bone metastasis is extremely rare. The diagnosis and staging of PMPM based on anatomical imaging may be difficult when concurrent pericardial and pleural effusions are present. A 28-year-old man presented with progressive chest pain. Concurrent pericardial and pleural effusions were identified on computed tomography. On echocardiography, mild thickening and adhesions of the pericardium with the right ventricle and atrium were observed. 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) metabolism imaging revealed increased accumulation in the pericardium and adjacent right atrium. Ring-shaped radioactivity aggregation and bone destruction in the sacrum were demonstrated on 18 F-FDG and 99m Tc-methyl diphosphonate imaging. The diagnosis of PMPM was subsequently confirmed by pathology. The patient survived for >1.5 years with comprehensive treatment.

High-Speed Videography Overview

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miller, C. E.

1989-02-01

The field of high-speed videography (HSV) has continued to mature in recent years, due to the introduction of a mixture of new technology and extensions of existing technology. Recent low frame-rate innovations have the potential to dramatically expand the areas of information gathering and motion analysis at all frame-rates. Progress at the 0 - rate is bringing the battle of film versus video to the field of still photography. The pressure to push intermediate frame rates higher continues, although the maximum achievable frame rate has remained stable for several years. Higher maximum recording rates appear technologically practical, but economic factors impose severe limitations to development. The application of diverse photographic techniques to video-based systems is under-exploited. The basics of HSV apply to other fields, such as machine vision and robotics. Present motion analysis systems continue to function mainly as an instant replay replacement for high-speed movie film cameras. The interrelationship among lighting, shuttering and spatial resolution is examined.

75 FR 68733 - Approval and Promulgation of One-Year Extension for Attaining the 1997 8-Hour Ozone Standard for...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-11-09

... Philadelphia Area's 4th highest daily 8-hour monitored ozone value during the 2009 ozone season at each monitor...-year extensions of the attainment date if: (a) For the first 1-year extension, the area's 4th highest... second 1-year extension, the area's 4th highest daily 8-hour value, averaged over both the original...

Data-Driven Decision-Making: Facilitating Teacher Use of Student Data to Inform Classroom Instruction

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schifter, Catherine C.; Natarajan, Uma; Ketelhut, Diane Jass; Kirchgessner, Amanda

2014-01-01

Data-driven decision making is essential in K-12 education today, but teachers often do not know how to make use of extensive data sets. Research shows that teachers are not taught how to use extensive data (i.e., multiple data sets) to reflect on student progress or to differentiate instruction. This paper presents a process used in an National…

OTSEGO COUNTY EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAM FOR TESTING METHODS OF FORMING FARM MANAGEMENT STUDY GROUPS, A PROGRESS REPORT. EXTENSION STUDY, NUMBER 8.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

LONGEST, JAMES W.; GENGENBACK, WILLIAM H.

THE MOST FREQUENT METHOD OF GROUP FORMATION FOR INTENSIVE FARM MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS IN NEW YORK STATE HAS BEEN TO COMBINE ALL INTERESTED FARMERS IN LARGE GROUPS AT THE COUNTY EXTENSION HEADQUARTERS. THIS EXPERIMENT WAS SET UP TO STUDY THE EFFECTIVENESS OF TWO METHODS OF FORMING SMALL GROUPS--BY SOCIOMETRIC CHOICE OR SIMILAR CHARACTERISTICS. ALL…

Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterisation of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Presenting Before the Age of 2 years.

PubMed

Kammermeier, Jochen; Dziubak, Robert; Pescarin, Matilde; Drury, Suzanne; Godwin, Heather; Reeve, Kate; Chadokufa, Sibongile; Huggett, Bonita; Sider, Sara; James, Chela; Acton, Nikki; Cernat, Elena; Gasparetto, Marco; Noble-Jamieson, Gabi; Kiparissi, Fevronia; Elawad, Mamoun; Beales, Phil L; Sebire, Neil J; Gilmour, Kimberly; Uhlig, Holm H; Bacchelli, Chiara; Shah, Neil

2017-01-01

Inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] presenting in early childhood is extremely rare. More recently, progress has been made to identify children with monogenic forms of IBD predominantly presenting very early in life. In this study, we describe the heterogeneous phenotypes and genotypes of patients with IBD presenting before the age of 2 years and establish phenotypic features associated with underlying monogenicity. Phenotype data of 62 children with disease onset before the age of 2 years presenting over the past 20 years were reviewed. Children without previously established genetic diagnosis were prospectively recruited for next-generation sequencing. In all, 62 patients [55% male] were identified. The median disease onset was 3 months of age (interquartile range [IQR]: 1 to 11). Conventional IBD classification only applied to 15 patients with Crohn's disease [CD]-like [24%] and three with ulcerative colitis [UC]-like [5%] phenotype; 44 patients [71%] were diagnosed with otherwise unclassifiable IBD. Patients frequently required parenteral nutrition [40%], extensive immunosuppression [31%], haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation [29%], and abdominal surgery [19%]. In 31% of patients, underlying monogenic diseases were established [EPCAM, IL10, IL10RA, IL10RB, FOXP3, LRBA, SKIV2L, TTC37, TTC7A]. Phenotypic features significantly more prevalent in monogenic IBD were: consanguinity, disease onset before the 6th month of life, stunting, extensive intestinal disease and histological evidence of epithelial abnormalities. IBD in children with disease onset before the age of 2 years is frequently unclassifiable into Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, particularly treatment resistant, and can be indistinguishable from monogenic diseases with IBD-like phenotype. Copyright © 2016 European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation (ECCO). Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterisation of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Presenting Before the Age of 2 years

PubMed Central

Dziubak, Robert; Pescarin, Matilde; Drury, Suzanne; Godwin, Heather; Reeve, Kate; Chadokufa, Sibongile; Huggett, Bonita; Sider, Sara; James, Chela; Acton, Nikki; Cernat, Elena; Gasparetto, Marco; Noble-Jamieson, Gabi; Kiparissi, Fevronia; Elawad, Mamoun; Beales, Phil L.; Sebire, Neil J.; Gilmour, Kimberly; Uhlig, Holm H.; Bacchelli, Chiara; Shah, Neil

2017-01-01

Abstract Objectives: Inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] presenting in early childhood is extremely rare. More recently, progress has been made to identify children with monogenic forms of IBD predominantly presenting very early in life. In this study, we describe the heterogeneous phenotypes and genotypes of patients with IBD presenting before the age of 2 years and establish phenotypic features associated with underlying monogenicity. Methods: Phenotype data of 62 children with disease onset before the age of 2 years presenting over the past 20 years were reviewed. Children without previously established genetic diagnosis were prospectively recruited for next-generation sequencing. Results: In all, 62 patients [55% male] were identified. The median disease onset was 3 months of age (interquartile range [IQR]: 1 to 11). Conventional IBD classification only applied to 15 patients with Crohn’s disease [CD]-like [24%] and three with ulcerative colitis [UC]-like [5%] phenotype; 44 patients [71%] were diagnosed with otherwise unclassifiable IBD. Patients frequently required parenteral nutrition [40%], extensive immunosuppression [31%], haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation [29%], and abdominal surgery [19%]. In 31% of patients, underlying monogenic diseases were established [EPCAM, IL10, IL10RA, IL10RB, FOXP3, LRBA, SKIV2L, TTC37, TTC7A]. Phenotypic features significantly more prevalent in monogenic IBD were: consanguinity, disease onset before the 6th month of life, stunting, extensive intestinal disease and histological evidence of epithelial abnormalities. Conclusions: IBD in children with disease onset before the age of 2 years is frequently unclassifiable into Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, particularly treatment resistant, and can be indistinguishable from monogenic diseases with IBD-like phenotype. PMID:27302973

Recent Progress in Understanding the Shock Response of Ferroelectric Ceramics*

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Setchell, Robert E.

2001-06-01

Ferroelectric ceramics exhibit a permanent remanent polarization, and the use of shock depoling of these materials to achieve pulsed sources of electrical power was proposed in the late 1950s. During the following twenty years, extensive studies were conducted to examine the shock response of ferroelectric ceramics primarily based on lead zirconate titanate (PZT). Under limited conditions, relatively simple analytical models were found to adequately describe the observed electrical behavior. In general, however, the studies indicated a complex behavior involving finite-rate depoling kinetics with stress and field dependencies. Dielectric relaxation and shock-induced conductivity were also suggested. Unfortunately, few experimental studies were undertaken over the next twenty years, and the development of more comprehensive models was inhibited. In recent years, a strong interest in advancing numerical simulation capabilities has motivated new experimental studies and corresponding model development. More than seventy gas gun experiments have examined several ferroelectric ceramics, with most experiments on lead zirconate titanate having a Zr:Ti ratio of 95:5 and modified with 2ferroelectric but is near an antiferroelectric phase boundary, and depoling results from a shock-driven phase transition. Experiments have examined unpoled, normally poled, and axially poled PZT 95/5 over broad ranges of shock pressure and peak electric field. The extensive base of new data provides quantitative insights into the stress and field dependencies of depoling kinetics and dielectric properties, and is being actively utilized to develop and refine material response models used in numerical simulations of pulsed power devices.

Progress in Cochlear Physiology after Békésy

PubMed Central

Guinan, John J.; Salt, Alec; Cheatham, Mary Ann

2012-01-01

In the fifty years since Békésy was awarded the Nobel Prize, cochlear physiology has blossomed. Many topics that are now current are things Békésy could not have imagined. In this review we start by describing progress in understanding the origin of cochlear gross potentials, particularly the cochlear microphonic, an area in which Békésy had extensive experience. We then review progress in areas of cochlear physiology that were mostly unknown to Békésy, including: (1) stereocilia mechano-electrical transduction, force production, and response amplification, (2) outer hair cell (OHC) somatic motility and its molecular basis in prestin, (3) cochlear amplification and related micromechanics, including the evidence that prestin is the main motor for cochlear amplification, (4) the influence of the tectorial membrane, (5) cochlear micromechanics and the mechanical drives to inner hair cell stereocilia, (6) otoacoustic emissions, and (7) olivocochlear efferents and their influence on cochlear physiology. We then return to a subject that Békésy knew well: cochlear fluids and standing currents, as well as our present understanding of energy dependence on the lateral wall of the cochlea. Finally, we touch on cochlear pathologies including noise damage and aging, with an emphasis on where the field might go in the future. PMID:22633944

A Review of Research Progress on Dissimilar Laser Weld-Brazing of Automotive Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krishnaja, Devireddy; Cheepu, Muralimohan; Venkateswarlu, D.

2018-03-01

In recent years, a rapidly growing demand for laser brazing in the transportation industry for automotive parts joining to improve the productivity, quality of the joints and cost efficiency reasons. Due to this, laser brazing technology is extensively used in the major manufacturing companies such as Volkswagen group, General Motors Europe, BMW and Ford manufacturing groups as their openingbulk production solicitation on various parts of vehicles. Laser brazing is different from the welding processes and it will block upanopeningamongst two substrates by mixture of a filler wire on condition that by a concentrated laser beam or any other heat source. Among the all joining processes, laser brazing technique is an alternative and in effect method for welding of dissimilar metals which have large difference in their melting points. It is important to understand therelationsof these phenomena of the fillers of brazing with the substrate surfaces to obtain a high quality joints. The aim of this study is to address the contemporaryenquiriesand its progress on laser-brazing, its importance to the industrial applications and to bring more awareness to the manufacturers about the research results of this technique from various research groups to enhance the research progress and developing new things from this review report.

Computer-assisted upper extremity training using interactive biking exercise (iBikE) platform.

PubMed

Jeong, In Cheol; Finkelstein, Joseph

2012-01-01

Upper extremity exercise training has been shown to improve clinical outcomes in different chronic health conditions. Arm-operated bicycles are frequently used to facilitate upper extremity training however effective use of these devices at patient homes is hampered by lack of remote connectivity with clinical rehabilitation team, inability to monitor exercise progress in real time using simple graphical representation, and absence of an alert system which would prevent exertion levels exceeding those approved by the clinical rehabilitation team. We developed an interactive biking exercise (iBikE) platform aimed at addressing these limitations. The platform uses a miniature wireless 3-axis accelerometer mounted on a patient wrist that transmits the cycling acceleration data to a laptop. The laptop screen presents an exercise dashboard to the patient in real time allowing easy graphical visualization of exercise progress and presentation of exercise parameters in relation to prescribed targets. The iBikE platform is programmed to alert the patient when exercise intensity exceeds the levels recommended by the patient care provider. The iBikE platform has been tested in 7 healthy volunteers (age range: 26-50 years) and shown to reliably reflect exercise progress and to generate alerts at pre-setup levels. Implementation of remote connectivity with patient rehabilitation team is warranted for future extension and evaluation efforts.

The gastrointestinal tract and AIDS pathogenesis.

PubMed

Lackner, Andrew A; Mohan, Mahesh; Veazey, Ronald S

2009-05-01

Gastrointestinal disease has been recognized as a major manifestation of human immunodeficiency virus infection since the earliest recognition of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Originally, these disease manifestations were considered to be sequelae of the immune destruction that characterizes AIDS rather than being central to the pathogenesis of AIDS. Over time, it has become clear that the mucosal immune system in general and the intestinal immune system in particular are central to the pathogenesis of AIDS, with most of the critical events (eg, transmission, viral amplification, CD4+ T-cell destruction) occurring in the gastrointestinal tract. Compared with peripheral blood, these tissues are not easily accessible for analysis and have only begun to be examined in detail recently. In addition, although the resulting disease can progress over years, many critical events happen within the first few weeks of infection, when most patients are unaware that they are infected. Moreover, breakdown of the mucosal barrier and resulting microbial translocation are believed to be major drivers of AIDS progression. In this review, we focus on the interaction between primate lentiviruses and the gastrointestinal tract and discuss how this interaction promotes the pathogenesis of AIDS and drives immune dysfunction and progression to AIDS. This article draws extensively on work done in the nonhuman primate model of AIDS to fill gaps in our understanding of AIDS in humans.

Early Verb Learning: How Do Children Learn How to Compare Events?

PubMed Central

Childers, Jane B.; Parrish, Rebecca; Olson, Christina V.; Burch, Clare; Fung, Gavin; McIntyre, Kevin

2015-01-01

An important problem verb learners must solve is how to extend verbs. Children could use cross-situational information to guide their extensions, however comparing events is difficult. Two studies test whether children benefit from initially seeing a pair of similar events (‘progressive alignment’) while learning new verbs, and whether this influence changes with age. In Study 1, 2 ½- and 3 ½-year-old children participated in an interactive task. Children who saw a pair of similar events and then varied events were able to extend verbs at test, differing from a control group; children who saw two pairs of varied events did not differ from the control group. In Study 2, events were presented on a monitor. Following the initial pair of events that varied by condition, a Tobii x120 eye tracker recorded 2 ½-, 3 ½- and 4 ½-year-olds’ fixations to specific elements of events (AOIs) during the second pair of events, which were the same across conditions. After seeing the pair of events that were highly similar, 2 ½-year-olds showed significantly longer fixation durations to agents and to affected objects as compared to the all varied condition. At test, 3 ½-year-olds were able to extend the verb, but only in the progressive alignment condition. These results are important because they show children’s visual attention to relevant elements in dynamic events is influenced by their prior comparison experience, and they show that young children benefit from seeing similar events as they learn to compare events to each other. PMID:27092030

Ten-year outcome of enzyme replacement therapy with agalsidase beta in patients with Fabry disease.

PubMed

Germain, Dominique P; Charrow, Joel; Desnick, Robert J; Guffon, Nathalie; Kempf, Judy; Lachmann, Robin H; Lemay, Roberta; Linthorst, Gabor E; Packman, Seymour; Scott, C Ronald; Waldek, Stephen; Warnock, David G; Weinreb, Neal J; Wilcox, William R

2015-05-01

Fabry disease results from deficient α-galactosidase A activity and globotriaosylceramide accumulation causing renal insufficiency, strokes, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and early demise. We assessed the 10-year outcome of recombinant α-galactosidase A therapy. The outcomes (severe clinical events, renal function, cardiac structure) of 52/58 patients with classic Fabry disease from the phase 3 clinical trial and extension study, and the Fabry Registry were evaluated. Disease progression rates for patients with low renal involvement (LRI, n=32) or high renal involvement (HRI, n=20) at baseline were assessed. 81% of patients (42/52) did not experience any severe clinical event during the treatment interval and 94% (49/52) were alive at the end of the study period. Ten patients reported a total of 16 events. Patients classified as LRI started therapy 13 years younger than HRI (mean 25 years vs 38 years). Mean slopes for estimated glomerular filtration rate for LRI and HRI were -1.89 mL/min/1.73 m(2)/year and -6.82 mL/min/1.73 m(2)/year, respectively. Overall, the mean left ventricular posterior wall thickness and interventricular septum thickness remained unchanged and normal. Patients who initiated treatment at age ≥ 40 years exhibited significant increase in left ventricular posterior wall thickness and interventricular septum thickness. Mean plasma globotriaosylceramide normalised within 6 months. This 10-year study documents the effectiveness of agalsidase beta (1 mg/kg/2 weeks) in patients with Fabry disease. Most patients remained alive and event-free. Patients who initiated treatment at a younger age and with less kidney involvement benefited the most from therapy. Patients who initiated treatment at older ages and/or had advanced renal disease experienced disease progression. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

Ten-year outcome of enzyme replacement therapy with agalsidase beta in patients with Fabry disease

PubMed Central

Germain, Dominique P; Charrow, Joel; Desnick, Robert J; Guffon, Nathalie; Kempf, Judy; Lachmann, Robin H; Lemay, Roberta; Linthorst, Gabor E; Packman, Seymour; Scott, C Ronald; Waldek, Stephen; Warnock, David G; Weinreb, Neal J; Wilcox, William R

2015-01-01

Background Fabry disease results from deficient α-galactosidase A activity and globotriaosylceramide accumulation causing renal insufficiency, strokes, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and early demise. We assessed the 10-year outcome of recombinant α-galactosidase A therapy. Methods The outcomes (severe clinical events, renal function, cardiac structure) of 52/58 patients with classic Fabry disease from the phase 3 clinical trial and extension study, and the Fabry Registry were evaluated. Disease progression rates for patients with low renal involvement (LRI, n=32) or high renal involvement (HRI, n=20) at baseline were assessed. Results 81% of patients (42/52) did not experience any severe clinical event during the treatment interval and 94% (49/52) were alive at the end of the study period. Ten patients reported a total of 16 events. Patients classified as LRI started therapy 13 years younger than HRI (mean 25 years vs 38 years). Mean slopes for estimated glomerular filtration rate for LRI and HRI were −1.89 mL/min/1.73 m2/year and −6.82 mL/min/1.73 m2/year, respectively. Overall, the mean left ventricular posterior wall thickness and interventricular septum thickness remained unchanged and normal. Patients who initiated treatment at age ≥40 years exhibited significant increase in left ventricular posterior wall thickness and interventricular septum thickness. Mean plasma globotriaosylceramide normalised within 6 months. Conclusions This 10-year study documents the effectiveness of agalsidase beta (1 mg/kg/2 weeks) in patients with Fabry disease. Most patients remained alive and event-free. Patients who initiated treatment at a younger age and with less kidney involvement benefited the most from therapy. Patients who initiated treatment at older ages and/or had advanced renal disease experienced disease progression. PMID:25795794

Screening Intervals for Diabetic Retinopathy and Implications for Care.

PubMed

Scanlon, Peter H

2017-09-05

The purpose of this study is to review the evidence that lower risk groups who could safely be screened less frequently for sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy (DR) than annually. Data have demonstrated that people with no DR in either eye are at a low risk of progression to sight-threatening DR over a 2-year period (event rate 4.8 per 1000 person years), irrespective of whether the screening method is one-field non-mydriatic or two-field mydriatic digital photography. Low risk has been defined as no retinopathy on two consecutive screening episodes or no retinopathy on one screening episode combined with risk factor data. The risk of an extension to 2 years is less than 5 per 1000 person years in a population with a national screening programme, and the general standard of diabetes care is relatively good, whether low risk is defined as no retinopathy on two consecutive screening episodes or no retinopathy on one screening episode combined with other risk factor data. The definition used in different populations is likely to depend on the availability of data.

Combined treatment of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma with surgery, chemotherapy, and hyperfractionated accelerated external radiotherapy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

De Crevoisier, Renaud; Baudin, Eric; Bachelot, Anne

Purpose: To analyze a prospective protocol combining surgery, chemotherapy (CT), and hyperfractionated accelerated radiotherapy (RT) in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma. Methods and materials: Thirty anaplastic thyroid carcinoma patients (mean age, 59 years) were treated during 1990-2000. Tumor extended beyond the capsule gland in 26 patients, with tracheal extension in 8. Lymph node metastases were present in 18 patients and lung metastases in 6. Surgery was performed before RT-CT in 20 patients and afterwards in 4. Two cycles of doxorubicin (60 mg/m{sup 2}) and cisplatin (120 mg/m{sup 2}) were delivered before RT and four cycles after RT. RT consisted of two dailymore » fractions of 1.25 Gy, 5 days per week to a total dose of 40 Gy to the cervical lymph node areas and the superior mediastinum. Results: Acute toxicity (World Health Organization criteria) was Grade 3 or 4 pharyngoesophagitis in 10 patients; Grade 4 neutropenia in 21, with infection in 13; and Grade 3 or 4 anemia and thrombopenia in 8 and 4, respectively. At the end of the treatment, a complete local response was observed in 19 patients. With a median follow-up of 45 months (range, 12-78 months), 7 patients were alive in complete remission, of whom 6 had initially received a complete tumor resection. Overall survival rate at 3 years was 27% (95% confidence interval 10-44%) and median survival 10 months. In multivariate analysis, tracheal extension and macroscopic complete tumor resection were significant factors in overall survival. Death was related to local progression in 5% of patients, to distant metastases in 68%, and to both in 27%. Conclusions: Main toxicity was hematologic. High long-term survival was obtained when RT-CT was given after complete surgery. This protocol avoided local tumor progression, and death was mainly caused by distant metastases.« less

Fundamental studies in geodynamics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anderson, D. L.; Hager, B. H.; Kanamori, H.

1981-01-01

Research in fundamental studies in geodynamics continued in a number of fields including seismic observations and analysis, synthesis of geochemical data, theoretical investigation of geoid anomalies, extensive numerical experiments in a number of geodynamical contexts, and a new field seismic volcanology. Summaries of work in progress or completed during this report period are given. Abstracts of publications submitted from work in progress during this report period are attached as an appendix.

76 FR 13289 - Approval of One-Year Extension for Attaining the 1997 8-Hour Ozone Standard in the Baltimore...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-03-11

...). This extension is based on the air quality data for the 4th highest daily 8-hour monitored value during... first one-year extension, the area's 4th highest daily 8-hour average in the attainment year is 0.084 parts per million (ppm) or less. (b) For the second one-year extension, the area's 4th highest daily 8...

A case report of spondylectomy with circumference reconstruction for aggressive vertebral hemangioma covering the whole cervical spine (C4) with progressive spinal disorder.

PubMed

Nakahara, Masayuki; Nishida, Kenki; Kumamoto, Shinji; Hijikata, Yasukazu; Harada, Kei

2017-05-01

To describe the surgical experience of spondylectomy and spinal reconstruction for aggressive vertebral hemangioma (VH) induced at the C4 vertebra. No reports have described surgical strategy in cases covering an entire cervical vertebra presenting with progressive myelopathy. A 28-year-old man presented with rapidly progressing skilled motor dysfunction and gait disorder. The Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score was 6. Radiography showed a honeycomb appearance for the entire circumference of the C4 vertebra. Spinal computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed vertebral tumor with extraosseous extension causing spinal cord compression. Results of diagnostic imaging were strongly suggestive of VH. Transarterial embolization of the spinal body branch was performed first to decrease intraoperative bleeding, followed by cervical posterior fixation to stabilize the unstable segment and excision biopsy to obtain a definitive diagnosis. After definitive diagnosis of cavernous hemangioma, two-stage surgery (anterior and posterior) was performed to complete total spondylectomy and 360° spinal reconstruction. Despite multiple operations, JOA scores were 8.5 after posterior fixation, 10.5 after anterior surgery, 11 after final surgery and 16 on postoperative day 90. The patient acquired excellent clinical results without complications and returned to society. The present three-stage surgery comprising fixation, biopsy, and final spondylectomy with circumferential fusion from anterior and posterior approaches may offer a useful choice for aggressive VH covering the entire cervical spine with rapidly progressive myelopathy.

Advances and Future Directions for Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Research: Recommendations From the 2015 Strategic Planning Conference.

PubMed

Sahin, Mustafa; Henske, Elizabeth P; Manning, Brendan D; Ess, Kevin C; Bissler, John J; Klann, Eric; Kwiatkowski, David J; Roberds, Steven L; Silva, Alcino J; Hillaire-Clarke, Coryse St; Young, Lisa R; Zervas, Mark; Mamounas, Laura A

2016-07-01

On March 10 to March 12, 2015, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance sponsored a workshop in Bethesda, Maryland, to assess progress and new opportunities for research in tuberous sclerosis complex with the goal of updating the 2003 Research Plan for Tuberous Sclerosis (http://www.ninds.nih.gov/about_ninds/plans/tscler_research_plan.htm). In addition to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance, participants in the strategic planning effort and workshop included representatives from six other Institutes of the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Defense Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Research Program, and a broad cross-section of basic scientists and clinicians with expertise in tuberous sclerosis complex along with representatives from the pharmaceutical industry. Here we summarize the outcomes from the extensive premeeting deliberations and final workshop recommendations, including (1) progress in the field since publication of the initial 2003 research plan for tuberous sclerosis complex, (2) the key gaps, needs, and challenges that hinder progress in tuberous sclerosis complex research, and (3) a new set of research priorities along with specific recommendations for addressing the major challenges in each priority area. The new research plan is organized around both short-term and long-term goals with the expectation that progress toward specific objectives can be achieved within a five to ten year time frame. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Extensive MIS 3 glaciation in southernmost Patagonia revealed by cosmogenic nuclide dating of outwash sediments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Darvill, Christopher M.; Bentley, Michael J.; Stokes, Chris R.; Hein, Andrew S.; Rodés, Ángel

2015-11-01

The timing and extent of former glacial advances can demonstrate leads and lags during periods of climatic change and their forcing, but this requires robust glacial chronologies. In parts of southernmost Patagonia, dating pre-global Last Glacial Maximum (gLGM) ice limits has proven difficult due to post-deposition processes affecting the build-up of cosmogenic nuclides in moraine boulders. Here we provide ages for the Río Cullen and San Sebastián glacial limits of the former Bahía Inútil-San Sebastián (BI-SSb) ice lobe on Tierra del Fuego (53-54°S), previously hypothesised to represent advances during Marine Isotope Stages (MIS) 12 and 10, respectively. Our approach uses cosmogenic 10Be and 26Al exposure dating, but targets glacial outwash associated with these limits and uses depth-profiles and surface cobble samples, thereby accounting for surface deflation and inheritance. The data reveal that the limits formed more recently than previously thought, giving ages of 45.6 ka (+139.9/-14.3) for the Río Cullen, and 30.1 ka (+45.6/-23.1) for the San Sebastián limits. These dates indicate extensive glaciation in southern Patagonia during MIS 3, prior to the well-constrained, but much less extensive MIS 2 (gLGM) limit. This suggests the pattern of ice advances in the region was different to northern Patagonia, with the terrestrial limits relating to the last glacial cycle, rather than progressively less extensive glaciations over hundreds of thousands of years. However, the dates are consistent with MIS 3 glaciation elsewhere in the southern mid-latitudes, and the combination of cooler summers and warmer winters with increased precipitation, may have caused extensive glaciation prior to the gLGM.

Resistance exercise improves muscle strength, health status and pain intensity in fibromyalgia--a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Larsson, Anette; Palstam, Annie; Löfgren, Monika; Ernberg, Malin; Bjersing, Jan; Bileviciute-Ljungar, Indre; Gerdle, Björn; Kosek, Eva; Mannerkorpi, Kaisa

2015-06-18

Fibromyalgia (FM) is characterized by persistent widespread pain, increased pain sensitivity and tenderness. Muscle strength in women with FM is reduced compared to healthy women. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a progressive resistance exercise program on muscle strength, health status, and current pain intensity in women with FM. A total of 130 women with FM (age 22-64 years, symptom duration 0-35 years) were included in this assessor-blinded randomized controlled multi-center trial examining the effects of progressive resistance group exercise compared with an active control group. A person-centred model of exercise was used to support the participants' self-confidence for management of exercise because of known risks of activity-induced pain in FM. The intervention was performed twice a week for 15 weeks and was supervised by experienced physiotherapists. Primary outcome measure was isometric knee-extension force (Steve Strong®), secondary outcome measures were health status (FIQ total score), current pain intensity (VAS), 6MWT, isometric elbow-flexion force, hand-grip force, health related quality of life, pain disability, pain acceptance, fear avoidance beliefs, and patient global impression of change (PGIC). Outcomes were assessed at baseline and immediately after the intervention. Long-term follow up comprised the self-reported questionnaires only and was conducted after 13-18 months. Between-group and within-group differences were calculated using non-parametric statistics. Significant improvements were found for isometric knee-extension force (p = 0.010), health status (p = 0.038), current pain intensity (p = 0.033), 6MWT (p = 0.003), isometric elbow flexion force (p = 0.02), pain disability (p = 0.005), and pain acceptance (p = 0.043) in the resistance exercise group (n = 56) when compared to the control group (n = 49). PGIC differed significantly (p = 0.001) in favor of the resistance exercise group at post-treatment examinations. No significant differences between the resistance exercise group and the active control group were found regarding change in self-reported questionnaires from baseline to 13-18 months. Person-centered progressive resistance exercise was found to be a feasible mode of exercise for women with FM, improving muscle strength, health status, and current pain intensity when assessed immediately after the intervention. ClinicalTrials.gov identification number: NCT01226784, Oct 21, 2010.

Maintenance of Clinical and Radiographic Benefit With Intravenous Golimumab Therapy in Patients With Active Rheumatoid Arthritis Despite Methotrexate Therapy: Week‐112 Efficacy and Safety Results of the Open‐Label Long‐Term Extension of a Phase III, Double‐Blind, Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled Trial

PubMed Central

Mendelsohn, Alan M.; Kim, Lilianne; Xu, Zhenhua; Leu, Jocelyn; Han, Chenglong; Lo, Kim Hung; Westhovens, Rene; Weinblatt, Michael E.

2015-01-01

Objective To evaluate the safety, efficacy, pharmacokinetics, immunogenicity, and radiographic progression through 2 years of treatment with intravenous (IV) golimumab plus methotrexate (MTX) in an open‐label extension of a phase III trial of patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) despite MTX therapy. Methods In the phase III, double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled GO‐FURTHER trial, 592 patients with active RA were randomized (2:1) to intravenous golimumab 2 mg/kg plus MTX (Group 1) or placebo plus MTX (Group 2) at weeks 0 and 4, then every 8 weeks thereafter; placebo patients crossed over to golimumab at week 16 (early escape) or week 24 (crossover). The final golimumab infusion was at week 100. Assessments included American College of Rheumatology 20%, 50%, 70% (ACR20, ACR50, ACR70) response criteria, 28‐joint count disease activity score using the C‐reactive protein level (DAS28‐CRP), physical function and quality of life measures, and changes in the modified Sharp/van der Heijde scores (SHS). Safety was monitored through week 112. Results In total, 486 patients (82.1%) continued treatment through week 100, and 68.1%, 43.8%, and 23.5% had an ACR20/50/70 response, respectively, at week 100. Clinical response and improvements in physical function and quality of life were generally maintained from week 24 through 2 years. Mean change from baseline to week 100 in SHS score was 0.74 in Group 1 and 2.10 in Group 2 (P = 0.005); progression from week 52 to week 100 was clinically insignificant in both groups. A total of 481 patients completed the safety followup through week 112; 79.1% had an adverse event, and 18.2% had a serious adverse event. Conclusion Clinical response to IV golimumab plus MTX was maintained through week 100. Radiographic progression following golimumab treatment was clinically insignificant between week 52 and week 100. No unexpected adverse events occurred through week 112, and the safety profile was consistent with anti–tumor necrosis factor therapy. PMID:25623393

Factors Influencing Progressive Failure Analysis Predictions for Laminated Composite Structure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Knight, Norman F., Jr.

2008-01-01

Progressive failure material modeling methods used for structural analysis including failure initiation and material degradation are presented. Different failure initiation criteria and material degradation models are described that define progressive failure formulations. These progressive failure formulations are implemented in a user-defined material model for use with a nonlinear finite element analysis tool. The failure initiation criteria include the maximum stress criteria, maximum strain criteria, the Tsai-Wu failure polynomial, and the Hashin criteria. The material degradation model is based on the ply-discounting approach where the local material constitutive coefficients are degraded. Applications and extensions of the progressive failure analysis material model address two-dimensional plate and shell finite elements and three-dimensional solid finite elements. Implementation details are described in the present paper. Parametric studies for laminated composite structures are discussed to illustrate the features of the progressive failure modeling methods that have been implemented and to demonstrate their influence on progressive failure analysis predictions.

Integrated geophysical and geological study of the tectonic framework of the 38th parallel lineament in the vicinity of its intersection with the extension of the New Madrid fault zone. Annual progress report, fiscal year 1979

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Braile, L.W.; Hinze, W.J.; Sexton, J.L.

1979-09-01

An integrated gravity, magnetic, crustal seismic refraction, and basement geology study is being conducted of the northeastern extension of the New Madrid Fault Zone in the vicinity of the 38th Parallel Lineament. Gravity and magnetic anomaly maps prepared of this area plus regional seismicity suggest that the basement structural feature associated with the New Madrid seismicity extends northeasterly into southern Indiana to at least 39/sup 0/N latitude. Gravity and subsurface data indicate that the Rough Creek Fault Zone, a major element of the 38th Parallel Lineament, is the northern boundary of a complex graben which formed in late Precambrian-early Paleozoicmore » time and since has been reactivated. Surface wave studies indicate that the crustal thickness of the northern Mississippi Embayment is probably in the range of 50 to 55 km, and the structure of the crust obtained from these studies is highly suggestive of a failed rift. 40 figures, 3 tables.« less

An assessment of laser velocimetry in hypersonic flow

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1992-01-01

Although extensive progress has been made in computational fluid mechanics, reliable flight vehicle designs and modifications still cannot be made without recourse to extensive wind tunnel testing. Future progress in the computation of hypersonic flow fields is restricted by the need for a reliable mean flow and turbulence modeling data base which could be used to aid in the development of improved empirical models for use in numerical codes. Currently, there are few compressible flow measurements which could be used for this purpose. In this report, the results of experiments designed to assess the potential for laser velocimeter measurements of mean flow and turbulent fluctuations in hypersonic flow fields are presented. Details of a new laser velocimeter system which was designed and built for this test program are described.

Epidemiological characteristics of visceral leishmaniasis in Morocco (1990-2014): an update.

PubMed

Mniouil, Meryem; Fellah, Hajiba; Amarir, Fatima; Et-Touys, Abdeslamd; Bekhti, Khadija; Adlaoui, El Bachir; Bakri, Youssef; Nhammi, Haddou; Sadak, Abderrahim; Sebti, Faiza

2017-06-01

Leishmaniases are parasitic diseases frequent in the Mediterranean Basin. Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a notifiable parasitic disease that increased in incidence in Morocco over the past few years and has recently emerged in several new foci, causing a public health problem in Morocco. The aim of this study is to describe the spatio-temporal distribution of VL in Morocco between 1990 and 2014 period in order to highlight important features and trends of VL and its epidemiology and to assess whether the activity of the unit reflects the situation of the disease at the national level and whether it could constitute an indicator of public health relevance. Two thousand four hundred and twenty one cases were reported in Morocco between 1990 and 2014 with an average annual reported incidence rate of 0.4 cases per 100.000 inhabitants. Before 1996 the average annual incidence of VL was 50 cases on average. After this date the number of cases increased and then remained stable with around 100-150 cases per year. Children whose age varies between 1 and 4 years old are the most affected with 1327 (74%) of total cases; nevertheless the adult starts to be affected by the disease. In 2000, 65% of positive cases of VL are concentrated at both northern regions: Taza-Al Hoceima- Taounate with 45% of cases, Tanger- Tetouan mainly represented by Chefchaoun with 20% of cases. The Fez-Boulemane region located in the center recorded 12% of cases. Throughout the years the map VL distribution has been progressively changed and spatial spread of the disease to the center is noted in 2007. 2014 has been marked by an even greater extension of the disease to the center and south of Morocco. Nationally in 2014, 34 of 75 provinces and prefectures are affected compared to 2000, when 22 out of 82 provinces and prefectures were affected. Leishmania infantum was identified the causative agent based on species- specific PCR-Lei70 assay. VL remains a sporadically endemic parasitic disease in Morocco with a progressive extension of its range of distribution. Such a situation would relate to the geographical succession of Phlebotomine sand fly vectors, the difficulty of actions against the canine population reservoirs of L. infantum and unfavorable socio-economic factors. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Systemic Chemotherapy as Salvage Treatment for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer Patients Who Fail to Respond to Standard Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy.

PubMed

Sclafani, Francesco; Brown, Gina; Cunningham, David; Rao, Sheela; Tekkis, Paris; Tait, Diana; Morano, Federica; Baratelli, Chiara; Kalaitzaki, Eleftheria; Rasheed, Shahnawaz; Watkins, David; Starling, Naureen; Wotherspoon, Andrew; Chau, Ian

2017-06-01

The potential of chemotherapy as salvage treatment after failure of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) has never been explored. We conducted a single-center, retrospective analysis to address this question. Patients with newly diagnosed LARC who were inoperable or candidates for extensive (i.e., beyond total mesorectal excision [TME]) surgery after long-course chemoradiotherapy and who received salvage chemotherapy were included. The primary objective was to estimate the proportion of patients who became suitable for TME after chemotherapy. Forty-five patients were eligible (39 candidates for extensive surgery and 6 unresectable). Previous radiotherapy was given concurrently with chemotherapy in 43 cases (median dose: 54.0 Gy). Oxaliplatin- and irinotecan-based salvage chemotherapy was administered in 40 (88.9%) and 5 (11.1%) cases, respectively. Eight patients (17.8%) became suitable for TME after chemotherapy, 10 (22.2%) ultimately underwent TME with clear margins, and 2 (4.4%) were managed with a watch and wait approach. Additionally, 13 patients had extensive surgery with curative intent. Three-year progression-free survival and 5-year overall survival in the entire population were 30.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 15.0-46.0) and 44.0% (95% CI: 26.0-61.0), respectively. For the curatively resected and "watch and wait" patients, these figures were 52.0% (95% CI: 27.0-73.0) and 67.0% (95% CI: 40.0-84.0), respectively. Systemic chemotherapy may be an effective salvage strategy for LARC patients who fail to respond to chemoradiotherapy and are inoperable or candidates for beyond TME surgery. According to our study, one out of five patients may become resectable or be spared from an extensive surgery after systemic chemotherapy. High-quality evidence to inform the optimal management of rectal cancer patients who are inoperable or candidates for beyond total mesorectal excision surgery following standard chemoradiotherapy is lacking. We show for the first time that systemic chemotherapy may be beneficial and result in one out of five poor prognosis patients becoming resectable or being spared from an extensive surgical approach. Although mores studies are needed to confirm these data, administering salvage systemic chemotherapy in this setting may have the potential to minimize morbidity associated with extensive surgical procedures and improve long-term oncological outcome. © AlphaMed Press 2017.

Effect of Lumbar Progressive Resistance Exercise on Lumbar Muscular Strength and Core Muscular Endurance in Soldiers.

PubMed

Mayer, John M; Childs, John D; Neilson, Brett D; Chen, Henian; Koppenhaver, Shane L; Quillen, William S

2016-11-01

Low back pain is common, costly, and disabling for active duty military personnel and veterans. The evidence is unclear on which management approaches are most effective. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of lumbar extensor high-intensity progressive resistance exercise (HIPRE) training versus control on improving lumbar extension muscular strength and core muscular endurance in soldiers. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with active duty U.S. Army Soldiers (n = 582) in combat medic training at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Soldiers were randomized by platoon to receive the experimental intervention (lumbar extensor HIPRE training, n = 298) or control intervention (core stabilization exercise training, n = 284) at one set, one time per week, for 11 weeks. Lumbar extension muscular strength and core muscular endurance were assessed before and after the intervention period. At 11-week follow-up, lumbar extension muscular strength was 9.7% greater (p = 0.001) for HIPRE compared with control. No improvements in core muscular endurance were observed for HIPRE or control. Lumbar extensor HIPRE training is effective to improve isometric lumbar extension muscular strength in U.S. Army Soldiers. Research is needed to explore the clinical relevance of these gains. Reprint & Copyright © 2016 Association of Military Surgeons of the U.S.

Phase II study of maintenance pembrolizumab in patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC).

PubMed

Gadgeel, Shirish M; Pennell, Nathan A; Fidler, Mary Jo; Halmos, Balazs; Bonomi, Philip; Stevenson, James; Schneider, Bryan; Sukari, Ammar; Ventimiglia, Jaclyn; Chen, Wei; Galasso, Cathy; Wozniak, Antoinette; Boerner, Julie; Kalemkerian, Gregory P

2018-05-15

To assess the efficacy of maintenance pembrolizumab in extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients, after treatment with platinum/etoposide. Extensive-stage SCLC patients with a response or stable disease following induction chemotherapy were eligible. Pembrolizumab at a dose of 200 mg IV every 3 weeks was initiated within 8 weeks of the last cycle of chemotherapy. The primary endpoint of the study was progression-free survival (PFS) from study registration, with overall survival (OS) as a key secondary endpoint. Available tumor tissue was assessed for PD-L1 expression both in the tumor cells and surrounding stroma. Blood for circulating tumor cells was collected before the first, second and third cycles of pembrolizumab. Of the 45 patients enrolled, 56% were male and 22% had treated brain metastases. The median PFS was 1.4 months (95%CI- 1.3-2.8), with 1-year PFS of 13%. The median OS was 9.6 months (95%CI- 7.0-12), with 1-year OS of 37%. Of the 30 tumors that could be assessed, 3 had PD-L1 expression (≥ 1%) in the tumor cells. Twenty tumors could be assessed for PD-L1 expression in the stroma. The median PFS in the 8 patients with tumors positive for stromal interface PD-L1 expression was 6.5 months (95% CI-1.1-12.8) compared to 1.3 months (95%CI- 0.6-2.5) in 12 patients with tumors negative for this marker. No unexpected toxicities were observed. Maintenance pembrolizumab did not appear to improve median PFS compared to historical data. However, 1-year PFS of 13% and OS of 37% suggest that a subset of patients did benefit from pembrolizumab. Copyright © 2018 International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Brugada syndrome: two decades of progress.

PubMed

Veerakul, Gumpanart; Nademanee, Koonlawee

2012-01-01

Two decades ago, a series of 8 idiopathic ventricular fibrillation patients who each had an abnormal ECG (right bundle branch block with coved-type ECG), but otherwise had normal hearts were described by Brugada and Brugada. Since then, the clinical entity has become known as Brugada syndrome (BS). Shortly thereafter, mutations of the SCN5A gene that encodes for the α-subunit of the sodium channel were found, galvanizing the field of ion channelopathies following in the footsteps of the breakthrough in long QT syndrome. Over the past 20 years, extensive research in this field has produced major progress toward better understanding of BS and the gaining of knowledge of the genetic background, pathophysiology and new management. Two consensus reports were published to help define the diagnostic criteria, risk stratification and management of BS patients. However, there are controversies. In this review, we will share our experiences of BS patients in Thailand and discuss advances in many aspects of the syndrome (ie, genetics and pathophysiology) and some of these pertinent controversies, as well as new treatment of the syndrome with catheter ablation.

The EphA2 Receptor and EphrinA1 Ligand in Solid Tumors: Function and Therapeutic Targeting

PubMed Central

Wykosky, Jill; Debinski, Waldemar

2013-01-01

The Eph receptor tyrosine kinases and ephrin ligands have been studied extensively for their roles in developmental processes. In recent years, Eph receptors and ephrins have been found to be integral players in cancer formation and progression. Among these are EphA2 and ephrinA1, which are involved in the development and maintenance of many different types of solid tumors. The function of EphA2 and ephrinA1 in tumorigenesis and tumor progression is complex and seems to be dependent on cell type and microenvironment. These variables affect the expression of the EphA2 and ephrinA1 proteins, the pathways through which they induce signaling, and the functional consequences of that signaling on the behavior of tumor cells and tumor-associated cells. This review will specifically focus on the roles that EphA2 and ephrinA1 play in the different cell types that contribute to the malignancy of solid tumors, with emphasis on the opportunities for therapeutic targeting. PMID:19074825

Progress in the Development of SERS-Active Substrates Based on Metal-Coated Porous Silicon

PubMed Central

Girel, Kseniya V.; Panarin, Andrei; Terekhov, Sergei N.

2018-01-01

The present work gives an overview of the developments in surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) with metal-coated porous silicon used as an active substrate. We focused this review on the research referenced to SERS-active materials based on porous silicon, beginning from the patent application in 2002 and enclosing the studies of this year. Porous silicon and metal deposition technologies are discussed. Since the earliest studies, a number of fundamentally different plasmonic nanostructures including metallic dendrites, quasi-ordered arrays of metallic nanoparticles (NPs), and metallic nanovoids have been grown on porous silicon, defined by the morphology of this host material. SERS-active substrates based on porous silicon have been found to combine a high and well-reproducible signal level, storage stability, cost-effective technology and handy use. They make it possible to identify and study many compounds including biomolecules with a detection limit varying from milli- to femtomolar concentrations. The progress reviewed here demonstrates the great prospects for the extensive use of the metal-coated porous silicon for bioanalysis by SERS-spectroscopy. PMID:29883382

Progress in the Development of SERS-Active Substrates Based on Metal-Coated Porous Silicon.

PubMed

Bandarenka, Hanna V; Girel, Kseniya V; Zavatski, Sergey A; Panarin, Andrei; Terekhov, Sergei N

2018-05-21

The present work gives an overview of the developments in surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) with metal-coated porous silicon used as an active substrate. We focused this review on the research referenced to SERS-active materials based on porous silicon, beginning from the patent application in 2002 and enclosing the studies of this year. Porous silicon and metal deposition technologies are discussed. Since the earliest studies, a number of fundamentally different plasmonic nanostructures including metallic dendrites, quasi-ordered arrays of metallic nanoparticles (NPs), and metallic nanovoids have been grown on porous silicon, defined by the morphology of this host material. SERS-active substrates based on porous silicon have been found to combine a high and well-reproducible signal level, storage stability, cost-effective technology and handy use. They make it possible to identify and study many compounds including biomolecules with a detection limit varying from milli- to femtomolar concentrations. The progress reviewed here demonstrates the great prospects for the extensive use of the metal-coated porous silicon for bioanalysis by SERS-spectroscopy.

Learning From Leaders: Life-span Trends in Olympians and Supercentenarians.

PubMed

Antero-Jacquemin, Juliana da Silva; Berthelot, Geoffroy; Marck, Adrien; Noirez, Philippe; Latouche, Aurélien; Toussaint, Jean-François

2015-08-01

Life-span trends progression has worldwide practical implications as it may affect the sustainability of modern societies. We aimed to describe the secular life-span trends of populations with a propensity to live longer-Olympians and supercentenarians-under two hypotheses: an ongoing life-span extension versus a biologic "probabilistic barrier" limiting further progression. In a study of life-span densities (total number of life durations per birth date), we analyzed 19,012 Olympians and 1,205 supercentenarians deceased between 1900 and 2013. Among most Olympians, we observed a trend toward increased life duration. This trend, however, decelerates at advanced ages leveling off with the upper values with a perennial gap between Olympians and supercentenarians during the whole observation period. Similar tendencies are observed among supercentenarians, and over the last years, a plateau attests to a stable longevity pattern among the longest-lived humans. The common trends between Olympians and supercentenarians indicate similar mortality pressures over both populations that increase with age, scenario better explained by a biologic "barrier" forecast. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Gerontological Society of America.

Research and technology, fiscal year 1986, Marshall Space Flight Center

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1986-01-01

The Marshall Space Flight Center is continuing its vigorous efforts in space-related research and technology. Extensive activities in advanced studies have led to the approval of the Orbital Maneuvering Vehicle as a new start. Significant progress was made in definition studies of liquid rocket engine systems for future space transportation needs and the conceptualization of advanced laucnch vehicles. The space systems definition studies have brought the Advanced X-ray Astrophysics Facility and Gravity Probe-B to a high degree of maturity. Both are ready for project implementation. Also discussed include significant advances in low gravity sciences, solar terrestrial physics, high energy astrophysics, atmospheric sciences, propulsion systems, and on the critical element of the Space Shuttle Main Engine in particular. The goals of improving the productivity of high-cost repetitive operations on reusable transportation systems, and extending the useful life of such systems are examined. The research and technology highlighted provides a foundation for progress on the Hubble Space Telescope, the Space Station, all elements of the Space Transportation System, and the many other projects assigned to this Center.

Macular function and morphologic features in juvenile stargardt disease: longitudinal study.

PubMed

Testa, Francesco; Melillo, Paolo; Di Iorio, Valentina; Orrico, Ada; Attanasio, Marcella; Rossi, Settimio; Simonelli, Francesca

2014-12-01

To evaluate disease progression in a cohort of patients with a clinical and genetic diagnosis of Stargardt disease. Longitudinal cohort study. A total of 56 selected patients with a clinical and molecular diagnosis of Stargardt disease, an early age of onset, and a median follow-up length of 2 years. Patients underwent routine examination, including full-field electroretinography, microperimetry, and optical coherence tomography. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), mean retinal sensitivity, fixation stability, preferred retinal locus, inner segment/outer segment (IS/OS) junction loss, and atrophic lesion area. A total of 56 patients with a mean age at disease onset of 15.3 years (range, 3-28 years), a mean disease duration of 12.1 years, and a mean age at baseline of 27.4 years were analyzed. The median BCVA was 20/200 in both eyes. Optical coherence tomography parameters (IS/OS alteration and retinal pigment epithelium lesion area) were obtained in only 49 patients because the signal quality was poor in the remaining 7 patients. Optical coherence tomography revealed a mean retinal pigment epithelium lesion area of 2.6 mm(2), preserved foveal IS/OS in 4.1% of patients, loss of foveal IS/OS in 59.2% of patients, and extensive loss of macular IS/OS in 36.7% of patients. Microperimetric findings showed a reduced macular sensitivity (mean, 10 decibels [dB]) and an unstable fixation in half of the patient cohort. The longitudinal analysis showed a significant progressive reduction of BCVA and macular sensitivity (at an estimated rate of 0.04 decimals and 1.19 dB/year, respectively) associated with a significant enlargement of retinal pigment epithelium lesion area (0.282 mm(2)/year). No significant changes in ophthalmoscopic findings and electroretinographic responses were detected. This study highlights the importance of microperimetry and optical coherence tomography in monitoring patients with Stargardt disease. Quantifying the decline of visual functionality and detecting morphologic macular changes prove useful in evaluating disease progression over a short-term follow-up and should be taken into account for the design of future clinical trials of gene therapy to treat retinal dystrophy. Copyright © 2014 American Academy of Ophthalmology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Accelerated hand bone mineral density loss is associated with progressive joint damage in hands and feet in recent-onset rheumatoid arthritis.

PubMed

Güler-Yüksel, Melek; Klarenbeek, Naomi B; Goekoop-Ruiterman, Yvonne P M; de Vries-Bouwstra, Jeska K; van der Kooij, Sjoerd M; Gerards, Andreas H; Ronday, H Karel; Huizinga, Tom W J; Dijkmans, Ben A C; Allaart, Cornelia F; Lems, Willem F

2010-01-01

To investigate whether accelerated hand bone mineral density (BMD) loss is associated with progressive joint damage in hands and feet in the first year of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and whether it is an independent predictor of subsequent progressive total joint damage after 4 years. In 256 recent-onset RA patients, baseline and 1-year hand BMD was measured in metacarpals 2-4 by digital X-ray radiogrammetry. Joint damage in hands and feet were scored in random order according to the Sharp-van der Heijde method at baseline and yearly up to 4 years. 68% of the patients had accelerated hand BMD loss (>-0.003 g/cm2) in the first year of RA. Hand BMD loss was associated with progressive joint damage after 1 year both in hands and feet with odds ratios (OR) (95% confidence intervals [CI]) of 5.3 (1.3-20.9) and 3.1 (1.0-9.7). In univariate analysis, hand BMD loss in the first year was a predictor of subsequent progressive total joint damage after 4 years with an OR (95% CI) of 3.1 (1.3-7.6). Multivariate analysis showed that only progressive joint damage in the first year and anti-citrullinated protein antibody positivity were independent predictors of long-term progressive joint damage. In the first year of RA, accelerated hand BMD loss is associated with progressive joint damage in both hands and feet. Hand BMD loss in the first year of recent-onset RA predicts subsequent progressive total joint damage, however not independent of progressive joint damage in the first year.

Effects of obesity on the biomechanics of stair-walking in children.

PubMed

Strutzenberger, G; Richter, A; Schneider, M; Mündermann, A; Schwameder, H

2011-05-01

Anthropometric characteristics, particularly body mass, are important factors in the development and progression of varus/valgus angular deformities of the knee and have long-term implications including increased risk of osteoarthritis. However, information on how excessive body weight affects the biomechanics of dynamic activities in children is limited. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that during stair-walking lower extremity joint moments normalized to body mass in obese children are greater than those in normal-weight children. Eighteen obese children (10.5±1.5 years, 148±10cm, 56.6±8.4kg) and 17 normal-weight children (10.4±1.3 years, 143±9cm, 36.7±7.5kg) were recruited. A Vicon system and two AMTI force plates were used to record and analyze the kinematics and kinetics of ascending and descending stairs. Significant differences in spatio-temporal, kinematic and kinetic parameters during ascending and descending stairs between obese and normal-weight children were detected. For stair ascent, greater hip abduction moments (+23%; p=0.001) and greater knee extension moments (+20%; p=0.008) were observed. For stair descent, smaller hip extension moment (-52%; p=0.031), and greater hip flexion moments (+25%; p=0.016) and knee extension moments (+15%, p=0.008) were observed for obese subjects. To date, it is unclear if and how the body may adapt to greater joint moments in obese children. Nevertheless, these differences in joint moments may contribute to a cumulative overloading of the joint through adolescence into adulthood, and potentially result in a greater risk of developing knee and hip osteoarthritis. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Ceroid-lipofuscinosis in border collie dogs.

PubMed

Taylor, R M; Farrow, B R

1988-01-01

Five Border Collie dogs with ceroid-lipofuscinosis developed progressive neurological disease between 18 and 22 months of age. These dogs had behavioural abnormalities, gait and visual deficits and became progressively demented. All dogs examined had common ancestors. Light microscopic examination of tissues demonstrated extensive accumulation of granular, sudan black-staining autofluorescent material in the cytoplasm of neurones, retinal ganglion cells and some visceral cells. At ultrastructural examination inclusions of variable morphology were observed.

[Progress of research on genetic engineering antibody and its application in prevention and control of parasitic diseases].

PubMed

Yao, Yuan; Yu, Chuan-xin

2013-08-01

Antibody has extensive application prospects in the biomedical field. The inherent disadvantages of traditional polyclonal antibody and monoclonal antibody limit their application values. The humanized and fragmented antibody remodeling has given a rise to a series of genetic engineered antibody variant. This paper reviews the progress of research on genetic engineering antibody and its application in prevention and control of parasitic diseases.

Cytomegalovirus-targeted immunotherapy and glioblastoma: hype or hope?

PubMed

Ferguson, Sherise D; Srinivasan, Visish M; Ghali, Michael Gz; Heimberger, Amy B

2016-01-01

Malignant gliomas, including glioblastoma (GBM), are the most common primary brain tumors. Despite extensive research only modest gains have been made in long-term survival. Standard of care involves maximizing safe surgical resection followed by concurrent chemoradiation with temozolomide. Immunotherapy for GBM is an area of intense research in recent years. New immunotherapies, although promising, have not been integrated into standard practice. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a DNA virus of the family Herpesviridae. Human seroprevalence is approximately 80%, and in most cases, is associated with asymptomatic infection. HCMV may be an important agent in the initiation, promotion and/or progression of tumorigenesis. Regardless of a possible etiologic role in GBM, interest has centered on exploiting this association for development of immunomodulatory therapies.

The World Health Organization's safe abortion guidance document.

PubMed

Van Look, Paul F A; Cottingham, Jane

2013-04-01

We discuss the history of the World Health Organization's (WHO's) development of guidelines for governments on providing safe abortion services, which WHO published as Safe Abortion: Technical and Policy Guidance for Health Systems in 2003 and updated in 2012. We show how the recognition of the devastating impact of unsafe abortion on women's health and survival, the impetus of the International Conference on Population and Development and its five-year follow-up, and WHO's progressive leadership at the end of the century enabled the organization to elaborate guidance on providing safe abortion services. Guideline formulation involved extensive review of published evidence, an international technical expert meeting to review the draft document, and a protracted in-house review by senior WHO management.

The Infection Returns: A Case of Pulmonary Sporotrichosis Relapse after Chemotherapy

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

Background Pulmonary sporotrichosis is a rare disease caused by a dimorphic fungus, Sporothrix schenckii. It is rarely found in association with malignancy. We present a case of pulmonary sporotrichosis recurrence after chemotherapy. Case Presentation A 44-year-old man, treated for pulmonary sporotrichosis in the past, presented with dysphagia and was found to have squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus. After undergoing chemotherapy, extensive cavitary lesions were observed on thoracic computed tomography scan. A bronchoalveolar lavage revealed the presence of Sporothrix schenckii sensu lato. Despite treatment with itraconazole, he eventually required a left pneumonectomy for progressive destructive cavitary lesions involving the left lung. Conclusion This case highlights the importance of considering past fungal infections, albeit cured, in patients initiating immunosuppressive therapy. PMID:29559998

[APPLICATION OF COMPUTER-ASSISTED TECHNOLOGY IN ANALYSIS OF REVISION REASON OF UNICOMPARTMENTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY].

PubMed

Jia, Di; Li, Yanlin; Wang, Guoliang; Gao, Huanyu; Yu, Yang

2016-01-01

To conclude the revision reason of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) using computer-assisted technology so as to provide reference for reducing the revision incidence and improving the level of surgical technique and rehabilitation. The relevant literature on analyzing revision reason of UKA using computer-assisted technology in recent years was extensively reviewed. The revision reasons by computer-assisted technology are fracture of the medial tibial plateau, progressive osteoarthritis of reserved compartment, dislocation of mobile bearing, prosthesis loosening, polyethylene wear, and unexplained persistent pain. Computer-assisted technology can be used to analyze the revision reason of UKA and guide the best operating method and rehabilitation scheme by simulating the operative process and knee joint activities.

Late diagnosis of a neglected cervical carcinoma in an elderly woman: a case report.

PubMed

Iavazzo, Christos; Efthimiou, Dorothy; Valavanis, Christos; Leontara, Joanna; Zarganis, Peter; Vorgias, George

2006-04-20

We report the case of an 88-year-old, Greek patient who was referred to our department with a bleeding mass that occupied her entire vagina. This exophytic tumor had extensive ulcerated areas and originated from the cervix. The biopsies taken from the mass confirmed it to be squamous cell carcinoma. Despite the giant size of the tumor, the parametria and middle and lower vagina were not infiltrated. Rather, the neglected mass created a severe septic condition that was progressing to disseminated intravascular coagulation DIC status. Because of the patient's advanced age and critical condition, we performed a "toilet" operation to remove the tumor mass. We subsequently administered radical radiation therapy with satisfactory results.

A heart breaking case of rapidly developing severe hemophagocytic syndrome secondary to chronic active EBV infection; a case report and review of the literature.

PubMed

Tawfik, Khoury; Liron, Yosha; Ayman, Abu Rmieleh; Schneider, Ronen; Wolf, D G; Ronen, Levi

2015-06-01

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV, HHV-4) is a gamma Herpesvirus with a 90% >seroprevalence in adults. Reactivations in non-immuno compromised individuals usually cause mild or no symptoms at all. Rarely, host immunity-virus balance is interrupted, resulting in a chronic active EBV infection. The following case illustrates the rapid development of severe hemophagocytic syndrome during chronic active EBV infection in a 73 year old woman who presented with lower extremity pain and edema, splenomegaly and abnormal liver enzymes. A diagnosis of chronic active EBV infection was made following an extensive investigation and the patient died secondary to rapidly progressive hemophagocytic syndrome. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Center for Multiscale Plasma Dynamics: Report on Activities (UCLA/MIT), 2009-2010

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Carter, Troy Alan

2014-10-03

The final “phaseout” year of the CMPD ended July 2010; a no cost extension was requested until May 2011 in order to enable the MIT subcontract funds to be fully utilized. Research progress over this time included verification and validation activities for the BOUT and BOUT++ code, studies of spontaneous reconnection in the VTF facility at MIT, and studies of the interaction between Alfv´en waves and drift waves in LAPD. The CMPD also hosted the 6th plasma physics winter school in 2010 (jointly with the NSF frontier center the Center for Magnetic Self-Organization, significant funding came from NSF for thismore » most recent iteration of theWinter School).« less

Kidney disease models: tools to identify mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets

PubMed Central

Bao, Yin-Wu; Yuan, Yuan; Chen, Jiang-Hua; Lin, Wei-Qiang

2018-01-01

Acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are worldwide public health problems affecting millions of people and have rapidly increased in prevalence in recent years. Due to the multiple causes of renal failure, many animal models have been developed to advance our understanding of human nephropathy. Among these experimental models, rodents have been extensively used to enable mechanistic understanding of kidney disease induction and progression, as well as to identify potential targets for therapy. In this review, we discuss AKI models induced by surgical operation and drugs or toxins, as well as a variety of CKD models (mainly genetically modified mouse models). Results from recent and ongoing clinical trials and conceptual advances derived from animal models are also explored. PMID:29515089

Diabetic cardiomyopathy: Where are we 40 years later?

PubMed Central

Sharma, Vijay; McNeill, John H

2006-01-01

Diabetic cardiomyopathy is a cardiac disease that arises as a result of the diabetic state, independent of vascular or valvular pathology. It manifests initially as asymptomatic diastolic dysfunction, which progresses to symptomatic heart failure. The compliance of the heart wall is decreased and contractile function is impaired. The pathophysiology is incompletely understood, but appears to be initiated both by hyperglycemia and changes in cardiac metabolism. These changes induce oxidative stress and activate a number of secondary messenger pathways, leading to cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis and cell death. Alterations in contractile proteins and intracellular ions impair excitation-contraction coupling, while decreased autonomic responsiveness and autonomic neuropathy impair its regulation. Extensive structural abnormalities also occur, which have deleterious mechanical and functional consequences. PMID:16568154

Muscular dystrophy in a dog resembling human becker muscular dystrophy.

PubMed

Baroncelli, A B; Abellonio, F; Pagano, T B; Esposito, I; Peirone, B; Papparella, S; Paciello, O

2014-05-01

A 3-year-old, male Labrador retriever dog was presented with clinical signs of progressive exercise intolerance, bilateral elbow extension, rigidity of the forelimbs, hindlimb flexion and kyphosis. Microscopical examination of muscle tissue showed marked variability in myofibre size, replacement of muscle with mature adipose tissue and degeneration/regeneration of muscle fibres, consistent with muscular dystrophy. Immunohistochemical examination for dystrophin showed markedly reduced labelling with monoclonal antibodies specific for the rod domain and the carboxy-terminal of dystrophin, while expression of β-sarcoglycan, γ-sarcoglycan and β-dystroglycan was normal. Immunoblotting revealed a truncated dystrophin protein of approximately 135 kDa. These findings supported a diagnosis of congenital canine muscular dystrophy resembling Becker muscular dystrophy in man. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Management of extramammary Paget's disease with a staged, modified Mohs technique.

PubMed

Shukla, Anant; Stringer, Matthew; Uberoi, Pansy; Hudak, Steven; Kallingal, George

2016-08-01

Extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD) is a rare intraepithelial adenocarcinoma arising from apocrine glands. We describe an innovative surgical technique to manage extensive cutaneous malignancies in a notoriously challenging location. The patient is a 78-year-old male who presented with 'jock itch' on his left groin refractory to topical treatment. A shave biopsy of the lesion demonstrated non-invasive EMPD which yielded a urology consult. Rather than the standard wide local excision (WLE), which can lead to positive margins, progression, and recurrence, we used a modified the Mohs technique and staged the procedure, providing excellent oncologic and cosmetic outcomes. The described technique has particular merit with uncertain margin status and when geography of lesions preclude a standard Mohs surgery.

Serratia marcescens endogenous endophthalmitis in an immunocompetent host

PubMed Central

Memon, Muhammad; Raman, Vasant

2016-01-01

A systemically well 66-year-old white Caucasian man presented to the urgent care department with a short history of progressive pain and blurring of vision in his left eye. He denied a history of trauma, intraocular surgery or use of illicit drugs. He was diagnosed with endogenous endophthalmitis. Vitreous biopsy grew Serratia marcescens, a Gram negative bacteria. In spite of extensive investigation, there was no obvious source of infection. He had an indwelling urine catheter for prostate hypertrophy, but urine culture was negative. There was no evidence of immunocompromise. He was treated with systemic as well as intravitreal antibiotics. In spite of appropriate treatment, the patient lost vision. S. marcescens endophthalmitis, seen even in immunocompetent people, carries a poor visual prognosis. PMID:26791115

Serratia marcescens endogenous endophthalmitis in an immunocompetent host.

PubMed

Memon, Muhammad; Raman, Vasant

2016-01-20

A systemically well 66-year-old white Caucasian man presented to the urgent care department with a short history of progressive pain and blurring of vision in his left eye. He denied a history of trauma, intraocular surgery or use of illicit drugs. He was diagnosed with endogenous endophthalmitis. Vitreous biopsy grew Serratia marcescens, a Gram negative bacteria. In spite of extensive investigation, there was no obvious source of infection. He had an indwelling urine catheter for prostate hypertrophy, but urine culture was negative. There was no evidence of immunocompromise. He was treated with systemic as well as intravitreal antibiotics. In spite of appropriate treatment, the patient lost vision. S. marcescens endophthalmitis, seen even in immunocompetent people, carries a poor visual prognosis. 2016 BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.

76 FR 57102 - Notice and Request for Comments: Two-Year Extension of Softwood Lumber Agreement

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-09-15

... additional two years. The United States is considering extending the SLA through October 12, 2015. Interested... additional 2 years.'' Without an extension, the Agreement will expire in October 12, 2013. USTR is... for Comments: Two-Year Extension of Softwood Lumber Agreement AGENCY: Office of the United States...

Progression of varicella-zoster virus necrotizing retinopathy in an HIV-negative patient with transient immune deviation.

PubMed

Lim, Wee-Kiak; Chee, Soon-Phaik; Nussenblatt, Robert Burton

2005-06-01

To report a case of unilateral varicella-zoster virus (VZV) necrotizing retinopathy that progressed from outer retinitis with features of progressive outer retinal necrosis (PORN) to typical acute retinal necrosis (ARN) in an HIV-negative patient with a transient decrease in CD4 lymphocyte counts and CD4/CD8 ratio. Case report. A 41-year-old Chinese man presenting with blurred vision in the right eye was diagnosed with herpetic necrotizing retinitis without vitritis. Fundus examination revealed retinal arteritis and extensive deep whitish retinal lesions in the mid-periphery with minimal vitritis. Aqueous humor and vitreous PCR were positive for VZV. His CD4 count on presentation was depressed (239 cells/ul) and the CD4/CD8 ratio was low (0.8). The referring ophthalmologist had treated him with prednisolone 60 mg/day. At our institution, when intravenous acyclovir was started and the steroid therapy discontinued, he developed severe vitritis and the deep retinal lesions progressed to full-thickness retinitis typical of ARN. Repeat CD4 count was 512 cells/ul at day 14. In total, he was treated with 14 days of i.v. acyclovir (12 mg/kg 8-hourly) followed by oral valaciclovir 500 mg three times a day for 3 months. Prednisolone 30 mg once daily was restarted and tapered over 3 months. Despite prophylactic argon retinal photocoagulation to the edge of the retinitis, the patient developed a total retinal detachment at 3 months. VZV retinal infection in an HIV-negative patient with transient immune deviation can manifest initially as outer retinitis with features similar to PORN and progress to typical ARN when CD4 counts return to normal.

Progressive Functional Impairments of Hippocampal Neurons in a Tauopathy Mouse Model

PubMed Central

Ciupek, Sarah M.; Cheng, Jingheng; Ali, Yousuf O.; Lu, Hui-Chen

2015-01-01

The age-dependent progression of tau pathology is a major characteristic of tauopathies, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), and plays an important role in the behavioral phenotypes of AD, including memory deficits. Despite extensive molecular and cellular studies on tau pathology, it remains to be determined how it alters the neural circuit functions underlying learning and memory in vivo. In rTg4510 mice, a Tau-P301L tauopathy model, hippocampal place fields that support spatial memories are abnormal at old age (7–9 months) when tau tangles and neurodegeneration are extensive. However, it is unclear how the abnormality in the hippocampal circuit function arises and progresses with the age-dependent progression of tau pathology. Here we show that in young (2–4 months of age) rTg4510 mice, place fields of hippocampal CA1 cells are largely normal, with only subtle differences from those of age-matched wild-type control mice. Second, high-frequency ripple oscillations of local field potentials in the hippocampal CA1 area are significantly reduced in young rTg4510 mice, and even further deteriorated in old rTg4510 mice. The ripple reduction is associated with less bursty firing and altered synchrony of CA1 cells. Together, the data indicate that deficits in ripples and neuronal synchronization occur before overt deficits in place fields in these mice. The results reveal a tau-pathology-induced progression of hippocampal functional changes in vivo. PMID:26019329

Mobilization and Involvement of Students and Teachers in Implementing the Adult and Extension Education Programmes at the Grass-Root Level with Special Reference to Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirapalli, India: A Case Study.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Parthasarthy, K.; Balasaravanan, T.

India has made considerable progress toward universal primary education but has the dubious distinction of having the highest illiteracy rates in the world. Stringent endeavors are being made at the national, state, and district levels to eradicate illiteracy through mass approaches and programs. Extension is recognized as the third dimension of…

A randomized trial of obeticholic acid monotherapy in patients with primary biliary cholangitis.

PubMed

Kowdley, Kris V; Luketic, Velimir; Chapman, Roger; Hirschfield, Gideon M; Poupon, Raoul; Schramm, Christoph; Vincent, Catherine; Rust, Christian; Parés, Albert; Mason, Andrew; Marschall, Hanns-Ulrich; Shapiro, David; Adorini, Luciano; Sciacca, Cathi; Beecher-Jones, Tessa; Böhm, Olaf; Pencek, Richard; Jones, David

2018-05-01

Obeticholic acid (OCA), a potent farnesoid X receptor agonist, was studied as monotherapy in an international, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 study in patients with primary biliary cholangitis who were then followed for up to 6 years. The goals of the study were to assess the benefit of OCA in the absence of ursodeoxycholic acid, which is relevant for patients who are intolerant of ursodeoxycholic acid and at higher risk of disease progression. Patients were randomized and dosed with placebo (n = 23), OCA 10 mg (n = 20), or OCA 50 mg (n = 16) given as monotherapy once daily for 3 months (1 randomized patient withdrew prior to dosing). The primary endpoint was the percent change in alkaline phosphatase from baseline to the end of the double-blind phase of the study. Secondary and exploratory endpoints included change from baseline to month 3/early termination in markers of cholestasis, hepatocellular injury, and farnesoid X receptor activation. Efficacy and safety continue to be monitored through an ongoing 6-year open-label extension (N = 28). Alkaline phosphatase was reduced in both OCA groups (median% [Q1, Q3], OCA 10 mg -53.9% [-62.5, -29.3], OCA 50 mg -37.2% [-54.8, -24.6]) compared to placebo (-0.8% [-6.4, 8.7]; P < 0.0001) at the end of the study, with similar reductions observed through 6 years of open-label extension treatment. OCA improved many secondary and exploratory endpoints (including γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, alanine aminotransferase, conjugated bilirubin, and immunoglobulin M). Pruritus was the most common adverse event; 15% (OCA 10 mg) and 38% (OCA 50 mg) discontinued due to pruritus. OCA monotherapy significantly improved alkaline phosphatase and other biochemical markers predictive of improved long-term clinical outcomes. Pruritus increased dose-dependently with OCA treatment. Biochemical improvements were observed through 6 years of open-label extension treatment. (Hepatology 2018;67:1890-1902). © 2017 The Authors. Hepatology published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.

From Subjective Cognitive Decline to Alzheimer's Disease: The Predictive Role of Neuropsychological Assessment, Personality Traits, and Cognitive Reserve. A 7-Year Follow-Up Study.

PubMed

Bessi, Valentina; Mazzeo, Salvatore; Padiglioni, Sonia; Piccini, Carolina; Nacmias, Benedetta; Sorbi, Sandro; Bracco, Laura

2018-01-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of neuropsychological assessment in predicting conversion from subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to Alzheimer's disease (AD) and the effect of personality traits and cognitive reserve in progression from SCD to MCI. As part of a longitudinal, clinical-neuropsychological-genetic survey on SCD and MCI, 284 patients referred to our hospital between 1990 and 2017 were included. All patients underwent clinical-extensive neuropsychological evaluation and Apolipoprotein E genotyping; personality traits were assessed in a subgroup. Each patient underwent clinical-neuropsychological follow-up. Subjects with a follow-up shorter than two years were excluded. A total of 212 subjects were, after exclusions, considered: 26 out of 109 SCD subjects progressed to MCI (SCD-p), 15 converted to AD (SCD-c), and 68 remained stable (SCD-s). Of 103 MCI subjects, 39 converted to AD (MCI-c) and 64 remained stable (MCI-s). At baseline, SCD-c performed significantly worse than SCD-s in tests assessing long-term verbal memory. MCI-c showed worse performance on neuropsychological tests for short- and long-term verbal memory and for ecological evaluation of memory (RBMT). These tests provided good accuracy in distinguishing MCI-c and MCI-s. Emotional stability was significantly lower in SCD-s than in SCD-p while higher intellectual activities were associated with a lower risk of conversion to MCI. Our results suggest that memory neuropsychological tests may represent a reliable tool to estimate the risk of progression to AD. Personality and lifestyle factors could provide useful information to identify SCD subjects who may develop an objective cognitive impairment.

Islet Transplantation in Type 1 Diabetes: Ongoing Challenges, Refined Procedures, and Long-Term Outcome

PubMed Central

Shapiro, A.M. James

2012-01-01

Remarkable progress has been made in islet transplantation over a span of 40 years. Once just an experimental curiosity in mice, this therapy has moved forward, and can now provide robust therapy for highly selected patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D), refractory to stabilization by other means. This progress could not have occurred without extensive dynamic international collaboration. Currently, 1,085 patients have undergone islet transplantation at 40 international sites since the Edmonton Protocol was reported in 2000 (752 allografts, 333 autografts), according to the Collaborative Islet Transplant Registry. The long-term results of islet transplantation in selected centers now match registry data of pancreas-alone transplantation, with 6 sites reporting five-year insulin independence rates ≥50%. Islet transplantation has been criticized for the use of multiple donor pancreas organs, but progress has also occurred in single-donor success, with 10 sites reporting increased single-donor engraftment. The next wave of innovative clinical trial interventions will address instant blood-mediated inflammatory reaction (IBMIR), apoptosis, and inflammation, and will translate into further marked improvements in single-donor success. Effective control of auto- and alloimmunity is the key to long-term islet function, and high-resolution cellular and antibody-based assays will add considerable precision to this process. Advances in immunosuppression, with new antibody-based targeting of costimulatory blockade and other T-B cellular signaling, will have further profound impact on the safety record of immunotherapy. Clinical trials will move forward shortly to test out new human stem cell derived islets, and in parallel trials will move forward, testing pig islets for compatibility in patients. Induction of immunological tolerance to self-islet antigens and to allografts is a difficult challenge, but potentially within our grasp. PMID:23804275

Hyperfractionated Low-Dose (21 Gy) Radiotherapy for Cranial Skeletal Metastases in Patients With High-Risk Neuroblastoma

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kushner, Brian H., E-mail: kushnerb@mskcc.or; Cheung, Nai-Kong V.; Barker, Christopher A.

2009-11-15

Purpose: To present a large experience (73 patients) using a standard radiotherapy (RT) protocol to prevent relapse in cranial sites where measurable metastatic neuroblastoma (NB), an adverse prognostic marker, is common. Methods and Materials: High-risk NB patients with measurable cranial disease at diagnosis or residual cranial disease after induction therapy had those sites irradiated with hyperfractionated 21 Gy; a brain-sparing technique was used for an extensive field. The patients were grouped according to the response to systemic therapy. Thus, when irradiated, Group 1 patients were in complete remission and Group 2 patients had primary refractory disease. Follow-up was from themore » start of cranial RT. Results: At 3 years, the 39 Group 1 patients had a progression-free survival rate of 51%; control of cranial disease was 79%. Two relapses involved irradiated cranial sites. Two other patients relapsed in the irradiated cranial sites 6 and 12 months after a systemic relapse. At 3 years, the 34 Group 2 patients had a progression-free survival rate of 33%; control of cranial disease was 52%. Group 2 included 19 patients who had residual cranial (with or without extracranial) disease. The cranial sites showed major (n = 13), minor (n = 2), or no response (n = 4) to RT. Five patients had progression in the cranial RT field at 10-27 months. Group 2 also included 15 patients who had persistent NB in extracranial, but not cranial, sites. Of these 15 patients, 2 relapsed in the irradiated cranial sites and elsewhere at 8 and 14 months. Cranial RT was well tolerated, with no Grade 2 or greater toxicity. Conclusion: Hyperfractionated 21-Gy cranial RT might help control NB and is feasible without significant toxicity in children.« less

Exercises reduce the progression rate of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: results of a comprehensive systematic review of the literature.

PubMed

Negrini, S; Fusco, C; Minozzi, S; Atanasio, S; Zaina, F; Romano, M

2008-01-01

A previously published systematic review (Ped.Rehab.2003 - DARE 2004) documented the existence of the evidence of level 2a (Oxford EBM Centre) on the efficacy of specific exercises to reduce the progression of AIS (Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis). To confirm whether the indication for treatment with specific exercises for AIS has changed in recent years. Systematic review. A bibliographic search with strict inclusion criteria (patients treated exclusively with exercises, outcome Cobb degrees, all study designs) was performed on the main electronic databases and through extensive manual searching. We retrieved 19 studies, including one RCT and eight controlled studies; 12 studies were prospective. A methodological and clinical evaluation was performed. The 19 papers considered included 1654 treated patients and 688 controls. The highest-quality study (RCT) compared two groups of 40 patients, showing an improvement of curvature in all treated patients after six months. We found three papers on Scoliosis Intensive Rehabilitation (Schroth), five on extrinsic autocorrection-based methods (Schroth, side-shift), four on intrinsic autocorrection-based approaches (Lyon and SEAS) and five with no autocorrection (three asymmetric, two symmetric exercises). Apart from one (no autocorrection, symmetric exercises, very low methodological quality), all studies confirmed the efficacy of exercises in reducing the progression rate (mainly in early puberty) and/or improving the Cobb angles (around the end of growth). Exercises were also shown to be effective in reducing brace prescription. In five years, eight more papers have been published to the indexed literature coming from throughout the world (Asia, the US, Eastern Europe) and proving that interest in exercises is not exclusive to Western Europe. This systematic review confirms and strengthens the previous ones. The actual evidence on exercises for AIS is of level 1b.

[State of the art treatment of progressive or refractory multiple myeloma].

PubMed

Schmidt-Wolf, I G H; Straka, C; Scheid, C; Einsele, H; Goldschmidt, H; Engelhardt, M

2014-10-01

Multiple myeloma (MM) is with an incidence of 4-6/100 000 inhabitants a fairly frequent malignancy of B cells. The incidence increases markedly with age. In this review changes in the treatment of relapsed / refractory myeloma during the last decade have been analysed. The present standard of care in the progressive or refractory myeloma was elaborated by the working group "Refractory Multiple Myeloma" using an extensive literature search for studies published between 2003 and 2013. Outside of clinical trials, high-dose therapy with stem cell transplantation is recommended in fit patients up to 75 years without significant comorbidities. Ongoing studies address the question about the least toxic and the most effective treatment. Therefore, inclusion of patients in therapeutic trials and use of novel agent combinations is highly recommended, e.g. with 3(rd) generation-IMIDs (pomalidomide), new proteasome inhibitors, such as carfilzomib, ixazomib or oprozomib, antibodies, such as elotuzumab, daratumumab or SAR650984, siltuximab, tabalumab, denosumab, romosozumab, BTK-, HSP-inhibitors and other innovative phase I/II agents. Based on new insights in the pathogenesis of the disease, treatment options for MM have changed significantly in recent years. There is a significantly larger treatment diversity, i.e. more MM-active agents and combinations are available today. Even with relapsed MM, patients with the disease often live longer and have fewer complications. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Computer Graphics Research Laboratory Quarterly Progress Report Number 49, July-September 1993

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-11-22

20 Texture Sampling and Strength Guided Motion: Jeffry S. Nimeroff 23 21 Radiosity : Min-Zhi Shao 24 22 Blended Shape Primitives: Douglas DeCarlo 25 23...placement. "* Extensions of radiosity rendering. "* A discussion of blended shape primitives and the applications in computer vision and computer...user. Radiosity : An improved version of the radiosity renderer is included. This version uses a fast over- relaxation progressive refinement algorithm

Angiosarcoma after breast-conserving therapy: long-term outcomes with hyperfractionated radiotherapy.

PubMed

Palta, Manisha; Morris, Christopher G; Grobmyer, Stephen R; Copeland, Edward M; Mendenhall, Nancy P

2010-04-15

With breast-conserving therapy (BCT) as the standard of care for patients with noninvasive and early stage invasive breast cancer, a small incidence of post-BCT angiosarcoma has emerged. The majority of therapeutic interventions have been unsuccessful. To the authors' knowledge, there is no consensus in the medical literature to date regarding the treatment of this malignancy. The current study was conducted to report the long-term outcomes of a novel approach using hyperfractionated and accelerated radiotherapy (HART) for angiosarcoma developing after BCT. The authors retrospectively reviewed the outcomes of 14 patients treated with HART with or without surgery at the University of Florida between November 1997 and March 2006 for angiosarcoma that developed after BCT. At the time of last follow-up, 9 patients had remained continuously without evidence of disease for a median of 61 months after HART (range, 36-127 months). Five patients had further manifestations of angiosarcoma after HART at a median of 1 month (range, 1-28 months): 3 with progressive pulmonary and/or mediastinal disease that was likely present before HART and 2 with local or regional disease extension. Progression-free survival rates for the 14 patients at 2 years and 5 years were 71% and 64%, respectively. The overall and cause-specific survival rates were both 86% at 2 years and 5 years. To the best of the authors' knowledge, HART with or without subsequent surgery, as documented in the current series, is the first approach to provide a high rate of local control, disease-free survival, and overall survival after the development of post-BCT angiosarcoma. The authors believe the success noted with this approach is related to both the hyperfractionation and acceleration of the RT. (c) 2010 American Cancer Society.

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation for chronic lymphocytic leukemia with 17p deletion: a retrospective European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation analysis.

PubMed

Schetelig, Johannes; van Biezen, Anja; Brand, Ronald; Caballero, Dolores; Martino, Rodrigo; Itala, Maija; García-Marco, José A; Volin, Liisa; Schmitz, Norbert; Schwerdtfeger, Rainer; Ganser, Arnold; Onida, Francesco; Mohr, Brigitte; Stilgenbauer, Stephan; Bornhäuser, Martin; de Witte, Theo; Dreger, Peter

2008-11-01

Patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and 17p deletion (17p-) have a poor prognosis. Although allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HCT) has the potential to cure patients with advanced CLL, it is not known whether this holds true for patients with 17p-CLL. Baseline data from patients, for whom information on the presence of 17p-CLL was available, were downloaded from the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation database. Additional information on the course of CLL and follow-up was collected with a questionnaire. A total of 44 patients with 17p-CLL received allogeneic HCT between March 1995 and July 2006 from a matched sibling (n = 24) or an alternative donor (n = 20). 17p-CLL had been diagnosed by fluorescent in situ hybridization in 82% of patients and by conventional banding in 18% of patients. The median age was 54 years. Before HCT, a median of three lines of chemotherapy had been administered. At HCT, 53% of patients were in remission. Reduced-intensity conditioning was applied in 89% of patients. Acute, grade 2 to 4 graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) occurred in 43% of patients, and extensive chronic GVHD occurred in 53% of patients. At last follow-up, 19 patients were alive, with a median observation time of 39 months (range, 18 to 101 months). Three-year overall survival and progression-free survival rates were 44% and 37%, respectively. The cumulative incidence of progressive disease at 4 years was 34%. No late relapse occurred in nine patients with a follow-up longer than 4 years. Allogeneic HCT has the potential to induce long-term disease-free survival in patients with 17p-CLL.

Recent Progress in Understanding the Shock Response of Ferroelectric Ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Setchell, R. E.

2002-07-01

Ferroelectric ceramics exhibit a permanent remanent polarization, and shock depoling of these materials to achieve pulsed sources of electrical power was proposed in the late 1950s. During the following twenty years, extensive studies were conducted to examine the shock response of ferroelectric ceramics primarily based on lead zirconate titanate (PZT). Under limited conditions, relatively simple analytical models were found to adequately describe the observed electrical behavior. A more complex behavior was indicated over broader conditions, however, resulting in the incorporation of shock-induced conductivity and dielectric relaxation into analytical models. Unfortunately, few experimental studies were undertaken over the next twenty years, and the development of more comprehensive models was inhibited. In recent years, a strong interest in advancing numerical simulation capabilities has motivated new experimental studies and corresponding model development. More than seventy gas gun experiments have examined several ferroelectric ceramics, with most experiments on lead zirconate titanate having a Zr:Ti ratio of 95:5 and modified with 2% niobium (PZT 95/5). This material is nominally ferroelectric but is near an antiferroelectric phase boundary, and depoling results from a shock-driven phase transition. Experiments have examined unpoled, normally poled, and axially poled PZT 95/5 over broad ranges of shock pressure and peak electric field. The extensive base of new data provides quantitative insights into both the stress and field dependencies of depoling kinetics, and the significance of pore collapse at higher stresses. The results are being actively utilized to develop and refine material response models used in numerical simulations of pulsed power devices.

Syn-Extensional Constrictional Folding of the Gwoira Rider Block, a Large Fault-Bounded Slice Atop the Mai'iu Low-Angle Normal Fault, Woodlark Rift.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Little, T. A.; Webber, S. M.; Norton, K. P.; Mizera, M.; Oesterle, J.; Ellis, S. M.

2016-12-01

The Mai'iu Fault is an active and corrugated low-angle normal fault (LANF) in Woodlark Rift, Eastern Papua New Guinea, which dips 21° NNE, accommodating rapid N-S extension. The Gwoira rider block is a large fault-bounded sedimentary slice comprising the Gwoira Conglomerate, located within a large synformal megamullion in the Mai'iu Fault surface. The Gwoira Conglomerate was originally deposited on the Mai'iu Fault hanging wall concurrent with extension, and has since been buried to a maximum depth of 1600-2100 m (evidenced by vitrinite reflectance data), back-tilted, and synformally folded. Both the Gwoira Conglomerate (former hanging wall) and mylonitic foliation (footwall) of the Mai'iu Fault have been shortened E-W, perpendicular to the extension direction. We show that E-W synformal folding of the Gwoira Conglomerate was concurrent with ongoing sedimentation and extension on the Mai'iu Fault. Structurally shallower Gwoira Conglomerate strata are folded less than deeper strata, indicating that folding was progressively accrued concurrent with N-S extension. We also show that abandonment of the inactive strand of the Mai'iu Fault in favor of the Gwoira Fault, which resulted in formation of the Gwoira rider block, occurred in response to progressive megamullion amplification and resultant misorientation of the inactive strand of the Mai'iu Fault. We attribute E-W folding to extension-perpendicular constriction. This is consistent with observations of outcrop-scale conjugate strike-slip faults that deform the footwall and hanging wall of the Mai'iu Fault, and accommodate E-W shortening. Constrictional folding remains active in the near-surface as evidenced by synformal tilting of inferred Late Quaternary fluvial terraces atop the Gwoira rider block. This sequence of progressive constrictional folding is dated using 26Al/10Be terrestrial cosmogenic nuclide burial dating of the Gwoira Conglomerate. Finally, because rider block formation records abandonment of the uppermost part of a LANF, Coulomb fault mechanical analysis (after Choi and Buck, 2012) can be applied to field observations to provide an upper limit on LANF frictional strength (µf). Modelling constrains the µf for the Mai'iu Fault to ≤0.25, which suggests that the Mai'iu Fault is frictionally very weak.

Reconstructing disturbance history for an intensively mined region by time-series analysis of Landsat imagery.

PubMed

Li, Jing; Zipper, Carl E; Donovan, Patricia F; Wynne, Randolph H; Oliphant, Adam J

2015-09-01

Surface mining disturbances have attracted attention globally due to extensive influence on topography, land use, ecosystems, and human populations in mineral-rich regions. We analyzed a time series of Landsat satellite imagery to produce a 28-year disturbance history for surface coal mining in a segment of eastern USA's central Appalachian coalfield, southwestern Virginia. The method was developed and applied as a three-step sequence: vegetation index selection, persistent vegetation identification, and mined-land delineation by year of disturbance. The overall classification accuracy and kappa coefficient were 0.9350 and 0.9252, respectively. Most surface coal mines were identified correctly by location and by time of initial disturbance. More than 8 % of southwestern Virginia's >4000-km(2) coalfield area was disturbed by surface coal mining over the 28-year period. Approximately 19.5 % of the Appalachian coalfield surface within the most intensively mined county (Wise County) has been disturbed by mining. Mining disturbances expanded steadily and progressively over the study period. Information generated can be applied to gain further insight concerning mining influences on ecosystems and other essential environmental features.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Janssens, Geert O.R.J.; Gidding, Corrie E.M.; Lindert, Erik J. van

Purpose: Most children with a diffuse intrinsic brainstem glioma will die within 1 year after diagnosis. To reduce patient burden, we investigated the feasibility of a radical hypofractionation radiotherapy schedule, given over 3 weeks, as an alternative to the standard regimen (30 fractions over 6 weeks). Methods and Materials: Nine children, ages 3-13, were treated by 13 fractions of 3 Gy (n = 8) or 6 fractions of 5.5 Gy (n = 1) given over 3 weeks. All patients had symptoms for {<=}3 months and {>=}2 signs of the neurologic triad (long tract signs, ataxia, cranial nerve deficit). Bilateral involvementmore » of the pons (n = 8), encasement of the basilar artery (n = 7) and extension into the cerebellar peduncle (n = 6) was visible on magnetic resonance imaging. Results: Symptom improvement occurred in all patients within 2 weeks after start of radiotherapy. At a mean follow-up time of 15 months, 7 patients have died. Median time to progression and overall survival was 4.9 and 8.6 months, respectively. Median time to death after progression was 3.6 months. No Grade 3 or 4 toxicity was observed. In a recently published review of clinical trials, median time to progression, overall survival, and time between progression and death ranged from 5.0-8.8, 7.0-16, and 1.0-4.5 months, respectively, with more aggressive regimens. Conclusion: This radical hypofractionation radiotherapy regimen for children with diffuse intrinsic brainstem glioma is feasible and associated with no Grade 3 or 4 toxicities. With a minimal overall treatment time, it offers quick symptom relief and outcome results within the range of published data.« less

Progression of visual field in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma - ProgF study 1.

PubMed

Aptel, Florent; Aryal-Charles, Nishal; Giraud, Jean-Marie; El Chehab, Hussam; Delbarre, Maxime; Chiquet, Christophe; Romanet, Jean-Paul; Renard, Jean-Paul

2015-12-01

To evaluate the visual field rate of progression of patients with treated ocular hypertension (OHT) and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) in clinical practice, using the mean deviation (MD) and the visual field index (VFI). Non-interventional cohort study. From a large multicentre database representative of the French population, 441 eyes of 228 patients with treated OHT or POAG followed up at least 6 years with Humphrey 24.2 Sita-Standard visual field examination at least twice a year were identified. From initial data, eyes were classified in five groups: 121 with OHT, 188 with early glaucoma (MD greater than -6 dB), 45 with moderate glaucoma (MD -6 to -12 dB), 41 with advanced glaucoma (MD -12 to -18 dB) and 46 with severe glaucoma (MD less than -18 dB). Rate of progression during the follow-up period was calculated using the trend analysis of the Guided Progression Analysis software. The mean duration of follow-up was 8.4 ± 2.7 years and the mean number of visual field, 18.4 ± 3.5. In eyes with OHT, rate of progression was -0.09 dB/year (-0.17%VFI/year). In eyes with POAG, rate of progression was -0.32 dB/year (-0.83%VFI/year) in eyes with early glaucoma, -0.52 dB/year (-1.81%VFI/year) in moderate glaucoma, -0.54 dB/year (-2.35%VFI/year) in advanced glaucoma and -0.45 dB/year (-1.97%VFI/year) in severe glaucoma. In eyes with POAG, a significant progression (p < 0.05) was detected in 159 of 320 eyes (49.7%) with trend analysis and 117 of 320 eyes (36.6%, likely progression) or 183 of 320 eyes (57.2%, possible and likely progression) with event analysis. Primary open-angle glaucoma is a progressive disease in the majority of patients despite cautioned treatment and follow-up. The rate of progression varies greatly among subjects. © 2015 Acta Ophthalmologica Scandinavica Foundation. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Hyper-Acetylation of Histone H3K56 Limits Break-Induced Replication by Inhibiting Extensive Repair Synthesis

PubMed Central

Che, Jun; Smith, Stephanie; Kim, Yoo Jung; Shim, Eun Yong; Myung, Kyungjae; Lee, Sang Eun

2015-01-01

Break-induced replication (BIR) has been implicated in restoring eroded telomeres and collapsed replication forks via single-ended invasion and extensive DNA synthesis on the recipient chromosome. Unlike other recombination subtypes, DNA synthesis in BIR likely relies heavily on mechanisms enabling efficient fork progression such as chromatin modification. Herein we report that deletion of HST3 and HST4, two redundant de-acetylases of histone H3 Lysine 56 (H3K56), inhibits BIR, sensitizes checkpoint deficient cells to deoxyribonucleotide triphosphate pool depletion, and elevates translocation-type gross chromosomal rearrangements (GCR). The basis for deficiency in BIR and gene conversion with long gap synthesis in hst3Δ hst4Δ cells can be traced to a defect in extensive DNA synthesis. Distinct from other cellular defects associated with deletion of HST3 and HST4 including thermo-sensitivity and elevated spontaneous mutagenesis, the BIR defect in hst3Δ hst4Δ cannot be offset by the deletion of RAD17 or MMS22, but rather by the loss of RTT109 or ASF1, or in combination with the H3K56R mutation, which also restores tolerance to replication stress in mrc1 mutants. Our studies suggest that acetylation of H3K56 limits extensive repair synthesis and interferes with efficient fork progression in BIR. PMID:25705897

Progression of MDS-UPDRS Scores Over Five Years in De Novo Parkinson Disease from the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative Cohort.

PubMed

Holden, Samantha K; Finseth, Taylor; Sillau, Stefan H; Berman, Brian D

2018-01-01

The Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UDPRS) is a commonly used tool to measure Parkinson disease (PD) progression. Longitudinal changes in MDS-UPDRS scores in de novo PD have not been established. Determine progression rates of MDS-UPDRS scores in de novo PD. 362 participants from the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative, a multicenter longitudinal cohort study of de novo PD, were included. Longitudinal progression of MDS-UPDRS total and subscale scores were modeled using mixed model regression. MDS-UPDRS scores increased in a linear fashion over five years in de novo PD. MDS-UPDRS total score increased an estimated 4.0 points/year, Part I 0.25 points/year, Part II 1.0 points/year, and Part III 2.4 points/year. The expected average progression of MDS-UPDRS scores in de novo PD from this study can assist in clinical monitoring and provide comparative data for detection of disease modification in treatment trials.

Sorafenib for the Treatment of Progressive Metastatic Medullary Thyroid Cancer: Efficacy and Safety Analysis.

PubMed

de Castroneves, Luciana Audi; Negrão, Marcelo Vailati; de Freitas, Ricardo Miguel Costa; Papadia, Carla; Lima, José Viana; Fukushima, Julia T; Simão, Eduardo Furquim; Kulcsar, Marco Aurélio Vamondes; Tavares, Marcos Roberto; Jorge, Alexander Augusto de Lima; de Castro, Gilberto; Hoff, Paulo Marcelo; Hoff, Ana Oliveira

2016-03-01

Treatment of advanced medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) was recently improved with the approval of vandetanib and cabozantinib. However, there is still a need to explore sequential therapy with more than one tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) and to explore alternative therapies when vandetanib and cabozantinib are not available. This study reports the authors' experience with sorafenib as a treatment for advanced MTC. This is a retrospective longitudinal study of 13 patients with progressive metastatic MTC treated with sorafenib 400 mg twice daily between December 2011 and January 2015. The primary endpoints were to evaluate response and progression-free survival (PFS) in patients treated with sorafenib outside a clinical trial. The secondary endpoint was an assessment of the toxicity profile. One patient was excluded because of a serious allergic skin rash one week after starting sorafenib. The analysis included 12 patients with metastatic MTC (median age 48 years), 10 with sporadic and 2 with hereditary disease. The median duration of treatment was 11 months, and the median follow-up was 15.5 months. At data cutoff, 2/12 (16%) patients were still on treatment for 16 and 34 months. According to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors analysis, 10 (83.3%) patients showed stable disease, and two (16.6%) had progression of disease; no partial response was observed. The median PFS was nine months. However, three patients with extensive and rapidly progressive disease died within three months of sorafenib treatment. The median PFS excluding these three patients was 12 months. Adverse events (AE) occurred in nine (75%) patients. The main AEs were skin toxicity, weight loss, and fatigue. Five (41.6%) patients needed dose reduction, and one patient discontinued treatment because of toxicity. Treatment with sorafenib in progressive metastatic MTC is well tolerated and resulted in disease control and durable clinical benefit in 75% of patients. Sorafenib treatment could be considered when vandetanib and cabozantinib are not available or after failing these drugs.

Joint estimation of CD4+ cell progression and survival in untreated individuals with HIV-1 infection.

PubMed

Mangal, Tara D

2017-05-15

We compiled the largest dataset of seroconverter cohorts to date from 25 countries across Africa, North America, Europe, and Southeast/East (SE/E) Asia to simultaneously estimate transition rates between CD4 cell stages and death, in antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naive HIV-1-infected individuals. A hidden Markov model incorporating a misclassification matrix was used to represent natural short-term fluctuations and measurement errors in CD4 cell counts. Covariates were included to estimate the transition rates and survival probabilities for each subgroup. The median follow-up time for 16 373 eligible individuals was 4.1 years (interquartile range 1.7-7.1), and the mean age at seroconversion was 31.1 years (SD 8.8). A total of 14 525 individuals had recorded CD4 cell counts pre-ART, 1885 died, and 6947 initiated ART. Median (interquartile range) survival for men aged 20 years at seroconversion was 13.0 (12.4-13.4), 11.6 (10.9-12.3), and 8.3 years (7.9-8.9) in Europe/North America, Africa, and SE/E Asia, respectively. Mortality rates increase with age (hazard ratio 2.22, 95% confidence interval 1.84-2.67 for >45 years compared with <25 years) and vary by region (hazard ratio 2.68, 1.75-4.12 for Africa and 1.88, 1.50-2.35 for Asia compared with Europe/North America). CD4 cell decline was significantly faster in Asian cohorts compared with Europe/North America (hazard ratio 1.45, 1.36-1.54). Mortality and CD4 cell progression rates exhibited regional and age-specific differences, with decreased survival in African and SE/E Asian cohorts compared with Europe/North America and in older age groups. This extensive dataset reveals heterogeneities between regions and ages, which should be incorporated into future HIV models.

Verrucous form of chilblain lupus erythematosus.

PubMed

Pock, L; Petrovská, P; Becvár, R; Mandys, V; Hercogová, J

2001-09-01

A 45-year-old woman had symmetrical livid plaques with yellowish hyperkeratoses for 5 years, which progressed on to the fingers and toes and on the soles of the feet. Two years later creamy, whitish areas and maceration appeared on the buccal mucosa and the lips. A skin biopsy revealed massive collagen hyaline degeneration in the perivascular area, hyperkeratosis and hypergranulosis, small lymphocyte infiltrates with several melanophages and extravasates of erythrocytes in the upper corium in perivascular areas and hydropic degeneration of basal keratinocytes. The findings using direct immunofluorescence were compatible with lupus erythematosus (LE). Laboratory investigation showed a slight leucopenia and thrombopenia, a slightly elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, hypocomplementaemia C3 and C4, a high titre of rheumatoid factor and antinuclear antibodies positivity of extractable nuclear antigen. The results reflected probably the development of a systemic form of the disease. The patient was successfully managed by methylprednisolone and hydroxychloroquine. After 1 year of therapy, a new skin biopsy revealed a substantial reduction of hyperkeratosis and hyaline degeneration of collagen tissue in the perivascular areas. The combination of the extensive hyperkeratosis and hyalinization thus seems to be features of the long-lasting, untreated lesions in chilblain LE.

Transall C-160 Life Extension and Avionics Upgrade Programs

DTIC Science & Technology

2000-04-01

theoretically). In The A/C of the second series differed from the first reality, however, one flight took only an average of series A/C as follows...configuration. The progress of the crack was Usable cargo space 139.9 m3 monitored under operational conditions and with different loads: The German Air Force...progress data. Today, the French C- 160 aircraft are maintaned by AIA/CIT (Atelier Industriel A6ronautique/Cellule Industrielle Transall) in Clermont

Biomass power for rural development. Technical progress report, January 1--March 31, 1998

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Neuhauser, E.

Brief progress reports are presented on the following tasks: design packages for retrofits at the Dunkirk Station; fuel supply and site development plans; major equipment guarantees and project risk sharing; power production commitment; power plant site plan, construction and environmental permits; and experimental strategies for system evaluation. The paper then discusses in more detail the following: feedstock development efforts; clone-site testing and genetic studies; and efforts at outreach, extension and technology transfer.

Technology-Enhanced Learning in Science (TELS)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Linn, Marcia

2006-12-01

The overall research question addressed by the NSF-funded echnologyEnhanced Learning in Science (TELS) Center is whether interactive scientific visualizations embedded in high quality instructional units can be used to increase pre-college student learning in science. The research draws on the knowledge integration framework to guide the design of instructional modules, professional development activities, and assessment activities. This talk reports on results from the first year where 50 teachers taught one of the 12 TELS modules in over 200 classes in 16 diverse schools. Assessments scored with the knowledge integration rubric showed that students made progress in learning complex physics topics such as electricity, mechanics, and thermodynamics. Teachers encountered primarily technological obstacles that the research team was able to address prior to implementation. Powerful scientific visualizations required extensive instructional supports to communicate to students. Currently, TELS is refining the modules, professional development, and assessments based on evidence from the first year. Preliminary design principles intended to help research teams build on the findings will be presented for audience feedback and discussion.

High-grade malignant transformation of a radiation-naïve nasopharyngeal angiofibroma.

PubMed

Allensworth, Jordan J; Troob, Scott H; Lanciault, Christian; Andersen, Peter E

2016-04-01

Nasopharyngeal angiofibromas are typically considered benign vascular neoplasms, with descriptions of high-grade sarcomatous change found only in lesions with prior radiotherapy. We describe the first reported case of high-grade malignant change in a nasopharyngeal angiofibroma naive to radiation. A 45-year-old man presented with left-sided nasal congestion and fullness and was found to have a left-sided nasopharyngeal mass with intracranial extension on CT scan. A biopsy of the mass revealed nasopharyngeal angiofibroma. The patient opted for MRI surveillance, which revealed interval growth 3 years later. Decompression surgery revealed only angiofibroma, but resection 9 months later demonstrated high-grade sarcoma and concomitant angiofibroma. The patient had residual disease which progressed through chemoradiation, and is now pursuing clinical trial enrollment. Malignant transformation of nasopharyngeal angiofibroma is extremely rare. As highlighted by this report, high-grade undifferentiated lesions may arise in tumors without previous radiation. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E2425-E2427, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Postgastric bypass hypoglycaemia in a patient with end-stage renal disease: a diagnostic and management pitfall.

PubMed

Khalid, Sameen; Bilal, Anika; Asad-Ur-Rahman, F N U; Pratley, Richard

2017-06-15

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery is currently one of the most popular procedures to aid weight loss. Hypoglycaemia associated with gastric bypass surgery is an underdiagnosed but life-threatening potential consequence of the surgical procedure. We present a case of a 44-year-old woman with end-stage renal disease presenting with refractory hypoglycaemia after 10 years of RYGB. Extensive history and work-up excluded medications, renal disease, insulinoma and dumping syndrome as the cause of hypoglycaemia. Dietary modifications or pharmacological trial of drugs did not ameliorate her symptoms with progressive worsening of hypoglycaemia leading to continuous dextrose infusion. Distal pancreatectomy was performed with subsequent resolution of hypoglycaemia. Surgical pathology results showed diffuse hyperplastic islet cells, confirming the diagnosis of postgastric bypass hypoglycaemia. © BMJ Publishing Group Ltd (unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Providing a molecular mechanism for P-glycoprotein; why would I bother?

PubMed Central

Callaghan, Richard

2015-01-01

It is almost 40 years since the drug efflux pump P-glycoprotein (permeability glycoprotein or P-gp) was shown to confer multi-drug resistance in cancer cells. This protein has been one of the most extensively investigated transport proteins due to its intriguing mechanism and its affect in oncology. P-gp is known to interact with over 300 compounds and the ability to achieve this has not yet been revealed. Following the binding of substrate and nucleotide, a complex series of conformational changes in the membrane and cytosolic domains translocates substrate across the membrane. Despite over 30 years of biochemical investigation, the availability of structural data and a plethora of chemical tools to modulate its function, the molecular mechanism remains a mystery. In addition, overcoming its activity in resistant cancer cells has not been achieved in the clinic, thereby garnering some degree of pessimism in the field. This review highlights the progress that has been achieved in understanding this complex protein and the value of undertaking molecular studies. PMID:26517914

Probable Diagnosis of a Patient with Niemann-Pick Disease Type C: Managing Pitfalls of Exome Sequencing.

PubMed

Zeiger, William A; Jamal, Nasheed I; Scheuner, Maren T; Pittman, Patricia; Raymond, Kimiyo M; Morra, Massimo; Mishra, Shri K

2018-02-17

Here, we present a case of a 31-year-old man with progressive cognitive decline, ataxia, and dystonia. Extensive laboratory, radiographic, and targeted genetic studies over the course of several years failed to yield a diagnosis. Initial whole exome sequencing through a commercial laboratory identified several variants of uncertain significance; however, follow-up clinical examination and testing ruled each of these out. Eventually, repeat whole exome sequencing identified a known pathogenic intronic variant in the NPC1 gene (NM_000271.4, c.1554-1009G>A) and an additional heterozygous exonic variant of uncertain significance in the NPC1 gene (NM_000271.4, c.2524T>C). Follow-up biochemical testing was consistent with a diagnosis of probable Niemann-Pick disease Type C (NP-C). This case illustrates the potential of whole exome sequencing for diagnosing rare complex neurologic diseases. It also identifies several potential common pitfalls that must be navigated by clinicians when interpreting commercial whole exome sequencing results.

Solitary juvenile xanthogranuloma of the temporal muscle and bone penetrating the dura mater in a 2-month-old boy.

PubMed

Cornips, Erwin M J; Cox, Kimberly E M; Creytens, David H K V; Granzen, Bernd; Weber, Jacobiene W; Ter Laak-Poort, Mariel P

2009-12-01

Juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) is a rare histiocytic disorder primarily observed during the first 2 years of life. Most patients present with a solitary cutaneous lesion; however, others present with extracutaneous manifestations or even with systemic involvement. The authors describe a 2-month-old boy in whom was diagnosed a unifocal extracutaneous JXG involving the temporal bone. Unlike 3 other cases of solitary JXGs of the temporal bone in the literature, the present case involved destruction of the dura mater and leptomeningeal enhancement surrounding the entire temporal lobe. The lesion did not regress after an initial biopsy procedure and had to be removed more radically because of progressive mass effect on the brain. The child recently underwent a reconstructive skull procedure and is doing well almost 2 years postoperatively without evidence of disease. This case demonstrates that even in instances of extensive disease a favorable outcome is possible without chemotherapy.

Rehabilitation for a child with recalcitrant anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor encephalitis: case report and literature review

PubMed Central

Guo, Yao-Hong; Kuan, Ta-Shen; Hsieh, Pei-Chun; Lien, Wei-Chih; Chang, Chun-Kai; Lin, Yu-Ching

2014-01-01

Anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate (anti-NMDA) receptor encephalitis is a newly recognized, potentially fatal, but treatable autoimmune disease. Good outcome predictors include milder severity of symptoms, no need for intensive care unit admission, early aggressive immunotherapy, and prompt tumor removal. We report a case of a young girl aged 3 years 2 months and diagnosed as recalcitrant anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis without any underlying neoplasm. The patient had initial symptoms of behavioral changes that progressed to generalized choreoathetosis and orofacial dyskinesia, which resulted in 6 months of hospitalization in the pediatric intensive care unit. One year after initial onset of the disease, she had only achieved the developmental age of an infant aged 6–8 months in terms of gross and fine motor skills, but she resumed total independence in activities of daily living after receiving extensive immunotherapy and 28 months of rehabilitation. Our brief review will help clinical practitioners become more familiar with this disease and the unique rehabilitation programs. PMID:25473290

[Cost-effectiveness of hepatitis C treatment in slow virologic responders coinfected with HIV].

PubMed

Rodrigues, Marcus Paulo da Silva; Vianna, Cid Manso de Mello; Mosegui, Gabriela Bittencourt Gonzalez; Costa e Silva, Frances Valéria; Peregrino, Antonio Augusto de Freitas; Jardim, Fernando Nagib

2013-11-01

Recent evidence has demonstrated that slow responders may benefit from antiviral treatment in HCV/HIV coinfection. This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of HCV treatment in individuals with genotype 1 coinfected with HIV, with peg-interferon in combination with ribavirin, compared to the inclusion (versus non-inclusion) of slow responders. A Markov model was developed that simulated the progression of liver disease in a hypothetical cohort of one thousand men over 40 years of age, considering the Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS) perspective and a 30-year timeline. The extension of treatment to slow responders provided a 60% increase in the number of individuals who eliminated HCV and an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of 44,171 BRL/QALY, below the acceptability threshold proposed by World Health Organization. Sensitivity analysis did not alter the results. The inclusion of HCV/ HIV-coinfected slow virologic responders in the treatment protocol is shown to be a cost-effective strategy for the SUS.

Progressive video coding for noisy channels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Beong-Jo; Xiong, Zixiang; Pearlman, William A.

1998-10-01

We extend the work of Sherwood and Zeger to progressive video coding for noisy channels. By utilizing a 3D extension of the set partitioning in hierarchical trees (SPIHT) algorithm, we cascade the resulting 3D SPIHT video coder with a rate-compatible punctured convolutional channel coder for transmission of video over a binary symmetric channel. Progressive coding is achieved by increasing the target rate of the 3D embedded SPIHT video coder as the channel condition improves. The performance of our proposed coding system is acceptable at low transmission rate and bad channel conditions. Its low complexity makes it suitable for emerging applications such as video over wireless channels.

Progress on Biological Control of the Emerald Ash Borer in North America

Treesearch

L.S. Bauer; H.P. Liu; J. Gould; R. Reardon

2007-01-01

In 2002, the emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis, a buprestid beetle native to Northeast Asia, was discovered as the cause of extensive ash tree (Fraxinus spp.) mortality in southern Michigan and Ontario.

Completing the One EPA Web Transformation (Email Message)

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Deputy administrator Stan Meiburg urged other administrators to review their web transformation progress, and make sure they have requested extensions and planned to temporarily transfer content to the www3 server, before the September 30, 2015 deadline.

20180312 - US EPA-Unilever Collaborative Partnership: Accomplishments and Next Steps (SOT)

EPA Science Inventory

Reiterating the goals of the partnership, this summarizes the accomplishments and progress made so far in the collaboration, and announces a two phase extension focused on further development of high-throughput transcriptomic platform

Synthesis, functionalization, and applications of metal-organic frameworks in biomedicine.

PubMed

Chen, Wei; Wu, Chunsheng

2018-02-13

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), also known as coordination polymers, have attracted extensive research interest in the past few decades due to their unique physical structures and potentially vast applications. In this review, we outline the recent progress in the synthesis, functionalization and applications of MOFs in biomedicine, mainly focusing on two promising, yet challenging areas, i.e., drug delivery and biosensing applications. A major challenge is the proper functionalization of MOFs with demanding properties suitable for biomedical applications. Extensive studies on MOFs in biomedicine have led to substantial progress in the control of key properties of MOFs such as toxicity, size and shape, and biological stability. Due to their flexible composition, pore size and easy functionalization properties, MOFs can be utilized as key components for the development of various functional systems, and their applications in drug delivery and biosensing are reviewed. Future trends and perspectives in these research areas are also outlined.

The potential of genetic engineering for improving brewing, wine-making and baking yeasts.

PubMed

Dequin, S

2001-09-01

The end of the twentieth century was marked by major advances in life technology, particularly in areas related to genetics and more recently genomics. Considerable progress was made in the development of genetically improved yeast strains for the wine, brewing and baking industries. In the last decade, recombinant DNA technology widened the possibilities for introducing new properties. The most remarkable advances, which are discussed in this Mini-Review, are improved process performance, off-flavor elimination, increased formation of by-products, improved hygienic properties or extension of substrate utilization. Although the introduction of this technology into traditional industries is currently limited by public perception, the number of potential applications of genetically modified industrial yeast is likely to increase in the coming years, as our knowledge derived from genomic analyses increases.

The World Health Organization’s Safe Abortion Guidance Document

PubMed Central

Van Look, Paul F. A.; Cottingham, Jane

2013-01-01

We discuss the history of the World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) development of guidelines for governments on providing safe abortion services, which WHO published as Safe Abortion: Technical and Policy Guidance for Health Systems in 2003 and updated in 2012. We show how the recognition of the devastating impact of unsafe abortion on women’s health and survival, the impetus of the International Conference on Population and Development and its five-year follow-up, and WHO’s progressive leadership at the end of the century enabled the organization to elaborate guidance on providing safe abortion services. Guideline formulation involved extensive review of published evidence, an international technical expert meeting to review the draft document, and a protracted in-house review by senior WHO management. PMID:23409886

Xeroderma pigmentosum: a case report and review of the literature.

PubMed

Feller, L; Wood, N H; Motswaledi, M H; Khammissa, R A G; Meyer, M; Lemmer, J

2010-06-01

Inherited molecular defects in nucleotide excision repair genes cause the autosomal recessive condition xeroderma pigmentosum. Xeroderma pigmentosum is characterized by photo-hypersensitivity of sun-exposed tissues, and by a several thousand-fold increase in the risk of developing malignant neoplasms of the skin and of the eyes. Mutations in xeroderma pigmentosum genes that regulate nucleotide excision repair, not only predispose persons with xeroderma pigmentosum to multiple malignancies, but also promote premature cutaneous and ocular ageing, and in some cases promote progressive neurodegenerative changes. This paper describes a case of xeroderma pigmentosum with advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, actinic cheilitis and ocular lesions in a 19-year-old black woman. The extensive ultraviolet radiation-induced skin and eye damage are evidence of neglect of sun-protection and lack of appropriate medical care from childhood.

The effect of myofascial release (MFR) on an adult with idiopathic scoliosis.

PubMed

LeBauer, Aaron; Brtalik, Robert; Stowe, Katherine

2008-10-01

The lack of evidence of conservative treatment has led to an interest in exploring myofascial release (MFR) as an effective means of controlling spinal curvature progression in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. The purpose of this case study is to measure the effects of MFR as a manual therapy technique in the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis. One 18-year-old female subject underwent 6 weeks of MFR treatment consisting of two sessions each week for 60min. Pain, pulmonary function, and quality of life were measured. Six goniometric measurements were taken encompassing trunk flexion, extension, and rotation. The subject improved with pain levels, trunk rotation, posture, quality of life, and pulmonary function. The results suggest further investigation is needed using MFR, as an effective manual therapy treatment for idiopathic scoliosis.

Surface-functionalized nanoparticles for biosensing and imaging-guided therapeutics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Shan; Win, Khin Yin; Liu, Shuhua; Teng, Choon Peng; Zheng, Yuangang; Han, Ming-Yong

2013-03-01

In this article, the very recent progress of various functional inorganic nanomaterials is reviewed including their unique properties, surface functionalization strategies, and applications in biosensing and imaging-guided therapeutics. The proper surface functionalization renders them with stability, biocompatibility and functionality in physiological environments, and further enables their targeted use in bioapplications after bioconjugation via selective and specific recognition. The surface-functionalized nanoprobes using the most actively studied nanoparticles (i.e., gold nanoparticles, quantum dots, upconversion nanoparticles, and magnetic nanoparticles) make them an excellent platform for a wide range of bioapplications. With more efforts in recent years, they have been widely developed as labeling probes to detect various biological species such as proteins, nucleic acids and ions, and extensively employed as imaging probes to guide therapeutics such as drug/gene delivery and photothermal/photodynamic therapy.

Consideration of Rat Chronic Progressive Nephropathy in Regulatory Evaluations for Carcinogenicity

PubMed Central

Hard, Gordon C.

2013-01-01

Chronic progressive nephropathy (CPN) is a spontaneous renal disease of rats which can be a serious confounder in toxicology studies. It is a progressive disease with known physiological factors that modify disease progression, such as high dietary protein. The weight of evidence supports an absence of a renal counterpart in humans. There is extensive evidence that advanced CPN, particularly end-stage kidney, is a risk factor for development of a background incidence of atypical tubule hyperplasia and renal tubule tumors (RTT). The likely cause underlying this association with tubule neoplasia is the long-term increased tubule cell proliferation that occurs throughout CPN progression. As a variety of chemicals are able to exacerbate CPN, there is a potential for those exacerbating the severity up to and including end-stage kidney to cause a marginal increase in RTT and their precursor lesions. Extensive statistical analysis of National Toxicology Program studies shows a strong correlation between high-grade CPN, especially end-stage CPN, and renal tumor development. CPN as a mode of action (MOA) for rat RTT has received attention from regulatory authorities only recently. In the absence of toxic effects elsewhere, this does not constitute a carcinogenic effect of the chemical but can be addressed through a proposed MOA approach for regulatory purposes to reach a decision that RTT, developing as a result of CPN exacerbation in rats, have no relevance for human risk assessment. Guidelines are proposed for evaluation of exacerbation of CPN and RTT as a valid MOA for a given chemical. PMID:23104430

Local morbidity from red-bellied black snake (Pseudechis porphyriacus, Elapidae) envenoming: Two cases and a brief review of management.

PubMed

Weinstein, Scott A; Mirtschin, Peter J; Tristram, Hamish; Lawton, Luke; White, Julian

2018-02-01

The red-bellied black snake (Pseudechis porphyriacus, Elapidae) is one of several species of venomous snakes most commonly implicated in human and domestic animal envenoming in Australia. Human systemic envenoming can present with myotoxicity that may include myoglobinuria; hemoglobinuria and intravascular hemolysis; thrombocytopenia, anticoagulant coagulopathy, and, rarely, mild cranial nerve palsies. Pseudechis porphyriacus envenoming can also feature significant local morbidity such as ecchymoses, bleeding, pain and necrosis. Some envenomed patients may develop progressive thickness necrosis independent of secondary infection, and occasionally require surgical debridement. Uncommonly, some digital envenoming may cause more severe deeper tissue pathology that justifies dermotomy and/or distal phalangeal amputation. Presented are two patients with significant local morbidity from P. porphyriacus envenoming. An 18-month old girl received a protracted envenoming on her right foot, while a 38-year old male professional zoologist was envenomed on the third digit of his right hand. Each patient experienced myotoxicity, one had anticoagulant coagulopathy, and both developed clinically significant local morbidity including persistent bleeding, ecchymoses, local necrosis and pain; each required extensive treatment and variably prolonged admission. Noted also were transiently elevated D-dimer with low-normal or normal fibrinogen levels. The progressive necrosis and subsequent chronic pathologic changes with ischemia of the latter patient's digit eventually required a dermotomy and amputation of the distal phalanx. The pediatric patient did not require extensive wound debridement, but experienced prolonged difficulty in ambulation because of slowly resolving wound discomfort. Factors that may contribute to the severity of local morbidity of P. porphyriacus envenoming are considered, and management of envenoming by this taxon is briefly reviewed. Crown Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Longitudinal assessment of childhood optic gliomas: relationship between flicker visual evoked potentials and magnetic resonance imaging findings.

PubMed

Falsini, Benedetto; Ziccardi, Lucia; Lazzareschi, Ilaria; Ruggiero, Antonio; Placentino, Luca; Dickmann, Anna; Liotti, Lucia; Piccardi, Marco; Balestrazzi, Emilio; Colosimo, Cesare; Di Rocco, Concezio; Riccardi, Riccardo

2008-05-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate longitudinally functional and neuro-radiologic findings in childhood optic gliomas (OG), by comparing flicker visual evoked potentials (F-VEPs) with brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes. Fourteen children (age range: 1-13 years) with OGs underwent serial F-VEP, MRI and neuro-ophthalmic examinations over a 38 month (median, range: 6-76) follow-up. F-VEPs were elicited by 8 Hz sine-wave flicker stimuli presented in a mini-Ganzfeld. Contrast-enhanced MRI examinations were performed. Results of both tests were blindly assessed by independent evaluators. F-VEPs were judged to be improved, stable or worsened if changes in the amplitude and/or phase angle of the response exceeded the limits of test-retest variability (+/-90th percentile) established for the same patients. MRI results were judged to show regression, stabilization or progression of OG based on its changes in size (+/-20%) or extension. Two to seven pairs of F-VEP/MRI examinations per patient (median: 4) were collected. Based on a total of 38 pairs of F-VEP/MRI examinations, both tests agreed in showing worsening (progression), stabilization and improvement (regression) in 5, 15 and 10 cases, respectively. In 3 cases, F-VEPs showed a worsening and MRI a stabilization, while in 5 cases F-VEPs showed an improvement and MRI a stabilization. Agreement between F-VEP and MRI changes was 78.9% (95% CI: +/- 37%, K statistics = 0.67, P < 0.001). The results indicate that longitudinal F-VEP changes can predict changes in MRI-assessed OG size and extension, providing a non-invasive functional assay, complementary to neuro-imaging, for OG follow-up.

Motion Rehab AVE 3D: A VR-based exergame for post-stroke rehabilitation.

PubMed

Trombetta, Mateus; Bazzanello Henrique, Patrícia Paula; Brum, Manoela Rogofski; Colussi, Eliane Lucia; De Marchi, Ana Carolina Bertoletti; Rieder, Rafael

2017-11-01

Recent researches about games for post-stroke rehabilitation have been increasing, focusing in upper limb, lower limb and balance situations, and showing good experiences and results. With this in mind, this paper presents Motion Rehab AVE 3D, a serious game for post-stroke rehabilitation of patients with mild stroke. The aim is offer a new technology in order to assist the traditional therapy and motivate the patient to execute his/her rehabilitation program, under health professional supervision. The game was developed with Unity game engine, supporting Kinect motion sensing input device and display devices like Smart TV 3D and Oculus Rift. It contemplates six activities considering exercises in a tridimensional space: flexion, abduction, shoulder adduction, horizontal shoulder adduction and abduction, elbow extension, wrist extension, knee flexion, and hip flexion and abduction. Motion Rehab AVE 3D also report about hits and errors to the physiotherapist evaluate the patient's progress. A pilot study with 10 healthy participants (61-75 years old) tested one of the game levels. They experienced the 3D user interface in third-person. Our initial goal was to map a basic and comfortable setup of equipment in order to adopt later. All the participants (100%) classified the interaction process as interesting and amazing for the age, presenting a good acceptance. Our evaluation showed that the game could be used as a useful tool to motivate the patients during rehabilitation sessions. Next step is to evaluate its effectiveness for stroke patients, in order to verify if the interface and game exercises contribute into the motor rehabilitation treatment progress. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Stage progression of congenital cholesteatoma in children.

PubMed

Kim, Young Ho; Yoo, Jae Chul; Lee, Jun Ho; Oh, Seung-Ha; Chang, Sun O; Koo, Ja-Won; Kim, Chong Sun

2012-03-01

This study aimed to investigate the most prevalent stage in each age-group of children with congenital cholesteatoma (CC) and verify the correlation between the stage and the age of the patients for the type of CC ("closed" keratotic cyst and "open" infiltrative types). Patients diagnosed with CC between 2004 and 2009 (n = 156; 116 boys and 40 girls; mean age, 5 years and 5 months; range, 12 months-16 years and 7 months) were enrolled retrospectively. Assessment of stage and type of CC was performed with preoperative high-resolution temporal bone computed tomography and intraoperative findings. The stage of CC was determined using Potsic's staging system classified into four stages according to ossicular involvement and mastoid extension. The patients consisted of groups divided on the basis of a 2-year interval. The prevalence of stage I began to decline from the age-group of 1-2 years. In contrast, the prevalence of stages III increased from the age-group of 3-4 years and that of stage IV from the age-group 5-6 years. The prevalence of "open" infiltrative type CC increased from approximately the age of 7 years, thus showing some correlation with age but not with stage. The prevalence of CC with the advanced stage increased since the age of 2 years. Therefore, the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of CC should be more emphasized.

Nuclear Weapons: DOD and NNSA Need to Better Manage Scope of Future Refurbishments and Risks to Maintaining U.S. Commitments to NATO

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-01-01

military requirements and design options for extending the B61 bomb’s service life. The B61 is used to support the U.S. strategic deterrent and the...extension programs, and interviewed officials responsible for B61 operations, life extension program planning, management, and oversight. This is...NNSA have made progress in studying and updating the military’s performance requirements for the B61 bomb and have ruled out some design options, but

A Summary of Proceedings and Participant Recommendations from a National Workshop on Institutionalizing Progress in Agricultural Extension and Education in Taiwan (Taichung, Taiwan, April 22-24, 1991) = Cejin Wo Guo Nongye Tuiguang Jiaoyu Xin Tizhi Yantaohui Zhuanji. Zhonghua Minguao Bashi Nian Siyue 22 zhi 24.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ministry of Education, Taipei (Taiwan).

These proceedings contain four presentations from a workshop at which leaders in agriculture and education contributed suggestions for developing policies and plans for the new Agricultural Extension Education Graduate Institute (AEEGI) in Taiwan. Introductory materials include a list of members of the planning committee, workshop rationale,…

Ulcerative proctitis: an update on the pharmacotherapy and management.

PubMed

Gecse, Krisztina B; Lakatos, Peter L

2014-08-01

Ulcerative colitis (UC) presents as proctitis in approximately a quarter of the patients. It may progress into left-sided or extensive colitis in up to 50% of cases upon long-term follow-up. Currently available data on ulcerative proctitis are summarized and critically reviewed. Extensive literature search (MEDLINE) was performed to identify relevant articles up to March 2014. The short-term goal of the treatment in UC is to induce remission, whereas long-term goals are to maintain remission and prevent disease progression. Topically administered 5-aminosalicylates (5-ASA) and corticosteroids are effective in the treatment of proctitis, although they seem to be underused in everyday practice. Locally administered 5-ASA preparations are more effective than oral compounds. The combination of topical and oral 5-ASA and steroids should be considered for escalation of treatment. Refractory patients should be re-evaluated to exclude for compliance failures, infections or proximal disease extent. True refractory or steroid-dependent patients may require immunomodulators or biological therapy. Alternative medicine can be used complementarily, while experimental approaches are reserved for patients failing conventional medication. Proctocolectomy may be the last resort of treatment. Upon long-term, 5-ASA maintenance treatment is indicated in all UC cases to prevent relapse and disease progression.

Progressive Dictionary Learning with Hierarchical Predictive Structure for Scalable Video Coding.

PubMed

Dai, Wenrui; Shen, Yangmei; Xiong, Hongkai; Jiang, Xiaoqian; Zou, Junni; Taubman, David

2017-04-12

Dictionary learning has emerged as a promising alternative to the conventional hybrid coding framework. However, the rigid structure of sequential training and prediction degrades its performance in scalable video coding. This paper proposes a progressive dictionary learning framework with hierarchical predictive structure for scalable video coding, especially in low bitrate region. For pyramidal layers, sparse representation based on spatio-temporal dictionary is adopted to improve the coding efficiency of enhancement layers (ELs) with a guarantee of reconstruction performance. The overcomplete dictionary is trained to adaptively capture local structures along motion trajectories as well as exploit the correlations between neighboring layers of resolutions. Furthermore, progressive dictionary learning is developed to enable the scalability in temporal domain and restrict the error propagation in a close-loop predictor. Under the hierarchical predictive structure, online learning is leveraged to guarantee the training and prediction performance with an improved convergence rate. To accommodate with the stateof- the-art scalable extension of H.264/AVC and latest HEVC, standardized codec cores are utilized to encode the base and enhancement layers. Experimental results show that the proposed method outperforms the latest SHVC and HEVC simulcast over extensive test sequences with various resolutions.

Oxidative stress in aging: advances in proteomic approaches.

PubMed

Ortuño-Sahagún, Daniel; Pallàs, Mercè; Rojas-Mayorquín, Argelia E

2014-01-01

Aging is a gradual, complex process in which cells, tissues, organs, and the whole organism itself deteriorate in a progressive and irreversible manner that, in the majority of cases, implies pathological conditions that affect the individual's Quality of Life (QOL). Although extensive research efforts in recent years have been made, the anticipation of aging and prophylactic or treatment strategies continue to experience major limitations. In this review, the focus is essentially on the compilation of the advances generated by cellular expression profile analysis through proteomics studies (two-dimensional [2D] electrophoresis and mass spectrometry [MS]), which are currently used as an integral approach to study the aging process. Additionally, the relevance of the oxidative stress factors is discussed. Emphasis is placed on postmitotic tissues, such as neuronal, muscular, and red blood cells, which appear to be those most frequently studied with respect to aging. Additionally, models for the study of aging are discussed in a number of organisms, such as Caenorhabditis elegans, senescence-accelerated probe-8 mice (SAMP8), naked mole-rat (Heterocephalus glaber), and the beagle canine. Proteomic studies in specific tissues and organisms have revealed the extensive involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress in aging.

Assessing the stretch-blow moulding FE simulation of PET over a large process window

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nixon, J.; Menary, G. H.; Yan, S.

2017-10-01

Injection stretch blow moulding has been extensively researched for numerous years and is a well-established method of forming thin-walled containers. This paper is concerned with validating the finite element analysis of the stretch-blow-moulding (SBM) process in an effort to progress the development of injection stretch blow moulding of poly(ethylene terephthalate). Extensive data was obtained experimentally over a wide process window accounting for material temperature, air flow rate and stretch-rod speed while capturing cavity pressure, stretch-rod reaction force, in-mould contact timing and material thickness distribution. This data was then used to assess the accuracy of the correlating FE simulation constructed using ABAQUS/Explicit solver and an appropriate user-defined viscoelastic material subroutine. Results reveal that the simulation was able to pick up the general trends of how the pressure, reaction force and in-mould contact timings vary with the variation in preform temperature and air flow rate. Trends in material thickness were also accurately predicted over the length of the bottle relative to the process conditions. The knowledge gained from these analyses provides insight into the mechanisms of bottle formation, subsequently improving the blow moulding simulation and potentially providing a reduction in production costs.

Purpura, petechiae, and bullae as first signs of juvenile granulomatosis with polyangiitis.

PubMed

Rawn, Saara; Miettunen, Paivi; Brown, Holly A; Schmeling, Heinrike

2014-12-01

We present a case of a 14-year-old girl who had a severe form of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) with extensive dermatological involvement, whose initial presentation was nonspecific leading to diagnostic confusion and initial consideration of infectious and other vasculitis causes. The patient presented with fever, congestion, malaise, and sinus pain. She was diagnosed with bacterial sinusitis and treated with antibiotics. Within weeks, she developed abdominal pain, hematuria, migratory arthritis, and palpable purpura and was diagnosed with Henoch-Schonlein purpura. She went on to develop hemoptysis and progression of the rash into erosive bullae. Investigations revealed that she was ANCA positive and had pauci-immune glomerulonephritis. Given her upper airway, pulmonary and renal involvement, and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies positivity, a definitive diagnosis of a severe form of GPA was made. GPA is a chronic relapsing, life threatening vasculitis that predominantly affects small vessels. Our case demonstrates that GPA can present initially with nonspecific symptoms, including extensive dermatological involvement, leading to diagnostic confusion, and delays in treatment. In the case of a severe peripheral rash in the juvenile population and/or resistant upper airway symptoms, it is vital to consider a diagnosis of GPA to avoid serious organ or life threatening consequences.

mTOR Cross-Talk in Cancer and Potential for Combination Therapy.

PubMed

Conciatori, Fabiana; Ciuffreda, Ludovica; Bazzichetto, Chiara; Falcone, Italia; Pilotto, Sara; Bria, Emilio; Cognetti, Francesco; Milella, Michele

2018-01-19

The mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) pathway plays an essential role in sensing and integrating a variety of exogenous cues to regulate cellular growth and metabolism, in both physiological and pathological conditions. mTOR functions through two functionally and structurally distinct multi-component complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2, which interact with each other and with several elements of other signaling pathways. In the past few years, many new insights into mTOR function and regulation have been gained and extensive genetic and pharmacological studies in mice have enhanced our understanding of how mTOR dysfunction contributes to several diseases, including cancer. Single-agent mTOR targeting, mostly using rapalogs, has so far met limited clinical success; however, due to the extensive cross-talk between mTOR and other pathways, combined approaches are the most promising avenues to improve clinical efficacy of available therapeutics and overcome drug resistance. This review provides a brief and up-to-date narrative on the regulation of mTOR function, the relative contributions of mTORC1 and mTORC2 complexes to cancer development and progression, and prospects for mTOR inhibition as a therapeutic strategy.

mTOR Cross-Talk in Cancer and Potential for Combination Therapy

PubMed Central

Conciatori, Fabiana; Ciuffreda, Ludovica; Bazzichetto, Chiara; Falcone, Italia; Pilotto, Sara; Bria, Emilio; Cognetti, Francesco; Milella, Michele

2018-01-01

The mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) pathway plays an essential role in sensing and integrating a variety of exogenous cues to regulate cellular growth and metabolism, in both physiological and pathological conditions. mTOR functions through two functionally and structurally distinct multi-component complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2, which interact with each other and with several elements of other signaling pathways. In the past few years, many new insights into mTOR function and regulation have been gained and extensive genetic and pharmacological studies in mice have enhanced our understanding of how mTOR dysfunction contributes to several diseases, including cancer. Single-agent mTOR targeting, mostly using rapalogs, has so far met limited clinical success; however, due to the extensive cross-talk between mTOR and other pathways, combined approaches are the most promising avenues to improve clinical efficacy of available therapeutics and overcome drug resistance. This review provides a brief and up-to-date narrative on the regulation of mTOR function, the relative contributions of mTORC1 and mTORC2 complexes to cancer development and progression, and prospects for mTOR inhibition as a therapeutic strategy. PMID:29351204

[The role of subclinical inflammation in progression of multifocal atherosclerosis during one year after myocardial infarction].

PubMed

Barbarash, O L; Usol'tseva, E N; Kashtalap, V V; Kolomytseva, I S; Sizova, I N; Volykova, M A; Shibanova, I A

2014-01-01

To elucidate role of subclinical inflammation in progression of atherosclerotic process in magistral noncoronary arteries in patients during one year after ST-elevation myocardial infarction (MI). We examined 168 men with MI (mean age 59.5 years). All patients during hospitalization underwent coronary angiography and color duplex scanning of brachiocephalic arteries. In a year ultrasound study of noncoronary vessels was repeated and progression of atherosclerosis assessed. Parameters of inflammation in blood serum were measured on days 10-14 of MI and after one year. At repeat study most patients demonstrated progression of noncoronary atherosclerosis. Some biomarkers measured during inhospital phase of MI (low concentration of anti-inflammatory interleukin 10 - IL-10, elevated N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide) allowed to distinguish group of patients with subsequent progression of noncoronary atherosclerosis. Elevated concentrations of C-reactive protein and 11-10 registered in a year after MI were also associated with more severe progression of atherosclerosis. Serum levels of neopterin and IL-12 remained stable in patients with and decreased in patients without pronounced progression of atherosclerosis.

Evaluation of nerve transfer options for treating total brachial plexus avulsion injury: a retrospective study of 73 participants

PubMed Central

Gao, Kai-ming; Hu, Jing-jing; Lao, Jie; Zhao, Xin

2018-01-01

Despite recent great progress in diagnosis and microsurgical repair, the prognosis in total brachial plexus-avulsion injury remains unfavorable. Insufficient number of donors and unreasonable use of donor nerves might be key factors. To identify an optimal treatment strategy for this condition, we conducted a retrospective review. Seventy-three patients with total brachial plexus avulsion injury were followed up for an average of 7.3 years. Our analysis demonstrated no significant difference in elbow-flexion recovery between phrenic nerve-transfer (25 cases), phrenic nerve-graft (19 cases), intercostal nerve (17 cases), or contralateral C7-transfer (12 cases) groups. Restoration of shoulder function was attempted through anterior accessory nerve (27 cases), posterior accessory nerve (10 cases), intercostal nerve (5 cases), or accessory + intercostal nerve transfer (31 cases). Accessory nerve + intercostal nerve transfer was the most effective method. A significantly greater amount of elbow extension was observed in patients with intercostal nerve transfer (25 cases) than in those with contralateral C7 transfer (10 cases). Recovery of median nerve function was noticeably better for those who received entire contralateral C7 transfer (33 cases) than for those who received partial contralateral C7 transfer (40 cases). Wrist and finger extension were reconstructed by intercostal nerve transfer (31 cases). Overall, the recommended surgical treatment for total brachial plexus-avulsion injury is phrenic nerve transfer for elbow flexion, accessory nerve + intercostal nerve transfer for shoulder function, intercostal nerves transfer for elbow extension, entire contralateral C7 transfer for median nerve function, and intercostal nerve transfer for finger extension. The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT03166033). PMID:29623932

Evaluation of nerve transfer options for treating total brachial plexus avulsion injury: A retrospective study of 73 participants.

PubMed

Gao, Kai-Ming; Hu, Jing-Jing; Lao, Jie; Zhao, Xin

2018-03-01

Despite recent great progress in diagnosis and microsurgical repair, the prognosis in total brachial plexus-avulsion injury remains unfavorable. Insufficient number of donors and unreasonable use of donor nerves might be key factors. To identify an optimal treatment strategy for this condition, we conducted a retrospective review. Seventy-three patients with total brachial plexus avulsion injury were followed up for an average of 7.3 years. Our analysis demonstrated no significant difference in elbow-flexion recovery between phrenic nerve-transfer (25 cases), phrenic nerve-graft (19 cases), intercostal nerve (17 cases), or contralateral C 7 -transfer (12 cases) groups. Restoration of shoulder function was attempted through anterior accessory nerve (27 cases), posterior accessory nerve (10 cases), intercostal nerve (5 cases), or accessory + intercostal nerve transfer (31 cases). Accessory nerve + intercostal nerve transfer was the most effective method. A significantly greater amount of elbow extension was observed in patients with intercostal nerve transfer (25 cases) than in those with contralateral C 7 transfer (10 cases). Recovery of median nerve function was noticeably better for those who received entire contralateral C 7 transfer (33 cases) than for those who received partial contralateral C 7 transfer (40 cases). Wrist and finger extension were reconstructed by intercostal nerve transfer (31 cases). Overall, the recommended surgical treatment for total brachial plexus-avulsion injury is phrenic nerve transfer for elbow flexion, accessory nerve + intercostal nerve transfer for shoulder function, intercostal nerves transfer for elbow extension, entire contralateral C 7 transfer for median nerve function, and intercostal nerve transfer for finger extension. The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT03166033).

On Another Topic... Promoting Progress through Science.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Marchuk, Guri

1988-01-01

Reviews the achievements of scientists and technologists of the Soviet Union and their impact on the development of production, social consciousness, and international politics. Discusses future directions and thrusts to be pursued through extensive application of scientific ideas. (RT)

Channel and hillslope processes in a semiarid area, New Mexico

USGS Publications Warehouse

Leopold, Luna Bergere; Emmett, William W.; Myrick, Robert M.

1966-01-01

Ephemeral washes having drainage areas from a few acres to 5 square miles are shown by actual measurement to be accumulating sediment on the streambed. This aggradation is not apparent to the eye but is clearly shown in 7 years of annual remeasurement.A similar aggradation was in progress in the same area some 3000 years ago as evidenced by an alluvial terrace later dissected by the present channel system. At that time as well as at present, aggradation occurred even in tributary areas draining a few acres. Colluvial accumulations merge with channel deposits and blanket the valleys and tributary basins even up to a few hundred feet of the drainage divides. The present study concerned the amounts of sediment produced by different erosion processes in various physiographic positions in the drainage basins. Measurements show that by far the largest sediment source is sheet erosion operating on the small percentage of basin area near the basin divides. Mass movement, gully head extension, and channel enlargement are presently small contributors of sediment compared with sheet erosion on unrilled slopes. As in previous studies, not all of the erosion products could be accounted for by accumulations on colluvial slopes and on beds of channels. The discrepancies are attributed primarily to sediment carried completely out of the basins studied and presumably deposited somewhere downstream.Aggradation of alluvial valleys of 5 square miles area and smaller both in the present epicycle, and in prehistorical but post-glacial times in this locality, cannot be attributed to gullying or rill extension in the headwater tributaries but to sheet erosion of the most upstream margins of the basins.Studies of rainfall characteristics of the 7 years of measurement compared with previous years in the 100-year record do not provide a clear-out difference which would account for the presently observed aggradation of channels. Longer period of measurement of erosion and sedimentation will be necessary to identify what precipitation parameters govern whether the channels aggrade or degrade.

User-Defined Material Model for Progressive Failure Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Knight, Norman F. Jr.; Reeder, James R. (Technical Monitor)

2006-01-01

An overview of different types of composite material system architectures and a brief review of progressive failure material modeling methods used for structural analysis including failure initiation and material degradation are presented. Different failure initiation criteria and material degradation models are described that define progressive failure formulations. These progressive failure formulations are implemented in a user-defined material model (or UMAT) for use with the ABAQUS/Standard1 nonlinear finite element analysis tool. The failure initiation criteria include the maximum stress criteria, maximum strain criteria, the Tsai-Wu failure polynomial, and the Hashin criteria. The material degradation model is based on the ply-discounting approach where the local material constitutive coefficients are degraded. Applications and extensions of the progressive failure analysis material model address two-dimensional plate and shell finite elements and three-dimensional solid finite elements. Implementation details and use of the UMAT subroutine are described in the present paper. Parametric studies for composite structures are discussed to illustrate the features of the progressive failure modeling methods that have been implemented.

Frontal Mucocele Extended Orbita and Endoscopic Marsupialization Technique.

PubMed

Erdogan, Banu Atalay; Unlu, Nazmiye; Aydin, Sedat; Avci, Hakan

2018-06-01

Mucocele is benign, slow-growing, mucous-filled cystic lesions that arise in the paranasal sinuses. It causes progressive distension of the bony walls and induces compressive symptoms. Surgical treatment of paranasal sinus mucoceles includes endoscopic approach or external approach. The authors report a patient of frontal mucocele who presented with a history of progressive unilateral protrusion. Computed tomography scan revealed a large mucocele of the frontal sinus with orbital extension on the same side. He was successfully treated with endoscopic marsupialization without any serious complications.

beta-endorphin: synthesis of analogs with extension at the carboxyl terminus with high radioreceptor binding activity.

PubMed

Yamashiro, D; Ferrara, P; Li, C H

1980-07-01

Four analogs of human beta-endorphin (beta h-EP) have been synthesized: [Gly31]-Beta h-EP-Gly-NH2, [CH3(CH2)4NH231]-beta h-EP, [Gly31]-beta h-EP-Gly-Gly-NH2, and [Gln8, Gly31]-betah-EP-Gly-Gly-NH2. All are more active than beta h-EP in an opiate receptor binding assay. Stepwise extension at the COOH-terminus shows a progressive increase in binding activity. The last analog, which combines extension at the COOH-terminus with elimination of the remaining anionic charge in beta h-EP, is nine times more active than the parent molecule.

Framingham risk score can predict cognitive decline progression in Alzheimer's disease.

PubMed

Viticchi, Giovanna; Falsetti, Lorenzo; Buratti, Laura; Boria, Cristiano; Luzzi, Simona; Bartolini, Marco; Provinciali, Leandro; Silvestrini, Mauro

2015-11-01

The role of vascular factors in influencing cognitive decline has been extensively investigated, and some difficulties in defining their weight in dementia pathogenesis have emerged. The aim of the study was to investigate the relevance of the Framingham cardiovascular risk profile (FCRP) in influencing cognitive deterioration in a population of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. Two hundred eighty-four consecutive AD patients were enrolled. For each patient, FCRP score was calculated. We did a 1-year follow-up to quantify the cognitive decline by recording changes in the Clinical Dementia Rating score. The FCRP score predicted cognitive deterioration with an area under the curve of 0.63 (95% confidence interval: 0.57-0.69; p < 0.0001). In the subpopulation of patients with a genetic increased predisposition to develop cognitive deterioration and with an advanced vascular impairment, the FCRP predictive value significantly increased with an area under the curve of 0.77 (95% confidence interval: 0.52-0.93; p < 0.05). Our findings show that FCRP can predict the progression of deterioration in AD patients. This was particularly evident in patients with major genetic and atherosclerotic risk factors. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Serum antibody-negative Goodpasture syndrome with delta granule pool storage deficiency and eosinophilia.

PubMed

Kussman, Ashleigh; Gohara, Amira

2012-12-01

Goodpasture syndrome is a rare, life-threatening autoimmune disease characterized by a triad of rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis, a hemorrhagic pulmonary condition and the presence of anti-glomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) antibodies. The antibodies initiate destruction of the kidney glomeruli, resulting in a focal necrotizing glomerulitis, which may progress rapidly to renal failure. Autoantibody-mediated damage of alveolar basement membranes leads to diffuse pulmonary hemorrhage, which in some cases may be severe enough to cause respiratory failure. Many clinicians use a variety of assays to detect serum anti-GBM antibodies; however, these tests may be falsely negative in up to 15% of patients with Goodpasture syndrome. Here, we report an unusual case of a 40-year-old man with clinical evidence of Goodpasture syndrome, a negative anti-GBM antibody serum result, eosinophilia and delta granule pool storage deficiency. After a 14-day hospital stay and extensive workup, as well as treatment with antibiotics, steroids and ventilator support for respiratory failure, the patient continued to deteriorate and entered multisystem organ failure. The family decided to withdraw ventilator support, and the patient expired. Immunofluorescence testing for anti-GBM autoantibodies on lung and kidney tissues during an autopsy confirmed the diagnosis of Goodpasture syndrome.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gorelenkov, Nikolai N

The area of energetic particle (EP) physics of fusion research has been actively and extensively researched in recent decades. The progress achieved in advancing and understanding EP physics has been substantial since the last comprehensive review on this topic by W.W. Heidbrink and G.J. Sadler [1]. That review coincided with the start of deuterium-tritium (DT) experiments on Tokamak Fusion Test reactor (TFTR) and full scale fusion alphas physics studies. Fusion research in recent years has been influenced by EP physics in many ways including the limitations imposed by the "sea" of Alfven eigenmodes (AE) in particular by the toroidicityinduced AEsmore » (TAE) modes and reversed shear Alfven (RSAE). In present paper we attempt a broad review of EP physics progress in tokamaks and spherical tori since the first DT experiments on TFTR and JET (Joint European Torus) including helical/stellarator devices. Introductory discussions on basic ingredients of EP physics, i.e. particle orbits in STs, fundamental diagnostic techniques of EPs and instabilities, wave particle resonances and others are given to help understanding the advanced topics of EP physics. At the end we cover important and interesting physics issues toward the burning plasma experiments such as ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor).« less

Patterning roadmap: 2017 prospects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neisser, Mark

2017-06-01

Road mapping of semiconductor chips has been underway for over 20 years, first with the International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors (ITRS) roadmap and now with the International Roadmap for Devices and Systems (IRDS) roadmap. The original roadmap was mostly driven bottom up and was developed to ensure that the large numbers of semiconductor producers and suppliers had good information to base their research and development on. The current roadmap is generated more top-down, where the customers of semiconductor chips anticipate what will be needed in the future and the roadmap projects what will be needed to fulfill that demand. The More Moore section of the roadmap projects that advanced logic will drive higher-resolution patterning, rather than memory chips. Potential solutions for patterning future logic nodes can be derived as extensions of `next-generation' patterning technologies currently under development. Advanced patterning has made great progress, and two `next-generation' patterning technologies, EUV and nanoimprint lithography, have potential to be in production as early as 2018. The potential adoption of two different next-generation patterning technologies suggests that patterning technology is becoming more specialized. This is good for the industry in that it lowers overall costs, but may lead to slower progress in extending any one patterning technology in the future.

[Progress and application prospect of pig induced pluripotent stem cells].

PubMed

Yan, Yi-Bo; Zhang, Yan-Li; Qi, Wei-Wei; Wan, Yong-Jie; Fan, Yi-Xuan; Wang, Feng

2011-04-01

Pig has always been the focus of establishing a big ungulate animal ES cell lines because of its convenient source, genetic similarity with humans, and their importance in animal husbandry, but little development is achieved. Induced pluripotent stem cells technology creates a new method of reprogramming somatic cells to pluripotent state. As the pig iPS cells is established and perfected, pig ES cells will be established in the coming years. The pig iPS cells will give a hint on other livestock ES cells. On the other hand, pig iPS cells can be used to improve the efficiency of transgenic cloning pigs to conduct effective breeding and conservation of breeds. It is particularly important that the pig iPS cells can provide new model for human medical research, a new donor cells for human tissue and organ engineering, and have extensive and far-reaching impact on the biomedical field. Here, we briefly review the major progress of iPS cells, and emphasize current state of pig iPS cells and its application prospect in biomedicine and animal husbandry in order to provide a useful reference for researchers working in this area.

Lessons learned during the successful eradication of bovine tuberculosis from Australia

PubMed Central

More, S. J.; Radunz, B.; Glanville, R. J.

2015-01-01

There are very few international examples of the successful eradication of bovine tuberculosis (TB, caused by infection with Mycobacterium bovis) from a national cattle population. This paper presents a brief overview of the successful TB eradication programme in Australia from 1970, with primary emphasis on lessons of international relevance that were learned from the Australian experience. The national brucellosis and tuberculosis eradication campaign ran for 27 years from 1970 to 1997 and has been followed by ongoing abattoir surveillance. Rapid progress towards eradication was made in southern Australia, but proved much more challenging in extensive pastoral areas of northern Australia. Declaration of TB freedom was made on December 31, 1997. A range of factors were critical to this success, including a compelling rationale for eradication, an agreed final outcome, industry commitment and financial support, a business model for programme planning, implementation and review, consistent and transparent technical standards underpinned by a strict regulatory regime and applied research, the critical role of abattoir surveillance, effective elimination of residual infection and objective measures of programme progress. Although direct translation of some of these experiences may not be possible, many of the lessons learned from the Australian experience may be relevant to other countries. PMID:26338937

Preclinical Models for Investigation of Herbal Medicines in Liver Diseases: Update and Perspective

PubMed Central

Tan, Hor-Yue; San-Marina, Serban; Wang, Ning; Hong, Ming; Li, Sha; Li, Lei; Cheung, Fan; Wen, Xiao-Yan; Feng, Yibin

2016-01-01

Liver disease results from a dynamic pathological process associated with cellular and genetic alterations, which may progress stepwise to liver dysfunction. Commonly, liver disease begins with hepatocyte injury, followed by persistent episodes of cellular regeneration, inflammation, and hepatocyte death that may ultimately lead to nonreversible liver failure. For centuries, herbal remedies have been used for a variety of liver diseases and recent studies have identified the active compounds that may interact with liver disease-associated targets. Further study on the herbal remedies may lead to the formulation of next generation medicines with hepatoprotective, antifibrotic, and anticancer properties. Still, the pharmacological actions of vast majority of herbal remedies remain unknown; thus, extensive preclinical studies are important. In this review, we summarize progress made over the last five years of the most commonly used preclinical models of liver diseases that are used to screen for curative herbal medicines for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, liver fibrosis/cirrhosis, and liver. We also summarize the proposed mechanisms associated with the observed liver-protective, antifibrotic, and anticancer actions of several promising herbal medicines and discuss the challenges faced in this research field. PMID:26941826

Changes in Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Symptoms Following Massage Therapy: A Case Report

PubMed Central

Pierson, Melissa Joan

2011-01-01

Purpose The objective of this case report was to describe the effects that massage therapy had on a woman with temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Participant The 26-year-old woman’s primary symptoms were pain, decreased range of motion, clicking, and crepitus. These symptoms were reportedly associated with emotional stress and bruxism. Intervention Ten 45-minute massage therapy treatments were administered over a five-week period. The client’s progress was monitored by an initial, midway, and final assessment, using range of motion testing, personal interview, an orthopedic test, and postural analysis. Progress was also evaluated by the use of a daily journal. The client participated in a home care routine consisting of stretches, self-massage, postural training, a proprioception exercise, and hydrotherapy. Results Results include an increase in maximal opening from 3.1 cm to 3.8 cm, an overall increase in neck range of motion, a decrease in muscle hypertonicity using the Wendy Nickel’s Scale, a decrease in pain from 7/10 to 3/10 on a numerical pain scale, and a decline in stress. Conclusion Although the client in this report experienced positive results, more extensive studies are needed to understand the effects of massage on TMD. PMID:22211156

Clinical synovitis in a particular joint is associated with progression of erosions and joint space narrowing in that same joint, but not in patients initially treated with infliximab.

PubMed

Klarenbeek, N B; Güler-Yüksel, M; van der Heijde, D M F M; Hulsmans, H M J; Kerstens, P J S M; Molenaar, T H E; de Sonnaville, P B J; Huizinga, T W J; Dijkmans, B A C; Allaart, C F

2010-12-01

To assess the relationship between joint tenderness, swelling and joint damage progression in individual joints and to evaluate the influence of treatment on these relationships. First-year data of the Behandel Strategieën (BeSt) study were used, in which patients recently diagnosed as having rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were randomly assigned into four different treatment strategies. Baseline and 1-year x-rays of the hands and feet were assessed using the Sharp-van der Heijde score (SHS). With generalised estimating equations, 3-monthly assessments of tender and swollen joints of year 1 were related to erosion progression, joint space narrowing (JSN) progression and total SHS progression at the individual joint level (definition > 0.5 SHS units) in year 1, corrected for potential confounders and within-patient correlation for multiple joints per patient. During year 1, 59% of all 13 959 joints analysed were ever tender and 45% ever swollen, 2.1% showed erosion progression, 1.9% JSN progression and 3.6% SHS progression. Swelling and tenderness were both independently associated with erosion and JSN progression with comparable OR, although with higher OR in the hands than in the feet. Local swelling and tenderness were not associated with local damage progression in patients initially treated with infliximab. Clinical signs of synovitis are associated with erosion and JSN progression in individual joints after 1 year in RA. A disconnect between synovitis and joint damage progression was observed at joint level in patients who were treated with methotrexate and infliximab as initial treatment, confirming the disconnect between synovitis and the development of joint damage in tumour necrosis factor blockers seen at patient level.

Use of Climatological Data in Weather Insurance.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Changnon, Stanley A.; Changnon, Joyce M.

1990-05-01

There are three major types of crop-related weather insurance: hail, all perlis, and rain insurance. The development of rates is an exercise in applied climatology, and the importance of the historical data selected for assessing risk (and developing rates) is revealed by the problems encountered by firms insuring against deficient summer rainfall during the drought of 1988. Extensive purchase of premiums costing $9 million for coverage ($400 million) in the Midwest occurred with buyers (farmers) apparently aware during May and June 1988 that an unusually dry event was in progress. The levels of loss (50% or less of average June-August rainfall) offered by insurance firms were exceeded throughout the Midwest. The firms attempted to refund the record number of premiums accepted in June, and in turn, 8000 farmers filed a class-action suit against the firms for failure to accept premiums and to provide coverage. The insurance firms ultimately settled by agreeing to pay $48 million in claims. The coverage offered was based on the most recent 25 years of data, and this unusually wet period did not represent the longer-term likelihood of areally extensive dry summers. Uses of climatic data by the insurance industry include planning for the occurrence of such extreme event considerations, plus point vs area probabilities of these anomalous events; choosing the periods to select for routinely establishing new rates (rerating is typically done an 2- to 10-year cycles); and for determining the averages most appropriate to use for rate levels and sales considerations.

An unusual case of acute encephalitic syndrome: Is it acute measles encephalitis or subacute sclerosing panencephalitis?

PubMed

Garg, Ravindra K; Malhotra, Hardeep S; Rizvi, Imran; Kumar, Neeraj; Jain, Amita

2017-01-01

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis is a late complication of measles infection and develops usually 6 to 15 years after the primary measles infection. Fulminant subacute sclerosing panencephalitis is an infrequently encountered form wherein the disease rapidly progresses to death. A six-year old male child presented with fever, abnormal movements of the left side of body followed by weakness of the left side of the body, and involuntary abnormal movements of right upper and lower limbs. On examination, he was drowsy and was unable to communicate. He had right-sided hemiballismus. He also had left-sided hemiparesis and the left plantar reflex was extensor. Cerebrospinal fluid examination revealed elevated protein and cells. In the serum and cerebrospinal fluid, anti-measles IgG antibodies were found to be positive. No other viral marker was noted in the cerebrospinal fluid. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed extensive damage to the right temporal, parietal, and to a lesser extent, the frontal region as well as subcortical structures of these regions. Electroencephalography revealed generalized slowing of waves. Over a period of the next 3 days, the intensity and frequency of choreiform movements markedly reduced and the patient developed periodic generalized myoclonus, which was predominantly present on the right side. The patient succumbed to his illness and died after one month. Fulminant subacute sclerosing panencephalitis may have unusual clinical manifestations such as hemiballismus. In fulminant subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, neuroimaging may show extensive cortical damage.

Management of lower-extremity deformities in osteogenesis imperfecta with extensible intramedullary rod technique: a 20-year experience.

PubMed

Luhmann, S J; Sheridan, J J; Capelli, A M; Schoenecker, P L

1998-01-01

Twelve patients (seven boys, five girls) who had osteogenesis imperfecta were treated with an extensible-rod system in 21 femurs and 15 tibias. Indications for use of extensible rods were multiple fractures, long-bone deformity prohibiting bracing and ambulation, and significant remaining linear growth. The average patient age at the time of placement of the extensible rods was 6 + 8 years (range, 2 + 4-10 + 10). Six femurs were treated with overlapping Rush rods; Bailey-Dubow rods were used in the remaining femurs and in all tibias. The average length of follow-up was 5 + 9 years (range, 2 + 0-3 + 2). Preoperatively, four of the 12 patients had never walked; postoperatively, all were ambulators with varying levels of assistance. Fourteen complications occurred, 12 of which required operative revision of the extensible rods. The average time between primary extensible rodding and revision was 5 + 1 years. No complications have occurred to date related to the use of overlapping Rush rods. No growth disturbance resulted from the use of the extensible-rod systems.

Extensive regeneration of the stomach using bioabsorbable polymer sheets.

PubMed

Miyazawa, Mitsuo; Aikawa, Masayasu; Watanabe, Yukihiro; Takase, Ken-ichiro; Okamoto, Kojun; Shrestha, Santosh; Okada, Katsuya; Koyama, Isamu; Ikada, Yoshito

2015-11-01

The growing prevalence of endoscopic surgery in recent years has led to the minimization of postoperative scarring. However, this procedure does not allow for the regeneration of the resected digestive tract, which compromises the postoperative maintenance of digestive function. In this preliminary study, we developed an artificial gastric wall (AGW) using bioabsorbable polymer (BAP), and evaluated the ability of this BAP patch to repair and regenerate a widely defective gastric wall in an animal model. Pigs were laparotomized under general anesthesia. An 8 × 8-cm, round portion of the anterior gastric wall was excised and replaced by an AGW. The AGW was composed of a copolymer comprising 50% lactic acid and 50% caprolactone. The animals were relaparotomized 4, 8, or 12 weeks after implantation, after which they underwent resection of the entire stomach for gross and histologic evaluation of the graft sites. All recipient pigs survived until killing. By 4-8 weeks, the graft site revealed progressively fewer mucosal defect after each day. Moreover, the grafted area was indistinguishable from the native stomach 12 weeks after AGW implantation. The structures of the regenerated mucous membrane and muscle layers were identical to those of the native stomach. Furthermore, proton pumps were found in the regenerated tissue. The BAP sheets helped to restore extensive gastric defects without causing any deformation. The use of BAP sheets may become a new therapeutic method that prevents alterations of gastric volume after extensive gastrectomy for stomach cancer and other diseases. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The natural history of human immunodeficiency virus infection: a five year study in a London cohort of homosexual men.

PubMed Central

Kelly, G E; Stanley, B S; Weller, I V

1990-01-01

Progression rates from asymptomatic to symptomatic Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection according to the CDC classification were prospectively studied in a cohort of 172 seropositive homosexual and bisexual men. The median follow-up time was 4 years. The progression from data of entry to the study to any group IV disease was 56% (SE 7%) at 5 years. However, the progression from an estimated date of seroconversion to any group IV disease was 36% (SE 4%) at 5 years. This was more than double the progression rate to AIDS-14% (SE 3%) at 5 years calculated in the same way. There were no differences in progression to AIDS from group IV A (systemic symptoms such as unexplained fever, weight loss or persistent diarrhoea) and group IV C-2 (oral candida or oral hairy leukoplakia). Progression rates to AIDS were significantly lower (p = 0.02) in patients who were under 25 years of age at entry than in those over 25. A review of progression rates to AIDS among homosexual cohorts shows that they tend to be higher than in cohorts of haemophiliac patients, in the early stage of infection. However, when Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia is the outcome measure, progression rates in all studies are remarkably similar. PMID:2133371

Has the time to come leave the “watch-and-wait” strategy in newly diagnosed asymptomatic follicular lymphoma patients?

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Historically, the median overall survival for follicular lymphoma (FL) has been considered to be 9-10 years, and no treatment had ever prolonged this time period. Studies conducted more than 20 years ago demonstrated that treating patients with asymptomatic FL at the onset of the disease did not increase their survival, and that almost 20% of these patients did not need any treatment in the first 10 years of follow-up. Based on these facts, most clinical practice guidelines recommend active surveillance policies for patients with asymptomatic FL. Discussion The introduction of antiCD-20 monoclonal antibodies, over the last 15 years, has significantly increased the median survival rate to above 14 years. This improvement was achieved before the combination of rituximab and chemotherapy regimens became extensively used in patients with symptomatic disease. Therefore, this increase in survival may currently be more significant. At present, several clinical trials have evaluated low-toxicity therapies that prolong progression-free periods, among which rituximab monotherapy, radioimmunotherapy or the combination of rituximab with bendamustine are the most relevant. Unfortunately, these clinical trials have included only patients with symptomatic FL. The results of a recently reported clinical trial show that treatment with single-agent rituximab prolongs progression-free survival rates, time to new treatment and the quality of life of asymptomatic patients, as compared with the active surveillance strategy. Longer follow-up of these results and data regarding overall survival are awaited before this treatment can be recommended as the standard initial therapy. Summary There are different therapeutic possibilities for asymptomatic FL patients, but no data are currently available to indicate which option is the best. Patients need to understand the risks and benefits of observation versus treatment before a final decision can be made. For patients who want active treatment the administration of four weekly rituximab doses should be considered. PMID:22650448

Enzyme replacement therapy for mucopolysaccharidosis VI: Growth and pubertal development in patients treated with recombinant human N-acetylgalactosamine 4-sulfatase

PubMed Central

Decker, Celeste; Yu, Zi-Fan; Giugliani, Roberto; Schwartz, Ida Vanessa D.; Guffon, Nathalie; Teles, Elisa Leão; Miranda, M. Clara Sá; Wraith, J. Edmond; Beck, Michael; Arash, Laila; Scarpa, Maurizio; Ketteridge, David; Hopwood, John J.; Plecko, Barbara; Steiner, Robert; Whitley, Chester B.; Kaplan, Paige; Swiedler, Stuart J.; Conrad, Susan; Harmatz, Paul

2010-01-01

Background and Methods Growth failure is characteristic of untreated mucopolysaccharidosis type VI (MPS VI: Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome). Growth was studied in fifty-six MPS VI patients (5 to 29 years old) prior to and for up to 240 weeks of weekly infusions of recombinant human arylsulfatase B (rhASB) at 1 mg/kg during Phase 1/2, Phase 2, Phase 3 or Phase 3 Extension clinical trials. Height, weight, and Tanner stage data were collected. Pooled data were analyzed to determine mean height increase by treatment week, growth impacts of pubertal status, baseline urinary GAG, and age at treatment initiation. Growth rate for approximately 2 years prior to and following treatment initiation was analyzed using longitudinal modeling. Results Mean height increased by 2.9 cm after 48 weeks and 4.3 cm after 96 weeks on enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). Growth on ERT was not correlated with baseline urinary GAG. Patients under 16 years of age showed greatest increases in height on treatment. Model results based on pooled data showed significant improvement in growth rate during 96 weeks of ERT when compared to the equivalent pretreatment time period. Delayed pubertal onset or progression was noted in 10 patients entering the clinical trials; all of whom showed progression of at least one Tanner stage during 2 years on ERT, and 6 of whom (60%) completed puberty. Conclusion Analysis of mean height by treatment week and longitudinal modeling demonstrate significant increase in height and growth rate in MPS VI patients receiving long-term ERT. This impact was greatest in patients aged below 16 years. Height increase may result from bone growth and/or reduction in joint contractures. Bone growth and resolution of delayed puberty may be related to improvements in general health, bone cell health, nutrition, endocrine gland function and reduced inflammation. PMID:20634905

Update on long-term treatment with bisphosphonates for postmenopausal osteoporosis: a systematic review.

PubMed

Eriksen, Erik F; Díez-Pérez, Adolfo; Boonen, Steven

2014-01-01

Osteoporosis is a progressive skeletal disorder that requires long-term treatment. However, there is little guidance regarding optimal treatment duration and what the treatment discontinuation and retreatment criteria should be. Given that bisphosphonates are the most commonly prescribed class of agent for the treatment of osteoporosis, we reviewed the long-term data relating to these therapies and discussed the considerations for using bisphosphonates in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. A PubMed search, using the search terms 'bisphosphonate', 'postmenopausal osteoporosis' and 'long term' and/or 'extension' was conducted in January 2013. Results from nine controlled studies that prospectively assessed alendronate, risedronate, ibandronate or zoledronic acid in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis were reviewed. Clinical studies in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis showed that long-term use of bisphosphonates resulted in persistent antifracture and bone mineral density (BMD) increasing effects beyond 3 years of treatment. No unexpected adverse events were identified in these studies and the long-term tolerability profiles of bisphosphonates remain favorable. Data from the withdrawal extension studies of alendronate and zoledronic acid also showed that residual fracture benefits were seen in patients who discontinued treatment for 3 to 5 years after an initial 3- to 5-year treatment period. BMD monitoring and fracture risk assessments should be conducted regularly to determine whether treatment could be stopped or should be reinitiated. Patients exhibiting T-scores<-2.5 or who have suffered a new fracture while on treatment should continue treatment, while patients with T-scores>-2.5 could be considered for discontinuation of active treatment while undergoing continued monitoring of their bone health. The duration and potential discontinuation of treatment should be personalized for individual patients based on their response to treatment, fracture risk and comorbidities. © 2013. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Recent progress in developing durable and permanent impeller pump.

PubMed

Qian, K X; Zeng, P; Ru, W M; Yuan, H Y

2002-04-01

Since 1980s, the author's impeller pump has successively achieved the device implantability, blood compatibility and flow pulsatility. In order to realize a performance durability, the author has concentrated in past years on solving the bearing problems of the impeller pump. Recent progress has been obtained in developing durable and permanent impeller blood pumps. At first, a durable impeller pump with rolling bearing and purge system has been developed, in which the wear-less rollers made of super-high-molecular weight polythene make the pump to work for years without mechanical wear; and the purge system enables the bearing to work in saline and heparin, and no thrombus therefore could be formed. Secondly, a durable centrifugal pump with rolling bearing and axially reciprocating impeller has been developed, the axial reciprocation of rotating impeller makes the fresh blood in and out of the bearing and to wash the rollers once a circle; in such way, no thrombus could be formed and no fluid infusion is necessary, which may bring inconvenience and discomfort to the receptors. Finally, a permanent maglev impeller pump has been developed, its rotor is suspended and floating in the blood under the action of permanent magnetic force and nonmagnetic forces, without need for position measurement and feed-back control. In conclusion, an implantable, pulsatile, and blood compatible impeller pump with durability may have more extensive applications than ever before and could replace the donor heart for transplantation in the future.

Physics with antihydrogen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bertsche, W. A.; Butler, E.; Charlton, M.; Madsen, N.

2014-12-01

Performing measurements of the properties of antihydrogen, the bound state of an antiproton and a positron, and comparing the results with those for ordinary hydrogen, has long been seen as a route to test some of the fundamental principles of physics. There has been much experimental progress in this direction in recent years, and antihydrogen is now routinely created and trapped and a range of exciting measurements probing the foundations of modern physics are planned or underway. In this contribution we review the techniques developed to facilitate the capture and manipulation of positrons and antiprotons, along with procedures to bring them together to create antihydrogen. Once formed, the antihydrogen has been detected by its destruction via annihilation or field ionization, and aspects of the methodologies involved are summarized. Magnetic minimum neutral atom traps have been employed to allow some of the antihydrogen created to be held for considerable periods. We describe such devices, and their implementation, along with the cusp magnetic trap used to produce the first evidence for a low-energy beam of antihydrogen. The experiments performed to date on antihydrogen are discussed, including the first observation of a resonant quantum transition and the analyses that have yielded a limit on the electrical neutrality of the anti-atom and placed crude bounds on its gravitational behaviour. Our review concludes with an outlook, including the new ELENA extension to the antiproton decelerator facility at CERN, together with summaries of how we envisage the major threads of antihydrogen physics will progress in the coming years.

Physics with antihydrogen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bertsche, W. A.; Butler, E.; Charlton, M.; Madsen, N.

2015-12-01

Performing measurements of the properties of antihydrogen, the bound state of an antiproton and a positron, and comparing the results with those for ordinary hydrogen, has long been seen as a route to test some of the fundamental principles of physics. There has been much experimental progress in this direction in recent years, and antihydrogen is now routinely created and trapped and a range of exciting measurements probing the foundations of modern physics are planned or underway. In this contribution we review the techniques developed to facilitate the capture and manipulation of positrons and antiprotons, along with procedures to bring them together to create antihydrogen. Once formed, the antihydrogen has been detected by its destruction via annihilation or field ionization, and aspects of the methodologies involved are summarized. Magnetic minimum neutral atom traps have been employed to allow some of the antihydrogen created to be held for considerable periods. We describe such devices, and their implementation, along with the cusp magnetic trap used to produce the first evidence for a low-energy beam of antihydrogen. The experiments performed to date on antihydrogen are discussed, including the first observation of a resonant quantum transition and the analyses that have yielded a limit on the electrical neutrality of the anti-atom and placed crude bounds on its gravitational behaviour. Our review concludes with an outlook, including the new ELENA extension to the antiproton decelerator facility at CERN, together with summaries of how we envisage the major threads of antihydrogen physics will progress in the coming years.

One Year Later: Assessing Our Progress | NOAA Gulf Spill Restoration

Science.gov Websites

Archive Home One Year Later: Assessing Our Progress One Year Later: Assessing Our Progress oil in the wake Restoration Area A year ago, the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig sank, starting an oil spill that became the samples, surveyed thousands of miles of shoreline for oil, posted more than 60 work plans and other data

Successful Surgical Management of Retinopathy of Prematurity Showing Rapid Progression despite Extensive Retinal Photocoagulation.

PubMed

Gadkari, Salil S; Kulkarni, Sucheta R; Kamdar, Rushita R; Deshpande, Madan

2015-01-01

The management of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) can be challenging in preterm babies with a gestational age <30 weeks, those with very low birth weight and multiple risk factors (eg., oxygen therapy for respiratory distress, sepsis, neonatal jaundice). A premature infant presented with "hybrid" zone 1 disease in the right eye and aggressive posterior ROP in the left eye. Both eyes were adequately treated with laser photocoagulation; however, the eyes deteriorated and progressed to stage 4 ROP. Both eyes eventually underwent intravitreal bevacizumab followed by lens sparing vitrectomy with good anatomical and visual outcome. Anticipation of progression despite laser photocoagulation in certain clinical scenarios, frequent follow-up and timely surgical intervention is paramount.

Similar and Contrasting Response of Rifting and Transtension in the Gulf of California and Walker Lane to Preceding Arc Magmatism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Henry, C. D.; Faulds, J. E.

2006-12-01

The Gulf of California (GC) and Walker Lane (WL) have undergone strikingly similar development with strike- slip faulting following initial extension. They differ significantly in the amount of Pacific-North American plate motion taken up by each: essentially all relative motion in the GC and ~25% in the WL. In both areas, ancestral arc magmatism preceded and probably focused deformation, perhaps because heating and/or hydration weakened the lithosphere. However, differences in migration of the Rivera (RTJ) and Mendocino triple junctions (MTJ) related to differences in the orientation of plate boundaries determined how strike-slip faulting developed. Abrupt southward jumps in the RTJ led to abrupt cessation of magmatism over arc lengths of as much as 1000 km and initiation of east-northeast extension within the future GC. The best known jump was at ~13 Ma, but an earlier jump occurred at ~18 Ma. Arc magmatism has been best documented in Baja California, Sonora, and Nayarit, although Baja constituted the most-trenchward fringe of the ancestral arc. New and published data indicate that Sinaloa underwent a similar history of arc magmatism. The greatest volume of the arc immediately preceding RTJ jumps was probably in mainland Mexico. Arc magmatism shut off following these jumps, extension began in the future GC, and strike-slip faulting either followed or accompanied extension in the GC. In contrast, the MTJ migrated progressively northward. New and published data indicate magmatism generally shut off coincident with this retreat, but distinct nodes or zones of magmatism, presumably unrelated to subduction, persisted or initiated after arc activity ceased. We have suggested that the WL has grown progressively northward, following the retreating arc, and that the northern WL is its youngest part. However, the timing of initiation of strike-slip faulting in most of the WL is poorly known and controversial. Testing our hypothesis requires determining initiation and magnitudes of total slip across different parts. Despite the progressive migration of the MTJ, arc magmatism ceased abruptly at the latitude of Lake Tahoe (39.2°) at about 3 Ma, and the southern end of the active Cascade arc jumped ~160 km northward to Lassen Peak (40.5°), where it remains. Geologic data indicate strike-slip faulting began between these two areas immediately following the end of arc magmatism. The southern Cascade arc is undergoing ~east-west extension, which was the case for the northern Walker Lane immediately before strike-slip faulting began. Further progression or steps in magmatism and strike-slip faulting will likely follow further northward migration of the MTJ.

A narrative overview of the current status of MRI of the hip and its relevance for osteoarthritis research - what we know, what has changed and where are we going?

PubMed

Crema, M D; Watts, G J; Guermazi, A; Kim, Y-J; Kijowski, R; Roemer, F W

2017-01-01

To review and discuss the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the context of hip osteoarthritis (OA) research. The content of this narrative review, based on an extensive PubMed database research including English literature only, describes the advances in MRI of the hip joint and its potential usefulness in hip OA research, reviews the relevance of different MRI features in regard to symptomatic and structural progression in hip OA, and gives an outlook regarding future use of MRI in hip OA research endeavors. Recent technical advances have helped to overcome many of the past difficulties related to MRI assessment of hip OA. MRI-based morphologic scoring systems allow for detailed assessment of several hip joint tissues and, in combination with the recent advances in MRI, may increase reproducibility and sensitivity to change. Compositional MRI techniques may add to our understanding of disease onset and progression. Knowledge about imaging pitfalls and anatomical variants is crucial to avoid misinterpretation. In comparison to research on knee OA, the associations between MRI features and the incidence and progression of disease as well as with clinical symptoms have been little explored. Anatomic alterations of the hip joint as seen in femoro-acetabular impingement (FAI) seem to play a role in the onset and progression of structural damage. With the technical advances occurring in recent years, MRI may play a major role in investigating the natural history of hip OA and provide an improved method for assessment of the efficacy of new therapeutic approaches. Copyright © 2016 Osteoarthritis Research Society International. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Atrophied Brain Lesion Volume: A New Imaging Biomarker in Multiple Sclerosis.

PubMed

Dwyer, Michael G; Bergsland, Niels; Ramasamy, Deepa P; Jakimovski, Dejan; Weinstock-Guttman, Bianca; Zivadinov, Robert

2018-06-01

Lesion accrual in multiple sclerosis (MS) is an important and clinically relevant measure, used extensively as an imaging trial endpoint. However, lesions may also shrink or disappear entirely due to atrophy. Although generally ignored or treated as a nuisance, this phenomenon may actually be an important stand-alone imaging biomarker. Therefore, we investigated the rate of brain lesion loss due to atrophy (atrophied lesion volume) in MS subtypes compared to baseline lesion volume and to new and enlarging lesion volumes, and evaluated the independent predictive value of this phenomenon for clinical disability. A total of 192 patients (18 clinically isolated syndrome, 126 relapsing-remitting MS, and 48 progressive) received 3T magnetic resonance imaging at baseline and 5 years. Lesions were quantified at baseline, and new/enlarging lesion volumes were calculated over the study interval. Atrophied lesion volume was calculated by combining baseline lesion masks with follow-up SIENAX-derived cerebrospinal fluid partial volume maps. Measures were compared between disease subgroups, and correlations with disability change (Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS]) were evaluated. Hierarchical regression was employed to determine the unique additive value of atrophied lesion volume. Atrophied lesion volume was different between MS subtypes (P = .02), and exceeded new lesion volume accumulation in progressive MS (298.1 vs. 75.5 mm 3 ). Atrophied lesion volume was the only significant correlate of EDSS change (r = .192 relapsing, r = .317 progressive, P < .05), and explained significant additional variance when controlling for brain atrophy and new/enlarging lesion volume (R 2 .092 vs. .045, P = .003). Atrophied lesion volume is a unique and clinically relevant imaging marker in MS, with particular promise in progressive MS. Copyright © 2018 by the American Society of Neuroimaging.

Clusters in Short-term Disease Course in Participants With Primary Dupuytren Disease.

PubMed

Lanting, Rosanne; van den Heuvel, Edwin R; Werker, Paul M N

2016-03-01

The course of Dupuytren disease (DD) is thought to be progressive; however, the course differs for each patient. The purpose of this study was to study the rate and pattern of progression of DD. We prospectively analyzed the course of DD at intervals of 3 to 6 months in 247 Dutch participants with primary DD by measuring the surface area of nodules and cords and the total passive extension deficit. The association between surface area and Tubiana stage was tested with generalized estimating equations. Latent class models were used to study different clusters in changes regarding the course of the disease. The variance in disease course between participants was large. Regarding the change in surface area (in all fingers) and total passive extension deficit (in the ring and little finger), different clusters were observed. Progression of disease was seen but there were also signs of stability and even regression. Patients with a smaller surface area at baseline were more likely to exhibit regression. This study showed that DD is not always progressive and that up to 75% of patients have a different short-term disease course, such as stability or even regression of disease. This should be taken into account when evaluating the effects of treatment for early-phase DD and in the design of future studies. Furthermore, this information may be useful when counseling patients. Prognostic II. Copyright © 2016 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Mate choice and sexual selection: What have we learned since Darwin?

PubMed Central

Jones, Adam G.; Ratterman, Nicholas L.

2009-01-01

Charles Darwin laid the foundation for all modern work on sexual selection in his seminal book The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex. In this work, Darwin fleshed out the mechanism of sexual selection, a hypothesis that he had proposed in The Origin of Species. He went well beyond a simple description of the phenomenon by providing extensive evidence and considering the far-reaching implications of the idea. Here we consider the contributions of Darwin to sexual selection with a particular eye on how far we have progressed in the last 150 years. We focus on 2 key questions in sexual selection. First, why does mate choice evolve at all? And second, what factors determine the strength of mate choice (or intensity of sexual selection) in each sex? Darwin provided partial answers to these questions, and the progress that has been made on both of these topics since his time should be seen as one of the great triumphs of modern evolutionary biology. However, a review of the literature shows that key aspects of sexual selection are still plagued by confusion and disagreement. Many of these areas are complex and will require new theory and empirical data for complete resolution. Overall, Darwin's contributions are still surprisingly relevant to the modern study of sexual selection, so students of evolutionary biology would be well advised to revisit his works. Although we have made significant progress in some areas of sexual selection research, we still have much to accomplish. PMID:19528643

Mate choice and sexual selection: what have we learned since Darwin?

PubMed

Jones, Adam G; Ratterman, Nicholas L

2009-06-16

Charles Darwin laid the foundation for all modern work on sexual selection in his seminal book The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex. In this work, Darwin fleshed out the mechanism of sexual selection, a hypothesis that he had proposed in The Origin of Species. He went well beyond a simple description of the phenomenon by providing extensive evidence and considering the far-reaching implications of the idea. Here we consider the contributions of Darwin to sexual selection with a particular eye on how far we have progressed in the last 150 years. We focus on 2 key questions in sexual selection. First, why does mate choice evolve at all? And second, what factors determine the strength of mate choice (or intensity of sexual selection) in each sex? Darwin provided partial answers to these questions, and the progress that has been made on both of these topics since his time should be seen as one of the great triumphs of modern evolutionary biology. However, a review of the literature shows that key aspects of sexual selection are still plagued by confusion and disagreement. Many of these areas are complex and will require new theory and empirical data for complete resolution. Overall, Darwin's contributions are still surprisingly relevant to the modern study of sexual selection, so students of evolutionary biology would be well advised to revisit his works. Although we have made significant progress in some areas of sexual selection research, we still have much to accomplish.

Gerstmann-Straeussler-Scheinker disease with P102L prion protein gene mutation presenting with rapidly progressive clinical course.

PubMed

Iwasaki, Yasushi; Mori, Keiko; Ito, Masumi; Nokura, Kazuya; Tatsumi, Shinsui; Mimuro, Maya; Kitamoto, Tetsuyuki; Yoshida, Mari

2014-01-01

We describe an autopsied case of a Japanese woman with Gerstmann-Straeussler-Scheinker disease (GSS) presenting with a rapidly progressive clinical course. Disease onset occurred at the age of 54 with dementia and gait disturbance. Her clinical course progressively deteriorated until she reached a bedridden state with myoclonus 9 months after onset. Two months later, she reached the akinetic mutism state. Nasal tube feeding was introduced at this point and continued for several years. Electroencephalograms showed diffuse slowing without periodic sharp-wave complexes. Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed widespread cerebral cortical hyperintensity. Prion protein (PrP) gene analysis revealed a Pro to Leu point mutation at codon 102 with methionine homozygosity at codon 129. The patient died of respiratory failure after a total disease duration of 62 months. Neuropathologic examination revealed widespread spongiform change with numerous eosinophilic amyloid plaques (Kuru plaques) in the cerebral and cerebellar cortices by H & E staining. Diffuse myelin pallor with axon loss of the cerebral white matter, suggestive of panencephalopathic-type pathology was observed. Numerous PrP immunopositive plaques and diffuse synaptic-type PrP deposition were extensively observed, particularly in the cerebral and cerebellar cortices. Western blot analysis of proteinase Kresistant PrP showed a characteristic band pattern with a small molecular band of 6 kDa. The reason for the similarity in clinicopathologic findings between the present case and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is uncertain; however, the existence of an unknown disease-modifying factor is suspected.

Histamine and H1-antihistamines: celebrating a century of progress.

PubMed

Simons, F Estelle R; Simons, Keith J

2011-12-01

In this review we celebrate a century of progress since the initial description of the physiologic and pathologic roles of histamine and 70 years of progress since the introduction of H(1)-antihistamines for clinical use. We discuss histamine and clinically relevant information about the molecular mechanisms of action of H(1)-antihistamines as inverse agonists (not antagonists or blockers) with immunoregulatory effects. Unlike first (old)-generation H(1)-antihistamines introduced from 1942 to the mid-1980s, most of the second (new)-generation H(1)-antihistamines introduced subsequently have been investigated extensively with regard to clinical pharmacology, efficacy, and safety; moreover, they are relatively free from adverse effects and not causally linked with fatalities after overdose. Important advances include improved nasal and ophthalmic H(1)-antihistamines with rapid onset of action (in minutes) for allergic rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis treatment, respectively, and effective and safe use of high (up to 4-fold) doses of oral second-generation H(1)-antihistamines for chronic urticaria treatment. New H(1)-antihistamines introduced for clinical use include oral formulations (bilastine and rupatadine), and ophthalmic formulations (alcaftadine and bepotastine). Clinical studies of H(3)-antihistamines with enhanced decongestant effects have been conducted in patients with allergic rhinitis. Additional novel compounds being studied include H(4)-antihistamines with anti-inflammatory effects in allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and other diseases. Antihistamines have a storied past and a promising future. Copyright © 2011 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Clinical and imaging characterization of progressive spastic dysarthria

PubMed Central

Clark, Heather M.; Duffy, Joseph R.; Whitwell, Jennifer L.; Ahlskog, J. Eric; Sorenson, Eric J.; Josephs, Keith A.

2013-01-01

Objective To describe speech, neurological and imaging characteristics of a series of patients presenting with progressive spastic dysarthria (PSD) as the first and predominant sign of a presumed neurodegenerative disease. Methods Participants were 25 patients with spastic dysarthria as the only or predominant speech disorder. Clinical features, pattern of MRI volume loss on voxel-based morphometry, and pattern of hypometabolism with F18-Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG-PET) scan are described. Results All patients demonstrated speech characteristics consistent with spastic dysarthria, including strained voice quality, slow speaking rate, monopitch and monoloudness, and slow and regular speech alternating motion rates. Eight patients did not have additional neurological findings on examination. Pseudobulbar affect, upper motor neuron pattern limb weakness, spasticity, Hoffman sign and positive Babinski reflexes were noted in some of the remaining patients. Twenty-three patients had electromyographic assessment and none had diffuse motor neuron disease or met El Escorial criteria for ALS. Voxel-based morphometry revealed striking bilateral white matter volume loss, , affecting the motor cortex (BA 4), including the frontoparietal operculum (BA 43) with extension into the middle cerebral peduncle. FDG-PET showed subtle hypometabolism affecting the premotor and motor cortices in some patients, particularly in those who had a disease duration longer than two years. Conclusions We have characterized a neurodegenerative disorder that begins focally with spastic dysarthria due to involvement of the motor and premotor cortex and descending corticospinal and corticobulbar pathways. We propose the descriptive label “progressive spastic dysarthria” to best capture the dominant presenting feature of the syndrome. PMID:24053325

Primary Tumor Site as a Predictor of Treatment Outcome for Definitive Radiotherapy of Advanced-Stage Oral Cavity Cancers

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lin, Chien-Yu; Taipei Chang Gung Head and Neck Oncology Group, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan

2010-11-15

Purpose: To evaluate the outcome of definitive radiotherapy (RT) for oral cavity cancers and to assess prognostic factors. Methods and Materials: Definitive RT was performed on 115 patients with oral cavity cancers at Stages III, IVA, and IVB, with a distribution of 6%, 47%, and 47%, respectively. The median dose of RT was 72Gy (range, 62-76Gy). Cisplatin-based chemotherapy was administered to 95% of the patients. Eleven patients underwent salvage surgery after RT failure. Results: Eight-eight (76.5%) patients responded partially and 23 (20%) completely; of the patients who responded, 18% and 57%, respectively, experienced a durable effect of treatment. The 3-yearmore » overall survival, disease-specific survival, and progression-free survival were 22%, 27%, and 25%, respectively. The 3-year PFS rates based on the primary tumor sites were as follows: Group I (buccal, mouth floor, and gum) 51%, Group II (retromolar and hard palate) 18%, and Group III (tongue and lip) 6% (p < 0.0001). The 3-year progression-free survival was 41% for N0 patients and 19% for patients with N+ disease (p = 0.012). The T stage and RT technique did not affect survival. The patients who underwent salvage surgery demonstrated better 3-year overall survival and disease-specific survival (53% vs. 19%, p = 0.015 and 53% vs. 24%, p = 0.029, respectively). Subsite group, N+, and salvage surgery were the only significant prognostic factors for survival after multivariate analysis. Conclusion: The primary tumor site and neck stage are prognostic predictors in advanced-stage oral cancer patients who received radical RT. The primary tumor extension and RT technique did not influence survival.« less

Surgical Management of Encapsulating Peritoneal Sclerosis: A Case Report in Kidney Transplant Patient

PubMed Central

Talanian, M.; Azari, F.; Agarwal, A.

2018-01-01

Introduction Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is a clinical syndrome of progressive fibrotic change in response to prolonged, repetitive, and typically severe insult to the peritoneal mesothelium, often occurring in the setting of peritoneal dialysis (PD). Clear guidelines for successful management remain elusive. We describe the successful surgical management of EPS in a 28-year-old male s/p deceased donor kidney transplant for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) secondary to focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). This patient received PD for 7 years but changed to hemodialysis (HD) in the year of transplant due to consistent signs and symptoms of underdialysis. EPS was visualized at the time of transplant. Despite successful renal transplantation, EPS progressed to cause small bowel obstruction (SBO) requiring PEG-J placement for enteral nutrition and gastric decompression. The patient subsequently developed a chronic gastrocutaneous fistula necessitating chronic TPN and multiple admissions for pain crises and bowel obstruction. He was elected to undergo surgical intervention due to deteriorating quality of life and failure to thrive. Surgical management included an exploratory laparotomy with extensive lysis of adhesions (LOA), repair of gastrocutaneous fistula, and end ileostomy with Hartmann's pouch. Postoperative imaging confirmed resolution of the SBO, and the patient was transitioned to NGT feeds and eventually only PO intake. He is continuing with PO nutrition, gaining weight, and free from dialysis. Conclusion Surgical intervention with LOA and release of small intestine can be successful for definitive management of EPS in the proper setting. In cases such as this, where management with enteral nutrition fails secondary to ongoing obstructive episodes, surgical intervention can be pursued in the interest of preserving quality of life. PMID:29682387

Surgical Management of Encapsulating Peritoneal Sclerosis: A Case Report in Kidney Transplant Patient.

PubMed

Shahbazov, R; Talanian, M; Alejo, J L; Azari, F; Agarwal, A; Brayman, K L

2018-01-01

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is a clinical syndrome of progressive fibrotic change in response to prolonged, repetitive, and typically severe insult to the peritoneal mesothelium, often occurring in the setting of peritoneal dialysis (PD). Clear guidelines for successful management remain elusive. We describe the successful surgical management of EPS in a 28-year-old male s/p deceased donor kidney transplant for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) secondary to focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). This patient received PD for 7 years but changed to hemodialysis (HD) in the year of transplant due to consistent signs and symptoms of underdialysis. EPS was visualized at the time of transplant. Despite successful renal transplantation, EPS progressed to cause small bowel obstruction (SBO) requiring PEG-J placement for enteral nutrition and gastric decompression. The patient subsequently developed a chronic gastrocutaneous fistula necessitating chronic TPN and multiple admissions for pain crises and bowel obstruction. He was elected to undergo surgical intervention due to deteriorating quality of life and failure to thrive. Surgical management included an exploratory laparotomy with extensive lysis of adhesions (LOA), repair of gastrocutaneous fistula, and end ileostomy with Hartmann's pouch. Postoperative imaging confirmed resolution of the SBO, and the patient was transitioned to NGT feeds and eventually only PO intake. He is continuing with PO nutrition, gaining weight, and free from dialysis. Surgical intervention with LOA and release of small intestine can be successful for definitive management of EPS in the proper setting. In cases such as this, where management with enteral nutrition fails secondary to ongoing obstructive episodes, surgical intervention can be pursued in the interest of preserving quality of life.

Haploidentical Stem Cell Transplantation for Refractory/Relapsed Neuroblastoma.

PubMed

Illhardt, Toni; Toporski, Jacek; Feuchtinger, Tobias; Turkiewicz, Dominik; Teltschik, Heiko-Manuel; Ebinger, Martin; Schwarze, Carl-Philipp; Holzer, Ursula; Lode, Holger N; Albert, Michael H; Gruhn, Bernd; Urban, Christian; Dykes, Josefina H; Teuffel, Oliver; Schumm, Michael; Handgretinger, Rupert; Lang, Peter

2018-05-01

Pediatric patients with refractory or relapsed metastatic neuroblastoma (NBL) have a poor prognosis despite autologous stem cell transplantation (SCT). Allogeneic SCT from a haploidentical donor has a remarkable alloreactive effect in patients with leukemia; thus, we evaluated this approach in children with very high-risk NBL. We analyzed data from 2 prospective phase I/II trials. A total of 26 patients with refractory (n = 5), metastatic relapsed (n = 20), or locally relapsed MYCN-positive (n = 1) NBL received a median of 17 × 10 6 /kg T/B cell-depleted CD34 + stem cells with 68 × 10 3 /kg residual T cells and 107 × 10 6 /kg natural killer cells. The conditioning regimen comprised melphalan, fludarabine, thiotepa, OKT3, and a short course of mycophenolate mofetil post-transplantation. Engraftment occurred in 96% of the patients. Event-free survival and overall survival at 5 years were 19% and 23%, respectively. No transplantation-related mortality was observed, and the single death was due to progression/subsequent relapse. The median duration of follow-up was 8.1 years. Patients in complete remission before SCT had a significantly better prognosis than those with residual tumor load (P < .01). All patients with progressive disease before SCT relapsed within 1 year. Grade II and grade III acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) occurred in 31% and 12% of the patients, respectively. Chronic limited and extensive GVHD occurred in 28% and 10%, respectively. Our data indicate that haploidentical SCT is a feasible treatment option that can induce long-term remission in some patients with NBL with tolerable side effects, and may enable the development of further post-transplantation therapeutic strategies based on the donor-derived immune system. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

High prevalence/low severity language delay in preschool children born very preterm.

PubMed

Foster-Cohen, Susan H; Friesen, Myron D; Champion, Patricia R; Woodward, Lianne J

2010-10-01

To examine the language development at corrected age 4 years of a regionally representative cohort of children born very preterm (VPT). Of particular interest was the identification of biological and socioenvironmental risk and protective factors that influence VPT children's early language development. Data were collected as part of a prospective longitudinal study of 110 VPT (VPT: ≤ 33 weeks gestation) and 113 full-term children (full term: 37-41 weeks gestation) born in Canterbury, New Zealand from 1998 to 2000. At corrected age 4 years, all children were assessed with the preschool version of the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals. Extensive information was also collected about children's family social background, perinatal health, childrearing environment, education/intervention exposures, and neurodevelopmental progress from birth to age 4. At the age of 4 years, VPT children were characterized by poorer receptive and expressive language development than full-term children. These differences persisted after exclusion of children with neurosensory impairment as well as statistical adjustment for the effects of social risk. Within the VPT group, the key predictors of children's overall language development were family social risk at birth (p =.05), severity of white matter abnormalities on neonatal magnetic resonance imaging (p =.49), observed parent-child synchrony (p =.001), and concurrent child cognitive ability (p =.001). Together, these factors accounted for 45% of the variance in children's total Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals-Preschool scores. By preschool age, children born VPT show early emerging mild to moderate language delays that are likely to affect their school success and longer-term developmental progress. Findings highlight the importance of potentially modifiable factors such as early brain injury and parenting quality in predicting the language outcomes of children born VPT.

75 FR 43069 - Approval of One-Year Extension for Attaining the 1997 8-Hour Ozone Standard in the Baltimore...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-07-23

... standard (NAAQS). This extension is based in part on air quality data for the 4th highest daily 8-hour... attainment date if: (a) For the first one-year extension, the area's 4th highest daily 8-hour average in the... 4th highest daily 8-hour value, averaged over both the original attainment year and the first...

75 FR 68736 - Approval of One-Year Extension for Attaining the 1997 8-Hour Ozone Standard for the Delaware...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-11-09

... 4th highest daily 8-hour monitored ozone value during the 2009 ozone season is 0.084 parts per million... extensions of the attainment date if: (a) For the first 1-year extension, the area's 4th highest daily 8...'s 4th highest daily 8-hour value, averaged over both the original attainment year and the first...

Frequency of Testing to Detect Visual Field Progression Derived Using a Longitudinal Cohort of Glaucoma Patients.

PubMed

Wu, Zhichao; Saunders, Luke J; Daga, Fábio B; Diniz-Filho, Alberto; Medeiros, Felipe A

2017-06-01

To determine the time required to detect statistically significant progression for different rates of visual field loss using standard automated perimetry (SAP) when considering different frequencies of testing using a follow-up scheme that resembles clinical practice. Observational cohort study. One thousand seventy-two eyes of 665 patients with glaucoma followed up over an average of 4.3±0.9 years. Participants with 5 or more visual field tests over a 2- to 5-year period were included to derive the longitudinal measurement variability of SAP mean deviation (MD) using linear regressions. Estimates of variability then were used to reconstruct real-world visual field data by computer simulation to evaluate the time required to detect progression for various rates of visual field loss and different frequencies of testing. The evaluation was performed using a follow-up scheme that resembled clinical practice by requiring a set of 2 baseline tests and a confirmatory test to identify progression. Time (in years) required to detect progression. The time required to detect a statistically significant negative MD slope decreased as the frequency of testing increased, albeit not proportionally. For example, 80% of eyes with an MD loss of -2 dB/year would be detected after 3.3, 2.4, and 2.1 years when testing is performed once, twice, and thrice per year, respectively. For eyes with an MD loss of -0.5 dB/year, progression can be detected with 80% power after 7.3, 5.7, and 5.0 years, respectively. This study provides information on the time required to detect progression using MD trend analysis in glaucoma eyes when different testing frequencies are used. The smaller gains in the time to detect progression when testing is increased from twice to thrice per year suggests that obtaining 2 reliable tests at baseline followed by semiannual testing and confirmation of progression through repeat testing in the initial years of follow-up may provide a good compromise for detecting progression, while minimizing the burden on health care resources in clinical practice. Copyright © 2017 American Academy of Ophthalmology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Haemodynamic and anatomic progression of aortic stenosis.

PubMed

Nguyen, Virginia; Cimadevilla, Claire; Estellat, Candice; Codogno, Isabelle; Huart, Virginie; Benessiano, Joelle; Duval, Xavier; Pibarot, Philippe; Clavel, Marie Annick; Enriquez-Sarano, Maurice; Vahanian, Alec; Messika-Zeitoun, David

2015-06-01

Aortic valve stenosis (AS) is a progressive disease, but the impact of baseline AS haemodynamic or anatomic severity on AS progression remains unclear. In 149 patients (104 mild AS, 36 moderate AS and 9 severe AS) enrolled in 2 ongoing prospective cohorts (COFRASA/GENERAC), we evaluated AS haemodynamic severity at baseline and yearly, thereafter, using echocardiography (mean pressure gradient (MPG)) and AS anatomic severity using CT (degree of aortic valve calcification (AVC)). After a mean follow-up of 2.9±1.0 years, mean MGP increased from 22±11 to 30±16 mm Hg (+3±3 mm Hg/year), and mean AVC from 1108±891 to 1640±1251 AU (arbitrary units) (+188±176 AU/year). Progression of AS was strongly related to baseline haemodynamic severity (+2±3 mm Hg/year in mild AS, +4±3 mm Hg/year in moderate AS and +5±5 mm Hg/year in severe AS (p=0.01)), and baseline haemodynamic severity was an independent predictor of haemodynamic progression (p=0.0003). Annualised haemodynamic and anatomic progression rates were significantly correlated (r=0.55, p<0.0001), but AVC progression rate was also significantly associated with baseline haemodynamic severity (+141±133 AU/year in mild AS, +279±189 AU/year in moderate AS and +361±293 AU/year in severe AS, p<0.0001), and both baseline MPG and baseline AVC were independent determinants of AVC progression (p<0.0001). AS progressed faster with increasing haemodynamic or anatomic severity. Our results suggest that a medical strategy aimed at preventing AVC progression may be useful in all subsets of patients with AS including those with severe AS and support the recommended closer follow-up of patients with AS as AS severity increases. COFRASA (clinicalTrial.gov number NCT 00338676) and GENERAC (clinicalTrial.gov number NCT00647088). Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

Tectonics of the West Antarctic rift system: new light on the history and dynamics of distributed intracontinental extension

USGS Publications Warehouse

Siddoway, C.S.

2007-01-01

The West Antarctic rift system (WARS) is the product of multiple stages of intracontinental deformation from Jurassic to Present. The Cretaceous rifting phase accomplished >100 percent extension across the Ross Sea and central West Antarctica, and is widely perceived as a product of pure shear extension orthogonal to the Transantarctic Mountains that led to breakup and opening of the Southern Ocean between West Antarctica and New Zealand. New structural, petrological, and geochronological data from Marie Byrd Land reveal aspects of the kinematics, thermal history, and chronology of the Cretaceous intracontinental extension phase that cannot be readily explained by a single progressive event. Elevated temperatures in "Lachlan-type" crust caused extensive crustal melting and mid-crustal flow within a dextral transcurrent strain environment, leading to rapid extension and locally to exhumation and rapid cooling of a migmatite dome and detachment footwall structures. Peak metamorphism and onset of crustal flow that brought about WARS extension between 105 Ma and 90 Ma is kinematically, temporally, and spatially linked to the active convergent margin system of East Gondwana. West Antarctica-New Zealand breakup is distinguished as a separate event at 83-70 Ma, from the standpoint of kinematics and thermal evolution

75 FR 3941 - Notice of Information Collection

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-01-25

... extension of an existing collection, NASA Mentor-Protege Program--Small Business and Small Disadvantaged Business Concerns Report, that is used to help NASA monitor mentor-protege performance and progress in accordance with the mentor-protege; agreement. Respondents will be for-profit small disadvantaged businesses...

EPA: ORGANIZATION AND PROGRAMS

EPA Science Inventory

I have been asked to speak to East Central University's Environmental Science Department about a research topic or topics. I have spoken briefly to classes there before regarding the progress of my career since graduating. This time it will be a little more extensive since I wil...

Apprentice Still Photographic Specialist (AFSC 23132).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Air Univ., Gunter AFS, Ala. Extension Course Inst.

This four-volume student text is designed for use by Air Force personnel enrolled in a self-study extension course for apprentice still photographic specialists. Covered in the individual volumes are general subjects (career ladder progression, security, photographic safety, and photographic laboratory administration); still photographic…

Light Water Reactor Sustainability Program Grizzly Year-End Progress Report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Benjamin Spencer; Yongfeng Zhang; Pritam Chakraborty

2013-09-01

The Grizzly software application is being developed under the Light Water Reactor Sustainability (LWRS) program to address aging and material degradation issues that could potentially become an obstacle to life extension of nuclear power plants beyond 60 years of operation. Grizzly is based on INL’s MOOSE multiphysics simulation environment, and can simultaneously solve a variety of tightly coupled physics equations, and is thus a very powerful and flexible tool with a wide range of potential applications. Grizzly, the development of which was begun during fiscal year (FY) 2012, is intended to address degradation in a variety of critical structures. Themore » reactor pressure vessel (RPV) was chosen for an initial application of this software. Because it fulfills the critical roles of housing the reactor core and providing a barrier to the release of coolant, the RPV is clearly one of the most safety-critical components of a nuclear power plant. In addition, because of its cost, size and location in the plant, replacement of this component would be prohibitively expensive, so failure of the RPV to meet acceptance criteria would likely result in the shutting down of a nuclear power plant. The current practice used to perform engineering evaluations of the susceptibility of RPVs to fracture is to use the ASME Master Fracture Toughness Curve (ASME Code Case N-631 Section III). This is used in conjunction with empirically based models that describe the evolution of this curve due to embrittlement in terms of a transition temperature shift. These models are based on an extensive database of surveillance coupons that have been irradiated in operating nuclear power plants, but this data is limited to the lifetime of the current reactor fleet. This is an important limitation when considering life extension beyond 60 years. The currently available data cannot be extrapolated with confidence further out in time because there is a potential for additional damage mechanisms (i.e. late blooming phases) to become active later in life beyond the current operational experience. To develop a tool that can eventually serve a role in decision-making, it is clear that research and development must be perfomed at multiple scales. At the engineering scale, a multiphysics analysis code that can capture the thermomechanical response of the RPV under accident conditions, including detailed fracture mechanics evaluations of flaws with arbitrary geometry and orientation, is needed to assess whether the fracture toughness, as defined by the master curve, including the effects of embrittlement, is exceeded. At the atomistic scale, the fundamental mechanisms of degradation need to be understood, including the effects of that degradation on the relevant material properties. In addition, there is a need to better understand the mechanisms leading to the transition from ductile to brittle fracture through improved continuum mechanics modeling at the fracture coupon scale. Work is currently being conducted at all of these levels with the goal of creating a usable engineering tool informed by lower length-scale modeling. This report summarizes progress made in these efforts during FY 2013.« less

Low VOC drying of lumber and wood panel products. Progress report Number 9 [January 1999

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yan, H.; Banerjee, S.; Conners, T.

1999-01-01

Results from a multi-year study show that a significant part of the extensive variability observed in oriented strand board (OSB) flake dryer emissions can be traced to physiological effects, and the rest can be attributed to handling and other factors. Low-headspace treatment of lumber was scaled up to the 50 kg level. The amount of turpentine collected was of the same magnitude as that released upon drying lumber. For the process to be economical, the wood must first be brought to about 95 C with steam, and then processed with RF. Attempts to remove VOCs from OSB through low-headspace bymore » placing a curtain over the wood failed because of leaks. A more rigid container will be required. RF-treatment does not alter the gas permeability of lumber.« less

Low VOC drying of lumber and wood panel products. Progress report Number 9

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yan, H.; Banerjee, S.; Conners, T.

1999-01-01

Results from a multi-year study show that a significant part of the extensive variability observed in oriented strand board (OSB) flake dryer emissions can be traced to physiological effects, and the rest can be attributed to handling and other factors. Low-headspace treatment of lumber was scaled up to the 50 kg level. The amount of turpentine collected was of the same magnitude as that released upon drying lumber. For the process to be economical, the wood must first be brought to about 95 C with steam, and then processed with RF. Attempts to remove VOCs from OSB through low-headspace bymore » placing a curtain over the wood failed because of leaks. A more rigid container will be required. RF-treatment does not alter the gas permeability of lumber.« less

Prevention of inhibitor development in hemophilia A in 2016. A glimpse into the future?

PubMed

Franchini, Massimo; Lippi, Giuseppe

2016-12-01

Thanks to considerable progresses made over the last 30years, hemophilia benefits from the most efficacious and safe treatment among the many monogenic inherited disorders. The most challenging complication of replacement therapy in hemophilia A is the occurrence of alloantibodies against infused factor VIII (FVIII), thus predisposing the patients to increased morbidity and disability. Extensive research in this field has definitively unraveled that development of inhibitors in hemophilia A is a complex and multifactorial process, in which inherited and environmental factors dynamically interact. This narrative review, after providing a concise overview about the main genetic and non-genetic risk factors, is aimed to focus on prediction risk models and preventive strategies for minimizing the risk of developing inhibitors in hemophilia A patients. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Stem cell ageing: does it happen and can we intervene?

PubMed

Bellantuono, Ilaria; Keith, W Nicol

2007-11-19

Adult stem cells have become the focus of intense research in recent years as a result of their role in the maintenance and repair of tissues. They exert this function through their extensive expansion (self-renewal) and multipotent differentiation capacity. Understanding whether adult stem cells retain this capacity throughout the lifespan of the individual, or undergo a process of ageing resulting in a decreased stem cell pool, is an important area of investigation. Progress in this area has been hampered by lack of suitable models and of appropriate markers and assays to identify stem cells. However, recent data suggest that an understanding of the mechanisms governing stem cell ageing can give insight into the mechanism of tissue ageing and, most importantly, advance our ability to use stem cells in cell and gene therapy strategies.

Mixed Glioma (Oligoastrocytoma) in the brain of an African Hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris).

PubMed

Benneter, S S; Summers, B A; Schulz-Schaeffer, W J; Härtig, W; Mollidor, J; Schöniger, S

2014-11-01

This report describes an oligoastrocytoma in the brain of a 3.5-year-old female pet African hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) that showed progressive central nervous system signs for 6 months. Microscopical examination of the brain revealed a widely infiltrative, deep-seated glioma within the white matter of the cerebral hemispheres, basal nuclei, hippocampus, thalamus, midbrain, pons and the medulla of the cerebellum with extension of neoplastic cells into the cerebral cortex and overlying leptomeninges. Morphological features of the neoplastic cells, together with variable immunohistochemical expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein, Olig-2 and Nogo-A, indicated the presence of intermingled astrocytic and oligodendroglial tumour cells with an astrocytic component of approximately 40% consistent with an oligoastrocytoma. The distribution of the tumour is consistent with gliomatosis cerebri. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Galaxy evolution in clusters since z=1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aragón-Salamanca, A.

2011-11-01

It is now 30 years since Alan Dressler published his seminal paper onthe morphology-density relation. Although there is still much to learnon the effect of the environment on galaxy evolution, extensive progress has been made since then both observationally and theoretically.Galaxy clusters provide some of the most extreme environments in which galaxies evolve, making them excellent laboratories to study the age old question of "nature'' vs. "nurture'' in galaxy evolution. Here I review some of the key observational results obtained during the last decade on the evolution of the morphology, structure, dynamics, star-formation history and stellar populations of cluster galaxies since the time when the universe was half its present age.Many of the results presented here have been obtainedwithin the ESO Distant Cluster Survey (EDisCS) and Space Telescope A901/02 Galaxy Evolution Survey (STAGES) collaborations.

75 FR 43197 - Public Housing Assessment System (PHAS): Asset Management Transition Year 2 Extension

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-07-23

...): Asset Management Transition Year 2 Information (75 FR 1632), dated January 12, 2010, for PHAs with... only. B. PHAS Scoring During Transition Year 2 The Transition Year 2 notice (75 FR 1632, January 12... System (PHAS): Asset Management Transition Year 2 Extension AGENCY: Office of the Assistant Secretary for...

Hemiconvulsion-hemiplegia-epilepsy syndrome: characteristic early magnetic resonance imaging findings.

PubMed

Freeman, Jeremy L; Coleman, Lee T; Smith, Lindsay J; Shield, Lloyd K

2002-01-01

We report three patients with hemiconvulsion-hemiplegia-epilepsy syndrome who presented acutely and were shown to have striking neuroimaging findings suggestive of diffuse cytotoxic edema confined to one hemisphere, including extensive diffusion-weighted imaging abnormalities in two cases. Two patients subsequently developed progressive and extensive atrophy of the involved hemisphere. These findings are consistent with earlier descriptions of the classic neuroradiologic features of this syndrome and are helpful in the differential diagnosis of acute infantile hemiplegia. Further, the findings support the previously proposed pathogenetic mechanism of neuronal injury caused by status epilepticus.

Radio detection of extensive air showers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huege, Tim

2017-12-01

Radio detection of extensive air showers initiated in the Earth's atmosphere has made tremendous progress in the last decade. Today, radio detection is routinely used in several cosmic-ray observatories. The physics of the radio emission in air showers is well-understood, and analysis techniques have been developed to determine the arrival direction, the energy and an estimate for the mass of the primary particle from the radio measurements. The achieved resolutions are competitive with those of more traditional techniques. In this article, I shortly review the most important achievements and discuss the potential for future applications.

A gait retraining system using augmented-reality to modify footprint parameters: Effects on lower-limb sagittal-plane kinematics.

PubMed

Bennour, Sami; Ulrich, Baptiste; Legrand, Thomas; Jolles, Brigitte M; Favre, Julien

2018-01-03

Improving lower-limb flexion/extension angles during walking is important for the treatment of numerous pathologies. Currently, these gait retraining procedures are mostly qualitative, often based on visual assessment and oral instructions. This study aimed to propose an alternative method combining motion capture and display of target footprints on the floor. The second objectives were to determine the error in footprint modifications and the effects of footprint modifications on lower-limb flexion/extension angles. An augmented-reality system made of an optoelectronic motion capture device and video projectors displaying target footprints on the floor was designed. 10 young healthy subjects performed a series of 27 trials, consisting of increased and decreased amplitudes in stride length, step width and foot progression angle. 11 standard features were used to describe and compare lower-limb flexion/extension angles among footprint modifications. Subjects became accustomed to walk on target footprints in less than 10 min, with mean (± SD) precision of 0.020 ± 0.002 m in stride length, 0.022 ± 0.006 m in step width, and 2.7 ± 0.6° in progression angle. Modifying stride length had significant effects on 3/3 hip, 2/4 knee and 4/4 ankle features. Similarly, step width and progression angle modifications affected 2/3 and 1/3 hip, 2/4 and 1/4 knee as well as 3/4 and 2/4 ankle features, respectively. In conclusion, this study introduced an augmented-reality method allowing healthy subjects to modify their footprint parameters rapidly and precisely. Walking with modified footprints changed lower-limb sagittal-plane kinematics. Further research is needed to design rehabilitation protocols for specific pathologies. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Recurrent craniopharyngioma after conformal radiation in children and the burden of treatment.

PubMed

Klimo, Paul; Venable, Garrett T; Boop, Frederick A; Merchant, Thomas E

2015-05-01

In this paper the authors present their experience treating children with recurrent craniopharyngioma who were initially managed with surgery followed by conformal radiation therapy (CRT). A departmental oncology information system was queried to identify all children (< 18 years old) who received CRT for a craniopharyngioma between 1998 and 2010 (inclusive) and specifically those who experienced tumor progression. For each patient, the authors recorded the type of recurrence (solid, cystic, or both), the time interval to first progression and each subsequent progression, the associated treatment complications, and disease status at last follow-up evaluation. Among the 97 patients that met criteria for entry into this study, 18 (18.6%) experienced tumor progression (9 cystic, 3 solid, 6 cystic and solid). The median time to first recurrence was 4.62 years (range 1.81-9.11 years). The subgroup included 6 female and 12 male patients with a median age of 7.54 years (range 3.61-13.83 years). Ten patients experienced first progression within 5 years of CRT. The 5- and 10-year treatment-free survival rates for the entire cohort were 89.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] 80.5%-93.9%) and 76.2% (95% CI 64%-85%), respectively. Seven patients had a single episode of progression and 11 had more than 1. The time interval between each subsequent progression was progressively shorter. The 18 patients underwent 38 procedures. The median follow-up duration for this group was 9.32 years (range 4.04-19.0 years). Three patients died, including 1 from perioperative complications. Craniopharyngioma progression after prior irradiation is exceedingly difficult to treat and local control is challenging despite repeated surgical procedures. Given our results, gross-total resection may need to be the surgical goal at the time of first recurrence, if possible. Decompressing new cyst formation alone has a low rate of long-term success.

The progression of myopia from its onset at age 8-12 to adulthood and the influence of heredity and external factors on myopic progression. A 23-year follow-up study.

PubMed

Pärssinen, Olavi; Kauppinen, Markku; Viljanen, Anne

2014-12-01

To examine myopic progression and factors connected with myopic progression. Myopic schoolchildren, with no previous spectacles, 119 boys and 121 girls, were recruited during 1983-1984 to a randomized 3-year clinical trial of bifocal treatment of myopia with a subsequent 20-year follow-up. Participants' mean age at Baseline was 10.9, ranging from 8.7 to 12.8 years. An ophthalmological examination was carried out annually for 3 years and twice thereafter at ca. 10-year intervals. Additional refraction values were received from prescriptions issued by different ophthalmologists and opticians. Altogether, 1915 refraction values were available. Reading distance and accommodation were measured at each control visit. Data on parents' myopia, daily time spent on reading and close work, outdoor activities and watching television were gathered with a structured questionnaire. Using bifocals (+1.75 add) or reading without glasses or accommodation stimulus during the 3-year period in childhood did not correlate with adulthood refraction. Short reading distance in childhood predicted higher adulthood myopia among females. The factors predicting faster myopic progression were parents' myopia and less time spent on sports and outdoor activities at childhood. Time spent on reading and close work in childhood was related to myopic progression during the first 3 years but did not predict adulthood myopia. Myopia throughout follow-up was higher among those who watched television <3 hr daily than those who spent more time watching television. Mean myopic progression 8 years after age 20-24 was -0.45 D ± 0.71 (SD), and in 45% of cases, progression was ≥0.5 D. In nearly half of the cases, myopia beginning at school continued to progress into adulthood. Higher adulthood myopia was mainly related to parents' myopia and less time spent on sports and outdoor activities in childhood. © 2014 Acta Ophthalmologica Scandinavica Foundation. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Storms in Space: Bringing NASA Earth-Sun Science Educational Resources to Hearing- Impaired Students.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lowry, K.; Sindt, M.; Jahn, J.

2007-12-01

Using assistive technology, children with hearing loss can actively participate in the hearing world. However, to develop the necessary skills, hearing-impaired students need to be immersed in a language-rich environment which compensates for the lack of "incidental" learning that typifies the language acquisition of their peers with typical hearing. For any subject matter taught in class, this means that the conceptual and language framework of the topic has to be provided in addition to regular class materials. In a collaboration between the Sunshine Cottage School for Deaf Children and the Southwest Research Institute, we are exploring how NASA-developed educational resources covering Space Science topics can be incorporated successfully in blended classrooms containing children with hearing loss and those with typical hearing in grades 3-5. Utilizing the extensive routine language monitoring performed at Sunshine Cottage, student progress is directly monitored during the year as well as from year to year. This allow us to evaluate the effectiveness of the resources used. Since all instruction at Sunshine Cottage is auditory-oral, our experiences in using those materials can be fed back directly into mainstream classrooms of the same grade levels.

Large eddy simulations and direct numerical simulations of high speed turbulent reacting flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Givi, P.; Frankel, S. H.; Adumitroaie, V.; Sabini, G.; Madnia, C. K.

1993-01-01

The primary objective of this research is to extend current capabilities of Large Eddy Simulations (LES) and Direct Numerical Simulations (DNS) for the computational analyses of high speed reacting flows. Our efforts in the first two years of this research have been concentrated on a priori investigations of single-point Probability Density Function (PDF) methods for providing subgrid closures in reacting turbulent flows. In the efforts initiated in the third year, our primary focus has been on performing actual LES by means of PDF methods. The approach is based on assumed PDF methods and we have performed extensive analysis of turbulent reacting flows by means of LES. This includes simulations of both three-dimensional (3D) isotropic compressible flows and two-dimensional reacting planar mixing layers. In addition to these LES analyses, some work is in progress to assess the extent of validity of our assumed PDF methods. This assessment is done by making detailed companions with recent laboratory data in predicting the rate of reactant conversion in parallel reacting shear flows. This report provides a summary of our achievements for the first six months of the third year of this program.

Improvement of an anterior infrabone defect using combined periodontal and orthodontic therapy: A 6-year follow-up case report.

PubMed

de Molon, Rafael Scaf; Kim, Yeon Jung; Dos Santos-Pinto, Ary; Cirelli, Joni Augusto

2014-07-01

Extensive intraosseous lesions represent a clinical challenge for the periodontist. Sites with bone defects have been shown to be at higher risk of periodontitis progression in patients who had not received periodontal therapy. Thus, the aim of this case report was to describe a novel approach for the treatment of 1-walled intraosseous defect by combining nonsurgical periodontal therapy and orthodontic movement toward the bone defect, avoiding regenerative and surgical procedures. A 47-year-old woman underwent the proposed procedures for the treatment of her left central incisor with 9 mm probing depth and 1-walled intraosseous defect in its mesial aspect. Initially, basic periodontal therapy with scaling and root planning was accomplished. Two months later, an orthodontic treatment was planned to eliminate the intraosseous lesion and to improve the interproximal papillary area. Orthodontic root movement toward the osseous defect was performed for 13 months with light forces. After 6 years postoperative it was concluded that combined basic periodontal therapy and orthodontic movement was capable of eliminating the intraosseous defect and improve the esthetics in the interproximal papillary area between the central incisors.

40 CFR 51.907 - For an area that fails to attain the 8-hour NAAQS by its attainment date, how does EPA interpret...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... to 1-year extensions of the attainment date if: (a) For the first 1-year extension, the area's 4th... extension, the area's 4th highest daily 8-hour value, averaged over both the original attainment year and... section, the area's 4th highest daily 8-hour average shall be from the monitor with the highest 4th...

40 CFR 51.907 - For an area that fails to attain the 8-hour NAAQS by its attainment date, how does EPA interpret...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... to 1-year extensions of the attainment date if: (a) For the first 1-year extension, the area's 4th... extension, the area's 4th highest daily 8-hour value, averaged over both the original attainment year and... section, the area's 4th highest daily 8-hour average shall be from the monitor with the highest 4th...

40 CFR 51.907 - For an area that fails to attain the 8-hour NAAQS by its attainment date, how does EPA interpret...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... to 1-year extensions of the attainment date if: (a) For the first 1-year extension, the area's 4th... extension, the area's 4th highest daily 8-hour value, averaged over both the original attainment year and... section, the area's 4th highest daily 8-hour average shall be from the monitor with the highest 4th...

Post-Transplantation Cyclophosphamide-Based Haploidentical Transplantation as Alternative to Matched Sibling or Unrelated Donor Transplantation for Hodgkin Lymphoma: A Registry Study of the Lymphoma Working Party of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation.

PubMed

Martínez, Carmen; Gayoso, Jorge; Canals, Carmen; Finel, Hervé; Peggs, Karl; Dominietto, Alida; Castagna, Luca; Afanasyev, Boris; Robinson, Stephen; Blaise, Didier; Corradini, Paolo; Itälä-Remes, Maija; Bermúdez, Arancha; Forcade, Edouard; Russo, Domenico; Potter, Michael; McQuaker, Grant; Yakoub-Agha, Ibrahim; Scheid, Christof; Bloor, Adrian; Montoto, Silvia; Dreger, Peter; Sureda, Anna

2017-10-20

Purpose To compare the outcome of patients with Hodgkin lymphoma who received post-transplantation cyclophosphamide-based haploidentical (HAPLO) allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation with the outcome of patients who received conventional HLA-matched sibling donor (SIB) and HLA-matched unrelated donor (MUD). Patients and Methods We retrospectively evaluated 709 adult patients with Hodgkin lymphoma who were registered in the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation database who received HAPLO (n = 98), SIB (n = 338), or MUD (n = 273) transplantation. Results Median follow-up of survivors was 29 months. No differences were observed between groups in the incidence of acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). HAPLO was associated with a lower risk of chronic GVHD (26%) compared with MUD (41%; P = .04). Cumulative incidence of nonrelapse mortality at 1 year was 17%, 13%, and 21% in HAPLO, SIB, and MUD, respectively, and corresponding 2-year cumulative incidence of relapse or progression was 39%, 49%, and 32%, respectively. On multivariable analysis, relative to SIB, nonrelapse mortality was similar in HAPLO ( P = .26) and higher in MUD ( P = .003), and risk of relapse was lower in both HAPLO ( P = .047) and MUD ( P < .001). Two-year overall survival and progression-free survival were 67% and 43% for HAPLO, 71% and 38% for SIB, and 62% and 45% for MUD, respectively. There were no significant differences in overall survival or progression-free survival between HAPLO and SIB or MUD. The rate of the composite end point of extensive chronic GVHD and relapse-free survival was significantly better for HAPLO (40%) compared with SIB (28%; P = .049) and similar to MUD (38%; P = .59). Conclusion Post-transplantation cyclophosphamide-based HAPLO transplantation results in similar survival outcomes compared with SIB and MUD, which confirms its suitability when no conventional donor is available. Our results also suggest that HAPLO results in a lower risk of chronic GVHD than MUD transplantation.

The management of metastatic radioiodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer requires an integrated approach including both directed and systemic therapies.

PubMed

Cooray, Shamil D; Topliss, Duncan J

2017-01-01

A 58-year-old man with metastatic radioiodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) presented with left thigh and right flank numbness. He had known progressive and widespread bony metastases, for which he received palliative radiotherapy, and multiple bilateral asymptomatic pulmonary metastases. CT scan and MRI of the spine revealed metastases at right T10-L1 vertebrae with extension into the central canal and epidural disease at T10 and T11 causing cord displacement and canal stenosis but retention of spinal cord signal. Spinal surgery was followed by palliative radiotherapy resulting in symptom resolution. Two months later, sorafenib received approval for use in Australia and was commenced and up-titrated with symptomatic management of mild adverse effects. Follow-up CT scan three months after commencement of sorafenib revealed regression of pulmonary metastases but no evident change in most bone metastases except for an advancing lesion eroding into the right acetabulum. The patient underwent a right total hip replacement, intra-lesional curettage and cementing. After six months of sorafenib therapy, CT scanning showed enlarging liver lesions with marked elevation of serum thyroglobulin. Lenvatinib was commenced and sorafenib was ceased. He now has stable disease with a falling thyroglobulin more than 5 years after metastatic radioiodine-refractory DTC was diagnosed. In DTC, 5% of distant metastases become radioiodine-refractory, resulting in a median overall survival of 2.5-3.5 years. Tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy has recently been demonstrated to increase progression-free survival in these patients but poses some unique management issues and is best used as part of an integrated approach with directed therapy. Directed therapies may have greater potential to control localised disease and related symptoms when compared to systemic therapies.Consider TKI therapy in progressive disease where benefits outweigh risks.Active surveillance and timely intervention are required for TKI-related adverse effects.There is a need for further research on the clinical application of TKI therapy in advanced DTC, including comparative efficacy, sequencing and identifying responders.

NASA Multidisciplinary Design and Analysis Fellowship Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1995-01-01

This report is a Year 1 interim report of the progress on the NASA multidisciplinary Design and Analysis Fellowship Program covering the period, January 1, 1995 through September 30, 1995. It summarizes progress in establishing the MDA Fellowship Program at Georgia Tech during the initial year. Progress in the advertisement of the program, recruiting results for the 1995-96 academic year, placement of the Fellows in industry during Summer 1995, program development at the M.S. and Ph.D. levels, and collaboration and dissemination of results are summarized in this report. Further details of the first year's progress will be included in the report from the Year 1 Workshop to be held at NASA Langley on December 7-8, 1995.

U.S. national report to the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gorney, D. J.

1987-01-01

This paper highlights progress by U.S. authors during 1983-1986 in the broad area of auroral research. Atmospheric emissions and their use as a tool for remote-sensing the dynamics, energetics, and effects of auroral activity is a subject which is emphasized here because of the vast progress made in this area on both observational and theoretical fronts. The evolution of primary auroral electrons, the acceleration of auroral ions, small-scale electric fields, auroral kilometric radiation, auroral empirical models and activity indices are also reviewed. An extensive bibliography is supplied.

Progress in MMIC technology for satellite communications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Haugland, Edward J.; Leonard, Regis F.

1987-01-01

NASA's Lewis Research Center is actively involved in the development of monolithic microwave and millimeter-wave integrated circuits (MMICs). The approach of the program is to support basic research under grant or in-house, while MMIC development is done under contract, thereby facilitating the transfer of technology to users. Preliminary thrusts of the program have been the extension of technology to higher frequencies (60 GHz), degrees of complexity, and performance (power, efficiency, noise figure) by utilizing novel circuit designs, processes, and materials. A review of the progress made so far is presented.

Image Discrimination Models for Object Detection in Natural Backgrounds

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ahumada, A. J., Jr.

2000-01-01

This paper reviews work accomplished and in progress at NASA Ames relating to visual target detection. The focus is on image discrimination models, starting with Watson's pioneering development of a simple spatial model and progressing through this model's descendents and extensions. The application of image discrimination models to target detection will be described and results reviewed for Rohaly's vehicle target data and the Search 2 data. The paper concludes with a description of work we have done to model the process by which observers learn target templates and methods for elucidating those templates.

Indoor chemistry: research opportunities and challenges.

PubMed

Nazaroff, W W; Goldstein, A H

2015-08-01

In this editorial, we have highlighted key research opportunities and challenges in four topical themes for indoor chemistry: human occupants as agents influencing indoor chemistry; oxidative chemistry; surface phenomena; and semivolatile organic compounds. In each case, enough prior work has been done to demonstrate the importance of the theme and to create a foundation for future studies. Extensive achievements and ongoing progress in (outdoor) atmospheric chemistry—both in the analytical methods developed and in the scientific knowledge created—also contribute to a strong foundation from which to achieve rapid research progress in this exciting new domain.

US national report to the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gorney, D.J.

1987-04-01

This paper highlights progress by U.S. authors during 1983-1986 in the broad area of auroral research. Atmospheric emissions and their use as a tool for remote-sensing the dynamics, energetics, and effects of auroral activity is a subject which is emphasized here because of the vast progress made in this area on both observational and theoretical fronts. The evolution of primary auroral electrons, the acceleration of auroral ions, small-scale electric fields, auroral kilometric radiation, auroral empirical models and activity indices are also reviewed. An extensive bibliography is supplied.

Electrician (AFSC 54250).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Air Univ., Gunter AFS, Ala. Extension Course Inst.

This three-volume student text is designed for use by Air Force personnel enrolled in a self-study extension course for electricians. Covered in the individual volumes are general subjects (career progression, resource management, supervision and training, and safety and first aid); basic electricity and installation of electrical systems (basic…

The Model Optimization, Uncertainty, and SEnsitivity analysis (MOUSE) toolbox: overview and application

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

For several decades, optimization and sensitivity/uncertainty analysis of environmental models has been the subject of extensive research. Although much progress has been made and sophisticated methods developed, the growing complexity of environmental models to represent real-world systems makes it...

Accessing Electronic Theses: Progress?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tennant, Roy

2000-01-01

Describes various ways by which universities provide access to their electronic theses and dissertations (ETDs), discussing UMI (University Microfilms International), XML (eXtensible Markup Language), and other formats. Discusses key leaders--national and international--in the ETD effort. Outlines the two main methods for locating ETDs. Presents a…

75 FR 77904 - Office of Community Oriented Policing Services; Agency Information Collection Activities...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-12-14

... DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE [OMB Number 1103-0102] Office of Community Oriented Policing Services; Agency Information Collection Activities: Extension of a Previously Approved Collection; Comments Requested ACTION: 60-Day Notice of Information Collection Under Review: COPS Non Hiring Progress Report. The...

Kindler syndrome: extension of FERMT1 mutational spectrum and natural history.

PubMed

Has, Cristina; Castiglia, Daniele; del Rio, Marcela; Diez, Marta Garcia; Piccinni, Eugenia; Kiritsi, Dimitra; Kohlhase, Jürgen; Itin, Peter; Martin, Ludovic; Fischer, Judith; Zambruno, Giovanna; Bruckner-Tuderman, Leena

2011-11-01

Mutations in the FERMT1 gene (also known as KIND1), encoding the focal adhesion protein kindlin-1, underlie the Kindler syndrome (KS), an autosomal recessive skin disorder with an intriguing progressive phenotype comprising skin blistering, photosensitivity, progressive poikiloderma with extensive skin atrophy, and propensity to skin cancer. Herein we review the clinical and genetic data of 62 patients, and delineate the natural history of the disorder, for example, age at onset of symptoms, or risk of malignancy. Although most mutations are predicted to lead to premature termination of translation, and to loss of kindlin-1 function, significant clinical variability is observed among patients. There is an association of FERMT1 missense and in-frame deletion mutations with milder disease phenotypes, and later onset of complications. Nevertheless, the clinical variability is not fully explained by genotype-phenotype correlations. Environmental factors and yet unidentified modifiers may play a role. Better understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of KS should enable the development of prevention strategies for disease complications. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.