"Governmentality" in the Origins of European Female PE and Sport: The Spanish Case Study (1883-1936)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Garcia, Raul Sanchez; Herraiz, Antonio Rivero

2013-01-01

The purpose of the paper is twofold: (1) to contribute to the analysis of the origins of modern European female PE and sports from a power perspective, inspired by Foucault's work; and (2) to present a detailed analysis of female PE and sport in Spain (1883-1936) as a specific European case study. It is argued that these physical activities could…

Case Study: What Makes a Good Case, Revisited: The Survey Monkey Tells All

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Herried, Clyde Freeman; Prud'homme-Genereux, Annie; Schiller, Nancy A.; Herreid, Ky F.; Wright, Carolyn

2016-01-01

This column provides original articles on innovations in case study teaching, assessment of the method, as well as case studies with teaching notes. In this month's issue the authors provide a more definitive answer to the "What Makes a Good Case?" question based on a just-completed Survey Monkey survey given to NCCSTS teachers.

Bewitching Ideas Influence Learning: An Evaluation of an Interdisciplinary Teaching Experience

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nava-Whitehead, Susan M.; Augusto, Kerri W.; Gow, Joan-Beth

2011-01-01

This column provides original articles on innovations in case study teaching, assessment of the method, as well as case studies with teaching notes. In this month's issue the authors describe an interdisciplinary approach to case study teaching that addresses the demand to balance the goals of process and content. The case study, Salem's Secrets…

Case Study: Student-Produced Videos for the Flipped Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Prud'homme-Genereux, Annie

2016-01-01

This column provides original articles on innovations in case study teaching, assessment of the method, as well as case studies with teaching notes. This month's issue describes a way of building a library of student-produced videos to use in the flipped classroom.

Emergency department injury surveillance and aetiological research: bridging the gap with the two-stage case-control study design.

PubMed

Hagel, Brent E

2011-04-01

To provide an overview of the two-stage case-control study design and its potential application to ED injury surveillance data and to apply this approach to published ED data on the relation between brain injury and bicycle helmet use. Relevant background is presented on injury aetiology and case-control methodology with extension to the two-stage case-control design in the context of ED injury surveillance. The design is then applied to data from a published case-control study of the relation between brain injury and bicycle helmet use with motor vehicle involvement considered as a potential confounder. Taking into account the additional sampling at the second stage, the adjusted and corrected odds ratio and 95% confidence interval for the brain injury-helmet use relation is presented and compared with the estimate from the entire original dataset. Contexts where the two-stage case-control study design might be most appropriately applied to ED injury surveillance data are suggested. The adjusted odds ratio for the relation between brain injury and bicycle helmet use based on all data (n = 2833) from the original study was 0.34 (95% CI 0.25 to 0.46) compared with an estimate from a two-stage case-control design of 0.35 (95% CI 0.25 to 0.48) using only a fraction of the original subjects (n = 480). Application of the two-stage case-control study design to ED injury surveillance data has the potential to dramatically reduce study time and resource costs with acceptable losses in statistical efficiency.

The First Baptist University in Europe: An Explanation and Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Glanzer, Perry L.; Cimpean, Claudiu

2009-01-01

Despite the fact that Baptists originated in 17th-century Europe, until recently Baptists had never established a liberal arts college or university in Europe. This essay explains what events took place to change this situation in Romania, the country where the first European Baptist university recently originated. It then undertakes a case study…

Coronary imaging of anomalous origins and aneurysms of the left coronary artery by multislice computed tomography.

PubMed

Castorina, Sergio; Luca, Tonia; Privitera, Giovanna; Riccioli, Vincenzo

2010-01-01

In this paper, we describe two cases of anomalous origin of the left coronary artery and two cases of aneurysm on the left coronary artery. Detailed three-dimensional images were acquired by the multislice computed tomography (MSCT) SOMATOM Sensation Cardiac 64 during clinical studies of cardiac diseases. Copyright 2010. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Analysis of the parental origin of de novo MECP2 mutations and X chromosome inactivation in 24 sporadic patients with Rett syndrome in China.

PubMed

Zhu, Xingwang; Li, Meirong; Pan, Hong; Bao, Xinhua; Zhang, Jingjing; Wu, Xiru

2010-07-01

Rett syndrome is an X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder that predominantly affects females. It is caused by mutations in methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 gene. Due to the sex-limited expression, it has been suggested that de novo X-linked mutations may exclusively occur in male germ cells and thus only females are affected. In this study, the authors have analyzed the parental origin of mutations and the X-chromosome inactivation status in 24 sporadic patients with identified methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 gene mutations. The results showed that 22 of 24 patients have a paternal origin. Only 2 patients have a maternal origin. Except for 2 cases which were homozygotic at the androgen receptor gene locus, of the remaining 22 cases, 16 cases have a random X-chromosome inactivation pattern; the other 6 cases have a skewed X-chromosome inactivation and they favor expression of the wild allele. The relationship between X-chromosome inactivation and phenotype may need more cases to explore.

Comparison of the Delay in Processing Time and Protective Plastic Cases in Two Phosphor Plate Systems

PubMed Central

Aktan, Ali Murat; Çiftçi, Mehmet Ertuğrul; Akgünlü, Faruk

2012-01-01

Objective. The purpose of this study was to analyze two phosphor plate systems (PSPs) (Dürr Dental, Digora Optime) according to their scanning delay and protective plastic case performances. Methods. Two PSPs using an aluminum step wedge were exposed. These plates were placed in three different protective plastic cases (manufacturers' original cases, black case, and white case) before obtaining the radiographs and were then processed immediately and 1, 5, 10, 30, 60, 120, 240, and 480 min after exposure. Mean gray values (MGVs) of the 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 9th steps of the wedges were compared using ANOVA. Results. Statistically significant differences were found between the two PSPs (P < 0.001). ANOVA revealed that the MGVs of four steps of the wedges were significantly different from each other for all scan delays (P < 0.001). MGVs increased with increasing scanning delay, except the group with Dürr plates in their original cases. Reduction in image quality began 5 min after exposure in the other Dürr plate groups. Conclusions. Within the limitations of the current study, it can be concluded that scanning delay causes a reduction in image quality, and using the manufacturer's original protective case will result in better performance of PSPs. PMID:23213301

Comparison of the delay in processing time and protective plastic cases in two phosphor plate systems.

PubMed

Aktan, Ali Murat; Ciftçi, Mehmet Ertuğrul; Akgünlü, Faruk

2012-01-01

The purpose of this study was to analyze two phosphor plate systems (PSPs) (Dürr Dental, Digora Optime) according to their scanning delay and protective plastic case performances. Two PSPs using an aluminum step wedge were exposed. These plates were placed in three different protective plastic cases (manufacturers' original cases, black case, and white case) before obtaining the radiographs and were then processed immediately and 1, 5, 10, 30, 60, 120, 240, and 480 min after exposure. Mean gray values (MGVs) of the 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 9th steps of the wedges were compared using ANOVA. Statistically significant differences were found between the two PSPs (P < 0.001). ANOVA revealed that the MGVs of four steps of the wedges were significantly different from each other for all scan delays (P < 0.001). MGVs increased with increasing scanning delay, except the group with Dürr plates in their original cases. Reduction in image quality began 5 min after exposure in the other Dürr plate groups. Within the limitations of the current study, it can be concluded that scanning delay causes a reduction in image quality, and using the manufacturer's original protective case will result in better performance of PSPs.

Case Study: Crazy about Cryptids--An Ecological Hunt for Nessie and Other Legendary Creatures

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rowe, Matthew P.

2015-01-01

This column provides original articles on innovations in case study teaching, assessment of the method, as well as case studies with teaching notes. This hybrid case has three overarching and interrelated goals. First, it can be used to familiarize students with a range of ecological concepts and terms. Second, it is intended to engage students in…

Training over the Intranet--A Shockwave Case Study.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Snydar, Sean

This case study explains how the Boeing Company has used the World Wide Web to deliver flight and maintenance computer-based training (CBT) that was originally created on a Macintosh computer and converted to Windows format. The case study begins with a brief discussion of the advantages of using corporate and institutional internal networks…

Hot under the Collar: Weighing the Dangers of a Weight-Loss Drug

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

DeSimone, Susan M.; Genereux, Annie Prud'homme

2011-01-01

This column provides original articles on innovations in case study teaching, assessment of the method, as well as case studies with teaching notes. In this month's issue the goal of the case study is for students to expand their understanding of membrane permeability and the proton motive force in mitochondria through the study of…

Allergies and risk of head and neck cancer: an original study plus meta-analysis.

PubMed

Hsiao, Jenn-Ren; Ou, Chun-Yen; Lo, Hung-I; Huang, Cheng-Chih; Lee, Wei-Ting; Huang, Jehn-Shyun; Chen, Ken-Chung; Wong, Tung-Yiu; Tsai, Sen-Tien; Yen, Chia-Jui; Wu, Yuan-Hua; Hsueh, Wei-Ting; Yang, Ming-Wei; Wu, Shang-Yin; Chang, Jang-Yang; Chang, Kwang-Yu; Lin, Chen-Lin; Wang, Fang-Ting; Wang, Yi-Hui; Weng, Ya-Ling; Yang, Han-Chien; Chang, Jeffrey S

2013-01-01

Although the relationship between allergy and cancer has been investigated extensively, the role of allergy in head and neck cancer (HNC) appears less consistent. It is not clear whether allergies can independently influence the risk of HNC in the presence of known strong environmental risk factors, including consumption of alcohol, betel quid, and cigarette. THE CURRENT PAPER REPORTS RESULTS FROM: 1) an original hospital-based case-control study, which included 252 incident cases of HNC and 236 controls frequency-matched to cases on sex and age; and 2) a meta-analysis combining the results of the current case-control study and 13 previously published studies (9 cohort studies with 727,569 subjects and 550 HNC outcomes and 5 case-control studies with 4,017 HNC cases and 10,928 controls). In the original case-control study, we observed a strong inverse association between allergies and HNC [odds ratio = 0.41, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.27-0.62]. The meta-analysis also indicated a statistically significant inverse association between HNC and allergies [meta-relative risk (RR) = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.63-0.91], particularly strong for allergic rhinitis (meta-RR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.40-0.76). In addition, the inverse association between allergies and HNC was observed only among men (meta-RR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.54-0.84) but not among women (meta-RR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.81-1.18). These findings suggest that immunity plays an influential role in the risk of HNC. Future studies investigating immune biomarkers, including cytokine profiles and genetic polymorphisms, are warranted to further delineate the relationship between allergies and HNC. Understanding the relationship between allergies and HNC may help devise effective strategies to reduce and treat HNC.

The effect of gender, age and product type on the origin induced food product experience among young consumers in Finland.

PubMed

Kumpulainen, Tommi; Vainio, Annukka; Sandell, Mari; Hopia, Anu

2018-04-01

Locally produced and sourced food products are gaining popularity among consumers. The effect of the expectations induced by the origin of the food was studied with 1491 consumers in two separate studies among different age groups. In order to test the consumer response to the product origin neutral, domestic, and local conditions were used. Consumers evaluated the product's pleasantness, their probability to choose it, the overall quality, and their willingness to pay. To gather information on whether the phenomenon was consistent, independent from the product category, three different types of products were tested (meat, bread, and vegetables). Our results show that a closer origin does not necessarily produce a positive response, but that there are several moderating factors such as gender, age, and product type. Female university students responded equally to domestic and local origins in the case of bread, but for meat products, only those of local origin induced a positive reaction. In this study population, the male respondents only reacted to a local origin in the case of bread, while domestic meat products provided similar results to local origins. Among young men consumers in the 7th-9th grades responded to the local origin of vegetables positively, while others among the youngest consumers, the origin did not induce a significant effect. The results indicate that even when the product is not appealing itself, locality can still increase the perceived quality. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The value of transthoracic echocardiography in the diagnosis of anomalous origin of the right pulmonary artery from the ascending aorta: A single center experience from China.

PubMed

Wang, Jing; Song, Yue; Cheng, Tsung O; Xie, Mingxing; Wang, Xinfang; Yuan, Li; Yang, Yali; Wang, Lei

2015-04-01

Anomalous origin of pulmonary artery (AOPA) from the ascending aorta is a rare but serious congenital cardiac malformation, which frequently involves the right pulmonary artery (RPA). We retrospectively analyzed the echocardiographic characteristics of 9 cases with anomalous origin of the right pulmonary artery from the ascending aorta (AORPA) studied from 2007 to 2014 in our institution. The results were compared with the findings at surgery. The corrective surgery was performed in all 9 cases with AORPA. The diagnosis by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) of 8 cases with AORPA was confirmed at surgery. The coincidence rate for TTE and surgical findings was 88.9%. One case was misdiagnosed as anomalous origin of the left pulmonary artery from the ascending aorta. The anomalous RPA in all cases had a proximal origin from the posterior or lateral part of the ascending aorta in our series. The mean distance from the aortic valve to the site of origin of pulmonary artery was 16.1 ± 6.6 mm (range: 7.0 mm-24.0 mm). The mean diameter of the anomalous pulmonary artery was 9.6 ± 4.5 mm (range: 4.5 mm-17.0 mm). In 4 of 9 (44.5%) cases there were associated aortopulmonary septal defect, intact ventricular septum, patent ductus arteriosus and interruption of aortic arch (Type A), also known as the Berry's syndrome. Other associated cardiovascular abnormalities included patent ductus arteriosus, ventricular septal defect and atrial septal defect. Severe pulmonary arterial hypertension was noted in all cases. TTE plays an important role in the non-invasive and accurate diagnosis of AORPA. TTE can clearly display its site of origin and course, as well as other associated malformations and hemodynamic changes. TTE also plays an important role in the preoperative diagnosis of AORPA. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Analysis of the origin and importance of acetone and isopropanol levels in the blood of the deceased for medico-legal testimony.

PubMed

Borowska-Solonynko, A; Siwińska-Ziółkowska, A; Piotrkowicz, M; Wysmołek, M; Demkow, M

2014-01-01

The aim of the study was to analyze the incidence of acetone and isopropanol in the blood of the deceased, and to assess cases in which the compounds have been detected with a focus on their origin and usefulness for medico-legal testimony. The study material consisted of results of tests detecting ethyl alcohol and reports of autopsies performed at the Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, from January 2008 to April 2009 - a total of 2,475 cases. The test group proper (group B) comprised only those cases in which acetone was detected in blood, either with or without isopropanol [n = 202 (8.2%)]. The blood levels of isopropanol varied depending on the cause of death. The need for differentiating the origin of isopropanol in the case of its presence in the blood of the deceased was pointed out. The results of the present study show that the differentiation should be based on the isopropanol and acetone concentration ratio, as isopropanol concentration alone is not sufficient for preparing expert opinions. Even high concentrations of isopropanol, when accompanied by even higher concentrations of acetone, imply that isopropanol could have been formed as a result of acetone transformations. Isopropanol concentrations exceeding acetone levels strongly point to the exogenous origin of isopropanol, particularly when high levels of ethanol are concurrently detected.

Anatomical variations of the arterial pattern in the right hemiliver.

PubMed

Mlakar, Bostjan; Gadzijev, Eldar M; Ravnik, Dean; Hribernik, Marija

2002-12-01

The arterial supply to the right hemiliver was studied in 80 liver casts. The arteries were divided into 10 groups according to their origin and branching pattern. The right hemiliver was supplied by one artery in 96% of cases and by two arteries in 4%. When there was only one artery it originated from the proper hepatic artery in 73/77 cases and from the superior mesenteric artery in 4/77 cases. The replacing right hepatic artery which originated from the superior mesenteric vessel supplied the whole right hemiliver in 5% of cases. The incomplete replacing right hepatic artery which supplied only a part of the right hemiliver was found in 4% of cases. The anterior section (segments 5 and 8) was supplied by one artery in 61%, by two arteries in 30% and by three arteries in 9% of cases. The posterior section (segments 6 and 7) was supplied by one artery in 66%, by two arteries in 31% and by three arteries in 3% of cases. Segments 5 and 7 were predominantly supplied by one artery, whereas segments 6 and 8 by two arteries.

Study of the Effects of Total Modulation Transfer Function Changes on Observer Performance Using Clinical Mammograms.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bencomo, Jose Antonio Fagundez

The main goal of this study was to relate physical changes in image quality measured by Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) to diagnostic accuracy. One Hundred and Fifty Kodak Min-R screen/film combination conventional craniocaudal mammograms obtained with the Pfizer Microfocus Mammographic system were selected from the files of the Department of Radiology, at M.D. Anderson Hospital and Tumor Institute. The mammograms included 88 cases with a variety of benign diagnosis and 62 cases with a variety of malignant biopsy diagnosis. The average age of the patient population was 55 years old. 70 cases presented calcifications with 30 cases having calcifications smaller than 0.5mm. 46 cases presented irregular bordered masses larger than 1 cm. 30 cases presented smooth bordered masses with 20 larger than 1 cm. Four separated copies of the original images were made each having a different change in the MTF using a defocusing technique whereby copies of the original were obtained by light exposure through different thicknesses (spacing) of transparent film base. The mammograms were randomized, and evaluated by three experienced mammographers for the degree of visibility of various anatomical breast structures and pathological lesions (masses and calicifications), subjective image quality, and mammographic interpretation. 3,000 separate evaluations were anayzed by several statistical techniques including Receiver Operating Characteristic curve analysis, McNemar test for differences between proportions and the Landis et al. method of agreement weighted kappa for ordinal categorical data. Results from the statistical analysis show: (1) There were no statistical significant differences in the diagnostic accuracy of the observers when diagnosing from mammograms with the same MTF. (2) There were no statistically significant differences in diagnostic accuracy for each observer when diagnosing from mammograms with the different MTF's used in the study. (3) There statistical significant differences in detail visibility between the copies and the originals. Detail visibility was better in the originals. (4) Feature interpretations were not significantly different between the originals and the copies. (5) Perception of image quality did not affect image interpretation. Continuation and improvement of this research ca be accomplished by: using a case population more sensitive to MTF changes, i.e., asymptomatic women with minimum breast cancer, more observers (including less experienced radiologists and experienced technologists) must collaborate in the study, and using a minimum of 200 benign and 200 malignant cases.

Recruitment Strategies and Costs Associated with Community-Based Research in a Mexican-Origin Population

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mendez-Luck, Carolyn A.; Trejo, Laura; Miranda, Jeanne; Jimenez, Elizabeth; Quiter, Elaine S.; Mangione, Carol M.

2011-01-01

Purpose: We describe the recruitment strategies and personnel and materials costs associated with two community-based research studies in a Mexican-origin population. We also highlight the role that academic-community partnerships played in the outreach and recruitment process for our studies. We reviewed study documents using case study…

Multidisciplinary Approaches to Educational Research: Case Studies from Europe and the Developing World. Routledge Research in Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rizvi, Sadaf, Ed.

2011-01-01

This book provides an original perspective on a range of controversial issues in educational and social research through case studies of multi-disciplinary and mixed-method research involving children, teachers, schools and communities in Europe and the developing world. These case studies from researchers "across continents" and…

Drug substitution associated with a hospital stay in Belgium: a retrospective analysis of a claims database.

PubMed

Simoens, Steven; Dubois, Cécile; Spinewine, Anne; Foulon, Veerle; Paulus, Dominique

2014-04-01

This study measures the extent of drug substitution associated with a hospital stay in Belgium. Data were extracted from the 2006-2007 dataset of the Belgian Agency of Health Insurance Funds on drug use of patients hospitalized in acute hospitals. Reimbursed drugs received in ambulatory care during the 3 months prior to hospitalization were compared with drugs received during the 3 months following hospital discharge. Both a narrow definition and a broad definition were used for drug substitution. Narrow substitution (switches between generic and originator drugs) was computed for 14 drug classes for chronic conditions with the highest public expenditure. Broad substitution (changes between chemical substances within the drug class at ATC level 4, changes in brand name) was calculated for statins and proton-pump inhibitors only. The database included 17 764 patients (mean age 66 ± 17 years; 60% female). In 71% of cases an originator drug was received prior to and following hospitalization. A generic drug was received prior to and following hospitalization in 25% of cases. Some form of narrow substitution occurred in 4% of cases: a generic drug was replaced by an originator drug in 2% of cases and an originator drug was replaced by a generic drug in 2% of cases. Some form of broad substitution occurred in 25% of cases for proton-pump inhibitors and 13% of cases for statins. Hospitalization was not a trigger for changes between originator and generic versions of a drug. Broad substitution associated with a hospital stay was relatively limited for statins and proton-pump inhibitors. © 2013 Royal Pharmaceutical Society.

Two similar cases of elderly women with moderate abdominal pain and pneumoperitoneum of unknown origin: a surgeon's successful conservative management.

PubMed

Vinzens, Fabrizio; Zumstein, Valentin; Bieg, Christian; Ackermann, Christoph

2016-05-26

Patients presenting with abdominal pain and pneumoperitoneum in radiological examination usually require emergency explorative laparoscopy or laparotomy. Pneumoperitoneum mostly associates with gastrointestinal perforation. There are very few cases where surgery can be avoided. We present 2 cases of pneumoperitoneum with unknown origin and successful conservative treatment. Both patients were elderly women presenting to our emergency unit, with moderate abdominal pain. There was neither medical intervention nor trauma in their medical history. Physical examination revealed mild abdominal tenderness, but no clinical sign of peritonitis. Cardiopulmonary examination remained unremarkable. Blood studies showed only slight abnormalities, in particular, inflammation parameters were not significantly increased. Finally, obtained CTs showed free abdominal gas of unknown origin in both cases. We performed conservative management with nil per os, nasogastric tube, total parenteral nutrition and prophylactic antibiotics. After 2 weeks, both were discharged home. 2016 BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.

Evaluation of an expanded case definition for vaccine-modified measles in a school outbreak in South Korea in 2010.

PubMed

Choe, Young June; Hu, Jae Kyung; Song, Kyung Min; Cho, Heeyeon; Yoon, Hee Sook; Kim, Seung Tae; Lee, Han Jung; Kim, Kisoon; Bae, Geun-Ryang; Lee, Jong-Koo

2012-01-01

In this study, we have described the clinical characteristics of vaccine-modified measles to assess the performance of an expanded case definition in a school outbreak that occurred in 2010. The sensitivity, specificity, and the positive and negative predictive values were evaluated. Among 74 cases of vaccine-modified measles, 47 (64%) met the original case definition. Fever and rash were observed in 73% (54/74); fever was the most common (96%, 71/74) presenting symptom, and rash was noted in 77% (57/74) of the cases. The original case definition showed an overall sensitivity of 63.5% and a specificity of 100.0%. The expanded case definition combining fever and rash showed a higher sensitivity (72.9%) but a lower specificity (88.2%) than the original. The presence of fever and one or more of cough, coryza, or conjunctivitis scored the highest sensitivity among the combinations of signs and symptoms (77.0%), but scored the lowest specificity (52.9%). The expanded case definition was sensitive in identifying suspected cases of vaccine-modified measles. We suggest using this expanded definition for outbreak investigation in a closed community, and consider further discussions on expanding the case definition of measles for routine surveillance in South Korea.

Using a Case Study Article on Earwax to Enhance Understanding and Interest in Genetics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Van Hoewyk, Doug

2012-01-01

For four consecutive semesters, students in an Introductory Biology class at Coastal Carolina University were assigned to read a case study article that explores the link between a single gene and earwax type. The case study article, broadly defined as a story with an educational message (Herreid, 2007), was originally published by the "New…

The academic value of rehabilitation medicine meetings.

PubMed

Sivan, Manoj; Smith, Matthew; Bavikatte, Ganesh; Bradley, Lloyd

2010-01-01

Twice-yearly meetings of The British Society of Rehabilitation Medicine (BSRM) take place at which posters and free papers are generated, as abstracts, to present novel research findings, audits and case reports. The aim of this study was to evaluate the academic value of these meetings, by determining the subsequent rate of publication in peer-reviewed journals of abstracts presented. This was compared to the publication rate of other European medical specialist society meetings. The authors used MEDLINE, PubMed and Google Scholar search engines to look for publication of abstracts presented at BSRM meetings within peer-reviewed journals over a 7-year period (2000-2006). The abstracts were categorised into sub-groups (original study, audit, review, case report and service description) to determine which type was more likely to be published. The above databases were used also to extract studies on publication rate of other medical specialties in Europe. In 7 years, a total of 251 abstracts (of which 152 are original studies) have been presented as free papers or posters in a total of 13 meetings. The publication rate for the described study categories were: total 34%, original study 52%, review 50%, case report 5%, audit 0% and service description 0%. Publication rates from other specialist meetings in Europe range from 10% to 70%. The average publication rate for an abstract submitted to a BSRM meeting is 34% for any abstract and 52% for an original study suggesting that the meeting is generating abstracts of comparable academic interest to other specialist societies.

Intellectual Initiatives at a Research University: Origins, Evolutions, and Challenges.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Frost, Susan H.; Jean, Paul M.; Teodorescu, Daniel; Brown, Amy B.

This qualitative case study explored the origins, evolutions, and challenges of 12 cross-disciplinary intellectual initiatives at 1 research university. Researchers conducted open-ended interviews with leaders of the 12 initiatives and used program literature to support the data gathered from the interviews. The study found that key factors such…

Anatomy of Atrioventricular Node Artery and Pattern of Dominancy in Normal Coronary Subject: A Comparison between Individuals with and without Isolated Right Bundle Branch Block

PubMed Central

Kazemisaeid, Ali; Pakbaz, Marziyeh; Yaminisharif, Ahmad; Davoodi, Gholamreza; Lotfi Tokaldany, Masoumeh; Hakki Kazazi, Elham

2012-01-01

Background: Isolated right bundle branch block (RBBB) is a common finding in the general population. The atrioventricular node (AVN) artery contributes to the blood supply of the right bundle branch. Our hypothesis was that the anatomy of the AVN artery and the pattern of dominancy differ between subjects with and without RBBB. Methods: We retrospectively studied the coronary angiography of 92 patients with RBBB and 184 age- and gender-matched controls without RBBB. All the subjects had angiographically proven normal coronary arteries. The dominant circulation and precise origin of the AVN artery were determined in each subject. Obtained data were compared between the two study groups. Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of dominancy (p value = 0.200). Origination of the AVN artery from the right circulatory system was more common in both groups, but this pattern was more prevalent in the cases than in the controls (p value = 0.021). There was a great variation of the AVN artery origin. In the total study population, the AVN artery was more commonly separated from a non crux origin than from the crux area. The prevalence of the non-crux origination of the AVN artery was significantly higher in the cases than in the controls (p value < 0.001). While the origination of the AVN artery from the right circulatory system was more common in both groups, the prevalence of the right origin of the AVN artery was significantly higher in the cases than in the controls. We observed that the AVN artery most commonly originated from the dominant artery but not necessarily from the crux. Conclusion: The anatomy of the AVN artery but not the pattern of dominancy is somewhat different in subjects with RBBB compared with normal individuals. PMID:23323077

Anatomy of Atrioventricular Node Artery and Pattern of Dominancy in Normal Coronary Subject: A Comparison between Individuals with and without Isolated Right Bundle Branch Block.

PubMed

Kazemisaeid, Ali; Pakbaz, Marziyeh; Yaminisharif, Ahmad; Davoodi, Gholamreza; Lotfi Tokaldany, Masoumeh; Hakki Kazazi, Elham

2012-11-01

Isolated right bundle branch block (RBBB) is a common finding in the general population. The atrioventricular node (AVN) artery contributes to the blood supply of the right bundle branch. Our hypothesis was that the anatomy of the AVN artery and the pattern of dominancy differ between subjects with and without RBBB. We retrospectively studied the coronary angiography of 92 patients with RBBB and 184 age- and gender-matched controls without RBBB. All the subjects had angiographically proven normal coronary arteries. The dominant circulation and precise origin of the AVN artery were determined in each subject. Obtained data were compared between the two study groups. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of dominancy (p value = 0.200). Origination of the AVN artery from the right circulatory system was more common in both groups, but this pattern was more prevalent in the cases than in the controls (p value = 0.021). There was a great variation of the AVN artery origin. In the total study population, the AVN artery was more commonly separated from a non crux origin than from the crux area. The prevalence of the non-crux origination of the AVN artery was significantly higher in the cases than in the controls (p value < 0.001). While the origination of the AVN artery from the right circulatory system was more common in both groups, the prevalence of the right origin of the AVN artery was significantly higher in the cases than in the controls. We observed that the AVN artery most commonly originated from the dominant artery but not necessarily from the crux. The anatomy of the AVN artery but not the pattern of dominancy is somewhat different in subjects with RBBB compared with normal individuals.

Is daily shaving of axillary and pubic hair a feature of suicide in the Muslim community?

PubMed

Demirci, Serafettin; Dogan, Kamil Hakan; Erkol, Zerrin; Deniz, Idris

2008-12-01

In the Islamic context, "fitrah" refers to humanity's innate disposition toward virtue and the ability to differentiate between right and wrong. A common quote regarding fitrah, from the Prophet is "The fitrah consists of 5 things: circumcision, trimming the moustache, cutting the nails, plucking the armpit hairs, and shaving the pubic hairs."In this study, our aim was to determine the status of axillary and pubic shaving in medicolegal death cases that took place in the Konya Province of Turkey and to evaluate the relationship with the origin of suicide. Of 2850 medicolegal death cases, 206 (7.2%) were of suicidal origin. It was observed that the average age in the cases of suicidal origin was 36.76 +/- 17.72 years, and 146 of 206 cases (70.9%) were men. As a method of suicide, hanging was the chosen method in 100 cases (48.5%), whereas firearm injuries occurred in 54 cases (26.2%), and intoxication was involved in 37 cases (18.0%). Daily axillary and pubic shaving was observed in 26 of 2644 (1.0%) death cases that occurred with nonsuicidal reasons, but in 65 of 206 were (31.6%) suicidal cases. Because suicidal notes were present in 25 (12.1%) of all of the suicidal cases, the ratio of daily axillary and pubic shaving was significantly higher than that of the suicidal notes.In investigating the cases of suicidal origin for medicolegal purposes, evidence showing that this action was committed by the victim, the presence of a suicide note at the death scene and, a history of a previous suicidal attempt, it was thought that the presence of daily axillary and pubic shaving on external examination of the victim's body, when of Muslim faith, could also be considered a feature of suicide.

Origin of malaria cases: a 7-year audit of global trends in indigenous and imported cases in relation to malaria elimination.

PubMed

Velarde-Rodríguez, Mar; Van den Bergh, Rafael; Fergus, Cristin; Casellas, Aina; Sanz, Sergi; Cibulskis, Richard; Ramsay, Andrew R; Bissell, Karen; Zachariah, Rony

2015-01-01

Countries in the different stages of pre-elimination, elimination, and prevention of reintroduction are required to report the number of indigenous and imported malaria cases to the World Health Organization (WHO). However, these data have not been systematically analysed at the global level. For the period 2007 to 2013, we aimed to report on 1) the proportion of countries providing data on the origin of malaria cases and 2) the origin of malaria cases in countries classified as being in the stages of pre-elimination, elimination and prevention of reintroduction. An observational study using annual data reported through routine health information systems to the WHO Global Malaria Programme between 2007 and 2013. For all countries classified as being in pre-elimination, elimination, and prevention of reintroduction in the year 2013, there has been a substantial decrease in the total number of indigenous malaria cases, from more than 15,000 cases reported in 2007 to less than 4,000 cases reported in 2013. However, the total number of imported malaria cases has increased over that time period, from 5,600 imported cases in 2007 to approximately 6,800 in 2013. Vigilant monitoring of the numbers of imported and indigenous malaria cases at national and global levels as well as appropriate strategies to target these cases will be critical to achieve malaria eradication.

Bovine tuberculosis slaughter surveillance in the United States 2001–2010: assessment of its traceback investigation function

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background The success of tracing cattle to the herd of origin after the detection and confirmation of bovine tuberculosis (TB) lesions in cattle at slaughter is a critical component of the national bovine TB eradication program in the United States (U.S.). The aims of this study were to 1) quantify the number of bovine TB cases identified at slaughter that were successfully traced to their herd of origin in the U.S. during 2001–2010, 2) quantify the number of successful traceback investigations that found additional TB infected animals in the herd of origin or epidemiologically linked herds, and 3) describe the forms of animal identification present on domestic bovine TB cases and their association with traceback success. Results We analyzed 2001–2010 data in which 371 granulomatous lesions were confirmed as bovine TB. From these 114 bovine TB cases, 78 adults (i.e. sexually intact bovines greater than two years of age), and 36 fed (i.e. less than or equal to two years of age) were classified as domestic cattle (U.S. originated). Of these adults and fed cases, 83% and 13% were successfully traced, respectively. Of these traceback investigations, 70% of adult cases and 50% of fed cases identified additional bovine TB infected animals in the herd of origin or an epidemiologically linked herd. We found that the presence of various forms of animal identification on domestic bovine TB cases at slaughter may facilitate successful traceback investigations; however, they do not guarantee it. Conclusions These results provide valuable information with regard to epidemiological traceback investigations and serve as a baseline to aid U.S. officials when assessing the impact of newly implemented strategies as part of the national bovine TB eradication in the U.S. PMID:25123050

Anomalous Origin of the Left Vertebral Artery from the Aortic Arch

PubMed Central

Einstein, Evan H.; Song, Linda H.; Villela, Natalia L. A.; Fasani-Feldberg, Gregory B.; Jacobs, Jonathan L.; Kim, Dolly O.; Nathawat, Akshay; Patel, Devika; Bender, Roger B.; Peters, Daniel F.

2016-01-01

Anatomic anomalies of the aortic arch have implications for clinical practice if their significance is understood. Our case study involves a cadaveric finding of the left vertebral artery originating directly from the aortic arch. Although this anatomical variation has been documented, the prevalence of this anomaly may be generally underestimated. After noting this anomaly, we analyzed 27 cases and found that four female cadavers had the left vertebral artery originating from the aortic arch rather than the left subclavian artery. With a prevalence rate of 14.8%, it would seem that this anomaly is more significant than previously thought, which could have implications for surgical practice. PMID:27757404

Anomalous Origin of the Left Vertebral Artery from the Aortic Arch.

PubMed

Einstein, Evan H; Song, Linda H; Villela, Natalia L A; Fasani-Feldberg, Gregory B; Jacobs, Jonathan L; Kim, Dolly O; Nathawat, Akshay; Patel, Devika; Bender, Roger B; Peters, Daniel F

2016-04-01

Anatomic anomalies of the aortic arch have implications for clinical practice if their significance is understood. Our case study involves a cadaveric finding of the left vertebral artery originating directly from the aortic arch. Although this anatomical variation has been documented, the prevalence of this anomaly may be generally underestimated. After noting this anomaly, we analyzed 27 cases and found that four female cadavers had the left vertebral artery originating from the aortic arch rather than the left subclavian artery. With a prevalence rate of 14.8%, it would seem that this anomaly is more significant than previously thought, which could have implications for surgical practice.

Gene expression profiles help identify the tissue of origin for metastatic brain cancers.

PubMed

Wu, Alan H B; Drees, Julia C; Wang, Hangpin; VandenBerg, Scott R; Lal, Anita; Henner, William D; Pillai, Raji

2010-04-26

Metastatic brain cancers are the most common intracranial tumor and occur in about 15% of all cancer patients. In up to 10% of these patients, the primary tumor tissue remains unknown, even after a time consuming and costly workup. The Pathwork Tissue of Origin Test (Pathwork Diagnostics, Redwood City, CA, USA) is a gene expression test to aid in the diagnosis of metastatic, poorly differentiated and undifferentiated tumors. It measures the expression pattern of 1,550 genes in these tumors and compares it to the expression pattern of a panel of 15 known tumor types. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of the Tissue of Origin Test in the diagnosis of primary sites for metastatic brain cancer patients. Fifteen fresh-frozen metastatic brain tumor specimens of known origins met specimen requirements. These specimens were entered into the study and processed using the Tissue of Origin Test. Results were compared to the known primary site and the agreement between the two results was assessed. Fourteen of the fifteen specimens produced microarray data files that passed all quality metrics. One originated from a tissue type that was off-panel. Among the remaining 13 cases, the Tissue of Origin Test accurately predicted the available diagnosis in 12/13 (92.3%) cases. This study demonstrates the accuracy of the Tissue of Origin Test when applied to predict the tissue of origin of metastatic brain tumors. This test could be a very useful tool for pathologists as they classify metastatic brain cancers.

Gene expression profiles help identify the Tissue of Origin for metastatic brain cancers

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background Metastatic brain cancers are the most common intracranial tumor and occur in about 15% of all cancer patients. In up to 10% of these patients, the primary tumor tissue remains unknown, even after a time consuming and costly workup. The Pathwork® Tissue of Origin Test (Pathwork Diagnostics, Redwood City, CA, USA) is a gene expression test to aid in the diagnosis of metastatic, poorly differentiated and undifferentiated tumors. It measures the expression pattern of 1,550 genes in these tumors and compares it to the expression pattern of a panel of 15 known tumor types. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of the Tissue of Origin Test in the diagnosis of primary sites for metastatic brain cancer patients. Methods Fifteen fresh-frozen metastatic brain tumor specimens of known origins met specimen requirements. These specimens were entered into the study and processed using the Tissue of Origin Test. Results were compared to the known primary site and the agreement between the two results was assessed. Results Fourteen of the fifteen specimens produced microarray data files that passed all quality metrics. One originated from a tissue type that was off-panel. Among the remaining 13 cases, the Tissue of Origin Test accurately predicted the available diagnosis in 12/13 (92.3%) cases. Discussion This study demonstrates the accuracy of the Tissue of Origin Test when applied to predict the tissue of origin of metastatic brain tumors. This test could be a very useful tool for pathologists as they classify metastatic brain cancers. PMID:20420692

DNA evidence for nonhybrid origins of parthenogenesis in natural populations of vertebrates.

PubMed

Sinclair, Elizabeth A; Pramuk, Jennifer B; Bezy, Robert L; Crandall, Keith A; Sites, Jack W

2010-05-01

Naturally occurring unisexual reproduction has been documented in less than 0.1% of all vertebrate species. Among vertebrates, true parthenogenesis is known only in squamate reptiles. In all vertebrate cases that have been carefully studied, the clonal or hemiclonal taxa have originated through hybridization between closely related sexual species. In contrast, parthenogenetic reproduction has arisen in invertebrates by a variety of mechanisms, including likely cases of "spontaneous" (nonhybrid) origin, a situation not currently documented in natural populations of vertebrates. Here, we present molecular data from the Neotropical night lizard genus Lepidophyma that provides evidence of independent nonhybrid origins for diploid unisexual populations of two species from Costa Rica and Panama. Our mitochondrial and nuclear phylogenies are congruent with respect to the unisexual taxa. Based on 14 microsatellite loci, heterozygosity (expected from a hybrid origin) is low in Lepidophyma reticulatum and completely absent in unisexual L. flavimaculatum. The unique value of this system will allow direct comparative studies between parthenogenetic and sexual lineages in vertebrates, with an enormous potential for this species to be a model system for understanding the mechanisms of nonhybrid parthenogenesis.

Excess Maternal Transmission of Markers in TCOF1 Among Cleft Palate Case-Parent Trios From Three Populations

PubMed Central

Sull, Jae Woong; Liang, Kung-Yee; Hetmanski, Jacqueline B.; Fallin, M. Daniele; Ingersoll, Roxanne G.; Park, Ji Wan; Wu-Chou, Yah-Huei; Chen, Philip K.; Chong, Samuel S.; Cheah, Felicia; Yeow, Vincent; Park, Beyoung Yun; Jee, Sun Ha; Jabs, Ethylin W.; Redett, Richard; Scott, Alan F.; Beaty, Terri H.

2009-01-01

Isolated cleft palate is among the most common human birth defects. The TCOF1 gene has been suggested as a candidate gene for cleft palate based on animal models. This study tests for association between markers in TCOF1 and isolated, nonsyndromic cleft palate using a case-parent trio design considering parent-of-origin effects. Case-parent trios from three populations (comprising a total of 81 case-parent trios) were genotyped for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the TCOF1 gene. We used the transmission disequilibrium test and the transmission asymmetry test on individual SNPs. When all trios were combined, the odds ratio for transmission of the minor allele, OR(transmission), was significant for SNP rs15251 (OR = 2.88, P = 0.007), as well as rs2255796 and rs2569062 (OR = 2.08, P = 0.03; OR = 2.43, P = 0.041; respectively) when parent of origin was not considered. The transmission asymmetry test also revealed one SNP (rs15251) showing excess maternal transmission significant at the P = 0.005 level (OR = 6.50). Parent-of-origin effects were assessed using the parent-of-origin likelihood ratio test on both SNPs and haplotypes. While the parent-of-origin likelihood ratio test was only marginally significant for this SNP (P = 0.136), analysis of haplotypes of rs2255796 and rs15251 suggested excess maternal transmission. Therefore, these data suggest TCOF1 may influence risk of cleft palate through a parent-of-origin effect. PMID:18688869

Fine mapping of the chromosome 10q11-q21 linkage region in Alzheimer's disease cases and controls.

PubMed

Fallin, Margaret Daniele; Szymanski, Megan; Wang, Ruihua; Gherman, Adrian; Bassett, Susan S; Avramopoulos, Dimitrios

2010-07-01

We have previously reported strong linkage on chromosome 10q in pedigrees transmitting Alzheimer's disease through the mother, overlapping with many significant linkage reports including the largest reported study. Here, we report the most comprehensive fine mapping of this region to date. In a sample of 638 late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) cases and controls including 104 maternal LOAD cases, we genotyped 3,884 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) covering 15.2 Mb. We then used imputations and publicly available data to generate an extended dataset including 4,329 SNPs for 1,209 AD cases and 839 controls in the same region. Further, we screened eight genes in this region for rare alleles in 283 individuals by nucleotide sequencing, and we tested for possible monoallelic expression as it might underlie our maternal parent of origin linkage. We excluded the possibility of multiple rare coding risk variants for these genes and monoallelic expression when we could test for it. One SNP, rs10824310 in the PRKG1 gene, showed study-wide significant association without a parent of origin effect, but the effect size estimate is not of sufficient magnitude to explain the linkage, and no association is observed in an independent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) report. Further, no causative variants were identified though sequencing. Analysis of cases with maternal disease origin pointed to a few regions of interest that included the genes PRKG1 and PCDH15 and an intergenic interval of 200 Kb. It is likely that non-transcribed rare variants or other mechanisms involving these genomic regions underlie the observed linkage and parent of origin effect. Acquiring additional support and clarifying the mechanisms of such involvement is important for AD and other complex disorder genetics research.

Allergies and Risk of Head and Neck Cancer: An Original Study plus Meta-Analysis

PubMed Central

Lo, Hung-I; Huang, Cheng-Chih; Lee, Wei-Ting; Huang, Jehn-Shyun; Chen, Ken-Chung; Wong, Tung-Yiu; Tsai, Sen-Tien; Yen, Chia-Jui; Wu, Yuan-Hua; Hsueh, Wei-Ting; Yang, Ming-Wei; Wu, Shang-Yin; Chang, Jang-Yang; Chang, Kwang-Yu; Lin, Chen-Lin; Wang, Fang-Ting; Wang, Yi-Hui; Weng, Ya-Ling; Yang, Han-Chien; Chang, Jeffrey S.

2013-01-01

Background Although the relationship between allergy and cancer has been investigated extensively, the role of allergy in head and neck cancer (HNC) appears less consistent. It is not clear whether allergies can independently influence the risk of HNC in the presence of known strong environmental risk factors, including consumption of alcohol, betel quid, and cigarette. Methods The current paper reports results from: 1) an original hospital-based case-control study, which included 252 incident cases of HNC and 236 controls frequency-matched to cases on sex and age; and 2) a meta-analysis combining the results of the current case-control study and 13 previously published studies (9 cohort studies with 727,569 subjects and 550 HNC outcomes and 5 case-control studies with 4,017 HNC cases and 10,928 controls). Results In the original case-control study, we observed a strong inverse association between allergies and HNC [odds ratio = 0.41, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.27–0.62]. The meta-analysis also indicated a statistically significant inverse association between HNC and allergies [meta-relative risk (RR) = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.63–0.91], particularly strong for allergic rhinitis (meta-RR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.40–0.76). In addition, the inverse association between allergies and HNC was observed only among men (meta-RR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.54–0.84) but not among women (meta-RR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.81–1.18). Conclusions These findings suggest that immunity plays an influential role in the risk of HNC. Future studies investigating immune biomarkers, including cytokine profiles and genetic polymorphisms, are warranted to further delineate the relationship between allergies and HNC. Understanding the relationship between allergies and HNC may help devise effective strategies to reduce and treat HNC. PMID:23383309

Microbiological and pathological examination of fatal calf pneumonia cases induced by bacterial and viral respiratory pathogens.

PubMed

Szeredi, Levente; Jánosi, Szilárd; Pálfi, Vilmos

2010-09-01

The infectious origin of fatal cases of calf pneumonia was studied in 48 calves from 27 different herds on postmortem examination. Lung tissue samples were examined by pathological, histological, bacterial culture, virus isolation and immunohistochemical methods for the detection of viral and bacterial infections. Pneumonia was diagnosed in 47/48 cases and infectious agents were found in 40/47 (85%) of those cases. The presence of multiple respiratory pathogens in 23/40 (57.5%) cases indicated the complex origin of fatal calf pneumonia. The most important respiratory pathogens were Mannheimia-Pasteurella in 36/40 (90%) cases, followed by Arcanobacterium pyogenes in 16/40 (40%) cases, Mycoplasma bovis in 12/40 (30%) cases, and bovine respiratory syncytial virus in 4/40 (10%) cases. Histophilus somni was detected in 2/40 (5%) cases, while bovine herpesvirus-1, bovine viral diarrhoea virus and parainfluenza virus-3 were each found in 1/40 (2.5%) case. Mastadenovirus, bovine coronavirus, influenza A virus or Chlamydiaceae were not detected.

[Reshaping the left Judkins catheter for a right coronary angiogram in the anomalous aortic origin of the right coronary: killing two birds with one left Judkins].

PubMed

Akgün, Taylan; Tanboğa, Ibrahim Halil; Oduncu, Vecih; Kurt, Mustafa; Cimen, Arif Oğuzhan; Bitigen, Atila

2012-09-01

Selective cannulation of the right coronary artery (RCA) in the anomalous aortic origin of the RCA is technically difficult and challenging. In this study, we tested the success of RCA cannulation with a reshaped left Judkins catheter in cases of difficult selective cannulation. The study population consisted of 837 consecutive patients (456 male, 381 female) that were admitted to our hospital with stable angina pectoris and acute coronary syndrome between October 1 and December 31, 2011. In cases where RCA cannulation was difficult, the 10 centimeter section of the left Judkins proximal to the secondary curve was reshaped by hand to form an inward slope. The secondary curve angle was increased to approximately 100 degrees and the primary curve angle was adjusted to 120 degrees. Then, we attempted to perform selective RCA cannulation. In 49 of the 837 patients, selective RCA cannulation was unsuccessful with the right Judkins catheter. In 42 of these 49 (86%) cases, the RCA was cannulated with the reshaped left Judkins. We failed to cannulate the right coronary in two cases with downward angulation, one with upward angulation, one with high take-off origin, and one with anterior origin. A multipurpose, internal mammary artery, left Amplatz 1, and right Amplatz 1 catheter were used for cannulation in these cases, respectively. There was no angina, nor were there electrocardiographic or hemodynamic changes during the procedure. In cases where the selective cannulation of the RCA is difficult, using a reshaped left Judkins may be a successful and cost-effective method of selective cannulation.

Taking a Case Method Capstone Course Online: A Comparative Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gill, T. Grandon; Mullarkey, Matthew T.

2015-01-01

A capstone course is normally offered at the end of a program of study with the goal of helping students synthesize what they have learned in the courses preceding it. The paper describes such a course--an undergraduate capstone course for MIS majors--that was built around case discussions and projects and originally offered in a face-to-face…

Little Mito: The Story of the Origins of a Cell.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vail, Stephanie; Herreid, Clyde Freeman

2002-01-01

Uses the case study method approach to teach about cell structure, organelle functions, the origin of eukaryotic cells, and evolution. Presents a story in which each structure of the cell is characterized with a personality. Includes teaching notes and classroom management strategies. (YDS)

Anatomical variations of the arterial pattern in the left hemiliver.

PubMed

Mlakar, Bostjan; Gadzijev, Eldar; Ravnik, Dean; Gvardijancic, Diana; Hribernik, Marija

2002-04-01

The arterial supply to the left hemiliver was studied in 70 liver casts. The arteries were divided into 15 groups according to their origin and branching pattern. The left hemiliver was supplied by one artery in 53% of cases, by two arteries in 40% and by three arteries in 7%. The left hepatic artery, which originated from the proper hepatic artery, supplied all three left segments in 39% of specimens. The replacing left hepatic artery, which originated from the left gastric artery, supplied the whole left hemiliver in 3% of cases. The incomplete, replacing left hepatic artery supplied segments 2, 3 and a part of segment 4 in 6% of cases, and only segments 2 and 3 in 11%. There was one segmental artery for segment 2 in 86%, and two in 14%. Segment 3 was supplied by one artery in 87%, and by two in 13%. Segment 4 was supplied by one artery in 39% of cases, by two arteries in 43%, by three in 14% and by four arteries in 4%.

Reliability of routinely collected hospital data for child maltreatment surveillance.

PubMed

McKenzie, Kirsten; Scott, Debbie A; Waller, Garry S; Campbell, Margaret

2011-01-05

Internationally, research on child maltreatment-related injuries has been hampered by a lack of available routinely collected health data to identify cases, examine causes, identify risk factors and explore health outcomes. Routinely collected hospital separation data coded using the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD) system provide an internationally standardised data source for classifying and aggregating diseases, injuries, causes of injuries and related health conditions for statistical purposes. However, there has been limited research to examine the reliability of these data for child maltreatment surveillance purposes. This study examined the reliability of coding of child maltreatment in Queensland, Australia. A retrospective medical record review and recoding methodology was used to assess the reliability of coding of child maltreatment. A stratified sample of hospitals across Queensland was selected for this study, and a stratified random sample of cases was selected from within those hospitals. In 3.6% of cases the coders disagreed on whether any maltreatment code could be assigned (definite or possible) versus no maltreatment being assigned (unintentional injury), giving a sensitivity of 0.982 and specificity of 0.948. The review of these cases where discrepancies existed revealed that all cases had some indications of risk documented in the records. 15.5% of cases originally assigned a definite or possible maltreatment code, were recoded to a more or less definite strata. In terms of the number and type of maltreatment codes assigned, the auditor assigned a greater number of maltreatment types based on the medical documentation than the original coder assigned (22% of the auditor coded cases had more than one maltreatment type assigned compared to only 6% of the original coded data). The maltreatment types which were the most 'under-coded' by the original coder were psychological abuse and neglect. Cases coded with a sexual abuse code showed the highest level of reliability. Given the increasing international attention being given to improving the uniformity of reporting of child-maltreatment related injuries and the emphasis on the better utilisation of routinely collected health data, this study provides an estimate of the reliability of maltreatment-specific ICD-10-AM codes assigned in an inpatient setting.

Reliability of Routinely Collected Hospital Data for Child Maltreatment Surveillance

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Internationally, research on child maltreatment-related injuries has been hampered by a lack of available routinely collected health data to identify cases, examine causes, identify risk factors and explore health outcomes. Routinely collected hospital separation data coded using the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD) system provide an internationally standardised data source for classifying and aggregating diseases, injuries, causes of injuries and related health conditions for statistical purposes. However, there has been limited research to examine the reliability of these data for child maltreatment surveillance purposes. This study examined the reliability of coding of child maltreatment in Queensland, Australia. Methods A retrospective medical record review and recoding methodology was used to assess the reliability of coding of child maltreatment. A stratified sample of hospitals across Queensland was selected for this study, and a stratified random sample of cases was selected from within those hospitals. Results In 3.6% of cases the coders disagreed on whether any maltreatment code could be assigned (definite or possible) versus no maltreatment being assigned (unintentional injury), giving a sensitivity of 0.982 and specificity of 0.948. The review of these cases where discrepancies existed revealed that all cases had some indications of risk documented in the records. 15.5% of cases originally assigned a definite or possible maltreatment code, were recoded to a more or less definite strata. In terms of the number and type of maltreatment codes assigned, the auditor assigned a greater number of maltreatment types based on the medical documentation than the original coder assigned (22% of the auditor coded cases had more than one maltreatment type assigned compared to only 6% of the original coded data). The maltreatment types which were the most 'under-coded' by the original coder were psychological abuse and neglect. Cases coded with a sexual abuse code showed the highest level of reliability. Conclusion Given the increasing international attention being given to improving the uniformity of reporting of child-maltreatment related injuries and the emphasis on the better utilisation of routinely collected health data, this study provides an estimate of the reliability of maltreatment-specific ICD-10-AM codes assigned in an inpatient setting. PMID:21208411

Brain-stem laceration and blunt rupture of thoracic aorta: is the intrapleural bleeding postmortem in origin?: an autopsy study.

PubMed

Zivković, Vladimir; Nikolić, Slobodan; Babić, Dragan; Juković, Fehim

2011-12-01

Some of the fatally injured car occupants could have had both blunt rupture of thoracic aorta with great amount of intrapleural blood, and pontomedullar laceration of brain-stem as well, with both injuries being fatal. The aim of this study was to answer if all intrapleural bleeding in these cases was antemortem, or the bleeding could also be partially postmortem. We observed the group of 66 cases of blunt aortic rupture: 21 case with brain-stem laceration, and 45 cases without it. The average amount of intrapleural bleeding in cases without brain-stem laceration (1993 ± 831 mL) was significantly higher than in those with this injury (1100 ± 708 mL) (t = 4.252, df = 64, P = 0.000). According to our results, in cases of the thoracic aorta rupture with concomitant brain-stem laceration, the amount of intrapleural bleeding less than 1500 mL, should be considered mostly as postmortem in origin, and in such cases, only the brain-stem injury should be considered as cause of death.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Reclassified: A Second Look at the 1980s Utah/UCLA Autism Epidemiologic Study

PubMed Central

Miller, Judith S.; Farley, Megan; Coon, Hilary; Pinborough-Zimmerman, Judith; Jenson, William; Rice, Catherine E.; Fombonne, Eric; Pingree, Carmen B.; Ritvo, Edward; Ritvo, Riva-Ariella; McMahon, William M.

2015-01-01

The purpose of the present study was to re-examine diagnostic data from a state-wide autism prevalence study (n = 489) conducted in the 1980s to investigate the impact of broader diagnostic criteria on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) case status. Sixty-four (59 %) of the 108 originally “Diagnosed Not Autistic” met the current ASD case definition. The average IQ estimate in the newly identified group (IQ = 35.58; SD = 23.01) was significantly lower than in the original group (IQ = 56.19 SD = 21.21; t = 5.75; p < .0001). Today’s diagnostic criteria applied to participants ascertained in the 1980s identified more cases of autism with intellectual disability. The current analysis puts this historic work into context and highlights differences in ascertainment between epidemiological studies performed decades ago and those of today. PMID:22696195

University Positioning and Changing Patterns of Doctoral Study: The Case of the University of Bath

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jamieson, Ian; Naidoo, Rajani

2007-01-01

The study examines the changing nature of doctoral study in higher education in the context of significant global changes in higher education. From its origins with Humboldt, the trajectory of doctoral study is traced through the traditional Ph.D, the extended "American model", to the professional doctorate. A university case study…

Origin of malaria cases: a 7-year audit of global trends in indigenous and imported cases in relation to malaria elimination

PubMed Central

Velarde-Rodríguez, Mar; Van den Bergh, Rafael; Fergus, Cristin; Casellas, Aina; Sanz, Sergi; Cibulskis, Richard; Ramsay, Andrew R.; Bissell, Karen; Zachariah, Rony

2015-01-01

Background Countries in the different stages of pre-elimination, elimination, and prevention of reintroduction are required to report the number of indigenous and imported malaria cases to the World Health Organization (WHO). However, these data have not been systematically analysed at the global level. Objective For the period 2007 to 2013, we aimed to report on 1) the proportion of countries providing data on the origin of malaria cases and 2) the origin of malaria cases in countries classified as being in the stages of pre-elimination, elimination and prevention of reintroduction. Design An observational study using annual data reported through routine health information systems to the WHO Global Malaria Programme between 2007 and 2013. Results For all countries classified as being in pre-elimination, elimination, and prevention of reintroduction in the year 2013, there has been a substantial decrease in the total number of indigenous malaria cases, from more than 15,000 cases reported in 2007 to less than 4,000 cases reported in 2013. However, the total number of imported malaria cases has increased over that time period, from 5,600 imported cases in 2007 to approximately 6,800 in 2013. Conclusions Vigilant monitoring of the numbers of imported and indigenous malaria cases at national and global levels as well as appropriate strategies to target these cases will be critical to achieve malaria eradication. PMID:26449205

Clinical and Laboratory Analysis of Patients with Leishmaniasis: A Retrospective Study from a Tertiary Care Center in New Delhi

PubMed Central

GUPTA, Nitin; KANT, Kamla; MIRDHA, Bijay Ranjan

2017-01-01

Background: Leishmaniasis manifests as visceral (VL), cutaneous (CL) or a dermal sequel of VL, known as Post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL). The aim of the study was to analyze the clinical and laboratory features of cases diagnosed with leishmaniasis. Methods: This hospital-based retrospective study included all cases of VL, PKDL, and CL diagnosed between Jan 2011 to Jan 2016 at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. Clinical and laboratory profile of the diagnosed cases were analyzed in detail. All diagnosed cases were mapped according to the state and the district from which the cases originated. Results: A total of 91 VL cases and 4 PKDL cases were reviewed. Only one case of CL (1 female) and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (1 female) were observed during the study period. Majority of the cases of VL (75/91) originated from Bihar. The most common presenting symptoms in all our patients were fever (97.8%), weight loss (40.6%) and abdominal discomfort (17.6%) while the most common presenting signs were hepatosplenomegaly (45.8%), isolated splenomegaly (23.1%) and skin pigmentation (11%). The most common laboratory abnormality was anaemia followed by thrombocytopenia and leucopenia. Conclusion: VL is globally recognized as a neglected tropical disease. Even after continued effort to bring down its transmission in India, it continues to affect the endemic states with reports from new pockets. PMID:29317889

Mapping replication origins in yeast chromosomes.

PubMed

Brewer, B J; Fangman, W L

1991-07-01

The replicon hypothesis, first proposed in 1963 by Jacob and Brenner, states that DNA replication is controlled at sites called origins. Replication origins have been well studied in prokaryotes. However, the study of eukaryotic chromosomal origins has lagged behind, because until recently there has been no method for reliably determining the identity and location of origins from eukaryotic chromosomes. Here, we review a technique we developed with the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae that allows both the mapping of replication origins and an assessment of their activity. Two-dimensional agarose gel electrophoresis and Southern hybridization with total genomic DNA are used to determine whether a particular restriction fragment acquires the branched structure diagnostic of replication initiation. The technique has been used to localize origins in yeast chromosomes and assess their initiation efficiency. In some cases, origin activation is dependent upon the surrounding context. The technique is also being applied to a variety of eukaryotic organisms.

Local Studies and Larger Issues: The Case of Sara Bagby.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Luckett, Judith

2002-01-01

Explains that students can study local events within a larger context that clarifies larger events or issues. Focuses on the 1861 case of Sara Lucy Bagby (Cleveland, Ohio), an escaped slave, to illuminate aspects of gender, racial relations, politics, and the origins of the U.S. Civil War. (CMK)

Collaborative Design of World Wide Web Pages: A Case Study.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Andrew, Paige G; Musser, Linda R.

1997-01-01

This case study of the collaborative design of an earth science World Wide Web page at Pennsylvania State University highlights the role of librarians. Discusses the original Web site and links, planning, the intended audience, and redesign and recommended changes; and considers the potential contributions of librarians. (LRW)

Process feasibility study in support of silicon material task 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fang, C. S.; Hansen, K. C.; Miller, J. W., Jr.; Yaws, C. L.

1978-01-01

Initial results for gas thermal conductivity of silicon tetrafluoride and trichlorosilane are reported in respective temperature ranges of 25 to 400 C and 50 to 400 C. For chemical engineering analyses, the preliminary process design for the original silane process of Union Carbide was completed for Cases A and B, Regular and Minimum Process Storage. Included are raw material usage, utility requirements, major process equipment lists, and production labor requirements. Because of the large differences in surge tankage between major unit operations the fixed capital investment varied from $19,094,000 to $11,138,000 for Cases A and B, respectively. For the silane process the original flowsheet was revised for a more optimum arrangement of major equipment, raw materials and operating conditions. The initial issue of the revised flowsheet (Case C) for the silane process indicated favorable cost benefits over the original scheme.

Excess maternal transmission of markers in TCOF1 among cleft palate case-parent trios from three populations.

PubMed

Sull, Jae Woong; Liang, Kung-Yee; Hetmanski, Jacqueline B; Fallin, M Daniele; Ingersoll, Roxanne G; Park, Ji Wan; Wu-Chou, Yah-Huei; Chen, Philip K; Chong, Samuel S; Cheah, Felicia; Yeow, Vincent; Park, Beyoung Yun; Jee, Sun Ha; Jabs, Ethylin W; Redett, Richard; Scott, Alan F; Beaty, Terri H

2008-09-15

Isolated cleft palate is among the most common human birth defects. The TCOF1 gene has been suggested as a candidate gene for cleft palate based on animal models. This study tests for association between markers in TCOF1 and isolated, nonsyndromic cleft palate using a case-parent trio design considering parent-of-origin effects. Case-parent trios from three populations (comprising a total of 81 case-parent trios) were genotyped for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the TCOF1 gene. We used the transmission disequilibrium test and the transmission asymmetry test on individual SNPs. When all trios were combined, the odds ratio for transmission of the minor allele, OR(transmission), was significant for SNP rs15251 (OR = 2.88, P = 0.007), as well as rs2255796 and rs2569062 (OR = 2.08, P = 0.03; OR = 2.43, P = 0.041; respectively) when parent of origin was not considered. The transmission asymmetry test also revealed one SNP (rs15251) showing excess maternal transmission significant at the P = 0.005 level (OR = 6.50). Parent-of-origin effects were assessed using the parent-of-origin likelihood ratio test on both SNPs and haplotypes. While the parent-of-origin likelihood ratio test was only marginally significant for this SNP (P = 0.136), analysis of haplotypes of rs2255796 and rs15251 suggested excess maternal transmission. Therefore, these data suggest TCOF1 may influence risk of cleft palate through a parent-of-origin effect. Copyright 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Important considerations in the use of carbon and hydrogen stable isotopes to determine the origin of hydrocarbons in groundwater – A case study from pre-shale gas Tioga County

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

stable carbon and hydrogen isotopic compositional ranges of methanes (δ13C and δ2H (D)) enable us to distinguish between microbial and thermogenic origin of natural gases. To identify stray gas origins, identify possible gas sources, create baseline, carry out site-specific monitoring, and monitor long-term changes

[Necrotizing cervico-facial cellulitis of dental origin in a developing country].

PubMed

Togo, S; Ouattara, M A; Saye, J; Sangaré, I; Touré, M; Maiga, I; Dakouo, D J; Xing, L; Guo, L; Zhou, A J; Koumaré, S; Koita, A K; Sanogo, Z Z; Yéna, S

2017-09-01

Necrotizing cellulitis of dental origin is a serious disease and requires prompt and effective management to avoid adverse outcomes. The purpose of this work is to describe the diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties encountered in this condition. This was a prospective study in the thoracic surgery department of Mali Hospital from January 2011 to February 2015. We collected consecutively 19 cases of complicating cervico-facial cellulitis of dental origin. The anatomical and clinical aspects, therapeutic modalities and difficulties are described. Dental pain and fever were the predominant symptoms followed by cervical edema. Chest CT-scan was the basis for the diagnosis in all cases. Cervicotomy with debridement was the most performed surgical procedure. Pleural drainage was performed in 6 cases. Three patients (15.8%) died. Necrotizing cellulitis of dental origin is a serious disease with high morbidity and mortality. The key radiological examination is the thoracic CT-scan. Early medico-surgical management by emergency care, tailored antibiotic therapy, removal of necrotizing tissues and drainage of collections are required to deliver a good outcome. Copyright © 2016 SPLF. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

The Effect of English Language Learning on Creative Thinking Skills: A Mixed Methods Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sehic, Sandro

2017-01-01

The purpose of this sequential explanatory mixed-methods case study was to investigate the effects of English language learning on creative thinking skills in the domains of fluency, flexibility, originality, and elaboration as measured with the Alternate Uses Test. Unlike the previous research studies that investigated the links between English…

Origins location of the outflow tract ventricular arrhythmias exhibiting qrS pattern or QS pattern with a notch on the descending limb in lead V1.

PubMed

Lin, Cong; Zheng, Cheng; Zhou, De-Pu; Li, Xiao-Wei; Wu, Shu-Jie; Lin, Jia-Feng

2017-05-15

Ventricular outflow tract(VOT) ventricular arrhythmias(VAs) presenting qrS pattern or QS pattern with a notch on the descending limb in lead V1 were consistently thought of arising from the commissure between left and right coronary cusp (L-RCC) by previous studies. However, we found they could originate from other anatomic structures in VOT. This study aimed to investigate the exact origin of this kind VAs. Forty-nine patients of VOT premature ventricular contrations/ventricular tachycardia(PVCs/VT) with lead V1 presenting qrS pattern or QS pattern with a notch on the descending limb undergoing successful radiofrequency catheter ablation(RFCA) in our center were analyzed. 12-lead electrocardiogram(ECG) of these PVCs/VT were summarized. Among these PVCs/VT, 37 cases exhibited qrS morphology in lead V1, 12 cases presented QS pattern with a notch on the descending limb in the same lead. Based on the successful ablation sites, these PVCs/VT were divided into 2 groups: (1)Right ventricular outflow tract(RVOT) group (26 cases), and (2) Left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) group(23 cases, 4 cases originating from the left coronary cusp(LCC), 2 from the right coronary cusp(RCC), 16 from the L-RCC, 1 from the area inferior to LCC(ILCC)). The ECG characteristics of each PVCs/VT were analyzed. Among these PVCs/VT, applying the precordial transitional zone index(TZ index) < 0 to predict LVOT origin was demonstrated with sensitivity of 95.65%, specificity of 96.15%, positive predicting value(PPV) of 95.65% and negative predicting value(NPV) of 96.15%. In LVOT group, further applying the r, R, m,or Rs morphology in lead I to predict L-RCC and RCC origin was demonstrated with sensitivity of 94.44%, specificity of 60.00%, PPV of 89.47% and NPV of 75.00%. Ventricular outflow tract PVCs/VT with lead V1 presenting qrS pattern or QS pattern with a notch on descending limb not only arising from L-RCC, but also RVOT, LCC, RCC and ILCC. Combining TZ index and QRS morphology in lead I to predict origin site of these kind VAs is a convenient, simple and reliable method and facilitates the RFCA procedure.

Dermatoglyphics in kidney diseases: a review.

PubMed

Wijerathne, Buddhika T B; Meier, Robert J; Salgado, Sujatha S; Agampodi, Suneth B

2016-01-01

Kidney diseases are becoming a major cause of global burden with high mortality and morbidity. The origins of most kidney diseases are known, but for some the exact aetiology is not yet understood. Dermatoglyphics is the scientific study of epidermal ridge patterns and it has been used as a non-invasive diagnostic tool to detect or predict different medical conditions that have foetal origin. However, there have been a limited number of studies that have evaluated a dermatoglyphic relationship in different kidney diseases. The aim of this review was to systematically identify, review and appraise available literature that evaluated an association of different dermatoglyphic variables with kidney diseases. This review is reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist. The PubMed(®) (Medline), POPLINE, Cochrane Library and Trip Database and grey literature sources such as OpenGrey, Google Scholar, and Google were searched to earliest date to 17 April 2014. Of the 36 relevant publications, 15 were included in the review. Of these studies, there are five case reports, seven case series and three comparative studies. Possible association of dermatoglyphics with Wilms tumor (WT) had been evaluated in two comparative studies and one case series that found fewer whorls and a lower mean total ridge count (TRC). Another study evaluated adult polycystic kidney disease (APCD) type III that revealed lower TRC means in all cases. All other case series and case reports describe dermatoglyphics in various kidney disease such as acro-renal-ocular syndrome, potter syndrome, kabuki makeup syndrome, neurofaciodigitorenal syndrome, syndactyly type V, ring chromosome 13 syndrome, trisomy 13 syndrome and sirenomelia. It is evident that whorl pattern frequency and TRC have been used widely to investigate the uncertainty related to the origin of several kidney diseases such as WT and APCD type III. However, small sample sizes, possibly methodological issues, and discrepancy in the make up between cases and control groups limits interpretation of any significant findings. Future studies with proper protocol, adequate cases, and control groups may provide stronger evidence to resolve uncertainty related to the aetiology of kidney diseases.

Anomalous Origin of the Right Vertebral Artery: Incidence and Significance.

PubMed

Maiti, Tanmoy Kumar; Konar, Subhas Kanti; Bir, Shyamal; Nanda, Anil; Cuellar, Hugo

2016-05-01

Detailed knowledge about anatomic variations of the aortic arch and its multiple branches is extremely important to endovascular and diagnostic radiologists. It is often hypothesized that anomalous origin and distribution of large aortic vessels may alter the cerebral hemodynamics and potentially lead to a vascular pathology. In this article, we describe a case of anomalous origin of the right vertebral artery, which was detected during an intervention. We further reviewed the available literature of anomalous origin of the right vertebral artery. The probable embryologic development and clinical significance are discussed. The incidence of anomalous origin of a vertebral artery seems to be underestimated in recent literature. A careful review of the literature shows more than 100 such cases. The right vertebral artery can arise from the aortic arch or one of its branches. Dual origin of the vertebral artery is not uncommon. The embryologic developmental hypotheses are contradictory and complex. Anomalous origin of the right vertebral artery may not be the sole reason behind a disease process. However, it can certainly lead to a misdiagnosis during diagnostic vascular studies. Detailed information is essential for any surgery or endovascular intervention in this location. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Are all pelvic (nonuterine) serous carcinomas of tubal origin?

PubMed

Przybycin, Christopher G; Kurman, Robert J; Ronnett, Brigitte M; Shih, Ie-Ming; Vang, Russell

2010-10-01

It has been proposed that the presence of tubal intraepithelial carcinoma (TIC), in association with one-third to nearly half of pelvic serous carcinomas, is evidence of fallopian tube origin for high-grade serous carcinomas that would have been otherwise classified as primary ovarian or peritoneal. To address this hypothesis, we evaluated a series of 114 consecutive pelvic (nonuterine) gynecologic carcinomas at our institution (2006 to 2008) to determine the frequency of TIC in 52 cases in which all the resected fallopian tube tissue was examined microscopically. These 52 cases were classified as ovarian (n=37), peritoneal (n=8), or fallopian tube (n=7) in origin as per conventional criteria based on disease distribution. The presence of TIC and its location and relationship to invasive carcinoma in the fallopian tubes and ovaries were assessed. Among the 45 cases of ovarian/peritoneal origin, carcinoma subtypes included 41 high-grade serous, 1 endometrioid, 1 mucinous, 1 high-grade, not otherwise specified, and 1 malignant mesodermal mixed tumor. TIC was identified in 24 cases (59%) of high-grade serous carcinoma but not among any of the other subtypes; therefore, the term serous TIC (STIC) is a more specific appellation. STICs were located in the fimbriated end of the tube in 22 cases (92%) and in the ampulla in 2 (8%); they were unilateral in 21 (88%) and bilateral in 3 (13%). STICs in the absence of an associated invasive carcinoma in the same tube were detected in 7 cases (30%) and with invasive carcinoma in the same tube in 17 (71%). Unilateral STICs were associated with bilateral ovarian involvement in 15 cases and unilateral (ipsilateral) ovarian involvement in 5 (the remaining case with a unilateral STIC had a primary peritoneal tumor with no ovarian involvement); the bilateral STICs were all associated with bilateral ovarian involvement. Six of the 7 primary tubal tumors were high-grade serous carcinomas, and 4 of these 6 (67%) had STICs. Based on conventional criteria, 70%, 17%, and 13% of high-grade serous carcinomas qualified for classification as ovarian, peritoneal, and tubal in origin, respectively; however, using STIC as a supplemental criterion to define a case as tubal in origin, the distribution was modified to 28%, 8%, and 64%, respectively. Features of tumors in the ovary that generally suggest metastatic disease (bilaterality, small size, nodular growth pattern, and surface plaques) were identified with similar frequency in cases with and without STIC and were, therefore, not predictive of tubal origin. The findings, showing that nearly 60% of high-grade pelvic (nonuterine) serous carcinomas are associated with STICs, are consistent with the proposal that the fallopian tube is the source of a majority of these tumors. If these findings can be validated by molecular studies that definitively establish that STIC is the earliest form of carcinoma rather than intraepithelial spread from adjacent invasive serous carcinoma of ovarian or peritoneal origin, they will have important clinical implications for screening, treatment, and prevention.

A Case Study of Three Children's Original Interpretations of the Moon's Changing Appearance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wilhelm, Jennifer

2009-01-01

A case study of three children was conducted to shed light on the process that children undergo in developing their understanding of physical phenomena. Using the notion of spontaneous construction and its relationship with school learning of scientific concepts, children's early thoughts of the moon's appearance were explored. Research questions…

ESL and Digital Video Integration: Case Studies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Li, J., Ed.; Gromik, N., Ed.; Edwards, N., Ed.

2013-01-01

It should come as no surprise that digital video technology is of particular interest to English language learners; students are drawn to its visual appeal and vibrant creative potential. The seven original case studies in this book demonstrate how video can be an effective and powerful tool to create fluid, fun, interactive, and collaborative…

[Comparative study on the effect of antiatherosclerotic diet enriched with polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids of plant and animal origin on the level of natural antibodies against catecholamines in patients with cardiovascular diseases].

PubMed

Pogozheva, A V; Rozanova, I A; Miagkova, M A; Sorokovoĭ, K V; Panchenko, O N; Trubacheva, Zh N

1998-01-01

The levels of natural antibodies against catecholamines in 138 patients with cardiovascular diseases was studied and the comparative analysis of influence of antiatherosclerotic diets with different origin of PUFA omega-3 on dynamic of these parameters was made. For the first time discovered universal action of diets with PUFA omega-3 vegetable and animal origin on parameters of humoral immunity: in case of primary excess of norm of the contents of natural antibodies to adrenaline, noradrenaline and dopamine as a result of treatment these parameters were reduced or did not change; and at is primary a low their level--parameters increased in most cases. The greatest immunocorrection effect was rendered by diet, enriched PUFA omega-3 of freshwater fishes fat.

The American Expeditionary Force Siberia: A Case Study of Operational Art with Ambiguous Strategic Objectives

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-05-22

Service Corp SecDef Secretary of Defense 1 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION The political object-the original motive for the war-will thus determine...committed to the original strategic objective even though it limited his tactical options. 8 In the end, the campaign concluded with limited tangible...of these Russian military theorists. Originally , the United States Army defined operational art as “the employment of military forces to attain

Lessons In Operational Art: An Analysis of the Allied Expeditionary Forces in North Russia, 1918-1919

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-04-30

operations. To identify these lessons, this monograph first reviews the origins and definitions of operational art. Next, the case study of the...commanders to consider in future expeditionary operations. To identify these lessons, this monograph first reviews the origins and definitions of...environment to better understand the problem or problems at hand.”4 The next section describes the origins and modern theoretical explanations of

Case studies in forensic soil examinations.

PubMed

Petraco, Nicholas; Kubic, Thomas A; Petraco, Nicholas D K

2008-07-04

The examination and comparison of forensic soil samples is discussed. The origin of a simple and easy to learn procedure used and modified by the authors is reviewed. The process begins with a preliminary observation, removal of artifacts, and sieving of each specimen. A specific size fraction is split into three fractions for color matching, polarized light microscopy (PLM) examination (particle counting) and optional gradient comparison. Next, several cases are reviewed in which the modified method was used to evaluate the likelihood of common origin for questioned and known specimens.

Anatomical study of blood supply to the cervical spinal cord in the guinea pig.

PubMed

Mazensky, David; Danko, Jan; Petrovova, Eva; Flesarova, Slavka; Supuka, Peter; Supukova, Anna; Luptakova, Lenka; Purzyc, Halina

2015-06-01

The aim of this study was to describe the arterial arrangement of the cervical spinal cord in the guinea pig. The study was carried out on 20 adult English self guinea pigs using corrosion and dissection technique. Batson's corrosion casting kit no. 17(©) was used as a casting medium. The origin of the ventral spinal artery from the left vertebral artery was found on average in 35% of the cases and from the right vertebral artery on average in 40% of the cases. The ventral spinal artery with origin from the anastomosis of two medial branches was found on average in 25% of the cases. The presence of ventral radicular branches of rami spinales entering the ventral spinal artery in the cervical region was observed in 42% of the cases on the right side and in 58% of the cases on the left side. The presence of dorsal radicular branches of rami spinales that reached the spinal cord was observed in 63% of the cases on the left side and in 37% of the cases on the right side. The number of radicular branches supplying the spinal cord is greater in guinea pig than in humans. © 2014 Japanese Society of Animal Science.

Proventricular adenocarcinoma in a Humboldt penguin (Spheniscus humboldti) and a great horned owl (Bubo virginianus); identification of origin by mucin histochemistry.

PubMed

Yonemaru, Kayoko; Sakai, Hiroki; Asaoka, Yoshiji; Yanai, Tokuma; Fukushi, Hideto; Watanabe, Ken; Hirai, Katsuya; Masegi, Toshiaki

2004-02-01

Cases of proventricular neoplasm in a Humboldt penguin (Spheniscus humboldti) and a great horned owl (Bubo virginianus) were observed. Microscopically, the neoplastic cells formed branching tubules or acini in both cases. Galactose oxidase-Schiff (GOS) staining revealed that the cytoplasm of the normal surface epithelium and surface mucosubstances of the proventriculus adjacent to the neoplasm were positive in both cases. The neoplastic cells in both cases were also classified as GOS-positive. Therefore, the two proventricular neoplasms in this report were diagnosed as proventricular adenocarcinoma that arose from the proventricular surface epithelium. This study suggests that the mucosubstances, which the neoplastic cells produced, were a useful index for identifying the origin of the neoplastic cells in the birds.

Sudden suffocation with cancer of unknown primary: a case report and review of diagnostic approach.

PubMed

Tehrani, Omid S; Ahmad, Omar; Vypritskaya, Ekaterina; Chen, Emily; Hasan, Saba

2012-10-01

A case of a 31-year-old woman with sudden respiratory distress is presented. Preliminary evaluations and imaging studies did not reveal the underlying cause. Workup during hospital stay showed advanced metastatic cancer of unknown primary origin. This is an unusual presentation of cancer of an unknown primary involving the thyroid with sudden suffocation. It suggests that malignancies involving the thyroid gland should be considered in patients with abrupt onset of respiratory distress. Also, this case shows the application of fine needle aspiration in diffuse thyroid enlargements mimicking thyroiditis without nodules. Diagnostic approach to cancer of unknown primary origin (CUP) is reviewed in further detail.

Research Progresses on Small Flux Ropes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, J.; Liu, Y.; Peng, J.; Klecker, B.

2017-12-01

Small flux ropes (SFRs) have attracted much attention in recent years, but their origins are still debatable. In order to investigate their source regions and formation mechanisms, we present a case study and a statistical study in this work. First, we make a multi-spacecraft study of a SFR entrained by rolling back magnetic field lines around 1 AU. Such SFRs have only been seldom reported in the literature. This SFR was adjacent to a heliospheric plasma sheet (HPS), and they showed similar plasma signatures (except plasma beta), density ratio of alpha particle-to-proton (Nα/Np) and heavy ion ionization states, implying they may have a similar origin in the corona. The composition and the configuration of the rolling back magnetic field lines suggested this SFR should originate from the streamer belt through interchange reconnection. Combining the observations of STEREO and ACE, the SFR was shown to have an axis tilted to the ecliptic plane and the radius may vary with different spatial positions. In this study, we suggest interchange reconnection can play an important role for the origin of, at least, some SFRs and slow solar wind. Then, we make a statistical study of the distributions of iron average charge states (Q) in SFRs. Former studies on magnetic clouds classified the Q distributions into five types, i.e. type A to E. We investigate the SFRs, except "very small flux ropes", from 1998 to 2009, and find that type A cases are absent. Furthermore, we also try to identify their sources. Based on these analysis, we suppose the twist structures of solar corona originated SFRs are generally formed after their eruptions. But the SFRs that originate from interplanetary space may involve with complicate magnetic reconnection processes, which may result of much complicate Q distributions.

Parental age and the origin of trisomy 21. A study of 302 families.

PubMed

Dagna Bricarelli, F; Pierluigi, M; Landucci, M; Arslanian, A; Coviello, D A; Ferro, M A; Strigini, P

1989-04-01

Several studies have attempted to define the role of parental age in determining the prevalence of 47, +21 according to the origin of nondisjunction. This report analyzes the original data of 197 informative families from Italy and reviews the available literature (96 families from Denmark and 201 from other countries). Mothers whose gametes showed nondisjunction are treated as cases, and those with normal meiosis as controls within each study. To utilize the data fully, maternal age at birth of a 47, +21 individual is treated as a continuous variable in a nonparametric comparison. The combined evidence indicates that nondisjunction in the female is associated with a significant age difference between cases and controls which is mostly due to errors in the second meiotic division. It may be inferred that in the general population, aging enhances nondisjunction at both first and second division in the female, while aging in the male is presumably associated mostly (or only) with first division errors. Implications and alternative models are discussed.

Using molecular tools to identify the geographical origin of a case of human brucellosis.

PubMed

Muchowski, J K; Koylass, M S; Dainty, A C; Stack, J A; Perrett, L; Whatmore, A M; Perrier, C; Chircop, S; Demicoli, N; Gatt, A B; Caruana, P A; Gopaul, K K

2015-10-01

Although Malta is historically linked with the zoonosis brucellosis, there had not been a case of the disease in either the human or livestock population for several years. However, in July 2013 a case of human brucellosis was identified on the island. To determine whether this recent case originated in Malta, four isolates from this case were subjected to molecular analysis. Molecular profiles generated using multilocus sequence analysis and multilocus variable number tandem repeat for the recent human case isolates and 11 Brucella melitensis strains of known Maltese origin were compared with others held on in-house and global databases. While the 11 isolates of Maltese origin formed a distinct cluster, the recent human isolation was not associated with these strains but instead clustered with isolates originating from the Horn of Africa. These data was congruent with epidemiological trace-back showed that the individual had travelled to Malta from Eritrea. This work highlights the potential of using molecular typing data to aid in epidemiological trace-back of Brucella isolations and assist in monitoring of the effectiveness of brucellosis control schemes.

Mindfulness in Education at the Intersection of Science, Religion, and Healing

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ergas, Oren

2014-01-01

This paper investigates mindfulness as a case study of a "subjective turn" in education reflecting a postsecular age. The practice of mindfulness originates in an ancient Buddhist teaching prescribed as part of the path to enlightenment. In spite of its origins, it is becoming widespread within diverse secularly conceived social and…

Skrammellegepladsen: Denmark's first adventure play area

Treesearch

Amanda Rae O' Connor; James F. Palmer

2003-01-01

This paper reviews the philosophy of the adventure playground movement and particularly the goals of the original adventure playground, Skrammellegepladsen in Copenhagen, Denmark. We then present a case study investigation of the ways that Skrammellegepladsen is used, the perceptions of the users, and the extent that the play area embodies its original philosophy. The...

Changes in Mothers' Experiences of Receiving an Autism Diagnosis: A Contextualized Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hornstein, Shana

2011-01-01

Autism has a unique history. The definition has broadened and changed over time, from an emotional disturbance with psychogenic origins to a neurodevelopmental disability with suspected environmental and genetic origins. Diagnosis occurs later than children born with obvious disabilities such as cerebral palsy or Down syndrome, but earlier than…

Perceptions of Support for Secondary School Learners with Dyslexia in France and in Wales: Case Study Analyses

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mccormack-Colbert, Anna; Wyn Jones, Susan; Ware, Jean

2017-01-01

The lack of consensus over the origins of dyslexia, assessment practices and the impact on learners across languages has led to different approaches to support being adopted across Europe. This study uses a case study design and aims at gaining an understanding of learners with dyslexic tendencies' experiences and perceptions of Welsh and French…

The hypospadias classification affected the surgical outcomes of staged oral mucosa graft urethroplasty in hypospadias reoperation: An observational study.

PubMed

Zheng, Dachao; Fu, Shi; Li, Wenji; Xie, Minkai; Guo, Jianhua; Yao, Haijun; Wang, Zhong

2017-11-01

The staged graft urethroplasty is a recommended technique for repairing complex hypospadias. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the outcomes of this technique in hypospadias patients undergoing reoperation and to analyze the underlying contributing factors including age, meatus location, and graft and suture type.We retrospectively analyzed 40 hypospadias patients undergoing reoperation who received a staged oral graft urethroplasty, including 15 buccal mucosal grafts and 25 lingual mucosal grafts. Median age at presentation was 18.5 years, and median follow-up was 17.5 months (range 8-30 months). The patients were classified according to their original meatus location.Twenty-five complications developed in 12 of 40 (30%) cases, including 6 fistulas (15%), 7 infections (17.5%), 9 cases of glans dehiscence (22.5%), and 3 cases of stenosis (7.5%). There was no significant difference in the overall complication rates between prepuberty and postpuberty groups. In addition, no significant difference in complications was found between the 2 graft techniques. The complications were significantly higher in the original perineal type compared with the original penoscrotal type (7/10 vs 5/30, P = .0031). Seven patients who originally had perineal hypospadias developed multiple complications.Based on this study, the staged graft urethroplasty is an effective technique in reoperative hypospadias repairs with reasonable complication risk. The hypospadias classification affects the surgical outcomes. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

Renovascular anatomic variants at CT angiography.

PubMed

Reginelli, A; Somma, F; Izzo, A; Urraro, F; D'Andrea, A; Grassi, R; Cappabianca, S

2015-12-01

The aim of this paper was to assess the origin and course variations of vessels forming the renal vascular pedicle. The IRB approved study retrospectively evaluated 921 consecutive patients (503 females, 418 males; mean age, 54 years), who underwent multidetector computed tomographic (MDCT) of the abdomen for various purposes at our Department of Radiology, between January 2012 and December 2013. Multiplanar and volumetric reformations were performed in all cases. For each set of images, the locations of renal artery origins and renal venous drainage, such as all renal vessels variations, including division variations and presence of extrarenal vessels, were investigated. The tract of the aorta between the upper margin of L1 and the lower margin of L2 originated 96% of main renal arteries and 72% of extra renal arteries. The most common location for renal artery origin was the L1- L2 intervertebral disc level. Sixty-nine percent of patients showed a single renal artery, with multiple arteries in 31%, bilateral multiple arteries in 11%, and early division in 6% of cases. Additional renal arteries were detected on the right side in 5% and on the left side in 12% of cases. With regard to the venous drainage, 89.8% of patients showed a single renal vein, with multiple vein in 10.2%, while 23.8% showed a retro-aortic course of the renal vein. Renal arteries and veins variations of origin and course are not infrequent. Extrarenal vessels may compromise renal surgery. The awareness of any possible renovascular anomaly is crucial in case of a non-invasive diagnostic search for renal artery stenosis, and when renal surgery related to renal arteries is performed, such as in case of interventional radiological procedures, urological and vascular operations, and renal transplantation.

Tracing Beliefs and Behaviors of a Participant in a Longitudinal Study for the Development of Mathematical Ideas and Reasoning: A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Steffero, Maria

2010-01-01

This research provides an analysis of the relationship between a student's beliefs and mathematical behaviors over a seventeen-year period. Romina, the student of focus in this case study, was among the original participants in a longitudinal study which explored how students build mathematical ideas when working collaboratively on problem-solving…

An Early Reader Two Decades Later: A Follow-Up Case Study on the Metacognitive Reading Strategies of "Jan"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brenna, Beverley A.

2011-01-01

This is a follow-up study regarding one of the early readers whose metacognitive reading strategies were explored in my 1991 qualitative case study research, published in "Reading", 29 (2), 30-33. Unique factors in the original study involve the inclusion of young children as informants related to self, task and text. Six-year-old…

Risk Factors for Human Salmonellosis Originating from Pigs, Cattle, Broiler Chickens and Egg Laying Hens: A Combined Case-Control and Source Attribution Analysis

PubMed Central

Mughini-Gras, Lapo; Enserink, Remko; Friesema, Ingrid; Heck, Max; van Duynhoven, Yvonne; van Pelt, Wilfrid

2014-01-01

Several case-control studies have investigated risk factors for human salmonellosis while others have used Salmonella subtyping to attribute human infections to different food and animal reservoirs. This study combined case-control and source attribution data into a single analysis to explore risk factors at the point of exposure for human salmonellosis originating from four putative food-producing animal reservoirs (pigs, cattle, broilers and layers/eggs) in the Netherlands. We confirmed that most human cases (∼90%) were attributable to layers/eggs and pigs. Layers/eggs and broilers were the most likely reservoirs of salmonellosis in adults, in urban areas, and in spring/summer, whereas pigs and cattle were the most likely reservoirs of salmonellosis in children, in rural areas, and in autumn/winter. Several reservoir-specific risk factors were identified. Not using a chopping board for raw meat only and consuming raw/undercooked meat were risk factors for infection with salmonellas originating from pigs, cattle and broilers. Consuming raw/undercooked eggs and by-products were risk factors for layer/egg-associated salmonellosis. Using antibiotics was a risk factor for pig- and cattle-associated salmonellosis and using proton-pump inhibitors for salmonellosis attributable to any reservoir. Pig- and cattle-associated infections were also linked to direct contact with animals and environmental exposure (e.g. playing in sandboxes). Eating fish, meat in pastry, and several non-meat foods (fruit, vegetables and pasteurized dairy products) were protective factors. Consuming pork and occupational exposure to animals and/or raw meats were protective against layer/egg-associated salmonellosis. We concluded that individuals acquiring salmonellosis from different reservoirs have different associated risk factors, suggesting that salmonellas may infect humans through various transmission pathways depending on their original reservoirs. The outcome of classical case-control studies can be enhanced by incorporating source attribution data and vice versa. PMID:24503703

Abnormal origins of the long head of the biceps tendon can lead to rotator cuff pathology: a report of two cases.

PubMed

Zhang, Alan L; Gates, Cameron H; Link, Thomas M; Ma, C Benjamin

2014-11-01

Previous case reports have highlighted various anomalous origins of the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) that do not originate from the superior glenoid labrum or supraglenoid tubercle. Yet, these cases were all reported as incidental findings and were not thought to cause any significant shoulder pathology. We present the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and clinical treatment of two cases where aberrant intra-articular origins of the long head of the biceps tendon from the anterior edge of the supraspinatus tendon may have contributed to symptomatic rotator cuff pathology. Arthroscopy confirmed MR findings of partial articular-sided supraspinatus lesions in close proximity to the anomalous origins and treatment with tenodesis of the LHBT successfully relieved symptoms. Although rare occurrences with subtle and potentially misleading imaging findings, it is important to be aware of aberrant origins of the LHBT that may contribute to concomitant rotator cuff pathology.

A Case Study on Moving Philosophically Diverse Funders to Common Priorities. Education Funders Research Initiative

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hilliard, Thomas J.

2015-01-01

Collaboration is a recurring theme among philanthropic funders and their grantees. Most funders have engaged in collaboration at some level. A few collaborations achieve outstanding success and are lionized in case studies. Others break up without conclusion or fall short of their original mission and are tactfully forgotten. One standard…

The Informal Curriculum: A Case Study on Tutor Reflexivity, Corporate Agency and Medical Professionalism

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kahn, Peter

2013-01-01

Professionalism is a focus for student learning in many disciplines. It is known, furthermore, that interpersonal interactions between staff and students constitute an informal curriculum that has a significant influence on students. But the origins of this informal curriculum are not fully apparent. This article offers a multiple case study that…

A Case Study of School Choice and Special Education in the 21st Century

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bernier, Lisa E.

2017-01-01

School choice is deeply rooted in the marketization theories originally presented by Milton Friedman in the 1950s. There are many school choice options available in Arizona. The purpose and primary research question of this case study explored how a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) and other factors influenced the parents' decisions to…

Posterior Communicating Artery Giving Rise to Shared-Origin Anterior Choroidal Artery: Case Illustration.

PubMed

Tonetti, Daniel A; Andrews, Edward G; Stabingas, Kristen; Tyler-Kabara, Elizabeth; Gross, Bradley A; Jadhav, Ashutosh

2018-01-01

The origin point of the anterior choroidal artery (AChA) is variable, typically arising from the supraclinoid internal carotid artery (ICA) distal to the posterior communicating artery (PComA) on either the posterolateral or posterior aspect of the ICA. Variations of AChA origin have important clinical implications, and rare origins reported previously include the ICA bifurcation and middle cerebral artery. We provide illustrations of a case of a shared-origin PComA and AChA. A young girl presented with intracranial hemorrhage and underwent angiography to evaluate for an underlying cause. Ultimately, 3-dimensional rotational angiography incidentally demonstrated a common origin of the AChA with the PComA. A rare case of a shared-origin AChA and PComA is reported for angiographic illustration. The radiologic findings, embryology behind the development of the AChA, and neurosurgical and neurovascular relevance of this variant are discussed. The importance of recognizing the origin of the AChA is emphasized. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Clinical and etiologic study of 90 cases of chronic diarrhea].

PubMed

Farfán Flores, G; Sánchez, G; Tello, R; Villanueva, G

1993-01-01

90 patients with chronic diarrhoea underwent this prospective study. They were seen in a private hospital of Lima during 1990 and 1991. According to a methodologic plan for determining sources and the diseases that originate chronic diarrhoea. In all patients hematologic, bioquimic, coprocultures, coproparasitologic exams were done, chest and intestinal transit X-rays. All underwent duodenal content culture. Colon X-ray in 25 cases; proctosigmoidoscopy in 14 and upper digestive endoscopy in 19 patients. Abdominal echography in 12 and TAC in 2 cases. The final results showed as determinant diseases for chronic diarrhoea, according to their frequency: enteroparasitosis (23.3%), functional digestive disorders (20.0%), intestinal bacterial overpopulation (15.5%) of unknown origin (8.8%), colon diverticulus (7.7%) proven and probably (5.5%), lactose intolerance (3.3%), diabetes mellitus (2.2%), and in one case (1.1%) the following: intestinal linfoma, pancreas malignancy, AIDS, colonic and deformation and megaloblastic anemia. The causes of chronic diarrhoea are several and multifactorals and in this study we prove the preeminence of the intestinal parasitosis, functional disorders and intestinal bacterial overpopulation and with less frequency other pathologies.

The right vertebral artery originating from the right occipital artery and the absence of the transverse foramen: a rare anatomical variation.

PubMed

Öner, Zülal; Öner, Serkan; Kahraman, Ayşegül Sağır

2017-12-01

Variations in the origin of the vertebral artery (VA) is a congenital anomaly that occurs during embryological development. Multiple variations related to VA origin have been reported in the literature. Abnormal VA origin is usually determined as incidental findings during angiographic or postmortem anatomical studies. Although most of the cases are asymptomatic, in patients with VA anomaly symptoms such as dizziness have been described. The anomalous variation in the origin of the right VA is rare and separated into three categories: (1) originating from the aorta, (2) originating from the carotid arteries, (3) duplicated origin. In this case, we aimed to present the right VA originating from the right occipital artery and concomitant anomalies of the transverse foramen that have not been reported previously according to our knowledge in literature. In a 32-year-old female patient referred to our hospital because of dizziness, the right VA was not observed on magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography angiography (CTA) examination was performed. CTA showed hypoplasia of the right transverse foramen at the levels of the C1, C5 and C6 vertebrae and aplasia of the right transverse foramen at the levels of the C2, C3 and C4 vertebrae. The right VA originating from the right occipital artery continues to its normal course by entering the cranium through the foramen magnum at the level of the atlantooccipital junction.

Male breast cancer arising in ectopic axillary breast tissue: A diagnostic dilemma.

PubMed

Xie, Yangchun; Huang, Jin; Xiao, Desheng; Zhong, Meizuo

2013-06-01

Male breast cancer arising in ectopic axillary breast tissue is a rare occurrence and few cases have been reported in the literature. Due to its rarity, male axillary breast cancer is easy to misdiagnose. As for adenocarcinoma in the axilla, it is difficult to identify whether the origin is the mammary tissue or the skin appendages, particularly in cases where there is a poor differentiation. The present study reports the case of a male patient with a right axillary lesion that had been present for 6 months. A histological evaluation revealed the features of a poorly-differentiated adenocarcinoma with regards to the pathological report. The patient was diagnosed with a metastatic adenocarcinoma with unknown primary origin. However, following 4 cycles of intensive chemotherapy, the patient experienced bone metastasis while the local lesion was in partial remission. Further immunohistochemistry confirmed its mammary origin. There is limited literature relating to male ectopic axillary breast cancer, and a high probability of misdiagnosis of this disease.

Male breast cancer arising in ectopic axillary breast tissue: A diagnostic dilemma

PubMed Central

XIE, YANGCHUN; HUANG, JIN; XIAO, DESHENG; ZHONG, MEIZUO

2013-01-01

Male breast cancer arising in ectopic axillary breast tissue is a rare occurrence and few cases have been reported in the literature. Due to its rarity, male axillary breast cancer is easy to misdiagnose. As for adenocarcinoma in the axilla, it is difficult to identify whether the origin is the mammary tissue or the skin appendages, particularly in cases where there is a poor differentiation. The present study reports the case of a male patient with a right axillary lesion that had been present for 6 months. A histological evaluation revealed the features of a poorly-differentiated adenocarcinoma with regards to the pathological report. The patient was diagnosed with a metastatic adenocarcinoma with unknown primary origin. However, following 4 cycles of intensive chemotherapy, the patient experienced bone metastasis while the local lesion was in partial remission. Further immunohistochemistry confirmed its mammary origin. There is limited literature relating to male ectopic axillary breast cancer, and a high probability of misdiagnosis of this disease. PMID:23833669

Immunohistochemical Expression of Placental Alkaline Phosphatase in Five Cases of Seminoma in Rabbits.

PubMed

Banco, B; Ferreira da Silva, J; Cotti Cometti, S; Stefanello, D; Grieco, V

2017-05-01

Testicular seminoma is reported in the rabbit but data about the immunophenotype of these tumours are lacking. The classification of human testicular germ cell tumours includes spermatocytic tumour (ST) originating from the post-pubertal spermatogonia/spermatocytes, which metastasizes rarely, and seminoma (SE), originating from gonocytes, which is malignant and metastasizes frequently. Gonocytes express placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP) and are stained with periodic acid-Schiff (PAS). We report five cases of seminoma in pet rabbits. Microscopically, all the cases were diffuse seminoma and in one case there was metastasis to a sublumbar lymph node. Immunohistochemical expression of PLAP was diffuse in this metastatic tumour, in two other cases it was multifocal, in another it was limited to rare cells and in the remaining case was negative. PAS-positive cells were detected only in the four cases that expressed PLAP. These four cases were therefore classified as SE and the tumour without PLAP labelling or PAS staining was defined as ST. Both forms of human germ cell tumour therefore occur in the rabbit. SE appears to be well represented and may show metastasis, paralleling the human counterpart. The results of this study provide a basis for further evaluations of the rabbit as a possible animal model for the study of human SE. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Assessing the impact of defining a global priority research agenda to address HIV-associated tuberculosis.

PubMed

Odone, Anna; Matteelli, Alberto; Chiesa, Valentina; Cella, Paola; Ferrari, Antonio; Pezzetti, Federica; Signorelli, Carlo; Getahun, Haileyesus

2016-11-01

In 2010, the WHO issued 77 priority research questions (PRQs) to address HIV-associated TB. Objective of the this study was to assess the impact of defining the research agenda in stimulating and directing research around priority research questions. We used number and type of scientific publications as a proxy to quantitatively assess the impact of research agenda setting. We conducted 77 single systematic reviews - one for every PRQ - building 77 different search strategies using PRQs' keywords. Multivariate logistic regression models were applied to assess the quantity and quality of research produced over time and accounting for selected covariates. In 2009-2015, PRQs were addressed by 1631 publications (median: 11 studies published per PRQ, range 1-96). The most published area was 'Intensified TB case finding' (median: 23 studies/PRQ, range: 2-74). The majority (62.1%, n = 1013) were published as original studies, and more than half (58%, n = 585) were conducted in the African region. Original studies' publication increased over the study period (P trend = <0.001). They focused more on the 'Intensified TB case finding' (OR = 2.17, 95% CI: 1.56-2.93) and 'Drug-resistant TB and HIV infection' (OR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.47-3.06) areas than non-original studies. Original studies were published in journals of lower impact factor and received a smaller number of citations than non-original studies (OR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.42-0.69). The generation of evidence to address PRQs has increased over time particularly in selected fields. Setting a priority research agenda for HIV-associated TB might have positively influenced the direction and the conduct of research and contributed to the global response to such a major threat to health. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Working in the Methodological "Outfield": The Case of Bourdieu and Occupational Therapy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Watson, Jo; Grenfell, Michael

2016-01-01

The article reports on a study of methodological innovation involving occupational therapy (OT) students in higher education (HE). It is based on an original project which examined the experiences and outcomes of non-traditional entrants to pre-registration OT education. A feature of the original project was the application of the epistemological…

Success in Mathematics within a Challenged Minority: The Case of Students of Ethiopian Origin in Israel (SEO)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mulat, Tiruwork; Arcavi, Abraham

2009-01-01

Many studies have reported on the economical, social, and educational difficulties encountered by Ethiopian Jews since their immigration to Israel. Furthermore, the overall academic underachievement and poor representation of students of Ethiopian origin (SEO) in the advanced mathematics and science classes were highlighted and described. Yet,…

Teachers' Perceptions, Attitudes and Feelings towards Pupils of Roma Origin

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zachos, Dimitris T.

2017-01-01

In this paper, the focus is on schools' responses to multiculturalism. We present a research project that was designed to explore feelings, perceptions and attitudes of teachers towards pupils of Roma origin in two different Greek schools. Our research strategy involved case studies and in-depth semi-structured interview was our main research…

Autism Spectrum Disorder Reclassified: A Second Look at the 1980s Utah/UCLA Autism Epidemiologic Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Miller, Judith S.; Bilder, Deborah; Farley, Megan; Coon, Hilary; Pinborough-Zimmerman, Judith; Jenson, William; Rice, Catherine E.; Fombonne, Eric; Pingree, Carmen B.; Ritvo, Edward; Ritvo, Riva-Ariella; McMahon, William M.

2013-01-01

The purpose of the present study was to re-examine diagnostic data from a state-wide autism prevalence study (n = 489) conducted in the 1980s to investigate the impact of broader diagnostic criteria on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) case status. Sixty-four (59%) of the 108 originally "Diagnosed Not Autistic" met the current ASD case definition.…

Renal Amyloidosis: Origin and Clinicopathologic Correlations of 474 Recent Cases

PubMed Central

Said, Samar M.; Sethi, Sanjeev; Valeri, Anthony M.; Leung, Nelson; Cornell, Lynn D.; Fidler, Mary E.; Herrera Hernandez, Loren; Vrana, Julie A.; Theis, Jason D.; Quint, Patrick S.; Dogan, Ahmet

2013-01-01

Summary Background and objectives The kidney is the organ most commonly involved in systemic amyloidosis. This study reports the largest clinicopathologic series of renal amyloidosis. Design, setting, participants, & measurements This study provides characteristics of 474 renal amyloidosis cases evaluated at the Mayo Clinic Renal Pathology Laboratory from 2007 to 2011, including age, sex, serum creatinine, proteinuria, type of amyloid, and tissue distribution according to type. Results The type of amyloid was Ig amyloidosis in 407 patients (85.9%), AA amyloidosis in 33 (7.0%), leukocyte chemotactic factor 2 amyloidosis in 13 (2.7%), fibrinogen A α chain amyloidosis in 6 (1.3%), Apo AI, Apo AII, or Apo AIV amyloidosis in 3 (0.6%), combined AA amyloidosis/Ig heavy and light chain amyloidosis in 1 (0.2%), and unclassified in 11 (2.3%). Laser microdissection/mass spectrometry, performed in 147 cases, was needed to determine the origin of amyloid in 74 of the 474 cases (16%), whereas immunofluorescence failed to diagnose 28 of 384 light chain amyloidosis cases (7.3%). Leukocyte chemotactic factor 2 amyloidosis and Apo AI, Apo AII, or Apo AIV amyloidosis were characterized by diffuse interstitial deposition, whereas fibrinogen A α chain amyloidosis showed obliterative glomerular involvement. Compared with other types, Ig amyloidosis was associated with lower serum creatinine, higher degree of proteinuria, and amyloid spicules. Conclusions In the authors’ experience, the vast majority of renal amyloidosis cases are Ig derived. The newly identified leukocyte chemotactic factor 2 amyloidosis form was the most common of the rarer causes of renal amyloidosis. With the advent of laser microdissection/mass spectrometry for amyloid typing, the origin of renal amyloidosis can be determined in >97% of cases. PMID:23704299

Pigmented Epithelioid Melanocytoma (PEM)/Animal Type Melanoma (ATM): Quest for an Origin. Report of One Unusual Case Indicating Follicular Origin and Another Arising in an Intradermal Nevus.

PubMed

Tarasen, Ashley; Carlson, J Andrew; Leonard, M Kathryn; Merlino, Glenn; Kaetzel, David; Slominski, Andrzej T

2017-08-15

Pigmented epithelioid melanocytoma (PEM) is a tumor encompassing epithelioid blue nevus of Carney complex (EBN of CNC) and was previously termed animal-type melanoma. Histologically PEMs are heavily pigmented spindled and epithelioid dermal melanocytic tumors with infiltrative borders, however, their origin remains unclear. Stem cells for the epidermis and hair follicle are located in the bulge area of the hair follicle with the potential to differentiate into multiple lineages. Multiple cutaneous carcinomas, including follicular cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (FSCC), are thought to arise from stem cells in the follicular bulge. We present two cases of PEM/ATM in a 63 year-old male on the scalp with follicular origin and a 72 year-old female on the upper back arising in an intradermal nevus. Biopsy of both cases revealed a proliferation of heavily pigmented dermal nests of melanocytes with atypia. The Case 1 tumor was in continuation with the outer root sheath of the hair follicle in the bulge region. Case 2 arose in an intradermal melanocytic nevus. Rare mitotic figures, including atypical mitotic figures, were identified in both cases. We present two cases of PEM, with histologic evidence suggesting two origins: one from the follicular bulb and one from an intradermal nevus.

CD30 expression in follicular lymphoma.

PubMed

Gardner, L J; Polski, J M; Evans, H L; Perkins, S L; Dunphy, C H

2001-08-01

CD30(+) anaplastic large cell lymphomas were originally described as being of T-cell, null cell, and B-cell origin. CD30, however, is not a specific marker of anaplastic large cell lymphoma and has been found to be expressed in reactive as well as neoplastic populations as a probable activation marker. In addition, CD30(+) cells have also been described in both diffuse large B-cell and follicular lymphomas (FLs), resembling the pattern seen in reactive tonsils and lymph nodes. We report an index case of FL with CD30 expression, which on initial touch preparations and flow cytometric immunophenotyping revealed a prominent population of CD30(+) cells with marked cellular pleomorphism (anaplasia) in a background of typical FL. Immunohistochemistry of the paraffin section for CD30 in our index case confirmed unequivocal CD30(+) pleomorphic cells in the malignant nodules in occasional clusters. This case prompted a study of additional cases of FL for pattern of immunoreactivity with CD30 on paraffin sections. Twenty-two additional cases of FL (grades 1-3) were retrieved for CD30 immunoperoxidase staining as in the index case. This study demonstrated 32% of the additional cases of FL had definitive CD30(+), large, pleomorphic malignant cells by paraffin immunohistochemistry. In 2 cases (9%), the pattern of immunoreactivity with CD30 showed clustering and variable staining of large cells, as our index case. This study underscores the morphologic and immunophenotypic spectrum of FL that includes CD30 staining and cellular pleomorphism.

Extravillus dividing fetal cells at CVS: evidence of their erythroblastic origin.

PubMed Central

Terzoli, G; Cartolano, R; Rossella, F; Cantù-Rajnoldi, A; Brambati, B; Fraccaro, M; Simoni, G

1992-01-01

Cytological and cytogenetic studies were performed on nucleated fetal cells present in chorionic villus transport medium. The erythroblastic origin of these cells was shown. Fetal erythroblasts in spontaneous mitosis were frequently observed; chromosome counts were obtained from them but poor quality often prevented banded analysis. Cytogenetic study of erythroblast metaphases can be useful as an additional diagnostic aid in cases of mosaicism with aneuploid cell lines. Images PMID:1433230

Human epididymis protein 4 immunostaining of malignant ascites differentiates cancer of Müllerian origin from gastrointestinal cancer.

PubMed

Stiekema, Anna; Van de Vijver, Koen K; Boot, Henk; Broeks, Annegien; Korse, Catharina M; van Driel, Willemien J; Kenter, Gemma G; Lok, Christianne A R

2017-03-01

An accurate diagnosis of cancer of Müllerian origin is required before the initiation of treatment. An overlap in clinical presentation and cytological, histological, or imaging studies with other nongynecological tumors does occur. Therefore, immunocytochemistry markers are used to determine tumor origin. Human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) is overexpressed in tissue of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). It has shown to be a sensitive and specific serum marker for EOC and to be of value for the differentiation between EOC and ovarian metastases of gastrointestinal origin. The objective of the current study was to evaluate HE4 immunocytochemistry in malignant ascites for differentiation between cancer of Müllerian origin, including EOC, and adenocarcinomas of the gastrointestinal tract. Cytological specimens of 115 different adenocarcinomas (45 EOCs, 46 cases of gastric cancer, and 24 cases of colorectal cancer) were stained for HE4, paired box 8 (PAX8), and other specific markers. 91% of the ascites samples from patients with EOC stained for both HE4 and PAX8. The 4 samples without HE4 staining were a clear cell carcinoma, a low-grade serous adenocarcinoma, an undifferentiated adenocarcinoma, and a neuroendocrine carcinoma. All high-grade serous adenocarcinomas (n = 37, 100%) stained with HE4, compared with 94% that stained positively for PAX8. In cases of gastric or colorectal cancer, 25% and 21% of cases, respectively, stained positive for HE4. No PAX8 staining was observed in colorectal or gastric adenocarcinomas. HE4 staining in ascites is feasible and appears to have a high sensitivity for high-grade serous ovarian cancer. HE4 is a useful addition to the current panel of immunocytochemistry markers for the diagnosis of EOC and for differentiation with gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas. Cancer Cytopathol 2017;125:197-204. © 2016 American Cancer Society. © 2017 American Cancer Society.

The Cultural and Intercultural Identities of Transnational English Teachers: Two Case Studies from the Americas

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Menard-Warwick, Julia

2008-01-01

This article presents case studies of two long-time English language teachers: a California English as a second language instructor originally from Brazil, and a Chilean English as a foreign language teacher who worked for many years in the United States before returning home. Based on interview and classroom observation data, this research…

Graphs as a Managerial Tool: A Case Study of Du Pont's Use of Graphs in the Early Twentieth Century.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yates, JoAnne

1985-01-01

Sketches the development of business graphs in America. Examines their early use at Du Pont and the origin of the chart room around 1920, an important factor in the executive control systems at Du Pont. Draws lessons from this case study for managers and teachers of business communication. (PD)

A Case Study with Green Dot Public Schools on Managing the Tension between Fidelity and Adaptation When Scaling-Up

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cevallos, Pedro F., Jr.

2009-01-01

This dissertation was a single case study with Green Dot Public Schools (GDPS) describing their rapid scale-up process. Specifically, it investigates the phenomenon of the inherent tension between maintaining the fidelity of the original model school's design, culture and values with local adaptation of the brand by stakeholders at the expansion…

A Case Study with Green Dot Public Schools on Managing the Tension between Fidelity and Adaptation when Scaling-Up

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cevallos, Pedro Felipe, Jr.

2009-01-01

This dissertation was a single case study with Green Dot Public Schools (GDPS) describing their rapid scale-up process. Specifically, it investigates the phenomenon of the inherent tension between maintaining the fidelity of the original model school's design, culture and values with local adaptation of the brand by stakeholders at the expansion…

How and What Can We Learn from Replicating Historical Experiments? A Case Study.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hottecke, Dietmar

2000-01-01

Argues that historical experiments replicated as closely as possible to the original enable experiences that are intellectual as well as sensual in kind. Demonstrates that learning by replicating makes it possible to learn on different levels of human activity related to mind and body. Introduces a case study of the replication of the kind of…

Anomalous vertebral artery origins: the first and second reports of two variants.

PubMed

Hsu, Daniel P; Alexander, Ashley D; Gilkeson, Robert C

2010-06-01

We present two cases of aberrant origins of vertebral arteries. Case 1 is of a patient undergoing evaluation of an infrarenal aortic aneurysm stent graft. Computed tomography (CT) angiogram revealed an aberrant right vertebral artery that subsequently joined a second right vertebral artery that had the typical origin off the right subclavian artery. This represents an unusual anatomic variation not previously reported in the literature. Case 2 is of a patient being evaluated for thoracic aorta injury. CT angiogram of the chest revealed a five-vessel aortic arch with aberrant origin of the bilateral vertebral arteries distal to the left subclavian artery.

De Novo duplication in Charcot-Marie-Tooth Type 1A

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

Mandich, P.; Bellone, E.; Ajmar, F.

1996-09-01

We read with interest the paper on {open_quotes}Prevalence and Origin of De Novo Duplications in Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Type 1A: First Report of a De Novo Duplication with a Maternal Origin,{close_quotes}. They reported their experience with 10 sporadic cases of Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 1A (CMT1A) in which it was demonstrated that the disease had arisen as the result of a de novo duplication. They analyzed the de novo-duplication families by using microsatellite markers and identified the parental origin of the duplication in eight cases. In one family the duplication was of maternal origin, whereas in the remaining seven cases it was ofmore » paternal origin. The authors concluded that their report was the first evidence of a de novo duplication of maternal origin, suggesting that this is not a phenomenon associated solely with male meiosis. 7 refs.« less

The Vroom and Yetton Normative Leadership Model Applied to Public School Case Examples.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sample, John

This paper seeks to familiarize school administrators with the Vroom and Yetton Normative Leadership model by presenting its essential components and providing original case studies for its application to school settings. The five decision-making methods of the Vroom and Yetton model, including two "autocratic," two…

Retracted Publications Within Radiology Journals.

PubMed

Rosenkrantz, Andrew B

2016-02-01

The purpose of this study was to characterize trends related to retracted publications within radiology journals. PubMed was queried to identify all articles with the publication type "retracted publication" or "notification of retraction." Articles published within radiology journals were identified using Journal Citation Reports' journal categories. Available versions of original articles and publication notices were accessed from journal websites. Citations to retracted publications were identified using Web of Science. Overall trends were assessed. Forty-eight retracted original research articles were identified within radiology journals since 1983, which included 1.1% of all PubMed "retracted publication" entries. Distinct PubMed entries were available for the retracted publication and retraction notification in 39 of 48 articles. The original PDF was available for 37 articles, although the articles were not watermarked as retracted in 23 cases. In six cases with a watermarked PDF, further searches identified nonwatermarked versions. Original HTML versions were available for 13 articles but 11 were not watermarked. The mean (± SD) delay between publication and retraction was 2.7 ± 2.8 years (range, 0-16 years). The mean number of citations to retracted articles was 10.9 ± 17.1 (range, 0-94 citations). Reasons for retraction included problematic or incorrect methods or results (although it typically was unclear whether these represented honest errors or misconduct) in 33.3% of cases, complete or partial duplicate publication in 33.3% of cases, plagiarism in 14.6% of cases, a permission issue in 8.3% of cases, the publisher's error in 6.3% of cases, and no identified reason in 6.3% of cases. One or no retractions occurred annually from 1986 to 2001, although two or more retractions occurred annually in nine of the 12 years from 2002 through 2013. Retraction represents an uncommon, yet potentially increasing, issue within radiology journals that publishers have inconsistently and insufficiently addressed. Greater awareness and training in proper biomedical research conduct, as well as establishment and enforcement of standardized publishers' policies, are warranted.

Characteristics of caffeine intoxication-related death in Tokyo, Japan, between 2008 and 2013.

PubMed

Suzuki, Hideto; Tanifuji, Takanobu; Abe, Nobuyuki; Maeda, Masako; Kato, Yukihisa; Shibata, Mikiyoshi; Fukunaga, Tatsushige

2014-10-01

Caffeine is widely available in beverages and over-the-counter products; however, in large doses, it can lead to lethal arrhythmia. This study aims to clarify the characteristics of caffeine intoxication-related deaths in Tokyo, Japan. Among the 4754 forensic autopsy cases between 2008 and 2013 in which a toxicological investigation was performed, cases in which the blood concentration of caffeine exceeded toxic levels (15 μg/ml) were selected (N = 22). We examined subjects' ages, medical histories, direct/underlying causes of death, and manner of death. We also assessed concurrent drug substance detection and identified the origin of the caffeine. More than 60% of the subjects were between the ages of 20 and 49 years (n = 14, 63.6%). Sixteen cases (72.7%) showed a history of psychiatric diseases such as depression and sleep disorders. The underlying cause of death for all cases except two was caffeine intoxication, and manner of death was classified as undetermined (n = 11), accidental (n = 7), suicide (n = 2), or others (n = 2). Toxicological analysis revealed the presence of ingredients common to analgesics/cold remedies in 12 cases (54.5%). The origin of the caffeine was identified in 11 cases (50.0%); the proportion of identification was significantly lower among the cases in which analgesic/cold remedy ingredients were not detected (20.0%). Caffeine intoxication-related deaths mainly occurred in young and middle-aged persons with common psychiatric diseases. Psychiatrists should take note of caffeine dependence while diagnosing common psychiatric symptoms. In half of the cases, the origin of the caffeine was unidentified; nevertheless, dietary sources or over-the-counter drugs containing caffeine were suspected. As it becomes easier to obtain caffeinated products, continuous monitoring of the number of deaths from caffeine intoxication, in addition to detailed investigations of the caffeine's origin, will be necessary.

What does the nature of the MECP2 mutation tell us about parental origin and recurrence risk in Rett syndrome?

PubMed

Zhang, J; Bao, X; Cao, G; Jiang, S; Zhu, X; Lu, H; Jia, L; Pan, H; Fehr, S; Davis, M; Leonard, H; Ravine, D; Wu, X

2012-12-01

The MECP2 mutations occurring in the severe neurological disorder Rett syndrome are predominantly de novo, with rare familial cases. The aims of this study were to provide a precise estimate of the parental origin of MECP2 mutations using a large Chinese sample and to assess whether parental origin varied by mutation type. The parental origin was paternal in 84/88 [95.5%, (95% confidence interval 88.77-98.75)] of sporadic Chinese cases. However, in a pooled sample including data from the literature the spectrum of mutations occurring on maternally and paternally derived chromosomes differed significantly. The excess we found of 'single base pair gains or losses' on maternally derived MECP2 gene alleles suggests that this mutational category is associated with an elevated risk of gonadal mosaicism, which has implications for genetic counseling. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Fetal Genotyping in Maternal Blood by Digital PCR: Towards NIPD of Monogenic Disorders Independently of Parental Origin.

PubMed

Perlado, Sara; Bustamante-Aragonés, Ana; Donas, Marta; Lorda-Sánchez, Isabel; Plaza, Javier; Rodríguez de Alba, Marta

2016-01-01

To date, non-invasive prenatal diagnosis (NIPD) of monogenic disorders has been limited to cases with a paternal origin. This work shows a validation study of the Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) technology for analysis of both paternally and maternally inherited fetal alleles. For the purpose, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were studied with the only intention to mimic monogenic disorders. NIPD SNP genotyping was performed by ddPCR in 55 maternal plasma samples. In 19 out of 55 cases, inheritance of the paternal allele was determined by presence/absence criteria. In the remaining 36, determination of the maternally inherited fetal allele was performed by relative mutation dosage (RMD) analysis. ddPCR exhibited 100% accuracy for detection of paternal alleles. For diagnosis of fetal alleles with maternal origin by RMD analysis, the technology showed an accuracy of 96%. Twenty-nine out of 36 were correctly diagnosed. There was one FP and six maternal plasma samples that could not be diagnosed. In this study, ddPCR has shown to be capable to detect both paternal and maternal fetal alleles in maternal plasma. This represents a step forward towards the introduction of NIPD for all pregnancies independently of the parental origin of the disease.

Origin and distribution of Sporothrix globosa causing sapronoses in Asia.

PubMed

Moussa, Tarek A A; Kadasa, Naif M S; Al Zahrani, Hassan S; Ahmed, Sarah Abdallah; Feng, Peiying; Gerrits van den Ende, Albertus H G; Zhang, Yu; Kano, Rui; Li, Fuqiu; Li, Shanshan; Song, Yang; Dong, Bilin; Rossato, Luana; Dolatabadi, Somayeh; Hoog, Sybren de

2017-05-01

The aim of the study was to evaluate the main sources and epidemiological patterns and speculate on the evolutionary origin of Sporothrix globosa in Asia. Case and case series literature on sporotrichosis in Asia from January 2007 onwards were reviewed using meta-analysis. Phylogenetic analysis of relevant S. globosa was carried out on the basis of concatenated sequences of ITS, TEF3 and CAL. A haplotype network of CAL sequences of 281 Sporothrix isolates was analysed to determine the population structure of S. globosa. Nearly all cases of sporotrichosis caused by S. globosa in Asia were human. In contrast to the remaining pathogenic Sporothrix species, feline transmission was exceptional; nearly all regional cat-associated cases were caused by Sporothrix schenckii. While the latter species was highly variable and showed recombination, S. globosa seemed to be a clonal offshoot, as was Sporothrix brasiliensis. The origin of the segregants was located in an area of high variability in S. schenckii with a relatively high frequency of Asian strains. In Asia, S. globosa was the prevalent species. The low diversity of S. globosa suggested a recent divergence with a founder effect of low variability from the variable ancestral species, S. schenckii.

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

Kwon, Joon Ho; Kim, Man Deuk, E-mail: mdkim@yuhs.ac; Lee, Kwang-hun

We report a case of a 35-year-old woman who underwent uterine artery embolization (UAE) for symptomatic multiple uterine fibroids with collateral aberrant right ovarian artery that originated from the right external iliac artery. We believe that this is the first reported case in the literature of this collateral uterine flow by the right ovarian artery originated from the right external iliac artery. We briefly present the details of the case and review the literature on variations of ovarian artery origin that might be encountered during UAE.

The Power of Exclusion using Automated Osteometric Sorting: Pair-Matching.

PubMed

Lynch, Jeffrey James; Byrd, John; LeGarde, Carrie B

2018-03-01

This study compares the original pair-matching osteometric sorting model (J Forensic Sci 2003;48:717) against two new models providing validation and performance testing across three samples. The samples include the Forensic Data Bank, USS Oklahoma, and the osteometric sorting reference used within the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency. A computer science solution to generating dynamic statistical models across a commingled assemblage is presented. The issue of normality is investigated showing the relative robustness against non-normality and a data transformation to control for normality. A case study is provided showing the relative exclusion power of all three models from an active commingled case within the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency. In total, 14,357,220 osteometric t-tests were conducted. The results indicate that osteometric sorting performs as expected despite reference samples deviating from normality. The two new models outperform the original, and one of those is recommended to supersede the original for future osteometric sorting work. © 2017 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

[X tetrasomy (48,XXXX karyotype) in a girl with altered behavior].

PubMed

Rodado, Maria José; Manchón Trives, Irene; Lledó Bosch, Belén; Galán Sánchez, Francisco

2010-07-01

We report the case of a 14-year-old girl with mental retardation and dysmorphic features referred to child psychiatry because of altered behavior at school. Karyotyping (GTG banding), in situ fluorescent hybridization (FISH) and molecular study of parental origin by polymorphic STS were performed. Genetic study revealed a 48,XXXX karyotype with a maternal origin of the X-tetrasomy. The mechanism was successive non-dysjunction at meiosis I and II. The interest of this case lies in the rarity of the chromosomal anomaly and its late diagnosis, leading to a failure to adapt the girl's education to her needs, with consequences for her psyche. Copyright © 2010 SEP y SEPB. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Mutations in fibroblast growth-factor receptor 3 in sporadic cases of achondroplasia occur exclusively on the paternally derived chromosome.

PubMed Central

Wilkin, D J; Szabo, J K; Cameron, R; Henderson, S; Bellus, G A; Mack, M L; Kaitila, I; Loughlin, J; Munnich, A; Sykes, B; Bonaventure, J; Francomano, C A

1998-01-01

More than 97% of achondroplasia cases are caused by one of two mutations (G1138A and G1138C) in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) gene, which results in a specific amino acid substitution, G380R. Sporadic cases of achondroplasia have been associated with advanced paternal age, suggesting that these mutations occur preferentially during spermatogenesis. We have determined the parental origin of the achondroplasia mutation in 40 sporadic cases. Three distinct 1-bp polymorphisms were identified in the FGFR3 gene, within close proximity to the achondroplasia mutation site. Ninety-nine families, each with a sporadic case of achondroplasia in a child, were analyzed in this study. In this population, the achondroplasia mutation occurred on the paternal chromosome in all 40 cases in which parental origin was unambiguous. This observation is consistent with the clinical observation of advanced paternal age resulting in new cases of achondroplasia and suggests that factors influencing DNA replication or repair during spermatogenesis, but not during oogenesis, may predispose to the occurrence of the G1138 FGFR3 mutations. PMID:9718331

Adoption of Online Network Tools by Minority Students: The Case of Students of Ethiopian Origin in Israel

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Amzalag, Meital; Elias, Nelly; Kali, Yael

2015-01-01

Students of Ethiopian origin belong to one of the weakest sectors in the Jewish population of Israel. During their studies they have to deal with social alienation, cultural gaps, economic hardships, and racial stereotypes which reduce their chances to successfully complete their academic degree. In this respect, the present research asks whether…

Identification of a genetic variant associated with abdominal aortic aneurysms on chromosome 3p12.3 by genome wide association.

PubMed

Elmore, James R; Obmann, Melissa A; Kuivaniemi, Helena; Tromp, Gerard; Gerhard, Glenn S; Franklin, David P; Boddy, Amy M; Carey, David J

2009-06-01

The goal of this project was to identify genetic variants associated with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). A genome wide association study was carried out using pooled DNA samples from 123 AAA cases and 112 controls matched for age, gender, and smoking history using Affymetrix 500K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays (Affymetrix, Inc, Santa Clara, Calif). The difference in mean allele frequency between cases and controls was calculated for each SNP and used to identify candidate genomic regions. Association of candidate SNPs with AAA was confirmed by individual TaqMan genotype assays in a total of 2096 cases and controls that included an independent replication sample set. A genome wide association study of AAA cases and controls identified a candidate AAA-associated haplotype on chromosome 3p12.3. By individual genotype analysis, four SNPs in this region were significantly associated with AAA in cases and controls from the original study population. One SNP in this region (rs7635818) was genotyped in a total of 502 cases and 736 controls from the original study population (P = .017) and 448 cases and 410 controls from an independent replication sample (P = .013; combined P value = .0028; combined odds ratio [OR] = 1.33). An even stronger association with AAA was observed in a subset of smokers (391 cases, 241 controls, P = .00041, OR = 1.80), which represent the highest risk group for AAA. The AAA-associated haplotype is located approximately 200 kbp upstream of the CNTN3 gene transcription start site. This study identifies a region on chromosome 3 that is significantly associated with AAA in 2 distinct study populations.

31 CFR 537.527 - Importation into the United States of Burmese-origin animals and specimens.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Burmese-origin animals and specimens. 537.527 Section 537.527 Money and Finance: Treasury Regulations... Importation into the United States of Burmese-origin animals and specimens. Specific licenses may be issued on a case-by-case basis authorizing the importation into the United States of animals and specimens of...

Shipping Light: The Case-Oil Trade to Asia, 1870-1915 and Origins of the Supertanker.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Webb, Robert Lloyd

1996-01-01

Recounts the origin and evolution of the America-to-Asia oil shipping business. Originally shipped in tin cans, two to a wooden case, the industry was revolutionized by the development of bulk tankers. Discusses the technological challenges faced by these vessels, safety concerns, and early competition from Russia. (MJP)

78 FR 76993 - Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement: Photovoltaic Devices (DFARS Case 2014-D006)

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-12-20

... (DFARS) to clarify rules of origin under trade agreements for photovoltaic devices to be utilized under.... 111-383) addresses the origin of photovoltaic devices purchased by a contractor under an energy... country of origin. DoD initially implemented this statute through an interim rule (DFARS Case 2011-D046...

Imported Malaria in Children in Industrialized Countries, 1992–2002

PubMed Central

Stäger, Katrin; Legros, Fabrice; Krause, Gérard; Low, Nicola; Bradley, David; Desai, Meghna; Graf, Simone; D’Amato, Stefania; Mizuno, Yasutaka; Janzon, Ragnhild; Petersen, Eskild; Kester, John; Steffen, Robert

2009-01-01

Children account for an appreciable proportion of total imported malaria cases, yet few studies have quantified these cases, identified trends, or suggested evidence-based prevention strategies for this group of travelers. We therefore sought to identify numbers of cases and deaths, Plasmodium species, place of malaria acquisition, preventive measures used, and national origin of malaria in children. We analyzed retrospective data from Australia, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States and data provided by the United Nations World Tourism Organization. During 1992–2002, >17,000 cases of imported malaria in children were reported in 11 countries where malaria is not endemic; most (>70%) had been acquired in Africa. Returning to country of origin to visit friends and relatives was a risk factor. Malaria prevention for children should be a responsibility of healthcare providers and should be subsidized for low-income travelers to high-risk areas. PMID:19193261

Endocarditis due to Rhodotorula mucilaginosa in a kidney transplanted patient: case report and review of medical literature.

PubMed

Cabral, Andrea Maria; da Siveira Rioja, Suzimar; Brito-Santos, Fabio; Peres da Silva, Juliana Ribeiro; MacDowell, Maria Luíza; Melhem, Marcia S C; Mattos-Guaraldi, Ana Luíza; Hirata Junior, Raphael; Damasco, Paulo Vieira

2017-11-01

Introduction. Endocarditis caused by yeasts is currently an emerging cause of infective endocarditis and, when accompanied byfever of unknown origin, is more severe since interferes with proper diagnosis and endocarditis treatment. Case presentation. The Rio de Janeiro Infective Endocarditis Study Group reports a case of infectious endocarditis (IE) with negative blood cultures in a 45-year-old white female resident in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, previously submitted to kidney transplantation. After diagnosis and intervention, the valve culture revealed Rhodotorula mucilaginosa . The clinical aspects and overview of endocarditis caused by Rhodotorula spp. demonstrated that R. muscilaginosa have been isolated from the last IE cases from kidney transplanted patients. Conclusion. Though most of the patients (in literature) recovered well from endocarditis caused by Rhodotorula spp., physicians must be aware for diagnosis of fungemia and fungal treatment in kidney transplanted patients suffering of fever of unknown origin in the modern immunosuppressive treatment.

KDNA Genetic Signatures Obtained by LSSP-PCR Analysis of Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum Isolated from the New and the Old World

PubMed Central

Alvarenga, Janaína Sousa Campos; Ligeiro, Carla Maia; Gontijo, Célia Maria Ferreira; Cortes, Sofia; Campino, Lenea; Vago, Annamaria Ravara; Melo, Maria Norma

2012-01-01

Background Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) caused by species from the Leishmania donovani complex is the most severe form of the disease, lethal if untreated. VL caused by Leishmania infantum is a zoonosis with an increasing number of human cases and millions of dogs infected in the Old and the New World. In this study, L. infantum (syn. L.chagasi) strains were isolated from human and canine VL cases. The strains were obtained from endemic areas from Brazil and Portugal and their genetic polymorphism was ascertained using the LSSP-PCR (Low-Stringency Single Specific Primer PCR) technique for analyzing the kinetoplastid DNA (kDNA) minicircles hypervariable region. Principal Findings KDNA genetic signatures obtained by minicircle LSSP-PCR analysis of forty L. infantum strains allowed the grouping of strains in several clades. Furthermore, LSSP-PCR profiles of L. infantum subpopulations were closely related to the host origin (human or canine). To our knowledge this is the first study which used this technique to compare genetic polymorphisms among strains of L. infantum originated from both the Old and the New World. Conclusions LSSP-PCR profiles obtained by analysis of L. infantum kDNA hypervariable region of parasites isolated from human cases and infected dogs from Brazil and Portugal exhibited a genetic correlation among isolates originated from the same reservoir, human or canine. However, no association has been detected among the kDNA signatures and the geographical origin of L. infantum strains. PMID:22912862

Sensitivity to differences in the motor origin of drawings: from human to robot.

PubMed

De Preester, Helena; Tsakiris, Manos

2014-01-01

This study explores the idea that an observer is sensitive to differences in the static traces of drawings that are due to differences in motor origin. In particular, our aim was to test if an observer is able to discriminate between drawings made by a robot and by a human in the case where the drawings contain salient kinematic cues for discrimination and in the case where the drawings only contain more subtle kinematic cues. We hypothesized that participants would be able to correctly attribute the drawing to a human or a robot origin when salient kinematic cues are present. In addition, our study shows that observers are also able to detect the producer behind the drawings in the absence of these salient kinematic cues. The design was such that in the absence of salient kinematic cues, the drawings are visually very similar, i.e. only differing in subtle kinematic differences. Observers thus had to rely on these subtle kinematic differences in the line trajectories between drawings. However, not only motor origin (human versus robot) but also motor style (natural versus mechanic) plays a role in attributing a drawing to the correct producer, because participants scored less high when the human hand draws in a relatively mechanical way. Overall, this study suggests that observers are sensitive to subtle kinematic differences between visually similar marks in drawings that have a different motor origin. We offer some possible interpretations inspired by the idea of "motor resonance".

Sensitivity to Differences in the Motor Origin of Drawings: From Human to Robot

PubMed Central

De Preester, Helena; Tsakiris, Manos

2014-01-01

This study explores the idea that an observer is sensitive to differences in the static traces of drawings that are due to differences in motor origin. In particular, our aim was to test if an observer is able to discriminate between drawings made by a robot and by a human in the case where the drawings contain salient kinematic cues for discrimination and in the case where the drawings only contain more subtle kinematic cues. We hypothesized that participants would be able to correctly attribute the drawing to a human or a robot origin when salient kinematic cues are present. In addition, our study shows that observers are also able to detect the producer behind the drawings in the absence of these salient kinematic cues. The design was such that in the absence of salient kinematic cues, the drawings are visually very similar, i.e. only differing in subtle kinematic differences. Observers thus had to rely on these subtle kinematic differences in the line trajectories between drawings. However, not only motor origin (human versus robot) but also motor style (natural versus mechanic) plays a role in attributing a drawing to the correct producer, because participants scored less high when the human hand draws in a relatively mechanical way. Overall, this study suggests that observers are sensitive to subtle kinematic differences between visually similar marks in drawings that have a different motor origin. We offer some possible interpretations inspired by the idea of “motor resonance”. PMID:25014198

Pigmented Epithelioid Melanocytoma (PEM)/Animal Type Melanoma (ATM): Quest for an Origin. Report of One Unusual Case Indicating Follicular Origin and Another Arising in an Intradermal Nevus †

PubMed Central

Tarasen, Ashley; Carlson, J. Andrew; Leonard, M. Kathryn; Merlino, Glenn; Kaetzel, David

2017-01-01

Pigmented epithelioid melanocytoma (PEM) is a tumor encompassing epithelioid blue nevus of Carney complex (EBN of CNC) and was previously termed animal-type melanoma. Histologically PEMs are heavily pigmented spindled and epithelioid dermal melanocytic tumors with infiltrative borders, however, their origin remains unclear. Stem cells for the epidermis and hair follicle are located in the bulge area of the hair follicle with the potential to differentiate into multiple lineages. Multiple cutaneous carcinomas, including follicular cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (FSCC), are thought to arise from stem cells in the follicular bulge. We present two cases of PEM/ATM in a 63 year-old male on the scalp with follicular origin and a 72 year-old female on the upper back arising in an intradermal nevus. Biopsy of both cases revealed a proliferation of heavily pigmented dermal nests of melanocytes with atypia. The Case 1 tumor was in continuation with the outer root sheath of the hair follicle in the bulge region. Case 2 arose in an intradermal melanocytic nevus. Rare mitotic figures, including atypical mitotic figures, were identified in both cases. We present two cases of PEM, with histologic evidence suggesting two origins: one from the follicular bulb and one from an intradermal nevus. PMID:28809777

The laser-induced discoloration of stonework; a comparative study on its origins and remedies.

PubMed

Pouli, P; Fotakis, C; Hermosin, B; Saiz-Jimenez, C; Domingo, C; Oujja, M; Castillejo, M

2008-12-01

For understanding the phenomena associated with the discoloration observed in some cases of infrared laser cleaned stonework surfaces, a comparative study of three different types and morphologies of pollution encrustation and stone substrates was undertaken. Fragments originating from monuments with historic and/or artistic value, bearing homogeneous thin soiling on Pentelic marble (Athens, Greece), thick encrustation on Hontoria limestone (Burgos, Spain) and compact thin crust on gypsum decorations (Athens, Greece), have been studied on the basis of their composition and origin, together with the conditions that may induce yellowing effects upon their laser cleaning with IR wavelengths. While irradiation in the UV (i.e. at 355 nm) could not effectively remove the encrustations studied, irradiation at 1,064 nm was found efficient to remove all the studied pollution accumulations. Discoloration towards yellow was evident in all cases and at different levels, including the samples with intentional patination layer. To the limit of Raman detection no chemical alterations were detected on the irradiated areas while the presence of yellow polar compounds in all the pollution crusts studied supports the argument that the discoloration of the stone surfaces upon their IR irradiation may be due to the uncovering of existing yellow layers as result of the migration of these compounds inwards to the original stone surface. To correct and/or prevent such undesired coloration the use of IR and UV radiation both in sequential and synchronous mode was considered, with positive results.

The laser-induced discoloration of stonework; a comparative study on its origins and remedies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pouli, P.; Fotakis, C.; Hermosin, B.; Saiz-Jimenez, C.; Domingo, C.; Oujja, M.; Castillejo, M.

2008-12-01

For understanding the phenomena associated with the discoloration observed in some cases of infrared laser cleaned stonework surfaces, a comparative study of three different types and morphologies of pollution encrustation and stone substrates was undertaken. Fragments originating from monuments with historic and/or artistic value, bearing homogeneous thin soiling on Pentelic marble (Athens, Greece), thick encrustation on Hontoria limestone (Burgos, Spain) and compact thin crust on gypsum decorations (Athens, Greece), have been studied on the basis of their composition and origin, together with the conditions that may induce yellowing effects upon their laser cleaning with IR wavelengths. While irradiation in the UV (i.e. at 355 nm) could not effectively remove the encrustations studied, irradiation at 1064 nm was found efficient to remove all the studied pollution accumulations. Discoloration towards yellow was evident in all cases and at different levels, including the samples with intentional patination layer. To the limit of Raman detection no chemical alterations were detected on the irradiated areas while the presence of yellow polar compounds in all the pollution crusts studied supports the argument that the discoloration of the stone surfaces upon their IR irradiation may be due to the uncovering of existing yellow layers as result of the migration of these compounds inwards to the original stone surface. To correct and/or prevent such undesired coloration the use of IR and UV radiation both in sequential and synchronous mode was considered, with positive results.

Reevaluation and reclassification of resected lung carcinomas originally diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma using immunohistochemical analysis

PubMed Central

Kadota, Kyuichi; Nitadori, Jun-ichi; Rekhtman, Natasha; Jones, David R.; Adusumilli, Prasad S.; Travis, William D.

2015-01-01

Currently, non-small cell lung carcinomas are primarily classified by light microscopy. However, recent studies have shown that poorly-differentiated tumors are more accurately classified by immunohistochemistry. In this study, we investigated the use of immunohistochemical analysis in reclassifying lung carcinomas that were originally diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma. Tumor slides and blocks were available for histologic evaluation, and tissue microarrays were constructed from 480 patients with resected lung carcinomas originally diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma between 1999 and 2009. Immunohistochemistry for p40, p63, thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1; clone SPT24 and 8G7G3/1), Napsin A, Chromogranin A, Synaptophysin, and CD56 were performed. Staining intensity (weak, moderate, or strong) and distribution (focal or diffuse) were also recorded. Of all, 449 (93.5%) patients were confirmed as having squamous cell carcinomas; the cases were mostly diffusely positive for p40 and negative for TTF-1 (8G7G3/1). Twenty cases (4.2%) were reclassified as adenocarcinoma since they were positive for TTF-1 (8G7G3/1 or SPT24) with either no or focal p40 expression, and all of them were poorly-differentiated with squamoid morphology. In addition, 1 case was reclassified as adenosquamous carcinoma, 4 cases as large cell carcinoma, 4 cases as large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, and 2 cases as small cell carcinoma. In poorly-differentiated non-small cell lung carcinomas, an accurate distinction between squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma cannot be reliably determined by morphology alone and requires immunohistochemical analysis, even in resected specimens. Our findings suggest that TTF-1 8G7G3/1 may be better suited as the primary antibody in differentiating adenocarcinoma from squamous cell carcinoma. PMID:25871623

[The Best Interest of the Child in the Case of Surrogate Maternity].

PubMed

Garibo Peyró, Ana-Paz

2017-01-01

This article claims to analyze the situation of children born by means of surrogate maternity contract since these babies are one of the most vulnerable parts of this agreement, so their rights and interests could be affected in many ways. In order to study that situation, in the first place, has been accomplished a brief analysis of the concept of the best interest of the child. Afterwards it is examined the possible violation of the best interest of the child in the cases that have already been examined by Doctrine and Jurisprudence, that is, first the case of registration of these children in the country of origin Civil Registry of the intentional parents, and, in second place, the case of maternity benefit for intentional mothers. The article concludes with a reflection about other situations in where the best interest of children can be affected , such as their right to know their biological origins or the cases of identity problems.

The Origins of Christian Liberal Arts Higher Education in Russia: A Case Study of the Russian-American Christian University

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Titarchuk, Victor N.

2011-01-01

This is a case study of the historical development of a private Christian faith-based school of higher education in post-Soviet Russia from its conception in 1990 until 2010. This binational school was founded as Russian-American Christian University (RACU) in 1996. In 2003, business and economics as well as social work undergraduate academic…

Characterization of de novo duplications in eight patients by using fluorescence in situ hybridization with chromosome-specific DNA libraries

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

Leana-Cox, J.; Wulfsberg, E.; Raffel, L.J.

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with chromosome-specific DNA libraries was performed on samples from eight patients with de novo chromosomal duplications. In five cases, the clinical phenotype and/or cytogenetic evaluations suggested a likely origin of the duplicated material. In the remaining three cases, careful examination of the GTG-banding pattern indicated multiple possible origins; hybridization with more than one chromosome-specific library was performed on two of these cases. In all cases, FISH conclusively identified the chromosomal origin of the duplicated material. In addition, the hybridization pattern was useful in quantitatively delineating the duplication in two cases. 21 refs., 2 figs., 1more » tab.« less

Superficial middle cerebral vein connection to the cavernous sinus is not infrequent in brain arteriovenous malformations: an argument against their congenital origin?

PubMed

Shotar, Eimad; Guédon, Alexis; Sourour, Nader; Di Maria, Federico; Gabrieli, Joseph; Nouet, Aurélien; Chiras, Jacques; Clarençon, Frédéric

2016-07-01

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that the superficial middle cerebral vein (SMCV) is frequently absent or fails to connect with the cavernous sinus (CS) in the presence of brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), a frequently reported argument for the congenital origin of brain AVMs. The SMCV was retrospectively compared between patients with a brain AVM and a control group. The presence or absence of the SMCV, its direct or indirect connection to the CS and its termination in a laterocavernous sinus (LCS), paracavernous sinus (PCS), or directly in the CS was studied on digital subtraction angiography. One hundred twenty-five left or right side carotid angiograms from 70 patients with a brain AVM were compared to 125 angiograms from 74 controls. The SMCV was present in 88 (70.4 %) cases in the brain AVM group and 96 (76.8 %) cases in controls (p = 0.25). The SMCV was connected directly or indirectly to the CS in 65 (52 %) cases in the brain AVM group and 65 (52 %) cases in controls (p = 1). When comparing the subgroup of carotid angiograms ipsilateral to a supratentorial AVM, no statistically significant difference was found with controls. In three of six cases in which a SMCV drained an AVM, the vein terminated directly or indirectly in the CS. No difference of SMCV presence and direct or indirect connection to the CS was found between patients with AVM and a control group. SMCV anatomy does not support the congenital origin of brain AVMs.

Experience of Surgical Treatment for Occipital Migraine in Taiwan.

PubMed

Lin, Shang-Hsi; Lin, Huwang-Chi; Jeng, Chu-Hsu; Hsieh, Cheng-Han; Lin, Yu-Hsien; Chen, Cha-Chun

2016-03-01

Refractory migraine surgery developed since 2003 has excellent results over the past 10 years. According to the pioneer of migraine surgery, Dr. Bahman Guyuron, 5 major surgical classifications of migraines are described in the field of plastic surgery, namely, frontal migraine, temporal migraine, rhinogenic migraine, occipital migraine, and auriculotemporal migraine. In this study, we present the preliminary surgical results of the occipital migraine surgery. A total of 22 patients with simple occipital migraines came to our outpatient clinic for help from June 2014 to February 2015. Thirteen cases were excluded owing to ineligibility for operation or other reasons. The patients who concurrently experienced other types of migraines were precluded even if they received combined migraine surgery. Therefore, 9 simple occipital migraine cases were enrolled in this study. Migraine severity was evaluated by uniform questionnaires to identify the source of migraine. Neurolysis was performed under general anesthesia, with the patient in a prone position. Postoperative conditions were evaluated at the second, fourth, sixth, and eighth weeks by posttreatment questionnaires. Of all the 9 patients, 5 experienced single-sided migraines of greater occipital nerve origin (2 left-sided and 3 right-sided cases). Two patients had bilateral migraines of greater occipital nerve origin, and unilateral right lesser occipital nerve origin was noted in one patient. The last patient had right-sided migraines of greater and lesser occipital nerve origin. As a result in the follow-up, a response rate greater than 90% was documented, and complete resolution was observed in 2 patients. Drug doses were reduced more than 50% in the remaining patients. The overall efficacy of occipital migraine surgery in this study was 88.8% (8/9 cases). Some patients with migraine are good candidates for surgical resolution with appropriate and meticulous selection. Similar to what is observed in Western countries, the migraine surgery is promising and could provide a better quality of life to selected refractory migraine patients in Taiwan.

Dissociative sensibility disorders - A retrospective case series and systematic literature review.

PubMed

Weber, Peter; Erlacher, Rahel

2018-01-01

Dissociative disorders present a huge challenge in clinical settings. In contrast to other dissociative symptoms, dissociative sensibility disorders are rarely focused on. To identify the clinical characteristics and outcomes of dissociative sensibility disorders in children and adolescents, and to review the use of diagnostic procedures. For the review, a literature search used Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, and PubPsych (to 02/2015) and the reference lists of the studies identified. Screening of titles and abstracts; full-text assessment by two reviewers. The original case series was identified by using the local data register. Two reviewers independently reviewed the data and, if they agreed on the relevance, extracted the data. In the original case series, data were extracted retrospectively from the records. Sixteen studies and seven case reports were identified, including 931 cases with dissociative disorders. In 210 cases the patient suffered either from a single sensibility disorder or predominantly from sensibility disorders. We identified thirteen further cases in our cohort. In both groups there was female predominance; the mean age of manifestation was early adolescence. The timing of admissions was variable. In approximately 50% of cases a premorbid stressful life event could be identified. Over 75% of cases had a good prognosis with complete resolution. Retrospective character of our own data collection, partially missing differentiation between the subgroups of dissociative disorders in the reviewed studies. There is no uniform procedure for diagnostic work-up. The overall short-term prognosis is good. Copyright © 2017 European Paediatric Neurology Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

An Introduction to the Model of Crisis Intervention Procedure for Borderline Patients (CIP-BP): A Case Study.

PubMed

Koweszko, Tytus; Gierus, Jacek; Więdłocha, Magdalena; Mosiołek, Anna; Szulc, Agata

2017-06-01

Borderline personality disorder is highly associated with suicidal behaviors. The authors of the current case study present the introduction model of original Crisis Intervention Procedure for Borderline Patients (CIP-BP) which is a method focused on restoring emotional balance, reducing the severity of symptoms and the risk of suicidal behavior, as well as developing optimum solutions for further action. Its aim is to enable the patient to regain control of their emotional memory, increase autonomy and restore important interpersonal relations by using the original resources of this person. The procedure aims at providing nursing personnel with a practical tool to effectively avert the crisis and prevent further decompensation of BPD patients. Further pre-post study is required to determine the effectiveness of the procedure. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Right to Live and Die. Canadian Critical Issues Series.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Eisenberg, John; Bourne, Paula

One of a series adapted from the Canadian Public Issues Project, this book is designed to stimulate discussion and reflection about controversial issues through case studies. The book is based on high school units originally drawn from cases in newspapers, journals, books, legal documents, and government reports. Conflicts from issues arising over…

Meta-Action Research with Pre-Service Teachers: A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Villacañas de Castro, Luis Sebastián

2014-01-01

This article analyses a case of action research collaboratively conducted by a university teacher and 50 students in a master's course in teacher training. Its originality resides in the socio-economic, academic, and conceptual nature of the obstacles encountered in the module; in the meta-theoretical orientation of the action research that was…

Impact of Case-Based Instruction on Student Teachers' Reflection on Facilitating Children's Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rosen, Dina

2008-01-01

The purpose of this original quasi-experimental research was to investigate the potential for using case-based instruction during the student teaching seminar as a means for promoting practicum student teachers' critical reflection about facilitating children's learning. In addition, the study explored the impact of varied modes for delivering…

[Case finding in early prevention networks - a heuristic for ambulatory care settings].

PubMed

Barth, Michael; Belzer, Florian

2016-06-01

One goal of early prevention is the support of families with small children up to three years who are exposed to psychosocial risks. The identification of these cases is often complex and not well-directed, especially in the ambulatory care setting. Development of a model of a feasible and empirical based strategy for case finding in ambulatory care. Based on the risk factors of postpartal depression, lack of maternal responsiveness, parental stress with regulation disorders and poverty a lexicographic and non-compensatory heuristic model with simple decision rules, will be constructed and empirically tested. Therefore the original data set from an evaluation of the pediatric documentary form on psychosocial issues of families with small children in well-child visits will be used and reanalyzed. The first diagnostic step in the non-compensatory and hierarchical classification process is the assessment of postpartal depression followed by maternal responsiveness, parental stress and poverty. The classification model identifies 89.0 % cases from the original study. Compared to the original study the decision process becomes clearer and more concise. The evidence-based and data-driven model exemplifies a strategy for the assessment of psychosocial risk factors in ambulatory care settings. It is based on four evidence-based risk factors and offers a quick and reliable classification. A further advantage of this model is that after a risk factor is identified the diagnostic procedure will be stopped and the counselling process can commence. For further validation of the model studies, in well suited early prevention networks are needed.

Rebuilding DEMATEL threshold value: an example of a food and beverage information system.

PubMed

Hsieh, Yi-Fang; Lee, Yu-Cheng; Lin, Shao-Bin

2016-01-01

This study demonstrates how a decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) threshold value can be quickly and reasonably determined in the process of combining DEMATEL and decomposed theory of planned behavior (DTPB) models. Models are combined to identify the key factors of a complex problem. This paper presents a case study of a food and beverage information system as an example. The analysis of the example indicates that, given direct and indirect relationships among variables, if a traditional DTPB model only simulates the effects of the variables without considering that the variables will affect the original cause-and-effect relationships among the variables, then the original DTPB model variables cannot represent a complete relationship. For the food and beverage example, a DEMATEL method was employed to reconstruct a DTPB model and, more importantly, to calculate reasonable DEMATEL threshold value for determining additional relationships of variables in the original DTPB model. This study is method-oriented, and the depth of investigation into any individual case is limited. Therefore, the methods proposed in various fields of study should ideally be used to identify deeper and more practical implications.

Evaluation of the mechanism and principles of management of temporomandibular joint dislocation. Systematic review of literature and a proposed new classification of temporomandibular joint dislocation

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Virtually all the articles in literature addressed only a specific type of dislocation. The aim of this review was to project a comprehensive understanding of the pathologic processes and management of all types of dislodgement of the head of the mandibular condyle from its normal position in the glenoid fossa. In addition, a new classification of temporomandibular joint dislocation was also proposed. Method and materials A thorough computer literature search was done using the Medline, Cochrane library and Embase database. Key words like temporo-mandibular joint dislocation were used for the search. Additional manual search was done by going through published home-based and foreign articles. Case reports/series, and original articles that documented the type of dislocation, number of cases treated in the series and original articles. Treatment done and outcome of treatment were included in the study. Result A total of 128 articles were reviewed out which 79 were found relevant. Of these, 26 were case reports, 17 were case series and 36 were original articles. 79 cases were acute dislocations, 35 cases were chronic protracted TMJ dislocations and 311 cases were chronic recurrent TMJ dislocations. Etiology was predominantly trauma in 60% of cases and other causes contributed about 40%. Of all the cases reviewed, only 4 were unilateral dislocation. Various treatment modalities are outlined in this report as indicated for each type of dislocation. Conclusion The more complex and invasive method of treatment may not necessarily offer the best option and outcome of treatment, therefore conservative approaches should be exhausted and utilized appropriately before adopting the more invasive surgical techniques. PMID:21676208

Evaluation of the mechanism and principles of management of temporomandibular joint dislocation. Systematic review of literature and a proposed new classification of temporomandibular joint dislocation.

PubMed

Akinbami, Babatunde O

2011-06-15

Virtually all the articles in literature addressed only a specific type of dislocation. The aim of this review was to project a comprehensive understanding of the pathologic processes and management of all types of dislodgement of the head of the mandibular condyle from its normal position in the glenoid fossa. In addition, a new classification of temporomandibular joint dislocation was also proposed. A thorough computer literature search was done using the Medline, Cochrane library and Embase database. Key words like temporo-mandibular joint dislocation were used for the search. Additional manual search was done by going through published home-based and foreign articles. Case reports/series, and original articles that documented the type of dislocation, number of cases treated in the series and original articles. Treatment done and outcome of treatment were included in the study. A total of 128 articles were reviewed out which 79 were found relevant. Of these, 26 were case reports, 17 were case series and 36 were original articles. 79 cases were acute dislocations, 35 cases were chronic protracted TMJ dislocations and 311 cases were chronic recurrent TMJ dislocations. Etiology was predominantly trauma in 60% of cases and other causes contributed about 40%. Of all the cases reviewed, only 4 were unilateral dislocation. Various treatment modalities are outlined in this report as indicated for each type of dislocation. The more complex and invasive method of treatment may not necessarily offer the best option and outcome of treatment, therefore conservative approaches should be exhausted and utilized appropriately before adopting the more invasive surgical techniques.

Teaching the Classics: The "Origin of Species" as a Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ruse, Michael

2013-01-01

Many (including the author) argue that reading the classics in the field should be part of a scientist's education. However, how you read the classics can be very different depending on whether you read them as a historian or as a practicing scientist. This point will be made by comparing two readings of Charles Darwin's "Origin of…

Implementing Set Based Design into Department of Defense Acquisition

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-12-01

challenges for the DOD. This report identifies the original SBD principles and characteristics based on Toyota Motor Corporation’s Set Based Concurrent...Engineering Model. Additionally, the team reviewed DOD case studies that implemented SBD. The SBD principles , along with the common themes from the...perennial challenges for the DOD. This report identifies the original SBD principles and characteristics based on Toyota Motor Corporation’s Set

On the Origin and Preservation of Cumulative Record in Its Struggle for Life as a Favored Term

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Morris, Edward K.; Smith, Nathaniel G.

2004-01-01

This paper offers a case study of the origins, emergence, and evolution of the term "cumulative record" as the name for the means by which B. F. Skinner brought his behavior under the control of his subject matter. Our methods included on-line searches, reviews of Skinner's publications, and journal codings and counts. The results reveal that the…

[Transhiatal esophagectomy for cardia and esophagus cancer].

PubMed

Moiseev, A Yu; Shulutko, A M; Gryaznov, S E

To present the result of transhiatal esophagectomies with simultaneous repair. The study included 67 procedures. In 35 cases surgery was carried out for adenocarcinoma of distal esophagus or cardia with high transition to esophagus, in 32 cases - for epidermal carcinoma of the esophagus. Gastric graft and left half of the colon were used in 60 and 7 cases respectively for simultaneous repair. 29 patients underwent transhiatal instrumental esophagectomy using author's original technique.

Intraosseous Lipoma of the Mandibula: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

PubMed Central

Waśkowska, Jadwiga; Wójcik, Sylwia; Koszowski, Rafał; Drozdzowska, Bogna

2017-01-01

Abstract Lipoma is a benign tumour originating from mature adipose tissue. It can occur in any place in the body where adipose tissue is located. Intraosseous lipoma is a very rare bone tumour. The authors present an infrequent case involving intraosseous lipoma of the mandible in a 32-year old man and provide a review of case studies documented earlier in the literature. PMID:28401200

[Epidemiologic aspects of 42 cases of human brucellosis in the Republic of Djibouti].

PubMed

Gavazzi, G; Prigent, D; Baudet, J M; Banoita, S; Daoud, W

1997-01-01

Brucellosis is an ubiquitous anthropozoonoses in the Republic of Djibouti, but it has only been studied in the City of Djibouti. This retrospective study of 42 cases of human brucellosis diagnosed between April 1993 and April 1995 was carried out at the Peltier Hospital in Djibouti to obtain epidemiological data concerning brucellosis in the Republic of Djibouti. Diagnosis was based on clinical symptoms and positive immunologic tests (Rose Bengal test > 100 UI and Wright serology > 1/80). The following information was obtained for each patient: nationality, ethnic origin, place of residence, age, sex, and risk factors for exposure to infected animals or products. There were 30 men and 12 women including 38 Djiboutis, 3 Somalis, and 1 Ethiopian. Ethnic origin was Afar in 32 cases, Somali in 6 cases, and undetermined in 4 cases. Mean age was 31.6 years. Of the 38 Djiboutis, 15 lived in the district of Djibouti, 17 in the district of Tadjourah, 3 in the district of Obock, and none in districts located in the Southern part of the country. In 18 cases brucellosis involved cattle raisers from the Northern part of the country. In five cases no risk factor could be identified. The incidence of brucellosis in the Republic of Djibouti appears to be comparable to that observed in other highly endemic countries. Further study is needed to determine the exact incidence in man and animals and ascertain the need and feasibility of preventive measures.

High wavenumber Raman spectroscopy in the characterization of urinary metabolites of normal subjects, oral premalignant and malignant patients

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brindha, Elumalai; Rajasekaran, Ramu; Aruna, Prakasarao; Koteeswaran, Dornadula; Ganesan, Singaravelu

2017-01-01

Urine has emerged as one of the diagnostically potential bio fluids, as it has many metabolites. As the concentration and the physiochemical properties of the urinary metabolites may vary under pathological transformation, Raman spectroscopic characterization of urine has been exploited as a significant tool in identifying several diseased conditions, including cancers. In the present study, an attempt was made to study the high wavenumber (HWVN) Raman spectroscopic characterization of urine samples of normal subjects, oral premalignant and malignant patients. It is concluded that the urinary metabolites flavoproteins, tryptophan and phenylalanine are responsible for the observed spectral variations between the normal and abnormal groups. Principal component analysis-based linear discriminant analysis was carried out to verify the diagnostic potentiality of the present technique. The discriminant analysis performed across normal and oral premalignant subjects classifies 95.6% of the original and 94.9% of the cross-validated grouped cases correctly. In the second analysis performed across normal and oral malignant groups, the accuracy of the original and cross-validated grouped cases was 96.4% and 92.1% respectively. Similarly, the third analysis performed across three groups, normal, oral premalignant and malignant groups, classifies 93.3% and 91.2% of the original and cross-validated grouped cases correctly.

Genetic erosion in maize's center of origin.

PubMed

Dyer, George A; López-Feldman, Alejandro; Yúnez-Naude, Antonio; Taylor, J Edward

2014-09-30

Crop genetic diversity is an indispensable resource for farmers and professional breeders responding to changing climate, pests, and diseases. Anecdotal appraisals in centers of crop origin have suggested serious threats to this diversity for over half a century. However, a nationwide inventory recently found all maize races previously described for Mexico, including some formerly considered nearly extinct. A flurry of social studies seems to confirm that farmers maintain considerable diversity. Here, we compare estimates of maize diversity from case studies over the past 15 y with nationally and regionally representative matched longitudinal data from farmers across rural Mexico. Our findings reveal an increasing bias in inferences based on case study results and widespread loss of diversity. Cross-sectional, case study data suggest that farm-level richness has increased by 0.04 y(-1) nationwide; however, direct estimates using matched longitudinal data reveal that richness dropped -0.04 y(-1) between 2002 and 2007, from 1.43 to 1.22 varieties per farm. Varietal losses occurred across regions and altitudinal zones, and regardless of farm turnover within the sector. Extinction of local maize populations may not have resulted in an immediate loss of alleles, but low varietal richness and changes in maize's metapopulation dynamics may prevent farmers from accessing germplasm suitable to a rapidly changing climate. Declining yields could then lead farmers to leave the sector and result in a further loss of diversity. Similarities in research approaches across crops suggest that methodological biases could conceal a loss of diversity at other centers of crop origin.

An Indexing Coverage Study of Toxicological Literature

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Montgomery, Ruth Reinke

1973-01-01

The goal of this study was an appraisal of indexing coverage for the interdisciplinary field of toxicology. Information of research significance was limited to primary literature, defined as published documents containing original data from experimental work or case studies. (6 references) (Author/NH)

Overcoming the winner's curse: estimating penetrance parameters from case-control data.

PubMed

Zollner, Sebastian; Pritchard, Jonathan K

2007-04-01

Genomewide association studies are now a widely used approach in the search for loci that affect complex traits. After detection of significant association, estimates of penetrance and allele-frequency parameters for the associated variant indicate the importance of that variant and facilitate the planning of replication studies. However, when these estimates are based on the original data used to detect the variant, the results are affected by an ascertainment bias known as the "winner's curse." The actual genetic effect is typically smaller than its estimate. This overestimation of the genetic effect may cause replication studies to fail because the necessary sample size is underestimated. Here, we present an approach that corrects for the ascertainment bias and generates an estimate of the frequency of a variant and its penetrance parameters. The method produces a point estimate and confidence region for the parameter estimates. We study the performance of this method using simulated data sets and show that it is possible to greatly reduce the bias in the parameter estimates, even when the original association study had low power. The uncertainty of the estimate decreases with increasing sample size, independent of the power of the original test for association. Finally, we show that application of the method to case-control data can improve the design of replication studies considerably.

Leaping into the Unknown: Developing Thinking in the Primary Science Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Serret, Natasha

2004-01-01

The original project, the foundation for all subsequent work, was set up in 1981 by Michael Shayer, with Philip Adey and Carolyn Yates, and became known as CASE @ KS3 (Adey and Shayer, 1994). CASE stands for Cognitive Acceleration through Science Education. The original CASE project drew on Piaget's work on the stage theory of cognitive…

N450 and LPC Event-Related Potential Correlates of an Emotional Stroop Task with Words Differing in Valence and Emotional Origin

PubMed Central

Imbir, Kamil K.; Spustek, Tomasz; Duda, Joanna; Bernatowicz, Gabriela; Żygierewicz, Jarosław

2017-01-01

Affective meaning of verbal stimuli was found to influence cognitive control as expressed in the Emotional Stroop Task (EST). Behavioral studies have shown that factors such as valence, arousal, and emotional origin of reaction to stimuli associated with words can lead to lengthening of reaction latencies in EST. Moreover, electrophysiological studies have revealed that affective meaning altered amplitude of some components of evoked potentials recorded during EST, and that this alteration correlated with the performance in EST. The emotional origin was defined as processing based on automatic vs. reflective mechanisms, that underlines formation of emotional reactions to words. The aim of the current study was to investigate, within the framework of EST, correlates of processing of words differing in valence and origin levels, but matched in arousal, concreteness, frequency of appearance and length. We found no behavioral differences in response latencies. When controlling for origin, we found no effects of valence. We found the effect of origin on ERP in two time windows: 290–570 and 570–800 ms. The earlier effect can be attributed to cognitive control while the latter is rather the manifestation of explicit processing of words. In each case, reflective originated stimuli evoked more positive amplitudes compared to automatic originated words. PMID:28611717

N450 and LPC Event-Related Potential Correlates of an Emotional Stroop Task with Words Differing in Valence and Emotional Origin.

PubMed

Imbir, Kamil K; Spustek, Tomasz; Duda, Joanna; Bernatowicz, Gabriela; Żygierewicz, Jarosław

2017-01-01

Affective meaning of verbal stimuli was found to influence cognitive control as expressed in the Emotional Stroop Task (EST). Behavioral studies have shown that factors such as valence, arousal, and emotional origin of reaction to stimuli associated with words can lead to lengthening of reaction latencies in EST. Moreover, electrophysiological studies have revealed that affective meaning altered amplitude of some components of evoked potentials recorded during EST, and that this alteration correlated with the performance in EST. The emotional origin was defined as processing based on automatic vs. reflective mechanisms, that underlines formation of emotional reactions to words. The aim of the current study was to investigate, within the framework of EST, correlates of processing of words differing in valence and origin levels, but matched in arousal, concreteness, frequency of appearance and length. We found no behavioral differences in response latencies. When controlling for origin, we found no effects of valence. We found the effect of origin on ERP in two time windows: 290-570 and 570-800 ms. The earlier effect can be attributed to cognitive control while the latter is rather the manifestation of explicit processing of words. In each case, reflective originated stimuli evoked more positive amplitudes compared to automatic originated words.

The reliability of information on work-related injuries available from hospitalisation data in Australia.

PubMed

McKenzie, Kirsten; Mitchell, Rebecca; Scott, Deborah Anne; Harrison, James Edward; McClure, Roderick John

2009-08-01

To examine the reliability of work-related activity coding for injury-related hospitalisations in Australia. A random sample of 4,373 injury-related hospital separations from 1 July 2002 to 30 June 2004 were obtained from a stratified random sample of 50 hospitals across four states in Australia. From this sample, cases were identified as work-related if they contained an ICD-10-AM work-related activity code (U73) allocated by either: (i) the original coder; (ii) an independent auditor, blinded to the original code; or (iii) a research assistant, blinded to both the original and auditor codes, who reviewed narrative text extracted from the medical record. The concordance of activity coding and number of cases identified as work-related using each method were compared. Of the 4,373 cases sampled, 318 cases were identified as being work-related using any of the three methods for identification. The original coder identified 217 and the auditor identified 266 work-related cases (68.2% and 83.6% of the total cases identified, respectively). Around 10% of cases were only identified through the text description review. The original coder and auditor agreed on the assignment of work-relatedness for 68.9% of cases. The best estimates of the frequency of hospital admissions for occupational injury underestimate the burden by around 32%. This is a substantial underestimate that has major implications for public policy, and highlights the need for further work on improving the quality and completeness of routine, administrative data sources for a more complete identification of work-related injuries.

Chromosome abnormalities additional to the Philadelphia chromosome at the diagnosis of chronic myelogenous leukemia: pathogenetic and prognostic implications.

PubMed

Zaccaria, Alfonso; Testoni, Nicoletta; Valenti, Anna Maria; Luatti, Simona; Tonelli, Michela; Marzocchi, Giulia; Cipriani, Raffaella; Baldazzi, Carmen; Giannini, Barbara; Stacchini, Monica; Gamberini, Carla; Castagnetti, Fausto; Rosti, Gianantonio; Azzena, Annalisa; Cavazzini, Francesco; Cianciulli, Anna Maria; Dalsass, Alessia; Donti, Emilio; Giugliano, Emilia; Gozzetti, Alessandro; Grimoldi, Maria Grazia; Ronconi, Sonia; Santoro, Alessandra; Spedicato, Francesco; Zanatta, Lucia; Baccarani, Michele

2010-06-01

Additional chromosome abnormalities (ACAs) occur in less than 10% of cases at diagnosis of Philadelphia chromosome (Ph)-positive chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). In some cases, on the basis of the persistence of the ACAs in Ph-negative cells after response to imatinib, a secondary origin of the Ph chromosome has been demonstrated. In this study, the possible prognostic value of this phenomenon was evaluated. Thirty-six Ph-positive CML patients were included in the study. In six patients, ACAs persisted after the disappearance of the Ph. A complete cytogenetic response (CCR) was obtained in five of these six patients, and five of six also had a high Sokal score. In all the other cases, ACAs disappeared together (in cases of response to therapy with imatinib) or persisted with the Ph (in cases of no response to imatinib). In the former cases, the primary origin of the Ph was demonstrated. CCR was obtained in 22 cases (17 with low to intermediate Sokal scores), while no response was observed in 8 patients (5 with a high Sokal score). Sokal score seems to maintain its prognostic value for patients in whom the Ph occurs as a primary event, but not in those in whom it occurs as a secondary one. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Anomalous origin of the right coronary artery evaluated with multidetector computed tomography and its clinical relevance.

PubMed

Hirono, Keiichi; Hata, Yukiko; Miyao, Naruaki; Nakaoka, Hideyuki; Saito, Kazuyoshi; Ibuki, Keijiro; Watanabe, Kazuhiro; Ozawa, Sayaka; Higuma, Tomonori; Yoshimura, Naoki; Nishida, Naoki; Ichida, Fukiko

2016-09-01

Anomalous origin of the right coronary artery (AORCA) is a rare congenital anomaly that may cause myocardial ischemia and sudden death. We reviewed the clinicopathological records of three cases of AORCA, and compared these with two cases of sudden cardiac death with AORCA revealed by autopsy. We report three juvenile cases with an AORCA originating above the commissural junction between the left and right aortic sinuses, with interarterial and intramural compression. They presented with exertional symptoms and were diagnosed with an AORCA by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), which successfully delineated the spatial resolution of the anomalous origin and course of the right coronary artery (RCA), in the operating room. All three underwent successful surgical unroofing of the RCA. Two cases of sudden cardiac death with AORCA revealed by autopsy showed a slit-like orifice, acute-angled take-off, and long intramural course of the RCA, resembling the RCAs of three juvenile cases. It is crucial to be alert to the presentation of exertional symptoms, as sudden death may be the first manifestation of an anomalous coronary artery, such as those observed in these three cases. MDCT provided an excellent definition and spatial resolution of the unusual origin and intramural course of the RCA, facilitating the correct surgical remedy and resulting in a good outcome for the patients. Copyright © 2016 Japanese College of Cardiology. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Schwannoma originating from lower cranial nerves: report of 4 cases.

PubMed

Oyama, Hirofumi; Kito, Akira; Maki, Hideki; Hattori, Kenichi; Noda, Tomoyuki; Wada, Kentaro

2012-02-01

Four cases of schwannoma originating from the lower cranial nerves are presented. Case 1 is a schwannoma of the vagus nerve in the parapharyngeal space. The operation was performed by the transcervical approach. Although the tumor capsule was not dissected from the vagus nerve, hoarseness and dysphagia happened transiently after the operation. Case 2 is a schwannoma in the jugular foramen. The operation was performed by the infralabyrinthine approach. Although only the intracapsular tumor was enucleated, facial palsy, hoarseness, dysphagia and paresis of the deltoid muscle occurred transiently after the operation. The patient's hearing had also slightly deteriorated. Case 3 is a dumbbell-typed schwannoma originating from the hypoglossal nerve. The hypoglossal canal was markedly enlarged by the tumor. As the hypoglossal nerves were embedded in the tumor, the tumor around the hypoglossal nerves was not resected. The tumor was significantly enlarged for a while after stereotactic irradiation. Case 4 is an intracranial cystic schwannoma originating from the IXth or Xth cranial nerves. The tumor was resected through the cerebello-medullary fissure. The tumor capsule attached to the brain stem was not removed. Hoarseness and dysphagia happened transiently after the operation. Cranial nerve palsy readily occurs after the removal of the schwannoma originating from the lower cranial nerves. Mechanical injury caused by retraction, extension and compression of the nerve and heat injury during the drilling of the petrous bone should be cautiously avoided.

Video networking of cardiac catheterization laboratories.

PubMed

Tobis, J; Aharonian, V; Mansukhani, P; Kasaoka, S; Jhandyala, R; Son, R; Browning, R; Youngblood, L; Thompson, M

1999-02-01

The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and accuracy of a video telecommunication network to transmit coronary images to provide on-line interaction between personnel in a cardiac catheterization laboratory and a remote core laboratory. A telecommunication system was installed in the cardiac catheterization laboratory at Kaiser Hospital, Los Angeles, and the core laboratory at the University of California, Irvine, approximately 40 miles away. Cineangiograms, live fluoroscopy, intravascular ultrasound studies and images of the catheterization laboratory were transmitted in real time over a dedicated T1 line at 768 kilobytes/second at 15 frames/second. These cases were performed during a clinical study of angiographic guidance versus intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) guidance of stent deployment. During the cases the core laboratory performed quantitative analysis of the angiograms and ultrasound images. Selected images were then annotated and transmitted back to the catheterization laboratory to facilitate discussion during the procedure. A successful communication hookup was obtained in 39 (98%) of 40 cases. Measurements of angiographic parameters were very close between the original cinefilm and the transmitted images. Quantitative analysis of the ultrasound images showed no significant difference in any of the diameter or cross-sectional area measurements between the original ultrasound tape and the transmitted images. The telecommunication link during the interventional procedures had a significant impact in 23 (58%) of 40 cases affecting the area to be treated, the size of the inflation balloon, recognition of stent underdeployment, or the existence of disease in other areas that was not noted on the original studies. Current video telecommunication systems provide high-quality images on-line with accurate representation of cineangiograms and intravascular ultrasound images. This system had a significant impact on 58% of the cases in this small clinical trial. Telecommunication networks between hospitals and a central core laboratory may facilitate physician training and improve technical skills and judgement during interventional procedures. This project has implications for how multicenter clinical trials could be operated through telecommunication networks to ensure conformity with the protocol.

Migration-related tuberculosis: epidemiology and characteristics of tuberculosis cases originating outside the European Union and European Economic Area, 2007 to 2013.

PubMed

Ködmön, Csaba; Zucs, Phillip; van der Werf, Marieke J

2016-01-01

Migrants arriving from high tuberculosis (TB)-incidence countries may pose a significant challenge to TB control programmes in the host country. TB surveillance data for 2007-2013 submitted to the European Surveillance System were analysed. Notified TB cases were stratified by origin and reporting country. The contribution of migrant TB cases to the TB epidemiology in EU/EEA countries was analysed. Migrant TB cases accounted for 17.4% (n = 92,039) of all TB cases reported in the EU/EEA in 2007-2013, continuously increasing from 13.6% in 2007 to 21.8% in 2013. Of 91,925 migrant cases with known country of origin, 29.3% were from the Eastern Mediterranean, 23.0% from south-east Asia, 21.4% from Africa, 13.4% from the World Health Organization European Region (excluding EU/EEA), and 12.9% from other regions. Of 46,499 migrant cases with known drug-susceptibility test results, 2.9% had multidrug-resistant TB, mainly (51.7%) originating from the European Region. The increasing contribution of TB in migrants from outside the EU/EEA to the TB burden in the EU/EEA is mainly due to a decrease in native TB cases. Especially in countries with a high proportion of TB cases in non-EU/EEA migrants, targeted prevention and control initiatives may be needed to progress towards TB elimination.

Anomalous origins of bilateral vertebral arteries in a child with Down syndrome and Moyamoya disease. A case report.

PubMed

Mishra, A; Pendharkar, H; Jayadaevan, E R; Bodhey, N

2012-09-01

Variations in vertebral artery origin and course are well-described in the literature. The origin of right vertebral artery from the right common carotid artery is an extremely rare variant. We describe a unique case of a child with Down syndrome with variant origins of bilateral vertebral artery, an aberrant right subclavian artery and concomitant Moyamoya disease of intracranial circulation. The presence of variations of the origin and course of craniocervical arteries might have profound implications in angiographic and surgical procedures and hence it is of great importance to be aware of such a possibility.

Case studies of energy efficiency financing in the original five pilot states, 1993-1996

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

Farhar, B C; Collins, N E; Walsh, R W

1997-05-01

The purpose of this report is to document progress in state-level programs in energy efficiency financing programs that are linked with home energy rating systems. Case studies are presented of programs in five states using a federal pilot program to amortize the costs of home energy improvements. The case studies present background information, describe the states` program, list preliminary evaluation data and findings, and discuss problems and solution encountered in the programs. A comparison of experiences in pilot states will be used to provide guidelines for program implementers, federal agencies, and Congress. 5 refs.

Adverse social circumstances and depression in people of Pakistani origin in the UK.

PubMed

Husain, N; Creed, F; Tomenson, B

1997-11-01

The social origins of depression in people of Pakistani origin in the UK are not fully understood; they may not be the same as for the indigenous White population. Patients attending a GP's surgery were screened with the Personal Health Questionnaire to detect depressive illness, which was confirmed using the Psychiatric Assessment Schedule; the estimated prevalence of major depression was 42%. Forty-four people with depression and 33 non-depressed comparison subjects were successfully interviewed using the Life Event and Difficulty Schedule, either in Urdu or English. Seventy-five per cent of the sample were Pakistani born; 57% of cases and 33% of non-cases spoke English with difficulty. Seventy-five per cent of the cases and 36% of the non-cases had experienced an independent severe event and/or a major difficulty (P = 0.0015). Difficulties associated with depression were most commonly in the marital, health and housing categories; overt racial harassment and discrimination were rare. This is a preliminary study because of the small sample of GP attenders. The somatic presentation of depression in this population is clear. Acceptable forms of social support and help with marital, housing and employment problems will be needed to help relieve the depression in this population.

Connecting Schools to Neighborhood Revitalization: The Case of the Maple Heights Neighborhood Association

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pesch, Lawrence P.

2014-01-01

This case study focuses on the way a neighborhood association connects schools to broad change in an urban neighborhood of a large Midwestern city. The first section provides a review of the literature on community involvement in school and neighborhood reform. It reviews the historical origins of the current school-community relationship, the…

Rethinking International Migration of Human Capital and Brain Circulation: The Case of Chinese-Canadian Academics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Blachford, Dongyan Ru; Zhang, Bailing

2014-01-01

This article examines the dynamics of brain circulation through a historical review of the debates over international migration of human capital and a case study on Chinese-Canadian academics. Interviews with 22 Chinese-Canadian professors who originally came from China provide rich data regarding the possibilities and problems of the contemporary…

Cancer prevalence in Easter Island population - 2006-2010.

PubMed

Rius, Eduardo Bravo; Armaroli, Pabla Yaikin; Contreras, Gustavo Saint-Pierre

2013-01-01

In Easter Island, population is composed by original habitants, the Rapa Nui culture and introduced people, mainly from continental Chile, who have a different ethnic origin. The aim of this research was to describe cancer frequency in resident population in Easter Island, and secondarily compare the findings with other islands of Polynesia and continental Chile. We reviewed the statistics of patients treated in Hanga Roa Hospital during the period 2006-2010, finding a total of 49 patients with cancer during the study. The most frequent cancers in Easter Island's people were breast cancer (8 cases), skin (8 cases), cervical (8 cases), lung (5 cases) and gastric (4 cases). According to gender, in females the most frequent cancer was breast, followed by skin and cervical, while in men, lung, prostate and hematopoietic cancers were the most frequent. Most cases of cervical cancer occurred in women of Rapa Nui ethnicity, while most skin cancers were found in non-Rapa Nui people. In case of the most common cancer in Easter Island, education (e.g. Papanicolaou and mammography screening) and prevention in the community (e.g. use sun block, avoid cigarettes) should be useful tools to reduce incidence.

Warthin tumor within the superficial lobe of the parotid gland: a suggested criterion for diagnosis.

PubMed

Sagiv, Doron; Witt, Robert L; Glikson, Eran; Mansour, Jobran; Shalmon, Bruria; Yakirevitch, Arkadi; Wolf, Michael; Alon, Eran E; Slonimsky, Guy; Talmi, Yoav P

2017-04-01

The location of Warthin tumor (WT) in the parotid gland impacts the surgical approach and may be indicative of the elusive origin of this intriguing entity. Location in the deep versus superficial lobe of the gland is not directly addressed when defining WT characteristics. Our observation, of rare occurrence of deep lobe WT, if at all, led to the current investigation. The study design is cohort study. This is a retrospective chart review of all patients undergoing parotidectomy for WT in two tertiary academic referral centers: the Sheba Medical Center (SMC), Israel, and the Christiana Care (CC), Newark, Delaware, USA. 122 consecutive adult patients underwent parotidectomy for WT (72 from SMC and 50 from CC). Seventy percent were males, with a mean age of 60.6 years. Bilateral WT or multi-centric WT were found in 9.8 and 17.2% of the cases, respectively. In one case, the tumor was described as originating in the deep lobe. In all other cases, the tumor originated and was limited to the superficial lobe. 99.2% of WT originated in the superficial lobe, corresponding with the few reports directly addressing its location in the gland. The reason for the tumor to be limited almost uniformly to the superficial lobe is unknown, and could be related to the etiopathogenesis of this elusive entity. We suggest adding tumor location within the superficial lobe to the common characteristics of WT (male, smoking, and lower pole) that serve as "common criterion" while evaluating a parotid lesion.

Updated recommendations: an assessment of NICE clinical guidelines

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Updating is important to ensure clinical guideline (CG) recommendations remain valid. However, little research has been undertaken in this field. We assessed CGs produced by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) to identify and describe updated recommendations and to investigate potential factors associated with updating. Also, we evaluated the reporting and presentation of recommendation changes. Methods We performed a descriptive analysis of original and updated CGs and recommendations, and an assessment of presentation formats and methods for recording information. We conducted a case-control study, defining cases as original recommendations that were updated (‘new-replaced’ recommendations), and controls as original recommendations that were considered to remain valid (‘not changed’ recommendations). We performed a comparison of main characteristics between cases and controls, and we planned a multiple regression analysis to identify potential predictive factors for updating. Results We included nine updated CGs (1,306 recommendations) and their corresponding original versions (1,106 recommendations). Updated CGs included 812 (62%) recommendations ‘not reviewed’, 368 (28.1%) ‘new’ recommendations, 104 (7.9%) ‘amended’ recommendations, and 25 (1.9%) recommendations reviewed but unchanged. The presentation formats used to indicate the changes in recommendations varied widely across CGs. Changes in ‘amended’, ‘deleted’, and ‘new-replaced’ recommendations (n = 296) were reported infrequently, mostly in appendices. These changes were recorded in 167 (56.4%) recommendations; and were explained in 81 (27.4%) recommendations. We retrieved a total of 7.1% (n = 78) case recommendations (‘new-replaced’) and 2.4% (n = 27) control recommendations (‘not changed’) in original CGs. The updates were mainly from ‘Fertility CG’, about ‘gynaecology, pregnancy and birth’ topic, and ‘treatment’ or ‘prevention’ purposes. We did not perform the multiple regression analysis as originally planned due to the small sample of recommendations retrieved. Conclusion Our study is the first to describe and assess updated CGs and recommendations from a national guideline program. Our results highlight the pressing need to standardise the reporting and presentation of updated recommendations and the research gap about the optimal way to present updates to guideline users. Furthermore, there is a need to investigate updating predictive factors. PMID:24919856

Reload of an industrial cylindrical cobalt source rack

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gharbi, F.; Kadri, O.; Trabelsi, A.

2006-10-01

This work presents a Monte Carlo study of the cylindrical cobalt source rack geometry of the Tunisian gamma irradiation facility, using the GEANT code developed at CERN. The study investigates the question of the reload of the source rack. The studied configurations consist in housing four new cobalt pencils, two in the upper and two in the lower cylinder of the source rack. Global dose rate uniformity inside a "dummy" product for the case of routine and nonroutine irradiation, and as function of the product bulk density, was calculated for eight hypothetical configurations. The same calculation was also performed for both of the original and the ideal (but not practical) configurations. It was shown that hypothetical cases produced dose uniformity variations, according to product density, that were statistically no different than the original and the ideal configurations and that the reload procedure cannot improve the irradiation quality inside the facilities using cylindrical cobalt source racks.

[Juvenile angiofibroma originating from the sphenoid sinus: a case report].

PubMed

Keskin, Ibrahim Gürkan; Ila, Kadri

2013-01-01

Angiofibromas are histologically benign, but unencapsulated and highly vascular tumors with a potential of local destructive effect. Angiofibromas predominantly originate from the posterolateral wall of the nasopharynx. Extranasopharyngeal angiofibromas are extremely rare and mostly seen in maxillary sinus and ethmoid sinus. In this article, we report a 21-year-old male case who was admitted with headache and diagnosed with an angiofibroma originating from the sphenoid sinus.

Art and authenticity: the importance of originals in judgments of value.

PubMed

Newman, George E; Bloom, Paul

2012-08-01

Why are original artworks valued more than identical duplicates? The present studies explore 2 mechanisms underlying the special value of original artwork: the assessment of the art object as a unique creative act (performance) and the degree of physical contact with the original artist (contagion). Across 5 experiments, participants were exposed to hypothetical scenarios in which an original object was duplicated. The type of object varied across experiments (e.g., a painting vs. a piece of furniture) as did the circumstances surrounding the creation of the original object and the duplicate. Overall, the results support assessments of performance and contagion as key factors underlying the value of original artwork, and they are consistent with the conclusion that the discrepancy in value between original artworks and perfect duplicates derives from people's lay theories about the domain of art, rather than from associations with particular kinds of art or certain cases of forgery. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved).

Beyond Clinical Case Studies in Psychoanalysis: A Review of Psychoanalytic Empirical Single Case Studies Published in ISI-Ranked Journals.

PubMed

Meganck, Reitske; Inslegers, Ruth; Krivzov, Juri; Notaerts, Liza

2017-01-01

Single case studies are at the origin of both theory development and research in the field of psychoanalysis and psychotherapy. While clinical case studies are the hallmark of psychoanalytic theory and practice, their scientific value has been strongly criticized. To address problems with the subjective bias of retrospective therapist reports and uncontrollability of clinical case studies, systematic approaches to investigate psychotherapy process and outcome at the level of the single case have been developed. Such empirical case studies are also able to bridge the famous gap between academic research and clinical practice as they provide clinically relevant insights into how psychotherapy works. This study presents a review of psychoanalytic empirical case studies published in ISI-ranked journals and maps the characteristics of the study, therapist, patient en therapies that are investigated. Empirical case studies increased in quantity and quality (amount of information and systematization) over time. While future studies could pay more attention to providing contextual information on therapist characteristics and informed consent considerations, the available literature provides a basis to conduct meta-studies of single cases and as such contribute to knowledge aggregation.

Beyond Clinical Case Studies in Psychoanalysis: A Review of Psychoanalytic Empirical Single Case Studies Published in ISI-Ranked Journals

PubMed Central

Meganck, Reitske; Inslegers, Ruth; Krivzov, Juri; Notaerts, Liza

2017-01-01

Single case studies are at the origin of both theory development and research in the field of psychoanalysis and psychotherapy. While clinical case studies are the hallmark of psychoanalytic theory and practice, their scientific value has been strongly criticized. To address problems with the subjective bias of retrospective therapist reports and uncontrollability of clinical case studies, systematic approaches to investigate psychotherapy process and outcome at the level of the single case have been developed. Such empirical case studies are also able to bridge the famous gap between academic research and clinical practice as they provide clinically relevant insights into how psychotherapy works. This study presents a review of psychoanalytic empirical case studies published in ISI-ranked journals and maps the characteristics of the study, therapist, patient en therapies that are investigated. Empirical case studies increased in quantity and quality (amount of information and systematization) over time. While future studies could pay more attention to providing contextual information on therapist characteristics and informed consent considerations, the available literature provides a basis to conduct meta-studies of single cases and as such contribute to knowledge aggregation. PMID:29046660

Vividness in judgements of guilt.

PubMed

Bensi, L; Nori, R; Strazzari, E; Giusberti, F

2003-12-01

This study investigated the vividness variable in legal decision-making. It was hypothesised that different verdicts regarding the same legal case can be obtained by simply varying the vividness of phrases, without changing any probative element. 53 participants read Original (26) or Vivid (27) versions of testimonies to a homicide case, then made a decision as to the defendant's guilt. Results support the hypothesis: participants' judgements significantly differ between the two conditions; that is, participants who read the Original version consider the homicide as unintentional while participants who read the Vivid one are not able to choose between intentional or unintentional homicide. Therefore we can infer that vividness influenced the process by which guilt is attributed.

Cut throat injuries and honor killings: review of 15 cases in eastern Turkey.

PubMed

Ozdemir, Bora; Celbis, Osman; Kaya, Atılhan

2013-05-01

Throat cuts could be of homicidal, suicidal or accidental origin. In the cases of death from cut throat, suicide can be distinguished from homicide based on the type and location of the wound and crime scene investigation. The purpose of the current study is to attract attention to the instructive findings for origin determination in deaths by cut throat according to the number and characteristics of the wounds and crime scene investigation. We have reviewed the files of autopsies performed between the years of 2000 and 2010, and compared with previously published case reports; all results were summarized in the current study. The results showed that 60% of cases were male, 40% were female, with 27.9 years of average age. The mean number of wounds was calculated to be 34.3 per case for honor homicides, 7.4 per case for other homicides, and 2.0 per case for suicides. Numbers of wounds were approximately 5 times higher in the honor homicides compared to other homicides. If the number of wounds were excessive, possibility of honor killings should be taken into account. When the killer was a parent not in psychosis, hesitation cuts were detected. Additional lesions were present in 46.7% of the cases, and they were assessed as homicide. Presence of vertebral notch and spinal cord cuts, which require a substantial amount of force and pressure via sharp tools, indicates homicide. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd and Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine. All rights reserved.

On ‘lost’ indigenous etymological origins with the specific case of the name Ameiva

PubMed Central

Angeli, Nicole Frances

2018-01-01

Abstract Modern biology builds upon the historic exploration of the natural world. Recognizing the origin of a species’ name is one path to honor the historic exploration and description of the natural world and the indigenous peoples that lived closely with organisms prior to their description. While digitization of historic papers catalogued in databases such as the Biodiversity Heritage Library (BHL) allows for searching of the first use and origin of names, the rapid pace of taxonomic publishing can occlude a thorough search for etymologies. The etymological origin of the genus name Ameiva is one such case; while unattributed in multiple recent works, it is of Tupí language origin. The first description was in the Historiae Rerum Naturalium Brasiliae by George Marcgrave (1648). Ameiva was the name used by Marcgrave’s Amerindian hosts in 17th century Dutch Brazil, where local people spoke the now extinct language Tupí. The Tupí origin was not lost, however, until as recently as the 2000s. Herein, the pre- and post-Linnaean use of the name Ameiva is traced and when the name is attributed to the Tupí language and to Marcgrave through time it is noted. The opportunity to discover and/or recover etymological origins, especially names from extinct and indigenous languages, provides insight into the early Western sciences. Careful study of etymology by naturalists is consistent with the idea that science is an evolving process with many predecessors to appreciate. PMID:29674919

On 'lost' indigenous etymological origins with the specific case of the name Ameiva.

PubMed

Angeli, Nicole Frances

2018-01-01

Modern biology builds upon the historic exploration of the natural world. Recognizing the origin of a species' name is one path to honor the historic exploration and description of the natural world and the indigenous peoples that lived closely with organisms prior to their description. While digitization of historic papers catalogued in databases such as the Biodiversity Heritage Library (BHL) allows for searching of the first use and origin of names, the rapid pace of taxonomic publishing can occlude a thorough search for etymologies. The etymological origin of the genus name Ameiva is one such case; while unattributed in multiple recent works, it is of Tupí language origin. The first description was in the Historiae Rerum Naturalium Brasiliae by George Marcgrave (1648). Ameiva was the name used by Marcgrave's Amerindian hosts in 17 th century Dutch Brazil, where local people spoke the now extinct language Tupí. The Tupí origin was not lost, however, until as recently as the 2000s. Herein, the pre- and post-Linnaean use of the name Ameiva is traced and when the name is attributed to the Tupí language and to Marcgrave through time it is noted. The opportunity to discover and/or recover etymological origins, especially names from extinct and indigenous languages, provides insight into the early Western sciences. Careful study of etymology by naturalists is consistent with the idea that science is an evolving process with many predecessors to appreciate.

Human brucellosis among pyrexia of unknown origin cases and occupationally exposed individuals in Goa Region, India.

PubMed

Pathak, Ajay D; Dubal, Zunjar B; Doijad, Swapnil; Raorane, Abhay; Rodrigues, Savio; Naik, Rajeshwar; Naik-Gaonkar, Shraddha; Kalorey, Dewanand R; Kurkure, Nitin V; Naik, Rajesh; Barbuddhe, Sukhadeo B

2014-01-01

Brucellosis is a widespread zoonotic infection. This disease is endemic in many parts of Asia, including India. Brucellosis is a major cause of pyrexia of unknown origin (PUO). Persons exposed to infected animals or contaminated animal products are at high risk. Seropositivity among animal handlers, veterinarians and dairy workers has been documented in India. Thus, the present study was aimed to determine prevalence of brucellosis among PUO cases and occupationally exposed individuals. In this study, serum samples (n=282) from cases of pyrexia of unknown origin (PUO) (n=243), and occupationally exposed individuals (n=39) were collected and tested for brucellosis by Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT), serum agglutination test (SAT), indirect ELISA, IgG and IgM ELISA. Blood culture for isolation of Brucella was performed for 10 serologically positive patients using BACTEC 9050 automated blood culture system. Biochemical tests and PCR techniques were used for confirmation of the isolates. Of the samples tested, 4.25%, 3.54%, 6.02% and 4.96% samples were positive by RBPT, SAT, indirect ELISA and IgG ELISA, respectively. None of the sample was positive for IgM ELISA. Of the 10 blood samples cultured bacteriologically, one Brucella isolate was recovered. The isolate was confirmed as Brucella abortus. Amplification of the bcsp31 and IS711 genes was also observed. Seropositivity for brucellosis was observed among PUO cases, animal handlers and dairy workers in Goa, India. The serological tests showed variable results. One Brucella isolate was obtained by performing blood culture. Confirmation of the case was done rapidly using molecular tools. General awareness about clinical symptoms should be increased which will improve proper diagnosis within short time frame.

Immediate coma and poor outcome in subarachnoid haemorrhage are independently associated with an aneurysmal origin.

PubMed

Tsermoulas, Georgios; Flett, Lisa; Gregson, Barbara; Mitchell, Patrick

2013-08-01

Subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) may present with coma and this is known to be associated with aneurysmal origin and blood load. Aneurysmal origin is associated with increased blood load and existing data do not allow us to determine if the association between coma and aneurysmal SAH is wholly due to blood load or if aneurysmal origin has an additional independent effect. The objective of our study is to find if an aneurysmal origin is a predictor of acute onset of coma independent of blood load. A series of consecutive patients with spontaneous SAH were divided into two groups: aneurysmal (aSAH) and non-aneurysmal--angiographically negative SAH (naSAH). Blood load was quantified so that the effect of aneurysmal origin could be resolved from the effect of the amount of blood spilled. Non-parametric regression was used to relate blood load to coma and poor outcome rates for aneurysmal bleeds. We analysed a total of 421 patients presenting during the period 2009-2011. Ninety aneurysmal cases presented with coma, seventy immediately in the early phase and seven shortly after rebleeding. None of the naSAH cases presented with immediate coma and 1 developed delayed coma. Delayed coma was associated with acute hydrocephalus in both groups. Aneurysmal origin was found to be an independent determinant of immediate coma (p=0.02) and poor outcome (p<0.001). Immediate coma and poor outcome in SAH are associated with an aneurysmal origin and do not characterize naSAH. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Narrowing the Gender Gap:Empowering Women through Literacy Programmes: Case Studies from the UNESCO Effective Literacy and Numeracy Practices Database (LitBase) http://www.unesco.org/uil/litbase/. 2nd Edition

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hanemann, Ulrike, Ed.

2015-01-01

UIL has published a second edition of a collection of case studies of promising literacy programmes that seek to empower women. "Narrowing the Gender Gap: Empowering Women through Literacy Programmes" (originally published in 2013 as "Literacy Programmes with a Focus on Women to Reduce Gender Disparities") responds to the…

Metastatic serous carcinoma presenting as inflammatory carcinoma over the breast-Report of two cases and literature review.

PubMed

Panse, Gauri; Bossuyt, Veerle; Ko, Christine J

2018-03-01

Non-mammary metastases involving breast are rare and most commonly involve the breast parenchyma. Infrequently, metastasis from an extramammary primary site presents as inflammatory carcinoma over the breast. Diagnosis of such lesions can be challenging, especially in patients with coexisting primary breast carcinoma. Few such cases have been described in literature; however, none of the previously reported cases had a prior history of primary breast carcinoma. We present 2 patients with history of breast carcinoma and serous carcinoma of ovarian/peritoneal origin that presented with inflammatory carcinoma over the breast. Biopsies from breast tissue showed atypical cells in the dermis forming cords and papillary structures. Histopathologic differential diagnosis included infiltrating ductal carcinoma of breast origin and metastatic serous carcinoma. Immunohistochemical studies showed that the tumor cells were positive for markers of ovarian origin such as PAX-8 and CA-125 and negative for breast markers such as GATA-3, thus supporting the diagnosis. In summary, we describe the unusual presentation of metastatic serous carcinoma as inflammatory carcinoma over breast and discuss the diagnostic challenges in patients with coexisting primary breast and ovarian malignancies. We also review the morphologic features of tumors of breast and ovarian origin and the immunohistochemical stains to differentiate these 2 entities. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

A Case Report of Partial Nephrectomy of Mucinous Cystadenocarcinoma in Kidney and Its Literature Review

PubMed Central

Kim, Sung Han; Yuk, Heong Dong; Park, Weon Seo; Kim, Sun Ho; Joung, Jae Young; Seo, Ho Kyung; Lee, Kang Hyun; Chung, Jinsoo

2016-01-01

Mucinous cystadenocarcinoma (MC) of the kidney is a rare epithelial tumor originating from the renal pelvic urothelium and few study cases have been reported. Because of the rarity of these tumors and their unknown histogenesis, its diagnosis is difficult until surgical exploration. We report here on a 55-year-old man referred to the urology department from the hepatology department because of a cystic renal mass measuring approximately 5 cm in size, which was detected incidentally under ultrasonography during the routine examination of liver. The renal mass was finally diagnosed as MC originating from kidney after partial nephrectomy and the patient still showed no evidence of recurrence until 12 months postoperatively. This is the first report on a case of renal MC in a patient who underwent partial nephrectomy. The aim of this report is to present our unusual case of MC and also review the previous literature on the pathological and radiological aspects of MC of kidney. PMID:25687861

Primary pulmonary malignant melanoma: a clinicopathologic study of two cases.

PubMed

Gong, Li; Liu, Xiao-Yan; Zhang, Wen-Dong; Zhu, Shao-Jun; Yao, Li; Han, Xiu-Juan; Lan, Miao; Li, Yan-Hong; Zhang, Wei

2012-09-19

Malignant melanoma involving the respiratory tract is nearly always metastatic in origin, and primary tumors are very rare. To our knowledge, about 30 cases have been reported in the English literature, one of which involved multiple brain metastases. Here, we report two cases of primary pulmonary malignant melanoma. The first case, which occurred in a 52-year-old Chinese female patient who died 4 months after the initial diagnosis, involved rapid intrapulmonary and intracranial metastases. The second patient, a 65-year-old female, underwent surgical excision, and clinical examination, histopathological characteristics, and immunohistochemical features supported the diagnosis of pulmonary malignant melanoma. No evidence for recurrence and/or metastasis has been found more than one year after the initial surgery. To establish the diagnosis of primary pulmonary malignant melanoma, any extrapulmonary origin must be excluded by detailed examination. Moreover, the tumor should be removed surgically whether it occurs as a single lesion or multiple lesions. The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1480477335765055.

Endocarditis due to Rhodotorula mucilaginosa in a kidney transplanted patient: case report and review of medical literature

PubMed Central

Cabral, Andrea Maria; da Siveira Rioja, Suzimar; Brito-Santos, Fabio; Peres da Silva, Juliana Ribeiro; MacDowell, Maria Luíza; Melhem, Marcia S. C.; Mattos-Guaraldi, Ana Luíza; Hirata Junior, Raphael

2017-01-01

Introduction. Endocarditis caused by yeasts is currently an emerging cause of infective endocarditis and, when accompanied byfever of unknown origin, is more severe since interferes with proper diagnosis and endocarditis treatment. Case presentation. The Rio de Janeiro Infective Endocarditis Study Group reports a case of infectious endocarditis (IE) with negative blood cultures in a 45-year-old white female resident in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, previously submitted to kidney transplantation. After diagnosis and intervention, the valve culture revealed Rhodotorula mucilaginosa. The clinical aspects and overview of endocarditis caused by Rhodotorula spp. demonstrated that R. muscilaginosa have been isolated from the last IE cases from kidney transplanted patients. Conclusion. Though most of the patients (in literature) recovered well from endocarditis caused by Rhodotorula spp., physicians must be aware for diagnosis of fungemia and fungal treatment in kidney transplanted patients suffering of fever of unknown origin in the modern immunosuppressive treatment. PMID:29255609

Monoclonal origin of peritoneal implants and lymph node deposits in serous borderline ovarian tumors (s-BOT) with high intratumoral homogeneity.

PubMed

Horn, Lars-Christian; Höhn, Anne K; Einenkel, Jens; Siebolts, Udo

2014-11-01

Molecular studies have shown that the most prevalent mutations in serous ovarian borderline tumors (s-BOT) are BRAF and/or KRAS alterations. About one third of s-BOT represent peritoneal implants and/or lymph node involvement. These extraovarian deposits may be monoclonal or polyclonal in origin. To test both the hypotheses, mutational analyses using pyrosequencing for BRAF codon 600 and KRAS codon 12/13 and 61 of microdissected tissue was performed in 15 s-BOT and their invasive and noninvasive peritoneal implants. Two to 6 implants from different peritoneal sites were examined in 13 cases. Lymph node deposits were available for the analysis in 3 cases. Six s-BOT showed mutation in exon 2 codon 12 of the KRAS proto-oncogen. Five additional cases showed BRAF p.V600E mutation representing an overall mutation rate of 73.3%. Multiple (2-6) peritoneal implants were analyzed after microdissection in 13 of 15 cases. All showed identical mutational results when compared with the ovarian site of the disease. All lymph node deposits, including those with multiple deposits in different nodes, showed identical results, suggesting high intratumoral mutational homogeneity. The evidence presented in this study and the majority of data reported in the literature support the hypothesis that s-BOT with their peritoneal implants and lymph node deposits show identical mutational status of BRAF and KRAS suggesting a monoclonal rather than a polyclonal disease regarding these both tested genetic loci. In addition, a high intratumoral genetic homogeneity can be suggested. In conclusion, the results of the present study support the monoclonal origin of s-BOT and their peritoneal implants and lymph node deposits.

Split delivery vehicle routing problem with time windows: a case study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Latiffianti, E.; Siswanto, N.; Firmandani, R. A.

2018-04-01

This paper aims to implement an extension of VRP so called split delivery vehicle routing problem (SDVRP) with time windows in a case study involving pickups and deliveries of workers from several points of origin and several destinations. Each origin represents a bus stop and the destination represents either site or office location. An integer linear programming of the SDVRP problem is presented. The solution was generated using three stages of defining the starting points, assigning busses, and solving the SDVRP with time windows using an exact method. Although the overall computational time was relatively lengthy, the results indicated that the produced solution was better than the existing routing and scheduling that the firm used. The produced solution was also capable of reducing fuel cost by 9% that was obtained from shorter total distance travelled by the shuttle buses.

Evidence of metachronous development of ovarian teratomas: a case report of bilateral mature cystic teratomas of the ovaries and systematic literature review.

PubMed

Wang, Wen-Chung; Lai, Yen-Chein

2017-03-14

Mature cystic teratomas are usually found in the ovaries. They are bilateral in 10 to 15% of cases and multiple cystic teratomas may be present in one ovary. The aim of this study is to clarify if development of mature cystic teratomas of the ovaries in a single host is metachronous or due to autoimplant or recurrence. We report a woman with bilateral mature cystic teratomas of the ovaries. DNA profiles of these teratomas were investigated via short tandem repeat (STR) analysis and methylation statuses were determined via methylation sensitive multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification methods. The results showed that the cystic teratomas originated from different stages of oogonia or primary oocyte before germinal vesicle stage failure of meiosis I in female gametogenesis. Potentially relevant literature was searched in PubMed database. Cases of bilateral or multiple mature cystic teratomas of the ovaries were analyzed. To date, there has been no reported case of multiple mature cystic teratomas in which clarification of the origin was achieved using molecular genetic methods. The results of this case study provide evidence of metachronous development of mature cystic teratomas of the ovaries and may serve as a reference in the management of patients following laparoscopic cystectomy.

Small Town in Mass Society Revisited.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Young, Frank W.

1996-01-01

A 1958 New York community study dramatized the thesis that macro forces (urbanization, industrialization, bureaucratization) have undermined all small communities' autonomy. Such "oppositional case studies" succeed when they render the dominant view immediately obsolete, have plausible origins, are testable, and generate new research.…

Mammary and extramammary Paget's disease: an immunohistochemical study of 83 cases.

PubMed

Liegl, B; Leibl, S; Gogg-Kamerer, M; Tessaro, B; Horn, L-C; Moinfar, F

2007-03-01

Mammary Paget's disease (MPD) and extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD) are rare neoplasms. The aim of this study was, by the use of immunohistochemistry, to derive further information about the cell(s) of origin, find a diagnostically useful immunohistochemical panel and investigate candidates for possible targeted therapy. Sixty MPD and 23 EMPD cases were studied using antibodies to cytokeratin (CK) 34betaE12, CK8/18, CK7, CK5/6, CK20, gross cyctic disease fluid protein (GCDFP)-15, MUC1-8, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) (HER1), HER3 and HER4. In all MPD cases CK7 and MUC1 were positive. CK8/18 was positive in 59/60 cases. GCDFP-15, MUC2, MUC3, MUC4, MUC7, MUC8 were positive in 29/60, 3/60, 35/47, 4/40, 3/43 and 2/45 cases, respectively. In all EMPD cases CK8/18 and CK7 were positive. MUC1, GCDFP-15, MUC5AC, MUC3, MUC8 and CK20 were positive in 22/23, 19/23, 8/19, 3/19, 1/19 and 3/23 cases, respectively. With the remaining antibodies no immunoreactivity was observed. MUC1 and low-molecular-weight CKs in conjunction with immunonegativity for high-molecular-weight CKs are the most diagnostically useful markers. MPD is caused by the epidermotropic spread of underlying tumour cells, whereas EMPD probably arises from intraepithelial cells of sweat gland origin. Targeted therapy with antibodies against EGFR (HER1), HER3 or HER4 is unlikely to prove of clinical value.

Equine nasal and paranasal sinus tumours: part 2: a contribution of 28 case reports.

PubMed

Dixon, P M; Head, K W

1999-05-01

The clinical and pathological findings of 28 cases (27 horses, 1 donkey) of equid sinonasal tumours examined at the Edinburgh Veterinary School are presented and include: seven cases of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC); five adenocarcinomas; three undifferentiated carcinomas; two adenomas; five fibro-osseous and bone tumours; and single cases of ameloblastoma, fibroma, fibrosarcoma, undifferentiated sarcoma, melanoma and lymphosarcoma. The median ages of animals affected with epithelial, and fibro-osseous/bone tumours were 14 and 4 years, respectively. Unilateral purulent or mucopurulent nasal discharge (81% of cases) and gross facial swellings (82% of cases) were the most common presenting signs with sinonasal tumours, with epistaxis recorded in just 23% of cases. Radiology and endoscopy were the most useful ancillary diagnostic techniques. The maxillary area was the most common site of tumour origin, and only three cases were definitively identified as originating in the nasal cavity. Four of the maxillary SCC lesions originated within the nasal cavities or maxillary sinuses, while two originated in the oral cavity. Fourteen of 15 carcinomas, but only two of the 13 remaining tumours, spread to other sites in the head. Only three cases of sinonasal tumour had lymph node metastases, and none had distant metastases. In the long term, surgical treatment with seven malignant tumours was unsuccessful (6 months median survival post-operatively), but was successful with four out of five benign tumours (no regrowth at a median of 4 years post-operatively).

Case study approach to modeling historical disinfection by-product exposure in Iowa drinking waters.

PubMed

Krasner, Stuart W; Cantor, Kenneth P; Weyer, Peter J; Hildesheim, Mariana; Amy, Gary

2017-08-01

In the 1980s, a case-control epidemiologic study was conducted in Iowa (USA) to analyze the association between exposure to disinfection by-products (DBPs) and bladder cancer risk. Trihalomethanes (THMs), the most commonly measured and dominant class of DBPs in drinking water, served as a primary metric and surrogate for the full DBP mixture. Average THM exposure was calculated, based on rough estimates of past levels in Iowa. To reduce misclassification, a follow-up study was undertaken to improve estimates of past THM levels and to re-evaluate their association with cancer risk. In addition, the risk associated with haloacetic acids, another class of DBPs, was examined. In the original analysis, surface water treatment plants were assigned one of two possible THM levels depending on the point of chlorination. The re-assessment considered each utility treating surface or groundwater on a case-by-case basis. Multiple treatment/disinfection scenarios and water quality parameters were considered with actual DBP measurements to develop estimates of past levels. The highest annual average THM level in the re-analysis was 156μg/L compared to 74μg/L for the original analysis. This allowed the analysis of subjects exposed at higher levels (>96μg/L). The re-analysis established a new approach, based on case studies and an understanding of the water quality and operational parameters that impact DBP formation, for determining historical exposure. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Multivariate Classification of Original and Fake Perfumes by Ion Analysis and Ethanol Content.

PubMed

Gomes, Clêrton L; de Lima, Ari Clecius A; Loiola, Adonay R; da Silva, Abel B R; Cândido, Manuela C L; Nascimento, Ronaldo F

2016-07-01

The increased marketing of fake perfumes has encouraged us to investigate how to identify such products by their chemical characteristics and multivariate analysis. The aim of this study was to present an alternative approach to distinguish original from fake perfumes by means of the investigation of sodium, potassium, chloride ions, and ethanol contents by chemometric tools. For this, 50 perfumes were used (25 original and 25 counterfeit) for the analysis of ions (ion chromatography) and ethanol (gas chromatography). The results demonstrated that the fake perfume had low levels of ethanol and high levels of chloride compared to the original product. The data were treated by chemometric tools such as principal component analysis and linear discriminant analysis. This study proved that the analysis of ethanol is an effective method of distinguishing original from the fake products, and it may potentially be used to assist legal authorities in such cases. © 2016 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

28 CFR 2.17 - Original jurisdiction cases.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 28 Judicial Administration 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Original jurisdiction cases. 2.17 Section 2.17 Judicial Administration DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE PAROLE, RELEASE, SUPERVISION AND RECOMMITMENT OF PRISONERS, YOUTH OFFENDERS, AND JUVENILE DELINQUENTS United States Code Prisoners and Parolees § 2.17...

Studying health information from a distance: refining an e-learning case study in the crucible of student evaluation.

PubMed

Booth, Andrew; Levy, Philippa; Bath, Peter A; Lacey, Terence; Sanderson, Mark; Diercks-O'Brien, Gabi

2005-12-01

To present a formative evaluation of the impact of a multimedia case study as a component of a masters course in health informatics delivered by distance learning. First and second year health informatics students undertaking four core modules of a masters programme at the University of Sheffield. Individual qualitative user surveys and interviews. Formative evaluation has played a significant role in refining the case study through its text-based, intermediate and CD-ROM based stages. Feedback from students has resulted in clarification of case study tasks, clearer definition of teaching roles and a revised approach to assessment. At the same time it has highlighted the importance of ongoing revision and maintenance in keeping the scenarios realistic and current. The multimedia case study has met many of its original aims in providing greater cohesion for core modules and encouraging greater levels of interaction and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Bibliometric analysis of scientific articles published in Brazilian and international orthodontic journals over a 10-year period.

PubMed

Primo, Neudí Antonio; Gazzola, Vivian Bertoglio; Primo, Bruno Tochetto; Tovo, Maximiano Ferreira; Faraco, Italo Medeiros

2014-01-01

This study aimed at describing the profiles of Brazilian and international studies published in orthodontic journals. The sample comprised 635 articles selected from two scientific journals, i.e., Dental Press Journal of Orthodontics and American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, which were analyzed at three different intervals over a 10-year period (1999 - 2004 - 2009). Articles were described in terms of knowledge domain, study design, and country of origin (or state of origin for Brazilian papers). The most frequent study designs adopted in international studies were cohort (23.9%) and cross-sectional (21.7%) designs. Among Brazilian papers, cross-sectional studies (28.9%) and literature reviews (24.6%) showed greater frequency. The topics most often investigated in international articles were dental materials (17%) and treatment devices (12.4%), with the latter topic being addressed by 16% of the Brazilian publications, followed by malocclusion, with 12.6%. In all cases, the most frequent countries of origin coincided with the countries of origin of each journal. The majority of the studies analyzed featured a low level of scientific evidence. Moreover, the findings showed that journals tend to publish studies produced in their own country of origin, and that there are marked discrepancies in the number of papers published by different Brazilian states.

Gambling in the Iranian-American Community and an Assessment of Motives: A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Parhami, Iman; Siani, Aaron; Campos, Michael D.; Rosenthal, Richard J.; Fong, Timothy W.

2012-01-01

Nearly half a million United States residents identify themselves as being of Iranian origin, and many in this population are of high socioeconomic status. Although games of chance have been a notable part of Iranian culture for thousands of years, there is almost no research exploring gambling in this population. The objective of this case study…

Trends in Prevalence and Characteristics of Post-Neonatal Cerebral Palsy Cases: A European Registry-Based Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Germany, Laurence; Ehlinger, Virginie; Klapouszczak, Dana; Delobel, Malika; Hollody, Katalin; Sellier, Elodie; De La Cruz, Javier; Alberge, Corine; Genolini, Christophe; Arnaud, Catherine

2013-01-01

The present paper aims to analyze trends over time in prevalence of cerebral palsy of post-neonatal origin, to investigate whether changes are similar according to severity and to describe the disability profile by etiology. Post-neonatal cases, birth years 1976 to 1998, were identified from the Surveillance of Cerebral Palsy in Europe…

The ethics of contacting family members of a subject in a genetic research study to return results for an autosomal dominant syndrome.

PubMed

Taylor, Holly A; Wilfond, Benjamin S

2013-01-01

This case explores the ethical landscape around recontacting a subject's relatives to return genetic research results when the informed consent form signed by the original cohort of subjects is silent on whether investigators may share new information with the research subject's family. As a result of rapid advances in genetic technology, methods to identify genetic markers can mature during the life course of a study. In this case, the investigators identified the genetic mutation responsible for the disorder after a number of their original subjects had died. The researchers now have the ability to inform relatives of the subject about their risk of developing the same disease. Mark Rothstein, JD, from the University of Louisville School of Medicine, provides an overview of the medical/scientific, legal, and ethical issues underlying this case. Lauren Milner, PhD, and colleagues at Stanford University explore how the relationship between researcher and subject affect this debate. Seema Shah, JD, and colleagues at the National Institutes of Health and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) discuss whether and how requirements of the duty to warn are applicable in this case.

[Control-lateral sciatrica after surgery for herniated disk].

PubMed

Sicard, A; Banai, M

1976-12-01

A study of 1,427 case records permitted the authors to discover 10 cases of reoperation for sciatica which appeared on the opposite side after removal of a dischernia. A new hernia was noted in 6 cases, whereas radiculitis of unknown origin, appeared to be responsible in 4 cases. The 10 patients who became cured, either after removal of the hernia, or after decompression through the foramin. These few cases, in fact rare, may be considered as relapses and thus poor surgical results. The provide a contribution to the understanding of intervertebral disc disease and raise an interesting medico-legal problem.

Extranasopharyngeal angiofibroma of the nasal septum: a case report.

PubMed

Mohindra, Satyawati; Grover, Gogia; Bal, Amanjit Kaur

2009-11-01

Angiofibroma arising outside the nasopharynx is unusual. The nasal septum is an extremely rare site for the origin of angiofibroma, and to date only 6 such cases previously have been reported in the literature. We report here a case of a 22-year-old man with a vascular mass arising from his nasal septum. The histopathology report was consistent with angiofibroma. We also review other cases in the literature of angiofibroma arising from the nasal septum and discuss a theory of the likely origin of angiofibroma.

[Dental periimplantitis distinctive features diagnostic in cases of minimal thyroid insufficiency].

PubMed

Shcherbakov, M V; Golovina, E S; Gil'miiarova, F N

2008-01-01

There were disclosed syndrome of minimal thyroid insufficiency in each fourth patient with dental periimplantitis and absence of thyroid gland dysfunction in case of mucositis of periimplantitis origin. The data were presented of minimal thyroid insufficiency manifestations in cases of inflammatory complications of dental implantations the indicator of which was the content of overall and free thyroxin in oral fluid. There were determined common and differentiating peculiarities of oral fluid homeostasis in cases of dental periimplantitis and mucositis of periimplantitis origin.

Genetic erosion in maize’s center of origin

PubMed Central

Dyer, George A.; López-Feldman, Alejandro; Yúnez-Naude, Antonio; Taylor, J. Edward

2014-01-01

Crop genetic diversity is an indispensable resource for farmers and professional breeders responding to changing climate, pests, and diseases. Anecdotal appraisals in centers of crop origin have suggested serious threats to this diversity for over half a century. However, a nationwide inventory recently found all maize races previously described for Mexico, including some formerly considered nearly extinct. A flurry of social studies seems to confirm that farmers maintain considerable diversity. Here, we compare estimates of maize diversity from case studies over the past 15 y with nationally and regionally representative matched longitudinal data from farmers across rural Mexico. Our findings reveal an increasing bias in inferences based on case study results and widespread loss of diversity. Cross-sectional, case study data suggest that farm-level richness has increased by 0.04 y−1 nationwide; however, direct estimates using matched longitudinal data reveal that richness dropped −0.04 y−1 between 2002 and 2007, from 1.43 to 1.22 varieties per farm. Varietal losses occurred across regions and altitudinal zones, and regardless of farm turnover within the sector. Extinction of local maize populations may not have resulted in an immediate loss of alleles, but low varietal richness and changes in maize’s metapopulation dynamics may prevent farmers from accessing germplasm suitable to a rapidly changing climate. Declining yields could then lead farmers to leave the sector and result in a further loss of diversity. Similarities in research approaches across crops suggest that methodological biases could conceal a loss of diversity at other centers of crop origin. PMID:25197088

Hypothermia and Alzheimer's disease neuropathogenic pathways.

PubMed

Whittington, R A; Papon, M-A; Chouinard, F; Planel, E

2010-12-01

Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains a major health problem, and accounts for 50 to 60% of all cases of dementia. The two histopathological hallmarks of AD are senile plaques, composed of the β-amyloid peptide (Aβ), and intraneuronal neurofibrillary tangles composed of abnormally hyperphosphorylated tau protein. Only a small proportion of AD is due to mutations in the genome of patients, the large majority of cases being of late onset and sporadic in origin. The relative contribution of genetics and environment to the sporadic cases is unclear, but they are accepted to be of multifactorial origin. This means that genetic and environmental factors can interact together to induce or accelerate the disease. Among environmental factors, studies suggest that hypothermia may contribute to the development and exacerbation AD. Here, we review the preclinical data involving hypothermia with tau and Aβ, as well as clinical evidence implicating hypothermia in the development of AD.

An unusual exostotic lesion of the maxillary sinus from Roman Lincoln.

PubMed

Kendall, Ross; Kendall, Ellen J; Macleod, Iain; Gowland, Rebecca; Beaumont, Julia

2015-12-01

This report provides a differential diagnosis of an exostotic bony lesion within the left maxillary sinus of a Romano-British (3rd to 4th century AD) adult male from Newport, Lincoln. Macroscopic, radiographic, and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) analyses suggest that the lesion is likely of odontogenic origin. The overall size of the lesion and areas of sclerosis and radiolucency, together with its hypothesised odontogenic origin, suggest that the lesion represents a chronic exostotic osteomyelitic reaction to the presence of odontogenic bacteria. While modern case studies of odontogenic maxillary sinus osteomyelitis are noteworthy, published cases of this condition are extremely rare in an archaeological context and may be underreported due to the enclosed nature of the sinuses. Such infections may have serious implications for individual and population health, and non-destructive investigation should be considered in cases where significant maxillary caries are present. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Crime event 3D reconstruction based on incomplete or fragmentary evidence material--case report.

PubMed

Maksymowicz, Krzysztof; Tunikowski, Wojciech; Kościuk, Jacek

2014-09-01

Using our own experience in 3D analysis, the authors will demonstrate the possibilities of 3D crime scene and event reconstruction in cases where originally collected material evidence is largely insufficient. The necessity to repeat forensic evaluation is often down to the emergence of new facts in the course of case proceedings. Even in cases when a crime scene and its surroundings have undergone partial or complete transformation, with regard to elements significant to the course of the case, or when the scene was not satisfactorily secured, it is still possible to reconstruct it in a 3D environment based on the originally-collected, even incomplete, material evidence. In particular cases when no image of the crime scene is available, its partial or even full reconstruction is still potentially feasible. Credibility of evidence for such reconstruction can still satisfy the evidence requirements in court. Reconstruction of the missing elements of the crime scene is still possible with the use of information obtained from current publicly available databases. In the study, we demonstrate that these can include Google Maps(®*), Google Street View(®*) and available construction and architecture archives. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Gauge-origin dependence in electronic g-tensor calculations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Glasbrenner, Michael; Vogler, Sigurd; Ochsenfeld, Christian

2018-06-01

We present a benchmark study on the gauge-origin dependence of the electronic g-tensor using data from unrestricted density functional theory calculations with the spin-orbit mean field ansatz. Our data suggest in accordance with previous studies that g-tensor calculations employing a common gauge-origin are sufficiently accurate for small molecules; however, for extended molecules, the introduced errors can become relevant and significantly exceed the basis set error. Using calculations with the spin-orbit mean field ansatz and gauge-including atomic orbitals as a reference, we furthermore show that the accuracy and reliability of common gauge-origin approaches in larger molecules depends strongly on the locality of the spin density distribution. We propose a new pragmatic ansatz for choosing the gauge-origin which takes the spin density distribution into account and gives reasonably accurate values for molecules with a single localized spin center. For more general cases like molecules with several spatially distant spin centers, common gauge-origin approaches are shown to be insufficient for consistently achieving high accuracy. Therefore the computation of g-tensors using distributed gauge-origin methods like gauge-including atomic orbitals is considered as the ideal approach and is recommended for larger molecular systems.

Vertebral artery origin stent placement with distal protection: technical and clinical results.

PubMed

Qureshi, A I; Kirmani, J F; Harris-Lane, P; Divani, A A; Ahmed, S; Ebrihimi, A; Al Kawi, A; Janjua, N

2006-05-01

To report the feasibility, safety, and 1-month results of performing stent placement for vertebral origin stenosis with the use of a distal protection device. Distal protection devices have been shown to reduce the number of cerebral emboli and subsequent ischemic events when used as adjuncts to percutaneous carotid intervention; however, one case of the use of a distal protection device for vertebral artery has been reported in the literature. We retrospectively determined rates of technical success and 1-month stroke or death associated with stent placement by using distal protection (Filter EX; Boston Scientific, Natick, Mass) in patients with symptomatic vertebral artery origin stenosis. Technical success was defined as successful deployment of distal protection device and stent at target lesion followed by successful retrieval of the device and a final residual stenosis of less than 30%. Other outcomes ascertained included any stroke, death, and semiquantitative assessment of particulate material retained by the filter device. The mean age of the 12 treated patients was 68 years (range, 52-88 years) and the group included 9 men and 3 women. The mean percentage of vertebral artery origin stenosis was 71 +/- 6%. Femoral and radial approaches were used in 9 and 3 cases, respectively. Technical success was achieved in 11 of the 12 patients in whom distal protection device placement was attempted. Postprocedure residual stenosis was 5 +/- 4%. Eight devices held macroscopically visible embolic debris (large and small amounts in 3 and 5 devices, respectively). No stroke or death was observed in the 1-month follow-up. The present study demonstrates the feasibility of performing stent placement for vertebral artery origin stenosis by using a distal protection device. Further studies are required to determine the effectiveness of this approach for vertebral artery origin atherosclerosis.

Lack of efficacy of phenytoin in the syndrome of inappropriate anti-diuretic hormone secretion of neurological origin.

PubMed Central

Decaux, G.; Przedborski, S.; Soupart, A.

1989-01-01

Phenytoin has been proposed in the management of patients with the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of anti-diuretic hormone (SIADH) of neurological origin who fail to respond to water restriction. We have conducted a prospective study in order to evaluate the role of phenytoin in the management of seven consecutive patients with SIADH of neurological origin which could not be controlled by limited water intake. Only one patient was successfully treated with chronic phenytoin regimen. This patient, like one previously reported, had suffered a basal skull fracture. It seems likely that in the majority of cases of SIADH of neurological origin phenytoin is ineffective on a long-term basis. PMID:2602236

Meningioma of the superior leaflet of the velum interpositum: A case report

PubMed Central

Champagne, Pierre-Olivier; Bojanowski, Michel W.

2015-01-01

Background: Meningiomas of the velum interpositum in the roof of the third ventricle are rare. Knowing from which leaflet the meningioma originates and thus its relationships with the internal cerebral and Galen veins, may help in choosing the surgical approach. Case Description: We report the case of a 40-year-old male with a meningioma arising from the superior leaflet of the velum interpositum. The tumor was resected successfully using the infratentorial-supracerebellar approach. Reviewing the literature, of the 22 reported cases of velum interpositum meningiomas, sufficient information regarding the precise location of the origin of the tumor was provided in 14 cases, all of which were from the inferior leaflet. Conclusion: We report the first case of velum interpositum meningioma arising from the superior leaflet and give a potential explanation as to why meningiomas of the velum interpositum occur more commonly on the inferior leaflet. Distinguishing from which of the two leaflets the tumor originates may influence the surgical strategy. PMID:25949856

Genomic profile in gestational and non-gestational choriocarcinomas.

PubMed

Mello, Julia Bette Homem de; Ramos Cirilo, Priscila Daniele; Michelin, Odair Carlito; Custódio Domingues, Maria Aparecida; Cunha Rudge, Marilza Vieira; Rogatto, Silvia Regina; Maestá, Izildinha

2017-02-01

Gestational (GC) (derived from the placenta) and non-gestational (NGC) choriocarcinomas are trophoblastic diseases originated from abnormal proliferation of trophoblastic cells. These rare tumors share similar morphology and pathological features and differ on chemotherapy response, genetic origin and prognosis. In this study, the genomic profile of choriocarcinomas was performed according to their origin (GC or NGC) aiming to better understand these poorly characterized diseases. Thirteen patients were included in this study; 10 presented previous history of hydatidiform mole and six developed metastasis. Twelve polymorphic microsatellite markers (D15S659, APOC2, D5S816, BAT25, D3S1614, D3S1311, D1S1656, APC-D5S346, D3S1601, D18S70, D8S1110 and D11S1999) were investigated to distinguish GC from NGC. All choriocarcinomas were evaluated by copy number alterations using array CGH. Eight cases were classified as GC and five as NGC. Although potentially polymorphic, NGC exhibited significant gain of 21p11. Rare copy number alterations (CNA) were detected as a frequent event in GC including gains of 1p36.33-p36.32 (3 cases), 17q25.3 (4 cases), and losses of 9q33.1 (5 cases), 17q21.3 (3 cases) and 18q22.1 (4 cases) (varying from 724 to 3,053 Kb). Two tumor suppressor genes are candidates to be involved in GC: TRIM32 (9q33.1) and CDH19 (18q22.1). Gains of CBX2, CBX4 and CBX8 were frequently found in high risk prognostic score in GC. The in silico functional interaction analysis revealed the involvement of PTEN and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways. These data pointed out significant genomic alterations in GC, opening new avenues to better characterize the pathobiology of this disease. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Does magnetic resonance imaging produce further benefit for detecting a bleeding source in subarachnoid hemorrhage of unknown origin?

PubMed

Maslehaty, Homajoun; Petridis, Athanassios K; Barth, Harald; Doukas, Alexandros; Mehdorn, Hubertus Maximilian

2011-01-01

Spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) without evidence of a bleeding source on the first digital subtraction angiogram (DSA) - also called SAH of unknown origin - is observed in up to 27% of all cases. Depending on the bleeding pattern on CT scanning, SAH can be differentiated into perimesencephalic (PM-SAH) and non-perimesencephalic SAH (NON-PM-SAH). The aim of our study was to investigate the effectiveness of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for detecting a bleeding source in SAH of unknown origin. We retrospectively reviewed 1,226 patients with spontaneous SAH between January 1991 and December 2008 in our department. DSA was performed in 1,068 patients, with negative results in 179 patients. Forty-seven patients were categorized as having PM-SAH and 132 patients as having NON-PM-SAH. MRI of the brain and the craniocervical region was performed within 72 h after diagnosis of SAH and demonstrated no bleeding sources in any of the PM-SAH and NON-PM-SAH patients (100% negative). In our experience MRI did not produce any additional benefit for detecting a bleeding source after SAH with a negative angiogram. The costs of this examination exceeded the clinical value. Despite our results MRI should be discussed on a case-by-case basis because rare bleeding sources are periodically diagnosed in cases of NON-PM-SAH.

Wrongful Convictions: Understanding the Experiences of the Original Crime Victims.

PubMed

Williamson, Erin J; Stricker, Julie M; Irazola, Seri P; Niedzwiecki, Emily

2016-01-01

Over the past 3 decades, significant strides have been made to identify and assist wrongfully convicted individuals in gaining their freedom and transitioning to life after exoneration. However, little is known about the experiences of the original crime victims during this process. The impact of wrongful convictions on victims has not been empirically researched; most of what is known has been provided anecdotally by stakeholders working with victims, and in a few instances, by victims themselves (e.g., Jenkins, 2009; Levey, 2004; Thompson-Cannino, Cotton, & Torneo, 2009). In an effort to begin to fill this gap in knowledge, ICF International conducted in-depth studies of 11 cases to identify the shared experiences and service needs of victims across cases of wrongful conviction.

[Scanning microscopy aspects of the corneal endothelium in disciform keratitis and graft rejection].

PubMed

Renard, G; Pouliquen, Y

1975-05-01

Scanning electron microscopic study of corneal endothelium in two cases of corneal disease. In one case of herpetic keratitis with stromal oedema and anterior uveitis an important cellular reaction is found with different cells forming a retrocorneal membrane. In a case of graft rejection there are two different aspects. On somes places there is an inflammatory reaction with lymphocytes and macrophages. The main surface of the graft is covered with indifferenciated cells whose origine is probably the receiver's endothelium.

Origins Space Telescope: Science Case and Design Reference Mission for Concept 1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meixner, Margaret; Cooray, Asantha; Pope, Alexandra; Armus, Lee; Vieira, Joaquin Daniel; Milam, Stefanie N.; Melnick, Gary; Leisawitz, David; Staguhn, Johannes G.; Bergin, Edwin; Origins Space Telescope Science and Technology Definition Team

2018-01-01

The Origins Space Telescope (OST) is the mission concept for the Far-Infrared Surveyor, one of the four science and technology definition studies of NASA Headquarters for the 2020 Astronomy and Astrophysics Decadal survey. The science case for OST covers four themes: Tracing the Signature of Life and the Ingredients of Habitable Worlds; Charting the Rise of Metals, Dust and the First Galaxies, Unraveling the Co-evolution of Black Holes and Galaxies and Understanding Our Solar System in the Context of Planetary System Formation. Using a set of proposed observing programs from the community, we estimate a design reference mission for OST mission concept 1. The mission will complete significant programs in these four themes and have time for other programs from the community. Origins will enable flagship-quality general observing programs led by the astronomical community in the 2030s. We welcome you to contact the Science and Technology Definition Team (STDT) with your science needs and ideas by emailing us at ost_info@lists.ipac.caltech.edu.

Systematic RH genotyping and variant identification in French donors of African origin

PubMed Central

Kappler-Gratias, Sandrine; Auxerre, Carine; Dubeaux, Isabelle; Beolet, Marylise; Ripaux, Maryline; Le Pennec, Pierre-Yves; Pham, Bach-Nga

2014-01-01

Background RH molecular analysis has enabled the documentation of numerous variants of RHD and RHCE alleles, especially in individuals of African origin. The aim of the present study was to determine the type and frequency of D and/or RhCE variants among blood donors of African origin in France, by performing a systematic RH molecular analysis, in order to evaluate the implications for blood transfusion of patients of African origin. Materials and methods Samples from 316 African blood donors, whose origin was established by their Fy(a−b−) phenotype, were first analysed using the RHD and RHCE BeadChips Kit (BioArray Solutions, Immucor, Warren, NJ, USA). Sequencing was performed when necessary. Results RHD molecular analysis showed that 26.2% of donors had a variant RHD allele. It allowed the prediction of a partial D in 11% of cases. RHCE molecular analysis showed that 14.2% of donors had a variant RHCE allele or RH [RN or (C)ces] haplotype. A rare Rh phenotype associated with the loss of a high-prevalence antigen or partial RhCE antigens were predicted from RHCE molecular analysis in 1 (0.3%) and 17 (5%) cases, respectively. Discussion Systematic RHD and RHCE molecular analysis performed in blood donors of African origin provides transfusion-relevant information for individuals of African origin because of the frequency of variant RH alleles. RH molecular analysis may improve transfusion therapy of patients by allowing better donor and recipient matching, based not only on phenotypically matched red blood cell units, but also on units that are genetically matched with regards to RhCE variants. PMID:23867180

Chaotification of complex networks with impulsive control.

PubMed

Guan, Zhi-Hong; Liu, Feng; Li, Juan; Wang, Yan-Wu

2012-06-01

This paper investigates the chaotification problem of complex dynamical networks (CDN) with impulsive control. Both the discrete and continuous cases are studied. The method is presented to drive all states of every node in CDN to chaos. The proposed impulsive control strategy is effective for both the originally stable and unstable CDN. The upper bound of the impulse intervals for originally stable networks is derived. Finally, the effectiveness of the theoretical results is verified by numerical examples.

Human papillomavirus in tonsillar squamous cell carcinomas from Guatemala and Brazil.

PubMed

Piña, Alicia Rumayor; Jimenez, Laísa Simakawa; Mariano, Fernanda Viviane; de Andrade, Bruno Augusto Benevenuto; Carlos, Román; Altemani, Albina; de Almeida, Oslei Paes

2016-04-01

A subgroup of tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is associated with human papillomavirus (HPV). Nevertheless, the prevalence of HPV seems to be variable in different regions and ethnic groups. There are no reports of HPV in tonsillar carcinomas in Guatemala, and data from Brazil are scarce. The aim of this study is to analyze and compare HPV presence in samples of tonsillar SCC from these countries. This study describes the histologic features, expression of p16 by immunohistochemistry (IHC), and HPV by in situ hybridization (ISH) in 13 Guatemalan and 13 Brazilian patients. All cases of tonsillar SCC from Guatemala were positive for p16, 92% expressed HPV by ISH, and 75% corresponded to the high-risk genotype 16/18. From the Brazilian patients, only four expressed p16, and all were negative for HPV. Cases from Guatemala, which were mostly nonkeratinizing SCC and originated from the crypt/reticular epithelium of the tonsil, had high-risk integrated HPV, whereas in Brazilian cases, which were mostly keratinizing SCC that originated from the surface epithelium, there was no association with HPV. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

It's a Knuckleball: A Critical Case Study of a Collaborative between a University and the "Real World" of School Leadership

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cyprès, Autumn Tooms

2014-01-01

This is a look at the political games within games that are enmeshed in a high-profile, heavily funded, politically charged collaborative focused on preparing new school leaders between a large prestigious university and a circle of school leaders and policymakers. This case specifically considers how power and money corrupt the original vision…

Endoscopic excavation for the treatment of small esophageal subepithelial tumors originating from the muscularis propria.

PubMed

Ye, Li-ping; Zhu, Lin-hong; Zhou, Xian-bin; Mao, Xin-li; Zhang, Yu

2015-01-01

This study was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of endoscopic excavation for esophageal subepithelial tumors originating from the muscularis propria. Forty-five patients with esophageal subepithelial tumors originating from the muscularis propria were treated with endoscopic excavation between January 2010 and June 2012. The key steps were: (1) making several dots around the tumor; (2) incising the mucosa along with the marker dots, and then seperating the tumor from the muscularis propria by using a hook knife or an insulated-tip knife; (3) closing the artificial ulcer with clips after the tumor was removed. The mean tumor diameter was 1.1 ± 0.6 cm. Endoscopic excavation was successfully performed in 43 out of 45 cases (95.6%), the other 2 cases were ligated with nylon rope. During the procedure perforation occurred in 4 (8.9%) patients, who recovered after conservative treatment. No massive bleeding or delayed bleeding occurred. Histologic diagnosis was obtained from 43 (95.6%) patients. Pathological diagnoses of these tumors were leiomyomas (38/43) and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (5/43). Endoscopic excavation is a safe and effective method for the treatment of small esophageal subepithelial tumors originating from the muscularis propria.

Duplicate origin of the posterior communicating artery diagnosed by magnetic resonance angiography.

PubMed

Uchino, Akira; Kamiya, Kouhei; Suzuki, Chihiro

2013-10-01

Extremely rarely, a posterior communicating artery (PCoA) of "duplicate origin" occurs when two branches of the PCoA arise separately from the supraclinoid segment of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and quickly fuse to form an arterial ring. Three such cases previously reported were described as "fenestration." We report the case of this rare variation diagnosed by magnetic resonance angiography and discuss the differentiation of PCoA of duplicate origin from PCoA fenestration, supraclinoid ICA fenestration, and hyperplastic anterior choroidal artery.

Study Service: A Tool of Innovation in Higher Education. Papers on Higher Education, No. 6.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Monal, Isabel; And Others

Case studies of study service activities (activities that adapt higher education more closely to the community) are examined. The document describes 21 such studies, one from each of 21 countries, undertaken by college students in the community. Background information is included on the origin, conditions, and need for study service in higher…

Study of the Western Black Sea Storms with a Focus on the Storms Caused by Cyclones of North African Origin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Galabov, Vasko; Chervenkov, Hristo

2018-04-01

We present a study of the Black Sea storms, using a long hindcast of the western Black Sea wind waves. The goal of the work is to study the trends in the storminess indicators. We identify 238 storms with significant wave height above 4 m for the period 1900-2015. We study the cyclogenetic regions of the cyclones causing these storms and focus specifically on the Black Sea storms associated with cyclones originating over the Gulf of Sidra and the adjacent areas. We also identify which of these storms are associated with the so-called explosive cyclogenesis (with deepening rate above 1 Bergeron) and find that 3 out of 5 cases of severe Black Sea storms associated with explosive cyclones are caused by cyclones originating in the Gulf of Sidra. We find no evidence of steady trends in the western Black Sea storminess.

Use of artificial neural networks to identify the origin of green macroalgae

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Żbikowski, Radosław

2011-08-01

This study demonstrates application of artificial neural networks (ANNs) for identifying the origin of green macroalgae ( Enteromorpha sp. and Cladophora sp.) according to their concentrations of Cd, Cu, Ni, Zn, Mn, Pb, Na, Ca, K and Mg. Earlier studies confirmed that algae can be used for biomonitoring surveys of metal contaminants in coastal areas of the Southern Baltic. The same data sets were classified with the use of different structures of radial basis function (RBF) and multilayer perceptron (MLP) networks. The selected networks were able to classify the samples according to their geographical origin, i.e. Southern Baltic, Gulf of Gdańsk and Vistula Lagoon. Additionally in the case of macroalgae from the Gulf of Gdańsk, the networks enabled the discrimination of samples according to areas of contrasting levels of pollution. Hence this study shows that artificial neural networks can be a valuable tool in biomonitoring studies.

The impact on health outcomes and healthcare utilisation of switching to generic medicines consequent to reference pricing: the case of lamotrigine in New Zealand.

PubMed

Lessing, Charon; Ashton, Toni; Davis, Peter

2014-10-01

Many countries have implemented generic reference pricing and substitution as methods of containing pharmaceutical expenditure. However, resistance to switching between medicines is apparent, especially in the case of anti-epileptic medicines. This study sought to exploit a nation-wide policy intervention on generic reference pricing in New Zealand to evaluate the health outcomes of patients switching from originator to generic lamotrigine, an anti-epileptic medicine. A retrospective study using the national health collections and prescription records was conducted comparing patients who switched from originator brand to generic lamotrigine with patients who remained on the originator brand. Primary outcome measures included switch behaviour, changes in utilisation of healthcare services at emergency departments, hospitalisations and use of specialist services, and mortality. Approximately one-quarter of all patients using the originator brand of lamotrigine switched to generic lamotrigine, half of whom made the switch within 60 days of the policy implementation. Multiple switches (three or more) between generic and brand products were evident for around 10% of switchers. Switch-back rates of 3% were apparent within 30 days post-switch. No difference in heath outcome measures was associated with switching from originator lamotrigine to a generic equivalent and hence no increased costs could be found for switchers. Switching from brand to generic lamotrigine is largely devoid of adverse health outcomes; however, creating an incentive to ensure a greater proportion of patients switch to generic lamotrigine is required to achieve maximal financial savings from a policy of generic reference pricing.

Automatic identification of origins of left and right coronary arteries in CT angiography for coronary arterial tree tracking and plaque detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Chuan; Chan, Heang-Ping; Chightai, Aamer; Wei, Jun; Hadjiiski, Lubomir M.; Agarwal, Prachi; Kuriakose, Jean W.; Kazerooni, Ella A.

2013-03-01

Automatic tracking and segmentation of the coronary arterial tree is the basic step for computer-aided analysis of coronary disease. The goal of this study is to develop an automated method to identify the origins of the left coronary artery (LCA) and right coronary artery (RCA) as the seed points for the tracking of the coronary arterial trees. The heart region and the contrast-filled structures in the heart region are first extracted using morphological operations and EM estimation. To identify the ascending aorta, we developed a new multiscale aorta search method (MAS) method in which the aorta is identified based on a-priori knowledge of its circular shape. Because the shape of the ascending aorta in the cCTA axial view is roughly a circle but its size can vary over a wide range for different patients, multiscale circularshape priors are used to search for the best matching circular object in each CT slice, guided by the Hausdorff distance (HD) as the matching indicator. The location of the aorta is identified by finding the minimum HD in the heart region over the set of multiscale circular priors. An adaptive region growing method is then used to extend the above initially identified aorta down to the aortic valves. The origins at the aortic sinus are finally identified by a morphological gray level top-hat operation applied to the region-grown aorta with morphological structuring element designed for coronary arteries. For the 40 test cases, the aorta was correctly identified in 38 cases (95%). The aorta can be grown to the aortic root in 36 cases, and 36 LCA origins and 34 RCA origins can be identified within 10 mm of the locations marked by radiologists.

Hemangioblastomas: histogenesis of the stromal cell studied by immunocytochemistry.

PubMed

Jurco, S; Nadji, M; Harvey, D G; Parker, J C; Font, R L; Morales, A R

1982-01-01

Twenty-one cases of hemangioblastoma from the cerebellum, spinal cord and retina were studied using the unlabeled antibody peroxidase-antiperoxidase technique with antibodies directed against glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and factor VIII related antigen (VIIIR:Ag). In 19 of 21 cases studied with anti-GFAP, astrocytes were identified peripherally, and in 13 cases they were found centrally within the tumor. In no instance did stromal cells react positively for GFAP. Sixteen cases with anti-VIIIR:Ag antibody were examined, and in all cases many stromal cells showed positive staining. It is concluded that the stromal cells were of endothelial origin. The occasional stromal cells that other investigators have identified as reacting positively for GFAP may represent stromal cells capable of ingesting extracellular GFAP derived from reactive astrocytes within the tumor, or they may be lipidized astrocytes.

Mechanism of concave ``tafoni'' and convex ``domal shape'' formation on TRIASSIC red sandstone of some old buildings, Chester City, UK, Case study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kamh, G. M. E.

2005-08-01

The weathering factors act on the recent and archaeological sites through different processes based on the dominant environmental conditions. The net result of weathering is deformation of the original form of construction rock. In the current case study, the main aim is to find out the mechanism of formation of two different weathering forms recorded on many old buildings taking Chester City as a case study. The construction rock in the case study is arenitic sandstone with carbonate content ranging from 0.0 to 15.6%. The sandstone blocks are cemented together by hydraulic lime mortar that can easily be altered chemically to salts by acid rain that dominates at the study area. In case of mortar with worse geotechnical limits than the sandstone blocks, the net result is convex “domal” shape blocks, but in case of mortar with better geotechnical limits than the construction sandstone, the net result of weathering is tafoni “concave” weathering form.

Nine (9) marker chromosomes diagnosed prenatally in 6,234 cases and their outcome

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

Raghunathan, L.; Demarest, A.; Wisniewski, L.

1994-09-01

Marker chromosomes have a frequency of 0.06-0.08 per 1000 in prenatal diagnosis specimens and often pose a dilemma in counseling because of an inability in most cases to identify the marker chromosome cytogenetically. An attempt is made in this study to characterize the marker chromosomes we found in our prenatal diagnosis from 1991-1993. We diagnosed 9 cases of marker chromosomes out of 6,234 prenatal diagnostic studies. Eight cases were patients referred because of advanced maternal age and one (GS) was referred after abnormal ultrasound findings. Six cases were mosaic for a marker. Seven of these patients continued their pregnancies, onemore » patient had a dizygotic twin pregnancy (CM) where the co-twin had normal chromosome complement. Parental chromosomes on all of these cases were normal (in one couple the wife (VA) had a 46,XX/47,XXX karyotype). Special staining methods used for identifying the markers were DAPI/DA, NOR, C, R and FISH. Of the seven pregnancies that were continued, two babies were born with complications, and one of them (GS) subsequently died at six months of age. The marker in this baby was identified as chromosome 14 in origin by FISH. The other (LM) baby was born with extrophy of the bladder. The marker in the dizygotic twin (CM) was identified as chromosome 13 in origin by FISH. The rest of the pregnancies with a marker chromosome had a normal outcome with phenotypically normal babies without any complications. By parental report, babies were developing normally at 1 day (VA), 4 months (CM), 8 months (CL), 9 months (KP) and 22 months (EN) of age. Results of FISH studies on these cases will be presented along with a detailed table.« less

Auditory adaptation testing as a tool for investigating tinnitus origin: two patients with vestibular schwannoma.

PubMed

Silverman, Carol A; Silman, Shlomo; Emmer, Michele B

2017-06-01

To enhance the understanding of tinnitus origin by disseminating two case studies of vestibular schwannoma (VS) involving behavioural auditory adaptation testing (AAT). Retrospective case study. Two adults who presented with unilateral, non-pulsatile subjective tinnitus and bilateral normal-hearing sensitivity. At the initial evaluation, the otolaryngologic and audiologic findings were unremarkable, bilaterally. Upon retest, years later, VS was identified. At retest, the tinnitus disappeared in one patient and was slightly attenuated in the other patient. In the former, the results of AAT were positive for left retrocochlear pathology; in the latter, the results were negative for the left ear although a moderate degree of auditory adaptation was present despite bilateral normal-hearing sensitivity. Imaging revealed a small VS in both patients, confirmed surgically. Behavioural AAT in patients with tinnitus furnishes a useful tool for exploring tinnitus origin. Decrease or disappearance of tinnitus in patients with auditory adaptation suggests that the tinnitus generator is the cochlea or the cochlear nerve adjacent to the cochlea. Patients with unilateral tinnitus and bilateral, symmetric, normal-hearing thresholds, absent other audiovestibular symptoms, should be routinely monitored through otolaryngologic and audiologic re-evaluations. Tinnitus decrease or disappearance may constitute a red flag for retrocochlear pathology.

Numerical simulation of drop impact on a thin film: the origin of the droplets in the splashing regime

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, Zhihua; Che, Zhizhao; Ismail, Renad; Pain, Chris; Matar, Omar

2015-11-01

Drop impact on a liquid layer is a feature of numerous multiphase flow problems, and has been the subject of numerous theoretical, experimental and numerical investigations. In the splashing regime, however, little attention has been focused on the origin of the droplets that are formed during the splashing process. The objective of this study is to investigate this issue numerically in order to improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying splashing as a function of the relevant system parameters. In contrast to the conventional two-phase flow approach, commonly used to simulate splashing, here, a three-dimensional, three-phase flow model, with adaptive, unstructured meshing, is employed to study the liquid (droplet) - gas (surrounding air) - liquid (thin film) system. In the cases to be presented, both liquid phases have the same fluid property, although, clearly, our method can be used in the more general case of two different liquids. Numerical results of droplet impact on a thin film are analysed to determine whether the origin of the droplets following impact corresponds to the mother drop, or the thin film, or both. EPSRC Programme Grant, MEMPHIS, EP/K0039761/1.

The origin of the argonium emission discovered in the Crab Nebula

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Priestley, Felix; Barlow, Mike; Viti, Serena

2016-06-01

We present a study of the origin of the argonium (ArH+) emission discovered by Herschel in the Crab Nebula (Barlow et al. 2013). The argonium molecule is believed to be formed principally by the reaction of singly ionised argon (Ar+) with molecular hydrogen (H2), and to be destroyed by reactions with H2 and UV photons. For the case of the argonium ground state absorption lines seen by Herschel along several interstellar sightlines (Schilke et al. 2014), those authors argued that the presence of H2 in both the formation and destruction mechanisms means that ArH+ must form in largely atomic interstellar hydrogen clouds containing only trace amounts of H2. However, In the case of the Crab Nebula the observed argonium emission might originate either from transition regions containing both Ar+ and H2, or alternatively from inside the Crab Nebula's H2 knots into which X-ray photons or charged particles from the pulsar wind nebula have penetrated to produce Ar+ and other ions. We report the results of our numerical studies that have used a combination of photoionisation and photodissociation region codes to investigate these alternative scenarios for producing ArH+ in the Crab Nebula.

Detection of L265P MYD-88 mutation in a series of clonal B-cell lymphocytosis of marginal zone origin (CBL-MZ).

PubMed

Kalpadakis, Christina; Pangalis, Gerassimos A; Vassilakopoulos, Theodoros P; Roumelioti, Maria; Sachanas, Sotirios; Korkolopoulou, Penelope; Koulieris, Efstathios; Moschogiannis, Maria; Yiakoumis, Xanthi; Tsirkinidis, Pantelis; Pontikoglou, Charalampos; Rondoyianni, Dimitra; Papadaki, Helen A; Panayiotidis, Panayiotidis; Angelopoulou, Maria K

2017-12-01

Clonal B-cell lymphocytosis of marginal zone origin (CBL-MZ) is a recently described entity characterized by the presence of clonal B cells in the blood and/or bone marrow (BM) with morphologic and immunophenotypic features consistent with marginal zone derivation in otherwise healthy individuals. CBL-MZ is commonly associated with paraproteinemia, usually immunoglobulin M (IgM), raising diagnostic difficulties from Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM). The aim of the present study was to determine the presence of MYD-88 L265P mutation in a well-characterized series of CBL-MZ to identify cases that may in fact represent WM. Fifty-three CBL-MZ cases were retrospectively evaluated. MYD-88 L265P mutation was determined by allele-specific polymerase chain reaction in blood and/or BM mononuclear cells. Almost half of the CBL-MZ cases (49%) were associated with paraproteinemia mainly of the IgM type (65%). MYD-88 L265P mutation was identified in 10 cases (19%). These cases may truly represent WM, whereas 43 cases (81%) are still classified as CBL-MZ. Mutated cases were all associated with paraproteinemia compared with 37% of the nonmutated ones (P < .0001). In addition, mutated cases displayed more frequently CD38 and CD25 positivity (P = .002 and P = .005, respectively). Moreover, cases without paraproteinemia presented more frequently with lymphocytosis, irrespective of the presence of the MYD-88 mutation (P = .02). The present study demonstrates that MYD-88 L265P mutation may represent the only sensitive marker for the differentiation of CBL-MZ from probable WM. However, further studies are warranted to better define the biological significance of MYD-88 L265P mutation and to clarify whether the presence of the mutation establishes WM diagnosis or that it can also be present in borderline cases associated with paraproteinemia. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Observational longitudinal cohort study to determine progression to heart failure in a screened community population: the Echocardiographic Heart of England Screening Extension (ECHOES-X) study

PubMed Central

Taylor, Clare J; Roalfe, Andrea K; Tait, Lynda; Davis, Russell C; Iles, Rachel; Derit, Marites; Hobbs, F D Richard

2014-01-01

Objectives Rescreen a large community cohort to examine the progression to heart failure over time and the role of natriuretic peptide testing in screening. Design Observational longitudinal cohort study. Setting 16 socioeconomically diverse practices in central England. Participants Participants from the original Echocardiographic Heart of England Screening (ECHOES) study were invited to attend for rescreening. Outcome measures Prevalence of heart failure at rescreening overall and for each original ECHOES subgroup. Test performance of N Terminal pro-B-type Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP) levels at different thresholds for screening. Results 1618 of 3408 participants underwent screening which represented 47% of survivors and 26% of the original ECHOES cohort. A total of 176 (11%, 95% CI 9.4% to 12.5%) participants were classified as having heart failure at rescreening; 103 had heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFREF) and 73 had heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF). Sixty-eight out of 1232 (5.5%, 95% CI 4.3% to 6.9%) participants who were recruited from the general population over the age of 45 and did not have heart failure in the original study, had heart failure on rescreening. An NT-proBNP cut-off of 400 pg/mL had sensitivity for a diagnosis of heart failure of 79.5% (95% CI 72.4% to 85.5%) and specificity of 87% (95% CI 85.1% to 88.8%). Conclusions Rescreening identified new cases of HFREF and HFPEF. Progression to heart failure poses a significant threat over time. The natriuretic peptide cut-off level for ruling out heart failure must be low enough to ensure cases are not missed at screening. PMID:25015472

Reanalysis of the DEMS Nested Case-Control Study of Lung Cancer and Diesel Exhaust: Suitability for Quantitative Risk Assessment

PubMed Central

Crump, Kenny S; Van Landingham, Cynthia; Moolgavkar, Suresh H; McClellan, Roger

2015-01-01

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in 2012 upgraded its hazard characterization of diesel engine exhaust (DEE) to “carcinogenic to humans.” The Diesel Exhaust in Miners Study (DEMS) cohort and nested case-control studies of lung cancer mortality in eight U.S. nonmetal mines were influential in IARC’s determination. We conducted a reanalysis of the DEMS case-control data to evaluate its suitability for quantitative risk assessment (QRA). Our reanalysis used conditional logistic regression and adjusted for cigarette smoking in a manner similar to the original DEMS analysis. However, we included additional estimates of DEE exposure and adjustment for radon exposure. In addition to applying three DEE exposure estimates developed by DEMS, we applied six alternative estimates. Without adjusting for radon, our results were similar to those in the original DEMS analysis: all but one of the nine DEE exposure estimates showed evidence of an association between DEE exposure and lung cancer mortality, with trend slopes differing only by about a factor of two. When exposure to radon was adjusted, the evidence for a DEE effect was greatly diminished, but was still present in some analyses that utilized the three original DEMS DEE exposure estimates. A DEE effect was not observed when the six alternative DEE exposure estimates were utilized and radon was adjusted. No consistent evidence of a DEE effect was found among miners who worked only underground. This article highlights some issues that should be addressed in any use of the DEMS data in developing a QRA for DEE. PMID:25857246

The MACSI Summer School: A Case Study in Outreach in Mathematics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Charpin, J. P. F.; Hanrahan, P.; Mason, J. F.; O'Brien, S. B. G.; O'Sullivan, M.

2012-01-01

To encourage the study of mathematics in Ireland, the Mathematics Applications Consortium for Science and Industry (MACSI) organizes a summer school once a year. The different aspects of this summer school are presented. Students are selected depending on their motivation, academic abilities, gender and geographical origins. Instruction and…

The Modular Market. Studies in Further Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Theodossin, Ernest

Origins of modular courses and the module in British postcompulsory education are considered, along with characteristics of modules, credit transfer, five case studies, and marketing in further and higher education. A module is a measured part (or course) of an extended learning experience that leads to specified qualifications. A designated…

What We Do: A Multiple Case Study from Mathematics Coaches' Perspectives

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kane, Barbara Ann

2013-01-01

Teachers face new challenges when they teach a more rigorous mathematics curriculum than one to which they are accustomed. The rationale for this particular study originated from watching teachers struggle with understanding mathematical content and pedagogical practices. Mathematics coaches can address teachers' concerns through sustained,…

Towards a Pedagogy of Imagination: A Phenomenological Case Study of Holistic Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nielsen, Thomas William

2006-01-01

This article offers a synthesis of my recently completed doctorate study of Rudolf Steiner's notion of imaginative teaching. Seven original imaginative teaching methods (drama, exploration, storytelling, routine, arts, discussion and empathy) are introduced via phenomenological moments, followed by analysis and discussion. The article concludes…

Immunohistochemical characterization of neoplastic cells of breast origin.

PubMed

Noriega, Mariadelasmercedes; Paesani, Fernando; Perazzo, Florencia; Lago, Néstor; Krupitzki, Hugo; Nieto, Silvana; Garcia, Alejandro; Avagnina, Alejandra; Elsner, Boris; Denninghoff, Valeria Cecilia

2012-06-22

After skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women. Tumors of unknown origin account for 5-15% of malignant neoplasms, with 1.5% being breast cancer. An immunohistochemical panel with conventional and newer markers, such as mammaglobin, was selected for the detection of neoplastic cells of breast origin. The specific objectives are: 1) to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the panel, with a special emphasis on the inclusion of the mammaglobin marker, and 2) to compare immunohistochemistry performed on whole tissue sections and on tissue micro-array. Twenty-nine metastatic breast tumors were included and assumed as tumors of unknown origin. Other 48 biopsies of diverse tissues were selected and assumed as negative controls. Tissue Micro-Array was performed. Immunohistochemistry for mammaglobin, gross cystic disease fluid protein-15, estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and cytokeratin 7 was done. Mammaglobin positive staining was observed in 10/29 cases, in 13/29 cases for gross cystic disease fluid protein-15, in 20/29 cases for estrogen receptor, in 9/29 cases for progesterone receptor, and in 25/29 cases for cytokeratin 7. Among the negative controls, mammaglobin was positive in 2/48, and gross cystic disease fluid protein-15 in 4/48. The inclusion of MAG antibody in the immunohistochemical panel for the detection of tumors of unknown origin contributed to the detection of metastasis of breast cancer. The diagnostic strategy with the highest positive predictive value (88%) included hormone receptors and mammaglobin in serial manner.

Bibliometric analysis of scientific articles published in Brazilian and international orthodontic journals over a 10-year period

PubMed Central

Primo, Neudí Antonio; Gazzola, Vivian Bertoglio; Primo, Bruno Tochetto; Tovo, Maximiano Ferreira; Faraco Junior, Italo Medeiros

2014-01-01

Objective This study aimed at describing the profiles of Brazilian and international studies published in orthodontic journals. Methods The sample comprised 635 articles selected from two scientific journals, i.e., Dental Press Journal of Orthodontics and American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, which were analyzed at three different intervals over a 10-year period (1999 - 2004 - 2009). Articles were described in terms of knowledge domain, study design, and country of origin (or state of origin for Brazilian papers). Results The most frequent study designs adopted in international studies were cohort (23.9%) and cross-sectional (21.7%) designs. Among Brazilian papers, cross-sectional studies (28.9%) and literature reviews (24.6%) showed greater frequency. The topics most often investigated were dental materials (17%) and treatment devices (12.4%) in international articles, with the latter topic being addressed by 16% of the Brazilian publications, followed by malocclusion, with 12.6%. In all cases, the most frequent countries of origin coincided with the countries of origin of each journal. Conclusions The majority of the studies analyzed featured a low level of scientific evidence. Moreover, the findings showed that journals tend to publish studies produced in their own country of origin, and that there are marked discrepancies in the number of papers published by different Brazilian states. PMID:24945515

Systemic arterial embolization in patients with hemoptysis: initial experience with ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer in 15 cases.

PubMed

Khalil, Antoine; Fartoukh, Muriel; Bazot, Marc; Parrot, Antoine; Marsault, Claude; Carette, Marie-France

2010-01-01

The purpose of this study was a preliminary evaluation of the use of ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer to treat patients with hemoptysis of systemic arterial origin. We reviewed the cases of 15 consecutively registered patients (10 men, five women; mean age, 53.7 years) who underwent endovascular administration of ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer in the management of hemoptysis. The indications, immediate control of hemoptysis, and clinical tolerability were analyzed. The indications for embolization were mainly early recurrence of hemoptysis with reperfusion of systemic arteries in seven cases; unstable microcatheter in two cases; large ectopic bronchial artery in two cases; and, in one case each, bronchial arterial bleeding through a small anastomotic network, aneurysm of the left internal thoracic artery in a patient with invasive aspergillosis, a potentially risky connection between the bronchial and right coronary arteries, and occlusion of a systemic artery due to Pryce type 1 intralobar lung sequestration. Hemoptysis was controlled in all but one case and did not recur in the other 14 cases. The injection procedure was well tolerated. Ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer embolization for hemoptysis of systemic arterial origin is feasible. The agent seems beneficial in the care of patients with recurrent hemoptysis after previous bronchial arterial embolization, patients who would be at high risk during embolization with microparticles, and patients who need embolization of large systemic arteries through small-caliber anastomoses.

[Analysis of characteristics of acute poisoning caused by various poisons in Guangxi, China].

PubMed

Hu, De-hong; Zhang, Zhen-ming; Liu, Qing-hua; Jiang, Dong-fang

2013-11-01

To investigate the characteristics of acute poisonings caused by various poisons in Guangxi, China. A retrospective investigation was performed in 5859 cases of acute poisonings who were admitted to 63 hospitals in 11 cities, as well as 531 types of poisons involved. The poisons were categorized into 6 groups; each group of cases was stratified by the rural or urban settings, frequency of poisoning, and cause of poisoning to analyze the numbers of cases and constituent ratios. Most types of poisons (68.74%) belonged to drugs (217 types) and pesticides (148 types). Most cases of poisonings (61.63%) were caused by pesticides (n = 2547) and chemicals (n = 1064). Pesticides, poisons of plant origins, and poisons of animal origins were responsible for most of the cases in rural settings; 88.46%, 79.10%, and 66.74% of the cases of these poison categories happened in rural settings. Chemicals, drugs, and other poisons were responsible for most of the cases in urban settings; 70.20%, 61.74%, and 63.73% of the cases of these poison categories happened in urban settings. The numbers of cases in 5-year-poisoning groups were the highest in all categories of poisons, accounting for 85.24%, 88.57%, 55.16%, 70.79%, 68.36%, and 66.44%of cases of respective categories. Most cases of poisonings by chemicals, poisons of animal origin, and other poisons were accident-related (86.24%, 72.66%, and 46.71%of the poison categories). Most cases of poisonings by pesticides and drugs were suicide-related (59.39% and 33.52% of the poison categories). Most cases by poisons of plant origin were caused by accidental ingestion (70.36% of the poison category). Most of the acute poisonings in Guangxi area are caused by pesticides and chemicals; the most common causes of poisoning are accidents, accidental ingestion, and suicide. There are significant differences in the causes of acute poisonings between the urban and rural settings.

A Case–Control Study on the Origin of Atypical Scrapie in Sheep, France

PubMed Central

Morignat, Eric; Ducrot, Christian; Calavas, Didier

2009-01-01

A matched case–control study (95 cases and 220 controls) was designed to study risk factors for atypical scrapie in sheep in France. We analyzed contacts with animals from other flocks, lambing and feeding practices, and exposure to toxic substances. Data on the prnp genotype were collected for some case and control animals and included in a complementary analysis. Sheep dairy farms had a higher risk for scrapie (odds ratio [OR] 15.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.3–69.7). Lower risk was associated with organic farms (OR 0.15, 95% CI 0.02–1.26), feeding corn silage (OR 0.16, 95% CI 0.05–0.53), and feeding vitamin and mineral supplements (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.32–1.14). Genetic effects were quantitatively important but only marginally changed estimates of other variables. We did not find any risk factor associated with an infectious origin of scrapie. Atypical scrapie could be a spontaneous disease influenced by genetic and metabolic factors. PMID:19402956

Numerical study of aero-excitation of steam-turbine rotor blade self-oscillations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Galaev, S. A.; Makhnov, V. Yu.; Ris, V. V.; Smirnov, E. M.

2018-05-01

Blade aero-excitation increment is evaluated by numerical solution of the full 3D unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations governing wet steam flow in a powerful steam-turbine last stage. The equilibrium wet steam model was adopted. Blade surfaces oscillations are defined by eigen-modes of a row of blades bounded by a shroud. Grid dependency study was performed with a reduced model being a set of blades multiple an eigen-mode nodal diameter. All other computations were carried out for the entire blade row. Two cases are considered, with an original-blade row and with a row of modified (reinforced) blades. Influence of eigen-mode nodal diameter and blade reinforcing on aero-excitation increment is analyzed. It has been established, in particular, that maximum value of the aero-excitation increment for the reinforced-blade row is two times less as compared with the original-blade row. Generally, results of the study point definitely to less probability of occurrence of blade self-oscillations in case of the reinforced blade-row.

An Automatic Approach for Analyzing Treatment Effectiveness Based on Medication Hierarchy - The Myocardial Infarction Case Study.

PubMed

Li, Yingxue; Hu, Yiying; Yang, Jingang; Li, Xiang; Liu, Haifeng; Xie, Guotong; Xu, Meilin; Hu, Jingyi; Yang, Yuejin

2017-01-01

Treatment effectiveness plays a fundamental role in patient therapies. In most observational studies, researchers often design an analysis pipeline for a specific treatment based on the study cohort. To evaluate other treatments in the data set, much repeated and multifarious work including cohort construction, statistical analysis need to be done. In addition, as treatments are often with an intrinsic hierarchical relationship, many rational comparable treatment pairs can be derived as new treatment variables besides the original single treatment one from the original cohort data set. In this paper, we propose an automatic treatment effectiveness analysis approach to solve this problem. With our approach, clinicians can assess the effect of treatments not only more conveniently but also more thoroughly and comprehensively. We applied this method to a real world case of estimating the drug effectiveness on Chinese Acute Myocardial Infarction (CAMI) data set and some meaningful results are obtained for potential improvement of patient treatments.

Symbiont acquisition as neoseme: origin of species and higher taxa

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bermudes, D.; Margulis, L.

1987-01-01

We examine the hypothesis that, in the origin of species and higher taxa of eukaryotes, symbiont acquisition followed by partner integration has been equivalent to neoseme appearance leading to speciation. The formation of stable symbiotic associations involves partner-surface recognition, behavioral and metabolic interaction, and, in some cases, gene product (RNA, protein) and genic (RNA, DNA) integration. This analysis is applied here to examples of neosemes that define specific taxa and to neosemes in plants, fungi, and animals that involve the appearance of new types of tissue. If this hypothesis is correct--if the origin of major genetic variation leading to speciation and even higher taxa may occur through symbiont acquisition and integration--then the analysis of "origins of species and higher taxa" becomes analogous to the study of microbial community ecology.

[Angiographic evaluation of branching pattern and anatomy of the aortic arch].

PubMed

Ergun, Onur; Tatar, İdil Güneş; Birgi, Erdem; Durmaz, Hasan Ali; Akçalar, Seray; Kurt, Aydın; Hekimoğlu, Baki

2015-04-01

The study aimed to investigate anatomical variations in branching pattern and anatomy of the aortic arch, and the prevalence of each type. Between September 2011 and November 2013, angiographic studies of 270 patients (144 male, 126 female) were analyzed retrospectively for variations in branching pattern and anatomy of the aortic arch. Patient mean age was 59.8 years (range, 13-88). Branching variations were found and divided into subtypes. Patients were also classified according to arch anatomy. Incidence of variations and types of aortic arch were statistically analysed. Analysis of the 270 patients revealed six types of branching pattern. Type I, classical pattern arch with three branches (TB, LCC, LS), was observed in 198 cases (73.3%). Type II (bovine arch), the most commonly observed variation, in which LCC originates from TB, was observed in 58 cases (21.5%). Type III, in which the left vertebral artery arises from the arch, was seen in seven cases (2.6%). Type IV, a combination of types II and III, was observed in three cases (1.1%). Type V, common origin of common carotids, LS and aberrant RS, was found in three cases (1.1%). Type VI (avian type), arch with only two branches, was observed in one case (0.4%). When patients were classified according to aortic arch anatomy, Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3 were observed in 195, 40 and 35 patients respectively. Knowledge of the variations and anatomy of the aortic arch is essential during interventional procedures and neck-thorax surgery.

Traffic and transport technology-road, railway, and water-borne transportation

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1990-01-01

This is "Part 2: Case Studies - Chapter 9" of the book, "The Japanese Experience in Technology", and includes the following subsections: Modernization and the railway; The transportation network; Issues in railway policy; Original design and producti...

A False-Negative Case of Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma on 11C-Methionine PET and Intense 18F-FDG Uptake.

PubMed

García-Garzon, J R; Villasboas-Rosciolesi, Diego; Baquero, Miguel; Bassa, Pere; Soler, Marina; Riera, Eduard

2016-08-01

We report a case of a 44-year-old man with neurological symptoms and MRI findings, which were unable to differentiate between glioma and lymphoma. Metabolic characterization by means of PET imaging with F-FDG and C-methionine is proposed to determine the benign or tumor (high- and low-grade) origin of brain lesions. In this case, the MRI lesion corresponded with an inconclusive metabolic pattern of intense F-FDG uptake and no significant C-methionine uptake. Pathological study revealed a false-negative case of C-methionine due to lymphoma.

Clostridium perfringens strains from bovine enterotoxemia cases are not superior in in vitro production of alpha toxin, perfringolysin O and proteolytic enzymes

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Bovine enterotoxemia is a major cause of mortality in veal calves. Predominantly veal calves of beef cattle breeds are affected and losses due to enterotoxemia may account for up to 20% of total mortality. Clostridium perfringens type A is considered to be the causative agent. Recently, alpha toxin and perfringolysin O have been proposed to play an essential role in the development of disease. However, other potential virulence factors also may play a role in the pathogenesis of bovine enterotoxemia. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether strains originating from bovine enterotoxemia cases were superior in in vitro production of virulence factors (alpha toxin, perfringolysin O, mucinase, collagenase) that are potentially involved in enterotoxemia. To approach this, a collection of strains originating from enterotoxemia cases was compared to bovine strains isolated from healthy animals and to strains isolated from other animal species. Results Strains originating from bovine enterotoxemia cases produced variable levels of alpha toxin and perfringolysin O that were not significantly different from levels produced by strains isolated from healthy calves and other animal species. All tested strains exhibited similar mucinolytic activity independent of the isolation source. A high variability in collagenase activity between strains could be observed, and no higher collagenase levels were produced in vitro by strains isolated from enterotoxemia cases. Conclusions Bovine enterotoxemia strains do not produce higher levels of alpha toxin, perfringolysin O, mucinase and collagenase, as compared to strains derived from healthy calves and other animal species in vitro. PMID:24479821

Detecting a Defective Casing Seal at the Top of a Bedrock Aquifer.

PubMed

Richard, Sandra K; Chesnaux, Romain; Rouleau, Alain

2016-03-01

An improperly sealed casing can produce a direct hydraulic connection between two or more originally isolated aquifers with important consequences regarding groundwater quantity and quality. A recent study by Richard et al. (2014) investigated a monitoring well installed in a fractured rock aquifer with a defective casing seal at the soil-bedrock interface. A hydraulic short circuit was detected that produced some leakage between the rock and the overlying deposits. A falling-head permeability test performed in this well showed that the usual method of data interpretation is not valid in this particular case due to the presence of a piezometric error. This error is the direct result of the preferential flow originating from the hydraulic short circuit and the subsequent re-equilibration of the piezometric levels of both aquifers in the vicinity of the inlet and the outlet of the defective seal. Numerical simulations of groundwater circulation around the well support the observed impact of the hydraulic short circuit on the results of the falling-head permeability test. These observations demonstrate that a properly designed falling-head permeability test may be useful in the detection of defective casing seals. © 2015, National Ground Water Association.

Cytogenic and molecular analyses of 46,XX male syndrome with clinical comparison to other groups with testicular azoospermia of genetic origin.

PubMed

Chiang, Han-Sun; Wu, Yi-No; Wu, Chien-Chih; Hwang, Jiann-Loung

2013-02-01

XX male is a rare sex chromosomal disorder in infertile men. The purpose of this study was to distinguish the clinical and genetic features of the 46,XX male syndrome from other more frequent, testicular-origin azoospermic causes of male infertility. To study 46,XX male syndrome, we compared clinical and endocrinological parameters to other groups with testicular-origin azoospermia, and to an age-matched group of healthy males and females as normal control. Fluorescent in situ hybridization for detection and localization of the sex-determining region of the Y gene (SRY), array-based comparative genomic hybridization screening, and real-time qualitative polymerase chain reaction of FGF9, WT1, NR5A1, and SPRY2 genes were performed in this genetic investigation. Our three patients with 46,XX male syndrome had a much higher follicular-stimulating hormone level, lower body height, lower testosterone level, and ambiguous external genitalia. One of the three patients with 46,XX male syndrome was SRY-negative. A further genetic study, including a comparative genomic hybridization array and real-time polymerase chain reaction, showed a gain of FGF9 copy numbers only in the SRY-negative 46,XX male. The genetic copy number of the FGF9 gene was duplicated in that case compared to the normal female control and was significantly lower than that of the normal male control. No such genomic gain was observed in the case of the two SRY-positive 46,XX males. Similar to clinical manifestations of 46,XX male syndrome, genetic evidence in this study suggests that FGF9 may contribute to sex reversal, but additional confirmation with more cases is still needed. Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Molecular cytogenetic characterization and origin of two de novo duplication 9p cases.

PubMed

Tsezou, A; Kitsiou, S; Galla, A; Petersen, M B; Karadima, G; Syrrou, M; Sahlèn, S; Blennow, E

2000-03-13

We report on two additional cases with duplication of 9p, minor with facial anomalies and developmental delay. Using fluorescence in situ hybridization and single-copy probes, we showed that the first case was a direct duplication, whereas the second case was inverted. The extent of the direct duplication was defined as 9p12 --> p24 by microdissection and microcloning of the aberrant chromosome and subsequent chromosome-specific comparative genomic hybridization. DNA polymorphism analysis with eight microsatellite markers revealed that the origin of the dup(9p) was maternal in the first case, whereas it was paternal in the second. Copyright 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

The origin of mesoderm in phoronids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Freeman, Gary; Martindale, Mark Q.

2002-01-01

Descriptive studies of phoronid development have concluded that the mesoderm of these animals originates from the endoderm during gastrulation. This interpretation has been tested by labeling one blastomere of 4- through 16-cell embryos and examining the position and germ layers occupied by the labeled clones of cells in the larva. No 2 injections gave rise to identical clones of cells, suggesting that the cleavage program does not generate cells of unique identity and that cell fates are established at later developmental time points. In many cases, a relatively large sector composed of ectodermal cells was labeled. When these labeled cells were adjacent to the mouth or anus of the larva, muscle and mesenchyme cells originated from the labeled clones. Under these circumstances, nerve cells also originated from these labeled sectors. These labeling studies also showed that endodermal cells can give rise to mesodermal and neural cells. These results suggest that nerve and muscle cells are induced to form at ectodermal-endodermal boundaries from both germ layers. These marking experiments also confirmed the observation that nerve cells originate both from the apical organ and the trunk region and show for the first time that the intestine originates by ingression of posterior ectoderm.

Teaching the Classics: The Origin of Species as a Case Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ruse, Michael

2013-09-01

Many (including the author) argue that reading the classics in the field should be part of a scientist's education. However, how you read the classics can be very different depending on whether you read them as a historian or as a practicing scientist. This point will be made by comparing two readings of Charles Darwin's Origin of Species, and by looking at the use that Stephen Jay Gould made of the history of science in his quest to promote his scientific ideas.

Operation Market Garden: Case Study for Analyzing Senior Leader Responsibilities

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-05-04

late-July 1944 Brest Undetermined Seize ports TRANSFIGURE 17 August 1944 Paris - Orleans gap 101st (US), 1st (UK), Polish BDE Trap 7th Army (German...committed to more than one full lift per day. Had troop carrier forces been committed as was originally intended, i.e., to make a quick turn around to...mission assigned to us in the original plan.”28 While his airborne divisions fought as hard and held out as long as they were capable of doing, their

A case-control study of malignant melanoma among Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory employees: A critical evaluation

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

Kupper, L.L.; Setzer, R.W.; Schwartzbaum, J.

1987-07-01

This document reports on a reevaluation of data obtained in a previous report on occupational factors associated with the development of malignant melanomas at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. The current report reduces the number of these factors from five to three based on a rigorous statistical analysis of the original data. Recommendations include restructuring the original questionnaire and trying to contact more individuals that worked with volatile photographic chemicals. 17 refs., 7 figs., 22 tabs. (TEM)

Foreign body aspiration in dentistry: a review.

PubMed

Cameron, S M; Whitlock, W L; Tabor, M S

1996-08-01

This article reviews the dangers of aspirating foreign bodies of dental origin. Two illustrative cases are presented, including an unusual case involving aspiration of an elastomeric impression material. The authors describe the techniques used to identify the foreign body. A radiodensimetric study of four impression materials demonstrates the difficulty of identifying most impression materials. The authors also present some strategies for reducing the risk of aspiration during dental procedures.

Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP). Data Codebook. Version 1.0

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-12-01

Section 4. OWCP Data Codebook 4.1 Codebook Description ........................... 5 4.2 Codebook Column WHading Defnitions ............... 5 4.3 Data...OWCP (EARLY-REF) First character: variable. It was originally used T = Test group case between 1987 and 1990 in a C = Control group case study done...Nondestructive testing 4255 Fuel distribution system mechanic 3707 Metalizing 4301 Miscellaneous pliable materials work 3708 Metal process working 4351

19 CFR 102.19 - NAFTA preference override.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... TREASURY RULES OF ORIGIN Rules of Origin § 102.19 NAFTA preference override. (a) Except in the case of... single NAFTA country, the country of origin of such good is the last NAFTA country in which that good underwent production other than minor processing, provided that a Certificate of Origin (see § 181.11 of...

On slaves and genes: "origins" and "processes" in genetic studies of the Brazilian population.

PubMed

Calvo-González, Elena

2014-01-01

In this article I examine how contemporary geneticists investigating the history and configuration of the Brazilian population engage with other academic disciplines. To do so I use as a case study some articles published by geneticists researching the presence of hemoglobin S variants in Brazil, in which there is a clear pretension to contribute to the analysis of issues such as slavery or Brazil's ethnic identity. By contrasting these studies with contemporary works from history and the social science, the explanatory centrality of "origin" in the genetic studies analyzed is problematized, as is the lack of interaction with the epistemological characteristics of other areas of knowledge.

Iron overload patients with unknown etiology from national survey in Japan.

PubMed

Ikuta, Katsuya; Hatayama, Mayumi; Addo, Lynda; Toki, Yasumichi; Sasaki, Katsunori; Tatsumi, Yasuaki; Hattori, Ai; Kato, Ayako; Kato, Koichi; Hayashi, Hisao; Suzuki, Takahiro; Kobune, Masayoshi; Tsutsui, Miyuki; Gotoh, Akihiko; Aota, Yasuo; Matsuura, Motoo; Hamada, Yuzuru; Tokuda, Takahiro; Komatsu, Norio; Kohgo, Yutaka

2017-03-01

Transfusion is believed to be the main cause of iron overload in Japan. A nationwide survey on post-transfusional iron overload subsequently led to the establishment of guidelines for iron chelation therapy in this country. To date, however, detailed clinical information on the entire iron overload population in Japan has not been fully investigated. In the present study, we obtained and studied detailed clinical information on the iron overload patient population in Japan. Of 1109 iron overload cases, 93.1% were considered to have occurred post-transfusion. There were, however, 76 cases of iron overload of unknown origin, which suggest that many clinicians in Japan may encounter some difficulty in correctly diagnosing and treating iron overload. Further clinical data were obtained for 32 cases of iron overload of unknown origin; median of serum ferritin was 1860.5 ng/mL. As occurs in post-transfusional iron overload, liver dysfunction was found to be as high as 95.7% when serum ferritin levels exceeded 1000 ng/mL in these patients. Gene mutation analysis of the iron metabolism-related genes in 27 cases of iron overload with unknown etiology revealed mutations in the gene coding hemojuvelin, transferrin receptor 2, and ferroportin; this indicates that although rare, hereditary hemochromatosis does occur in Japan.

Familial chronic lymphocytic leukemia in Israel: A disproportionate distribution among Ashkenazi Jews.

PubMed

Zada, Mor; Lerner, Daniele; Piltz, Yuval; Perry, Chava; Avivi, Irit; Herishanu, Yair

2017-07-01

Relatives of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are at increased risk of developing CLL. Familial CLL is defined as more than one case of CLL among blood relatives, a phenomenon reported in approximately 5%-10% of all CLL patients. Given the known predisposition of CLL among Ashkenazi Jews, we studied the features of familial CLL in an Israeli population. This is a retrospective study, in which we reviewed the demographics, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of a total of 332 patients with CLL/small lymphocytic lymphoma. Familial CLL was recorded in 41 cases (12.3%) of the patients. The age at diagnosis was younger in patients with familial CLL (by almost 3.5 years). Familial CLL was strongly associated with Ashkenazi Jewish origin. Patients with familial CLL more commonly presented with higher hemoglobin and lower serum β-2-microglobulin levels. No significant differences were detected between sporadic and familial CLL in disease stage, time to treatment, second cancers, or overall survival. Familial cases of CLL in an Israeli population show a disproportionate ethnic distribution toward Jews of Ashkenazi origin. The clinical characteristics and the overall outcome are not substantially different from sporadic cases. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

TU-G-204-09: The Effects of Reduced- Dose Lung Cancer Screening CT On Lung Nodule Detection Using a CAD Algorithm

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

Young, S; Lo, P; Kim, G

2015-06-15

Purpose: While Lung Cancer Screening CT is being performed at low doses, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of further reducing dose on the performance of a CAD nodule-detection algorithm. Methods: We selected 50 cases from our local database of National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) patients for which we had both the image series and the raw CT data from the original scans. All scans were acquired with fixed mAs (25 for standard-sized patients, 40 for large patients) on a 64-slice scanner (Sensation 64, Siemens Healthcare). All images were reconstructed with 1-mm slice thickness, B50 kernel.more » 10 of the cases had at least one nodule reported on the NLST reader forms. Based on a previously-published technique, we added noise to the raw data to simulate reduced-dose versions of each case at 50% and 25% of the original NLST dose (i.e. approximately 1.0 and 0.5 mGy CTDIvol). For each case at each dose level, the CAD detection algorithm was run and nodules greater than 4 mm in diameter were reported. These CAD results were compared to “truth”, defined as the approximate nodule centroids from the NLST reports. Subject-level mean sensitivities and false-positive rates were calculated for each dose level. Results: The mean sensitivities of the CAD algorithm were 35% at the original dose, 20% at 50% dose, and 42.5% at 25% dose. The false-positive rates, in decreasing-dose order, were 3.7, 2.9, and 10 per case. In certain cases, particularly in larger patients, there were severe photon-starvation artifacts, especially in the apical region due to the high-attenuating shoulders. Conclusion: The detection task was challenging for the CAD algorithm at all dose levels, including the original NLST dose. However, the false-positive rate at 25% dose approximately tripled, suggesting a loss of CAD robustness somewhere between 0.5 and 1.0 mGy. NCI grant U01 CA181156 (Quantitative Imaging Network); Tobacco Related Disease Research Project grant 22RT-0131.« less

Continuous traumatic stress as a mental and physical health challenge: Case studies from South Africa.

PubMed

Kaminer, Debra; Eagle, Gillian; Crawford-Browne, Sarah

2018-07-01

This article discusses the condition of continuous traumatic stress as common on the African continent and in other international settings characterised by very high levels of ongoing violence and threat of community, political or war-related origin. Through consideration of three case studies from South Africa, contexts of continuous traumatic stress are described, and the mental health and physical health effects of living in such contexts are elaborated. Cautions are raised about attempting to transpose existing posttraumatic stress models onto individuals exposed to situations of continuous traumatic stress, and guidelines for optimal interventions with such cases are proposed.

Computer-aided diagnosis system: a Bayesian hybrid classification method.

PubMed

Calle-Alonso, F; Pérez, C J; Arias-Nicolás, J P; Martín, J

2013-10-01

A novel method to classify multi-class biomedical objects is presented. The method is based on a hybrid approach which combines pairwise comparison, Bayesian regression and the k-nearest neighbor technique. It can be applied in a fully automatic way or in a relevance feedback framework. In the latter case, the information obtained from both an expert and the automatic classification is iteratively used to improve the results until a certain accuracy level is achieved, then, the learning process is finished and new classifications can be automatically performed. The method has been applied in two biomedical contexts by following the same cross-validation schemes as in the original studies. The first one refers to cancer diagnosis, leading to an accuracy of 77.35% versus 66.37%, originally obtained. The second one considers the diagnosis of pathologies of the vertebral column. The original method achieves accuracies ranging from 76.5% to 96.7%, and from 82.3% to 97.1% in two different cross-validation schemes. Even with no supervision, the proposed method reaches 96.71% and 97.32% in these two cases. By using a supervised framework the achieved accuracy is 97.74%. Furthermore, all abnormal cases were correctly classified. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Updating Risk Prediction Tools: A Case Study in Prostate Cancer

PubMed Central

Ankerst, Donna P.; Koniarski, Tim; Liang, Yuanyuan; Leach, Robin J.; Feng, Ziding; Sanda, Martin G.; Partin, Alan W.; Chan, Daniel W; Kagan, Jacob; Sokoll, Lori; Wei, John T; Thompson, Ian M.

2013-01-01

Online risk prediction tools for common cancers are now easily accessible and widely used by patients and doctors for informed decision-making concerning screening and diagnosis. A practical problem is as cancer research moves forward and new biomarkers and risk factors are discovered, there is a need to update the risk algorithms to include them. Typically the new markers and risk factors cannot be retrospectively measured on the same study participants used to develop the original prediction tool, necessitating the merging of a separate study of different participants, which may be much smaller in sample size and of a different design. Validation of the updated tool on a third independent data set is warranted before the updated tool can go online. This article reports on the application of Bayes rule for updating risk prediction tools to include a set of biomarkers measured in an external study to the original study used to develop the risk prediction tool. The procedure is illustrated in the context of updating the online Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial Risk Calculator to incorporate the new markers %freePSA and [−2]proPSA measured on an external case control study performed in Texas, U.S.. Recent state-of-the art methods in validation of risk prediction tools and evaluation of the improvement of updated to original tools are implemented using an external validation set provided by the U.S. Early Detection Research Network. PMID:22095849

Updating risk prediction tools: a case study in prostate cancer.

PubMed

Ankerst, Donna P; Koniarski, Tim; Liang, Yuanyuan; Leach, Robin J; Feng, Ziding; Sanda, Martin G; Partin, Alan W; Chan, Daniel W; Kagan, Jacob; Sokoll, Lori; Wei, John T; Thompson, Ian M

2012-01-01

Online risk prediction tools for common cancers are now easily accessible and widely used by patients and doctors for informed decision-making concerning screening and diagnosis. A practical problem is as cancer research moves forward and new biomarkers and risk factors are discovered, there is a need to update the risk algorithms to include them. Typically, the new markers and risk factors cannot be retrospectively measured on the same study participants used to develop the original prediction tool, necessitating the merging of a separate study of different participants, which may be much smaller in sample size and of a different design. Validation of the updated tool on a third independent data set is warranted before the updated tool can go online. This article reports on the application of Bayes rule for updating risk prediction tools to include a set of biomarkers measured in an external study to the original study used to develop the risk prediction tool. The procedure is illustrated in the context of updating the online Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial Risk Calculator to incorporate the new markers %freePSA and [-2]proPSA measured on an external case-control study performed in Texas, U.S.. Recent state-of-the art methods in validation of risk prediction tools and evaluation of the improvement of updated to original tools are implemented using an external validation set provided by the U.S. Early Detection Research Network. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

[Methodological quality of articles on therapeutic procedures published in Cirugía Española. Evaluation of the period 2005-2008].

PubMed

Manterola, Carlos; Grande, Luís

2010-04-01

To determine methodological quality of therapy articles published in Cirugía Española and to study its association with the publication year, the centre of origin and subjects. A literature study which included all therapy articles published between 2005 and 2008. All kinds of clinical designs were considered, excluding editorials, review articles, letters to editor and experimental studies. Variables analysed included: year of publication, centre of origin, design, and methodological quality of articles. A valid and reliable scale was applied to determine methodological quality. A total of 243 articles [206 series of cases (84.8%), 27 cohort studies (11.1%), 9 clinical trials (3.7%) and 1 case control study (0.4%)] were found. Studies came preferentially from Catalonia and Valencia (22.3% and 12.3% respectively). Thematic areas most frequently found were hepato-bilio-pancreatic and colorectal surgery (20.0% and 16.6%, respectively). Average and median of the methodological quality score calculated for the entire series were 9.5+/-4.3 points and 8 points, respectively. Association between methodological quality and geographical area (p=0.0101), subject area (p=0.0267), and university origin (p=0.0369) was found. A significant increase of methodological quality by publication year was observed (p=0.0004). Methodological quality of therapy articles published in Cirugía Española between 2005 and 2008 is low; but an increase tendency with statistical significance was observed.

International Trade: Rules of Origin

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-06-10

Well-known retailers (such as Walmart, Sears, and the Gap) and brand -name distributors of consumer products (such as Mattel, Nike , and Dell) utilize...Origin: Implications of Globalized Manufacturing Summary Determining the country of origin of a product is important for properly assessing tariffs...component parts originate in many countries, as is often the case in today’s global trading environment, determining origin can be a very complex

Ectopic Cushing syndrome: Report of 9 cases.

PubMed

Araujo Castro, Marta; Palacios García, Nuria; Aller Pardo, Javier; Izquierdo Alvarez, Cristina; Armengod Grao, Laura; Estrada García, Javier

2018-05-01

Ectopic Cushing's syndrome (ECS) is a rare condition caused by ACTH secretion by extrapituitary tumors. Its low frequency makes it difficult to acquire experience in its management. The aim of this study was to describe patients with ECS seen at the endocrinology department of a tertiary hospital over 15 years. This was a retrospective study of the clinical, biochemical and radiographic data, treatment, and course of patients with ECS seen from 2000 to 2015. Nine patients (6 of them female) with a mean age of 47 years were included in the study. The clinical syndrome developed in less than 3 months in all cases but one, and most patients also had edema, hyperpigmentation and/or hypokalemia. Mean urinary free cortisol and ACTH levels were 2,840μg/24h and 204pg/mL respectively. The ectopic origin was confirmed by a combination of dynamic non-invasive tests and radiographic studies in most cases. The tumor responsible could be identified in 8 cases, and 7 patients had metastatic dissemination. Primary treatment was surgery in one patient, surgery combined with systemic therapy in 3, and chemotherapy in the other 3 patients. Bilateral adrenalectomy was required in 4 patients to control hypercortisolism. After a mean follow-up of 40 months, 3 patients died, 5 were still alive, and one had been lost to follow-up. Our study confirms that ECS covers a wide spectrum of tumors of different aggressiveness and nature. The ectopic origin of Cushing's syndrome can usually, be suspected and confirmed in most cases without the need for invasive tests. Control of both hypercortisolism and the tumor requires multiple treatment modalities, and multidisciplinary management is recommended. Copyright © 2018 SEEN y SED. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

The origins of originality: the neural bases of creative thinking and originality.

PubMed

Shamay-Tsoory, S G; Adler, N; Aharon-Peretz, J; Perry, D; Mayseless, N

2011-01-01

Although creativity has been related to prefrontal activity, recent neurological case studies postulate that patients who have left frontal and temporal degeneration involving deterioration of language abilities may actually develop de novo artistic abilities. In this study, we propose a neural and cognitive model according to which a balance between the two hemispheres affects a major aspect of creative cognition, namely, originality. In order to examine the neural basis of originality, that is, the ability to produce statistically infrequent ideas, patients with localized lesions in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), and posterior parietal and temporal cortex (PC), were assessed by two tasks involving divergent thinking and originality. Results indicate that lesions in the mPFC involved the most profound impairment in originality. Furthermore, precise anatomical mapping of lesions indicated that while the extent of lesion in the right mPFC was associated with impaired originality, lesions in the left PC were associated with somewhat elevated levels of originality. A positive correlation between creativity scores and left PC lesions indicated that the larger the lesion is in this area the greater the originality. On the other hand, a negative correlation was observed between originality scores and lesions in the right mPFC. It is concluded that the right mPFC is part of a right fronto-parietal network which is responsible for producing original ideas. It is possible that more linear cognitive processing such as language, mediated by left hemisphere structures interferes with creative cognition. Therefore, lesions in the left hemisphere may be associated with elevated levels of originality. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The First Ten Months of the Rubella Living-Unit

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dolan, William S.

1972-01-01

The first 10 months of a residential school's educational program for preschool rubella children are described, followed by the case studies of the original six children in the program who are all multiply handicapped (deaf blind and mentally handicapped). (CB)

What Citizens Can Do: A Case Study in Environmental Activism.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bartlit, Nancy; And Others

1993-01-01

Describes the origin, development, and operation of a New Mexico citizen's action group in its efforts to prevent air and water pollution. Concludes that nongovernmental groups can play an important role in educating citizens and shaping public policy. (CFR)

Updating the Behavior Engineering Model.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chevalier, Roger

2003-01-01

Considers Thomas Gilbert's Behavior Engineering Model as a tool for systematically identifying barriers to individual and organizational performance. Includes a detailed case study and a performance aid that incorporates gap analysis, cause analysis, and force field analysis to update the original model. (Author/LRW)

Historical and Recent Cases of H3 Influenza A Virus in Turkeys in Minnesota.

PubMed

Guo, Xi; Flores, Cristian; Munoz-Aguayo, Jeannette; Halvorson, David A; Lauer, Dale; Cardona, Carol J

2016-05-01

Subtype H3 influenza A viruses (IAVs) are abundant in wild waterfowl and also infect humans, pigs, horses, dogs, and seals. In Minnesota, turkeys are important and frequent hosts of IAV from wild waterfowl and from pigs. Over 48 yr of surveillance history, 11 hemagglutinin (HA) subtypes of IAV from waterfowl, as well as two HA subtypes from swine, H1 and H3, have infected turkeys in Minnesota. However, there have only been two cases of avian-origin H3 IAV infections in turkeys during this 48-yr period. The first avian-origin IAV infection was detected in seven breeder and commercial flocks in 1982 and was caused by a mixed H3H4/N2 infection. In 2013, an avian-origin H3H9/N2 outbreak occurred in five flocks of turkeys between 15 and 56 wk of age. Phylogenetic analysis of the HA gene segment from the 2013 isolate indicated that the virus was related to a wild bird lineage H3 IAV. A meta-analysis of historical H3 infections in domesticated poultry demonstrated that avian-origin H3 infections have occurred in chickens and ducks but were rare in turkeys. H9N2 virus was subsequently selected during the egg cultivation of the 2013 H3H9/N2 mixed virus. A growth curve analysis suggested that passage 3 of A/Turkey/Minnesota/13-20710-2/2013(mixed) had a slightly lower replication rate than a similar avian-origin H3N2. The challenge studies indicated that the infectious dose of avian-origin H3N2 for turkey poults was greater than 10(6) 50% egg infective dose. Considered together, these data suggest that avian-origin H3 introductions to turkeys are rare events.

Historical and Recent Cases of H3 Influenza A Virus in Turkeys in Minnesota.

PubMed

Guo, Xi; Flores, Cristian; Munoz-Aguayo, Jeannette; Halvorson, David A; Lauer, Dale; Cardona, Carol J

2015-12-01

Subtype H3 influenza A viruses (IAVs) are abundant in wild waterfowl and also infect humans, pigs, horses, dogs, and seals. In Minnesota, turkeys are important and frequent hosts of IAV from wild waterfowl and from pigs. Over 48 yr of surveillance history, 11 hemagglutinin (HA) subtypes of IAV from waterfowl, as well as two HA subtypes from swine, H1 and H3, have infected turkeys in Minnesota. However, there have only been two cases of avian-origin H3 IAV infections in turkeys during this 48-yr period. The first avian-origin IAV infection was detected in seven breeder and commercial flocks in 1982 and was caused by a mixed H3H4/N2 infection. In 2013, an avian-origin H3H9/N2 outbreak occurred in five flocks of turkeys between 15 and 56 wk of age. Phylogenetic analysis of the HA gene segment from the 2013 isolate indicated that the virus was related to a wild bird lineage H3 IAV. A meta-analysis of historical H3 infections in domesticated poultry demonstrated that avian-origin H3 infections have occurred in chickens and ducks but were rare in turkeys. H9N2 virus was subsequently selected during the egg cultivation of the 2013 H3H9/N2 mixed virus. A growth curve analysis suggested that passage 3 of A/Turkey/Minnesota/13-20710-2/2013(mixed) had a slightly lower replication rate than a similar avian-origin H3N2. The challenge studies indicated that the infectious dose of avian-origin H3N2 for turkey poults was greater than 10(6) 50% egg infective dose. Considered together, these data suggest that avian-origin H3 introductions to turkeys are rare events.

Hepatic carcinosarcoma: evidence of polyclonal origin based on microsatellite analysis.

PubMed

Gu, Yi-Jin; Zhu, Yu-Yao; Lu, Xin-Yuan; Zhao, Qian; Cong, Wen-Ming

2015-12-01

Hepatic carcinosarcoma (HCS) is an aggressive tumor for which a consensus regarding the clonal origin has not yet been reached. The aim of the study was to identify the origin of the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and sarcoma components in HCS. We chose microsatellite technique containing loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and microsatellite instability (MSI) on three HCS patients who underwent curative resection confirmed by pathological examination. Tumors were firstly analyzed for Hep Par 1, CK18, CD10, CD117, SMA and vimentin expression by immunohistochemistry. LOH and MSI were then investigated. The incidence rate of LOH/MSI in all nine MS was calculated as the fractional allelic loss (FAL) index, which was internationally recognized standard. A FAL<30% was representative of a monoclonal origin and a FAL≥30% indicated a polyclonal origin. All patients were positive for HBsAg. Microscopic examination showed HCS containing two different cell types: a fibrosarcoma component with spindle cells and an HCC population of cells with a trabecular pattern. In the HCC tumor portions, Hep Par 1, CK18, CD10 were expressed while vimentin was not. In contrast, the spindle cell populations were positive for vimentin and negative for Hep Par 1, CK18, CD10. The highest frequencies of LOH and MSI were at the D16S505 (2/3; 66.7%), D17S831 (2/3; 66.7%) and D17S938 MS (2/3; 66.7%). The FALs for the three cases of HCS were 50% (4/8), 55.6% (5/9) and 33.3% (3/9), suggesting a polyclonal origin. Immunohistochemistry and analysis of LOH and MSI strongly demonstrated that the three HCS samples were consistent with a polyclonal origin for all three cases. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Renal artery origins and variations: angiographic evaluation of 855 consecutive patients.

PubMed

Ozkan, Uğur; Oğuzkurt, Levent; Tercan, Fahri; Kizilkiliç, Osman; Koç, Zafer; Koca, Nihal

2006-12-01

To determine angiographically the origins and variations of renal arteries. The study included 855 consecutive patients (163 females, 692 males; mean age, 61 years) living in the Cukurova region of Turkey, who underwent either aortofemoropopliteal (AFP) angiography for the investigation of peripheral arterial disease, or renal angiography for renovascular hypertension, and were prospectively evaluated. Renal arteries were visualized by non-selective catheterization during AFP angiography and by selective or non-selective catheterization during renal angiography. Locations of renal artery origins and renal artery variations, including the presence of extra renal arteries and division patterns were analyzed on angiograms. The origin of main renal arteries off the aorta was between the upper margin of L1 and lower margin of L2 vertebra in 98% of the patients, and in 74%, this was the origin of extra renal arteries. The most common location for renal artery origin was the L1-L2 intervertebral disc level. A single renal artery was present in both kidneys in 76% of patients. Renal artery variations included multiple arteries in 24%, bilateral multiple arteries in 5%, and early division in 8% of the cases. Additional renal arteries on the right side were found in 16% and on the left side in 13% of cases. Of all the extra renal arteries, the percentage of accessory and aberrant renal arteries were 49% and 51%, respectively. Renal arteries originated between the first and the second lumbar vertebral levels in most patients. Extra renal arteries were quite frequent. These results should be kept in mind when a non-invasive diagnostic search is performed for renal artery stenosis, or when renal surgery related to renal arteries is performed.

Doing Cultural Work: Local Postcard Production and Place Identity in a Rural Shire

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mayes, Robyn

2010-01-01

Studies of place construction in the rural studies literature have largely privileged the role of professionals over that of local lay actors. This paper contributes to redressing this imbalance through a critical case-study of lay postcard production in a rural shire. Drawing on original, qualitative research conducted in the Shire of…

The Bilingual Brain: Neuropsychological and Neurolinguistic Aspects of Bilingualism. Perspectives in Neurolinguistics and Psycholinguistics.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Albert, Martin L.; Obler, Loraine K.

This volume brings to light: (1) studies on the effects of different ways of acquiring and teaching a second language; (2) psychological studies on lexical organization in the bilingual brain; (3) neurological research including more than 100 case studies of polyglot aphasics; and (4) original experimental research on language lateralization in…

Gender Differences in Japanese College Students' Participation in a Qualitative Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Scott, Douglass J.

2008-01-01

Lincoln and Guba (1985) reminded us that a qualitative study can change midcourse, taking the researcher into areas of inquiry they did not anticipate at the beginning. This case study was originally designed to ascertain the benefits and limitations of video-equipped cellular telephone use by Japanese college students. When the data were…

Evaluation of measles and rubella integrated surveillance system in Apulia region, Italy, 3 years after its introduction.

PubMed

Turiac, I A; Fortunato, F; Cappelli, M G; Morea, A; Chironna, M; Prato, Rosa; Martinelli, D

2018-04-01

This study aimed at evaluating the integrated measles and rubella surveillance system (IMRSS) in Apulia region, Italy, from its introduction in 2013 to 30 June 2016. Measles and rubella case reports were extracted from IMRSS. We estimated system sensitivity at the level of case reporting, using the capture-recapture method for three data sources. Data quality was described as the completeness of variables and timeliness of notification as the median-time interval from symptoms onset to initial alert. The proportion of suspected cases with laboratory investigation, the rate of discarded cases and the origin of infection were also computed. A total of 127 measles and four rubella suspected cases were reported to IMRSS and 82 were laboratory confirmed. Focusing our analysis on measles, IMRSS sensitivity was 82% (95% CI: 75-87). Completeness was >98% for mandatory variables and 57% for 'genotyping'. The median-time interval from symptoms onset to initial alert was 4.5 days, with a timeliness of notification of 33% (41 cases reported ⩽48 h). The proportion of laboratory investigation was 87%. The rate of discarded cases was 0.1 per 100 000 inhabitants per year. The origin of infection was identified for 85% of cases. It is concluded that IMRSS provides good quality data and has good sensitivity; still efforts should be made to improve the completeness of laboratory-related variables, timeliness and to increase the rate of discarded cases.

The effect of a loss of model structural detail due to network skeletonization on contamination warning system design: case studies.

PubMed

Davis, Michael J; Janke, Robert

2018-01-04

The effect of limitations in the structural detail available in a network model on contamination warning system (CWS) design was examined in case studies using the original and skeletonized network models for two water distribution systems (WDSs). The skeletonized models were used as proxies for incomplete network models. CWS designs were developed by optimizing sensor placements for worst-case and mean-case contamination events. Designs developed using the skeletonized network models were transplanted into the original network model for evaluation. CWS performance was defined as the number of people who ingest more than some quantity of a contaminant in tap water before the CWS detects the presence of contamination. Lack of structural detail in a network model can result in CWS designs that (1) provide considerably less protection against worst-case contamination events than that obtained when a more complete network model is available and (2) yield substantial underestimates of the consequences associated with a contamination event. Nevertheless, CWSs developed using skeletonized network models can provide useful reductions in consequences for contaminants whose effects are not localized near the injection location. Mean-case designs can yield worst-case performances similar to those for worst-case designs when there is uncertainty in the network model. Improvements in network models for WDSs have the potential to yield significant improvements in CWS designs as well as more realistic evaluations of those designs. Although such improvements would be expected to yield improved CWS performance, the expected improvements in CWS performance have not been quantified previously. The results presented here should be useful to those responsible for the design or implementation of CWSs, particularly managers and engineers in water utilities, and encourage the development of improved network models.

The effect of a loss of model structural detail due to network skeletonization on contamination warning system design: case studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davis, Michael J.; Janke, Robert

2018-05-01

The effect of limitations in the structural detail available in a network model on contamination warning system (CWS) design was examined in case studies using the original and skeletonized network models for two water distribution systems (WDSs). The skeletonized models were used as proxies for incomplete network models. CWS designs were developed by optimizing sensor placements for worst-case and mean-case contamination events. Designs developed using the skeletonized network models were transplanted into the original network model for evaluation. CWS performance was defined as the number of people who ingest more than some quantity of a contaminant in tap water before the CWS detects the presence of contamination. Lack of structural detail in a network model can result in CWS designs that (1) provide considerably less protection against worst-case contamination events than that obtained when a more complete network model is available and (2) yield substantial underestimates of the consequences associated with a contamination event. Nevertheless, CWSs developed using skeletonized network models can provide useful reductions in consequences for contaminants whose effects are not localized near the injection location. Mean-case designs can yield worst-case performances similar to those for worst-case designs when there is uncertainty in the network model. Improvements in network models for WDSs have the potential to yield significant improvements in CWS designs as well as more realistic evaluations of those designs. Although such improvements would be expected to yield improved CWS performance, the expected improvements in CWS performance have not been quantified previously. The results presented here should be useful to those responsible for the design or implementation of CWSs, particularly managers and engineers in water utilities, and encourage the development of improved network models.

Asymptotic stability of a nonlinear Korteweg-de Vries equation with critical lengths

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chu, Jixun; Coron, Jean-Michel; Shang, Peipei

2015-10-01

We study an initial-boundary-value problem of a nonlinear Korteweg-de Vries equation posed on the finite interval (0, 2 kπ) where k is a positive integer. The whole system has Dirichlet boundary condition at the left end-point, and both of Dirichlet and Neumann homogeneous boundary conditions at the right end-point. It is known that the origin is not asymptotically stable for the linearized system around the origin. We prove that the origin is (locally) asymptotically stable for the nonlinear system if the integer k is such that the kernel of the linear Korteweg-de Vries stationary equation is of dimension 1. This is for example the case if k = 1.

The Misconception of Case-Control Studies in the Plastic Surgery Literature: A Literature Audit.

PubMed

Hatchell, Alexandra C; Farrokhyar, Forough; Choi, Matthew

2017-06-01

Case-control study designs are commonly used. However, many published case-control studies are not true case-controls and are in fact mislabeled. The purpose of this study was to identify all case-control studies published in the top three plastic surgery journals over the past 10 years, assess which were truly case-control studies, clarify the actual design of the articles, and address common misconceptions. MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched for case-control studies in the three highest-impact factor plastic surgery journals (2005 to 2015). Two independent reviewers screened the resulting titles, abstracts, and methods, if applicable, to identify articles labeled as case-control studies. These articles were appraised and classified as true case-control studies or non-case-control studies. The authors found 28 articles labeled as case-control studies. However, only six of these articles (21 percent) were truly case-control designs. Of the 22 incorrectly labeled studies, one (5 percent) was a randomized controlled trial, three (14 percent) were nonrandomized trials, two (9 percent) were prospective comparative cohort designs, 14 (64 percent) were retrospective comparative cohort designs, and two (9 percent) were cross-sectional designs. The mislabeling was worse in recent years, despite increases in evidence-based medicine awareness. The majority of published case-control studies are not in fact case-control studies. This misunderstanding is worsening with time. Most of these studies are actually comparative cohort designs. However, some studies are truly clinical trials and thus a higher level of evidence than originally proposed.

Bulk measurements of messy chemistries are needed for a theory of the origins of life

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guttenberg, Nicholas; Virgo, Nathaniel; Chandru, Kuhan; Scharf, Caleb; Mamajanov, Irena

2017-11-01

A feature of many of the chemical systems plausibly involved in the origins of terrestrial life is that they are complex and messy-producing a wide range of compounds via a wide range of mechanisms. However, the fundamental behaviour of such systems is currently not well understood; we do not have the tools to make statistical predictions about such complex chemical networks. This is, in part, due to a lack of quantitative data from which such a theory could be built; specifically, functional measurements of messy chemical systems. Here, we propose that the pantheon of experimental approaches to the origins of life should be expanded to include the study of `functional measurements'-the direct study of bulk properties of chemical systems and their interactions with other compounds, the formation of structures and other behaviours, even in cases where the precise composition and mechanisms are unknown. This article is part of the themed issue 'Reconceptualizing the origins of life'.

[Study of 12 epidemical cases of legionnaire's disease occurred in Meurthe-et-Moselle (France) between July and August 2004].

PubMed

Duhoux, F; Thomas, L; Bevilacqua, S; Lion, C; Hartemann, P; Piquet, E; Rabaud, C; May, T

2005-01-01

To describe epidemiological, clinical, biological, radiological data and therapeutic features of legionnaire's disease during an outbreak occurring in Meurthe-et-Moselle between July-August 2004. 12 cases were recorded including 11 men, 6 smokers, 4 alcoholo-nicotinic, 3 diabetics, 3 with hemopathy, 1 with corticotherapy; in one case no risks factors were found; mean age was 68.5 years [minimum=48; maximum=96]. Nine cases had sudden symptoms. Nine cases had a fever up to 40 degrees C, 9 with dyspnoea, 7 with cough, 7 with a relative bradycardia, 3 with diarrhoea, 3 felt faint, 3 with confusion. Radiology: unilateral unilobe localisation in 10 cases. Biological data: cytolysis in 8 cases, CRP >300 mg/l in 8. The diagnosis confirmed with urinary antigen of Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 (UrAgLp1) in 12 cases. In 2 cases, UrAgLp1 appeared negative between 3rd and 10th day after the beginning of a treatment although UrAgLp1 was positive before the treatment. In all cases, the first serology realised during first days following occurrence the first symptoms remained negative. Two serology of control in four were positive. One search of L. pneumophila serogroup 1 in sputum was positive in 7. Bitherapy was used in 7 cases with preferential association: fluoroquinolone+rifampicin. Two patients died. Origin of the contamination remains unknown. Culture of Legionella is essential, in epidemic context, to compare clinical and environmental Legionella and to locate the origin of contamination.

Gender Differences in Hiccup Patients: Analysis of Published Case Reports and Case-Control Studies.

PubMed

Lee, Gyeong-Won; Kim, Rock Bum; Go, Se Il; Cho, Hyun Seop; Lee, Seung Jun; Hui, David; Bruera, Eduardo; Kang, Jung Hun

2016-02-01

Although sporadic male predominance in hiccup patients has been reported, the association between gender differences and triggering factors has rarely been evaluated in patients with hiccups. The aim of this study was to investigate whether gender differences exist in hiccup patients by analyzing all previously published hiccup literature containing gender and etiology information. Published literature on this topic was identified using a standardized search strategy in the PubMed, SCOPUS, and CINAHL electronic databases. The literature search included studies published from January 1990 to December 2013. Searches were limited to English-language publications. Of 476 identified studies, 318 studies were eligible including eight case-control studies that contained nonhiccup control groups. Triggering factors for hiccups were categorized into two types: central nervous system (CNS) and non-CNS causes. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated for the eight case-control studies and event rates for the other studies by meta-analysis. In addition, gender differences and mean ages were analyzed for the case studies. Pooled OR was 2.42 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.40-4.17) with inclination for male predominance. Subgroup analysis by cause showed clear male predominance in the non-CNS type with OR of 11.72 (95% CI 3.16-43.50), whereas indistinct in the CNS type with OR of 1.74 (95% CI 0.95-3.16). Of the remaining 310 studies with 864 patients, previous findings were consistent. Male predominance was consistent in non-CNS (85.1%, 95% CI 78.2-90.2) and unknown origin (82.2%, 95% CI 75.8-87.2) patients, whereas mitigating the sex discrepancy in those with CNS origin (65.8%, 95% CI 53.1-76.5). We demonstrated male predominance in hiccup patients. This gender difference for hiccups was more pronounced in patients with non-CNS causes, whereas indistinct in patients with CNS causes. Copyright © 2016 American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A graph decomposition-based approach for water distribution network optimization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Feifei; Simpson, Angus R.; Zecchin, Aaron C.; Deuerlein, Jochen W.

2013-04-01

A novel optimization approach for water distribution network design is proposed in this paper. Using graph theory algorithms, a full water network is first decomposed into different subnetworks based on the connectivity of the network's components. The original whole network is simplified to a directed augmented tree, in which the subnetworks are substituted by augmented nodes and directed links are created to connect them. Differential evolution (DE) is then employed to optimize each subnetwork based on the sequence specified by the assigned directed links in the augmented tree. Rather than optimizing the original network as a whole, the subnetworks are sequentially optimized by the DE algorithm. A solution choice table is established for each subnetwork (except for the subnetwork that includes a supply node) and the optimal solution of the original whole network is finally obtained by use of the solution choice tables. Furthermore, a preconditioning algorithm is applied to the subnetworks to produce an approximately optimal solution for the original whole network. This solution specifies promising regions for the final optimization algorithm to further optimize the subnetworks. Five water network case studies are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed optimization method. A standard DE algorithm (SDE) and a genetic algorithm (GA) are applied to each case study without network decomposition to enable a comparison with the proposed method. The results show that the proposed method consistently outperforms the SDE and GA (both with tuned parameters) in terms of both the solution quality and efficiency.

Geographic origin and individual assignment of Shorea platyclados (Dipterocarpaceae) for forensic identification

PubMed Central

Diway, Bibian; Khoo, Eyen

2017-01-01

The development of timber tracking methods based on genetic markers can provide scientific evidence to verify the origin of timber products and fulfill the growing requirement for sustainable forestry practices. In this study, the origin of an important Dark Red Meranti wood, Shorea platyclados, was studied by using the combination of seven chloroplast DNA and 15 short tandem repeats (STRs) markers. A total of 27 natural populations of S. platyclados were sampled throughout Malaysia to establish population level and individual level identification databases. A haplotype map was generated from chloroplast DNA sequencing for population identification, resulting in 29 multilocus haplotypes, based on 39 informative intraspecific variable sites. Subsequently, a DNA profiling database was developed from 15 STRs allowing for individual identification in Malaysia. Cluster analysis divided the 27 populations into two genetic clusters, corresponding to the region of Eastern and Western Malaysia. The conservativeness tests showed that the Malaysia database is conservative after removal of bias from population subdivision and sampling effects. Independent self-assignment tests correctly assigned individuals to the database in an overall 60.60−94.95% of cases for identified populations, and in 98.99−99.23% of cases for identified regions. Both the chloroplast DNA database and the STRs appear to be useful for tracking timber originating in Malaysia. Hence, this DNA-based method could serve as an effective addition tool to the existing forensic timber identification system for ensuring the sustainably management of this species into the future. PMID:28430826

The Many Roles of "Explanation" in Science Education: A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rocksén, Miranda

2016-01-01

In this paper the role of explanations is discussed in relation to possible consequences originating in the polysemy of the word explanation. The present study is a response to conceptual confusions that have arisen in the intersection between theory and practice, and between science education literature and communication in authentic science…

Social Interaction in Self-Paced Distance Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Anderson, Terry; Upton, Lorne; Dron, Jon; Malone, Judi; Poelhuber, Bruno

2015-01-01

In this paper we present a case study of a self-paced university course that was originally designed to support independent, self-paced study at distance. We developed a social media intervention, in design-based research terms, that allows these independent students to contribute archived content to enhance the course, to engage in discussions…

Using Pupil Perspective in the Primary Classroom: An Exploration of Some of the Potential Issues

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fisher, Helen

2014-01-01

This article uses the author's original study of over hundred Year six children's perspectives of literacy and the wider curriculum, in English schools, to explore the potential challenges of exploring "pupil voice". Using collective case studies, with descriptive and time-sampled observations, and semi-structured interviews, across an…

Managing School-Based Curriculum Innovations: A Hong Kong Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Law, Edmond H. F.; Wan, Sally W. Y.; Galton, Maurice; Lee, John C. K.

2010-01-01

This study was originally designed to explore the impact of a distributed approach to developing curriculum leadership among schoolteachers. Previous papers have focused on reporting evidence of teacher learning in the process of engaging teachers in various types of curriculum decision-making in an innovation project based on interview data. This…

Transformation of Online Teaching Practices through Implementation of Appreciative Inquiry

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Johnson, Bruce A.

2014-01-01

The purpose of this case study was to explore the application and outcome of appreciative inquiry as an online instructional strategy for the development of three specific factors: adult learner motivation, engagement, and performance. Appreciative andragogy was an original phrase developed for this study and is an adaptation of appreciative…

Learning from Online Modules in Diverse Instructional Contexts

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nugent, Gwen; Kohmetscher, Amy; Namuth-Covert, Deana; Guretzky, John; Murphy, Patrick; Lee, DoKyoung

2016-01-01

Learning objects originally developed for use in online learning environments can also be used to enhance face-to-face instruction. This study examined the learning impacts of online learning objects packaged into modules and used in different contexts for undergraduate education offered on campus at three institutions. A multi-case study approach…

A comparative study on the anaerobic membrane bioreactor performance during the treatment of domestic wastewaters of various origins.

PubMed

Saddoud, A; Ellouze, M; Dhouib, A; Sayadi, S

2006-09-01

This study examined the practical performance of a cross-flow ultrafiltration membrane coupled to an anaerobic bioreactor, for treatment of raw domestic wastewater (RDW), at a pilot-scale plant. Wastewaters used in this study originated from two different domestic wastewater treatment plans (DWTPs) (Sfax and Ksour Essef). During the treatment in the membrane bioreactor (MBR) of the RDW originating from Sfax DWTP, the bioreactor did not reach its stationary phase because the anaerobic biomass was unable to adapt to the wastewater. This was explained by the considerable fluctuations in the domestic wastewater composition and a possible contamination of Sfax wastewater by industrial discharges. However, the treatment of RDW originating from Ksour Essef (DWTP) was successful. In both cases, the treatment led to a total removal of all tested pathogens. The quality of treated wastewater fits largely with WHO guidelines for unrestricted irrigation. The phytotoxicity and the microtoxicity tests, using Lepidium sativum and Vibrio fischeri respectively, demonstrated that wastewater from Sfax exhibited higher toxicity than that from Ksour Sssef.

31 CFR 515.543 - Proof of origin.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... of goods of Cuban origin are generally not issued unless the applicant submits satisfactory... constitute satisfactory proof varies depending upon the facts of the particular case, it is not possible to... satisfactory proof of origin. Independent corroborating documentary evidence, such as insurance documents...

Fever of Unknown Origin in Children: A 6 year- Experience in a Tertiary Pediatric Egyptian Hospital

PubMed Central

Hassan, Rasha H; Fouda, Ashraf E; Kandil, Shaimaa M

2014-01-01

Background Fever of unknown origin (FUO) is among the most conditions which poses challenge in diagnosis. The presence of information on regional patterns of FUO will shorten the time for diagnosis and reduces health services costs. There are almost no previous studies describing the etiology of FUO in children of Egypt or nearby countries. Aim of the Study To determine different causes of FUO and the possible diagnostic procedures. Methods Data of patients with FUO, presented to the Infectious Diseases Unit of Mansoura University Children Hospital, were retrospectively collected in a 6 year-period from May 2006 to May 2011. The study included children with a fever of 38.3° C or more documented by a health care provider and for which the cause could not be identified after 3 weeks of evaluation as an outpatient or after a week of evaluation in hospital. Patients were then categorized into 5 groups. Results 127 patients met the diagnostic criteria. Infectious diseases were the commonest causes of FUO in 46 cases (36.22%) followed by the miscellaneous causes in 38 cases (29.9%). Meanwhile, collagen vascular diseases and malignancy were diagnosed in 13 cases (10.2%) and 10 cases (7.87%) respectively. While, 20 cases (15.75%) remained undiagnosed. Conclusions Infectious diseases are the commonest cause of FUO. The delay in diagnosis was due to atypical presentations or inappropriate use of antibiotic prior to the referral. Non infectious causes, malignancy and collagen or vascular disorders were diagnosed in rest of the patients. However, about 15% of our patients remained undiagnosed. The diagnosis was established by non-invasive means in more than two-third of the cases. PMID:24899875

Influence of Article Type on the Impact Factor of Dermatology Journals.

PubMed

Rodríguez-Lago, L; Molina-Leyva, A; Pereiro-Ferreirós, M; García-Doval, I

2018-06-01

For scientific journals, achieving a high impact factor (IF) has become a goal in its own right. Our aim was to describe the influence of article type on the IF of dermatology journals. We used the Scopus database to calculate an IF for Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas and the major dermatology journals, excluding articles without abstracts, letters to the editor, and conference proceedings. Included articles were classified into 4 categories: case reports, original articles, narrative reviews, and other. We also calculated the mean IF for each article type. We then compared our results with IFs published by the Institute for Scientific Information. The proportion of each type of article differed between journals. Original articles carried the greatest weight in the major journals (BJD, 76.8%; Contact, 81.1%; JAAD, 63.4%; JAMA Dermatol, 63.7%.) but not in Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas, where only 31.7% were original research articles. A higher IF was associated with the publication of reviews and original articles; a lower IF was associated with the publication of case reports and other article types. Publishing case reports, which have lower citation rates, leads to a lower IF. Publishing reviews and original articles will lead to a higher IF. Journals that seek a higher IF should probably publish more reviews and original articles and fewer case reports. Editorial boards should seek a balance between the interests of their clinician readers and the journal's need for a higher IF. Copyright © 2018 AEDV. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Coronary artery size and origin imaging in children: a comparative study of MRI and trans-thoracic echocardiography.

PubMed

Hussain, Tarique; Mathur, Sujeev; Peel, Sarah A; Valverde, Israel; Bilska, Karolina; Henningsson, Markus; Botnar, Rene M; Simpson, John; Greil, Gerald F

2015-10-27

The purpose of this study was to see how coronary magnetic resonance angiography (CMRA) compared to echocardiography for the detection of coronary artery origins and to compare CMRA measurements for coronary dimensions in children with published echocardiographic reference values. Enrolled patients underwent dual cardiac phase CMRA and echocardiography under the same anesthetic. Echocardiographic measurements of the right coronary artery (RCA), left anterior descending (LAD) and left main (LM) were made. CMRA dimensions were assessed manually at the same points as the echocardiographic measurements. The number of proximal LAD branches imaged was also recorded in order to give an estimate of distal coronary tree visualization. Fifty patients (24 boys, mean age 4.0 years (range 18 days to 18 years)) underwent dual-phase CMRA. Coronary origins were identified in 47/50 cases for CMRA (remaining 3 were infants aged 3, 9 and 11 months). In comparison, origins were identified in 41/50 cases for echo (remaining were all older children). CMRA performed better than echocardiography in terms of distal visualization of the coronary tree (median 1 LAD branch vs. median 0; p = 0.001). Bland-Altman plots show poor agreement between echocardiography and CMRA for coronary measurements. CMRA measurements did vary according to cardiac phase (systolic mean 1.90, s.d. 0.05 mm vs. diastolic mean 1.84, s.d. 0.05 mm; p = 0.002). Dual-phase CMRA has an excellent (94 %) success rate for the detection of coronary origins in children. Newborn infants remain challenging and echocardiography remains the accepted imaging modality for this age group. Echocardiographic reference ranges are not applicable to CMRA measurements as agreement was poor between modalities. Future coronary reference values, using any imaging modality, should quote the phase in which it was measured.

SU-E-T-230: Creating a Large Number of Focused Beams with Variable Patient Head Tilt to Improve Dose Fall-Off for Brain Radiosurgery

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

Chiu, J; Ma, L

2015-06-15

Purpose: To develop a treatment delivery and planning strategy by increasing the number of beams to minimize dose to brain tissue surrounding a target, while maximizing dose coverage to the target. Methods: We analyzed 14 different treatment plans via Leksell PFX and 4C. For standardization, single tumor cases were chosen. Original treatment plans were compared with two optimized plans. The number of beams was increased in treatment plans by varying tilt angles of the patient head, while maintaining original isocenter and the beam positions in the x-, y- and z-axes, collimator size, and beam blocking. PFX optimized plans increased beammore » numbers with three pre-set tilt angles, 70, 90, 110, and 4C optimized plans increased beam numbers with tilt angles increasing arbitrarily from range of 30 to 150 degrees. Optimized treatment plans were compared dosimetrically with original treatment plans. Results: Comparing total normal tissue isodose volumes between original and optimized plans, the low-level percentage isodose volumes decreased in all plans. Despite the addition of multiple beams up to a factor of 25, beam-on times for 1 tilt angle versus 3 or more tilt angles were comparable (<1 min.). In 64% (9/14) of the studied cases, the volume percentage decrease by >5%, with the highest value reaching 19%. The addition of more tilt angles correlates to a greater decrease in normal brain irradiated volume. Selectivity and coverage for original and optimized plans remained comparable. Conclusion: Adding large number of additional focused beams with variable patient head tilt shows improvement for dose fall-off for brain radiosurgery. The study demonstrates technical feasibility of adding beams to decrease target volume.« less

A naive Bayes algorithm for tissue origin diagnosis (TOD-Bayes) of synchronous multifocal tumors in the hepatobiliary and pancreatic system.

PubMed

Jiang, Weiqin; Shen, Yifei; Ding, Yongfeng; Ye, Chuyu; Zheng, Yi; Zhao, Peng; Liu, Lulu; Tong, Zhou; Zhou, Linfu; Sun, Shuo; Zhang, Xingchen; Teng, Lisong; Timko, Michael P; Fan, Longjiang; Fang, Weijia

2018-01-15

Synchronous multifocal tumors are common in the hepatobiliary and pancreatic system but because of similarities in their histological features, oncologists have difficulty in identifying their precise tissue clonal origin through routine histopathological methods. To address this problem and assist in more precise diagnosis, we developed a computational approach for tissue origin diagnosis based on naive Bayes algorithm (TOD-Bayes) using ubiquitous RNA-Seq data. Massive tissue-specific RNA-Seq data sets were first obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and ∼1,000 feature genes were used to train and validate the TOD-Bayes algorithm. The accuracy of the model was >95% based on tenfold cross validation by the data from TCGA. A total of 18 clinical cancer samples (including six negative controls) with definitive tissue origin were subsequently used for external validation and 17 of the 18 samples were classified correctly in our study (94.4%). Furthermore, we included as cases studies seven tumor samples, taken from two individuals who suffered from synchronous multifocal tumors across tissues, where the efforts to make a definitive primary cancer diagnosis by traditional diagnostic methods had failed. Using our TOD-Bayes analysis, the two clinical test cases were successfully diagnosed as pancreatic cancer (PC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CC), respectively, in agreement with their clinical outcomes. Based on our findings, we believe that the TOD-Bayes algorithm is a powerful novel methodology to accurately identify the tissue origin of synchronous multifocal tumors of unknown primary cancers using RNA-Seq data and an important step toward more precision-based medicine in cancer diagnosis and treatment. © 2017 UICC.

Restoration of Monotonicity Respecting in Dynamic Regression

PubMed Central

Huang, Yijian

2017-01-01

Dynamic regression models, including the quantile regression model and Aalen’s additive hazards model, are widely adopted to investigate evolving covariate effects. Yet lack of monotonicity respecting with standard estimation procedures remains an outstanding issue. Advances have recently been made, but none provides a complete resolution. In this article, we propose a novel adaptive interpolation method to restore monotonicity respecting, by successively identifying and then interpolating nearest monotonicity-respecting points of an original estimator. Under mild regularity conditions, the resulting regression coefficient estimator is shown to be asymptotically equivalent to the original. Our numerical studies have demonstrated that the proposed estimator is much more smooth and may have better finite-sample efficiency than the original as well as, when available as only in special cases, other competing monotonicity-respecting estimators. Illustration with a clinical study is provided. PMID:29430068

Leiomyoma originating from axilla: A rare case report and differential diagnosis.

PubMed

Kim, Ho Jun; Baek, Sang Oon; Rha, Eun Young; Lee, Jun Yong; Han, Hyun Ho

2016-07-01

Leiomyoma is a form of benign tumor originated in hypertrophy of the smooth muscles, which is most prevalent in the uterus and gastrointestinal tract. However, Leiomyoma originating from smooth muscle at the vessels lying on deep soft tissue is very rare. Our case was a rare case of leiomyoma originating from the axillary region, which was initially diagnosed as a fibroadenoma on radiological examination. The mass was separated from surrounding tissues and totally resected. Pathologically, hematoxylin-eosin-stained biopsy tissue showed the typical findings of leiomyoma. Postoperative follow-up observation was done for 1 year, without any complications or recurrence. Notably, a leiomyoma in the axillary region is difficult to differentiate from other benign or malignant tumors on preoperative radiological examinations such as ultrasonography or computed tomgraphy. Therefore, when an indefinite asymptomatic mass that is not lymphadenopathy or common benign tumor is identified in the axillary region, leiomyoma can be considered as one of the differential diagnoses.

Primary peritoneal carcinoma metastasizing to breast: a single case report and literature review from clinic to biology

PubMed Central

Sun, Ji-Yuan; Gebre, Wondwossen; Dong, Yi-Min; Shaun, Xiao; Robbins, Rachel; Podrumar, Alida

2016-01-01

Primary peritoneal carcinoma (PPC) is a type of rare malignant epithelial tumor. Metastasis from PPC to breast has been rarely reported. PPC originates de novo from the peritoneal tissues rather than invasion or metastasis from adjacent or remote organs. PPCs have been implicated in many cases of carcinomas of unknown primary origin. It is similar to ovarian cancer (OvCa), because it shares the same common embryonic origin, the coelomic epithelium (mesodermal origin). The mechanism of oncogenesis remains elusive. In this article, we report a rare case of PPC in a patient 10 years after total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingooophorectomy for uterine leiomyoma, which was widely spread in the abdomen and metastasized to the colon, liver and distant organs including breast. The treatment is similar to that of primary ovarian cancer. We also reviewed the primary peritoneal cancer metastatic to breast and discuss the possible mechanisms and biology of primary peritoneal cancer, using experimental and animal model. PMID:27807506

MDCT detection of anomalous origins of the left main coronary artery: report of 2 cases.

PubMed

Matsumoto, Naoya; Sato, Yuichi; Kunimasa, Taeko; Yoda, Shunichi; Yokoyama, Shinichiro; Takayama, Tadateru; Komatsu, Sei; Achenbach, Stephan; Saito, Satoshi; Hirayama, Atsushi

2008-11-28

The left main coronary artery (LMCA) arising either from the right sinus of Valsalva, separately from the right coronary artery (RCA), or from the RCA as a single coronary artery is an extremely rare coronary artery anomaly. We report 2 cases of anomalous origins of the LMCA detected by multidetector-row computed tomography.

Recurrent neck infection with branchial arch fistula in children.

PubMed

Madana, J; Yolmo, Deeke; Kalaiarasi, R; Gopalakrishnan, S; Saxena, S K; Krishnapriya, S

2011-09-01

Acute suppurative neck infections associated with third or fourth branchial arch fistulas are frequently recurrent. Third and fourth branchial arch anomalies are much less common than those of second arch and usually present with left thyroid lobe inflammation. The authors present their experience with 15 cases of pyriform sinus fistulae (PSF) of third branchial arch origin and 3 cases of fourth arch origin, all of which presented as recurrent neck infection mainly on the left side. A retrospective review of 18 cases of third and fourth arch fistulae treated at JIPMER from 2005 to 2010. This study includes 18 patients with PSF diagnosed by the existence of fistulous tract radiologically and intraoperatively with pathological correlation. Neck exploration with excision of tract and left hemithyroidectomy was performed in all cases. The patients consisted of 7 males and 11 females, and the ages ranged from 3 to 15 years. All of them presented with recurrent episodes of neck infection. Investigations performed include computed tomography (CT) fistulography, barium swallow and ultrasound which were useful in delineating pyriform sinus fistulous tract preoperatively. All cases were on the left side and the fistula was identified by barium swallow in 14 cases (80%), while intraoperative and pathologic confirmation of the tract was possible in all cases (100%). Neck exploration with an emphasis on complete exposure of the recurrent laryngeal nerve and exposure of the pyriform sinus opening to facilitate complete fistulous tract excision with left hemithyroidectomy was successful in all patients. A follow up period of 1-3 years showed no recurrence. Recurrent neck infection in a child should alert the physician to the possibility of an underlying pyriform sinus fistula of branchial origin and CT fistulography should be performed after the resolution of the neck infection to delineate the tract anatomically. Crown Copyright © 2011. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Health care use and costs of adverse drug events emerging from outpatient treatment in Germany: a modelling approach.

PubMed

Stark, Renee G; John, Jürgen; Leidl, Reiner

2011-01-13

This study's aim was to develop a first quantification of the frequency and costs of adverse drug events (ADEs) originating in ambulatory medical practice in Germany. The frequencies and costs of ADEs were quantified for a base case, building on an existing cost-of-illness model for ADEs. The model originates from the U.S. health care system, its structure of treatment probabilities linked to ADEs was transferred to Germany. Sensitivity analyses based on values determined from a literature review were used to test the postulated results. For Germany, the base case postulated that about 2 million adults ingesting medications have will have an ADE in 2007. Health care costs related to ADEs in this base case totalled 816 million Euros, mean costs per case were 381 Euros. About 58% of costs resulted from hospitalisations, 11% from emergency department visits and 21% from long-term care. Base case estimates of frequency and costs of ADEs were lower than all estimates of the sensitivity analyses. The postulated frequency and costs of ADEs illustrate the possible size of the health problems and economic burden related to ADEs in Germany. The validity of the U.S. treatment structure used remains to be determined for Germany. The sensitivity analysis used assumptions from different studies and thus further quantified the information gap in Germany regarding ADEs. This study found costs of ADEs in the ambulatory setting in Germany to be significant. Due to data scarcity, results are only a rough indication.

Deliverology

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nordstrum, Lee E.; LeMahieu, Paul G.; Dodd, Karen

2017-01-01

Purpose: This paper is one of seven in this volume elaborating different approaches to quality improvement in education. This paper aims to delineate a methodology called Deliverology. Design/methodology/approach: The paper presents the origins, theoretical foundations, core principles and a case study showing an application of Deliverology in the…

Simultaneous immunostaining with anti-S100P and anti-SV40 antibodies revealed the origin of BK virus-infected decoy cells in voided urine samples.

PubMed

Ariyasu, S; Yanai, H; Sato, M; Shinno, Y; Taniguchi, K; Yamadori, I; Miki, Y; Sato, Y; Yoshino, T; Takahashi, K

2015-08-01

Methods for determining the origin of BK virus (BKV)-infected cells (decoy cells) in clinical urine samples have not been established although they could enhance the diagnosis of BKV infection in immunocompromised patients. We performed simultaneous immunostaining with anti-S100P (a urothelial marker) and anti-SV40 antibodies in 66 clinical urine samples exhibiting SV40 positivity and a decoy-cell appearance on Papanicolaou staining. The clinical voided urine samples included seven cases of renal transplantation, 47 cases of cancer therapy and 12 cases of non-neoplastic disease. SurePath(™) liquid-based cytology was used for the urine samples. BKV-infected cells were categorized as SV40(+)/S100P(+) and SV40 (+)/S100p(-). SV40(+)/S100P(-) cells were found in 55 cases (83.4%); nine cases (13.6%) carried both SV40(+)/S100P(-) and SV40(+)/S100P(+) cells. The former were identified as BKV infection in renal tubules and the latter in both the renal tubules and urothelial epithelia. The remaining two cases (3.0%) had only SV40(+)/S100P(+) cells of urothelial origin. Simultaneous immunostaining with anti-S100P and anti-SV40 is a useful method for determining the origin of BKV-infected cells in clinical urine samples from immunocompromised patients such as renal transplantation recipients. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

The right intercostobronchial trunk: anatomical study in respect of posterior intercostal artery origin and its clinical application.

PubMed

Kocbek, Lidija; Rakuša, Mateja

2018-01-01

The right bronchial artery usually arises from the descending thoracic aorta as a common trunk with the right intercostal artery and forms the right intercostobronchial trunk. Both, the third right posterior intercostal artery and the right intercostobronchial trunk, are described as the most constant vessels. The focus of the study was to determine the characteristics of the right intercostobronchial trunk regarding the origins of the posterior intercostal arteries from the thoracic aorta. Posterior intercostal arteries and the right bronchial arteries were dissected in 43 human cadavers, preserved after Thiel's embalming method with intraarterial infusion of red colored latex. Postmortem examination gave valued information on the right intercostobronchial trunk present in 58% of cases. The right intercostobronchial trunk was mapped and new classification regarding the origin of the posterior intercostal arteries from the thoracic aorta suggested type A, B and C, the latter ones into subtypes 1 and 2. Type A was proportional to the origin level of the PIA and its corresponding intercostal space. Size of outer diameter at the origin did not indicate the right bronchial artery branch. In subtype 2 of type B the proximal posterior intercostal artery diameter that gave off right bronchial artery was thicker than distal one. The right bronchial artery originates from the second to the fifth posterior intercostal artery forming the right intercostobronchial trunk. Various origin and types of origin, diameter and course of the right intercostobronchial trunk described and analyzed in the study offer valuable information on the procedures involving the right intercostobronchial trunk.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of abnormal uterine masses.

PubMed

al-Ahwani, S; Assem, M; Belal, A; Abdel-Hamid, H

1991-01-01

Sixteen women with clinically diagnosed uterine masses were studied by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Pelvic study was carried out in the coronal, sagittal and axial planes. Uterine leiomyomas were detected in 12 cases, while the remaining cases were one each of uterine sarcoma, invasive molar pregnancy, cervical malignancy with pyometra and haematometra with congenital cervical stenosis. The uterine origin of the masses could be clearly detected in all patients, as well as the nature of the masses, the presence of degenerative or malignant changes and the nature of the intrauterine fluid. MRI characteristic findings of the studied masses are presented and discussed.

Extragonadal germ cell tumour with the "burned out" phenomenon mimicking a retroperitioneal tumour of neurogenic origin.

PubMed

González, Rocío; Montoto Santomé, Paula; Iglesias Porto, Eva; Pérez Moreiras, M Isabel; Salem Ali, Mohammed; Mateo Cambón, Luis A; Bal Nieves, Fernando; Arija Val, J Felix

2012-12-01

To describe a case of retroperitoneal metastasis of a gonadal germ cell tumour with the "burned-out" phenomenon in a 35 year old patient with a suspected diagnosis of retroperitoneal tumour of neurogenic origin. With the clinical and radiological suspicion of retroperitoneal tumour of neurogenic origin the tumour was removed, via the retroperitoneal space. Pathology showed classic seminoma with foci of atypical or anaplastic seminoma, confined to the tissue sample. After a genital examination showing no alterations, a scrotal ultrasound was requested. This revealed a badly delimited hypoechogenic mass with microcalcifications in the left testis and a heterogeneous echostructure in the right testis, with hypoechogenic areas and some microcalcification. Bilateral orchiectomy was performed, with a pathological study compatible with residual scar tissue in the left testicle and focal findings of germ cell neoplasia, with no intratubular seminoma in the right testis. The suspicion of an extragonadal germ cell tumour with the "burned-out" phenomenon modifies the therapeutic attitude, which should begin with orchiectomy, followed by systemic chemotherapy and the surgery kept in reserve for those cases where residual malignant tissue persists.

Region of origin diversity in immigrant health: Moving beyond the Mexican case

PubMed Central

Reynolds, Megan M.; Chernenko, Alla; Read, Jen'nan Ghazal

2017-01-01

Research suggests that Mexican immigrants arrive in the United States with equivalent or better health than native-born whites but lose their advantage over time. We seek to examine systematically how well the patterns of initial advantage and deteriorating health apply to immigrants originating from other regions of the world – regions that represent a growing proportion of U.S. immigrants. We begin by identifying which of the groups in our study have a health advantage compared to U.S.-born whites and to Mexican immigrants. We then we assess changes in health over time, controlling for variation in the health profiles of cohorts upon arrival. We use logistic regression of self-rated health and heart conditions with data from the 2004–2013 National Health Interview Survey. The results reveal diversity and similarity in health outcomes across world regions of origin, both on arrival and over time. By comparing and contrasting cases previously examined in isolation, we clarify and qualify theories of the immigrant health paradox and health deterioration. PMID:27544464

Power flow prediction in vibrating systems via model reduction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Xianhui

This dissertation focuses on power flow prediction in vibrating systems. Reduced order models (ROMs) are built based on rational Krylov model reduction which preserve power flow information in the original systems over a specified frequency band. Stiffness and mass matrices of the ROMs are obtained by projecting the original system matrices onto the subspaces spanned by forced responses. A matrix-free algorithm is designed to construct ROMs directly from the power quantities at selected interpolation frequencies. Strategies for parallel implementation of the algorithm via message passing interface are proposed. The quality of ROMs is iteratively refined according to the error estimate based on residual norms. Band capacity is proposed to provide a priori estimate of the sizes of good quality ROMs. Frequency averaging is recast as ensemble averaging and Cauchy distribution is used to simplify the computation. Besides model reduction for deterministic systems, details of constructing ROMs for parametric and nonparametric random systems are also presented. Case studies have been conducted on testbeds from Harwell-Boeing collections. Input and coupling power flow are computed for the original systems and the ROMs. Good agreement is observed in all cases.

Management of giant intermuscular lipoma of hips: A case report and review of literature

PubMed Central

LIU, DA-REN; LI, CHAO; CHEN, LI

2013-01-01

Intermuscular lipomas are rare soft tissue tumors of mesenchymal origin. They are closely correlated with other benign and malign mesenchymal tumors in clinical presentation and imaging, causing problems in diagnosis and treatment. This study examined a rare giant intermuscular lipoma of the hip and its management, allowing clinicians to become familiar with this lesion. Furthermore, the clinical data of 13 patients with pathologically confirmed giant intermuscular lipomas (1 case treated by the authors, the remaining 12 cases reported in the Chinese literature during the period from January, 1992 to May, 2012) were also reviewed and analyzed. Based on the review, intermuscular lipomas were found to be more common in males and usually presented with an asymptomatic mass, with an average patient age of 39.7 years (range, 11–70), while symptom duration was between 1 month and 10 years. The most common tumor origin sites were the thigh and forearm and the option of treatment was surgical excision. The present study showed that it is crucial for the surgeon to consider infiltrating lipomas when dealing with deep soft tissue masses, while complete removal of the lesion was vital to avoid recurrence. PMID:24649177

Financial Analysis of Treating Periprosthetic Joint Infections at a Tertiary Referral Center.

PubMed

Waddell, Bradford S; Briski, David C; Meyer, Mark S; Ochsner, John L; Chimento, George F

2016-05-01

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a significant challenge to the orthopedic surgeon, patient, hospital, and insurance provider. Our study compares the financial information of self-originating and referral 2-stage revision hip and knee surgeries at our tertiary referral center for hip or knee PJI over the last 4 years. We performed an in-house retrospective financial review of all patients who underwent 2-stage revision hip or knee arthroplasty for infection between January 2008 and August 2013, comparing self-originating and referral cases. We found an increasing number of referrals over the study period. There was an increased cost of treating hips over knees. All scenarios generated a positive net income; however, referral hip PJIs offered lower reimbursement and net income per case (although not statistically significant), whereas knee PJIs offered higher reimbursement and net income per case (although not statistically significant). With referral centers treating increased numbers of infected joints performed elsewhere, we show continued financial incentive in accepting referrals, although with less financial gain than when treating one's own hip PJI and an increased financial gain when treating referral knee PJIs. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Squamous cell carcinoma from oral lichen planus: a case report of a lesion with 28 years of evolution.

PubMed

Silveira, Wanessa da Silva; Bottezini, Ezequiel Gregolin; Linden, Maria Salete; Rinaldi, Isadora; Paranhos, Luiz Renato; de Carli, João Paulo; Trentin, Micheline; Dos Santos, Pâmela Letícia

2017-12-01

Lichen planus (LP) is a relatively common mucocutaneous disease with autoimmune etiology. Considering its malignancy potential, it is important to define the correct diagnosis, treatment, and clinical follow-up for patients with LP so that the disease is not diagnosed late, thus hindering the chances of curing the disease. This study aims to describe a clinical case of oral squamous cell carcinoma, potentially originated from LP. The patient is undergoing clinical and histopathological follow-up. A 64-year-old Caucasian male patient presented with a proliferative verrucous lesion on the tongue and sought treatment at the School of Dentistry, University of Passo Fundo (UPF), Passo Fundo, Brazil. He claimed the lesion had been present since 1988, and had been initially diagnoses as "oral lichen planus." The physical exam presented three diagnostic hypotheses: plaque-like oral LP, verrucous carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. After incisional biopsy and histopathological analysis, squamous cell carcinoma was diagnosed, probably originating from oral LP. The case study shows that malignancy from oral LP is possible, which justifies periodic clinical and histopathological follow-up, as well as the elimination of risk factors for carcinoma in patients with oral LP.

Endoscopic modified medial maxillectomy for treatment of inverted papilloma originating from the maxillary sinus.

PubMed

Erbek, Selim S; Koycu, Alper; Buyuklu, Fuat

2015-05-01

Endoscopic approaches have become an alternative to external approaches in the treatment of sinonasal inverted papillomas (IPs) in recent years. The aim of this study was to analyze the outcomes of endoscopic modified medial maxillectomy preserving the nasolacrimal duct and the inferior turbinate in selected IP cases. Medical charts of patients diagnosed with IP originating from the maxillary sinus between July 2008 and August 2013 were reviewed. Eight patients who had undergone endoscopic modified medial maxillectomy were included in the study. Attachment of IP was located on the medial wall of the maxillary sinus in all cases. The nasolacrimal duct was preserved in all of the patients. The inferior turbinate was completely preserved in 5 patients, and the anterior part of the inferior turbinate was preserved in 3 patients. The mean follow-up period of the patients was 30.8 months (12-60  mo). None of the patients had recurrence or major complications. The postoperative complaints were minor hemorrhagic discharge and crusting for the first few weeks. Endoscopic modified medial maxillectomy preserving the nasolacrimal duct and the inferior turbinate provides good surgical and functional outcomes in selected IP cases.

CD147 overexpression may serve as a promising diagnostic and prognostic marker for gastric cancer: evidence from original research and literature.

PubMed

Hu, Chenghao; Dong, Xiaoxia; Wu, Junbo; Xiao, Feifan; Shang, Jun; Liu, Liang; Yang, Yuan; Luo, Dongmei; Li, Qiuting; Song, Qian; Yang, Jingcheng; Zhang, Chengdong; Shen, Li; Luo, Zhiguo

2017-05-09

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. The expression of CD147 protein is associated with GC. However, the clinical role of CD147 in GC has not been investigated extensively. Hence, we focused on studying the association between the expression of CD147 and clinicopathological features of GC patients in this study. Firstly, sixteen publications (1752 cases and 391 controls) and one from our own original research (143 cases) were included in the meta-analysis to obtain a more precise estimation of the diagnostic value of CD147. The results showed that expression rate of CD147 in the GC group is higher than that in control group. Moreover, gender, TNM stage, lymph node metastasis, and depth of invasion are all associated with CD147. Further, sections of gastric tissue from 143 cases underwent immunohistochemical staining for evaluation of CD147 protein expression. Our retrospective analysis demonstrated CD147 protein expression was significantly associated with clinical N stage, and tumor stage. Meanwhile, it can also serve as an independent prognosis biomarker. In conclusion, our results support the role of CD147 as a good indicator of diagnosis and prognosis.

Thermodynamics of Biological Processes

PubMed Central

Garcia, Hernan G.; Kondev, Jane; Orme, Nigel; Theriot, Julie A.; Phillips, Rob

2012-01-01

There is a long and rich tradition of using ideas from both equilibrium thermodynamics and its microscopic partner theory of equilibrium statistical mechanics. In this chapter, we provide some background on the origins of the seemingly unreasonable effectiveness of ideas from both thermodynamics and statistical mechanics in biology. After making a description of these foundational issues, we turn to a series of case studies primarily focused on binding that are intended to illustrate the broad biological reach of equilibrium thinking in biology. These case studies include ligand-gated ion channels, thermodynamic models of transcription, and recent applications to the problem of bacterial chemotaxis. As part of the description of these case studies, we explore a number of different uses of the famed Monod–Wyman–Changeux (MWC) model as a generic tool for providing a mathematical characterization of two-state systems. These case studies should provide a template for tailoring equilibrium ideas to other problems of biological interest. PMID:21333788

Molecular Characterization of β-Thalassemia in the Czech and Slovak Populations: Mediterranean, Asian and Unique Mutations.

PubMed

Divoka, Martina; Partschova, Martina; Kucerova, Jana; Mojzikova, Renata; Cermak, Jaroslav; Pospisilova, Dagmar; Fabryova, Viera; Prochazkova, Daniela; Indrak, Karel; Divoky, Vladimir

2016-06-01

β-Thalassemia (β-thal) is considered rare in Central Europe. As in other malaria-free regions, the presence of β-thal in Central Europe reflects historical and recent immigration, and demographic changes that have influenced the genetic variability of the current populations living in this area. This study assesses the frequency and spectrum of mutations on the β-globin gene in Czech and Slovak subjects with clinical symptoms of thalassemia. The results of the initial part of this research were published more than two decades ago; the aim of this study was to update these original reports. During the period from 2002 to 2015, 400 cases from Czech and Slovak hematological centers were analyzed. Twenty-nine β-thal mutations, identified in 356 heterozygotes from 218 unrelated families, involve five unique mutations including a recently described insertion of a transposable L1 element into the β-globin gene. One mutation described here is reported for the first time. Most of the mutations were of Mediterranean origin and accounted for 82.0% of cases. All but one case studied were heterozygous carriers, manifesting β-thal minor, with rare exceptions represented by the rare (β(0)) codons 46/47 (+G) (HBB: c.142_142dupG) mutation associated with an α-globin gene quadruplication and by dominantly inherited β-thal with a more severe phenotype. One double heterozygous β-thal patient was a recent immigrant from Moldavia. The list of δβ-thal alleles (26 carriers, 16 families) contains Hb Lepore and two types of δβ(0)-thal deletions. In the past, genetic drift and migration as well as recent immigrations were responsible for the introduction of Mediterranean alleles, while several mutations described in single families were of local origin.

Bladder Endometriosis and Endocervicosis: Presentation of 2 Cases with Endoscopic Management and Review of Literature

PubMed Central

Fuentes Pastor, Javier; Ballestero Diego, Roberto; Correas Gómez, Miguel Ángel; Torres Díez, Eduardo; Fernández Flórez, Alejandro; Ballesteros Olmos, Gerardo; Gutierrez Baños, Jose Luis

2014-01-01

Urinary tract endometriosis and endocervicosis are an uncommon pathologic finding, with a common embryological origin. We present 2 cases of female patients with bladder mass. The first one was a finding of a nodular formation in the bladder during study of a nonviable foetus and the second was an incidental finding of a neoformation in the fundus of the bladder during the realization of an ultrasound. In both cases, we performed a surgical management with transurethral resection. Histopathological examination revealed a bladder endometrioma in the first case and endocervicosis with associated endometriosis in the second. PMID:25184072

Dynamic Changes of QRS Morphology of Premature Ventricular Contractions During Ablation in the Right Ventricular Outflow Tract: A Case Report.

PubMed

Yue-Chun, Li; Jia-Feng, Lin; Jia-Xuan, Lin

2015-10-01

Electrocardiographic characteristics can be useful in differentiating between right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) and aortic sinus cusp (ASC) ventricular arrhythmias. Ventricular arrhythmias originating from ASC, however, show preferential conduction to RVOT that may render the algorithms of electrocardiographic characteristics less reliable. Even though there are few reports describing ventricular arrhythmias with ASC origins and endocardial breakout sites of RVOT, progressive dynamic changes in QRS morphology of the ventricular arrhythmias during ablation obtained were rare.This case report describes a patient with symptomatic premature ventricular contractions of left ASC origin presenting an electrocardiogram (ECG) characteristic of right ventricular outflow tract before ablation. Pacing at right ventricular outflow tract reproduced an excellent pace map. When radiofrequency catheter ablation was applied to the right ventricular outflow tract, the QRS morphology of premature ventricular contractions progressively changed from ECG characteristics of right ventricular outflow tract origin to ECG characteristics of left ASC origin.Successful radiofrequency catheter ablation was achieved at the site of the earliest ventricular activation in the left ASC. The distance between the successful ablation site of the left ASC and the site with an excellent pace map of the RVOT was 20 mm.The ndings could be strong evidence for a preferential conduction via the myocardial bers from the ASC origin to the breakout site in the right ventricular outflow tract. This case demonstrates that ventricular arrhythmias with a single origin and exit shift may exhibit QRS morphology changes.

New definitions of focal and diffuse anaplasia in Wilms tumor: the International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP) experience.

PubMed

Vujanić, G M; Harms, D; Sandstedt, B; Weirich, A; de Kraker, J; Delemarre, J F

1999-05-01

Unlike the original definitions of focal (FA) and diffuse anaplasia (DA) in Wilms tumor (WT), recently redefined FA and DA proved to be of prognostic significance. The aim of the study was to analyze WT from the SIOP file, the majority of which were treated with preoperative chemotherapy, in order to investigate whether chemotherapy influenced the presence of anaplasia, whether the new definitions were applicable to these tumors, and whether they were of prognostic significance. The unilateral anaplastic WT of children up to 16 years of age from the SIOP 6 and 9 nephroblastoma trials and studies were first classified according to the original definitions and analyzed. Then they were reclassified and analyzed according to the new definitions. Anaplasia was diagnosed in 86 (5.5%) of 1,554 unilateral WT. The age at diagnosis ranged from 9 to 175 months (median, 63) and more than half of children were over 5 years of age. From 15% to 85% of the tumor mass showed chemotherapy-induced changes. Blastemal anaplasia was seen in 74, stromal in 23, and epithelial in 22 cases. According to the original definitions, FA was diagnosed in 55 (64%) and DA in 31 (36%) cases. In total, 48% children were alive and well, including 53% with FA and 39% with DA (P = 0.23). When reclassified, 39 old FA cases were moved to the new DA group, resulting in 70 (81%) DA and 16 (19%) FA cases. The female-to-male ratio for FA changed from 1.9:1 to 1:1 while remained unchanged for DA. The percentage of FA stage I cases increased from 31% to 44%, while it decreased from 25% to 6% for stage III. For other stages it remained virtually unchanged. The overall 4-year actual survival was 75% for FA and 41% for DA (P = 0.03). Preoperative chemotherapy did not obliterate or produce anaplasia. The new definitions were applicable to pretreated cases and they were of prognostic significance.

Epidemiology of uveitis in a Western urban multiethnic population. The challenge of globalization.

PubMed

Llorenç, Victor; Mesquida, Marina; Sainz de la Maza, Maite; Keller, Johannes; Molins, Blanca; Espinosa, Gerard; Hernandez, María V; Gonzalez-Martín, Julian; Adán, Alfredo

2015-09-01

To report the anatomical pattern and etiological spectrum of uveitis in an urban multi-ethnic population from Barcelona, Spain. General and specific epidemiological data for the most prevalent aetiologies are also calculated. A cross-sectional study of consecutive uveitis cases was performed between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2012. Exogenous endophthalmitis, surgery-related, post-traumatic and toxic uveitis along with masquerade syndromes were excluded. Anatomical (Standard Uveitis Nomenclature criteria) and aetiological patterns (by tailored tests), age, sex, geographical origin and laterality were analysed. Mean incidence and prevalence were calculated for a mid-period reference population. From 1022 patients included, 52% were anterior uveitis (AU), 23% posterior, 15% panuveitis and 9% intermediate uveitis. Aetiologically, 26% were unclassifiable, 29% infectious, 25% associated with systemic immune diseases, and 20% corresponded to ocular-specific syndromes. Among classified causes, herpesvirus (12%), toxoplasma (7%), Behçet's disease (BD) (5%), HLA-B27-isolated AU (5%), ankylosing spondylitis (5%), tuberculosis-related uveitis (TRU) (5%), birdshot chorioretinopathy (3%) and sarcoidosis (3%) were the most frequent. Non-Spanish origin was recorded in 22%, with 47% of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada and 36% of toxoplasma cases coming from South America, 10% of BD and 11% of TRU from Africa and 24% of TRU cases from Asia. A mean annual incidence of 51.91 cases/100,000 inhabitants was found for the referral population. In our referral area, 74% of the uveitis cases can be correctly classified. A large myriad of uveitis aetiologies with a strong geographical origin burden are found in Western urban multi-ethnic populations. © 2015 Acta Ophthalmologica Scandinavica Foundation. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

An unusual presentation of papillary fibroelastoma originating from right ventricular outflow tract.

PubMed

Erdogan, Mehmet; Guney, Murat Can; Ayhan, Hüseyin; Kasapkara, Hacı Ahmet; Uğuz, Emrah; Durmaz, Tahir; Keleş, Telat; Bozkurt, Engin

2017-03-01

Papillary fibroelastomas (PFEs) are primary cardiac tumors with a benign and avascular nature. Majority of the PFEs are originated from the valvular endocardium, while the most common site is aortic valve. In this case, we present a patient with multiple PFEs originating from the right ventricular outflow tract who was admitted to our clinic with exertional dyspnea. As far as we know, this is the first case of this unusual presentation of multiple PFEs and also had a history of breast cancer and permanent pacemaker reported in the literature. © 2017, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Isolated Anomalous Origin of Left Pulmonary Artery From the Descending Aorta: An Embryologic Ambiguity.

PubMed

Gnanappa, Ganesh Kumar; Laohachai, Karina; Orr, Yishay; Ayer, Julian

2016-11-01

Anomalous origin of a branch pulmonary artery from the aorta is a rare malformation, accounting for 0.12% of all congenital heart defects. Anomalous origin of the left pulmonary artery from the aorta (ALPA) constitutes a small proportion of these cases. ALPA has been reported to arise from the ascending aorta with various embryologic postulates. We report a case of isolated ALPA arising from the descending aorta in association with a patent ductus arteriosus, to emphasize its embryologic ambiguity. Copyright © 2016 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Protracted fever of unknown origin as the presenting symptom of Behçet's disease. Report of a case.

PubMed

Niamane, Radouane; Karim Moudden, Mohamed; Zyani, Mahamed; Hda, Ali

2005-03-01

We report a case of Behçet's disease that presented as protracted fever of unknown origin. The diagnosis was established when a thromboembolic event and ora3l aphthous ulcers occurred simultaneously. Antibiotics had no effect on the fever, which resolved when glucocorticoid and anticoagulant therapy was given. Among causes of protracted fever of unknown origin, Behçet's disease is exceedingly rare but should be considered together with the other vasculitides. Above all, the presence of a fever should prompt a search for a thromboembolic complication.

Numerical study of natural convection in a horizontal cylinder filled with water-based alumina nanofluid.

PubMed

Meng, Xiangyin; Li, Yan

2015-01-01

Natural heat convection of water-based alumina (Al2O3/water) nanofluids (with volume fraction 1% and 4%) in a horizontal cylinder is numerically investigated. The whole three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) procedure is performed in a completely open-source way. Blender, enGrid, OpenFOAM and ParaView are employed for geometry creation, mesh generation, case simulation and post process, respectively. Original solver 'buoyantBoussinesqSimpleFoam' is selected for the present study, and a temperature-dependent solver 'buoyantBoussinesqSimpleTDFoam' is developed to ensure the simulation is more realistic. The two solvers are used for same cases and compared to corresponding experimental results. The flow regime in these cases is laminar (Reynolds number is 150) and the Rayleigh number range is 0.7 × 10(7) ~ 5 × 10(7). By comparison, the average natural Nusselt numbers of water and Al2O3/water nanofluids are found to increase with the Rayleigh number. At the same Rayleigh number, the Nusselt number is found to decrease with nanofluid volume fraction. The temperature-dependent solver is found better for water and 1% Al2O3/water nanofluid cases, while the original solver is better for 4% Al2O3/water nanofluid cases. Furthermore, due to strong three-dimensional flow features in the horizontal cylinder, three-dimensional CFD simulation is recommended instead of two-dimensional simplifications.

[Malaria diagnosis and treatment: analysis of a cohort of hospitalised patients at a tertiary level hospital (1998-2010)].

PubMed

Iborra, María Asunción; García, Elisa; Carrilero, Bartolomé; Segovia, Manuel

2013-03-01

The increasing frequency of malaria infection in our area is due to the rise in international travel and immigration from endemic malaria areas. The aim of this study is to describe the chemoprophylaxis taken and treatment given as well as the clinical, epidemiological and microbiological characteristics for those patients admitted to our hospital with malaria. A retrospective study of patients with malaria admitted to the Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, between January 1998 and December 2010, was carried out. During this period, fifty one cases of malaria were diagnosed. 78.3% of them were immigrants of whom 65% resided in Spain and had travelled to their country of origin for a short stay. Seventy four per cent acquired the infection in central and west Africa, and Plasmodium falciparum was responsible for the majority of the cases (88%). Only four patients had taken antimalarial chemoprophylaxis but none correctly. The most frequently treatment used was a combination of quinine and doxycicline (64.7%). Inappropriate anti-malarial treatment occurred in 9 patients (17.6%). At least one indicator of severe malaria was established in 23.5% of the cases; however, the clinical outcome was successful in every case and no patient died. Imported malaria is observed mostly among immigrants who travel to their countries of origin for a short stay and do not take anti-malarial prophylaxis, increasing the risk of acquiring malaria. Inappropriate malarial treatment is relatively frequent in the case management of imported malaria.

"Pink Is a Girl's Color": A Case Study of Bilingual Kindergarteners' Discussions about Gender Roles

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kim, So Jung

2016-01-01

This article discusses the results of an empirical study that examined young bilingual students' discussions of picture books dealing with gender themes in a Spanish/English bilingual classroom. The study focused on the reading of five picture books by sixteen 5-year-old Mexican-origin children at a small charter school. The data were collected by…

Education Empowerment Model for the Disabled Learners: A Case Study at Cicendo School for Special Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kamil, Mustofa; Shantini, Yanti; Sardin

2015-01-01

This paper originates from a study conducted to examine the challenges faced by the Schools for Special Education (SLB) in their effort to empower people living with disabilities. The study aimed: 1) to describe the stages involved in the education for empowerment of the disabled groups through schools for special education, 2) to present an…

"All the Places We Were Not Supposed to Go": A Case Study of Formative Class and Gender "Habitus" in Adventure Climbing

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Holland-Smith, David

2016-01-01

This paper explores the origins of meaning in adventurous activities. Specifically, the paper reports on a study of 10 adventure climbers in the Scottish mountaineering community. The study explores how formative experiences have influenced engagement in adventure climbing. Work has been done on the phenomenology of adventure and how individuals…

Origins of an Unmarked Georgia Cemetery Using Ancient DNA Analysis.

PubMed

Ozga, Andrew T; Tito, Raúl Y; Kemp, Brian M; Matternes, Hugh; Obregon-Tito, Alexandra; Neal, Leslie; Lewis, Cecil M

2015-04-01

Determining the origins of those buried within undocumented cemeteries is of incredible importance to historical archaeologists and, in many cases, the nearby communities. In the case of Avondale Burial Place, a cemetery in Bibb County, Georgia, in use from 1820 to 1950, all written documentation of those interred within it has been lost. Osteological and archaeological evidence alone could not describe, with confidence, the ancestral origins of the 101 individuals buried there. In the present study, we used ancient DNA extraction methods in well-preserved skeletal fragments from 20 individuals buried in Avondale Burial Place to investigate the origins of the cemetery. Through examination of hypervariable region I (HVR1) in the mitochondrial genome (mtDNA), we determined haplotypes for all 20 of these individuals. Eighteen of these individuals belong to the L or U haplogroups, suggesting that Avondale Burial Place was most likely used primarily as a resting place for African Americans. After the surrounding Bibb County community expressed interest in investigating potential ancestral relationships to those within the cemetery, eight potential descendants provided saliva to obtain mtDNA HVR1 information. Three individuals from Avondale Burial Place matched three individuals with oral history ties to the cemetery. Using the online tool EMPOP, we calculated the likelihood of these exact matches occurring by chance alone (< 1%). The present findings exhibit the importance of genetic analysis of cemetery origins when archaeological and osteological data are inconclusive for estimating ancestry of anonymous historical individuals.

Immediate loading of titanium hexed screw-type implants in the edentulous patient: case report.

PubMed

Calvo, M P; Muller, E; Garg, A K

2000-01-01

Histologic and histomorphometric studies in both animals and humans have shown that more rapid and greater bone-to-implant contact can be achieved with implants that incorporate certain surface characteristics compared with the original machined-surface implants. Such findings are significant because various implant designs may allow the fixtures to sufficiently resist functional loading sooner than originally thought. The case report presented here indicates that immediate loading of hexed titanium screw-type implants in the anterior mandible can lead to successful osseointegration and clinical outcome. The number of implants placed, their distribution, and the type of rigid connection are critical considerations for immediate loading. A bone height that can accommodate dental implants > or = 10 mm long is recommended. Biomechanically, the implants to be immediately loaded must be stable and resistant to macromovement to ensure good osseointegration.

PubMed Central

BARBIERI, M.; MUSIZZANO, Y.; BOGGIO, M.; CARCUSCIA, C.

2011-01-01

SUMMARY Granular cell tumour is a rare soft tissue neoplasm that can virtually affect any site of the body. Its histological origin is controversial, since several studies have shown that different cells are involved. Granular cell tumour was initially described as myoblastoma, but, at present, a neural origin is supported by most Authors, due to the immunohistochemical pattern. Even if the biological behaviour of granular cell tumours is usually benign, accurate histological examination is mandatory, because in a small number of cases they can be malignant. Here, a case is described of granular cell tumour in a 14-year-old boy, which is a very rare occurrence, since these tumours typically manifest in subjects between the third and sixth decade. Histopathological features, differential diagnosis and therapeutic implications of granular cell tumour are discussed, together with a brief review of the recent literature. PMID:22058595

A discussion on the origin of quantum probabilities

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

Holik, Federico, E-mail: olentiev2@gmail.com; Departamento de Matemática - Ciclo Básico Común, Universidad de Buenos Aires - Pabellón III, Ciudad Universitaria, Buenos Aires; Sáenz, Manuel

We study the origin of quantum probabilities as arising from non-Boolean propositional-operational structures. We apply the method developed by Cox to non distributive lattices and develop an alternative formulation of non-Kolmogorovian probability measures for quantum mechanics. By generalizing the method presented in previous works, we outline a general framework for the deduction of probabilities in general propositional structures represented by lattices (including the non-distributive case). -- Highlights: •Several recent works use a derivation similar to that of R.T. Cox to obtain quantum probabilities. •We apply Cox’s method to the lattice of subspaces of the Hilbert space. •We obtain a derivationmore » of quantum probabilities which includes mixed states. •The method presented in this work is susceptible to generalization. •It includes quantum mechanics and classical mechanics as particular cases.« less

Sustainability Indicators for Chemical Processes: III. Biodiesel Case Study

EPA Science Inventory

The chemical industry is one of the most important business sectors, not only economically, but also societally; as it allows humanity to attain higher standards and quality of life. Simultaneously, chemical products and processes can be the origin of potential human health and ...

'Jones Hybrid' hickory: A case study in Carya curation

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

'Jones Hybrid' hickory is an accession in the National Collection of Genetic Resources for Pecans and Hickories that was inherited with little information concerning its origination, its identity or its characteristics. It has been phenotypically and genetically profiled and is described here. Tha...

Evaluation of traffic-flow monitoring technologies : Cicero-Midway smart corridor case study.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-06-01

The original goal of this project was to (1) collect probe-vehicle and sensor data in the region of interest, and : perform cleaning and map matching of the data; and (2) evaluate the accuracy of multiple technologies, either : through direct compari...

Data analysis using a combination of independent component analysis and empirical mode decomposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Shih-Lin; Tung, Pi-Cheng; Huang, Norden E.

2009-06-01

A combination of independent component analysis and empirical mode decomposition (ICA-EMD) is proposed in this paper to analyze low signal-to-noise ratio data. The advantages of ICA-EMD combination are these: ICA needs few sensory clues to separate the original source from unwanted noise and EMD can effectively separate the data into its constituting parts. The case studies reported here involve original sources contaminated by white Gaussian noise. The simulation results show that the ICA-EMD combination is an effective data analysis tool.

Mobile teledermatopathology: using a tablet PC as a novel and cost-efficient method to remotely diagnose dermatopathology cases.

PubMed

Speiser, Jodi J; Hughes, Ian; Mehta, Vikas; Wojcik, Eva M; Hutchens, Kelli A

2014-01-01

: Dermatopathology has relatively few studies regarding teledermatopathology and none have addressed the use of new technologies, such as the tablet PC. We hypothesized that the combination of our existing dynamic nonrobotic system with a tablet PC could provide a novel and cost-efficient method to remotely diagnose dermatopathology cases. 93 cases diagnosed by conventional light microscopy at least 5 months earlier by the participating dermatopathologist were retrieved by an electronic pathology database search. A high-resolution video camera (Nikon DS-L2, version 4.4) mounted on a microscope was used to transmit digital video of a slide to an Apple iPAD2 (Apple Inc, Cupertino, CA) at the pathologist's remote location via live streaming at an interval time of 500 ms and a resolution of 1280/960 pixels. Concordance to the original diagnosis and the seconds elapsed to reaching the diagnosis were recorded. 24.7% (23/93) of cases were melanocytic, 70.9% (66/93) were nonmelanocytic, and 4.4% (4/93) were inflammatory. About 92.5% (86/93) of cases were diagnosed on immediate viewing (<5 seconds), with the average time to diagnosis at 40.2 seconds (range: 10-218 seconds). Of the cases diagnosed immediately, 98.8% (85/86) of the telediagnoses were concordant with the original. Telepathology performed via a tablet PC may serve as a reliable and rapid technique for the diagnosis of routine cases with some diagnostic caveats in mind. Our study established a novel and cost-efficient solution for those institutions that may not have the capital to purchase either a dynamic robotic system or a virtual slide system.

Thymic pathology and cardiac myxomas: Coincidence or a closer relationship?

PubMed

Moraitis, Sotirios D; Agrafiotis, Apostolos C; Pappas, Dimitrios; Pothitakis, Chrysovalantis; Stergianni, Maria; Koukis, Ioannis

2018-04-30

Myxomas are the most common benign cardiac tumors and are located more frequently in the left atrium. In the literature there are cases describing the coexistence of thymic tumors and cardiac myxomas. In the case reported herein, during the resection of a cardiac myxoma, an enlarged thymus gland was encountered and resected. The histological exam revealed a thymic hyperplasia. The aim of this case study is to assess the need of conducting further studies in order to identify a common histological pathway between thymic lesions and cardiac myxomas. The diagnosis of a cardiac myxoma could justify a further workup of the anterior mediastinum in order not to overlook a lesion of thymic origin.

Community-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Case Studies

PubMed Central

Sowash, Madeleine G.; Uhlemann, Anne-Catrin

2014-01-01

Over the past decade, the emergence of community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) has changed the landscape of S. aureus infections around the globe. Initially recognized for its ability to cause disease in young and healthy individuals without healthcare exposures as well as for its distinct genotype and phenotype, this original description no longer fully encompasses the diversity of CA-MRSA as it continues to expand its niche. Using four case studies, we highlight a wide range of the clinical presentations and challenges of CA-MRSA. Based on these cases we further explore the globally polygenetic background of CA-MRSA with a special emphasis on generally less characterized populations. PMID:24085688

Using ancestry-informative markers to identify fine structure across 15 populations of European origin.

PubMed

Huckins, Laura M; Boraska, Vesna; Franklin, Christopher S; Floyd, James A B; Southam, Lorraine; Sullivan, Patrick F; Bulik, Cynthia M; Collier, David A; Tyler-Smith, Chris; Zeggini, Eleftheria; Tachmazidou, Ioanna

2014-10-01

The Wellcome Trust Case Control Consortium 3 anorexia nervosa genome-wide association scan includes 2907 cases from 15 different populations of European origin genotyped on the Illumina 670K chip. We compared methods for identifying population stratification, and suggest list of markers that may help to counter this problem. It is usual to identify population structure in such studies using only common variants with minor allele frequency (MAF) >5%; we find that this may result in highly informative SNPs being discarded, and suggest that instead all SNPs with MAF >1% may be used. We established informative axes of variation identified via principal component analysis and highlight important features of the genetic structure of diverse European-descent populations, some studied for the first time at this scale. Finally, we investigated the substructure within each of these 15 populations and identified SNPs that help capture hidden stratification. This work can provide information regarding the designing and interpretation of association results in the International Consortia.

Design, Implementation and Case Study of WISEMAN: WIreless Sensors Employing Mobile AgeNts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

González-Valenzuela, Sergio; Chen, Min; Leung, Victor C. M.

We describe the practical implementation of Wiseman: our proposed scheme for running mobile agents in Wireless Sensor Networks. Wiseman’s architecture derives from a much earlier agent system originally conceived for distributed process coordination in wired networks. Given the memory constraints associated with small sensor devices, we revised the architecture of the original agent system to make it applicable to this type of networks. Agents are programmed as compact text scripts that are interpreted at the sensor nodes. Wiseman is currently implemented in TinyOS ver. 1, its binary image occupies 19Kbytes of ROM memory, and it occupies 3Kbytes of RAM to operate. We describe the rationale behind Wiseman’s interpreter architecture and unique programming features that can help reduce packet overhead in sensor networks. In addition, we gauge the proposed system’s efficiency in terms of task duration with different network topologies through a case study that involves an early-fire-detection application in a fictitious forest setting.

Introductory Biology Students’ Conceptual Models and Explanations of the Origin of Variation

PubMed Central

Shaw, Neil; Momsen, Jennifer; Reinagel, Adam; Le, Paul; Taqieddin, Ranya; Long, Tammy

2014-01-01

Mutation is the key molecular mechanism generating phenotypic variation, which is the basis for evolution. In an introductory biology course, we used a model-based pedagogy that enabled students to integrate their understanding of genetics and evolution within multiple case studies. We used student-generated conceptual models to assess understanding of the origin of variation. By midterm, only a small percentage of students articulated complete and accurate representations of the origin of variation in their models. Targeted feedback was offered through activities requiring students to critically evaluate peers’ models. At semester's end, a substantial proportion of students significantly improved their representation of how variation arises (though one-third still did not include mutation in their models). Students’ written explanations of the origin of variation were mostly consistent with their models, although less effective than models in conveying mechanistic reasoning. This study contributes evidence that articulating the genetic origin of variation is particularly challenging for learners and may require multiple cycles of instruction, assessment, and feedback. To support meaningful learning of the origin of variation, we advocate instruction that explicitly integrates multiple scales of biological organization, assessment that promotes and reveals mechanistic and causal reasoning, and practice with explanatory models with formative feedback. PMID:25185235

Burden of Multidrug Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis Among New Cases in Al-Madinah Al-Monawarah, Saudi Arabia.

PubMed

Elhassan, Mogahid M; Hemeg, Hassan A; Elmekki, Miskelyemen A; Turkistani, Khalid A; Abdul-Aziz, Ahmed A

2017-01-01

The pattern of Mycobacterium tuberculosis susceptibility to first line drugs and multidrug resistance in Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah, a seasonally overcrowded are during Hajj and Omrah, is not well studied. This study aimed to investigate anti-tuberculosis drug resistance and its distribution among new cases in Al-Madinah Al-Monawarah. Study subjects included 622 patients with first time confirmed TB referred to the central tuberculosis laboratory in Al-Madinah between January 2012 and December 2014. Out of the 622 isolates, 99 (15.9%) were Mycobacteria Other Than Tuberculosis (MOTTS) and 25 (4.0%), three of which (12%) were children under five years of age, revealed multidrug resistance (MDR). Monoresistance to isoniazid (H) was (1.8%), to rifampin (R) was (1.4%), to streptomycin (S) was (1.9 %) to ethambutol (E) was (1.1 %) and to pyrazinamide (Z) was (2.1%). Being among the new cases, multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB) is supposed to be caused by strains which are originally multidrug resistant. Neither nationality nor gender was found to be associated with MDR TB. Since 12% of MDR cases were among children, a probability of primary infection with MDR strains is to be considered. Moreover, mass gathering during Hajj and Omrah seasons does not seem to increase the burden of MDR in the region. However, further investigation is needed to molecularly characterize MDR isolates and their phylogenetics and geographical origin. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

One-Dimensional Quantum Walks with One Defect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cantero, M. J.; Grünbaum, F. A.; Moral, L.; Velázquez, L.

The CGMV method allows for the general discussion of localization properties for the states of a one-dimensional quantum walk, both in the case of the integers and in the case of the nonnegative integers. Using this method we classify, according to such localization properties, all the quantum walks with one defect at the origin, providing explicit expressions for the asymptotic return probabilities to the origin.

24 CFR 235.1234 - Term of assistance payment contract in connection with mortgages insured under section 235(r) of...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

.... (a) Existing contracts with original terms in excess of ten years. In cases where the existing contract has an original term in excess of ten years, the term of the new assistance payments contract in.... (b) Existing ten year contracts. (1) In cases of existing ten year contracts, the term of the new...

[Phineas Gage, 'Tan' and the importance of case reports].

PubMed

Rosselli, D

The original descriptions of the frontal lobe injury of Phineas Gage (1848) and the slowly growing tumor of 'Tan', Broca's famous patient (1861), are examples of how a simple case report can teach important lessons, some of them still discussed a century and a half later. In this article, the original sources of both of these seminal cases, in Boston and Paris, have been reviewed and are briefly summarized. The lessons learned from them in the effort to localize brain functions are explained and set in the context of modern evidence-based medicine.

Association between dental caries and out-of-hospital cardiac arrests of cardiac origin in Japan.

PubMed

Suematsu, Yasunori; Miura, Shin-Ichiro; Zhang, Bo; Uehara, Yoshinari; Ogawa, Masahiro; Yonemoto, Naohiro; Nonogi, Hiroshi; Nagao, Ken; Kimura, Takeshi; Saku, Keijiro

2016-04-01

Oral infection contributes to atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. We hypothesized that dental caries may be associated with out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) of cardiac origin, but not non-cardiac origin. We compared the age-adjusted incidence of OHCA (785,591 cases of OHCA: 55.4% of cardiac origin and 44.6% of non-cardiac origin) to the age-adjusted prevalence of dental caries between 2005 and 2011 in the 47 prefectures of Japan. In both the total population and males over 65 years, the number of cases of dental caries was significantly associated with the number of OHCA of total and cardiac origin from 2005 to 2011, but not those of non-cardiac origin. In the total population, the age-adjusted prevalence of dental caries was not significantly associated with the age-adjusted incidence of OHCA (total OHCA: r correlation coefficient=0.22, p=0.14; OHCA of cardiac origin: r=0.25, p=0.09; OHCA of non-cardiac origin: r=-0.002, p=0.99). Among male patients over 65 years, the age-adjusted prevalence of dental caries was significantly associated with OHCA of total and cardiac origin, but not non-cardiac origin (total OHCA: r=0.47, p<0.001; OHCA of cardiac origin: r=0.37, p=0.01; OHCA of non-cardiac origin: r=0.28, p=0.054). While oral hygiene is important in all age groups, it may be particularly associated with OHCAs of cardiac origin in males over 65 years. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Proposed Terminology for Anal Squamous Lesions: Its Application and Interobserver Agreement Among Pathologists in Academic and Community Hospitals.

PubMed

Roma, Andres A; Liu, Xiuli; Patil, Deepa T; Xie, Hao; Allende, Daniela

2017-07-01

To analyze interobserver reproducibility and compare practice patterns between academic and community settings of Lower Anogenital Squamous Terminology (LAST). In total, 132 anal biopsy slides were revised as well as p16 immunostains. LAST was used in 49% of cases (academic center, 68%; satellite hospitals [community practice setting], 32%). After pathology review and consensus interpretation, 23 (17%) case diagnoses were reclassified: eight (34.8%) cases (benign or low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion [LSIL]) were upgraded to high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) (p16 confirmed ordered during review); four (17.4%) cases originally classified as HSIL were downgraded to LSIL (p16 originally ordered in one case). There was no significant difference in discrepancies between original and consensus diagnosis in the community vs academic setting or by subspecialty (gynecological vs gastrointestinal). Overall interobserver agreement among reviewers was substantial (κ = 0.63) and improved with the use of p16 immunostain in challenging cases (κ = 0.71; P < .001). This new terminology is not yet uniformly used by pathologists in anal/perianal biopsy specimens; this two-tier system has a good interobserver agreement and is further improved with p16 use in appropriate cases. © American Society for Clinical Pathology, 2017. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com

Schwannoma-like tumor in the anterior cranial fossa immunonegative for Leu7 but immunopositive for Schwann/2E.

PubMed

Bohoun, Christian Aïssè; Terakawa, Yuzo; Goto, Takeo; Tanaka, Sayaka; Kuwae, Yuko; Ohsawa, Masahiko; Morisako, Hiroki; Nakajo, Kosuke; Sato, Hidetoshi; Ohata, Kenji; Yokoo, Hideaki

2017-06-01

Schwannoma arising from the olfactory system, often called olfactory groove schwannoma (OGS), is rare, as the olfactory bulb and tract, belonging to the central nervous system, should lack Schwann cells. Another rare entity called olfactory ensheathing cell tumor (OECT) has been reported, which mimics clinical and radiological characteristics of OGS. Here, we report two rare cases of schwannoma-like tumor in the anterior cranial fossa that showed negative staining for Leu7, but positive staining for Schwann/2E, and discuss their origin. Two cases of mass lesions in the anterior cranial fossa in a 26-year-old man and a 24-year-old woman were successfully removed. Morphological examination of these tumors was compatible with a diagnosis of schwannoma. Immunohistochemically, both cases were negative for Leu7, yielding a diagnosis of OECT, but were positive for the schwannoma-specific marker, Schwann/2E. Immunohistochemical staining results in our two cases question the current assumption that OGS and OECT can be distinguished only by Leu7 staining pattern. In conclusion, the origins of OGS and OECT remain to be determined, and further studies in larger numbers of cases are needed to characterize these rare tumors in the anterior cranial fossa. © 2016 Japanese Society of Neuropathology.

Characterization of acute undifferentiated leukemia by combined analysis of plasma membrane-associated gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase and soluble terminal transferase.

PubMed

Heumann, D; Losa, G; Barras, C; Morell, A; von Fliedner, V

1985-08-01

gamma-Glutamyltranspeptidase (gamma-GT) is a plasma membrane-associated enzyme present in blasts of certain acute leukemias. We analyzed 90 cases of undifferentiated and differentiated acute leukemias for gamma-GT, using a colorimetric assay. Blasts of all patients with common acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and T-ALL were negative for gamma-GT (less than 5 units). In contrast, gamma-GT was significantly elevated in acute myeloblastic or monoblastic leukemia blasts (P less than .001). In 16 cases of acute undifferentiated leukemia (AUL) studied, the levels of gamma-GT ranged from 0 to 93 units; in eight cases, gamma-GT was positive (greater than 5 units), and six of these had 2% to 5% Sudan black-positive leukemic cells in the blast-enriched suspension. Combined gamma-GT/TdT analysis revealed that both enzyme markers were mutually exclusive in 75% of AUL cases, suggesting that gamma-GT+/TdT-blasts are of nonlymphoid origin, and gamma-GT-/TdT+ blasts are of lymphoid origin. Two cases were devoid of both enzyme activities and could represent truly undifferentiated leukemia. Thus, combined gamma-GT/TdT analysis underlines the heterogeneity of AUL and appears to be useful in defining the lineage commitment of undifferentiated leukemic blasts.

[Major tricuspid insufficiency and absence of systolic valvular coaptation. Echocardiographic study. Apropos of 6 cases].

PubMed

Roudaut, R; Héraudeau, A; Gosse, P; Aouizerate, E; Dequecker, J L; Dallocchio, M

1986-09-01

In a retrospective series of 960 cases of tricuspid regurgitation studied by two-dimensional echocardiography 6 patients presented a systolic defect of valvular coaptation. The origin of this defect varied: one case was due to carcinoid, two to rheumatic cardiopathy, two to papyraceous right ventricle and one to sclerodermia associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension. The mechanism of the lacking coaptation varies according to the etiology: valvular retraction in carcinoid cardiopathy, right-ventricle dilatation, dilatation of the tricuspid ring and altered kinetics of the right ventricle in the other cases. Changed contractility of the right ventricle is the only element allowing to distinguish tricuspid regurgitation with and without a coaptation defect. Clinically this abnormality always points to an advanced stage of severe tricuspid regurgitation.

Food waste volume and origin: Case studies in the Finnish food service sector.

PubMed

Silvennoinen, Kirsi; Heikkilä, Lotta; Katajajuuri, Juha-Matti; Reinikainen, Anu

2015-12-01

We carried out a project to map the volume and composition of food waste in the Finnish food service sector. The amount, type and origin of avoidable food waste were investigated in 51 food service outlets, including schools, day-care centres, workplace canteens, petrol stations, restaurants and diners. Food service outlet personnel kept diaries and weighed the food produced and wasted during a one-week or one-day period. For weighing and sorting, the food waste was divided into two categories: originally edible (OE) food waste was separated from originally inedible (OIE) waste, such as vegetable peelings, bones and coffee grounds. In addition, food waste (OE) was divided into three categories in accordance with its origins: kitchen waste, service waste and customer leftovers. According to the results, about 20% of all food handled and prepared in the sector was wasted. The findings also suggest that the main drivers of wasted food are buffet services and overproduction. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The class-origin wage gap: heterogeneity in education and variations across market segments.

PubMed

Hällsten, Martin

2013-12-01

This paper uses unique population-level matched employer-employee data on monthly wages to analyse class-origin wage gaps in the Swedish labour market. Education is the primary mediator of class origin advantages in the labour market, but mobility research often only considers the vertical dimension of education. When one uses an unusually detailed measure of education in a horizontal dimension, the wage gap between individuals of advantaged and disadvantaged class origin is found to be substantial (4-5 per cent), yet considerably smaller than when measures are used which only control for level of education and field of study. This is also the case for models with class or occupation as outcome. The class-origin wage gap varies considerably across labour market segments, such as those defined by educational levels, fields of education, industries and occupations in both seemingly unsystematic and conspicuous ways. The gap is small in the public sector, suggesting that bureaucracy may act as a leveller. © London School of Economics and Political Science 2013.

Authenticity of rice (Oryza sativa L.) geographical origin based on analysis of C, N, O and S stable isotope ratios: a preliminary case report in Korea, China and Philippine.

PubMed

Chung, Ill-Min; Kim, Jae-Kwang; Prabakaran, Mayakrishnan; Yang, Jin-Hee; Kim, Seung-Hyun

2016-05-01

Although rice (Oryza sativa L.) is the third largest food crop, relatively fewer studies have been reported on rice geographical origin based on light element isotope ratios in comparison with other foods such as wine, beef, juice, oil and milk. Therefore this study tries to discriminate the geographical origin of the same rice cultivars grown in different Asian countries using the analysis of C, N, O and S stable isotope ratios and chemometrics. The δ(15) NAIR , δ(18) OVSMOW and δ(34) SVCDT values of brown rice were more markedly influenced by geographical origin than was the δ(13) CVPDB value. In particular, the combination of δ(18) OVSMOW and δ(34) SVCDT more efficiently discriminated rice geographical origin than did the remaining combinations. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed a clear discrimination between different rice geographical origins but not between rice genotypes. In particular, the first components of PCA discriminated rice cultivated in the Philippines from rice cultivated in China and Korea. The present findings suggest that analysis of the light element isotope composition combined with chemometrics can be potentially applicable to discriminate rice geographical origin and also may provide a valuable insight into the control of improper or fraudulent labeling regarding the geographical origin of rice worldwide. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.

Teaching with Cases: Learning to Question.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Boehrer, John; Linsky, Marty

1990-01-01

This chapter discusses the origins of the case method, looks at the question of what is a case, gives ideas about learning in case teaching, the purposes it can serve in the classroom, the ground rules for case discussion, including the role of questions, and new directions for case teaching. (MLW)

The University of Vermont College of Medicine.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kaufman, Martin

This study of the origin and history of the University of Vermont College of Medicine begins with the appointment of John Pomeroy to the faculty in 1804, and traces the years that followed. Chiefly concerned with the individuals who were involved, it is a case study of the responses of one small medical school to reform movements, and its ability…

Transformation of Online Teaching Practices Utilizing Appreciative Inquiry to Enhance the Process of Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Johnson, Bruce A.

2010-01-01

The purpose of this case study was to explore the application and outcome of appreciative andragogy as an online instructional strategy for the development of adult learner motivation, engagement, and performance. Appreciative andragogy was an original phrase developed for this study and is an adaptation of appreciative inquiry. The concept of…

Corporal Punishment in Private Schools: The Case of Kathmandu, Nepal

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Khanal, Jeevan; Park, Sae-Hoon

2016-01-01

The purpose of this study was to elaborate the situation of corporal punishment which is being practiced in Nepalese schools going against new policies that promote the non-violence teaching. It was based on original qualitative study of one private school of Kathmandu (the capital city of Nepal) having more than 2000 students and 100 teachers.…

Primary T cell central nervous system lymphoblastic lymphoma in a child: case report and literature review.

PubMed

Mazur, Marcus D; Ravindra, Vijay M; Alashari, Mouied; Raetz, Elizabeth; Poppe, Matthew M; Bollo, Robert J

2015-06-01

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) of T cell origin is rare in pediatric patients. We report a case of T cell PCNSL in a 12-year-old boy and review the literature to highlight the importance of brain biopsy to definitively establish the diagnosis when PCNSL is suspected. A 12-year-old boy presented with worsening left-sided weakness, nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, and diplopia. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed right parietal gyral thickening with faint meningeal contrast enhancement. No clear diagnosis was identified after serum testing, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and cerebral angiography. To establish the diagnosis definitively, a right craniotomy and open, frameless stereotactic biopsy were performed, which yielded the diagnosis of lymphoblastic T cell lymphoma. PCNSL of T cell origin in children remains poorly studied, with only 18 detailed cases reported over the last three decades, including this case. Establishing a definitive diagnosis of PCNSL is challenging, and a brain biopsy is often required to obtain enough tissue for pathological analysis. Increasing awareness and identification of children diagnosed with T cell PCNSL is needed to better understand the molecular biology of this disease and develop more standardized treatment regimens.

Circumstellar Matter Studied by Spectrally-Resolved Interferometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Millour, F.

2012-12-01

This paper describes some generalities about spectro-interferometry and the role it has played in the last decade for the better understanding of circumstellar matter. I provide a small history of the technique and its origins, and recall the basics of differential phase and its central role for the recent discoveries. I finally provide a small set of simple interpretations of differential phases for specific astrophysical cases, and intend to provide a "cookbook" for the other cases.

Patterns of regional head and neck lymph node metastasis in primary conjunctival malignant melanoma

PubMed Central

Lim, M; Tatla, T; Hersh, D; Hungerford, J

2006-01-01

Objective To correlate patterns of regional lymph node metastasis with the site of origin in primary conjunctival malignant melanoma. Design Retrospective analysis (1990–2003) of clinical data. Setting Two London tertiary referral centres. Participants 12 patients presenting with regional metastases after failed local treatment for conjunctival malignant melanoma. Results 6 cases predominantly involving the temporal conjunctiva metastasised to the pre‐auricular lymph nodes. Two cases predominantly involving the nasal conjunctiva metastasised to the submandibular nodes. Of the two cases with purely multifocal disease, one metastasised to the pre‐auricular nodes and another to both submandibular and parotid nodes. One primary conjunctival malignant melanoma had its origin in temporal conjunctiva but metastasised to submandibular nodes, and another case originating from nasal conjunctiva metastasised to pre‐auricular nodes. Conclusions Temporal conjunctival melanotic lesions tend to metastasise clinically to pre‐auricular lymph nodes and nasal conjunctival melanotic lesions metastasise to the submandibular lymph nodes. Patterns appear consistent with laboratory‐based anatomically mapped lymphatic drainage basins of the conjunctiva. PMID:16928703

Primary Child Health Care Nurses' assessment of health risks in children of foreign origin and their parents--a theoretical model.

PubMed

Berlin, Anita; Hylander, Ingrid; Törnkvist, Lena

2008-03-01

According to recent studies, intercultural interaction in health care between clients and care-givers seems to be problematic. A recent Swedish study revealed that a majority of Primary Child Health Care Nurses (PCHNurses) experienced difficulties in their interaction with children and parents of foreign origin. As every third child in the Primary Child Heath Care (PCHC) services is of foreign origin it seem to be of utmost importance to examine in depth how these difficulties could be understood and explained. The present study aimed at a theoretical explanation of the core problem concerning PCHNurses' interaction with children and parents of foreign origin, as experienced by the PCHNurses. Fifteen PCHNurses working in the PCHC services were interviewed. Grounded Theory was used as research methodology because focus is on social interactions and the aim is to theoretically explain unarticulated social processes. Anxiety about missing children, exposed to risks of ill-health, due to various conditions in the child's home environment, turned out to be the PCHNurses' main concern. An assessment of health risks was initiated, when PCHNurses thought that psychosocial conditions in the child's environment might cause ill health. Some of the psychosocial conditions were difficult to assess, as they were unfamiliar and not understood by the PCHNurses. In such difficult-to-assess cases, when the PCHNurses considered the possibility of undefined risk to the child's health they held on to the assessment of the cases and worked out strategies to learn and understand more about the child and the child's home environment. A theoretical model grounded in data was created accounting for the variation in the assessment process and the different strategies used. Implications are discussed and recommendations for improvements are given.

Trend analysis of imported malaria in London; observational study 2000 to 2014.

PubMed

Rees, Eleanor; Saavedra-Campos, Maria; Usdin, Martine; Anderson, Charlotte; Freedman, Joanne; de Burgh, Jane; Kirkbride, Hilary; Chiodini, Peter; Smith, Valerie; Blaze, Marie; Whitty, Christopher J M; Balasegaram, Sooria

We describe trends of malaria in London (2000-2014) in order to identify preventive opportunities and we estimated the cost of malaria admissions (2009/2010-2014/2015). We identified all cases of malaria, resident in London, reported to the reference laboratory and obtained hospital admissions from Hospital Episode Statistics. The rate of malaria decreased (19.4[2001]-9.1[2014] per 100,000). Males were over-represented (62%). Cases in older age groups increased overtime. The rate was highest amongst people of Black African ethnicity followed by Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi ethnicities combined (103.3 and 5.5 per 100,000, respectively). The primary reason for travel was visiting friends and relatives (VFR) in their country of origin (69%), mostly sub-Saharan Africa (92%). The proportion of cases in VFRs increased (32%[2000]-50%[2014]) and those taking chemoprophylaxis decreased (36%[2000]-14%[2014]). The overall case fatality rate was 0.3%. We estimated the average healthcare cost of malaria admissions to be just over £1 million per year. Our study highlighted that people of Black African ethnicity, travelling to sub-Saharan Africa to visit friends and relatives in their country of origin remain the most affected with also a decline in chemoprophylaxis use. Malaria awareness should focus on this group in order to have the biggest impact but may require new approaches. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A novel method for selecting antagonists against postharvest fruit decays originating from latent infections

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Biological control of fruit decays originating from wound infections after harvest has made great progress during the past two decades and several products are commercially available. However, this is not the case for postharvest decays originating from latent infections which occur in the orchard....

Influence of the Soil Genesis on Physical and Mechanical Properties

PubMed Central

Marschalko, Marian; Yilmaz, Işık; Fojtová, Lucie; Kubečka, Karel; Bouchal, Tomáš; Bednárik, Martin

2013-01-01

The paper deals with the influence of soil genesis on the physical-mechanical properties. The presented case study was conducted in the region of the Ostrava Basin where there is a varied genetic composition of the Quaternary geological structure on the underlying Neogeneous sediments which are sediments of analogous granulometry but different genesis. In this study, 7827 soil samples of an eolian, fluvial, glacial, and deluvial origin and their laboratory analyses results were used. The study identified different values in certain cases, mostly in coarser-grained foundation soils, such as sandy loam S4 (MS) and clayey sand F4 (CS). The soils of the fluvial origin manifest different values than other genetic types. Next, based on regression analyses, dependence was proved neither on the deposition depth (depth of samples) nor from the point of view of the individual foundation soil classes or the genetic types. The contribution of the paper is to point at the influence of genesis on the foundation soil properties so that engineering geologists and geotechnicians pay more attention to the genesis during engineering-geological and geotechnical investigations. PMID:23844398

Superior and anterior inferior cerebellar arteries and their relationship with cerebello-pontine angle cranial nerves revisited in the light of cranial cephalometric indexes: a cadaveric study.

PubMed

Habibi, Zohreh; Meybodi, Ali Tayebi; Maleki, Farid; Tabatabai, Seyed

2011-01-01

The aim was to clarify the anatomical features of the superior and anterior inferior cerebellar arteries in relation to the trigeminal nerve and acoustic-facial complex and to the bony structures of the skull in a sample of male Iranian cadavers. Bilateral dissections, calvariectomy, and brain evacuation were performed on 31 adult human fresh brains and skull bases to assess the neurovascular associations, and skull base morphometry. Equations were defined to estimate posterior fossa volume and the relationships between bony and neurovascular elements. Eight SCAs were duplicated from origin. There were 9 cases of SCA-trigeminal contacts, which were at the root entry zone in 7. Mean distance from the origin of AICA to the vertebrobasilar junction was 11.80 mm, while 79% of AICAs originated from the lower half of the BA. This was significantly associated with "posterior fossa funneling" and "basilar narrowing" indexes. In most cases AICA crossed the acoustic-facial complex and coursed between neural bundles (48.3%). The AICA reached or entered the internal acoustic canal in 22.6% of cases and was medial to porous in 77.4%. We documented anatomical variations of the superior and anterior inferior cerebellar arteries along with some cephalometric equations with relevant neurovascular anatomy in Iranian cadavers.

Metastatic brain tumor

MedlinePlus

... the brain, the type of tissue involved, the original location of the tumor, and other factors. In rare cases, doctors do not know the original location. This is called cancer of unknown primary ( ...

Clinical Case Definitions for Classification of Intrathoracic Tuberculosis in Children: An Update

PubMed Central

Graham, Stephen M.; Cuevas, Luis E.; Jean-Philippe, Patrick; Browning, Renee; Casenghi, Martina; Detjen, Anne K.; Gnanashanmugam, Devasena; Hesseling, Anneke C.; Kampmann, Beate; Mandalakas, Anna; Marais, Ben J.; Schito, Marco; Spiegel, Hans M. L.; Starke, Jeffrey R.; Worrell, Carol; Zar, Heather J.

2015-01-01

Consensus case definitions for childhood tuberculosis have been proposed by an international expert panel, aiming to standardize the reporting of cases in research focusing on the diagnosis of intrathoracic tuberculosis in children. These definitions are intended for tuberculosis diagnostic evaluation studies of symptomatic children with clinical suspicion of intrathoracic tuberculosis, and were not intended to predefine inclusion criteria into such studies. Feedback from researchers suggested that further clarification was required and that these case definitions could be further improved. Particular concerns were the perceived complexity and overlap of some case definitions, as well as the potential exclusion of children with acute onset of symptoms or less severe disease. The updated case definitions proposed here incorporate a number of key changes that aim to reduce complexity and improve research performance, while maintaining the original focus on symptomatic children suspected of having intrathoracic tuberculosis. The changes proposed should enhance harmonized classification for intrathoracic tuberculosis disease in children across studies, resulting in greater comparability and the much-needed ability to pool study results. PMID:26409281

The Biological Implausibility of the Nature-Nurture Dichotomy & What It Means for the Study of Infancy.

PubMed

Lewkowicz, David J

2011-01-01

Since the time of the Greeks, philosophers and scientists have wondered about the origins of structure and function. Plato proposed that the origins of structure and function lie in the organism's nature whereas Aristotle proposed that they lie in its nurture. This nature/nurture dichotomy and the emphasis on the origins question has had a powerful effect on our thinking about development right into modern times. Despite this, empirical findings from various branches of developmental science have made a compelling case that the nature/nurture dichotomy is biologically implausible and, thus, that a search for developmental origins must be replaced by research into developmental processes. This change in focus recognizes that development is an immensely complex, dynamic, embedded, interdependent, and probabilistic process and, therefore, renders simplistic questions such as whether a particular behavioral capacity is innate or acquired scientifically uninteresting.

The Biological Implausibility of the Nature-Nurture Dichotomy & What It Means for the Study of Infancy

PubMed Central

Lewkowicz, David J.

2011-01-01

Since the time of the Greeks, philosophers and scientists have wondered about the origins of structure and function. Plato proposed that the origins of structure and function lie in the organism's nature whereas Aristotle proposed that they lie in its nurture. This nature/nurture dichotomy and the emphasis on the origins question has had a powerful effect on our thinking about development right into modern times. Despite this, empirical findings from various branches of developmental science have made a compelling case that the nature/nurture dichotomy is biologically implausible and, thus, that a search for developmental origins must be replaced by research into developmental processes. This change in focus recognizes that development is an immensely complex, dynamic, embedded, interdependent, and probabilistic process and, therefore, renders simplistic questions such as whether a particular behavioral capacity is innate or acquired scientifically uninteresting. PMID:21709807

Pelvic Arterial Anatomy Relevant to Prostatic Artery Embolisation and Proposal for Angiographic Classification

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

Assis, André Moreira de, E-mail: andre.maa@gmail.com; Moreira, Airton Mota, E-mail: motamoreira@gmail.com; Paula Rodrigues, Vanessa Cristina de, E-mail: vanessapaular@yahoo.com.br

PurposeTo describe and categorize the angiographic findings regarding prostatic vascularization, propose an anatomic classification, and discuss its implications for the PAE procedure.MethodsAngiographic findings from 143 PAE procedures were reviewed retrospectively, and the origin of the inferior vesical artery (IVA) was classified into five subtypes as follows: type I: IVA originating from the anterior division of the internal iliac artery (IIA), from a common trunk with the superior vesical artery (SVA); type II: IVA originating from the anterior division of the IIA, inferior to the SVA origin; type III: IVA originating from the obturator artery; type IV: IVA originating from themore » internal pudendal artery; and type V: less common origins of the IVA. Incidences were calculated by percentage.ResultsTwo hundred eighty-six pelvic sides (n = 286) were analyzed, and 267 (93.3 %) were classified into I–IV types. Among them, the most common origin was type IV (n = 89, 31.1 %), followed by type I (n = 82, 28.7 %), type III (n = 54, 18.9 %), and type II (n = 42, 14.7 %). Type V anatomy was seen in 16 cases (5.6 %). Double vascularization, defined as two independent prostatic branches in one pelvic side, was seen in 23 cases (8.0 %).ConclusionsDespite the large number of possible anatomical variations of male pelvis, four main patterns corresponded to almost 95 % of the cases. Evaluation of anatomy in a systematic fashion, following a standard classification, will make PAE a faster, safer, and more effective procedure.« less

A knowledge-based approach to improving and homogenizing intensity modulated radiation therapy planning quality among treatment centers: an example application to prostate cancer planning.

PubMed

Good, David; Lo, Joseph; Lee, W Robert; Wu, Q Jackie; Yin, Fang-Fang; Das, Shiva K

2013-09-01

Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) treatment planning can have wide variation among different treatment centers. We propose a system to leverage the IMRT planning experience of larger institutions to automatically create high-quality plans for outside clinics. We explore feasibility by generating plans for patient datasets from an outside institution by adapting plans from our institution. A knowledge database was created from 132 IMRT treatment plans for prostate cancer at our institution. The outside institution, a community hospital, provided the datasets for 55 prostate cancer cases, including their original treatment plans. For each "query" case from the outside institution, a similar "match" case was identified in the knowledge database, and the match case's plan parameters were then adapted and optimized to the query case by use of a semiautomated approach that required no expert planning knowledge. The plans generated with this knowledge-based approach were compared with the original treatment plans at several dose cutpoints. Compared with the original plan, the knowledge-based plan had a significantly more homogeneous dose to the planning target volume and a significantly lower maximum dose. The volumes of the rectum, bladder, and femoral heads above all cutpoints were nominally lower for the knowledge-based plan; the reductions were significantly lower for the rectum. In 40% of cases, the knowledge-based plan had overall superior (lower) dose-volume histograms for rectum and bladder; in 54% of cases, the comparison was equivocal; in 6% of cases, the knowledge-based plan was inferior for both bladder and rectum. Knowledge-based planning was superior or equivalent to the original plan in 95% of cases. The knowledge-based approach shows promise for homogenizing plan quality by transferring planning expertise from more experienced to less experienced institutions. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Outcomes from a US military neurology and traumatic brain injury telemedicine program.

PubMed

Yurkiewicz, Ilana R; Lappan, Charles M; Neely, Edward T; Hesselbrock, Roger R; Girard, Philip D; Alphonso, Aimee L; Tsao, Jack W

2012-09-18

This study evaluated usage of the Army Knowledge Online (AKO) Telemedicine Consultation Program for neurology and traumatic brain injury (TBI) cases in remote overseas areas with limited access to subspecialists. We performed a descriptive analysis of quantity of consults, response times, sites where consults originated, military branches that benefitted, anatomic locations of problems, and diagnoses. This was a retrospective analysis that searched electronic databases for neurology consults from October 2006 to December 2010 and TBI consults from March 2008 to December 2010. A total of 508 consults were received for neurology, and 131 consults involved TBI. For the most part, quantity of consults increased over the years. Meanwhile, response times decreased, with a mean response time of 8 hours, 14 minutes for neurology consults and 2 hours, 44 minutes for TBI consults. Most neurology consults originated in Iraq (67.59%) followed by Afghanistan (16.84%), whereas TBI consults mainly originated from Afghanistan (40.87%) followed by Iraq (33.91%). The most common consultant diagnoses were headaches, including migraines (52.1%), for neurology cases and mild TBI/concussion (52.3%) for TBI cases. In the majority of cases, consultants recommended in-theater management. After receipt of consultant's recommendation, 84 known neurology evacuations were facilitated, and 3 known neurology evacuations were prevented. E-mail-based neurology and TBI subspecialty teleconsultation is a viable method for overseas providers in remote locations to receive expert recommendations for a range of neurologic conditions. These recommendations can facilitate medically necessary patient evacuations or prevent evacuations for which on-site care is preferable.

Chromatic-achromatic perimetry in four clinic cases: Glaucoma and diabetes.

PubMed

Cabezos, Inmaculada; Luque, Maria Jos; de Fez, Dolores; Moncho, Vicenta; Camps, Vicente

2015-02-01

Some diseases that affect the visual system may show loss of chromatic-achromatic sensitivity before obvious physical signs appear in the usual examination of the eye's posterior segment. A perimetric study has been conducted with four typical patients with glaucoma and diabetes, at different stages of the disease. In addition to the standard white-on-white (standard automated perimetry [SAP]), a test battery has been used to study patient's contrast sensitivity, using stimuli with different chromatic, spatial, and temporal content (multichannel perimetry). The choice of stimuli tries to maximize the response of different visual mechanisms: Achromatic (parvocellular and magnocellular origin); chromatic red-green (parvocellular origin); and chromatic blue-yellow (koniocellular origin). The results seem to indicate losses in the achromatic-parvocellular perimetry and both chromatic perimetry tests, undetected by conventional SAP. Our results illustrate that our patients without visible retinal alterations show signs of suspicion in multichannel perimetry.

Broodstock History Strongly Influences Natural Spawning Success in Hatchery Steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

PubMed

Ford, Michael J; Murdoch, Andrew R; Hughes, Michael S; Seamons, Todd R; LaHood, Eric S

2016-01-01

We used genetic parentage analysis of 6200 potential parents and 5497 juvenile offspring to evaluate the relative reproductive success of hatchery and natural steelhead (Onchorhynchus mykiss) when spawning in the wild between 2008 and 2011 in the Wenatchee River, Washington. Hatchery fish originating from two prior generation hatchery parents had <20% of the reproductive success of natural origin spawners. In contrast, hatchery females originating from a cross between two natural origin parents of the prior generation had equivalent or better reproductive success than natural origin females. Males originating from such a cross had reproductive success of 26-93% that of natural males. The reproductive success of hatchery females and males from crosses consisting of one natural origin fish and one hatchery origin fish was 24-54% that of natural fish. The strong influence of hatchery broodstock origin on reproductive success confirms similar results from a previous study of a different population of the same species and suggests a genetic basis for the low reproductive success of hatchery steelhead, although environmental factors cannot be entirely ruled out. In addition to broodstock origin, fish size, return time, age, and spawning location were significant predictors of reproductive success. Our results indicate that incorporating natural fish into hatchery broodstock is clearly beneficial for improving subsequent natural spawning success, even in a population that has a decades-long history of hatchery releases, as is the case in the Wenatchee River.

HYDROGEOLOGIC SETTING AND CHARACTERISTICS OF RIPARIAN MEADOW COMPLEXES IN THE MOUNTAINS OF CENTRAL NEVADA: A CASE STUDY

EPA Science Inventory

Riparian wet meadow complexes in the mountains of the central Great Basin are scarce, ecologically important systems threatened by stream incision. An interdisciplinary team from government and academia is investigating the origin, setting, and biological--physical interrelations...

Planning for Project Continuation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Berry, Grant, Jr.

Designed to help colleges plan for the successful continuation of educational improvement projects beyond the end of their original funding period, this report presents a case study of Pennsylvania College of Technology's (PCT's) efforts to ensure the continuation of a Title III faculty development program. After describing the the Title III…

The Origins of Syntax in Discourse: A Case Study of Tok Pisin Relatives

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sankoff, Gillian; Brown, Penelope

1976-01-01

This article discusses the discourse functions of relativization. Relativization is seen as an instance of the application of "bracketing" devices used in the organization of information. Syntactic structure is thus seen as a component of, and derivative from, discourse structure. (CLK)

Understanding ADHD from a Biopsychosocial-Cultural Framework: A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pham, Andy V.

2015-01-01

The biopsychosocial-cultural framework is a systemic and multifaceted approach to assessment and intervention that takes into account biological, psychological, and socio-cultural factors that influence human functioning and service delivery. Although originally developed to assess physical health and medical illness, this contemporary model can…

Economic Impacts of Highway Relief Routes on Small- and Medium-Size Communities: Case Studies

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2001-09-01

Original Report Date: March 2000. Highway relief routes may have a variety of impacts on small- and medium-size communities, both positive and negative. On the positive side, communities benefit from a reduction in traffic through the heart of the co...

12 CFR 160.101 - Real estate lending standards.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... or property: • Requirements for feasibility studies and sensitivity and risk analyses (e.g... only one of several pertinent credit factors to be considered when underwriting a real estate loan... in individual cases to originate or purchase loans with loan-to-value ratios in excess of the...

12 CFR 560.101 - Real estate lending standards.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... or property: • Requirements for feasibility studies and sensitivity and risk analyses (e.g... only one of several pertinent credit factors to be considered when underwriting a real estate loan... in individual cases to originate or purchase loans with loan-to-value ratios in excess of the...

12 CFR 560.101 - Real estate lending standards.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... or property: • Requirements for feasibility studies and sensitivity and risk analyses (e.g... only one of several pertinent credit factors to be considered when underwriting a real estate loan... in individual cases to originate or purchase loans with loan-to-value ratios in excess of the...

Lean for Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

LeMahieu, Paul G.; Nordstrum, Lee E.; Greco, Patricia

2017-01-01

Purpose: This paper is one of seven in this volume that aims to elaborate different approaches to quality improvement in education. It delineates a methodology called Lean for Education. Design/methodology/approach: The paper presents the origins, theoretical foundations, core concepts and a case study demonstrating an application in US education,…

12 CFR 560.101 - Real estate lending standards.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... or property: • Requirements for feasibility studies and sensitivity and risk analyses (e.g... only one of several pertinent credit factors to be considered when underwriting a real estate loan... in individual cases to originate or purchase loans with loan-to-value ratios in excess of the...

12 CFR 390.265 - Real estate lending standards.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... or property: • Requirements for feasibility studies and sensitivity and risk analyses (e.g... only one of several pertinent credit factors to be considered when underwriting a real estate loan... in individual cases to originate or purchase loans with loan-to-value ratios in excess of the...

12 CFR 560.101 - Real estate lending standards.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... or property: • Requirements for feasibility studies and sensitivity and risk analyses (e.g... only one of several pertinent credit factors to be considered when underwriting a real estate loan... in individual cases to originate or purchase loans with loan-to-value ratios in excess of the...

Chapter 11: Monitoring and Assessment of Wetlands: Concepts, Case Studies, and Lessons Learned

EPA Science Inventory

Monitoring and assessment (M&A) have long been considered critical components of any resource management program where there is a need to evaluate progress and performance over time. Understanding the origins of current monitoring and assessment strategies and techniques for wetl...

Developmental origins of chronic inflammation: a review of the relationship between birth weight and C-reactive protein.

PubMed

deRosset, Leslie; Strutz, Kelly L

2015-07-01

The developmental origins of adult disease hypothesis suggests that the intrauterine environment may program postnatal health outcomes through mechanisms such as chronic inflammation. The purpose of this article was to review the literature on the association between infant birth weight and C-reactive protein (CRP), markers of the fetal environment and inflammation, respectively. We used PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, the citation lists of the reviewed literature, and recommendations from experts in the field to identify potential articles. Inclusion criteria for the studies, regardless of study design, included human subjects, documented or self-reported infant birth weight, and a minimum of one measurement of CRP (during childhood, adolescence, or adulthood). Several studies demonstrated a statistically significant inverse association between birth weight and CRP in adulthood, although in many cases only after controlling for markers of current adiposity. No studies significantly linked birth weight to CRP in childhood or adolescence. Longitudinal studies, including multigenerational studies, are needed to further understand whether adult CRP has origins in the fetal environment. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Response prediction techniques and case studies of a path blocking system based on Global Transmissibility Direct Transmissibility method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zengwei; Zhu, Ping; Zhao, Jianxuan

2017-02-01

In this paper, the prediction capabilities of the Global Transmissibility Direct Transmissibility (GTDT) method are further developed. Two path blocking techniques solely using the easily measured variables of the original system to predict the response of a path blocking system are generalized to finite element models of continuous systems. The proposed techniques are derived theoretically in a general form for the scenarios of setting the response of a subsystem to zero and of removing the link between two directly connected subsystems. The objective of this paper is to verify the reliability of the proposed techniques by finite element simulations. Two typical cases, the structural vibration transmission case and the structure-borne sound case, in two different configurations are employed to illustrate the validity of proposed techniques. The points of attention for each case have been discussed, and conclusions are given. It is shown that for the two cases of blocking a subsystem the proposed techniques are able to predict the new response using measured variables of the original system, even though operational forces are unknown. For the structural vibration transmission case of removing a connector between two components, the proposed techniques are available only when the rotational component responses of the connector are very small. The proposed techniques offer relative path measures and provide an alternative way to deal with NVH problems. The work in this paper provides guidance and reference for the engineering application of the GTDT prediction techniques.

“If We Build It, Will It Stay?” A Case Study of the Sustainability of Whole-System Change in London

PubMed Central

Greenhalgh, Trisha; Macfarlane, Fraser; Barton-Sweeney, Catherine; Woodard, Fran

2012-01-01

Context The long-term sustainability of whole-system change programs is rarely studied, and when it is, it is inevitably undertaken in a shifting context, thereby raising epistemological and methodological questions. This article describes a transferable methodology that was developed to guide the evaluation of a three-year follow-up of a large health care change program in London, which took place during a period of economic turbulence and rapid policy change. Method Using a mixed-method organizational case study design, we studied three services (stroke, kidney, and sexual health) across primary and secondary care. Each had received £5 million (US$7.8 million) in modernization funding in 2004. In 2010/2011, we gathered data on the services and compared them with data from 2004 to 2008. The new data set contained quantitative statistics (access, process, and outcome metrics), qualitative interviews with staff and patients, documents, and field notes. Our data analysis was informed by two complementary models of sustainability: intervention-focused (guided by the question, What, if anything, of the original program has been sustained?) and system-dynamic (guided by the question, How and why did change unfold as it did in this complex system?). Findings Some but not all services introduced in the original transformation effort of 2004–2008 were still running; others had ceased or been altered substantially to accommodate contextual changes (e.g., in case mix, commissioning priorities, or national policies). Key cultural changes (e.g., quality improvement, patient centeredness) largely persisted, and innovative ideas and practices had spread elsewhere. To draw causal links between the original program and current activities and outcomes, it was necessary to weave a narrative thread with multiple intervening influences. In particular, against a background of continuous change in the local health system, the sustainability of the original vision and capacity for quality improvement was strongly influenced by (1) stakeholders’ conflicting and changing interpretations of the targeted health need; (2) changes in how the quality cycle was implemented and monitored; and (3) conflicts in stakeholders’ values and what each stood to gain or lose. Conclusions The sustainability of whole-system change embodies a tension between the persistence of past practice and the adaptation to a changing context. Although the intervention-focused question, What has persisted from the original program? (addressed via a conventional logic model), may be appropriate, evaluators should qualify their findings by also considering the system-dynamic question, What has changed, and why? (addressed by producing a meaningful narrative). PMID:22985280

Risk Factors for Campylobacteriosis of Chicken, Ruminant, and Environmental Origin: A Combined Case-Control and Source Attribution Analysis

PubMed Central

Wagenaar, Jaap A.; de Boer, Albert G.; Havelaar, Arie H.; Friesema, Ingrid H. M.; French, Nigel P.; Busani, Luca; van Pelt, Wilfrid

2012-01-01

Background Campylobacteriosis contributes strongly to the disease burden of food-borne pathogens. Case-control studies are limited in attributing human infections to the different reservoirs because they can only trace back to the points of exposure, which may not point to the original reservoirs because of cross-contamination. Human Campylobacter infections can be attributed to specific reservoirs by estimating the extent of subtype sharing between strains from humans and reservoirs using multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Methodology/Principal Findings We investigated risk factors for human campylobacteriosis caused by Campylobacter strains attributed to different reservoirs. Sequence types (STs) were determined for 696 C. jejuni and 41 C. coli strains from endemic human cases included in a case-control study. The asymmetric island model, a population genetics approach for modeling Campylobacter evolution and transmission, attributed these cases to four putative animal reservoirs (chicken, cattle, sheep, pig) and to the environment (water, sand, wild birds) considered as a proxy for other unidentified reservoirs. Most cases were attributed to chicken (66%) and cattle (21%), identified as the main reservoirs in The Netherlands. Consuming chicken was a risk factor for campylobacteriosis caused by chicken-associated STs, whereas consuming beef and pork were protective. Risk factors for campylobacteriosis caused by ruminant-associated STs were contact with animals, barbecuing in non-urban areas, consumption of tripe, and never/seldom chicken consumption. Consuming game and swimming in a domestic swimming pool during springtime were risk factors for campylobacteriosis caused by environment-associated STs. Infections with chicken- and ruminant-associated STs were only partially explained by food-borne transmission; direct contact and environmental pathways were also important. Conclusion/Significance This is the first case-control study in which risk factors for campylobacteriosis are investigated in relation to the attributed reservoirs based on MLST profiles. Combining epidemiological and source attribution data improved campylobacteriosis risk factor identification and characterization, generated hypotheses, and showed that genotype-based source attribution is epidemiologically sensible. PMID:22880049

A case control study of senile cataract in a hospital based population.

PubMed

Badrinath, S S; Sharma, T; Biswas, J; Srinivas, V

1996-12-01

A case-control study (244 cases and 264 controls) was done during 1986-89 on a hospital based population to evaluate the risk factors associated with the etiology of senile cataract. Patient with age between 40-60 years, visual acuity of 6/9 or less, and presence of lenticular opacity of senile origin were included as cases. Age matched individuals with absence of lenticular opacity made up the controls. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that higher systolic BP and number of meals were significantly (P < or = 0.05) associated with presence of senile cataract; whereas higher weight, education and income, and utilization of cooking water had a significant protective effect against senile cataract. The present study helps the clinician to understand the possible risk factors associated with the development of senile cataract and could be helpful in designing a intervention strategy in future.

Hepatitis E in Singapore: A Case-Series and Viral Phylodynamics Study.

PubMed

Teo, Esmeralda Chi-Yuan; Tan, Boon-Huan; Purdy, Michael A; Wong, Pui-San; Ting, Pei-Jun; Chang, Pik-Eu Jason; Oon, Lynette Lin-Ean; Sue, Amanda; Teo, Chong-Gee; Tan, Chee-Kiat

2017-04-01

AbstractThe incidence of hepatitis E in Singapore appears to be increasing. A retrospective case-series study of patients diagnosed with hepatitis E in a tertiary hospital from 2009 to 2013 was conducted. Of 16 cases, eight (50%) were solid-organ transplant recipients (SOTRs), and 14 (88%) were found infected by genotype 3 hepatitis E virus (HEV-3). Bayesian inferences based on HEV subgenomic sequences from seven cases suggest that HEV-3 strains were introduced to Singapore as two principal lineages. Within limitations of the study, it can be inferred that one lineage, in the 3efg clade, emerged about 83 years ago, probably originating from Japan, whereas the other, in the 3abchij clade, emerged about 40 years ago, from the United States. Establishment and subsequent transmissions of strains from these two lineages likely contribute to the current endemicity of hepatitis E in Singapore.

Urban simulation evaluation with study case of the Singapore Management University, Singapore

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seanders, O.

2018-01-01

This paper reports and discusses about the urban simulation evaluation with a study case, The Singapore Managemant University (SMU), the first major university to be located in the city centre. It is located in Bras Basah District, with some controversy on the geographical establishment, the physical realization of the University in the original plan required some demolishes, urban historical building, a public park and in the end will impact the lose of some certain qualities of the urban space. From this case we can see that the urban design and cultural heritage principles could come into conflicts with the more practical concerns of space constraints and transportation efficiency. This SMU case reflect the problem of the developing countries that have to decide between conservation of buildings and green spaces and space demands. In this case, for Singapore, it marks a progress in the step of greater community involvement in the planning process.

Sarcomas in north west England: I. Histopathological peer review.

PubMed

Harris, M; Hartley, A L; Blair, V; Birch, J M; Banerjee, S S; Freemont, A J; McClure, J; McWilliam, L J

1991-08-01

A total of 468 cases of bone, soft tissue and visceral sarcomas (and certain other tumours) diagnosed during the years 1982-84 in North West England were entered in a study of histopathological peer review, incidence and survival. This paper describes the effects of peer review. Material was reviewed by a panel of five pathologists for 413 of the 450 cases originally registered as sarcomas with the Regional Cancer Registry. The diagnosis of sarcomas was confirmed in 76% cases and and there was agreement on sub-type for 53% cases. Measures of agreement were lowest for the two sub-types most commonly diagnosed i.e. malignant fibrous histiocytoma and leiomyosarcoma. Degree of agreement between individual pathologists and final panel diagnosis was also very variable but never less than 65%. It is concluded that second opinion is essential in cases of presumed sarcomas for studies of incidence and aetiology and to ensure that appropriate treatment is selected.

The Cooking and Pneumonia Study (CAPS) in Malawi: Implementation of Remote Source Data Verification

PubMed Central

Weston, William; Smedley, James; Bennett, Andrew; Mortimer, Kevin

2016-01-01

Background Source data verification (SDV) is a data monitoring procedure which compares the original records with the Case Report Form (CRF). Traditionally, on-site SDV relies on monitors making multiples visits to study sites requiring extensive resources. The Cooking And Pneumonia Study (CAPS) is a 24- month village-level cluster randomized controlled trial assessing the effectiveness of an advanced cook-stove intervention in preventing pneumonia in children under five in rural Malawi (www.capstudy.org). CAPS used smartphones to capture digital images of the original records on an electronic CRF (eCRF). In the present study, descriptive statistics are used to report the experience of electronic data capture with remote SDV in a challenging research setting in rural Malawi. Methods At three monthly intervals, fieldworkers, who were employed by CAPS, captured pneumonia data from the original records onto the eCRF. Fieldworkers also captured digital images of the original records. Once Internet connectivity was available, the data captured on the eCRF and the digital images of the original records were uploaded to a web-based SDV application. This enabled SDV to be conducted remotely from the UK. We conducted SDV of the pneumonia data (occurrence, severity, and clinical indicators) recorded in the eCRF with the data in the digital images of the original records. Result 664 episodes of pneumonia were recorded after 6 months of follow-up. Of these 664 episodes, 611 (92%) had a finding of pneumonia in the original records. All digital images of the original records were clear and legible. Conclusion Electronic data capture using eCRFs on mobile technology is feasible in rural Malawi. Capturing digital images of the original records in the field allows remote SDV to be conducted efficiently and securely without requiring additional field visits. We recommend these approaches in similar settings, especially those with health endpoints. PMID:27355447

The Cooking and Pneumonia Study (CAPS) in Malawi: Implementation of Remote Source Data Verification.

PubMed

Weston, William; Smedley, James; Bennett, Andrew; Mortimer, Kevin

2016-01-01

Source data verification (SDV) is a data monitoring procedure which compares the original records with the Case Report Form (CRF). Traditionally, on-site SDV relies on monitors making multiples visits to study sites requiring extensive resources. The Cooking And Pneumonia Study (CAPS) is a 24- month village-level cluster randomized controlled trial assessing the effectiveness of an advanced cook-stove intervention in preventing pneumonia in children under five in rural Malawi (www.capstudy.org). CAPS used smartphones to capture digital images of the original records on an electronic CRF (eCRF). In the present study, descriptive statistics are used to report the experience of electronic data capture with remote SDV in a challenging research setting in rural Malawi. At three monthly intervals, fieldworkers, who were employed by CAPS, captured pneumonia data from the original records onto the eCRF. Fieldworkers also captured digital images of the original records. Once Internet connectivity was available, the data captured on the eCRF and the digital images of the original records were uploaded to a web-based SDV application. This enabled SDV to be conducted remotely from the UK. We conducted SDV of the pneumonia data (occurrence, severity, and clinical indicators) recorded in the eCRF with the data in the digital images of the original records. 664 episodes of pneumonia were recorded after 6 months of follow-up. Of these 664 episodes, 611 (92%) had a finding of pneumonia in the original records. All digital images of the original records were clear and legible. Electronic data capture using eCRFs on mobile technology is feasible in rural Malawi. Capturing digital images of the original records in the field allows remote SDV to be conducted efficiently and securely without requiring additional field visits. We recommend these approaches in similar settings, especially those with health endpoints.

Resurrecting Legacy Code Using Ontosoft Knowledge-Sharing and Digital Object Management to Revitalize and Reproduce Software for Groundwater Management Research

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kwon, N.; Gentle, J.; Pierce, S. A.

2015-12-01

Software code developed for research is often used for a relatively short period of time before it is abandoned, lost, or becomes outdated. This unintentional abandonment of code is a valid problem in the 21st century scientific process, hindering widespread reusability and increasing the effort needed to develop research software. Potentially important assets, these legacy codes may be resurrected and documented digitally for long-term reuse, often with modest effort. Furthermore, the revived code may be openly accessible in a public repository for researchers to reuse or improve. For this study, the research team has begun to revive the codebase for Groundwater Decision Support System (GWDSS), originally developed for participatory decision making to aid urban planning and groundwater management, though it may serve multiple use cases beyond those originally envisioned. GWDSS was designed as a java-based wrapper with loosely federated commercial and open source components. If successfully revitalized, GWDSS will be useful for both practical applications as a teaching tool and case study for groundwater management, as well as informing theoretical research. Using the knowledge-sharing approaches documented by the NSF-funded Ontosoft project, digital documentation of GWDSS is underway, from conception to development, deployment, characterization, integration, composition, and dissemination through open source communities and geosciences modeling frameworks. Information assets, documentation, and examples are shared using open platforms for data sharing and assigned digital object identifiers. Two instances of GWDSS version 3.0 are being created: 1) a virtual machine instance for the original case study to serve as a live demonstration of the decision support tool, assuring the original version is usable, and 2) an open version of the codebase, executable installation files, and developer guide available via an open repository, assuring the source for the application is accessible with version control and potential for new branch developments. Finally, metadata about the software has been completed within the OntoSoft portal to provide descriptive curation, make GWDSS searchable, and complete documentation of the scientific software lifecycle.

SU-E-T-175: Clinical Evaluations of Monte Carlo-Based Inverse Treatment Plan Optimization for Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy

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

Chi, Y; Li, Y; Tian, Z

2015-06-15

Purpose: Pencil-beam or superposition-convolution type dose calculation algorithms are routinely used in inverse plan optimization for intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). However, due to their limited accuracy in some challenging cases, e.g. lung, the resulting dose may lose its optimality after being recomputed using an accurate algorithm, e.g. Monte Carlo (MC). It is the objective of this study to evaluate the feasibility and advantages of a new method to include MC in the treatment planning process. Methods: We developed a scheme to iteratively perform MC-based beamlet dose calculations and plan optimization. In the MC stage, a GPU-based dose engine wasmore » used and the particle number sampled from a beamlet was proportional to its optimized fluence from the previous step. We tested this scheme in four lung cancer IMRT cases. For each case, the original plan dose, plan dose re-computed by MC, and dose optimized by our scheme were obtained. Clinically relevant dosimetric quantities in these three plans were compared. Results: Although the original plan achieved a satisfactory PDV dose coverage, after re-computing doses using MC method, it was found that the PTV D95% were reduced by 4.60%–6.67%. After re-optimizing these cases with our scheme, the PTV coverage was improved to the same level as in the original plan, while the critical OAR coverages were maintained to clinically acceptable levels. Regarding the computation time, it took on average 144 sec per case using only one GPU card, including both MC-based beamlet dose calculation and treatment plan optimization. Conclusion: The achieved dosimetric gains and high computational efficiency indicate the feasibility and advantages of the proposed MC-based IMRT optimization method. Comprehensive validations in more patient cases are in progress.« less

Pattern Classification of Endocervical Adenocarcinoma: Reproducibility and Review of Criteria

PubMed Central

Rutgers, Joanne K.L.; Roma, Andres; Park, Kay; Zaino, Richard J.; Johnson, Abbey; Alvarado, Isabel; Daya, Dean; Rasty, Golnar; Longacre, Teri; Ronnett, Brigitte; Silva, Elvio

2017-01-01

Previously, our international team proposed a 3-tiered pattern classification (Pattern Classification) system for endocervical adenocarcinoma of the usual type that correlates with nodal disease and recurrence. Pattern Classification- A have well demarcated glands lacking destructive stromal invasion or lymphovascular invasion (lymphovascular invasion), Pattern Classification- B show localized, limited destructive invasion arising from A-type glands, and Pattern Classification- C have diffuse destructive stromal invasion, significant (filling a 4× field) confluence, or solid architecture. 24 Pattern Classification-A, 22 Pattern Classification-B, 38 Pattern Classification-C from the tumor set used in the original description were chosen using the reference diagnosis (reference diagnosis) originally established. 1 H&E slide per case was reviewed by 7 gynecologic pathologists, 4 from the original study. Kappa statistics were prepared, and cases with discrepancies reviewed. We found a majority agreement with reference diagnosis in 81% of cases, with complete or near complete (6 of 7) agreement in 50%. Overall concordance was 74%. Overall Kappa (agreement among pathologists) was .488 (moderate agreement). Pattern Classification- B has lowest kappa, and agreement is not improved by combining B+C. 6 of 7 reviewers had substantial agreement by weighted kappas (>.6), with one reviewer accounting for the majority of cases under or overcalled by 2 tiers. Confluence filling a 4× field, labyrinthine glands, or solid architecture accounted for undercalling other reference diagnosis-C cases. Missing a few individually infiltrative cells was the most common cause of undercalling reference diagnosis- B. Small foci of inflamed, loose or desmoplastic stroma lacking infiltrative tumor cells in reference diagnosis-A appeared to account for those cases up-graded to Pattern Classification-B. In summary, an overall concordance of 74% indicates that the criteria can be reproducibly applied by gynecologic pathologists. Further refinement of criteria should allow use of this powerful classification system to delineate which cervical adenocarcinomas can be safely treated conservatively. PMID:27255163

Mineral Surface-Templated Self-Assembling Systems: Case Studies from Nanoscience and Surface Science towards Origins of Life Research.

PubMed

Gillams, Richard J; Jia, Tony Z

2018-05-08

An increasing body of evidence relates the wide range of benefits mineral surfaces offer for the development of early living systems, including adsorption of small molecules from the aqueous phase, formation of monomeric subunits and their subsequent polymerization, and supramolecular assembly of biopolymers and other biomolecules. Each of these processes was likely a necessary stage in the emergence of life on Earth. Here, we compile evidence that templating and enhancement of prebiotically-relevant self-assembling systems by mineral surfaces offers a route to increased structural, functional, and/or chemical complexity. This increase in complexity could have been achieved by early living systems before the advent of evolvable systems and would not have required the generally energetically unfavorable formation of covalent bonds such as phosphodiester or peptide bonds. In this review we will focus on various case studies of prebiotically-relevant mineral-templated self-assembling systems, including supramolecular assemblies of peptides and nucleic acids, from nanoscience and surface science. These fields contain valuable information that is not yet fully being utilized by the origins of life and astrobiology research communities. Some of the self-assemblies that we present can promote the formation of new mineral surfaces, similar to biomineralization, which can then catalyze more essential prebiotic reactions; this could have resulted in a symbiotic feedback loop by which geology and primitive pre-living systems were closely linked to one another even before life’s origin. We hope that the ideas presented herein will seed some interesting discussions and new collaborations between nanoscience/surface science researchers and origins of life/astrobiology researchers.

The Implementation of Lesson Study in English Language Learning: A Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nashruddin, Wakhid; Nurrachman, Dian

2016-01-01

Lesson Study as a growing interest in the education world has attracted educators, experts, and professionals in the area to make use of it in improving the lessons--it also happens in Indonesia. Originally applied in the teaching of mathematics in Japan, now it turns to be used in other fields, and English is one of them. This paper highlights…

Mammomonogamus roundworm (Nematoda: Syngamidae) recovered from the duodenum of a Thai patient: a first and unusual case originating in Thailand.

PubMed

Eamsobhana, Praphathip; Mongkolporn, Thawat; Punthuprapasa, Phaibulaya; Yoolek, Adisak

2006-04-01

A pair of Mammomonogamus laryngeus roundworms in copula was recovered from the duodenum of a 72-year-old male Thai patient from Kanchanaburi Province. Eggs were also found in the stool of the patient. This is the first case of Mammomonogamus infection originating in Thailand, as the previous two reports from Thailand attributed the infection as originating in Malaysia. The occurrence of adult worms in the duodenum is unusual and differs from previous findings in the larynx, posterior pharynx, tracheal wall and bronchi. This adds a new dimension to the manifestation of the infection.

Visceral leishmaniasis mimicking systemic lupus erythematosus: Case series and a systematic literature review.

PubMed

Santana, Iuri Usêda; Dias, Blenda; Nunes, Eduardo Araújo Santana; Rocha, Francisco Airton Castro da; Silva, Francisco Saraiva; Santiago, Mittermayer Barreto

2015-06-01

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that may present manifestations that resemble other diseases. Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a parasitic infection whose hallmarks may mimic SLE symptoms. Here, we report a case series and evaluate the published, scientific evidence of the relationship between SLE and VL infection. To assess original studies reporting cases of VL-infected patients presenting manifestations that are capable of leading to inappropriate suspicions of SLE or mimicking an SLE flare, we performed an extensive search in several scientific databases (MEDLINE, LILACS, SciELO, and Scopus). Two authors independently screened all citations and abstracts identified by the search strategy to identify eligible studies. Secondary references were additionally obtained from the selected articles. The literature search identified 53 eligible studies, but only 17 articles met our criteria. Among these, 10 lupus patients with VL mimicking an SLE flare and 18 cases of VL leading to unappropriated suspicions of SLE were described. The most common manifestations in patients infected with VL were intermittent fever, pancytopenia, visceromegaly, and increased serum level of acute phase reactants. The most frequent autoantibodies were antinuclear antibodies, rheumatoid factor, and direct Coombs' test. In endemic areas for VL, the diagnosis of SLE or its exacerbation may be a clinical dilemma. Hepatosplenomegaly or isolated splenomegaly was identified in the majority of the reported cases where VL occurred, leading to unappropriated suspicions of SLE or mimicking an SLE flare. Furthermore, the lack of response to steroids, the normal levels of complement proteins C3 and C4, and the increased level of transaminases suggest a possible infectious origin. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Design considerations for case series models with exposure onset measurement error.

PubMed

Mohammed, Sandra M; Dalrymple, Lorien S; Sentürk, Damla; Nguyen, Danh V

2013-02-28

The case series model allows for estimation of the relative incidence of events, such as cardiovascular events, within a pre-specified time window after an exposure, such as an infection. The method requires only cases (individuals with events) and controls for all fixed/time-invariant confounders. The measurement error case series model extends the original case series model to handle imperfect data, where the timing of an infection (exposure) is not known precisely. In this work, we propose a method for power/sample size determination for the measurement error case series model. Extensive simulation studies are used to assess the accuracy of the proposed sample size formulas. We also examine the magnitude of the relative loss of power due to exposure onset measurement error, compared with the ideal situation where the time of exposure is measured precisely. To facilitate the design of case series studies, we provide publicly available web-based tools for determining power/sample size for both the measurement error case series model as well as the standard case series model. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

[Malignant ovarian tumors and second look operations].

PubMed

Yasuda, M

1983-08-01

There are many problems that, the timing of S.L.O. the range of reduction, and side effects etc., we studied retrospectively for the S.L.O. The number of subjects were 302 of common epithelial and 251 of germinal cell tumors, totalling 553 cases. Among them, 41 cases were common epithelial and 49 cases germ cell origine respectively, totalling 90 cases of S.L.O. were carried out. Conclusion The 5 year survival rate of S.L.O. was observed to a significant extent. The mean survival time of S.L.O. group: were significantly prolonged. Complete surgery at the S.L.O. of the patient with epithelial and germinal affected the survival rate significantly.

A review of published analyses of case-cohort studies and recommendations for future reporting.

PubMed

Sharp, Stephen J; Poulaliou, Manon; Thompson, Simon G; White, Ian R; Wood, Angela M

2014-01-01

The case-cohort study design combines the advantages of a cohort study with the efficiency of a nested case-control study. However, unlike more standard observational study designs, there are currently no guidelines for reporting results from case-cohort studies. Our aim was to review recent practice in reporting these studies, and develop recommendations for the future. By searching papers published in 24 major medical and epidemiological journals between January 2010 and March 2013 using PubMed, Scopus and Web of Knowledge, we identified 32 papers reporting case-cohort studies. The median subcohort sampling fraction was 4.1% (interquartile range 3.7% to 9.1%). The papers varied in their approaches to describing the numbers of individuals in the original cohort and the subcohort, presenting descriptive data, and in the level of detail provided about the statistical methods used, so it was not always possible to be sure that appropriate analyses had been conducted. Based on the findings of our review, we make recommendations about reporting of the study design, subcohort definition, numbers of participants, descriptive information and statistical methods, which could be used alongside existing STROBE guidelines for reporting observational studies.

Isolated anomalous origin of the vertebral artery from the common carotid artery.

PubMed

Kesler, William W; Sabat, Shyamsunder B

2018-04-18

Anomalous origins of the vertebral arteries are uncommon and typically associated with other abnormalities of the great vessels. We present a case of an isolated origin of the right vertebral artery from the ipsilateral common carotid artery detected using magnetic resonance angiography. Such variants can significantly affect endovascular and surgical planning.

19 CFR 10.537 - Accessories, spare parts, or tools.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... parts, or tools will be taken into account as originating or non-originating materials, as the case may... 19 Customs Duties 1 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Accessories, spare parts, or tools. 10.537 Section... Free Trade Agreement Rules of Origin § 10.537 Accessories, spare parts, or tools. Accessories, spare...

Evaluation of the efficacy of 100% Type-I collagen membrane of bovine origin in the treatment of human gingival recession: A clinical study

PubMed Central

Soni, Nitin; Sikri, Poonam; Kapoor, Daljit; Soni, Bhavita Wadhwa; Jain, Rachna

2014-01-01

Background: Various treatment modalities have been devised for gingival recession, which is one of the most common signs of periodontal disease. The present study evaluates the efficacy of bioresorbable 100% type I collagen membrane of bovine origin in the treatment of human gingival recession. Materials and Methods: Twenty cases of Miller's class I or class II localized gingival recession defects on the facial surface were treated with 100% type I collagen membrane of bovine origin in conjunction with coronally positioned flap. Pre-operative and post-operative assessments were performed with respect to probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level and clinical recession at 12, 24 and 36 weeks. The data thus collected were analyzed statistically. Results: Statistically significant improvement based on Student's t test was found in all the three clinical parameters. Conclusion: Bioresorbable 100% type I collagen membrane of bovine origin has given inspiring results in the treatment of human gingival recession defects, thereby justifying the use of this material wherever indicated. PMID:25565742

Determination of the origin and texture of marble artifacts using stable isotopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dotsika, E.; Poutoukis, D.; Zisi, N.; Psomiadis, D.

2009-04-01

For the characterization of marble and the identification of the origin of marble artifacts, samples from several ancient monuments of Greece were analyzed using several techniques: stable isotopes of carbonates (13C, 18O), XRD analysis and optical microscopy, from which information can be obtained on the origin and texture of the marble used for the production of the artifacts. The full range of grain sizes and isotopic signatures that occur in a lot of different quarries has been measured and presented. In a δ13C versus δ18O diagram, the fields corresponding to all known ancient quarries (from Penteli, Cyclades, especially Naxos (Mela, Apol, Apir, Senax), Keros, Paros (Parlak, Parlyc) and Asia Minor (Prokon)) are reported. The plots representing the analyzed samples are also shown on the same diagram. The final results of the study indicate the origin of the carbonate material of the artefacts from each of the ancient monument. In cases that the samples plot on overlapping areas, a further study is proposed, using the maximum grain size of the material.

Miscommunication across Cultures: The Case of Marketing in Indian English. Revised.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Frank, Jane

A study of intercultural business communication problems compared three examples of direct marketing sales letters similar in function, format, content, and targeted recipient but originating in different cultures (India, England, and the United States) and companies. The letters were directed to a single prospective purchaser of "Who's…

What Do Information Technology Support Services Really Cost?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Leach, Karen; Smallen, David

1998-01-01

A study examined the cost of information-technology support services in higher education institutions. The report describes the project's origins and work to date and reports initial results in three areas: network services, desktop repair services, and administrative information systems, looking in each case at economies of scale, outsourcing…

Practical extension of a Lake States tree height model

Treesearch

Don C. Bragg

2008-01-01

By adapting data from national and state champion lists and the predictions of an existing height model, an exponential function was developed to improvetree height estimation. As a case study, comparisons between the original and redesigned model were made with eastern white pine (Pinus strobus L.). Forexample, the heights...

Science and Policy Interactions: A Case Study with Acid Rain

EPA Science Inventory

Management of air pollution has a long history in the United States. A succession of laws, with the first Federal law, passed in 1955, has lead to substantial reductions in emissions and improvements in air quality. These laws were simulated originally by acute local effects on ...

Six Sigma in Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

LeMahieu, Paul G.; Nordstrum, Lee E.; Cudney, Elizabeth A.

2017-01-01

Purpose: This paper is one of seven in this volume that aims to elaborate different approaches to quality improvement in education. It delineates a methodology called Six Sigma. Design/methodology/approach: The paper presents the origins, theoretical foundations, core principles and a case study demonstrating an application of Six Sigma in a…

Positive Deviance: Learning from Positive Anomalies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

LeMahieu, Paul G.; Nordstrum, Lee E.; Gale, Dick

2017-01-01

Purpose: This paper is one of seven in this volume, each elaborating different approaches to quality improvement in education. The purpose of this paper is to delineate a methodology called positive deviance. Design/methodology/approach: The paper presents the origins, theoretical foundations, core principles and a case study demonstrating an…

Team-Based Learning in the Humanities Classroom: "Women's Environmental Writing" as a Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harde, Roxanne

2015-01-01

This essay presents the adaptation of Team-Based Learning (TBL) for a course that uses ecofeminist approaches to environmental literature. Developed originally for use in professional programs, TBL's cornerstones are permanent learning teams, preparation, application, and timely assessment (Michaelsen, Knight, & Fink, 2002). I wanted my…

The Higher Education of Women: Essays in Honor of Rosemary Park.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Astin, Helen S.; Hirsch, Werner Z.

Essays include: some considerations on the higher education of women (Rosemary Park); three women, creators of change (Esther Raushenbush); women's education, the case for the single-sex college (Susan Romer Kaplan); liberal arts education and women's development (C. Robert Pace); women's studies, its origin, organization, and prospects (Sheila…

Case Study of the Innovation Process Characterizing the Development of the Three-Way Catalytic Converter System

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1979-11-01

This report traces the development of the three-way catalytic converter system from its origins in automaker and chemical firm research in the 1950s, to present plans preparing the system to be the auto exhaust emission control device most widely use...

Facial Emotion Recognition in Child Psychiatry: A Systematic Review

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Collin, Lisa; Bindra, Jasmeet; Raju, Monika; Gillberg, Christopher; Minnis, Helen

2013-01-01

This review focuses on facial affect (emotion) recognition in children and adolescents with psychiatric disorders other than autism. A systematic search, using PRISMA guidelines, was conducted to identify original articles published prior to October 2011 pertaining to face recognition tasks in case-control studies. Used in the qualitative…

An estimation of water origins in the vicinity of a tropical cyclone's center and associated dynamic processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takakura, Toshinari; Kawamura, Ryuichi; Kawano, Tetsuya; Ichiyanagi, Kimpei; Tanoue, Masahiro; Yoshimura, Kei

2018-01-01

To clarify the time evolution of water origins in the vicinity of a tropical cyclone (TC)'s center, we have simulated Typhoon Man-yi (July 2007) in our case study, using an isotopic regional spectral model. The model results confirm that the replacement of water origins occurs successively as the TC develops and migrates northward over the western North Pacific. It is confirmed that, in this case, a significant proportion of total precipitable water around the cyclone center comes from external regions rather than the underlying ocean during the mature stage of a TC. Similar features can also be seen in the proportion of each oceanic origin to total condensation. Indian Ocean, South China Sea, and Maritime Continent water vapors begin to increase gradually at the developing stage and reach their peak at the decay stage when the TC approaches southwestern Japan. These remote ocean vapors are transported to the east of the cyclone via the moisture conveyor belt, a zone characterized by distinct low-level moisture flux that stretches from the Indian Ocean to the TC, and are further supplied into the inner region of the TC by inflow within the boundary layer associated with its secondary circulation. Since it takes time to undergo these two dynamic processes, the delayed influence of remote ocean vapors on the TC appears to become evident during the mature stage.

Arthroscopic excision of heterotopic calcification in a chronic rectus femoris origin injury: a case report

PubMed Central

El-Husseiny, M; Sukeik, M; Haddad, FS

2012-01-01

Rectus femoris origin injuries in adult athletes are uncommon. In the acute phase, conservative treatment seems to have a favourable outcome, with surgical repair reserved for unsuccessful cases only. However, a group of patients may develop chronic pain and disability after recovery from the acute phase due to heterotopic calcification occurring at the site of injury. Open and arthroscopic excision of such calcifications has been described in the literature although arthroscopic excision of large calcified lesions in the rectus femoris has not been reported previously. A relevant case is presented and discussed. PMID:22507710

Stump appendicitis 10 years after appendectomy, a rare, but serious complication of appendectomy, a case report.

PubMed

Van Paesschen, Carl; Haenen, Filip; Bestman, Raymond; Van Cleemput, Marc

2017-02-01

We describe a case of stump appendicitis with the formation of abdominal abscesses in a 41-year-old patient 10 years prior appendectomy. The patient consulted with fever (38.1 °C) and abdominal pain, located at the right iliac fossa. Imaging studies showed signs of abscesses, located at the right iliac fossa, without clear origin of these abscesses. The abscesses were drained through diagnostic laparoscopy, no bowel perforation or clear origin of the abscedation was found during laparoscopy. During postoperative stay, the inflammatory parameters rose and the abscesses reoccurred. Re-laparoscopy was performed, the abscesses were drained and on careful inspection and adhesiolysis, a perforated stump appendicitis was revealed, covered underneath layers of fibrous tissue. Stump appendicitis is a rare complication seen after appendectomy and is generally not considered a possible etiology in patients presenting with fever and right iliac fossa abdominal pain with a history of appendectomy. This often delays the correct diagnosis and results in an associated increased incidence of complications. We describe a case of stump appendicitis occurring 10 years after initial appendectomy.

Cytogenetic and molecular analysis in Angelman syndrome.

PubMed

Zackowski, J L; Nicholls, R D; Gray, B A; Bent-Williams, A; Gottlieb, W; Harris, P J; Waters, M F; Driscoll, D J; Zori, R T; Williams, C A

1993-04-01

We report on cytogenetic and molecular analyses of 29 Angelman syndrome (AS) individuals ascertained in 1990 through the first National Angelman Syndrome Conference. High resolution GTG- and GBG-banded chromosomes were studied. Standard molecular analysis with six 15q11q13 DNA sequences was used to analyze copy number and parental origin of 15q11q13. Concordance between molecular and cytogenetic data was excellent. The combined data showed that 23 of the 27 probands (85%) on whom we had definitive results have deletions of the chromosome 15q11q13 region. Two classes of deletion were detected molecularly: most patients were deleted for the 5 more proximal probes, but in 2 cases the deletion extended distally to include in sixth probe. In the 13 cases where the parental origin of the deleted chromosome 15 could be established, it was maternal. There were no cases of uniparental disomy. Cytological observations of the relative sizes of the heterochromatic regions of the short arm of chromosome 15 suggested that chromosomes with large heterochromatic blocks may be more prone to de novo deletion.

The Origin of Invasive Microorganisms Matters for Science, Policy, and Management: The Case of Didymosphenia geminata

PubMed Central

Taylor, Brad W.; Bothwell, Max L.

2014-01-01

The value of distinguishing native from nonnative invasive species has recently been questioned. However, this dichotomy is important for understanding whether a species’ successful dominance is caused by introductions, changing environmental conditions that facilitate an existing population, or both processes. We highlight the importance of knowing the origin of hard-to-detect invasive microorganisms for scientific research, management, and policy using a case study of recent algal blooms of the stalk-producing diatom Didymosphenia geminata. Nuisance blooms have been reported in rivers worldwide and have been hastily attributed to introductions. However, evidence indicates that blooms are probably not caused by introductions but, rather, by environmental conditions that promote excessive stalk production by this historically rare species. Effective responses to invasive microorganisms depend on knowing whether their proliferation is caused by being nonnative or is the result of changing environmental conditions that promote invasive characteristics of native species. PMID:26955071

Cellular schwannoma arising from the gastric wall misdiagnosed as a gastric stromal tumor: A case report.

PubMed

Wang, Guangyao; Chen, Ping; Zong, Liang; Shi, Lei; Zhao, Wei

2014-02-01

Cellular schwannomas have been previously described at almost every anatomic location of the human body, but reports in the gastric wall are rare. The current study presents a rare case of cellular schwannoma originating from the gastric wall. Computed tomography revealed a 5.6×5.3×4.0-cm 3 solid mass located in the posterior wall of the stomach. Open laparotomy confirmed its mesenchymal origin. Microscopically, the tissue was composed of spindle-shaped and fascicularly-arranged cells, but mitotic figures were rare. Immunohistochemical staining showed that the tumor was negative for cluster of differentiation (CD)117, CD34, smooth muscle actin and desmin, but positive for S-100 and Ki67. The patient presented no evidence of recurrence and metastasis during follow-up. Gastric cellular schwannomas may be diagnosed by clinical characteristics, histological observations and immunohistochemical markers.

[Analysis of the diagnosis and treatment of Castleman disease originating in the head and neck].

PubMed

Liu, L; Wang, L F; Sang, J Z; Chen, L

2018-06-05

Objective: To improve diagnosis and treatment of Castleman' s disease (CD) originating in the head and neck. Method: Of 15 cases of Castleman' s disease originating in the head and neck, 8 cases occurred in the right side of the neck, 6 cases in the left side, and 1 case in both sides. Eleven cases were focal type CD (UCD), and 4 cases were multi-center type CD (MCD). All patients underwent imaging examination and neck nephrectomy. Four patients with MCD received drug treatment after surgery. Result: During follow-up from 12 to 69 months, one patient suffered a slight facial paralysis due to a close relationship between mass and the parotid gland. One patient had obvious postoperative scar growth and occasional itching; another patient suffered mild pain in shoulder;4 cases of multi-center patients survived with tumor; 2 cases lost follow-up at 57 months, 65 months after follow-up, respectively. There were no recurrence in these two cases during the follow-up period; the remaining 6 cases had no exceptions. Conclusion: The clinical manifestations of CD patients are different. Pathological examination is an important basis for diagnosis. After a definite diagnosis, related examinations need to be completed. The LCD patients generally had a good prognosis, and the MCD patients often had a poor prognosis. For patients with parapharyngeal masses complicated by thyroid tumors, surgery can be performed at the same time.. Copyright© by the Editorial Department of Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery.

Three-Capital Approach to the Study of Young People Who Excel in Vocational Occupations: A Case of WorldSkills Competitors and Entrepreneurship

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chankseliani, Maia; Relly, Susan James

2016-01-01

This paper examines the entrepreneurial inclinations of young people who achieved excellence in vocational occupations. We propose a three-capital approach to the study of entrepreneurship. Relying on the existing theories and original qualitative and quantitative data analyses, findings from interviews with 30 entrepreneurial and 10…

American Pestalozzianism Revisited: Alfred Holbrook and the Origins of Object-Based Pedagogy in 19th Century America

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Myers, Nathan R.

2007-01-01

The purpose of this study is to explore the significance of 19th century American educator Alfred Holbrook through his writings and administration of the Lebanon, Ohio based National Normal University. Through a case study of Alfred Holbrook, the historical understanding of important issues relating to the history of pedagogy and normal schools…

Graduates of New University Careers: Unequal Competition on the Labour Market

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Simón, Javier Damián

2017-01-01

The purpose of the study is to describe the process of job insertion in a context of the local labour market of the graduates to identify traits of discrimination originated by their hybrid professional profile. A case study and a qualitative approach were used to investigate the graduates of the first two generations of the Business Sciences…

The learning curve and the cost of heart transplantation.

PubMed

Woods, J R; Saywell, R M; Nyhuis, A W; Jay, S J; Lohrman, R G; Halbrook, H G

1992-06-01

The effect of learning on hospital outcomes such as mortality or adverse events (the so-called "practice makes perfect" hypothesis) has been studied by numerous investigators. The effect of learning on hospital cost, however, has received much less attention. This article reports the results of a multiple regression model demonstrating a nonlinear, decreasing trend in operative and postoperative hospital costs over time in a consecutive series of 71 heart transplant patients, all treated in the same institution. The cost trend is shown to persist even after controlling for various preoperative demographic and clinical risk factors and the specific experience of individual surgeons. Using a reference case, the model predicts a cost of $81,297 for the first heart transplant procedure performed at the hospital. If this same patient had been the tenth case rather than the first, with the hospital having benefited from the experience gained in nine previous cases, the model predicts the cost would now be only $48,431, or approximately 60 percent of the cost of the first case. Had this patient been the twenty-fifth case, the predicted cost would be $35,352 (43 percent of the original cost), and had this been the fiftieth case, the cost would be $25,458 (31 percent of the original cost). The longitudinal study design used in this analysis greatly reduces the likelihood that the observed cost reduction is due to economies of scale rather than learning. The results have implications for a policy of regionalization as a tactic for containing hospital cost. Whereas others have pointed to a volume-cost relationship as an argument for the regionalization of expensive and complex hospital procedures, the present data isolate a learning-cost relationship as a separate argument for regionalization.

Genomic analysis of the origins and evolution of multicentric diffuse lower-grade gliomas.

PubMed

Hayes, Josie; Yu, Yao; Jalbert, Llewellyn E; Mazor, Tali; Jones, Lindsey E; Wood, Matthew D; Walsh, Kyle M; Bengtsson, Henrik; Hong, Chibo; Oberndorfer, Stefan; Roetzer, Thomas; Smirnov, Ivan V; Clarke, Jennifer L; Aghi, Manish K; Chang, Susan M; Nelson, Sarah J; Woehrer, Adelheid; Phillips, Joanna J; Solomon, David A; Costello, Joseph F

2018-04-09

Rare multicentric lower-grade gliomas (LGGs) represent a unique opportunity to study the heterogeneity among distinct tumor foci in a single patient and to infer their origins and parallel patterns of evolution. In this study, we integrate clinical features, histology, and immunohistochemistry for 4 patients with multicentric LGG, arising both synchronously and metachronously. For 3 patients we analyze the phylogeny of the lesions using exome sequencing, including one case with a total of 8 samples from the 2 lesions. One patient was diagnosed with multicentric isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) mutated diffuse astrocytomas harboring distinct IDH1 mutations, R132H and R132C; the latter mutation has been associated with Li-Fraumeni syndrome, which was subsequently confirmed in the patient's germline DNA and shown in additional cases with The Cancer Genome Atlas data. In another patient, phylogenetic analysis of synchronously arising grade II and grade III diffuse astrocytomas demonstrated a single shared mutation, IDH1 R132H, and revealed convergent evolution via non-overlapping mutations in ATRX and TP53. In 2 cases, there was divergent evolution of IDH1-mutated and 1p/19q-codeleted oligodendroglioma and IDH1-mutated and 1p/19q-intact diffuse astrocytoma, occurring synchronously in one case and metachronously in a second. Each tumor in multicentric LGG cases may arise independently or may diverge very early in their development, presenting as genetically and histologically distinct tumors. Comprehensive sampling of these lesions can therefore significantly alter diagnosis and management. Additionally, somatic IDH1 R132C mutation in either multicentric or solitary LGG identifies unsuspected germline TP53 mutation, validating the limited number of published cases.

Epithelial-myoepithelial tumour of the lung: a case report referring to its molecular histogenesis

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Tracheobronchial submucous glands can be considered the pulmonary equivalent of minor salivary glands and therefore they can develop most of the tumours originated in these. Nevertheless, in spite of the wide distribution of this kind of glands along the tracheobronchial tree, pulmonary salivary gland-like neoplasms are not very frequent. Among them, the most frequent are mucoepidermoid and adenoid cystic carcinomas. On the contrary, pulmonary neoplasms showing a mixture of epithelial and myoepithelial elements are extraordinary infrequent, with only 11 cases collected from literature. We present the case of a 76 year-old woman with no interesting pathological history, to whom a pulmonary nodule is detected during a study of unknown origin neutropenia. An upper right lobectomy is performed. After macro and microscopic study, the diagnosis of pulmonary epithelial-myoepithelial tumour is made. It is a low malignant potential tumour with capacity to locally recur and less frequently to metastasize. Our case has the peculiarity of not being connected neither to visceral pleura nor to bronchial tree; we have not found this characteristic in any literature reviewed case. These tumours have been named in a lot of different ways, including adenomyoepithelioma, epithelial-myoepithelial tumour, epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma or epithelial-myoepithelial tumour of uncertain malignant potential. The p27/kip-1 protein plays a fundamental role in the development of these neoplasms. As we have verified in our case, its aberrant cytoplasmic location, besides its proved oncogenic function, would favour the proliferation of stem cells, which would explain both dual phenotype with presence of myoepithelial cells without connection with the bronchial tree, and TTF-1 immunostaining in epithelial cells. PMID:21798017

Epithelial-myoepithelial tumour of the lung: a case report referring to its molecular histogenesis.

PubMed

Muñoz, Guillermo; Felipo, Francesc; Marquina, Isabel; Del Agua, Celia

2011-07-28

Tracheobronchial submucous glands can be considered the pulmonary equivalent of minor salivary glands and therefore they can develop most of the tumours originated in these. Nevertheless, in spite of the wide distribution of this kind of glands along the tracheobronchial tree, pulmonary salivary gland-like neoplasms are not very frequent. Among them, the most frequent are mucoepidermoid and adenoid cystic carcinomas. On the contrary, pulmonary neoplasms showing a mixture of epithelial and myoepithelial elements are extraordinary infrequent, with only 11 cases collected from literature.We present the case of a 76 year-old woman with no interesting pathological history, to whom a pulmonary nodule is detected during a study of unknown origin neutropenia. An upper right lobectomy is performed.After macro and microscopic study, the diagnosis of pulmonary epithelial-myoepithelial tumour is made. It is a low malignant potential tumour with capacity to locally recur and less frequently to metastasize. Our case has the peculiarity of not being connected neither to visceral pleura nor to bronchial tree; we have not found this characteristic in any literature reviewed case.These tumours have been named in a lot of different ways, including adenomyoepithelioma, epithelial-myoepithelial tumour, epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma or epithelial-myoepithelial tumour of uncertain malignant potential.The p27/kip-1 protein plays a fundamental role in the development of these neoplasms. As we have verified in our case, its aberrant cytoplasmic location, besides its proved oncogenic function, would favour the proliferation of stem cells, which would explain both dual phenotype with presence of myoepithelial cells without connection with the bronchial tree, and TTF-1 immunostaining in epithelial cells.

7 CFR 65.260 - United States country of origin.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... OF BEEF, PORK, LAMB, CHICKEN, GOAT MEAT, PERISHABLE AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES, MACADAMIA NUTS, PECANS... States country of origin means in the case of: (a) Beef, pork, lamb, chicken, and goat: (1) From animals...

Ebola outbreak in rural West Africa: epidemiology, clinical features and outcomes

PubMed Central

Dallatomasina, Silvia; Crestani, Rosa; Sylvester Squire, James; Declerk, Hilde; Caleo, Grazia Marta; Wolz, Anja; Stinson, Kathryn; Patten, Gabriela; Brechard, Raphael; Gbabai, Osman Bamba-Moi; Spreicher, Armand; Van Herp, Michel; Zachariah, Rony

2015-01-01

Objective To describe Ebola cases in the district Ebola management centre of in Kailahun, a remote rural district of Sierra Leone, in terms of geographic origin, patient and hospitalisation characteristics, treatment outcomes and time from symptom onset to admission. Methods Data of all Ebola cases from June 23rd to October 5th 2014 were reviewed. Ebola was confirmed by reverse-transcriptase-polymerase-chain-reaction assay. Results Of 489 confirmed cases (51% male, median age 28 years), 166 (34%) originated outside Kailahun district. Twenty-eight (6%) were health workers: 2 doctors, 11 nurses, 2 laboratory technicians, 7 community health workers and 6 other cadres. More than 50% of patients had fever, headache, abdominal pain, diarrhoea/vomiting. An unusual feature was cough in 40%. Unexplained bleeding was reported in 5%. Outcomes for the 489 confirmed cases were 227 (47%) discharges, 259 (53%) deaths and 3 transfers. Case fatality in health workers (68%) was higher than other occupations (52%, P = 0.05). The median community infectivity time was 6.5 days for both general population and health workers (P = 0.4). Conclusions One in three admitted cases originated outside Kailahun district due to limited national access to Ebola management centres – complicating contact tracing, safe burial and disinfection measures. The comparatively high case fatality among health workers requires attention. The community infectivity time needs to be reduced to prevent continued transmission. PMID:25565430

Notice to Readers: The Effect of Falsified Clostridium difficile Infections Surveillance Data on Results Reported in MMWR.

PubMed

2015-09-11

In 2012, MMWR published the report, "Vital Signs: Preventing Clostridium difficile Infections," which examined Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) surveillance data. This report contained several errors pertaining to Emerging Infections Program (EIP) data. These errors occurred as a result of scientific misconduct by a former employee of the Oregon Health Authority. The Public Health Service Office of Research Integrity has determined that the former employee falsified or fabricated data for 56 Oregon EIP CDI case report forms (https://ori.hhs.gov/content/case-summary-asherin-ryan). The authors re-analyzed the EIP data to determine if the removal of all Oregon CDI cases (57 total cases) from the 10,342 cases included in the original publication altered the previously reported results. It did not. Re-analysis confirms the conclusions in the original report. Data in the original report from sources other than the Oregon Health Authority (i.e., from other EIP sites, the National Healthcare Safety Network, and Illinois, Massachusetts, and New York CDI prevention programs) were not involved in the research misconduct.Errata for the 2012 report have been published in this issue of MMWR.

Unusual cases of metastases to the breast. A report of 17 cases diagnosed by fine needle aspiration.

PubMed

David, Odile; Gattuso, Paolo; Razan, Wafai; Moroz, Krzysztof; Dhurandhar, Nina

2002-01-01

Although nonmammary tumors metastatic to the breast are relatively uncommon, a correct diagnosis is essential to appropriate management. Radiologically these lesions are single, round, discrete lesions without the spiculations of primary malignancies. Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) may provide a definitive diagnosis, thereby sparing patients unnecessary surgery. Seventeen cases of nonmammary malignancies diagnosed by fine needle aspiration of the breast were identified in the cytopathology files at three different institutions from 1989 to 1999. Three of the cases are of particular interest, including a mucoepidermoid carcinoma of salivary gland origin and a small cell undifferentiated carcinoma of rectal origin, neither of which has been reported in the literature previously. The third case was a male with a breast mass that was originally thought to be primary based on clinical, cytologic and immunocytochemical features but subsequently was determined to be a metastasis from the lung. Virtually any malignancy may metastasize to the breast. FNAB is the best approach to the diagnosis of tumors that either clinically or radiographically are not typical of primary breast tumors. Extramammary neoplasms metastatic to the breast may be definitively diagnosed by FNAB, resulting in the most appropriate as well as cost-effective patient management.

Stratification of co-evolving genomic groups using ranked phylogenetic profiles

PubMed Central

Freilich, Shiri; Goldovsky, Leon; Gottlieb, Assaf; Blanc, Eric; Tsoka, Sophia; Ouzounis, Christos A

2009-01-01

Background Previous methods of detecting the taxonomic origins of arbitrary sequence collections, with a significant impact to genome analysis and in particular metagenomics, have primarily focused on compositional features of genomes. The evolutionary patterns of phylogenetic distribution of genes or proteins, represented by phylogenetic profiles, provide an alternative approach for the detection of taxonomic origins, but typically suffer from low accuracy. Herein, we present rank-BLAST, a novel approach for the assignment of protein sequences into genomic groups of the same taxonomic origin, based on the ranking order of phylogenetic profiles of target genes or proteins across the reference database. Results The rank-BLAST approach is validated by computing the phylogenetic profiles of all sequences for five distinct microbial species of varying degrees of phylogenetic proximity, against a reference database of 243 fully sequenced genomes. The approach - a combination of sequence searches, statistical estimation and clustering - analyses the degree of sequence divergence between sets of protein sequences and allows the classification of protein sequences according to the species of origin with high accuracy, allowing taxonomic classification of 64% of the proteins studied. In most cases, a main cluster is detected, representing the corresponding species. Secondary, functionally distinct and species-specific clusters exhibit different patterns of phylogenetic distribution, thus flagging gene groups of interest. Detailed analyses of such cases are provided as examples. Conclusion Our results indicate that the rank-BLAST approach can capture the taxonomic origins of sequence collections in an accurate and efficient manner. The approach can be useful both for the analysis of genome evolution and the detection of species groups in metagenomics samples. PMID:19860884

Study on the Enhanced Operation of Self-Ventilation-Based Coupling System for Domestic Wastewater Treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kong, Lingwei; Wang, Lu; Zhang, Yi; Mei, Rongwu; Zhang, Yu

2018-06-01

In this study, a new coupling system of biological filter bed and subsurface-flow constructed wetland based on the self-ventilation network was proposed, and the comparative pollutant removal efficiency at low and high influent concentration of the pilot coupling system with different substrates configurations were investigated. The study found that: The comparison system (b) had better removal rates than that of the original system (a), and the removal rate when treating low influent concentration was 74.10%, 94.14%, 73.57% and 69.53%, while in high influent concentration case was 81.30%, 90.28%, 88.57% and 75.36% for CODCr , NH4+ -N, TN and TP, respectively. The removal of the above main water indexes of the comparison system (b) promoted by 11.00%, 11.55%, 2.69% and 8.09% respectively in low influent concentration case and 4.20%, 9.20%, 7.66% and 13.61% respectively in high influent concentration case when comparing to the original system (a), which showed that the optimized configuration of various kinds of substrates was significant and was more beneficial to the degradation and removal of pollutants. The adsorption and interception function of substrates in the constructed wetland was the main way of phosphorus removal. The function of self-ventilation ensured the amount of DO in the coupling system, making the phosphorus removal was less affected comparing to structure of traditional wetland.

Association between Zika virus infection and microcephaly in Brazil, January to May, 2016: preliminary report of a case-control study.

PubMed

de Araújo, Thalia Velho Barreto; Rodrigues, Laura Cunha; de Alencar Ximenes, Ricardo Arraes; de Barros Miranda-Filho, Demócrito; Montarroyos, Ulisses Ramos; de Melo, Ana Paula Lopes; Valongueiro, Sandra; de Albuquerque, Maria de Fátima Pessoa Militão; Souza, Wayner Vieira; Braga, Cynthia; Filho, Sinval Pinto Brandão; Cordeiro, Marli Tenório; Vazquez, Enrique; Di Cavalcanti Souza Cruz, Danielle; Henriques, Cláudio Maierovitch Pessanha; Bezerra, Luciana Caroline Albuquerque; da Silva Castanha, Priscila Mayrelle; Dhalia, Rafael; Marques-Júnior, Ernesto Torres Azevedo; Martelli, Celina Maria Turchi

2016-12-01

The microcephaly epidemic, which started in Brazil in 2015, was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by WHO in 2016. We report the preliminary results of a case-control study investigating the association between microcephaly and Zika virus infection during pregnancy. We did this case-control study in eight public hospitals in Recife, Brazil. Cases were neonates with microcephaly. Two controls (neonates without microcephaly), matched by expected date of delivery and area of residence, were selected for each case. Serum samples of cases and controls and cerebrospinal fluid samples of cases were tested for Zika virus-specific IgM and by quantitative RT-PCR. Laboratory-confirmed Zika virus infection during pregnancy was defined as detection of Zika virus-specific IgM or a positive RT-PCR result in neonates. Maternal serum samples were tested by plaque reduction neutralisation assay for Zika virus and dengue virus. We estimated crude odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs using a median unbiased estimator for binary data in an unconditional logistic regression model. We estimated ORs separately for cases with and without radiological evidence of brain abnormalities. Between Jan 15, 2016, and May 2, 2016, we prospectively recruited 32 cases and 62 controls. 24 (80%) of 30 mothers of cases had Zika virus infection compared with 39 (64%) of 61 mothers of controls (p=0·12). 13 (41%) of 32 cases and none of 62 controls had laboratory-confirmed Zika virus infection; crude overall OR 55·5 (95% CI 8·6-∞); OR 113·3 (95% CI 14·5-∞) for seven cases with brain abnormalities; and OR 24·7 (95% CI 2·9-∞) for four cases without brain abnormalities. Our data suggest that the microcephaly epidemic is a result of congenital Zika virus infection. We await further data from this ongoing study to assess other potential risk factors and to confirm the strength of association in a larger sample size. Brazilian Ministry of Health, Pan American Health Organization, and Enhancing Research Activity in Epidemic Situations. Copyright This is an Open Access article published under the CC BY 3.0 IGO license, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. In any use of this article, there should be no suggestion that WHO endorses any specific organisation, products or services. The use of the WHO logo is not permitted. This notice should be preserved along with the article's original URL.

A Case Study of Pharmaceutical Pricing in China: Setting the Price for Off-Patent Originators.

PubMed

Hu, Shanlian; Zhang, Yabing; He, Jiangjiang; Du, Lixia; Xu, Mingfei; Xie, Chunyan; Peng, Ying; Wang, Linan

2015-08-01

This article aims to define a value-based approach to pricing and reimbursement for off-patent originators using a multiple criteria decision analysis (MCDA) approach centered on a systematic analysis of current pricing and reimbursement policies in China. A drug price policy review was combined with a quantitative analysis of China's drug purchasing database. Policy preferences were identified through a MCDA performed by interviewing well-known academic experts and industry stakeholders. The study findings indicate that the current Chinese price policy includes cost-based pricing and the establishment of maximum retail prices and premiums for off-patent originators, whereas reference pricing may be adopted in the future. The literature review revealed significant differences in the dissolution profiles between originators and generics; therefore, dissolution profiles need to be improved. Market data analysis showed that the overall price ratio of generics and off-patent originators was around 0.54-0.59 in 2002-2011, with a 40% price difference, on average. Ten differentiating value attributes were identified and MCDA was applied to test the impact of three pricing policy scenarios. With the condition of implementing quality consistency regulations and controls, a reduction in the price gap between high-quality off-patent products (including originator and generics) seemed to be the preferred policy. Patents of many drugs will expire within the next 10 years; thus, pricing will be an issue of importance for off-patent originators and generic alternatives.

Prevention of delayed referrals through the Champlain BASE eConsult service.

PubMed

Liddy, Clare; Drosinis, Paul; Fogel, Adam; Keely, Erin

2017-08-01

To identify the proportion and evaluate the content of eConsults (electronic consultations) in which the Champlain BASE (Building Access to Specialists through eConsultation) eConsult process prompted a referral to a specialist that was not originally contemplated by the primary care provider (PCP). Cross-sectional study of all eConsults submitted between April 15, 2011, and January 31, 2015. Champlain Local Health Integration Network, a large health region in eastern Ontario. Primary care providers registered to use the Champlain BASE eConsult service. Answers from a close-out survey-completed by PCPs at the conclusion of each eConsult-stating that specialist referral was not originally contemplated but that the eConsult process had prompted referral. The logs containing the communication exchanged between the PCPs and the specialists were reviewed, and each prompted referral case was categorized by the type of question asked, if pharmaceutical advice was given, if the referral was redirected to a different specialty group, and if the referral was urgent. A total of 188 (3.4%) of 5601 eConsults completed during the study period were cases in which PCPs stated that they had originally not contemplated referring the patient to a specialist but that the Champlain BASE eConsult process had prompted referral. Prompted referrals were most often directed to cardiologists (10.6%), dermatologists (10.6%), infectious disease specialists (9.0%), hematologists (9.0%), and urologists (8.5%). The most common questions were about diagnosis (34.0%), drug treatment (18.0%), and management (15.0%). Pharmaceutical advice was given in 28.0% of prompted referral cases, and in 26.0% of cases, the face-to-face referral was redirected to another specialty group. In 5.0% of cases, the specialist stated the referral was urgent. The median specialist response time was 0.96 days (interquartile range 0.17 to 3.80 days). By providing PCPs with increased access to specialists, the Champlain BASE eConsult service serves an important role in identifying and preventing the potential detrimental consequences of delayed medical referrals across specialty groups. Copyright© the College of Family Physicians of Canada.

Diagnostic Efficiency in Digital Pathology: A Comparison of Optical Versus Digital Assessment in 510 Surgical Pathology Cases.

PubMed

Mills, Anne M; Gradecki, Sarah E; Horton, Bethany J; Blackwell, Rebecca; Moskaluk, Christopher A; Mandell, James W; Mills, Stacey E; Cathro, Helen P

2018-01-01

Prior work has shown that digital images and microscopic slides can be interpreted with comparable diagnostic accuracy. Although accuracy has been well-validated, the interpretative time for digital images has scarcely been studied and concerns about efficiency remain a major barrier to adoption. We investigated the efficiency of digital pathology when compared with glass slide interpretation in the diagnosis of surgical pathology biopsy and resection specimens. Slides were pulled from 510 surgical pathology cases from 5 organ systems (gastrointestinal, gynecologic, liver, bladder, and brain). Original diagnoses were independently confirmed by 2 validating pathologists. Diagnostic slides were scanned using the Philips IntelliSite Pathology Solution. Each case was assessed independently on digital and optical by 3 reading pathologists, with a ≥6 week washout period between modalities. Reading pathologists recorded assessment times for each modality; digital times included time to load the case. Diagnostic accuracy was determined based on whether a rendered diagnosis differed significantly from the original diagnosis. Statistical analysis was performed to assess for differences in interpretative times across modalities. All 3 reading pathologists showed comparable diagnostic accuracy across optical and digital modalities (mean major discordance rates with original diagnosis: 4.8% vs. 4.4%, respectively). Mean assessment times ranged from 1.2 to 9.1 seconds slower on digital versus optical. The slowest reader showed a significant learning effect during the course of the study so that digital assessment times decreased over time and were comparable with optical times by the end of the series. Organ site and specimen type did not significantly influence differences in interpretative times. In summary, digital image reading times compare favorably relative to glass slides across a variety of organ systems and specimen types. Mean increase in assessment time is 4 seconds/case. This time can be minimized with experience and may be further balanced by the improved ease of electronic chart access allowed by digital slide viewing, as well as quantitative assessments which can be expedited on digital images.

Abnormal Origin and Course of the Accessory Phrenic Nerve: Case Report.

PubMed

Paraskevas, George; Koutsouflianiotis, Konstantinos; Kitsoulis, Panagiotis; Spyridakis, Ioannis

In the current cadaveric study an unusual sizeable accessory phrenic nerve (APN) was encountered emerging from the trunk of the supraclavicular nerves and forming a triangular loop that was anastomosing with the phrenic nerve. That neural loop surrounded the superficial cervical artery which displayed a spiral course. The form of a triangular loop of APN involving the aforementioned artery and originating from the supraclavicular nerve to the best of our knowledge has not been documented previously in the literature. The variable morphological features of the APN along with its clinical applications are briefly discussed.

Patterns of spontaneous reports on narcolepsy following administration of pandemic influenza vaccine; a case series of individual case safety reports in Eudravigilance.

PubMed

Gadroen, Kartini; Straus, Sabine M J M; Pacurariu, Alexandra; Weibel, Daniel; Kurz, Xavier; Sturkenboom, Miriam C J M

2016-09-22

This study aims to describe the frequency and quality of spontaneous narcolepsy case reports following administration of pandemic influenza vaccine as captured in the Eudravigilance database. We conducted a retrospective descriptive study of spontaneous Individual Case Safety Reports (ICSRs), reporting narcolepsy following administration of pandemic influenza vaccine as received by Eudravigilance until July 2014. De-duplication was carried out by Eudravigilance. Frequency of reporting is described as number of ICSRs received per month over time. The quality of the ICSRs was evaluated by completeness of information and diagnostic certainty using the Automated Brighton Collaboration case definition tool (ABC-tool) for narcolepsy. After de-duplication, a total of 1333 ICSRs of narcolepsy and/or cataplexy following pandemic influenza vaccine were identified, originating from 18 countries worldwide. Most of the ICSRs (61.9%) originated from the signaling countries, Sweden and Finland. Although de-duplication of case reports was carried out, it is suspected that many duplicates exist, in particular from Sweden. The majority of the ICSRs (95.3%), reported exposure to Pandemrix®. Only few reports were received for Arepanrix® (1.6%) or Focetria® (0.5%), and Celvapan® (0.1%). Of those ICSRs reporting age, 73.1% concerned persons below age of 20years. When using the ABC-tool, all ICSRs were classified as having insufficient information to meet the Brighton Collaboration case definition of narcolepsy. An increase in reporting of narcolepsy appeared in Eudravigilance only after awareness was raised by the national authorities. Most narcolepsy reports were received from countries where the signal initially occurred, and were related to Pandemrix® in children/adolescents. Basic information about the patient and the exposure was present in most of the ICSRs. The ICSRs captured by Eudravigilance however, do not collect enough information to assess the diagnostic certainty according to the Brighton Collaboration case definition. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Expression of CD 68, CD 45 and human leukocyte antigen-DR in central and peripheral giant cell granuloma, giant cell tumor of long bones, and tuberculous granuloma: An immunohistochemical study.

PubMed

Kumar, Anoop; Sherlin, Herald J; Ramani, Pratibha; Natesan, Anuja; Premkumar, Priya

2015-01-01

Multinucleated giant cells (MNCs) form an integral part of numerous bone and soft tissue tumors, tumor-like lesions and are often associated with granulomas of immunological and nonimmunological origin. The presence of various types of giant cells depends on the lesions in which they are present which are difficult to be diagnosed under routine histological techniques. Immunohistochemistry can be used for a better diagnosis and understanding of the origin of various giant cells using various markers of immune response like human leukocyte antigen-DR (HLA-DR) and those expressed on monocytes and macrophages like CD 68 and leukocyte common antigen (LCA). The study group consisted of 10 cases of giant cell tumor (GCT) of long bones, tuberculous granuloma, and giant cell granuloma to evaluate and analyze the expression pattern of LCA, CD 68, and HLA-DR in various giant cell lesions. Strong expression of CD 68 was observed in 80% of the lesions, strong and moderate expression of CD 45 observed in 70% of the lesions among and within the groups. In contrast, HLA-DR demonstrated negative expression in 80% of cases except for tuberculous granuloma where all the 10 cases showed moderate to strong immunoreactivity. CD 68 and CD 45 expression was found in central giant cell granuloma, peripheral giant cell granuloma and GCT, suggesting the origin from mononuclear phagocyte system and considering their clinical behavior of osteoclast type. High expressivity of HLA-DR in tuberculous granulomas which is an essential factor for presentation of the microbial antigen to CD 4 helper cells thus reassuring the fact that they are up-regulated in response to infection.

Comparison of publication trends in dermatology among Japan, South Korea and Mainland China.

PubMed

Man, Huibin; Xin, Shujun; Bi, Weiping; Lv, Chengzhi; Mauro, Theodora M; Elias, Peter M; Man, Mao-Qiang

2014-01-09

We previously showed that the number of publications in dermatology is increasing year by year, and positively correlates with improved economic conditions in mainland China, a still developing Asian country. However, the characteristics of publications in dermatology departments in more developed Asian countries such as Japan and South Korea are unknown. In the present study, publications from 2003 through 2012 in dermatology in Japan, South Korea and mainland China were characterized. All data were obtained from http://www.pubmed.com. Dermatology departments in Japan published 4,094 papers, while mainland China and South Korea published 1528 and 1,758 articles, respectively. 48% of articles from dermatology in Japan were original research and 36% were case reports; The number of publications in Japan remained stable over time, but the overall impact factors per paper increased linearly over the last 10 year period (p < 0.05). In mainland China, 67% of articles from dermatology were original research, while 19% were case reports; The number of publications and their impact factors per paper increased markedly. In South Korea, 65% of articles from dermatology were original research and 20% were case reports. The impact factors per paper remained unchanged, despite of the fact that the number of publications increased over the last 10 year period (r2 = 0.6820, p = 0.0032). Only mainland China showed a positive correlation of the number of publications with gross domestic product per capita during this study period. These results suggest that the total number of publications in dermatology correlates with economic conditions only in developing country, but not in more developed countries in Asia. The extent of economic development could determine both the publication quantity and quality.

Comparison of publication trends in dermatology among Japan, South Korea and Mainland China

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background We previously showed that the number of publications in dermatology is increasing year by year, and positively correlates with improved economic conditions in mainland China, a still developing Asian country. However, the characteristics of publications in dermatology departments in more developed Asian countries such as Japan and South Korea are unknown. Methods In the present study, publications from 2003 through 2012 in dermatology in Japan, South Korea and mainland China were characterized. All data were obtained from http://www.pubmed.com. Results Dermatology departments in Japan published 4,094 papers, while mainland China and South Korea published 1528 and 1,758 articles, respectively. 48% of articles from dermatology in Japan were original research and 36% were case reports; The number of publications in Japan remained stable over time, but the overall impact factors per paper increased linearly over the last 10 year period (p < 0.05). In mainland China, 67% of articles from dermatology were original research, while 19% were case reports; The number of publications and their impact factors per paper increased markedly. In South Korea, 65% of articles from dermatology were original research and 20% were case reports. The impact factors per paper remained unchanged, despite of the fact that the number of publications increased over the last 10 year period (r2 = 0.6820, p = 0.0032). Only mainland China showed a positive correlation of the number of publications with gross domestic product per capita during this study period. Conclusions These results suggest that the total number of publications in dermatology correlates with economic conditions only in developing country, but not in more developed countries in Asia. The extent of economic development could determine both the publication quantity and quality. PMID:24405832

A Logic-Based Psychotherapy Approach to Treating Patients Which Focuses on Faultless Logical Functioning: A Case Study Method

PubMed Central

Almeida, Fernando; Moreira, Diana

2017-01-01

Many clinical patients present to mental health clinics with depressive symptoms, anxiety, psychosomatic complaints, and sleeping problems. These symptoms which originated may originate from marital problems, conflictual interpersonal relationships, problems in securing work, and housing issues, among many others. These issues might interfere which underlie the difficulties that with the ability of the patients face in maintaining faultless logical reasoning (FLR) and faultless logical functioning (FLF). FLR implies to assess correctly premises, rules, and conclusions. And FLF implies assessing not only FLR, but also the circumstances, life experience, personality, events that validate a conclusion. Almost always, the symptomatology is accompanied by intense emotional changes. Clinical experience shows that a logic-based psychotherapy (LBP) approach is not practiced, and that therapists’ resort to psychopharmacotherapy or other types of psychotherapeutic approaches that are not focused on logical reasoning and, especially, logical functioning. Because of this, patients do not learn to overcome their reasoning and functioning errors. The aim of this work was to investigate how LBP works to improve the patients’ ability to think and function in a faultless logical way. This work describes the case studies of three patients. For this purpose we described the treatment of three patients. With this psychotherapeutic approach, patients gain knowledge that can then be applied not only to the issues that led them to the consultation, but also to other problems they have experienced, thus creating a learning experience and helping to prevent such patients from becoming involved in similar problematic situations. This highlights that LBP is a way of treating symptoms that interfere on some level with daily functioning. This psychotherapeutic approach is relevant for improving patients’ quality of life, and it fills a gap in the literature by describing original case analyses. PMID:29312088

Parental and family-related influences on dental caries in children of Dutch, Moroccan and Turkish origin.

PubMed

Duijster, Denise; de Jong-Lenters, Maddelon; de Ruiter, Corine; Thijssen, Jill; van Loveren, Cor; Verrips, Erik

2015-04-01

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the relationship between parental and family-related factors and childhood dental caries in a sample of 5- to 6-year-old children of Dutch, Moroccan and Turkish origin. Furthermore, the relationship of parental and family-related factors with social class and ethnicity was examined. The study sample included 92 parent-child dyads (46 cases and 46 controls), which were recruited from a large paediatric dental centre in The Hague, the Netherlands. Cases were children with four or more decayed, missing or filled teeth, and controls were caries free. Validated questionnaires were used to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics, oral health behaviours, parents' dental self-efficacy and locus of control (LoC), parenting practices and family functioning. Parenting practices were also assessed using structured video observations of parent-child interactions. Parents of controls had a more internal LoC, and they were more likely to show positive (observed) parenting in terms of positive involvement, encouragement and problem-solving, compared to cases (P < 0.05). Lower social class was significantly associated with a lower dental self-efficacy, a more external LoC and poorer parenting practices. Furthermore, LoC was more external in Moroccan and Turkish parents, compared to Dutch parents. Parents' internal LoC and observed positive parenting practices on the dimensions positive involvement, encouragement and problem-solving were important indicators of dental health in children of Dutch, Moroccan and Turkish origin. Findings suggest that these parental factors are potential mediators of socioeconomic inequalities in children's dental health. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Origin of X-Ray and Gamma-Ray Emission from the Galactic Central Region

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

Chernyshov, D. O.; Dogiel, V. A.; Cheng, K.-S.

We study a possible connection between different non-thermal emissions from the inner few parsecs of the Galaxy. We analyze the origin of the gamma-ray source 2FGL J1745.6−2858 (or 3FGL J1745.6−2859c) in the Galactic Center (GC) and the diffuse hard X-ray component recently found by the Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array , as well as the radio emission and processes of hydrogen ionization from this area. We assume that a source in the GC injected energetic particles with power-law spectrum into the surrounding medium in the past or continues to inject until now. The energetic particles may be protons, electrons, or amore » combination of both. These particles diffuse to the surrounding medium and interact with gas, magnetic field, and background photons to produce non-thermal emissions. We study the spectral and spatial features of the hard X-ray emission and gamma-ray emission by the particles from the central source. Our goal is to examine whether the hard X-ray and gamma-ray emissions have a common origin. Our estimations show that, in the case of pure hadronic models, the expected flux of hard X-ray emission is too low. Despite the fact that protons can produce a non-zero contribution in gamma-ray emission, it is unlikely that they and their secondary electrons can make a significant contribution in hard X-ray flux. In the case of pure leptonic models, it is possible to reproduce both X-ray and gamma-ray emissions for both transient and continuous supply models. However, in the case of the continuous supply model, the ionization rate of molecular hydrogen may significantly exceed the observed value.« less

The Added Value of Pathology Review in Vulvar Cancer: Results From a Population-based Cohort Study.

PubMed

Barbera, Lisa; Gien, Lilian T; Sutradhar, Rinku; Thomas, Gillian; Covens, Al; Elit, Laurie; Fyles, Anthony; Rakovitch, Eileen; Liu, Ying; Khalifa, Mahmoud

2017-03-01

We conducted a population-based patterns of care study of vulvar carcinoma. This paper describes the changes in reporting based on pathology review. This is a retrospective population-based cohort study. We obtained all pathology records available from the provincial cancer registry for primary invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva diagnosed between 1998 and 2007. Pathology reviews were conducted centrally by a group of gynecologic pathologists and were identified during abstraction. Corresponding original reports were matched to pathology review reports based on accession numbers. We compared the reported value for presence/absence of invasion, grade, depth, thickness, size, lymphovascular space invasion, peripheral margin status, and deep margin status in the original and review report. A total of 1011 vulvar resection reports were identified. From these, we identified 316 pairs of original/review reports. Missing data were common but improved in the reviews. In total, 55 (17%) reports had at least 1 change from the original to the review based on presence of invasion, depth, lymphovascular space invasion, or margin. When we included reports where a variable was missing in the original but then completed in the review, there were clinically relevant changes in 210 reports (66%). Vulvar carcinoma is a rare diagnosis and pathology reviews resulted in potentially important clinical changes in a significant proportion of cases. Referral pathologists play an important role in contributing to high-quality clinical decisions.

Ten Studies Pertaining to Residence, Mobility, and School Attendance Patterns of Discrete Black and Mexican American Populations in Tucson, Arizona, Between 1918 and 1976. Volume I.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bockman, John F.

Volume I contains the substance of five studies originally filed with the United States District Court for the District of Arizona in the cases of "Fisher v. Lohr" and "Mendoza v. Tucson School District No. 1." Study I determines patterns of attendance at several elementary schools by non-Mexican American and Mexican American…

Losing a Language in Childhood: A Longitudinal Case Study on Language Attrition

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Flores, Cristina

2015-01-01

This paper is based upon a longitudinal study of L2 attrition in a bilingual child who grew up in an L2 migration background (Germany) and moved to the country of origin (Portugal) at the age of nine, experiencing a "dominance shift from the L2 to the L1." The study aims to analyze the effects of language loss in L2 German. Data…

Developmental origins of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a case control study comparing birth weight in women with PCOS and control group.

PubMed

Sadrzadeh, Sheda; Painter, Rebecca C; Lambalk, Cornelis B

2016-10-01

Evidence from various epidemiological studies and experimental animal studies has linked adverse intrauterine circumstances with health problems in adult life. This field of investigation is known as Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD). Studies investigating the relation between developing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in adulthood and birth weight have yielded inconsistent results: PCOS is described more often in women with low birth weight and high birth weight, while other studies have failed to establish any relation. In this retrospective case-control study, we evaluated whether women diagnosed with PCOS had lower birth weight compared to women with a regular menstrual cycle (controls). Binary logistic regression models were used to analyze the data and correct for known confounders. About 65 women with PCOS and 96 controls were recruited for this purpose. The average birth weight of PCOS women (3357 g) did not differ from the average birth weight of controls (3409 g). Mean age at menarche differed significantly between groups, 13.7  years and 12.8  years (p = 0.006), respectively, for PCOS women and controls. In conclusion, we could not confirm the effect of adverse intrauterine conditions, reflected in birth weight, on developing PCOS.

Confirming genes influencing risk to cleft lip with/without cleft palate in a case-parent trio study.

PubMed

Beaty, T H; Taub, M A; Scott, A F; Murray, J C; Marazita, M L; Schwender, H; Parker, M M; Hetmanski, J B; Balakrishnan, P; Mansilla, M A; Mangold, E; Ludwig, K U; Noethen, M M; Rubini, M; Elcioglu, N; Ruczinski, I

2013-07-01

A collection of 1,108 case-parent trios ascertained through an isolated, nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL/P) was used to replicate the findings from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) conducted by Beaty et al. (Nat Genet 42:525-529, 2010), where four different genes/regions were identified as influencing risk to CL/P. Tagging SNPs for 33 different genes were genotyped (1,269 SNPs). All four of the genes originally identified as showing genome-wide significance (IRF6, ABCA4 and MAF, plus the 8q24 region) were confirmed in this independent sample of trios (who were primarily of European and Southeast Asian ancestry). In addition, eight genes classified as 'second tier' hits in the original study (PAX7, THADA, COL8A1/FILIP1L, DCAF4L2, GADD45G, NTN1, RBFOX3 and FOXE1) showed evidence of linkage and association in this replication sample. Meta-analysis between the original GWAS trios and these replication trios showed PAX7, COL8A1/FILIP1L and NTN1 achieved genome-wide significance. Tests for gene-environment interaction between these 33 genes and maternal smoking found evidence for interaction with two additional genes: GRID2 and ELAVL2 among European mothers (who had a higher rate of smoking than Asian mothers). Formal tests for gene-gene interaction (epistasis) failed to show evidence of statistical interaction in any simple fashion. This study confirms that many different genes influence risk to CL/P.

Confirming genes influencing risk to cleft lip with/without cleft palate in a case-parent trio study

PubMed Central

Beaty, TH; Taub, MA; Scott, AF; Murray, JC; Marazita, ML; Schwender, H; Parker, MM; Hetmanski, JB; Balakrishnan, P; Mansilla, MA; Mangold, E; Ludwig, KU; Noethen, MM; Rubini, M; Elcioglu, N; Ruczinski, I

2013-01-01

A collection of 1,108 case-parent trios ascertained through an isolated, non-syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL/P) was used to replicate the findings from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) conducted by Beaty et al. (2010) where four different genes/regions were identified as influencing risk to CL/P. Tagging SNPs for 33 different genes were genotyped (1,269 SNPs). All four of the genes originally identified as showing genome-wide significance (IRF6, ABCA4 and MAF, plus the 8q24 region) were confirmed in this independent sample of trios (who were primarily of European and Southeast Asian ancestry). In addition, eight genes classified as ‘second tier’ hits in the original study (PAX7, THADA, COL8A1/FILIP1L, DCAF4L2, GADD45G, NTN1, RBFOX3 and FOXE1) showed evidence of linkage and association in this replication sample. Meta-analysis between the original GWAS trios and these replication trios showed PAX7, COL8A1/FILIP1L and NTN1 achieved genome-wide significance. Tests for gene-environment interaction between these 33 genes and maternal smoking found evidence for interaction with two additional genes: GRID2 and ELAVL2 among European mothers (who had a higher rate of smoking than Asian mothers). Formal tests for gene-gene interaction (epistasis) failed to show evidence of statistical interaction in any simple fashion. This study confirms that many different genes influence risk to CL/P. PMID:23512105

The impact on health outcome measures of switching to generic medicines consequent to reference pricing: the case of olanzapine in New Zealand.

PubMed

Lessing, Charon; Ashton, Toni; Davis, Peter B

2015-06-01

New Zealand's Pharmaceutical Management Agency (PHARMAC) manages the list of medicines available for prescribing with government subsidy, within a fixed annual medicines budget. PHARMAC achieves this through a mix of pricing strategies including reference pricing. In 2011, PHARMAC applied generic reference pricing to olanzapine tablets. This study sought to evaluate change in outcome measures of patients switching from originator to generic olanzapine consequent to the introduction of the policy. A retrospective study using national health data collections was conducted. Outcome measures included medicines indicators (change in dosage, concomitant therapy and treatment cessation), health care service indicators (use of emergency departments, hospitals and specialist services), surveillance reports of adverse events, and mortality. Subsequent to the removal of funding for originator brand olanzapine tablets, 99.7% of patients meeting the inclusion criteria switched to using generic olanzapine. Limited case reports of suspected therapeutic loss were received in the study time period. No increase in use of additional oral or injectable antipsychotic medication was observed after switching, nor any increase in other unique, non-antipsychotic prescription items. However, a high incidence of multiple switching between available brands was found. No net impact of switching brands on health service utilisation or mortality was found. The study shows that a switch can be made safely from originator olanzapine to a generic brand, and suggests that switching to generics should generally be viewed more positively. Generic reference pricing achieves considerable savings and, as a pricing policy, could be applied more widely.

Temporal Visualization for Legal Case Histories.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harris, Chanda; Allen, Robert B.; Plaisant, Catherine; Shneiderman, Ben

1999-01-01

Discusses visualization of legal information using a tool for temporal information called "LifeLines." Explores ways "LifeLines" could aid in viewing the links between original case and direct and indirect case histories. Uses the case of Apple Computer, Inc. versus Microsoft Corporation and Hewlett Packard Company to…