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Few Months (few + month)
Kinds of Few Months Selected AbstractsPlastid differentiation and chlorophyll biosynthesis in different leaf layers of white cabbage (Brassica oleracea cv. capitata)PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM, Issue 3 2004Katalin Solymosi The contents of protochlorophyllide, protochlorophyll and chlorophyll together with the native arrangements of the pigments and the plastid ultrastructure were studied in different leaf layers of white cabbage (Brassica oleracea cv. capitata) using absorption, 77 K fluorescence spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The developmental stage of the leaves was determined using the differentiation of the stoma complexes as seen by scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy. The pigment content showed a gradual decrease from the outer leaf layer towards the central leaves. The innermost leaves were in a primordial stage in many aspects; they were large but had typical proplastids with few simple inner membranes, and contained protochlorophyllide and its esters in a 2 : 1 ratio and no chlorophyll. Short-wavelength, not flash-photoactive protochlorophyllide and/or protochlorophyll forms emitting at 629 and 636 nm were dominant in the innermost leaves. These leaves also had small amounts of the 644 and 654 nm emitting, flash-photoactive protochlorophyllide forms. Rarely prolamellar bodies were observed in this layer. The outermost leaves had the usual characteristics of fully developed green leaves. The intermediary layers contained chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b besides the protochlorophyll(ide) pigments and had various intermediary developmental stages. Spectroscopically two types of intermediary leaves could be distinguished: one with only a 680 nm emitting chlorophyll a form and a second with bands at 685, 695 and 730 nm, corresponding to chlorophyll,protein complexes of green leaves. In these leaves, a large variety of chloroplasts were found. The data of this work show that etioplasts, etio-chloroplasts or chloro-etioplasts as well as etiolated leaves do exist in the nature and not only under laboratory conditions. The specificity of cabbage leaves compared with those of dark-grown seedlings is the retained primordial or intermediary developmental stage of leaves in the inner layers for very long (even for a few month) period. This opens new developmental routes leading to formation of specially developed plastids in the various cabbage leaf layers. The study of these plastids provided new information for a better understanding of the plastid differentiation and the greening process. [source] Cervical screening policies 2008 and beyondCYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 2007R. Winder There are many developments in cytology and in the NHS that will impact on the NHS Cervical Screening Programme over the next few years. In the short term HPV is a major issue, whether triage, primary screening or vaccination with further evidence coming forward from NHS early implementers and from research trials. Cytology automation is also already being trialled for the UK. So far as NHS developments go, we already have the two Carter reports, one on pathology modernisation and one on commissioning are both likely to impact on our service, as is the forthcoming Cancer Reform Strategy which should be out in a few months time. This will set out a blue print for cancer services in 2012, by which time the cervical screening programme could have a very different shape. [source] Impact of wastewater discharge on the channel morphology of ephemeral streamsEARTH SURFACE PROCESSES AND LANDFORMS, Issue 12 2001Marwan A. Hassan Abstract The impact of wastewater flow on the channel bed morphology was evaluated in four ephemeral streams in Israel and the Palestinian Territories: Nahal Og, Nahal Kidron, Nahal Qeult and Nahal Hebron. Channel changes before, during and after the halting of wastewater flow were monitored. The wastewater flow causes a shift from a dry ephemeral channel with intermittent floods to a continuous flow pattern similar to that of humid areas. Within a few months, nutrient-rich wastewater flow leads to rapid development of vegetation along channel and bars. The colonization of part of the active channel by vegetation increases flow resistance as well as bank and bed stability, and limits sediment availability from bars and other sediment stores along the channels. In some cases the established vegetation covers the entire channel width and halts the transport of bed material along the channel. During low and medium size flood events, bars remain stable and the vegetation intact. Extreme events destroy the vegetation and activate the bars. The wastewater flow results in the development of new small bars, which are usually destroyed by flood flows. Due to the vegetation establishment, the active channel width decreases by up to 700 per cent. The deposition of fine sediment and organic material changed the sediment texture within the stable bar surface and the whole bed surface texture in Nahal Hebron. The recovery of Nahal Og after the halting of the wastewater flow was relatively fast; within two flood seasons the channel almost returned to pre-wastewater characteristics. The results of the study could be used to indicate what would happen if wastewater flows were introduced along natural desert streams. Also, the results could be used to predict the consequences of vegetation removal as a result of human intervention within the active channel of humid streams. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Atlantic salmon Salmo salar L., brown trout Salmo trutta L. and Arctic charr Salvelinus alpinus (L.): a review of aspects of their life historiesECOLOGY OF FRESHWATER FISH, Issue 1 2003A. Klemetsen Abstract ,,,Among the species in the family Salmonidae, those represented by the genera Salmo, Salvelinus, and Oncorhynchus (subfamily Salmoninae) are the most studied. Here, various aspects of phenotypic and life-history variation of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar L., brown trout Salmo trutta L., and Arctic charr Salvelinus alpinus (L.) are reviewed. While many strategies and tactics are commonly used by these species, there are also differences in their ecology and population dynamics that result in a variety of interesting and diverse topics that are challenging for future research. Atlantic salmon display considerable phenotypic plasticity and variability in life-history characters ranging from fully freshwater resident forms, where females can mature at approximately 10 cm in length, to anadromous populations characterised by 3,5 sea-winter (5SW) salmon. Even within simple 1SW populations, 20 or more spawning life-history types can be identified. Juveniles in freshwater can use both fluvial and lacustrine habitats for rearing, and while most smolts migrate to sea during the spring, fall migrations occur in some populations. At sea, some salmon undertake extensive oceanic migrations while other populations stay within the geographical confines of areas such as the Baltic Sea. At the other extreme are those that reside in estuaries and return to freshwater to spawn after spending only a few months at sea. The review of information on the diversity of life-history forms is related to conservation aspects associated with Atlantic salmon populations and current trends in abundance and survival. Brown trout is indigenous to Europe, North Africa and western Asia, but was introduced into at least 24 countries outside Europe and now has a world-wide distribution. It exploits both fresh and salt waters for feeding and spawning (brackish), and populations are often partially migratory. One part of the population leaves and feeds elsewhere, while another part stays as residents. In large, complex systems, the species is polymorphic with different size morphs in the various parts of the habitat. Brown trout feed close to the surface and near shore, but large individuals may move far offshore. The species exhibits ontogenetic niche shifts partly related to size and partly to developmental rate. They switch when the amount of surplus energy available for growth becomes small with fast growers being younger and smaller fish than slow growers. Brown trout is an opportunistic carnivore, but individuals specialise at least temporarily on particular food items; insect larvae are important for the young in streams, while littoral epibenthos in lakes and fish are most important for large trout. The sexes differ in resource use and size. Females are more inclined than males to become migratory and feed in pelagic waters. Males exploit running water, near-shore and surface waters more than females. Therefore, females feed more on zooplankton and exhibit a more uniform phenotype than males. The Arctic charr is the northernmost freshwater fish on earth, with a circumpolar distribution in the Holarctic that matches the last glaciation. Recent mtDNA studies indicate that there are five phylogeographic lineages (Atlantic, Arctic, Bering, Siberian and Acadian) that may be of Pleistocene origin. Phenotypic expression and ecology are more variable in charr than in most fish. Weights at maturation range from 3 g to 12 kg. Population differences in morphology and coloration are large and can have some genetic basis. Charr live in streams, at sea and in all habitats of oligotrophic lakes, including very deep areas. Ontogenetic habitat shifts between lacustrine habitats are common. The charr feed on all major prey types of streams, lakes and near-shore marine habitats, but has high niche flexibility in competition. Cannibalism is expressed in several cases, and can be important for developing and maintaining bimodal size distributions. Anadromy is found in the northern part of its range and involves about 40, but sometimes more days in the sea. All charr overwinter in freshwater. Partial migration is common, but the degree of anadromy varies greatly among populations. The food at sea includes zooplankton and pelagic fish, but also epibenthos. Polymorphism and sympatric morphs are much studied. As a prominent fish of glaciated lakes, charr is an important species for studying ecological speciation by the combination of field studies and experiments, particularly in the fields of morphometric heterochrony and comparative behaviour. [source] Selenium Deficiency Associated with Cardiomyopathy: A Complication of the Ketogenic DietEPILEPSIA, Issue 4 2003A. G. Christina Bergqvist Summary: ,Purpose: The ketogenic diet (KD) is an efficacious treatment for intractable epilepsy, associated with infrequent side effects. The KD is known to be deficient in most vitamins and minerals and may be deficient in trace minerals. We report biochemical selenium deficiency in nine patients on the KD, including one who developed cardiomyopathy. Methods: A whole-blood selenium level was obtained on the symptomatic patient after noting the patient's poor appearance on physical examination. Children already treated and children beginning the KD were then evaluated prospectively for selenium status by measuring whole-blood or serum selenium as part of routine laboratory evaluation every 3 months. Results: The index case had no detectable whole-blood selenium. Cardiac physical examination and ECG were normal, but the echocardiogram revealed cardiomyopathy. Thirty-nine additional children had the selenium status evaluated. Eight had selenium levels below the normal range (six initially, and two developed low selenium levels on serial testing). They were referred for cardiology evaluations, which were normal. Selenium supplementation improved levels in all children. Low levels were seen in some children after only a few months of treatment. Conclusions: The nutrient adequacy of the currently used KD has not been fully evaluated. The nutrient content of KD with usual supplements may not meet Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for selenium and may not provide other trace minerals in adequate amounts. At our center, selenium deficiency was found in 20% of the patients evaluated. Screening for selenium deficiency is suggested if the patient KD regimen does not meet ,75% of the RDA or if the child is symptomatic. Nutrient supplementation should provide adequate trace elements for children treated with the KD. The KD requires close monitoring of the overall nutritional status. [source] Restorable Type Conversion of Carbon Nanotube Transistor Using Pyrolytically Controlled Antioxidizing Photosynthesis CoenzymeADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 16 2009Bo Ram Kang Abstract Here, a pyrolytically controlled antioxidizing photosynthesis coenzyme, , -Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, reduced dipotassium salt (NADH) for a stable n-type dopant for carbon nanotube (CNT) transistors is proposed. A strong electron transfer from NADH, mainly nicotinamide, to CNTs takes place during pyrolysis so that not only the type conversion from p-type to n-type is realized with 100% of reproducibility but also the on/off ratio of the transistor is significantly improved by increasing on-current and/or decreasing off-current. The device was stable up to a few months with negligible current changes under ambient conditions. The n-type characteristics were completely recovered to an initial doping level after reheat treatment of the device. [source] Time Warner Cable Kansas City looks beyond the usual suspects for ways to retain and engage customer-facing employeesGLOBAL BUSINESS AND ORGANIZATIONAL EXCELLENCE, Issue 1 2008Wendy Vega When too many new hires are leaving after just a few months on the job, despite effective recruitment and on-boarding programs, it is time to look for answers in new places. This company set out to strengthen the relationship between frontline supervisors and their new,mostly Generation Y,customer care specialists, and found it's never too early to start building engagement. Keys to early development of a strong supervisor-employee bond include beginning relationship building during the hiring interview; supervisor participation in new-hire training; learning the individual's personal drivers of engagement; 30-/60-/90-day assessments with coaching and mentoring; and exposing the new hire to positive high-performing peers (while buffering them from negative influencers). © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Influence of Point-Defect Reaction Kinetics on the Lattice Parameter of Ce0.8Gd0.2O1.9ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 4 2009Anna Kossoy Abstract The kinetics of point-defect association/dissociation reactions in Ce0.8Gd0.2O1.9 and their influence on the crystal lattice parameter are investigated by monitoring thermally induced stress and strain in substrate- and self-supported thin films. It is found that, in the temperature range of 100,180,°C, the lattice parameter of the substrate-supported films and the lateral dimensions of annealed, self-supported films both exhibit a hysteretic behavior consistent with dissociation/association of oxygen vacancy,aliovalent dopant complexes. This leads to strong deviation from linear elastic behavior, denoted in the authors' previous work as the "chemical strain" effect. At room temperature, the equilibrium state of the point defects is reached within a few months. During this period, the lattice parameter of the substrate-supported films spontaneously increases, while the self-supported films are observed to transform from the flat to the buckled state, indicating that formation of the dopant,vacancy complex is associated with a volume increase. The unexpectedly slow kinetics of establishing the defect equilibrium at room temperature can explain the fact that, depending on the sample history, the "observable" lattice parameters of Ce0.8Gd0.2O1.9, as reported in the literature, may differ from one another by a few tenths of a percent. These findings strongly suggest that the lattice parameter of the materials with a large concentration of interacting point defects is a strong function of time and material preparation route. [source] Gene therapy for haemophilia,yes, but,with non-viral vectors?HAEMOPHILIA, Issue 3 2009A. LIRAS Summary., High-purity plasma-derived and recombinant factors are currently safe and efficient treatment for haemophilia. The mid-term future of haemophilia treatment will involve the use of modified recombinant factors to achieve advantages such as decreased immunogenicity in inhibitor formation and enhanced efficacy as a result of their longer half-life. In the long-term, gene therapy and cell therapy strategies will have to be considered. Achievements in cell therapy to date have been using embryonic stem cells and hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells. Current gene therapy strategies for haemophilia are based on gene transfer using adeno-associated viruses and non-viral vectors. Gene therapy for haemophilia is justified because it is a chronic disease and because a very regular factor infusion is required that may involve fatal risks and because it is very expensive. Haemophilia is a very good candidate for use of gene therapy protocols because it is a monogenic disease, and even low expression is able to achieve reversion from a severe to a moderate phenotype. The current trends in haemophilia using adeno-associated viral vectors are safe but also involve immunogenicity problems. The other alternatives are non-viral vectors. There have been in recent years relevant advances in non-viral transfection that raise hope for considering this possibility. Several research groups are opting for this experimental alternative. An expression over 5%, representing a moderate phenotype, for a few months with a high safety, regarding vector, transfected cells, and implantation procedure, would already be a great success. This may represent an intermediate protocol in which the expression levels and times obtained are lower and shorter respectively as compared to viral vectors, but which provide a potential greater patient safety. This may more readily win acceptance among both patients and haematologists because fatal events in the past due to HIV/HCV infection may constrain the implementation of viruses as vectors. [source] Retropharyngeal node metastasis from papillary thyroid carcinomaHEAD & NECK: JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES & SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Issue 5 2007Naoki Otsuki MD Abstract Background. Papillary thyroid carcinomas commonly metastasize to paratracheal and jugular lymph nodes. Metastasis to the retropharyngeal node is rare for this tumor. Methods. Five patients underwent surgical treatment for metastasis of thyroid papillary carcinoma to the retropharyngeal lymph nodes that presented as a parapharyngeal or retropharyngeal mass. All patients had a history of total or subtotal thyroidectomy as their initial treatment. Among them, 3 patients had undergone ipsilateral modified radical neck dissection at their initial treatment. The other 2 patients had a history of bilateral or ipsilateral modified neck dissection for their subsequent cervical lymph node metastases. Results. Metastatic retropharyngeal nodes were successfully resected via transcervical approach in all patients. Although aspiration and difficulty in swallowing were observed in 2 patients after surgical treatment for metastatic retropharyngeal nodes, these complications spontaneously resolved within a few months. Conclusions. This study suggests that neck dissection and/or metastatic cervical lymph nodes might alter the direction of lymphatic drainage to the retrograde fashion, resulting in the unusual metastasis to the retropharyngeal lymph nodes. Although the cases described here are rare, metastasis to the retropharyngeal node should be considered at the follow-up for thyroid papillary carcinoma. Because these metastases will be missed by routine ultrasonography of the neck, periodic CT scan or MRI is recommended for follow-up, especially for patients with a history of neck dissection. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2007 [source] Synthesis and Characterization of a Composite Zeolite,Metglas Carbon Dioxide Sensor,ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 7 2005G. Giannakopoulos Abstract The synthesis of a faujasite,Metglas composite material that can be used in gas-sensing applications is presented. A continuous faujasite film was synthesized on a Metglas magnetoelastic strip using the secondary growth method. The ability of the new composite to remotely sense carbon dioxide in a nitrogen atmosphere at room temperature over a wide range of concentrations is demonstrated by monitoring the changes in the resonance frequency of the strip. The novel sensor combines the electromagnetic properties of the magnetoelastic material with the adsorption properties of the faujasite crystals. Experiments performed over a period of a few months showed that the composite sensor remained fully operational, thus indicating its long-term stability. Furthermore, the present work demonstrates that a zeolite,Metglas composite can be used as a sensor of an analyte in a mixture as long as it adsorbs selectively larger amounts of the particular analyte than other compounds present in the mixture. [source] Hypothesis: exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals may interfere with timing of pubertyINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANDROLOGY, Issue 2 2010A. Mouritsen Summary A recent decline in onset of puberty , especially among girls , has been observed, first in the US in the mid-1990s and now also in Europe. The development of breast tissue in girls occurs at a much younger age and the incidence of precocious puberty (PP) is increasing. Genetic factors and increasing prevalence of adiposity may contribute, but environmental factors are also likely to be involved. In particular, the widespread presence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is suspected to contribute to the trend of earlier pubertal onset. The factors regulating the physiological onset of normal puberty are poorly understood. This hampers investigation of the possible role of environmental influences. There are many types of EDCs. One chemical may have more than one mode of action and the effects may depend on dose and duration of the exposure, as well as the developmental stage of the exposed individual. There may also be a wide range of genetic susceptibility to EDCs. Human exposure scenarios are complex and our knowledge about effects of mixtures of EDCs is limited. Importantly, the consequences of an exposure may not be apparent at the actual time of exposure, but may manifest later in life. Most known EDCs have oestrogenic and/or anti-androgenic actions and only few have androgenic or anti-oestrogenic effects. Thus, it appears plausible that they interfere with normal onset of puberty. The age at menarche has only declined by a few months whereas the age at breast development has declined by 1 year; thus, the time span from initiation of breast development to menarche has increased. This may indicate an oestrogen-like effect without concomitant central activation of the hypothalamic,pituitary axis. The effects may differ between boys and girls, as there are sex differences in age at onset of puberty, hormonal profiles and prevalence of precocius puberty. [source] Linear and whorled nevoid hypermelanosis associated with developmental delay and generalized convulsionsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 2 2004Ahmad A. Alrobaee MD A 2-year-old Saudi boy was seen in our dermatology clinic with symmetrical, brown, linear macules over the legs, trunk, and arms (Figs 1,3). He was a product of a full-term vaginal delivery following an uneventful first pregnancy in a 22-year-old mother. The birth weight was 2.3 kg. The hyperpigmented macules followed the lines of Blaschko and were noticed a few months after birth; they had enlarged with body growth until the age of 18 months. There was no family history of a similar condition and the boy's parents were unrelated. No blistering or inflammatory changes preceded the hyperpigmentation. The palms, soles, nails, scalp, mucous membranes, and teeth were normal. In addition to the hyperpigmented macules, the patient started to have generalized convulsions at the age of 2 months. Figure 1. Linear hyperpigmented macules following the lines of Blaschko Figure 2. Close up view of the hyperpigmented macules Figure 3. Trunk: Hyperpigmented macules in whorled distribution Physical examination revealed delayed developmental milestones, microphthalmia, depressed nose, and high arched palate with no other abnormalities. Blood tests were normal. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed changes suggestive of a demyelinating process at the parieto-occipital white matter. Echocardiography revealed an atrial septal defect. Electroretinography (ERG), visual evoked potentials (VEP), and auditory evoked potentials (AEP) were normal. Electroencephalogram (EEG) showed multifocal epileptic discharge in the posterior region. A punch skin biopsy taken from the hyperpigmented lesions showed an increase in the melanin content of the basal layer with no incontinence of pigment or melanophages in the dermis. [source] A case of mucosal leishmaniasis: beneficial usage of polymerase chain reaction for diagnosisINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 12 2001Hironori Onuma MD A 36-year-old woman, who had emigrated from Japan to Paraguay as a 4-year-old child before returning to Japan in 1991, visited our clinic on November 10, 1997. She had suffered from a persistent ulcer on her forearm as a 6-year-old child and received intravenous injections for a few months, although she did not remember the details of therapy. Since May 1997, she had been aware of redness and swelling on her nose and had been treated with topical corticosteroid, but no improvement had been noted. Physical examination revealed erythematous plaque with crust from the left internal naris to nasolabial region (Fig. 1a). The atrophic plaque that had resulted from prolonged ulceration was found on the right forearm (Fig. 1b). In a biopsy specimen from the erythematous plaque on the nasolabial region, mononuclear dermal infiltrate, consisting of lymphocytes and histiocytes, was seen (Fig. 2a). The histiocytes were filled with Leishman-Donovan (L-D) bodies on a Giemsa staining sample (Fig. 2b). Fiberscopic examination revealed white plaque in the pharynx. The biopsy from the affected mucosa showed the same histopathological finding as with the skin. Figure 1. (a) Erythematous plaque with crust from the left internal naris to nasolabial region. (b) Atrophic plaque on the right forearm Figure 2. (a) In the biopsy specimen from the erythematous plaque on the nasolabial region, a mononuclear dermal infiltrate consisting of lymphocytes and histiocytes was seen. (Hematoxylin-Eosin stain, × 100) (b) The histiocytes were filled with Leishman-Donovan bodies. (Giemsa staining, × 400) Total DNA was purified from the skin biopsy specimen for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis using a specific primer for L (V) braziliensis.1,2 A 70-bp product was amplified (Fig. 3a); furthermore, the specificity of the PCR product was confirmed by Southern hybridization with the probe for L (V) braziliensis (Fig. 3b) and DNA sequence analysis (data not shown). From December 2, 1997, the patient received 20 mg/kg/day sodium stibogluconate (PentostamTM) intravenously for 20 days. After 5 days of treatment, the redness and swelling of the skin lesion was improved, and faint erythema remained at the end of 20 days' treatment. After a 2-week interval, since the erythema remained, another 20-day treatment was performed. All of the skin lesion became scar tissue and L-D bodies could not be found in a skin biopsy specimen. However, L-D bodies were still found in a biopsy from the pharyngeal mucosa that had a normal appearance. Though another additional treatment was planned, the patient refused it. Figure 3. (a) The results of PCR. 70-bps bands appear in lanes 2 and 6. Lane 1, a size marker (pUC19/HapII); lane 2, DNA extracted from the formalin-fixed patient's sample; lane 3, DNA extracted from a formalin-fixed control sample; lane 4, DNA (,); lane 5, DNA extracted from L (V) tropica; lane 6, DNA extracted from L (V) braziliensis. (b) Results of Southern blotting using the PCR products. The PCR products were transferred from agarose gel as shown in Fig. 3 (a). Specific probes were hybridized with 70-bps bands on lanes 2 and 6 [source] Mucous membrane pemphigoid, thymoma, and myasthenia gravisINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 9 2000Haideh Yazdani Sabet In November 1997, approximately 1 year before being evaluated at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, a 63-year-old woman presented with erosive tongue lesions that were diagnosed by her physician as oral lichen planus. The lesions responded well to 3 months of treatment with systemic and topical corticosteroids and topical antiyeast medication. She stopped taking the medications and had a relapse. A few months after the oral lesions developed, her left eyelid became ptotic. Results of magnetic resonance imaging of her brain were normal, and the ptosis resolved spontaneously after 2 weeks. One year later, her right eyelid began to droop, and the results of edrophonium testing were positive. She was prescribed prednisone, 30 mg daily, and pyridostigmine, as needed. The ptosis improved, but never fully resolved. Radiography revealed a left ,,thyroid nodule,'' but computed tomography did not show a mediastinal mass. She was advised to have the ,,nodule'' removed surgically and came to the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, for a second opinion. Her medical history was significant for the following: tinnitus, glaucoma, early bilateral cataracts, and long-standing hypertension, for which she took losartan, 50 mg twice daily. Other medications included: prednisone, 30 mg daily; pyridostigmine as needed; famotidine, 40 mg daily; and eyedrops for glaucoma. She denied any history of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, head and neck irradiation, family history of thyroid disease, or diplopia. Hepatitis serologic studies revealed hepatitis B exposure and recovery, hepatitis C immunity, and a previous hepatitis A viral infection. On examination at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, an erosive hypertrophic plaque was noted on the posterior dorsal half of the tongue, and vesicles and erythematous erosions on the hard and soft palates ( Fig. 1a). A lace-like white pattern was seen on the buccal mucosa bilaterally, and a small erosive patch on the left buccal mucosa ( Fig. 1b). Ocular and nasal mucous membranes were normal in appearance, and there were no pertinent skin findings. Dermatopathologic examination of an excisional biopsy specimen from the left dorsum of the tongue demonstrated an ulcer with epitheliomatous hyperplasia and a granulomatous reaction, presumably due to yeast infection. Silver staining showed hyphae and yeast at the base of the tongue ulcer. The results of the direct immunofluorescence study were negative and revealed no lichenoid changes on hematoxylin and eosin staining. Indirect immunofluorescence testing of the serum revealed a 1 : 80 titer of basement membrane zone antibodies, reflecting pemphigoid. This test was positive on repeat study. Salt-split skin on monkey esophagus revealed an epidermal pattern of basement membrane zone antibodies. Treatment included fluocinonide gel applied to the involved areas four times daily and oral antiyeast therapy (fluconazole, 200 mg once daily by mouth) while the rest of the evaluation was being completed. Figure 1(a). Erosive hypertrophic tongue plaque. Figure (b) ,. Erosive patch on the buccal mucosa. As part of the evaluation of the ptosis, a myasthenia gravis antibody panel was performed. It revealed the following abnormalities: striated muscle antibody at 1 : 480 (reference range, <1 : 60), acetylcholine receptor binding antibody at 6.33 nmol/L (reference range, ,,0.02 nmol/L), acetylcholine receptor blocking antibody at 31% (reference range, 0,25%), and acetylcholine receptor modulating antibody at 100% (reference range, 0,20%), suggesting thymoma. Treatment included pyridostigmine, 30,45 mg 3,4 times daily, to control the myasthenia symptoms, while the ill-defined neck mass was being evaluated. A mildly enlarged thyroid was noted on physical examination. Hematology panel revealed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in the low normal range; the thyroid microsomal antibody was normal. Chest radiography showed minor tracheal deviation, and a previous computed tomogram showed what appeared to be a 3-cm enlarged mass in the thyroid. Ultrasonographically guided thyroid biopsy did not show malignancy, but a benign mesenchymal-type tumor was found and surgical excision was planned. Intraoperatively, a thymoma of the left cervical thymic tongue was found. At 6 months' follow-up, the ptosis and oral mucosal lesions had improved significantly, although she continued topical corticosteroid therapy intermittently for minor erosive oral disease. [source] ,Lues maligna" bei insulinpflichtigem Diabetes mellitusJOURNAL DER DEUTSCHEN DERMATOLOGISCHEN GESELLSCHAFT, Issue 10 2005"Lues maligna" in a female patient with diabetes Zusammenfassung Bei einer 40-jährige Patientin mit insulinpflichtigem Diabetes mellitus traten innerhalb weniger Wochen vor allem am Stamm multiple bis 2,5,cm große, lividrote Knoten und Plaques auf, die rasch ulzerierten. Einige Monate zuvor habe beim Partner ein kleines Ulkus am Penis bestanden. Die HIV-negative Patientin hatte eine hochtitrig positive Syphilisserologie (TPPA-Titer >,1 : 20.480, VDRL-Titer 1 : 128). Die nüchtern Blutglukosewerte lagen über 275,mg/dl. Nach Ausschluss einer Neurolues stellten wir die Diagnose einer ,Lues maligna" bei schlecht eingestelltem Diabetes mellitus. Unter einer Therapie mit 3,Injektionen Benzylpenicillin-Benzathin (2,4,Mio.,IE) i. m. in wöchentlichen Abständen und Einstellung des Diabetes heilten die Hautveränderungen komplett ab. Im Verlauf war der VDRL-Titer negativ. Die ,Lues maligna" tritt seit einigen Jahren wieder gehäuft auf und wird vor allem bei HIV-positiven Männern beobachtet. Das Auftreten dieser Erkrankung bei durch Diabetes mellitus bedingter Immunsuppression ist ausgesprochen selten. Summary A 40-year-old female patient with diabetes mellitus presented with multiple erythematous ulcerated nodules and plaques predominantly on the trunk. A few months ago her partner had a small ulcer on the penis. She was HIV negative but showed markedly elevated syphilis serology titers (TPPA titer >,1 : 20.480, VDRL titer 1 : 128). The serum glucose levels exceeded 275,mg/dl. After exclusion of neurological involvement, we made the diagnosis of ,lues maligna" arising in the setting of diabetes mellitus. The patient was treated with 2.4 million units benzathine penicillin intramuscularly weekly for three weeks. Simultaneously, diabetes therapy was improved with insulin injections. The syphilitic lesions cleared rapidly. In the follow-up VDRL titer was negative. ,Lues maligna" is an unusual ulcerative variant of secondary syphilis which has been observed more frequently in HIV-infected patients in the last years. The occurrence of this aggressive variant in the clinical setting of diabetes mellitus is extremely rare. [source] Basal cell carcinoma with matrical differentiation in a transplant patient: A case report and review of the literatureJOURNAL OF CUTANEOUS PATHOLOGY, Issue 6 2005Faizi Ali Background:, Shadow cells, characterized by basaloid squamous cells with a distinct well-defined border and a central unstained area as a shadow of lost nuclei, are characteristic of pilomatricoma, a distinct neoplasm of hair matrix differentiation. The presence of shadow cells within tumor islands composed of follicular germinative cells of an otherwise classic basal cell carcinoma (BCC) has been considered as a distinct diagnostic category of BCC with matrical differentiation. We present a case of BCC with matrical differentiation in a transplant patient. To our knowledge, only 10 cases [Aloi et al. Am J Dermatopathol 1988; 10: 509; Ambrojo et al. Am J Dermatopathol 1992; 14: 293; Sagol et al. East J Med 1999; 4: 37; Kwittken J. Cutis 2002; 69: 57; Kim et al. Yonsei Med J 2003; 44: 523] of BCC showing matrical differentiation have been reported. None have been reported arising on the background of immunosuppression. Methods:, A 58-year-old male cardiac transplant patient with a nodule on the dorsum of left hand was studied. It arose and enlarged rapidly within a few months, causing irritation and bleeding. The nodule was surgically excised and submitted for histopathologic evaluation. The sections were prepared by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) method. Results:, The H&E-stained sections of the hand lesion revealed multiple nodular masses of basaloid follicular germinative cells. In some areas, there was peripheral palisading and stromal retraction artifact typical of classic BCC. In these areas, the tumor nodules were connected to the epidermis, whereas in others, it extended deep into the reticular dermis to the subcutaneous fat junction. Elsewhere, the majority of the tumor contained a population of shadow cells, similar to those in pilomatricoma, with basaloid-appearing matrical cells in the periphery. Trichohyaline granules were identified in the cytoplasm of many of the peripheral basaloid cells. These granules are one of the characteristic features of follicular matrix differentiation. Mitoses were rare. Areas of cystic degeneration were present throughout the tumor. There was no evidence of an infiltrating growth pattern, lymphovascular invasion, or sarcomatoid growth pattern. Conclusion:, BCC with matrical differentiation is a distinct pathologic entity and a rare subtype of BCC featuring shadow and matrical cells, typically seen in pilomatricoma, a benign hair matrix neoplasm. This tumor has not yet been reported in an immunosuppressed transplant patient. [source] 16S rDNA Sequence Analysis of Bacterial Isolates from Die-back Affected Sissoo Trees (Dalbergia sissoo Roxb.) in BangladeshJOURNAL OF PHYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 9 2005H. Tantau Abstract A new form of disease called ,die-back' has been established in Dalbergia sissoo trees. This disease has reached epidemic proportions in Bangladesh as well as in other countries of South Asia and is characterized by browning of the leaves, signs of wilting, and trunk lesions with gum flow. The trees die within a few months. In order to investigate the causes of this die-back disease, samples were taken for a first trial in the Rajshahi division at two sites around Sherpur. For the isolation of bacteria, surface-sterilized plant material (leaves, twigs and trunk bark) from diseased trees was transferred to LB medium and incubated. After isolation of single colonies, various bacteria species could be identified by polymerase chain reaction analysis with two primers specific for highly conserved sequence regions in the bacterial 16S rDNA and by sequencing. First indications for the presence of bacteria with phytopathogenic potential were found. [source] A Door of Hope Re-opened: The Fifth Monarchy, King Charles and King JesusJOURNAL OF RELIGIOUS HISTORY, Issue 1 2008BERNARD CAPP A Door of Hope was the manifesto of the Fifth Monarchists' desperate uprising in London in January 1661, a few months after the Restoration of Charles II. While the rising itself is well known, its manifesto has never been examined in detail. Probably based on a sermon to Venner's congregation, it displays a defiant conviction that the Restoration could be understood as part of God's providential plan, the next step towards the imminent kingdom of Christ on earth. But it also reaches out to a much wider constituency, all the supporters of the "Good Old Cause," offering a programme that might appeal to many radicals. And the author draws on secular, republican discourse to buttress his apocalyptic claims, revealing close links between even the most extreme Fifth Monarchists and wider currents of interregnum radicalism. [source] Military Curfew, Race-Based Internment, and Mr. Justice RutledgeJOURNAL OF SUPREME COURT HISTORY, Issue 3 2003John M. Ferren The story is well known. A few months after Pearl Harbor, a curfew was imposed on West Coast residents of Japanese ancestry, including American citizens. Then they were confined at internment camps around the country. This tragic episode continues to generate scrutiny, including three new books last year.1 But there is at least one story, as yet untold, that will be of particular interest to students of the Supreme Court. Why did Justice Wiley Rutledge, the Court's newest member, who was known for his unyielding allegiance to civil liberties, join the majority in allowing internment? [source] The Clerk, the Thief, His Life as a Baker: Ashton Embry and the Supreme Court Leak ScandalJOURNAL OF SUPREME COURT HISTORY, Issue 1 2002John B. Owens On December 16, 1919, Ashton Fox Embry, law clerk to Supreme Court Justice Joseph McKenna, abruptly resigned from the position he had held for almost nine years. His explanation? His fledgling bakery business required his undivided attention. Newspapers that morning hinted at a different reason: Embry resigned because he had conspired with at least three individuals to use inside knowledge of upcoming U.S. Supreme Court decisions to profit on Wall Street.2 A grand jury returned an indictment against Embry and his associates a few months later, and Embry's argument that he had committed no crime ultimately reached the Supreme Court, the very institution he was accused of betraying. Despite the sensational headlines and fierce legal battle arising from his indictment, the United States Attorney quietly dismissed Embry's case in 1929, almost ten years after the story had broken. Few Court scholars have ever heard of Embry, and the memory of Embry, much like the case against him, has disappeared with time.3 This article unravels the "Supreme Court Leak Case" by reconstructing what happened almost eighty years ago. [source] Segmental Acquisition in Adult ESL Learners: A Longitudinal Study of Vowel ProductionLANGUAGE LEARNING, Issue 3 2008Murray J. Munro Research on second language (L2) phonetic learning indicates that, even in adults, segmental acquisition remains possible through L2 experience. However, the findings of previous cross-sectional studies of vowel and consonant learning have proved difficult to interpret. In this longitudinal investigation of 44 recent arrivals in Canada, productions of 10 English vowels in CVC context were elicited at 2-month intervals and evaluated by trained and untrained listeners. Improved intelligibility was observed, even in the absence of focused instruction on vowels. The results support the proposal that L2 phonetic learning is initially rapid but tends to plateau within a few months. However, this finding is complicated by different learning trajectories across vowels, differential L1 influences, and possible effects of word frequency. [source] Therapeutic management of recurrent hepatitis C after liver transplantationLIVER INTERNATIONAL, Issue 3 2007Rosângela Teixeira Abstract Recurrent hepatitis C ranges from minimal damage to cirrhosis developing in a few months or years in a substantial proportion of transplant recipients. Different virus, host and donor factors are involved in the pathogenesis of recurrence, but many are poorly understood. Therapeutic strategies can be utilized in the pre-, peri- or posttransplantation setting. Antiviral therapy using interferon and ribavirin and modifying immunosuppression are the main strategies to prevent progression disease. The efficacy of interferon and ribavirin is limited and side effects, reduction/withdrawal are frequent. Current sustained virological response rates are approximately 28%. An optimal immunosupppression regimen has not been established. The choice of calcineurin inhibitors has not clearly been shown to affect histological hepatitis C virus (HCV) but higher cumulative exposure to corticosteroids to treat acute rejection is associated with more severe recurrence. The manner in which the doses of immunosuppression are modified has more influence on HCV recurrence than the use of a specific drug per se. Debate about the influence of immunosuppressive regimens on HCV recurrence is ongoing. Potential antifibrotic therapy and new agents targeting HCV infection and replication are emerging and are anticipated to be added to our armentarium in battling recurrent HCV post-LT. [source] Relict sand dredging for beach nourishment in the central Tyrrhenian Sea (Italy): effects on benthic assemblagesMARINE ECOLOGY, Issue 2009Barbara La Porta Abstract The aim of this study is to analyse the effects in space and time of relict sand-dredging activities on macrobenthic assemblages, in an area situated offshore Montalto di Castro (central Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy), and to analyse the recolonisation processes of macrobenthos in the dredged areas. The area in question is characterised by relict sand deposits (Holocenic paleo-beaches), used for beach nourishment along the Latium coast. The effects of sand extraction on benthic assemblages were investigated before, during and after three dredging operations. The sites analysed are located within the dredged areas (inside stations) and in neighbouring, not dredged, areas (outside stations). The results showed that the impact of sand extraction was confined to the dredged stations and to the areas in proximity to the dredged areas. During dredging activities, the structure of benthic assemblages within the impacted stations was characterised by low species richness and diversity. Both the direct removal of sediment and the re-suspension and consequent deposition of fine sediment affected benthic assemblages of the impacted stations. A few months after the dredgings, a recolonisation process was still observed at all the impacted stations. A gradual recolonisation process was observed at those stations affected by only one dredging, whereas a different recolonisation was observed at those stations affected by two dredgings over time. This study suggests that differences of re-colonisation processes of benthic assemblages are related to the intensity of dredging operations in terms of dredging frequency. [source] Ernst Florens Friedrich Chladni (1756,1827) and the origins of modern meteorite researchMETEORITICS & PLANETARY SCIENCE, Issue S9 2007Ursula B. Marvin These ideas violated two strongly held contemporary beliefs: 1) fragments of rock and metal do not fall from the sky, and 2) no small bodies exist in space beyond the Moon. From the beginning, Chladni was severely criticized for basing his hypotheses on historical eyewitness reports of falls, which others regarded as folk tales, and for taking gross liberties with the laws of physics. Ten years later, the study of fallen stones and irons was established as a valid field of investigation. Today, some scholars credit Chladni with founding meteoritics as a science; others regard his contributions as scarcely worthy of mention. Writings by his contemporaries suggest that Chladni's book alone would not have led to changes of prevailing theories; thus, he narrowly escaped the fate of those scientists who propose valid hypotheses prematurely. However, between 1794 and 1798, four falls of stones were witnessed and widely publicized. There followed a series of epoch-making analyses of fallen stones and "native irons" by the chemist Edward C. Howard and the mineralogist Jacques-Louis de Bournon. They showed that all the stones were much alike in texture and composition but significantly different from the Earth's known crustal rocks. Of primary importance was Howard's discovery of nickel in the irons and the metal grains of the stones. This linked the two as belonging to the same natural phenomenon. These chemical results, published in February 1802, persuaded some of the leading scientists in England, France, and Germany that bodies do fall from the sky. Within a few months, chemists in France reported similar results and a new field of study was inaugurated internationally, although opposition lingered on until April 1803, when nearly 3,000 stones fell at L'Aigle in Normandy and transformed the last skeptics into believers. Chladni immediately received full credit for his hypothesis of falls, but decades passed before his linking of falling bodies with fireballs received general acceptance. His hypothesis of their origin in cosmic space met with strong resistance from those who argued that stones formed within the Earth's atmosphere or were ejected by lunar volcanoes. After 1860, when both of these hypotheses were abandoned, there followed a century of debate between proponents of an interstellar versus a planetary origin. Not until the 1950s did conclusive evidence of their elliptical orbits establish meteorite parent bodies as members of the solar system. Thus, nearly 200 years passed before the questions of origin that Chladni raised finally were resolved. [source] Sensitization to petrolatum: an unusual cause of false-positive drug patch-testsALLERGY, Issue 9 2004G. Ulrich We report on an unexpected sensitization to petrolatum diagnosed with the occurrence of multiple nonrelevant and false-positive drug patch-tests performed while investigating a patient suffering from many cutaneous adverse drug reactions. All the positive drug patch-tests were prepared with GILBERT® vaseline. This petrolatum reaction is positive as it was tested with five other brands of petrolatums a few months later. As the same petrolatums, but from different batches were tested, patch-tests with GILBERT® petrolatum were doubtful, while other petrolatums were positive. White petrolatum is a mixture of semisolid hydrocarbons of the methane series. The sensitizing impurities of petrolatum are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, e.g. phenanthrene derivatives. The purity of petrolatum depends on both the petroleum stock and on the production and packaging methods. Even if rare, contact sensitization to petrolatum can disturb the interpretation of drug patch-tests. It is necessary in the interpretation of drug patch-tests to test both in petrolatum and other vehicles and with all the different petrolatums used in preparing the material for drug patch-tests. So, it is essential to advise the patients sensitized to petrolatum to remove all the topical drugs, such as all the cosmetics, which contain petrolatum in their formulation. [source] Long-term monitoring of the intra-day variable quasar PKS 0405,385MONTHLY NOTICES OF THE ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY, Issue 1 2006L. Kedziora-Chudczer ABSTRACT The quasar PKS 0405,385 is one of three radio sources (the other two are PKS 1257,326 and J1819+385) which exhibit unusually strong and rapid interstellar scintillations at GHz frequencies. Such a behaviour suggests a nearby (<30 pc away) scattering screen along the line of sight to these radio sources. While quasars PKS 1257,326 and J1819+385 scintillate continuously over several years of monitoring, PKS 0405,385 shows episodes of strong scintillations which last only a few months. Here, I present the results of flux-density monitoring of PKS 0405,385 over 6 yr at four Stokes parameters and four frequencies. Two explanations of the episodic behaviour of interstellar scintillation in this source are discussed; morphological evolution of the source and changes in the properties of the interstellar medium along the line of sight. [source] The hard X-ray spectrum of the Seyfert galaxy IRAS 18325,5926: reflection from an ionized disc and variable iron K emissionMONTHLY NOTICES OF THE ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY, Issue 2 2004K. Iwasawa ABSTRACT We report our analysis of the X-ray spectra of the Seyfert galaxy IRAS 18325,5926 (= Fairall 49) obtained from various X-ray observatories prior to XMM,Newton, including new results from two RXTE and one BeppoSAX observations. A relatively steep continuum slope (,, 2.2) in the 2,15 keV band is confirmed. The continuum spectrum observed with the BeppoSAX PDS shows a possible roll-over at energies above 30 keV, indicating a Comptonizing corona cooler than in other Seyfert nuclei. The X-ray spectrum above 2 keV is best explained with a model including reflection from a highly ionized disc with significant relativistic blurring. The iron K, emission feature is then mainly due to Fe xxv. The seven recent observations show that the iron K emission flux appears to follow the continuum between the observations separated by a few months to years, although some exceptions suggest that the linestrength may be determined in a more complex way. [source] Arm chorea secondary to an unruptured giant aneurysm,MOVEMENT DISORDERS, Issue 11 2003Luis M. Barreiro De Madariaga MD Abstract We describe the case of a 20-year-old male who developed right-arm choreic movements secondary to a giant unruptured aneurysm impinging upon the left thalamus, putamen, globus pallidus, cerebral peduncle, midbrain, and subthalamic nucleus. The aneurysm was treated successfully with coils and a supraclinoid balloon. Abnormal movements initially failed to ameliorate, but within a few months, it was possible to discontinue symptomatic haloperidol therapy, with only mild residual abnormal movements. © 2003 Movement Disorder Society [source] Permanent Pacemaker Therapy Before and After the Reunification of Germany: 16 Years of Experience at an East German Regional Pacing CenterPACING AND CLINICAL ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 6 2000P. KARNATZ The reunification of Germany had a significant influence on the management of patients with bradyarrhythmias. The current study was performed in a regional pacing center heated in the former German Democratic Republic. It compares the situation of patients with critical bradyarrhythmias before and after the reunification of Germany in 1990 focusing on (1) indication for pacemaker implantation. (2) pacemaker modalities and function, (3) type of leads, (4) frequency of reintervention, and (5) early and late complications. The study covers 9 years before and 7 years after the reunification. A total of 1,125 patients were included, and the database was formed by the patients' files and the protocols of implantation. The situation before reunification was characterized by a nonavailability of modern physiological pacing devices and insufficient diagnostic equipment. Between 1981 and 1990, 384 patients underwent pacemaker implantation solely receiving single chamber devices with no or only minimal feasibility of programming. Between 1990 and 1996, 741 patients were treated, and they all received modern pacemakers having the capability of multiprogramming and telemetry. Regarding complications of pacemaker therapy, lead related problems significantly decreased after the reunification (dislocation, 5.3% vs 1.7%, P < 0.05; exit block, 6.7% vs 1.4%. P < 0.05) opposite to pacemaker infections, which significantly increasing after dual chamber pacemakers were implanted (2.2% vs 6.0%, P < 0.05). The reunification of Germany dramatically improved the situation of patients with critical bradyarrhythmias leading to free access to high-tech pacing equipment within a few months. However, the abrupt change from antiquated to modern pacemaker therapy created some new problems, especially regarding application and handling of modern physiological pacing devices. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||