Optical manipulation of Rashba-split 2-dimensional electron gas.

In spintronics, the two main approaches to actively control the electrons' spin involve static magnetic or electric fields. An alternative avenue relies on the use of optical fields to generate spin currents, which can bolster spin-device performance, allowing for faster and more efficient logic. To date, research has mainly focused on the optical injection of spin currents through the photogalvanic effect, and little is known about the direct optical control of the intrinsic spin-splitting. To explore the optical manipulation of a material's spin properties, we consider the Rashba effect. Using time- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (TR-ARPES), we demonstrate that an optical excitation can tune the Rashba-induced spin splitting of a two-dimensional electron gas at the surface of Bi2Se3. We establish that light-induced photovoltage and charge carrier redistribution - which in concert modulate the Rashba spin-orbit coupling strength on a sub-picosecond timescale - can offer an unprecedented platform for achieving optically-driven spin logic devices.

Is the unstable ataxic hand of Alajouanine and Akerman a distinct contribution?

We discuss from a historical perspective whether the 1931 description of the "unstable ataxic hand" by Théophile Alajouanine, the fifth successor of Charcot at la Salpêtrière, and the Brazilian neurologist Abraham Akerman, then studying in France, merits being considered a distinct contribution vis-à-vis the earlier description by Oppenheim of the "useless hand syndrome". The specific object of the article by Alajouanine and Akerman was a semiologic sign, namely a pseudoathetosis localized in the hand, while the original description by Oppenheim of the symptom-complex that came to be known as useless hand syndrome did not include an abnormal movement. Moreover, as a result of the useless hand syndrome originating from a clinical classification of multiple sclerosis based on the localization of the lesions, it involves topographic and etiologic diagnoses specificities. In contrast, the unstable ataxic hand can be observed in the useless hand syndrome and other syndromes involving predominantly sensory symptoms, such as "numb clumsy hands" due to high cervical spondylosis or extramedullary tumor, and the "cortical sensory syndrome" most commonly due to parietal stroke. Because it had not been thoroughly described in the context of a symptom-complex, Alajouanine and Akerman's unstable ataxic hand merits being considered a distinct and valuable contribution.

Desarrollo de lenguaje en niños con implante coclear en centro terciario de salud: serie clínica / Language development in children with cochlear implant at a tertiary health care center: clinical series

Resumen Introducción: Desde la década de los 90, los implantes cocleares han progresado desde aplicaciones experimentales a un uso clínico estandarizado en niños con pérdida auditiva severa y profunda. Las investigaciones han producido cambios en la tecnología de los implantes y ha dado lugar a la expansión de los candidatos a implante para incluir a los niños menores de 2 años de edad. El objetivo principal de la implantación coclear pediátrica es facilitar el desarrollo del lenguaje hablado. A pesar de los avances en la tecnología de implantes y los cambios en el manejo de la pérdida auditiva, los resultados de lenguaje en niños son todavía muy variables, participando de este proceso tanto el tratamiento oportuno, la red familiar y nivel socioeconómico entre algunos de ellos. Objetivo: Describir resultados de niños menores 6 años sometidos a cirugía de implante coclear en un centro terciario de salud. Material y método: Estudio longitudinal de cohorte retrospectivo, análisis a 99 pacientes implantados en centro terciario de salud desde inicio programa en 1994 a 2015. Resultados: 99 pacientes, 57% hombres 43% mujeres, edad promedio implantación 16,3 meses. 54,8% casos origen congénito no especificado o prematurez. En 74,4% se objetivó presencia de lenguaje auditivo verbal. El nivel socioeconómico (NSE) mostró asociación con no desarrollo de lenguaje (p =0,009) evidenciando que pacientes de bajo NSE 20% no desarrolla lenguaje. La variable discapacidad asociada (p <0,001) y la variable NSE (p =0,036) se asociaron de manera independiente a lenguaje de señas o no desarrollo de lenguaje oral. Conclusión: Los implantes cocleares ofrecen una opción en la rehabilitación auditiva en hipoacusia sensorio neural profunda, para candidatos de todo el espectro de edad, sin embargo los resultados dependen en gran medida del entorno en el que se utilizan los implantes cocleares.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Since the 90s, cochlear implantation has progressed from experimental to standard clinical practice for children with severe and profound hearing loss. Research has produced changes in implant technology and has led to the expansion of implant candidacy to include children younger than 2 years of age. The primary goal of pediatric cochlear implantation is to facilitate spoken language development. Despite the advances in implant technology and the changes to the management of hearing loss, language outcomes for children are still highly variable, participating in this process both timely treatment, the family network and socio economic level among others. Aim: describe outcomes of patients younger than 6 years undergoing cochlear implant surgery in a tertiary care center. Material and method: retrospective longitudinal cohort study, 99 patients implanted in a tertiary health center since the program's inception in 1994 to 2015 was analyzed. Results: 99 patients, 57 % men 43 % women, average age of implantation 16.3 months. 54.8 % of cases were congenital or prematurity. In 74.4 % they had auditory verbal language. Socioeconomic status (SES) showed association with the lack of language development (p =0.009) demonstrating that low SES patients (20%) do not develop language. The disability associated variable (p <0.001) and the SES variable (p =0.036) were independently associated with sign language or no oral language development. Conclusions: Cochlear implants offer an option for hearing rehabilitation in profound hearing loss, for candidates of all ages, however the results depend largely on the environment in which cochlear implants are used.

Influence of Spin-Orbit Coupling in Iron-Based Superconductors.

We report on the influence of spin-orbit coupling (SOC) in Fe-based superconductors via application of circularly polarized spin and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. We combine this technique in representative members of both the Fe-pnictides (LiFeAs) and Fe-chalcogenides (FeSe) with tight-binding calculations to establish an ubiquitous modification of the electronic structure in these materials imbued by SOC. At low energy, the influence of SOC is found to be concentrated on the hole pockets, where the largest superconducting gaps are typically found. This effect varies substantively with the k_{z} dispersion, and in FeSe we find SOC to be comparable to the energy scale of orbital order. These results contest descriptions of superconductivity in these materials in terms of pure spin-singlet eigenstates, raising questions regarding the possible pairing mechanisms and role of SOC therein.

Resultados del programa de implantes cocleares de Clínica Las Condes a 20 años de su inicio: serie clínica 1994-2015 / Cochlear implant program results in Clinica Las Condes 20 years since the beginning: clinical series 1994-2015

RESUMEN Introducción: La hipoacusia sensorioneural es la tercera causa de discapacidad en Chile, con incidencia en recién nacidos de 1 a 3 casos cada 1.000 recién nacidos vivos, y prevalencia en adultos de hasta 70%, siendo muchos casos susceptibles de ser tratados mediante implante coclear. Objetivo: Describir resultados de los pacientes sometidos a cirugía de implante coclear en Clínica Las Condes (CLC). Material y método: Estudio longitudinal de cohorte retrospectiva, se analizaron a 237 pacientes implantados en Clínica Las Condes desde 1994 al año 2015. Resultados: Se analizan 237 pacientes, 106 mujeres (44,7%) y 131 hombres (55,3%). El 65,5% de los pacientes se implantaron entre los 2-6 años de vida. Las etiologías más frecuentes fueron hipoacusia congénita no sindrómica (45,9%), genética tardía (11,8%) y posmeningitis (11,4%). Se encontró asociación significativa entre promedio tonal de la palabra (PTP) y presencia de malformación coclear (p =0,008). Sólo 9,9% de los pacientes presentaron otra discapacidad asociada a la hipoacusia. La tasa de reimplante fue 16,3% y sólo la variable malformación coclear se asoció a ella (p =0,016). Conclusión: El implante coclear es una herramienta beneficiosa en pacientes hipoacúsicos que no se benefician de otros dispositivos auditivos ofreciendo la posibilidad de reinsertarlos social y laboralmente con bajo riesgo quirúrgico y alta tasa de éxito.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Sensorineural hearing loss is the third leading cause of disability in Chile, with incidence in infants 1 to 3 cases per 1,000 newborn and prevalence in adult up to 70%, with many cases that can be treated with cochlear implant. Aim: to describe outcomes of our series of patients undergoing cochlear implant surgery at Clinica Las Condes (CLC). Material and method: Retrospective longitudinal cohort study, 237 patients implanted in our center since 1994 to 2015 were analyzed. Results: 237 patients, 106 women (44.7%) and 131 men (55.3%) received a cochlear implant during this period. 65.5% of patients were implanted between 2-6 years of age. The most common etiologies were; non-syndromic congenital deafness (45.9%), late genetic onset (11.8%) and meningitis (11.4%). A significant association between the average pure tone average and presence of cochlear malformation (p =0.008) was demonstrated. Only 9.9% of patients had other disabilities associated with hearing loss. Re-implantation rate was 16.3% and only the variable cochlear malformation was associated to it (p =0.016) Conclusions: The cochlear implant provides clear benefits to patients with hearing impairment who do not benefit from other hearing devices offering the possibility of social and labor reintegrating, with low surgical risk and high success rate.

Anaplastic Kaposi's sarcoma: 5 cases of a rare and aggressive type of Kaposi's sarcoma.

BACKGROUND: Anaplastic Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a rare form of KS characterized clinically by the development of a tumour mass with unusual local aggressiveness and histologically by a specific architecture and cytological morphology. A very small number of limited series in endemic countries have established characteristics common to these anaplastic forms of KS. We present five patients with an anaplastic form in a context of KS ongoing for several years in a non-endemic country. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We collected 5 cases of anaplastic KS followed in our department over a period of 20years. We describe the main developmental, clinical, virological and histological features. RESULTS: The cases involved 4 men and 1 woman whose mean age at diagnosis of anaplastic KD was 70years, with an average time of 25years between initial diagnosis of KD and anaplastic transformation. Our patients were all treated with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy (RT) prior to diagnosis of anaplastic transformation. All patients had a tumour mass of the lower limbs developing in classically indolent KS with associated chronic lymphoedema. Progression was very aggressive locally with deep invasion of the soft tissues as well as osteoarticular involvement, without visceral dissemination. At present, three patients are dead, one patient is showing partial response, and one patient is in locoregional progression. Diagnosis of the disease was based on histopathological findings. The tumour cells were undifferentiated, pseudo-cohesive, and chiefly organized in sheets. The mitotic count was high (27 mitoses per 10 fields at high magnification). Necrosis was constant. DISCUSSION: To our knowledge, this is the first series describing anaplastic Kaposi's sarcoma in a non-endemic country. The severity of the prognosis, despite the absence of visceral dissemination, is related to the local aggressiveness of anaplastic KS and to its resistance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, with amputation being required in certain cases.

Increased Expression of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Transcripts I and VI, cAMP Response Element Binding, and Glucocorticoid Receptor in the Cortex of Patients with Temporal Lobe Epilepsy.

A body of evidence supports a relevant role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Magnetic resonance data reveal that the cerebral atrophy extends to regions that are functionally and anatomically connected with the hippocampus, especially the temporal cortex. We previously reported an increased expression of BDNF messenger for the exon VI in the hippocampus of temporal lobe epilepsy patients compared to an autopsy control group. Altered levels of this particular transcript were also associated with pre-surgical use of certain psychotropic. We extended here our analysis of transcripts I, II, IV, and VI to the temporal cortex since this cerebral region holds intrinsic communication with the hippocampus and is structurally affected in patients with TLE. We also assayed the cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding (CREB) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) genes as there is experimental evidence of changes in their expression associated with BDNF and epilepsy. TLE and pre-surgical pharmacological treatment were considered as the primary clinical independent variables. Transcripts BDNF I and BDNF VI increased in the temporal cortex of patients with pharmacoresistant TLE. The expression of CREB and GR expression follow the same direction. Pre-surgical use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, carbamazepine (CBZ) and valproate (VPA), was associated with the differential expression of specific BDNF transcripts and CREB and GR genes. These changes could have functional implication in the plasticity mechanisms related to temporal lobe epilepsy.

Overview of digital breast tomosynthesis: Clinical cases, benefits and disadvantages.

In France, the national breast cancer-screening program is based on mammography combined with clinical breast examination, and sometimes breast ultrasound for patients with high breast density. Digital breast tomosynthesis is a currently assessed 3D imaging technique in which angular projections of the stationary compressed breast are acquired automatically. When combined with mammography, clinicians can review both conventional (2D) as well as three-dimensional (3D) data. The purpose of this article is to review recent reports on this new breast imaging technique and complements this information with our personal experience. The main advantages of tomosynthesis are that it facilitates the detection and characterization of breast lesions, as well as the diagnosis of occult lesions in dense breasts. However, to do this, patients are exposed to higher levels of radiation than with 2D mammography. In France, the indications for tomosynthesis and its use in breast cancer-screening (individual and organized) are yet to be defined, as is its role in the diagnosis and staging of breast cancer (multiple lesions). Further studies assessing in particular the combined reconstruction of the 2D view using 3D tomosynthesis data acquired during a single breast compression event, and therefore reducing patient exposure to radiation, are expected to provide valuable insight.

REFINE: a randomized trial comparing cyclosporine A and tacrolimus on fibrosis after liver transplantation for hepatitis C.

REFINE was a 12-month, prospective, open-label study in 356 patients receiving de novo liver transplantation for hepatitis C virus (HCV) cirrhosis, randomized to cyclosporine A (CsA) or tacrolimus with (i) no steroids, IL-2 receptor antibody induction and mycophenolic acid, or (ii) slow steroid tapering. The primary analysis population based on availability of liver biopsies comprised 165 patients (88 CsA, 77 tacrolimus). There was no difference in the primary endpoint, fibrosis stage ≥2 at 12 months, which occurred in 63/88 CsA-treated patients (71.6%) and 52/77 tacrolimus-treated patients (67.5%) (odds ratio [OR] 1.11; 95% CI 0.56, 2.21; p = 0.759). Similarly, no significant between-group difference occurred at month 24 (OR 1.15; 95% CI 0.47, 2.80; p = 0.767). Among steroid-free patients, fibrosis score ≥2 was significantly less frequent with CsA versus tacrolimus at month 12 (7/37 [18.9%] vs. 16/38 [42.1%]; p = 0.029). HCV viral load was similar in both the tacrolimus- and CsA-treated cohorts. Mean blood glucose was significantly higher with tacrolimus from day 15 onward. Biopsy-proven acute rejection, graft loss and death were similar. These results showed no differences in posttransplant HCV-induced liver fibrosis between patients treated with CsA or tacrolimus in steroid-containing regimens, whereas CsA in steroid-free protocols was associated with reduced severity of fibrosis progression at 1 year posttransplant.

An update on adenomyosis.

Adenomyosis is a common benign uterine pathology that is defined by the presence of islands of ectopic endometrial tissue within the myometrium. It is asymptomatic in one third of cases, but when there are clinical signs they remain non-specific. It can often be misdiagnosed on sonography as it may be taken to be multiple uterine leiomyomata or endometrial thickening, both of which have a different prognosis and treatment. Adenomyosis is often associated with hormone-dependent pelvic lesions (myoma, endometriosis, or endometrial hyperplasia). It is less commonly connected to infertility or obstetrical complications and indeed any direct relationship remains controversial. The purpose of imaging is to make the diagnosis, to determine the extent of spread (focal or diffuse, superficial or deep adenomyosis, adenomyoma), and to check whether there is any associated disease, in particular endometriosis. The aim of this article is to provide assistance in recognising adenomyosis on imaging and to identify the pathologies that are commonly associated with it in order to guide the therapeutic management of symptomatic patients. Pelvic ultrasonography is the first line investigation. Sonohysterography can assist with diagnosis in some cases (pseudothickening of the endometrium seen on sonography). MRI may be used in addition to sonography to back up the diagnosis and to look for any associated disease.

Skeletal injuries sustained during the Haiti earthquake of 2010: a radiographic analysis of the casualties admitted to the Israel Defense Forces field hospital.

PURPOSE: To report the distribution and types of skeletal injuries demonstrated on the images taken at the field hospital following the Haiti 2010 earthquake. METHODS: Following the January 12, 2010, earthquake, the State of Israel dispatched a field hospital to Haiti, managing 1,111 patients from January 17, 2010, to January 26, 2010. Four hundred and seven patients (37 %) had 684 radiographic images, most of them (87 %) due to presumed skeletal injuries. RESULTS: There were 224 limb fractures (excluding the hands and feet), with 77 % of them in the lower limbs (30 % femur, 17 % tibial shaft, 16 % ankle). Out of 37 axial skeleton fractures, 30 involved the pelvis (21 anterior posterior, three vertical shear, three lateral compression, three combined). Nine traumatic dislocations (five hips, three shoulders, one knee) were reduced. After reviewing all the digital radiographs, on a PACS-compatible radiography screen, few false diagnoses (2 %) were encountered, with none of them affecting the management of these injuries. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the radiological results emerging from a field hospital following a mass casualty event. Laptop personal computer-based workstations provide an adequate solution for radiographic image viewing in a field hospital setting. Recognition of the prevalence and distribution of skeletal injuries can improve the preparedness of such delegations before departure in the future.

Habitat use by Collared Crescentchest (Melanopareia torquata) in a Cerrado in southeastern Brazil: implications for management / Uso de habitat pelo tapaculo-de-colarinho (Melanopareia torquata) em um Cerrado do sudeste do Brasil: implicações para o manejo

The Collared Crescentchest (Melanopareia torquata) is a small insectivore endemic to the Cerrado. We examine the habitat use of this bird in a preserved Cerrado area in southeastern Brazil. Despite its occurrence in grassland with shrubs, the species used these areas less frequently than expected. The Collared Crescentchest mainly used areas of campo cerrado, but it was not recorded in a disturbed one. The common occurrence of exotic grass (U. decumbens) and cattle grazing may have brought about factors for its occurrence. However, the preference for native grasses may indicate an adverse indirect relationship against its occurence as there is competition between native and exotic grasses in the Cerrado. The presence of the Collared Crescentchest included the highest density of tall shrubs (>1 m) and native grasses. Conservation of the species should involve preserved areas of campo cerrado with a dominance of native grasses and tall shrubs.

O tapaculo-de-colarinho (Melanopareia torquata) é uma pequena ave insetívora e endêmica do Cerrado. Examinou-se o uso do habitat dessa ave em uma área de Cerrado preservado no sudeste do Brasil. Apesar de a espécie ser registrada em áreas campestres com arbustos, a sua ocorrência foi menos frequente do que o esperado. O tapaculo-de-colarinho utilizou principalmente áreas de campo cerrado, entretanto não foi registrado em áreas alteradas de campo cerrado. A ocorrência comum de gramíneas exóticas (U. decumbens) e o seu consumo frequente durante o pastoreio do gado podem ter sido fatores agravantes para a ausência da ave nessa área. Contudo, a presença de gramíneas exóticas não inibiu o registro da espécie. O tapaculo-de-colarinho está associado a microhabitat com maior densidade de arbustos altos (>1 m) e gramíneas nativas. Apesar de as gramíneas exóticas não inibirem a presença da espécie, a preferência por gramíneas nativas pode indicar uma relação adversa indireta em razão da competição entre espécies nativas e exóticas do Cerrado. A conservação da espécie envolve a preservação de áreas de campo cerrado com dominância de gramíneas nativas e arbustos altos.

Probing the role of co substitution in the electronic structure of iron pnictides.

The role of Co substitution in the low-energy electronic structure of Ca(Fe(0.944)Co(0.056))(2)As(2) is investigated by resonant photoemission spectroscopy and density-functional theory. The Co 3d state center of mass is observed at 250 meV higher binding energy than that of Fe, indicating that Co possesses one extra valence electron and that Fe and Co are in the same oxidation state. Yet, significant Co character is detected for the Bloch wave functions at the chemical potential, revealing that the Co 3d electrons are part of the Fermi sea determining the Fermi surface. This establishes the complex role of Co substitution in CaFe(2)As(2) and the inadequacy of a rigid-band shift description.

Routine induction therapy in living donor liver transplantation prevents rejection but may promote recurrence of hepatitis C.

BACKGROUND: Routine induction therapy in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) has not been well described. METHODS: We reviewed outcomes of induction therapy with rabbit antithymocyte globulin (rATG) or basiliximab within 1 year of LDLT. RESULTS: Between 2002 and 2007, 184 adults underwent LDLT and received induction therapy in addition to standard immunosuppression. Acute cellular rejection (ACR) developed in 17 of 130 patients (13.1%) who received rATG and 13 of 54 patients (24.1%) who received basiliximab (P = .066). The interval between transplantation and rejection as well as rejection severity was similar in patients who received rATG and those who received basiliximab. Hepatitis C (HCV) recurrence requiring initiation of antiviral therapy was more common in patients who received rATG compared with basiliximab (34.5% vs 8.7%; P = .021), and in those who received induction combined with tacrolimus as opposed to cyclosporine (38.5% vs 3.9%; P = .001). rATG and basiliximab were associated with excellent patient and graft survivals well as low rates of opportunistic infections and malignancies. CONCLUSION: Induction with rATG or basiliximab was well tolerated and highly effective at preventing ACR within 1 year of LDLT, but may be associated with a higher risk of clinically significant HCV recurrence in some patients.

In vivo behavior of biodegradable Mg-Nd-Y-Zr-Ca alloy.

The aim of the this study is to evaluate the in vivo behavior of Mg-1.5%Nd-0.5%Y-0.5%Zr implants with and without 0.4%Ca in comparison with inert Ti-6Al-4V reference implants. This was carried out by implanting cylindrical disks at the back midline of Wister male rats within the subcutaneous layer of the skin for up to 12 weeks. The degradation of magnesium-based implants in terms of hydrogen gas bubble formation was evaluated by radiography assessment; corrosion rate was analyzed by visual examination and weight loss measurements. The physiological response of the rats post-implantation was obtained by evaluating their wellbeing behavior and blood biochemical analysis including serum Mg, blood urea nitrogen, and serum creatinine. In addition, histological analyses of the soft tissue around the implants were carried out to assess local lesions relating to the implants such as inflammation, tissue necrosis, granulation, mineralization, and tumor development. The results obtained clearly indicate that apart from the normal degradation characteristics and subsequent formation of hydrogen gas bubbles, the in vivo behavior of Mg implants was adequate and comparable to that of Ti-6Al-4V reference alloy. In addition, it was evident that the corrosion degradation of the magnesium alloys was strongly related to the location of the implant within the animal's body. The addition of 0.4%Ca improves the biodegradation corrosion resistance of the tested magnesium implants.

Frecuencia de agentes virales en niños con afectación del sistema nervioso central en el estado Zulia, Venezuela: durante el año 2007 / Incidence of viral agents in children with central nervous system affectation in the state of Zulia, Venezuela: during 2007

Diversos virus afectan el sistema nervioso central (SNC) ocasionando encefalitis, principalmente en la edad pediátrica. Determinar la implicación de agentes virales en infecciones del sistema nervioso central (SNC) en niños del estado Zulia, Venezuela durante el año 2007. Se recolectaron 109 muestras de líquido cefalorraquídeo(LCR) y suero, provenientes de pacientes entre 1 día de nacido a 14 años, que presentaron sintomatología clínica sugestiva de afectación del SNC y cuyo estudio bacteriológico convencional de LCR resultó negativo. Se determinó la relación albúmina LCR/suero a fin de descartar contaminación, resultando 24 pares óptimos para la determinación por la técnica de ELISA de anticuerpos IgM específicos para los virus Herpes Simple (VHS), Epstein Barr (VEB), Dengue, Rubéola, Sarampión y Encefalitis Equina Venezolana (EEV). De los 24 casos analizados, 15 (62,5%) resultaron positivos. Los agentes causantes de encefalitis fueron: 11 casos de Dengue (45,8%) (p<0,05), 3 de VHS (12,5%) y un caso de VEB (4,2%). No se detectaron casos de Rubéola, Sarampión, ni EEV. La pleocitocis con predominio de linfocitos fue el hallazgo más frecuente en los casos con encefalitis viral (EV) confirmada, sin diferencias significativas al relacionarlo con el agente viral infectante. Se evidencia que una proporción significativa de los niños con encefalitis es debida a agentes virales y se destaca un incremento en los casos de dengue con afectación del SNC en la región

Various viruses affect the central nervous system (CNS) causing encephalitis, mainly in pediatric patients. To determine the involvement of viral agents for central nervous system (CNS) infections in children in the State of Zulia, Venezuela during the year 2007. 109 samples of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum were collected from patients between 1 day and 14 years of age, who presented clinical symptoms suggestive of CNS involvement and whose conventional CSF bacteriological study proved negative. The CSF Albumin /serum relation ship was determined in order to rule out contamination, resulting in 24 optimal pairs for determining the IgM and IgG antibodies specific for herpes simplex virus (HSV), Epstein Barr (EBV), Dengue fever, rubella, measles and Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis (VEE) using the ELISA technique. Of the 24 cases examined, 15 (62.5%) were positive. The causative agents for encephalitis were 11 cases of Dengue (45.8%) (p<0.05), 3 VHS (12.5%) and 1 case of EBV (4.2%). There were no cases of rubella, measles or VEE. Pleocytosis with lymphocyte predominance was the most common finding in cases with confirmed viral encephalitis (VE), without significant differences related to the infecting viral agent. Results show that a significant proportion of encephalitis in children is due to viral agents, highlighting an increase in dengue cases with CNS affection in the region

Evidence of a reproduction-related function for pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide-related peptide in an Anabantidae fish.

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) is synthesized from a precursor, which includes the PACAP-related peptide (PRP; formerly known as GHRH-like peptide). PRP can act as a hypophysiotropic factor in teleosts by stimulating GH secretion. However, no information points to this peptide as a regulator of reproduction. Recently, the blue gourami PRP-PACAP cDNA was cloned and found to be expressed in the brain. Thus, the aims of the present study were to investigate the PRP-PACAP gene expression pattern during sexual behavior and oogenesis, and to learn its effect on pituitary hormonal transcription in pituitary cells. Examination of the PRP-PACAP expression profile during sexual behavior and oogenesis revealed that PRP-PACAP mRNA levels were higher in mature non-reproductively active males than in nest builders and juveniles; and higher in females with oocytes in the final maturation stage than in vitellogenic individuals. Stimulation of pituitary cells with blue gourami PRP (bgPRP) caused an increase in ßLH subunit transcription levels only in females, whereas in males, it only brought about a rise in GH mRNA levels. These data were further supported by the presence of PRP receptor in the pituitary cells. Therefore, we propose that as a hypophysiotropic factor in the blue gourami, bgPRP may act differently on the gonadotropic axes in females and males, up-regulating gonadotropin mRNA in females and GH mRNA in males. This research provides a basis for the further understanding of the integrative network that regulates growth and reproduction, which may contribute to hormonal treatments and manipulations in aquaculture.

[First trimester screening for Down syndrome: five years prospective experience]. / Dépistage combiné de la trisomie 21 au premier trimestre : à propos de cinq ans d'expérience prospective multicentrique.

First trimester screening for Down syndrome is yet to become the first intention strategy in France. This screening program at 11-14 weeks of gestation using maternal age, fetal nuchal translucency, maternal serum free beta-human chorionic gonadotropin and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A has already been validated for a long time by many international studies. It seems to improve detection rate and decrease false positive rates. We report here five years prospective experience.

Adult living liver donors have excellent long-term medical outcomes: the University of Toronto liver transplant experience.

Right lobe living donor liver transplantation is an effective treatment for selected individuals with end-stage liver disease. Although 1 year donor morbidity and mortality have been reported, little is known about outcomes beyond 1 year. Our objective was to analyze the outcomes of the first 202 consecutive donors performed at our center with a minimum follow-up of 12 months (range 12-96 months). All physical complications were prospectively recorded and categorized according to the modified Clavien classification system. Donors were seen by a dedicated family physician at 2 weeks, 1, 3 and 12 months postoperatively and yearly thereafter. The cohort included 108 males and 94 females (mean age 37.3 +/- 11.5 years). Donor survival was 100%. A total of 39.6% of donors experienced a medical complication during the first year after surgery (21 Grade 1, 27 Grade 2, 32 Grade 3). After 1 year, three donors experienced a medical complication (1 Grade 1, 1 Grade 2, 1 Grade 3). All donors returned to predonation employment or studies although four donors (2%) experienced a psychiatric complication. This prospective study suggests that living liver donation can be performed safely without any serious late medical complications and suggests that long-term follow-up may contribute to favorable donor outcomes.