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We recently showed a contribution of low-threshold cutaneous mechanoreceptors to vibration-evoked changes in the perception of muscle pain. Neutral-touch stimulation (vibration) of the hairy skin during underlying muscle pain evoked an overall increase in pain intensity, i.e. allodynia. This effect appeared to be dependent upon cutaneous afferents, as allodynia was abolished by intradermal anaesthesia. However, it remains unclear whether allodynia results from activation of a single class of cutaneous afferents or the convergence of inputs from multiple classes. Intriguingly, no existing human study has examined the contribution of C-tactile (CT) afferents to allodynia. Detailed psychophysical observations were made in 29 healthy subjects (18 males and 11 females). Sustained muscle pain was induced by infusing hypertonic saline (HS: 5%) into tibialis anterior muscle (TA). Sinusoidal vibration (200 Hz–200 μm) was applied to the hairy skin overlying TA. Pain ratings were recorded using a visual analogue scale (VAS). In order to evaluate the role of myelinated and unmyelinated cutaneous afferents in the expression of vibration-evoked allodynia, compression block of the sciatic nerve, and low-dose intradermal anaesthesia (Xylocaine 0.25%) were used, respectively. In addition, the modulation of muscle pain by gentle brushing (1.0 and 3.0 cm s(−1))--known to excite CT fibres--was examined. Brushing stimuli were applied to the hairy skin with all fibres intact and following the blockade of myelinated afferents. During tonic muscle pain (VAS 4–6), vibration evoked a significant and reproducible increase in muscle pain (allodynia) that persisted following compression of myelinated afferents. During compression block, the sense of vibration was abolished, but the vibration-evoked allodynia persisted. In contrast, selective anaesthesia of unmyelinated cutaneous afferents abolished the allodynia, whereas the percept of vibration remained unaffected. Furthermore, allodynia was preserved in the adjacent non-anaesthetized skin. Conformingly, gentle brushing produced allodynia (at both brushing speeds) that persisted during the blockade of myelinated afferents. Prior to the induction and following cessation of muscle pain, all subjects reported vibration and brushing as non-painful (VAS = 0). These results demonstrate that CT fibres in hairy skin mediate allodynia, and that CT-mediated inputs have a pluripotent central effect.

Effects of supplementation of plant proteins from mushroom powder, Bengal gram flour and defatted soy flour at different levels were assessed on the nutritional quality of pasta. Supplementation of wheat semolina was done with mushroom powder (0–12%), Bengal gram flour (0–20%) and defatted soy flour (0–15%). Mushroom powder and defatted soy flour increased the cooking time of pasta whereas non significant variation was observed in cooking time of Bengal gram supplemented pasta. Significant correlation (r = 0.97, p ≤ 0.05) was observed between water absorption and volume expansion of pasta. Instantization of pasta by steaming improved the cooking quality. Steamed pasta absorbed less water and leached fewer solids during cooking. On the basis of cooking and sensory quality, pasta in combination with 8% mushroom powder, 15% Bengal gram flour and 9% defatted soy flour resulted in a better quality and nutritious pasta.

To explore the potentiality of cereal brans for preparation of fiber enriched pasta, various cereal brans (Wheat, Rice, Barley and Oat) were added at 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 per cent to durum wheat semolina. The effect of cereal bran enrichment on the colour, cooking, sensory quality and shelf life of enriched pasta was assessed at ambient temperature. Pasta prepared with added fiber at 25 per cent level had the highest protein and dietary fiber content as compared to control. Enrichment with variable fiber sources improved the brightness of pasta, as colour of pasta enhanced significantly. Addition of cereal brans resulted an increase in the water absorption and cooking losses of pasta. This effect was dependent on the level and type of cereal brans. Significant correlation (r = 0.80) was obtained between water absorption and volume expansion in all types of bran enriched pasta. At 25 per cent level of supplementation, maximum solids were leached into cooking water. Bran enriched pasta required less cooking time for complete gelatinization of starch. Increasing level of cereal brans had significantly affected the overall acceptability of enriched pasta. Cooking quality of pasta remained constant during storage. Non significant effect of storage was found on water activity, free fatty acids. Enriched pasta (15 per cent level of wheat, rice and oat bran and 10 per cent barley bran) was highly acceptable upto 4 months of storage with respect to quality.

Effect of J term in the t-t′-J model on the Fermi surface, density of states and the Drude plasma frequency have been studied. The J term is treated within the uniform bond theory of Affleck and Marston [ Phys. Rev. B39 , 11538 (1989)]. Inclusion of the J term succeeds in removing the Brinkman-Rice divergence in the density of states at Fermi energy but fails to obtain an insulating state at zero doping. We have also shown that an exact treatment of the J term does indeed lead to an insulating state at half-filling.

Fermion mean-field solutions for the Heisenberg and the [ital t]-[ital J] models have been obtained by considering particle-hole correlations and carrying out the mean-field-theory calculations in momentum space. At half-filling the solutions have mixed ([ital s][plus minus][ital d])-wave-like symmetry and have a lower ground-state energy than the [ital s] (uniform phase) and the [ital d] phases. On doping, the solutions with mixed [ital s] and [ital d] symmetry still have lower ground-state energy than the uniform phase. In the presence of doping, the density of states at the Fermi level in the mixed phases is depressed from its value in the uniform phase and is in good agreement with the experimental data.

12 Aminosulfonyl-1,3,4-oxadiazoles and the corresponding 1,3,4-thiadiazoles of type (III), (IV), (VI), and (VII) are screened for their antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

Nonketotic hyperglycemia-induced hemichorea or hemiballism is a well-recognized entity that is rarely encountered. Particular computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings have been described. The pathophysiological mechanism of this disease remains uncertain. We report here on two female patients that presented with hemiballism secondary to nonketotic hyperglycemia and underwent brain computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.

The reactivity of ketene dithiolates in the presence of different equivalents of sodium ethoxide was studied. 2-(Bis((5-aryl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)methylthio)methylene)malononitriles 5 and 2-(bis((5-aryl-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)methylthio)methylene)malononitriles 6 were prepared by the reaction of malononitrile with carbon disulfide and 5-aryl-2-(chloromethyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazoles 3/5-aryl-2-(chloromethyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazoles 4. The preliminary antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the lead compounds were assayed.

The effect of blending level (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20%) of corn bran, defatted germ and gluten with wheat flour on the physico-chemical properties (protein, crude fiber, phosphorus, iron and calcium), baking properties of bread, muffins and cookies, and extrusion properties of noodles and extruded snacks prepared from semolina were examined. Blending of wheat flour and corn byproducts significantly increased the protein, crude fiber, phosphorus, iron and calcium contents. Breads from gluten blends had higher loaf volume as compared to bran and germ breads. Among corn byproducts, gluten cookies were rated superior with respect to top grain. Muffins from germ blends and gluten blends had higher acceptability scores than the bran muffins. Blending of corn bran, defatted germ and gluten at 5 and 10% with wheat flour resulted in satisfactory bread, cookie, and muffin score. Quality of noodles was significantly influenced by addition of corn byproducts and their levels. Corn byproducts blending had significant influence on cooking time, however, gruel solid loss affected non-significantly in case of noodles. Expansion ratio and density of extruded snacks was affected non significantly by blending source and blending level. However, significant effect was observed on amperage, pressure, yield and overall acceptability of extruded snacks. Acceptable extruded products (noodles and extruded snacks) could be produced by blending corn byproducts with semolina upto 10% level.

We present a case of an 18-year-old boy with neurofibromatosis type 1 and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with systolic anteward movement of the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve. Gradient in the left ventricular outflow was 85 mm Hg secondary to subvalvular aortic stenosis with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. The possibility of a coincidence, or a causal relationship of these 2 conditions is mentioned.

Transport properties of antiferromagnetic superconductors with T{sub N} < {Tc} were investigated. Detailed numerical, results are given for SmRh{sub 4}B{sub 4} by using the following model. The paramagnetic phase (T{sub N} < T < {Tc}) is described by using Abrikosov-Gorkov theory of magnetic ions in an ordinary superconductor. In the AF phase (T {le} T{sub N}), the effects of the molecular field H{sub Q}(T) and the elastic scattering of conduction electrons from spin fluctuations are included. Expressions for H{sub Q}(T) and the scattering rate from spin fluctuations were derived. The aim was to see if properties are enhanced or depressed by the AF ordering occurring below T{sub N}. It is found that whereas the electronic thermal conductivity K{sub s}, nuclear spin relaxation rate R{sub s}, and the longitudinal ultrasonic attenuation a{sub s}, are depressed by the AF ordering, the inverse of the magnetic penetration depth, ({lambda}(T)){sup {minus}1}, is enhanced below T{sub N}. The effect of all types of impurities is included in the study. Theoretical results for K{sub s} and ({lambda}(T)){sup {minus}1} agree with the experimental values for SmRh{sub 4}B{sub 4} (experimental data for other properties are not available in literature). In the above, T{sub N} is the Neel temperaturemore » and {Tc} is superconducting transition temperature.« less

Pregnancy in acromegalic patients is an infrequent event, due to perturbed gonadotroph function. On the other hand, pregnancy may cause an enlargement of the adenoma or an increase of growth hormone (GH) secretion. We report the case of a 26-year-old woman with a GH-secreting pituitary macroadenoma who was operated by transphenoidal approach. After surgery, she had a persistent acromegaly due to an intrasellar tumour. She was treated by lanreotide. After one year, the patient had married and became pregnant. Lanreotide was stopped when the diagnosis of pregnancy was established. The follow-up of this patient showed a progressive increase of IGF1 level during pregnancy without tumoral syndrome or visual troubles. No metabolic complication was detected. The patient went to term and gave birth to a healthy baby. In postpartum, the IGF1 level was normal, but the brain MRI revealed a 10mm intrasellar tumour. The pituitary adenoma was not significantly enlarged during pregnancy. Therefore, pregnancy doesn't influence acromegaly in young women well controlled by medical treatment.

This is a report of the endovascular treatment of three intracranial dural arteriovenous malformations (DAVM) using Onyx.We analyzed the clinical and angiographic results in three patients with intracranial DAVM, revealed by a hemorrhagic event and treated by endovascular way by the use Onyx. Angiographic investigation showed the DAVM to be located in the lateral sinus in two cases and in the tentorium region in the third.In all three cases, embolization was performed by selective catheterization of the meningeal arterial feeder of the DAVM. The injection of Onyx resulted in complete anatomical exclusion of the DAVM, as demonstrated by posttreatment angiography. Clinically, the patients recovered partially or completely their neurological deficit.Onyx is a liquid embolization agent recently introduced for the treatment of DAVM. When used under optimal conditions, it offers a feasible alternative option in the treatment of such vascular malformations.

The superconducting density of states ϱ S (ω) and the tunneling differential conductivity σ ns (V) for an antiferromagnetic superconductor (AFSC) are calculated both in the paramagnetic and in the antiferromagnetic phases. Our model for AFSC includes the effects of the molecular field, impurities and elastic scattering from spin-fluctuations. The experimental data on σ ns (V) for TbMO 6 S 8 is understood reasonably well.

Effects of all types of impurities (nonmagnetic, magnetic, and spin-orbit) on an antiferromagnetic superconductor (AFSC) have been investigated by studying the transition temperatureT c and the specific heat jump. We have assumed a one-dimensional electron band. The impurity scattering is treated within the self-consistent Born approximation. We find that: (a) the molecular fieldH Q and the magnetic impurities depress superconductivity of AFSC and their pair-breaking effect is additive; (b) the effect of spin-orbit impurities is the same as that of nonmagnetic impurities—these enhance superconductivity by screening the molecular field; and (c) in the extreme dirty limit, the AFSC is described in terms of an effective pair-breaking parameter given by 1/τeff=1/τ2+H Q 2 τ where 1/τ=1/τ1+2/3τso(1/τ1, 1/τ2, and 1/τso, respectively, are the scattering rates from nonmagnetic, magnetic and spin-orbit impurities).

Neurenteric cysts (NECs) are dysraphic lesions. They are usually extramedullary, the intramedullary forms are very rare. To our knowledge, only 10 cases of isolated intramedullary NECs have been reported. We report a case of intramedullary NEC without any associated dysraphic lesion. The clinical findings were: cervical pain and left hemicorporal weakness which predominated at the upper limb. Neuroradiological evaluation was performed by means of MRI which revealed a cystic lesion at C3-C4 level. A partial excision was performed and the diagnosis of NEC was established by histological study.

We report a case of an unusual epidermoid cyst (EC) of the cerebellopontine angle that appeared hyperdense on computed tomography (CT) scanning, hyperintense on T1-weighted MR images and hypointense on T2-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) images. Diffusion-weighted imaging showed a hypointense lesion. We discuss imaging characteristics of ECs, explain the atypical findings in our case and confirm that the signal seen on diffusion-weighted images in the EC is related to a T2 effect.

Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis is a rare lipid storage disorder due tocaused by an autosomal recessive inherited defect of the hepatic mitochondrial sterol 27 hydroxylase. It's characterized by accumulation of cholestanol and cholesterol in many tissues, in particular tendons and brain, with tendon xanthomas, juvenile cataracts, and neurological abnormalities. MR imaging showed typical bilateral and symmetrical involvement of the dentate nuclei. Early and long- term treatment may improve neurologic function. The authors present a case of cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis and describe ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance findings.

We report two cases of cerebral deep venous thrombosis in female adults. The first patient presented with headaches and confusion 20 days postpartum. Deep cerebral internal venous thrombosis was suspected based on the CT scan showing bilateral hypodensity in the thalamus and internal capsules. The diagnosis was confirmed on cerebral angiography. The patient was treated but died within 3 weeks of the onset of symptoms. The second patient had no obvious predisposing factors. She presented with confusion and fever. The diagnosis was strongly suggested by the CT scan, which showed spontaneous high density in the deep venous system associated with bilateral hypodensities in the thalamus and internal capsules. Venous MR angiography revealed obliteration of internal cerebral veins and the great vein of Galen. Ten days after appropriate therapy, the patient recovered completely.

The involvement of the peripheral nervous system in Behçet's disease is very rare.We report a case of a 47-year-old man with a six-year history of Behçet's disease and a two-year history of peripheral nervous system involvement. This patient presented with paraesthesia and weakness of the upper and lower limbs, diarrhea and erectile dysfunction. The electromyogram showed evidence of an axonal sensorimotor neuropathy and the nerve biopsy showed an axonal neuropathy. Routine blood tests were normal, there was no increase of serum creatine kinase, aspartate aminotransfease or lactate dehydrogenase and no signs of hyperthyroidism. Fibroscopy and colonoscopy showed no signs of entero-Behçet. The patient was treated with prednisone, cyclophosphamide and carbamazepine with an improvement of paraesthesia.The mechanism of the peripheral neuropathy in Behçet's disease is still unknown, it might be due to vasculitis of the vasa nervorum or to the side effects of colchicine. Our report is particular by the association of sensorimotor and autonomic involvement of peripheral neuropathy in a patient with Behçet's disease.

Balo's concentric sclerosis is a rare variant of multiple sclerosis described by Balo in 1928. It is characterized by alternating rings of demyelination and spared myelin.We report a case of Balo's concentric sclerosis diagnosed by the typical MRI findings of concentric rings of demyelination. Medullar and brain localisation were found and clinical course was good under intravenous corticosteroids.MRI provides the best diagnostic information for Balo's concentric sclerosis, allowing early diagnosis and treatment.

The authors report a case of a gastro-epiploic lymphangioma in a 29-year-old male patient presenting with epigastric cramps. Physical examination was normal. Ultrasound and abdominal CT-scan showed a cystic mass under the left lobe of the liver containing fine septations and extending to the lesser sac. At surgery, a large cystic mass was found, situated around the celiac trunk. It was adherent to the lesser curvature of the stomach and posterior surface of the antrum and extended to the lesser sac. Excision of the mass and antrectomy were performed. Histologic examination was consistent with a diagnosis of cystic lymphangioma.

Intracranial epidermoid cysts are relatively rare tumors. These cysts are generally nearly isodense to CSF at CT and nearly isointense to CSF on T1W and T2W MR imaging. Spontaneously hyperdense epidermoid cysts are exceptional. We report the case of a 12-year-old girl with a spontaneously hyperdense epidermoid cyst of the posterior fossa presenting with focal neurological symptoms. The diagnosis was confirmed at histological examination.

Idiopathic granulomatous hypophysitis is a chronic inflammation of the pituitary gland. It is a rare occurrence and is diagnosed only on pathologic examination. We report a case of a 23-year-old female patient presenting with polyuria and polydipsia associated with a pituitary failure and hyperprolactinemia. MRI study showed a space occupying lesion of the pituitary gland with a marked enhancement after gadolinium injection. Pituitary biopsy was consistent with the diagnosis of idiopathic granulomatous hypophysitis. The aim of this work is to discuss the different clinical and radiological aspects of the disease with a special emphasis on differential diagnosis.

We present a theory of combined nonmagnetic and magnetic impurity scattering in anisotropic superconductors accounting for the momentum-dependent impurity potential. Applying the model to the d-wave superconducting state, we obtain a quantitative agreement with the initial suppression of the critical temperature due to Zn and Ni substitutions as well as electron irradiation defects in the cuprates. We suggest, that the unequal pair-breaking effect of Zn and Ni may be related to a different nature of the magnetic moments induced by these impurities., 5 pages, 3 tables, RevTex, to be published in Phys. Rev. B

We report radiological features of a biopsy-proven early infantile form of Nasu-Hakola disease in two Tunisian sisters with new bony and cerebral findings.

The dc-conductivity, plasma frequency and the specific heat are calculated as a function of doping for La 2−χ Sr χ CuO 4 and related compounds. There is good quantitative agreement with experimental data. The volume included by the Fermi surface obeys Luttinger Theorem. The calculations are based on quasiparticles whose energy spectrum has tight binding form renormalized by strong correlations and originating from the t - t ′- J model. We have used the relaxation time approximation.

A 58 year old woman suffering from lumbalgia over 3 years is admitted for bilateral cruralgia. Ten years before, she was treated for cervix carcinoma by hysterectomy, pelvic and lumbo-aortic radiotherapy and chemotherapy. On admission, physical examination reveals L2 level hypoesthesia and abolition of deep tendon reflexes. Plain films and CT scan show a lysis of L3, L4 and L5 vertebral bodies and a cuneiform appearance of vertebral body of L2 due to a large abdominal aortic aneurysm.

A combined effect of the orthorhombic crystal field and potential impurity scattering on several superconducting states of a tetragonal symmetry is studied within a weak-coupling mean field approach. It is shown that the nonmagnetic impurities stabilize the states belonging to the identity irreducible representation. The electronic specific heat jump at the phase transition is analyzed. Its dependence on the potential scattering rate for large impurity concentration is shown to be remarkably different for the states with a nonzero value of the Fermi surface averaged order parameter than for those with a vanishing one. In particular, very distinct signals from d_{x^2-y^2} state in YBCO and d_{xy} state in BSCCO compound are predicted. This effect may be used as a test for the presence of these states in the above cuprates., 21 pages, 2 tables, RevTex, 12 PostScript figures

We discuss a case of a strong anisotropic impurity scattering within the model introduced in our previous paper [Phys. Rev. B54, 15463 (1996)] and clarify our former statement about a possible enhancement of the critical temperature in this scattering regime. We show that for the anisotropy of the impurity potential determined by the functions from the non-identity irreducible representations of the crystal point group, the critical temperature decreases with the impurity scattering rate which is consistent with a generally understood role of disorder in superconductors., Comment: 6 pages, RevTex

Resume Une femme âgee de 56 ans, avec des antecedents de cirrhose hepatique post-hepatite B, souffrait de cephalees holocrâniennes evoluant depuis 1 an. L’examen physique etait normal avec en particulier absence de signes d’hypertension portale. Les examens biologiques mettaient en evidence une insuffisance hepatocellulaire (taux de prothrombine a 31 % et taux de facteur V a 43 %). L’IRM (Siemens 1.5 Tesla) objectivait un hypersignal T1 spontane bilateral et symetrique au niveau des pallidums. Un dosage du manganese serique a alors ete realise, montrant une hypermanganesemie a 51 mg/L.

New imaging modalities permit detailed knowledge of the anatomy of cerebral arteriovenous malformations. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides morphological data, size and topography of the nidus, anatomic relationship, as well as dynamic information particularly with the use of MR angiography. Selective and hyperselective cerebral angiography provide information about the angioarchitecture and search for associated vascular abnormalities such as aneurysms. It is therefore possible to distinguish malformations associated with a high risk of hemorrhage and to define the indications for radiosurgery.

"Spongy left ventricular myocardium," or noncompaction of left ventricular myocardium, is a rare disorder of endomyocardial morphogenesis. It is usually seen in the pediatric population and is often associated with other congenital cardiac malformations. We describe an adult with noncompaction of left ventricular myocardium without associated congenital cardiac anomalies.