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This work focused on platinum and palladium-based autocatalytic plates, which used to remove hydrogen. The six sandblasted stainless steel plates were coated with platinum and palladium metals using the electroless coating method. The three plates A-01, A-02, A-03 were first coated with alumina using the sol-gel dip method, and after that, different ratios of platinum and palladium were deposited on them. The three other plates, B-01, B-02, B-03 (without alumina coated), were coated directly with different ratios of platinum and palladium. The platinum and palladium ratio used for coating these plates were Pt 80%: Pd 20%; Pt 90%: Pd 10%, and Pt 70%: Pd 30. The coating of these plates was characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy, X-rays Fluorescence Spectroscopy, and their catalytic efficiency was measured by the Passive Autocatalytic Recombiner testing rig method. It was found that the plates coated with alumina using two dipping cycles are suitable for different coating of mixed metals by electroless coating method compared to three dipping cycles. It was observed that the alumina-coated catalytic plates (A-01, A-02, A-03) exhibited excellent catalytic efficiency as compared to those without alumina-coated plates (B-01, B-02, B-03). Furthermore, the catalytic efficiency of A-03 and B-03 is higher than other plates. It was also found that the catalytic efficiency of A-03 is higher than B-03. The best coating ratio is Pt 90%: Pd10%, and alumina-coated plates give excellent results. • Platinum and palladium based autocatalytic plates are used to remove hydrogen. • The coatings of plates were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy. • Catalytic efficiencies are evaluated by Passive Autocatalytic Recombiner testing rig. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel numerical method is presented for fast and accurate simulation of the dynamic thermal behavior of buried pipelines such as those in district heating systems. The model is based on a combination of a conduction response factor method, known as the dynamic thermal network (DTN) method and a one-dimensional discretized heat transfer fluid flow model, the so-called plug flow N-continuously stirred tanks (PFST) model. This combination enables the model to effectively take into account the short timescale dynamic effects of pipelines including longitudinal dispersion of turbulent fluid and its thermal capacity and also transient ground heat transfer. The combined DTN-PFST model is validated by reference to experimental data from both the lab-scale representation of a district heating system and monitoring data from a full-scale operational system. The comparisons between simulation results and experimental data demonstrate a good level of accuracy of the proposed model in predicting the dynamic thermal behavior of pipelines. The model has also been found to be several orders of magnitude more computationally efficient than corresponding 3D numerical models. Both the accuracy and computational efficiency of the proposed model make it well-suited to the design and analysis of district heating distribution networks. The model is also expected to be well-suited to the modeling of horizontal ground heat exchange pipe systems. • A hybrid model is used to represent buried pipeline flow and heat transfer. • A plug-flow stirred-tank discretization is used to model fluid transport. • Ground heat transfer is modeled using a dynamic thermal network approach. • Validation against both lab-scale and field data is presented. • The model is shown to be sufficiently accurate and very computationally efficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spondyloenchondrodysplasia (SPENCD) is a rare autosomal recessive skeletal dysplasia caused by acid phosphates 5 gene mutation. SPENCD has multisystemic manifestations including enchondromas in the long bones or pelvis, skeletal anomalies, immune dysfunctions, and neurological impairments. Out of the wide spectrum of presentation in SPENCD, hearing loss is one of the least presented symptoms. Here we present a two-year-old female, who visited the otolaryngology clinic concerned about hearing and delayed speech. The patient was started on hearing aids, later was diagnosed with SPENCD by pedatrics department. After a discussion with the family, the patient underwent a bilateral cochlear implant for sensorineural hearing loss at the age of four, which went uneventfully. Children with skeletal dysplasias have abnormal tympanometry indicating a higher likelihood of middle ear disease and conductive hearing loss. A result of a hearing screening program done in 2010 showed that 25 % of children with skeletal dysplasia have hearing loss at least in 1 ear, and 50 % of them had abnormal tympanometry featuring middle ear dysfunction. Uncontrolled immune system response in autoimmune diseases commonly causes bilateral SNHL. However, the exact defect, in this case, is still unknown if it is cochlear or central. The objective of this report is to highlight the unusual presentation of profound sensorineural hearing loss in a pediatric case with SPENCD that was managed with cochlear implants. • Spondyloenchondrodysplasia is a rare autosomal recessive skeletal dysplasia caused by acid phosphates 5 gene mutation. • In Spondyloenchondrodysplasia, hearing loss is one of the least presented symptoms. • We report a case of profound sensorineural hearing loss in a pediatric with SPENCD that was managed with cochlear implants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) is a rare pathologic entity caused by sinus histiocytosis with massive cervical lymphadenopathy. Isolated spinal involvement is an infrequent presentation of extranodal RDD. The clinical and radiologic appearance of RDD represents a diagnostic challenge. We report 2 patients with paraparesis caused by RDD of the thoracic spine and a PRISMA-style systematic review. There were 2 patients with isolated extranodal thoracic spinal RDD without cervical lymphadenopathy. One patient presented with anterior thoracic RDD and a subtotal resection. The small residual disease completely responded to the postoperative course of steroids. The second patient had extradural thoracic spine RDD, which was resected completely. A 6-month postoperative follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan showed local recurrence, which responded to radiation therapy. Five years follow-up of both patients showed normal neurologic functions and no recurrence on MRI scan surveillance. RDD is a rare occurrence and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of extradural or intradural spinal lesions. Gross total resection is recommended, and long-term clinical follow-up with MRI is advised. Residual or recurrent RDD requires steroids or radiation therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This work deals with the probability of using a counter-flow M-cycle in Arab Gulf cities. The system is applied for weather conditions for the main cities in the region, which are Riyadh, Dammam, and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia; Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates; Kuwait, the capital of Kuwait; Doha, the capital of Qatar; and Muharraq in Bahrain. Heat and mass transfer models for the air flow in channels are developed and solved. The present model of the counter-flow M-cycle shows good agreement with the previous experimental and numerical works. The literature review shows that the critical value of ambient relative humidity is 70%. Below that value, the M-cycle could be used. This value is only exceeded sometimes in Jeddah, reaching 72.77%. The obtained results show that the supply conditions of air leaving the counter-flow M-cycle are more convenient than that can be achieved by the evaporative cooler. The M-cycle system consumes water more than the evaporative cooler. However, it uses less electrical energy than the vapor-compression refrigeration system, for the same cooling capacity. The M-cycle sometimes supplies air with conditions that do not meet the comfort condition. However, these conditions are still more convenient than those provided by the conventional evaporative cooling systems (DECs and IECs). In conclusion, the M-cycle is suitable for all selected cities and should be considered as an alternative to conventional HVAC systems in Arab Gulf Countries. Highlights • The feasibility of using a counter-flow M-cycle in Arab Gulf cities is presented. • The M-cycle is more convenient than the evaporative cooler in selected cities. • The M-cycle system uses less electrical energy than a vapor-compression system. • It is suitable to use under all weather conditions of selected cities. • It should be considered as a serious alternative to conventional HVAC systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Malignant meningiomas are rare neoplasms of the central nervous system that occur de novo or rarely as a result of transformation. They have a higher rate of recurrence and metastasis accompanied by a significantly shorter survivorship compared with benign variants. Meningioma cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been previously shown to be associated with resistance and aggressiveness. However, the role they play in meningioma progression is still being investigated. Case Description We report a 29-year-old man who underwent a resection of a grade I meningioma in 2011. The patient had multiple local recurrences of the tumor that showed an aggressive change in behavior and transformation to grade III meningioma, and developed extracranial metastasis to the cervical spine. He underwent multiple operations and received radiotherapy. Analysis of the tissues indicated the presence of CSC markers before metastasis, and showed increased expressions of associated markers in the metastasized tissue. In addition, similar to the patient's profile, the pharmacological testing of a primary cell line retrieved from the metastasized tissues showed a high level of drug tolerance and a diminished ability to initiate apoptosis. Conclusions Malignant progression of grade I meningioma can occur, and its eventuality may be anticipated by detecting CSCs. We performed a comprehensive literature review of relevant cases and discussed the clinical, diagnostic, and management characteristics of the reported cases. Highlights • Malignant meningiomas, as de novo or transformed from a benign variant, is a rare occurrence. • A case of a grade I convexity meningioma in a 29-year-old man that transformed and metastasized to the spine is reported. • In situ immunofluorescence analysis of tissues detected CSCs before and after metastasis. • Live cells retrieved from the metastasized tissues retained CSCs markers, were drug resistant and diminished apoptosis. • Diagnostic detection of CSCs may prove valuable in predicting recurrence or malignant transformation of grade I meningiomas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In current study the pharmaceutically active herbs was used against coccidiosis, caused by a protozoan: Eimeria , lead to $ 3 billion loss annually. The aqueous and methanolic extracts of whole plants were applied in-vitro to assess sporulation inhibition (spi) assay and calculated the inhibitory concentration (IC 50). For in-vivo study 9 groups of 14 day old broiler chicks were infected with Eimeria tenella and three groups were treated different concentrations of methanolic extracts of Verbena officinalis and Polygonum glabrum post infection. The mean weight gain, oocyst count, diarrhea, biochemical tests, hematology, and histopathology of all groups were analyzed. The herbs were characterized by antioxidant assay, phytochemical screening, Fourier transmission and infrared (FT-IR), Ultra Violet-visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy and Gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy (GC–MS). The GC–MS identified phyto-compounds of V. officinalis were docked with S-Adenosyl methionine (SAM) synthetase. The in-vitro study revealed that V. officinalis and P. glabrum have minimum IC 50 of 0.14 and 12 mg/ml respectively. The in-vivo experiment showed that V. officinalis had significantly high anticoccidial potential with significant hematological profile like drug treated controls. The histology of treated chicks also showed recovery in the studied tissues. The antioxidant assay showed that V. officinalis have 4.19U/mg Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and 33.96 µM/mg Glutathione (GSH) quantities. The chemical characterization confirmed the presence of large number of organic compounds, however Flavonoids found only in V. officinalis , which suggests the anticoccidial potential of V. officinalis because flavonoids as antagonist of thiamine (Prinzo, 1999), because it promotes the carbohydrate synthesis required. Strychane, 1-acetyl-20a-hydroxy-16-methylene has best binding of with target protein with lowest binding score (-6.4 Kcal/mol), suggests its anticoccidial potential in poultry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current cervical interbody cage technology is not without limitations. One strategy to overcome its shortcomings led to the development of biodegradable cages. Animal studies and early clinical experience demonstrated gradual resorption of the cage with excellent bony incorporation and high fusion rates. Although much has been written about their advantageous characteristics, most studies followed their patients for short periods. Little has been published on the long-term follow-up of these cages. We describe our experience with biodegradable cages made from a resorbable composite material (40% polylactide (PLLA) and 60% beta-tricalcium phosphate (b-TCP)). These were reported to have a high breaking strength but minimal risk of subsidence. They also gradually resorbed, allowing for greater ease in the assessment of bony bridging. The authors conducted this prospective cohort study with the approval of our local ethics board. This study was conducted at a University Teaching Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Consecutive patient sample propspectively enrolled. Radiographic evidence of fusion, cage resorption, cervical alignment measures, failure requiring re-operation. The aim was to describe fusion and complication rates in patients undergoing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) with this novel biodegradable cage. Imaging was acquired and reviewed at preoperative visit, immediately postoperatively and at last follow-up. Systematic literature review: PubMed and EMBASE were searched for experience with these cages in cervical fusion at other centers. Our center enrolled 27 patients (14 male and 13 female) until termination of this study. Median age was 60 years. Nineteen percent were smokers and 37% were diabetic. In total, 47 cages were implanted. The number of levels operated was: single-level in six cases, two-level in 12 cases, three-level in seven cases and four-level in two cases. Median follow-up was 34 months (IQR = 29.5-38 months). At final follow-up, 85% achieved fusion. Across all levels operated, we encountered a near-uniform loss of disc height and correction. Two patients required revisions due to cage-related complications and two patients developed asymptomatic screw fractures and are being followed. When removing industry-sponsored material, the literature review demonstrated very unfavourable experience with high rates of failure, similar to our series. Our long-term experience with resorbable PLLA cages does not support their adoption into clinical practice. Our literature review supports this notion secondary to an unacceptably high complication and revision rate in other clinical settings. This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background Invasive orbital apex aspergillosis (IOAA) is an aggressive form of aspergillus infection that usually affects immunocompromised patients. It can cause orbital apex syndrome and, if not treated promptly, may progress rapidly causing fatal complications. Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) secondary to ruptured mycotic aneurysms is a very rare complication of invasive aspergillosis. We aim to describe our management and the outcome of six immunocompetent patients with IOAA with subsequent SAH secondary to ruptured mycotic aneurysms. Patients and Methods A retrospective review was undertaken of charts of patients treated for orbital involvement with aspergillosis between January 2003 and December 2015 at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. We identified all immunocompetent patients with IOAA who developed vascular complications. Results Six immunocompetent patients with IOAA complicated by SAH secondary to ruptured mycotic aneurysms were identified in the study period. Four patients were female, and patients' age ranged between 14 and 53 years (mean, 33.7 ± 13.4 years). All patients presented with progressive retro-orbital headache, visual impairment, and ophthalmoplegia; four had proptosis. Two patients had vasospasm and brain infarction. Antifungal therapy was used in all patients, and 4 underwent emergency craniotomy and clipping of an aneurysm. Five patients died as a consequence of SAH and infarction. Conclusions IOAA is a serious disease that commonly causes catastrophic and fatal vascular complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caralluma edulis is a leafless succulent herb native to India and Pakistan, where it is used as emergency food and as potential herbal medicine. It was investigated for its bioactive chemicals and further medicinal properties. The objective of the current study was to accomplish the chemical and biological characterization of C. edulis. Chemical profiling was done through estimation of total bioactive contents and UHPLMS analysis. Biological screening was achieved through six different antioxidant and enzyme inhibition assays. Estimation of its phenolic and flavonoid contents revealed that ethyl acetate fraction (Ce-E) contains 14.15 mg GAE/g extract and 26.13 mg RE/g extract of phenolics and flavonoids, respectively, followed by the methanolic (Ce-M) and the water (Ce-W) soluble fractions. In free radical inhibitory assays, Ce-E fraction also exhibited highest activity (DPPH: 19.72 mg TE/g extract, ABTS: 48.66 mg TE/g extract) followed by Ce-M, whereas, in CUPRAC and FRAP assays, all the extracts, except water fraction, exhibited nearly equal potential in the range of 53.85–57.96 and 25.42–32.12 mg TE/g extract, respectively. In metal chelating antioxidant assay, only Ce-M and Ce-W fractions displayed considerable activities (25.88 and 23.55 mg EDTAE/g extract respectively), whereas, Ce-H exhibited the highest activity in phosphomolybdenum assay (1.03 mmolTE/g extract), against BChE (6.43 mg GALAE/g extract), α-glucosidase and α-amylase (6.98 and 0.47 mmol ACAE/g, respectively) and tyrosinase (64.46 mg KAE/g extract) enzymes. Ce-M and Ce-E also exhibited significant activity against tyrosinase (59.85 and 58.40 mg KAE/g extract, respectively). Crude methanolic extract (Ce-M) was analyzed to unveil its secondary metabolic picture; the UHPLCMS analysis discloses 105 compounds as phenolic acids, flavonoids, steroids and their glycosides, which makes the C. edulis extract a strong candidate for nutraceutical and functional food ingredient. Some of the metabolites were docked against all the tested enzymes to predict mode of actions and to substantiate the pharmaceutical nature of C. edulis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A stable compound (CdYF 3) comprehensive analysis is predicted by the DFT. • The anticipated stability is achieved through the strengthening of the formation energy, cohesive energy and phonon dispersion. • We have performed calculations of energy bandgap via various exchange correlation potentials like LDA, PBE-GGA, WC-GGA, PBEsol-GGA and mBJ-GGA,. The Improved TB-mBJ (mBJ) functional was shown to be a good approximation for bandgap values. • The calculated thermodynamics properties to evaluate the heat capacity, Debye temperature at constant volume and pressure by quasi harmonic model. • The estimated figure of merit value for CdYF 3 perovskite, which can be employed in heat generators at room temperature. The thermoelectric and thermodynamic characteristics of CdYF 3 were examined for the first time using the density functional theory (DFT) framework within the generalized gradient approximation (GGA). The stability of the material is justified by calculating the optimization and phonon calculation. We employed diverse approximations like LDA, WC-GGA, PBE-GGA, and GGA-PBE-sol approximation to analyse the variation in the band gap while these approximations reveal an underestimate of the bandgap. Therefore we, employed the GGA + trans-Blaha modified Becke–Johnson (TB-mBJ) approach to get the accurate bandgap with 2.305 eV value from (M−X) of the CdYF 3 compound. Additionally, we computed transport properties against the temperature, chemical potential, and charge carrier concentrations of the CdYF 3 compound. At the optimum charge carriers, the calculated power factor suggests that p-type CdYF 3 has a power factor. We also calculated the thermodynamics properties to evaluate the heat capacity at constant volume and pressure, enthalpy, etc. As a result, significant ZT in CdYF 3 was achieved at higher values at room temperature to use in the thermal devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–associated cerebral aneurysmal vasculopathy is a rare complication of HIV affecting pediatric and adult patients and has been the subject of many case reports and case series. Methods We performed a systematic literature search of PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Google Scholar up to April 10, 2015. Our inclusion criteria encompassed all reported original case series and reports of HIV-associated cerebral aneurysms diagnosed radiologically. We analyzed the clinical characteristics and management of the reported cases. Results We identified 61 patients reported in the literature (45 pediatric and 16 adult patients). The median age was 9.8 years for pediatric patients and 36.5 years for adult patients. Weakness was the most common presenting symptom in adult and pediatric patients. The most common affected artery was the middle cerebral artery. Approximately 87.2% of pediatric patients and 42.9% of adult patients were on antiretroviral therapy (ART) at presentation. The mortality rate was 60% and 35.7% among pediatric and adult patients, respectively. The optimal management is not well established. Variable response to ART was reported with possible survival benefits when ART was initiated early. Conclusions HIV-associated cerebral aneurysmal arteriopathy is associated with high mortality. The optimal management is not well established, but early initiation of ART may improve the survival rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider a novel method to design H ∞ observers for a class of uncertain nonlinear systems subject to unknown inputs. First, the main system dynamics are rewritten as an augmented system with state vector including both the state vector of the main system and the unknown inputs. Then, we design a H ∞ reduced-order observer to estimate both state variables and unknown inputs simultaneously. Based on a Lyapunov functional, we derive a sufficient condition for existence of the designed observer which requires solving a nonlinear matrix inequality. To facilitate the observer design, the achieved condition is formulated in terms of a set of linear matrix inequalities (LMI). By extending the proposed method to a multiobjective optimization problem, the maximum bound of the uncertainty and the minimum value of the disturbance attenuation level are found. Finally, the proposed observer is illustrated with an example. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We study the fractional-order version of a new chaotic system. [•] Non-fragile control and synchronization of the new chaotic system is investigated. [•] Based on linear matrix inequalities, necessary and sufficient conditions are proposed. [•] The method is not model-based and can be extended to other systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a poorly understood entity as well as a source of continuous controversy in the neuroscientific community. The surgical management of this disease requires that intracranial pressure (ICP), also referred to as the cerebrospinal fluid pressure (CSFP), be lowered using a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion procedure. Numerous complications are linked with this procedure; we believe that new evidence suggests that the induction or acceleration of glaucomatous optic neuropathy are possible sequelae that warrant further investigation. We also suggest potential solutions derived from the increased understanding of the disease’s pathophysiology and new advances in imaging of the optic nerve head complex. The recent inclusion of the translaminar gradient (TLG) (the difference between the intraocular pressure (IOP) and the ICP/CSFP across the thickness of the lamina cribrosa in the optic nerve head complex) in the pathogenesis of normal tension glaucoma (NTG) suggests that the disease may be a complication encountered during the treatment of NPH with CSF diversion procedures. The significant decrease in CSFP required to treat NPH increases this gradient. In addition, there have been recent observations of an increased prevalence of NTG, as well as other forms of glaucoma, among patients with NPH, thought to be due to inherently fragile neurons in these patients. This new data suggest that patients who undergo ICP lowering therapy for their NPH may be at a higher risk of developing or accelerating already present NTG. We present the clinical and theoretical basis for our hypothesis after reviewing the relevant literature linking the two entities. We also propose a possible solution, as we believe that treatment guidelines for NPH should take the TLG into account. Indeed, recent advances in the imaging of the optic nerve head complex may provide an opportunity to detect the mechanical sequelae of an increased TLG in the preclinical stage, i.e., prior to optic nerve damage. If we are able to determine safe parameters for the TLG in this population, we may be able to recommend the initiation of prophylactic glaucoma therapy for selected patients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Energy geostructures are novel dual use engineering sub-structures that can be used for heat transfer and storage as well as original structural function. Their use is becoming increasingly popular in delivering cost-effective shallow geothermal energy. Currently, they are mostly used as a part of ground-source heat pump (GSHP) systems for supplying partial or full heating and cooling demands of different types of buildings. The recent introduction of fifth generation district heating and cooling (5GDHC) networks can pave the way for the exploitation of energy geostructures as ground-coupled low-temperature energy sources and stores for providing energy demands of a wider range of energy users in districts rather than single buildings. In this article, the capability and feasibility of the novel concept of integration of energy geostructures into the 5GDHC networks are evaluated through reviewing different aspects of thermal performance of operating energy geostructures and 5GDHC networks. The potential advantages and challenges along with the knowledge gaps in such integration are discussed, and some practical recommendations are provided concerning dealing with some implementation challenges. It is highlighted that the incorporation of energy geostructures in 5GDHC networks can enhance the sustainability, flexibility and resilience of the network. There is the potential to exploit a greater share of cost-effective geothermal energy, and the ability to act as both thermal energy sources and stores for efficiently supplying both heating and cooling demands. However, since the development of fifth generation thermal networks and energy geostructures, particularly energy walls and energy tunnels, are still in their infancy, further research is required to assess the magnitude of the opportunities and quantify the advantages of integrating energy geostructures into the 5GDHC networks. • Energy geostructures are dual use buried structures exchanging heat with the ground. • Connection to fifth generation thermal networks can increase their range of use. • Energy geostructures offer benefits of thermal storage over a range of timescales. • They have lower costs compared with traditional shallow geothermal applications. • More work is required to develop design guides and reduce non technical barriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new florula, dominated by angiosperm leaves, is reported from the Upper Cretaceous (Turonian?) Malihah Formation of Saudi Arabia. The leaves are fragmentary preserved as impressions with a rust coloured, mineral coating, thus it is only possible to describe the best-preserved leaf forms as morphotaxa for the time being. Eight angiosperm and two gymnosperm morphotypes can be distinguished. Morphologically the flora exhibits more similarities to Aptian – Cenomanian floras than to Turonian floras from northern Gondwana. Knowledge about this florula fills a regional gap in our knowledge about Cretaceous floras from the Arabian Peninsula and its surroundings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aqueous humor (AH) samples from patients with Behçet''s disease (BD) (n =29), Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada (VKH) disease (n =21), and HLA-B27-associated uveitis (n =8), and 42 control patients were assayed for the neutrophil chemoattractants CXCL1/GRO-α and CXCL8/IL-8 and the lymphocyte chemoattractants CXCL9/MIG, CXCL10/IP-10 and CXCL12/SDF-1 with the use of a multiplex chemokine assay. Chemokine levels except SDF-1 were significantly higher in the 3 disease groups than in normal controls. Considering all patients, mean GRO-α levels were 15-fold higher than IL-8 levels and mean IP-10 levels were 22-fold higher than MIG levels. In patients with the same disease activity, AH levels of GRO-α and IP-10 were significantly higher in patients with BD than in patients with VKH disease and HLA-B27-associated uveitis (p =0.0474; p <0.001, respectively). These data suggest that GRO-α and IP-10 are the predominant CXC chemokines involved in neutrophil and activated T lymphocyte chemoattraction in endogenous uveitis, particularly in BD. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Backgound: Idiopathic spinal cord herniation is a rare entity that has been described more frequently over the past few years. Its pathophysiology remains obscure, however.Methods: We report a case of spinal cord herniation and review the literature extensively. In view of our review, we try to determine the clinical features of the condition and the diagnostic measures used, with emphasis on the role of magnetic resonance (MR) phase-contrast CSF study. The factors affecting the outcome of the condition are also studied including time and type of presentation, as well as the surgical procedure performed. The pathophysiological mechanisms behind spontaneous herniation are discussed, and a new hypothesis is proposed.Results: Idiopathic spinal cord herniation occurs in the middle-aged adult, with a preponderance of patients being female. Brown-Séquard syndrome is the most common clinical presentation and usually progresses to spastic paraparesis. MRI typically shows a ventral kink in the thoracic cord, with MR phase-contrast imaging proving an important addition to exclude an arachnoid cyst. Better outcomes were noted in the patients treated earlier, and in those with no spasticity. Widening the dural defect seems to afford better results compared to grafting of the defect. The prognosis is favorable after correction, though a vertebral body herniation variant may be associated with worse outcome. In view of the chronology of events and imaging studies in our patient, we hypothesize that herniation occurs as an acquired phenomenon where an inflammatory process results in adherence between the spinal cord and the dura, with erosion, formation of a dural defect, and then later herniation occurring with cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) pulsations.Conclusions: Idiopathic herniation of the spinal cord should be recognized and treated early to reach a favorable outcome. It seems to be an acquired condition likely caused by an inflammatory event, the nature of which is to be determined. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]