Glioblastoma with leptomeningeal dissemination

Here we report a case of glioblastoma (GB) with leptomeningeal dissemination (LMD) in a 21 year old female presenting with generalized tonic-clonic seizures. After a brain MRI confirmed a non-enhancing left frontal lobe mass, histopathological examination and molecular analysis showed a glioblastoma with features of gliosarcoma that was an IDH wild type, MGMT unmethylated, TERT amplified tumor. She received standard care with combined chemoradiation with temozolomide and targeted radiation. MRI showing disease progression prompted the addition of bevacizumab after which the patient quickly deteriorated and died eight months after initial presentation. Incidence of LMD is an uncommon occurrence and associated with a significant decrease in overall survival when diagnosed at initial presentation. More research is needed to determine what role histopathologic variants and molecular profile plays in prognosis and treatment.peer-reviewe

Selective cognitive patterns resulting from bilateral hippocampal ischemia

A 54-year-old diabetic, hypertensive man with poorly controlled moderate-severe sleep apnea presented with acute onset of severe anterograde amnesia and well preserved remote memory without additional cognitive impairment. Investigations, including a lumbar puncture, electroencephalogram (EEG) and serology testing ruled out infectious, neoplastic and epilleptogenic causes. MRI taken 10 days after symptom onset, was suggestive of sequential ischemic damage to both hippocampal formations. Neuropyschological evaluation suggested a focal and dense amnestic syndrome with little improvement over time. The bilateral nature of hippocampal ischemia though has been reported, is rare

A generic framework for multi-parameter optimization of flight trajectories

The project is co-funded by the European Community’s Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013) for the Clean Sky Joint Technology Initiative.This paper presents the requirements and design concept of a multi-parameter optimization tool to be used on flight trajectories. The tool, referred to as GATAC, is being developed as part of the EU-funded Clean Sky Joint Technology Initiative (JTI) programme, and a preliminary version is discussed in this paper. The tool has been evaluated and the results obtained confirm the validity of the tool, opening the way for further development. The paper also addresses the architectural design and a number of key features of the tool.peer-reviewe

The Socio-economic Impact of Social Computing: Proceedings of a Validation and Policy Options Workshop

This report presents the major outcomes of a validation and policy options workshop on social computing, held at IPTS in Seville, on 26-27 February 2008. It points to a number of relevant issues (including methodological and conceptual ones) that need to be taken into account in a study of the socio-economic impacts of social computing. It argues that there is little room for direct policy interventions in social computing but that framework conditions and impacts at sector-level (e.g. education, government) need to be considered. The report also discusses the future of social computing and the opportunities it offers Europe.JRC.J.4-Information Societ

The Impact of Social Computing on the EU Information Society and Economy

This report provides a systematic empirical assessment of the creation, use and adoption of specific social computing applications and its impact on ICT/media industries, personal identity, social inclusion, education and training, healthcare and public health, and government services and public governance.JRC.J.4-Information Societ

MRI Indices of Cortical Development in Young People With Psychotic Experiences: Influence of Genetic Risk and Persistence of Symptoms

Background Psychotic experiences (PEs) are considered part of an extended psychosis phenotype and are associated with an elevated risk of developing a psychotic disorder. Risk of transition increases with persistence of PEs, and this is thought to be modulated by genetic and environmental factors. However, it is unclear if persistence is associated with progressive schizophrenia-like changes in neuroanatomy. Methods We examined cortical morphometry using MRI in 247 young adults, from a population-based cohort, assessed for the presence of PEs at ages 18 and 20. We then incorporated a polygenic risk score for schizophrenia (PRS) to elucidate the effects of high genetic risk. Finally, we used atlas-based tractography data to examine the underlying white matter. Results Individuals with persisting PEs showed reductions in gyrification (local gyrification index: lGI) in the left temporal gyrus as well as atypical associations with brain volume (TBV) in the left occipital and right prefrontal gyri. No main effect was found for the PRS, but interaction effects with PEs were identified in the orbitofrontal, parietal, and temporal regions. Examination of underlying white matter did not provide strong evidence of further disturbances. Conclusions Disturbances in lGI were similar to schizophrenia but findings were mostly limited to those with persistent PEs. These could reflect subtle changes that worsen with impending psychosis or reflect an early vulnerability associated with the persistence of PEs. The lack of clear differences in underlying white matter suggests our findings reflect early disturbances in cortical expansion rather than progressive changes in brain structure

Towards a quality education for all

This document summarises the recommendations being proposed in the NCF and examines the implications of such recommendations. There can only be a meaningful strategy for the implementation of the NCF once the recommendations are debated and the full impact of their implications understood. This process of consultation needs to include all stakeholders in a professionally engaging manner. Moreover, the consultation and implementation strategies need to be based on the full understanding of a change management process. This document will therefore map out the way forward by presenting: • a summary of the recommendations being proposed by the NCF; • implications of these recommendations for implementation; • ideas about the management of change which underpin the consultation and implementation strategies the NCF would like to promote; • a strategy for the consultation process following the publication of the draft NCF; and • a proposed timeline for the implementation process of the NCF, following consultation and agreement with the wider educational community about the way forward.peer-reviewe

L5 Radiculopathy Causing Ipsilateral Absent Superficial Peroneal Sensory Response

A dogma in neurophysiologic studies states that an absent/reduced sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) implies a lesion at the lev-el/distal to the dorsal root ganglion (DRG). Radiculopathies being proximal to the DRG generally have normal SNAPs. A 28-year-old patient presented with right lower ex-tremity radicular symptoms. Nerve conduc-tion studies (NCS) revealed an absent right superficial peroneal sensory response. MRI of the lumbosacral spine showed a right L4-5 disc extrusion compressing the L5 nerve root. An isolated absent superficial peroneal SNAP may rarely occur if the DRG is locat-ed within the intraspinal canal or proximal t

A rare presentation of hypertrophic olivary degeneration secondary to primary central nervous system lymphoma

Case report: A 71-year-old man presented with a 2-week history of nausea, vomiting, unsteady gait, and diplopia

Linda Duvall : Where Were the Mothers?

"Linda Duvall’s Where Were the Mothers? is a multimedia exhibit that explores the uneasy fluidity of truth, and reveals the contradictions in trying to assert a singular or absolute narrative. “We are deluged by reports of violent acts and seemingly senseless criminal activities, and we often look for someone to blame,” Duvall says. A common response is ‘Where were their mothers?’ Duvall explores the assumptions behind this phrase by focusing on the relationship between “people who have taken alternative life paths” and their mothers." -- Artist's website