x509-free access to WLCG resources

Access to WLCG resources is authenticated using an x509 and PKI infrastructure. Even though HEP users have always been exposed to certificates directly, the development of modern Web Applications by the LHC experiments calls for simplified authentication processes keeping the underlying software unmodified. In this work we will show a solution with the goal of providing access to WLCG resources using the user's home organisations credentials, without the need for user-acquired x509 certificates. In particular, we focus on identity providers within eduGAIN, which interconnects research and education organisations worldwide, and enables the trustworthy exchange of identity-related information. eduGAIN has been integrated at CERN in the SSO infrastructure so that users can authenticate without the need of a CERN account. This solution achieves x509-free access to Grid resources with the help of two services: STS and an online CA. The STS (Security Token Service) allows credential translation from the SAML2 format used by Identity Federations to the VOMS-enabled x509 used by most of the Grid. The IOTA CA (Identifier-Only Trust Assurance Certification Authority) is responsible for the automatic issuing of short-lived x509 certificates. The IOTA CA deployed at CERN has been accepted by EUGridPMA as the CERN LCG IOTA CA, included in the IGTF trust anchor distribution and installed by the sites in WLCG. We will also describe the first pilot projects which are integrating the solution.Peer reviewe

Pleosporales

One hundred and five generic types of Pleosporales are described and illustrated. A brief introduction and detailed history with short notes on morphology, molecular phylogeny as well as a general conclusion of each genus are provided. For those genera where the type or a representative specimen is unavailable, a brief note is given. Altogether 174 genera of Pleosporales are treated. Phaeotrichaceae as well as Kriegeriella, Zeuctomorpha and Muroia are excluded from Pleosporales. Based on the multigene phylogenetic analysis, the suborder Massarineae is emended to accommodate five families, viz. Lentitheciaceae, Massarinaceae, Montagnulaceae, Morosphaeriaceae and Trematosphaeriaceae

Cerebrovascular disorders and Fahr's disease: Report of two cases and literature review

Fahr's disease is a rare idiopathic nosological entity, characterized by calcification of the basal ganglia and dentate nuclei of the cerebellum. Sometimes it may be associated to other diseases like cerebrovascular disorders. However, this link remains unclear and it needs to be further validated. We report two cases of patients with cerebrovascular disorders and Fahr's disease. In the first case, a 69-years-old woman with right internal capsule-basal ganglia haemorrhage. In the second case, a 72-years-old woman with ischemic stroke and pericallosal artery aneurysm. The physiopathology is discussed and concerning literature is reviewed. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

Fluorescein-assisted stereotactic needle biopsy of brain tumors: a single-center experience and systematic review

Over the last years, fluorescence-based technology has begun an emergent intraoperative method for diagnostic confirmation of brain tumor tissue in stereotactic needle biopsy. However, the actual level of evidence is quite low, especially about fluorescein sodium (FL) application. This method needs to be further validated and better analyzed about its impact in clinical practice. Retrospective analysis of 11 cases with contrast-enhancing brain tumors, underwent awake stereotactic needle biopsy with intraoperative FL assistance (group 1), was verified under the operative microscope filter. This group was matched with a control group of 18 patients (group 2). In addition, a systematic literature review was performed in PubMed/Medline database according to PRISMA statement. All studies concerning FL or 5-ALA application in stereotactic biopsy as intraoperative confirmation of brain tumor tissue were included. The primary endpoint was the evaluation of diagnostic accuracy. In group 1, all fluorescent specimens were diagnostic. The number of samplings was the useful minimum and non-use of intraoperative neuropathological examination allowed to significantly reduce procedure time (42.09 vs 69.72min of group 2). No complications occurred, and the average hospitalization time after procedure was 1.09days (vs 2.33 of group 2). Literature analysis supports the usefulness of photodiagnosis and its high diagnostic yield especially at the core of high-grade/contrast-enhancing tumors. FL assistance during stereotactic biopsy of contrast-enhancing brain tumors may give a real-time confirmation of tumor tissue, maximizing the diagnostic yield, and reducing time of procedure, morbidity, and hospitalization

Palatal Position of Patient Tracker for Magnetic Neuronavigation System: Technical Note

OBJECTIVE: Recently, the neuronavigation system (NS) has become an essential intraoperative tool for many neurosurgical procedures, allowing for precise lesion localization. It is particularly important to avoid errors during the navigation process. Here we report a novel technique using palatal positioning of the patient tracker to ensure optimal accuracy during magnetic navigation in various neurosurgical procedures. METHODS: This retrospective study included a total of 34 patients treated in our institution between June 2017 and January 2018. The patients were split into 2 groups who underwent surgery under general anesthesia: a microscopic transcranial group and an endoscopic endonasal group. Preoperative and postoperative navigation accuracy was assessed by 2 neurosurgeons. RESULTS: After our surgical planning navigation protocol was applied, both transcranial and endonasal procedures were successfully performed under navigation guidance in all but 1 patient. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications related to the tracker mounted under the hard palate. In 33 cases a maximal tracking view and optimal navigation accuracy was achieved, for a success rate of 97%. CONCLUSIONS: The positioning of the patient tracker under the hard palate proved safe, accurate, and feasible in 97% of our patients. In our case series, it met the main goal of avoiding device displacement without a sense of invasiveness and postoperative patient discomfort

Pure Endoscopic Lateral Orbitotomy Approach to the Cavernous Sinus, Posterior, and Infratemporal Fossae: Anatomic Study

Objective The aim of this anatomic study is to describe a fully endoscopic lateral orbitotomy extradural approach to the cavernous sinus, posterior, and infratemporal fossae. Material and Methods Three prefixed latex-injected head specimens (six orbital exposures) were used in the study. Before and after dissection, a computed tomography scan was performed on each cadaver head and a neuronavigation system was used to guide the approach. The extent of bone removal and the area of exposure of the targeted corridor were evaluated with the aid of OsiriX software (Pixmeo, Bernex, Switzerland). Results The lateral orbital approach offers four main endoscopic extradural routes: the anteromedial, posteromedial, posterior, and inferior. The anteromedial route allows a direct route to the optic canal by removal of the anterior clinoid process, whereas the posteromedial route allows for exposure of the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus. The posterior route is targeted to Meckel's cave and provides access to the posterior cranial fossa by exposure and drilling of the petrous apex, whereas the inferior route gives access to the pterygopalatine and infratemporal fossae by drilling the floor of the middle cranial fossa and the bone between the second and third branches of the trigeminal nerve. Conclusion The lateral orbitotomy endoscopic approach provides direct access to the cavernous sinus, posterior, and infratemporal fossae. Advantages of the approach include a favorable angle of attack, minimal brain retraction, and the possibility of dissection within the two dural layers of the cavernous sinus without entering its neurovascular compartment