FAME, a microprocessor based front-end analysis and modeling environment

Higher order software (HOS) is a methodology for the specification and verification of large scale, complex, real time systems. The HOS methodology was implemented as FAME (front end analysis and modeling environment), a microprocessor based system for interactively developing, analyzing, and displaying system models in a low cost user-friendly environment. The nature of the model is such that when completed it can be the basis for projection to a variety of forms such as structured design diagrams, Petri-nets, data flow diagrams, and PSL/PSA source code. The user's interface with the analyzer is easily recognized by any current user of a structured modeling approach; therefore extensive training is unnecessary. Furthermore, when all the system capabilities are used one can check on proper usage of data types, functions, and control structures thereby adding a new dimension to the design process that will lead to better and more easily verified software designs

Морфологические аспекты кровоизлияний в опухоли гипофиза

Morphological features of pituitary adenomas, into which stroma haemorrhages take place, have been established by authors of the article. Tinctorial, macro- and microscopic characteristics have been researched. By an immunohistochemical research a level of expression of VEGF, EGFR, cyclin D1, protein p53 had been determine, that allowed to suppose an immediate reason and pathogenesis of haemorrhages into pituitary adenomas.Авторами статьи установлены морфологические особенности аденом гипофиза, в строму которых происходят кровоизлияния. Исследованы тинкториальные свойства, макро- и микроскопические характеристики. С помощью иммуногистохимического исследования определён уровень экспрессии VEGF, EGFR, циклина D1, белка p53, что позволило предположить непосредственную причину и патогенез питуитарных кровоизлияний

Onchocerciasis transmission in Ghana: Persistence under different control strategies and the role of the simuliid vectors

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) aims at eliminating onchocerciasis by 2020 in selected African countries. Current control focuses on community-directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI). In Ghana, persistent transmission has been reported despite long-term control. We present spatial and temporal patterns of onchocerciasis transmission in relation to ivermectin treatment history. Methodology/Principal Findings: Host-seeking and ovipositing blackflies were collected from seven villages in four regions of Ghana with 3–24 years of CDTI at the time of sampling. A total of 16,443 flies was analysed for infection; 5,812 (35.3%) were dissected for parity (26.9% parous). Heads and thoraces of 12,196 flies were dissected for Onchocerca spp. and DNA from 11,122 abdomens was amplified using Onchocerca primers. A total of 463 larvae (0.03 larvae/fly) from 97 (0.6%) infected and 62 (0.4%) infective flies was recorded; 258 abdomens (2.3%) were positive for Onchocerca DNA. Infections (all were O. volvulus) were more likely to be detected in ovipositing flies. Transmission occurred, mostly in the wet season, at Gyankobaa and Bosomase, with transmission potentials of, respectively, 86 and 422 L3/person/month after 3 and 6 years of CDTI. The numbers of L3/1,000 parous flies at these villages were over 100times the WHO threshold of one L3/1,000 for transmission control. Vector species influenced transmission parameters. At Asubende, the number of L3/1,000 ovipositing flies (1.4, 95% CI = 0–4) also just exceeded the threshold despite extensive vector control and 24 years of ivermectin distribution, but there were no infective larvae in host-seeking flies. Conclusions/Significance: Despite repeated ivermectin treatment, evidence of O. volvulus transmission was documented in all seven villages and above the WHO threshold in two. Vector species influences transmission through biting and parous rates and vector competence, and should be included in transmission models. Oviposition traps could augment vector collector methods for monitoring and surveillance

Linkage of high-affinity IgE receptor gene with bronchial hyperreactivity, even in absence of atopy

Asthma is a manifestation of bronchial hyperreactivity (BHR) and forms part of the spectrum of atopic diease. Some pedigree studies of atopy have suggested linkage with the high-affinity IgE receptor (Fc∈ Rlβ) gene on chromosome 11q13, but others find no linkage. The molecular genetics of asthma and BHR have not been studied in the general population.\ud \ud We examined the genetic linkage of the Fc∈ Rlβ gene with clinical asthma and the underlying phenotypes of BHR (to methacholine) and atopy (defined by skinprick testing) in 123 affected sibling-pairs recruited from the general population. We found evidence of significant linkage of a highly polymorphic microsatellite marker in the fifth intron of the Fc∈ Rlβ gene to a diagnosis of asthma (18·0% excess of shared alleles, p=0·002) and to BHR (21·7% excess of shared alleles, p=0·001). Significant linkage was also observed in siblings sharing BHR when those with atopy were excluded (32·8% excess of shared alleles, p=0·004). Atopy in the absence of BHR did not show significant linkage to the Fc∈ Rlβ gene (7·2% excess of shared alleles, p=0·124).\ud \ud These findings suggest that mutations in the Fc∈ Rlβ gene or a closely linked gene influence the BHR underlying asthma, even in the absence of atopy

RADIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF HEMORRHAGE INTO PITUITARY ADENOMAS

Objective. To reveal the characteristic radiological features of pituitary apoplexy, which are able to influence its treatment policy. Material and methods. 82 patients with pituitary apoplexy were analyzed. Surgery was not performed in 37 cases and its need disappeared during medical treatment. 45 patients were operated on in different periods after the onset of hemorrhage. The characteristics of MR images of a pituitary apoplexy focus and the likelihood of complete tumor resorption were assessed. Results. Cystic cavities in the tumor stroma were more frequently found at 3 months after the onset of hemorrhage. Complete resorption occurred mainly in pituitary adenomas measuring < 40 mm in size. Tumor resorption occurred more often in diffuse infiltration of the tumor stroma. Conclusion. Medical therapy may be the mainstay of treatment for pituitary apoplexy in tumors < 40 mm with a hemorrhage duration of less than 3 months if cysts are absent in the stroma, regardless of a patient’s status. The probability of pituitary function recovery in this case was 87.5%

Internal carotid artery injury in transsphenoidal surgery: Tenets for its avoidance and refit—a clinical study

One of the most serious/potentially fatal complications of transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) is internal carotid artery (ICA) injury. Of 6230 patients who underwent TSS, ICA injury occurred in 8 (0.12%). The etiology, possible treatment options, and avoidance of ICA injury were analyzed. ICA injury occurred at two different stages: (1) during the exposure of the sella floor and dural incision over the sella and cavernous sinus and (2) during the resection of the cavernous sinus extension of the tumor. The angiographic collateral blood supply was categorized as good, sufficient, and nonsufficient to help with the decision making for repairing the injury. ICA occlusion with a balloon was performed at the injury site in two cases, microcoils in two patients, microcoils plus a single barrel extra-intracranial high-flow bypass in one case, stent grafting in one case, and no intervention in two cases. The risk of ICA injury diminishes with better preoperative preparation, intraoperative navigation, and ultrasound dopplerography. Reconstructive surgery for closing the defect and restoring the blood flow to the artery should be assessed depending on the site of the injury and the anatomical features of the ICA. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland