Compression of the ulnar nerve at the wrist due to an arthro-synovial cyst. Apropos of 2 cases

This study investigates the extent to which sunscreens protect humans from ultraviolet (UV)-radiation-induced immunosuppression. In the presence of solar-simulated UV, three sunscreens with differing UVA transmission were assessed for their ability to protect the contact hypersensitivity (CHS) response to nickel of 16 nickel-allergic subjects. The sunscreens contained 2-ethylhexyl para-methoxycinnamate (cinnamate), cinnamate with oxybenzone, or cinnamate with zinc oxide, respectively. All had sun protection factors of 10 and hence inhibited UV erythema to similar extents. Volunteers were irradiated on their backs with suberythemal UV daily for 5 d after application of the sunscreens and their base lotion to different sites. Nickel-containing patches were then applied to both UV-treated sites and adjacent, unirradiated control sites. Erythema caused by nickel CHS at each site was quantitated 72 h later with a reflectance erythema meter. In comparison of the nickel reactions of irradiated and unirradiated skin, there was 35% mean immunosuppression in unprotected UV-treated skin. Significant immunosuppression also occurred at sites irradiated through the narrow-spectrum cinnamate-only sunscreen but was prevented by the two broad-spectrum sunscreens. To determine whether UV-induced suppression of the nickel response is specific for cell-mediated immunity or reflects suppression of nonspecific inflammation, a further 16 subjects were patch-tested with a skin irritant, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), following a sunscreen and irradiation protocol identical to that of the nickel volunteers. UV had no significant effect on SLS responses. We conclude that nickel patch testing is a valid means of assessing UV-induced immunosuppression in humans and that even with suberythemal UV, immune protection was provided only by sunscreens filtering both UVA and UVB.     

Improving accuracy in detecting acoustic onsets.

In current cognitive psychology, naming latencies are commonly measured by electronic voice keys that detect when sound exceeds a certain amplitude threshold. However, recent research (e.g., K. Rastle & M. H. Davis, 2002) has shown that these devices are particularly inaccurate in precisely detecting acoustic onsets. In this article, the authors discuss the various problems and solutions that have been put forward with respect to this issue and show that classical voice keys may trigger several tens of milliseconds later than acoustic onset. The authors argue that a solution to this problem may come from voice keys that use a combination of analogue and digital noise (nonspeech sound) detection. It is shown that the acoustic onsets detected by such a device are only a few milliseconds delayed and correlate highly (up to .99) with reaction time values obtained by visual waveform inspection. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Indocyanine green angiography in choroidal osteoma

BACKGROUND: Choroidal osteoma is a rare choroidal tumor; knowledge of its indocyanine green characteristics is limited. METHODS: The fundus photographs and the fluorescein and indocyanine green angiograms of three patients were reviewed. Each patient was examined at least twice with a follow-up varying from 10 to 60 months. RESULTS: Late-phase fluorescein angiograms allow assessment of the extension of the osteoma as it is variably hyperfluorescent due to tumor staining combined with a variable degree of overlying retinal pigment epithelial changes. The hypofluorescent area observed in the early phase of the indocyanine green angiogram corresponds with the extent of the osteoma but the borders may be difficult to demarcate. In the late phase of the indocyanine green angiogram, hypofluorescence due to choriocapillaris loss and hyperfluorescence due to leakage from abnormal choroidal vessels are combined. Infrared angiography high-lights abnormal choroidal vessels and vascular spiders present on the tumor surface. It is difficult to differentiate these choroidal vascular anomalies from subretinal neovascularization. CONCLUSIONS: We find no homogeneous pattern either on fluorescein or on infrared angiography. The findings may change with follow-up, indicating changes within the tumor or the surrounding tissue that are still poorly understood.     

Impact of the reducing sugars on the relationship between acrylamide and Maillard browning in French fries

The relationship between acrylamide content and Maillard browning in French fries was studied as a function of different glucose/fructose ratios in the raw product using several colour measurement methods. An exponential correlation was found between acrylamide formation and surface colour, as evaluated by the parameters a*, delta E and Agtron. As a consequence, small differences in product colour could result in more pronounced differences in acrylamide contamination. This relationship however appeared to be dependant upon the glucose/fructose ratio of the raw material. An excess of fructose compared to glucose stimulated acrylamide formation to a higher extent than Maillard browning. The opposite effect was established with an excess of glucose. In addition, a linear relationship was found between the absorbance of aqueous French fries extracts and acrylamide content, which moreover appeared to be less affected by the addition of extra reducing sugars prior to frying. To predict acrylamide formation, sugar analysis however remains an important instrument and is complementary to surface colour measurement.     

Towards a multi-agent system for regulated information exchange in crime investigations

This paper outlines a multi-agent architecture for regulated information exchange of crime investigation data between police forces. Interactions between police officers about information exchange are analysed as negotiation dialogues with embedded persuasion dialogues. An architecture is then proposed consisting of two agents, a requesting agent and a responding agent, and a communication language and protocol with which these agents can interact to promote optimal information exchange while respecting the law. Finally, dialogue policies are defined for the individual agents, specifying their behaviour within a negotiation. Essentially, when deciding to accept or reject an offer or to make a counteroffer, an agent first determines whether it is obligatory or permitted to perform the actions specified in the offer. If permitted but not obligatory, the agent next determines whether it is in his interest to accept the offer.     

Protective influence of several packaging materials on light oxidation of milk

Light-induced degradation reactions in milk create a serious problem for the dairy industry because of the development of off-flavors, the decrease in nutritional quality, and the severity and speed by which these phenomena develop. Packaging materials are essential to avoid this particular deterioration of milk. Therefore, efforts are being made to design protective polyethylene terephthalate (PET) packages. In the present study, a number of PET bottles were compared for their ability to avoid photo-oxidation in UHT semi-skimmed milk. The milk was packed in 3 types of PET bottles: one transparent bottle provided with an active oxygen-binding inner layer, one bottle with perfect light barrier, and one transparent bottle provided with a UV-absorbing additive. During 2 storage experiments, running parallel to each other for 2 mo, chemical milk quality parameters such as fat oxidation, vitamin and protein degradation, oxygen consumption, and color change were monitored. A trained taste panel compared the sensory quality of the illuminated milk stored in these bottles, with milk perfectly protected against light and oxygen. In the first study, milk was continuously illuminated at room temperature. A comparison was made for milk under storage conditions that simulated those expected during display in retail and supermarkets. The results of the 2 shelf-life studies showed that an adequate light barrier was apparently sufficient to avoid the light-induced oxidation of milk during extended storage. Oxygen barriers, on the other hand, did not provide a significant protection, nor did bottles with UV filter. If wavelengths detrimental to riboflavin were not completely excluded by the packaging material, incoming light could still give rise to photo degradation of milk. Accordingly, riboflavin and vitamin A were gradually degraded, milk fat was photo-oxidized, oxygen dissolved in the milk was consumed, and the sensorial quality decreased significantly.