Tied factor analysis for face recognition across large pose differences.

Face recognition algorithms perform very unreliably when the pose of the probe face is different from the gallery face: typical feature vectors vary more with pose than with identity. We propose a generative model that creates a one-to-many mapping from an idealized "identity" space to the observed data space. In identity space, the representation for each individual does not vary with pose.

Neurosurgery in the realm of 10(-9), Part 2: applications of nanotechnology to neurosurgery--present and future.

Neurosurgery in the future will witness an increasing influx of novel technologies, many of which will be based on developments in the emerging science of nanotechnology. Additionally, the continued trend in medicine toward minimally invasive diagnostic and surgical techniques will be aided by incorporation of applications of nanotechnology. Neurosurgeons of the future must facilitate the development of nanotechnology and nanomedicine in their clinical practice and research efforts to optimize patient benefit and facilitate scientific advancement.

Neurosurgery in the realm of 10(-9), part 1: stardust and nanotechnology in neuroscience.

Nanotechnology as a science has evolved from notions and speculation to emerge as a prominent combination of science and engineering that stands to impact innumerable aspects of technology. Medicine in general and neurosurgery in particular will benefit greatly in terms of improved diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities. The recent explosion in nanotechnology products, including diverse applications such as beauty products and medical contrast agents, has been accompanied by an ever increasing volume of literature.

Polymorphisms of the IL12B and IL23R genes are associated with psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a common inflammatory and hyperproliferative skin disease with a multifactorial genetic basis. A recent study reported that psoriasis was associated with the IL12B haplotype rs3212227 (3'-untranslated region)-rs6887695 (60 kb, 5') and the IL23R haplotype rs7530511 (L310P)-rs11209026 (Q381R). We examined these four single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for association with psoriasis in two groups of North American and German Caucasians: (1) 1,810 cases and 2,522 controls; and (2) 509 pedigrees.

Postoperative continuous paravertebral anesthetic infusion for pain control in lumbar spinal fusion surgery.

Study Design: A retrospective, case-control study was conducted to analyze postoperative outcomes in patients who received local anesthetic infusion pumps after lumbar spinal fusion procedures. Data were collected prospectively via nursing protocol and third party assessment, and analyzed retrospectively.

Objective: To review the safety and efficacy of continuous infusion of local anesthetic into the subfascial aspects of the wound after lumbar fusion surgery for treatment of postoperative pain, and to determine whether other outcome measures such as postoperative nausea and vomiting, ambulation and length of hospitalization were affected by the presence of the device.

Management of congenital elevation deficiency due to congenital third nerve palsy and monocular elevation deficiency.

Purpose: To document the presentation and management of congenital III nerve palsy and monocular elevation deficiency to single ophthalmologist over a 14-year period. Surgical management was reviewed and visual outcome was analysed.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted of all patients presenting during a period between 1992 and 2006 to the private practice of a paediatric ophthalmologist, with either congenital III or monocular elevation deficiency.

Psoriasis: epidemiology.

Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory and hyperproliferative skin disease with a genetic basis. While epidermal hyperplasia and altered keratinocyte differentiation are prominent features, considerable evidence indicates that psoriasis is immunologically mediated. Recently, the identification of HLA-Cw6 as the disease allele conferring susceptibility to psoriasis has provided a focus for elucidation of these events.

Primary intraosseous meningioma.

Primary intraosseous meningiomas are a subtype of primary extradural meningiomas and constitute fewer than 2% of meningiomas overall, but they represent approximately two thirds of all extradural meningiomas. These types of meningiomas originate within the bones of the skull and thus can have a clinical presentation and radiographic differential diagnosis that is different from those for intradural meningiomas. Primary intraosseous meningiomas are classified based on their location and histopathological characteristics.

IL-15 and psoriasis: another genetic link to Th17?

Interleukin-15 (IL-15) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine expressed in several inflammatory disorders. Zhang et al. (2007, this issue) report a significant genetic association between IL-15 and psoriasis, which may involve increased stability of IL-15 mRNA.

Prevalence of antigliadin antibodies in patients with psoriasis is not elevated compared with controls.

Background: Antigliadin antibodies (AGAs) are markers of celiac sprue but may have autoimmune implications in the absence of gastrointestinal disease. There is anecdotal evidence to suggest that gluten sensitivity may play a role in psoriasis, and patients with psoriasis in Europe have been reported to improve on a gluten-free diet.

Objective: To assess whether patients with psoriasis in the US have an increased prevalence of elevated AGAs.

Giant cell tumor of the skull in pediatric patients. Report of two cases.

Giant cell tumors of the bone are rare, locally aggressive lesions that primarily affect the epiphyses of long bones. These tumors can occur in the skull, principally in the sphenoid and temporal bones. Symptoms of these tumors depend on their site of origin but typically include headache, pain, visual field defects, and conductive hearing loss.

Lack of B7 expression, not human leukocyte antigen expression, facilitates immune evasion by human malignant gliomas.

Objective: Lack of human leukocyte antigens and costimulatory molecules have been suggested as mechanisms by which human malignant gliomas avoid immune recognition and elimination.

Methods: Using quantitative multiparameter flow cytometric analysis, tumor cells from patients with glioblastoma multiforme (n = 18) were examined ex vivo for the expression of human leukocyte antigen Class I and II molecules and the costimulatory molecules B7-1 and B7-2. They were compared with reactive astrocytes from peritumoral brain metastases (n = 7), and astrocytes removed during nontumor surgery (n = 5).

Differential ErbB1 signaling in squamous cell versus basal cell carcinoma of the skin.

In this study, we examined ErbB1 signaling in human basal and squamous cell carcinomas (BCC and SCC) of the skin in vivo. We used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, laser capture microdissection-coupled real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, and immunohistochemistry to assess expression and activation levels of ErbB1 protein, ligands, and potential downstream effectors, in BCC and SCC tumors, stroma, and adjacent epidermis. Although total ErbB1 protein and mRNA were similar in cancerous and normal skin, we found that ErbB1 activation (phospho-Tyr(1068)) was greater in bulk SCC versus BCC or normal skin.

Mouse models of psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a T-cell-mediated chronic inflammatory skin disease believed to be of autoimmune nature that can be triggered or worsened by streptococcal throat infections. In addition to conventional chronic inflammatory changes, psoriasis is characterized by complex and striking alterations in epidermal growth and differentiation. Psoriasis is generally not observed in animals other than man, and this lack of a suitable animal model has greatly hindered research into the pathogenesis of psoriasis.

Retrospective analysis of patients attending a neurofibromatosis type 1 clinic.

Aim: To undertake a retrospective analysis of the patients who attended the neurofibromatosis type 1 clinic (NF clinic) at the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne between March 2001 and May 2004. From this analysis, we aimed to ascertain the frequency and nature of complications of NF1 in this cohort and compare this with other large series.

Methods: Genetic files and hospital records of patients who attended the NF clinic were reviewed.

A novel BH3 mimetic reveals a mitogen-activated protein kinase-dependent mechanism of melanoma cell death controlled by p53 and reactive oxygen species.

The RAS/BRAF/MEK/ERK mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is emerging as a key modulator of melanoma initiation and progression. However, a variety of clinical studies indicate that inhibiting the MAPK pathway is insufficient per se to effectively kill melanoma cells. Here, we report on a genetic and pharmacologic approach to identify survival factors responsible for the resistance of melanoma cells to MEK/ERK antagonists.

Surgical interventions for primary central nervous system lymphoma.

Early diagnosis is central to proper management of primary central nervous system lymphomas (PCNSLs). Surgical intervention hinges on initial entertainment of a diagnosis of a PCNSL, based on acute neurological presentation and neuroimaging findings. Unless there is an urgent need for surgical decompression, a biopsy to obtain a diagnosis of PCNSL is the first step in surgical management.

Primary colorectal tumors fail to express the proapoptotic mediator PTAG and its reexpression augments drug-induced apoptosis.

Genes implicated in tumor evolution and progression, including those in apoptotic pathways, are associated with methylation-associated gene silencing in different tumor types. By exploiting differential methylation we recently isolated a novel pituitary tumor derived apoptosis gene (PTAG) that augments drug-induced apoptosis. The importance of PTAG was determined in other tumor types, and these studies show that the majority of primary colorectal tumors fail to express the PTAG gene, indicating an important role for PTAG in colorectal tumorigenesis.

Familial transmission risk of infantile glaucoma in Australia.

Purpose: Primary infantile glaucoma (PIG) is predominantly inherited as a recessive disease, whereas anterior segment dysgenesis (ASD) is usually dominantly inherited. The purpose of this study was to determine the likelihood of a person who has infantile glaucoma to produce a child who also manifests the disease.

Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional design was utilized.

The importance of disease associations and concomitant therapy for the long-term management of psoriasis patients.

It is well established that several inflammatory-type conditions, such as arthritis, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and irritable bowel disease exist comorbidly and at an increased incidence in patients with psoriasis. Psoriasis and other associated diseases are thought to share common inflammatory pathways. Conditions such as these, with similar pathogenic mechanisms involving cytokine dysregulation, are referred to as immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs).

Ocular adnexal Langerhans cell histiocytosis clinical features and management.

Purpose: To review the clinical features, investigations, management, and outcomes of Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) with ocular adnexal involvement.

Materials And Methods: Retrospective, non-comparative, chart review of 30 patients with LCH involving the ocular adnexa treated at 6 major Australian hospitals. Clinical features, imaging findings, treatment, local and distant recurrence and outcome were evaluated.

Postmortem orbital findings in shaken baby syndrome.

Purpose: To compare postmortem orbital findings in pediatric accidental head injury to Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS).

Design: Retrospective study.

Setting: Institutional.