bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nasopharyngeal Carcinomas
Authors: Roncallo F. , Turtulicp I. , Sanguineti G. , Margarino G. , Scala M. , Mereu P. , Tedeschi G , Gasparetto B. , Bartolini A.
Published: April 2015

Current treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinomas includes radiation therapy (RT) alone or combined with chemotherapy and neck dissection. Consequently all patients with nasopharyngeal carcinomas are treated with RT. To evaluate the CT and MRI appearance of nasopharyngeal carcinomas treated with RT and the ability of CT and MRI to differentiate persistent or residual tumour from radio-induced changes of head and neck tissues.

Post-treatment CT and MRI examinations of 28 patients with primary nasopharyngeal cancers treated with RT (6000–7500 cGy) were retrospectively evaluated.

We divided the patients in three groups on the basis of the differences in the CT and MRI appearance of the primary tumours treated with RT 1. Responders (9 patients): complete resolution of tumour or reduction in tumour size = or > 75%; 2. Non-Responders (8 patients): persistent tumour or residual mass with reduction in tumour size = or < 50%; 3. Partial Responders: (11 patients) persistent residual mass with reduction in tumour size from 50% to 75% or persistent asymmetry of the mucosal surface.

There are some points to analyse in the interpretation of CT and MRI imaging of post-treated nasopharynx:

Transient changes of irradiated soft tissues are more prominent during the first three months after RT (increased en-hancement of the pharyngeal mucosa and thickening of the pharyngeal walls). Persis-tent changes are subgrouped in 1. Soft tissue changes: a. Glandular (major salivary glands scialoadenitis and fatty degeneration); b. Deep (reticulation and fibrous degeneration of pre- and post-styloid parapharyngeal fat; c. Visceral (retraction of the pharyngeal wall and distorsion of lateral recess); d. Nervous (radio-induced damage of the CNS such myelopathy and radionecrosis. 2. Bone tissue changes: a. Fatty degeneration of bone marrow of the skull base; b. Sclerosis of the cortical bone of the basisphenoid. 3. Sinonasal changes: Reactive chronic sinusitis. Perineural-perivascular spread and skull base erosion is indicative of a poor outcome. The patients of the third group may also be followed with seriated CT because they have a significant percentage of recurrence.
Aneurisma della comunicante anteriore associato a dismorfia complessa ventricolare (disgenesia del corpo calloso e cisti liquorale interemisferica)
Authors: Pansini A. , Conti P. , Mangiafico S. , Buric J. , Pansini G.
Published: April 2015

Gli Autori presentano un caso di aneurisma della comunicante anteriore di riscontro occasionale in associazione ad una dismorfia complessa del sistema ventricolare inquadrabile in una parziale agenesia del corpo calloso associata alla presenza di una cisti liquorale interemisferica dorsale.

Dalla revisione della Letteratura non risulta sino ad ora riportata una associazione patologica di questo tipo. Vengono presi in esame i meccanismi disembriogenetici e le possibili interrelazioni tra sviluppo del sistema ventricolare, commessurale e la costituzione di un aneurisma a carico del complesso comunicante anteriore - A2.
Nevralgia del nervo glossofaringeo da conflitto neurovascolare
Authors: Pellegrino M. , Verlicchp A. , Zanotti B. , Alessandrini F. , Nicolato A. , Bricolo A.
Published: April 2015

Viene presentato un caso di nevralgia del glossofaringeo sostenuta da dolicoectasia vertebrobasilare in conflitto con il complesso vago-glossofaringeo, riscontrata ad un esame RM encefalo. Dopo aver affrontato l'eziopatogenesi vengono discussi gli aspetti clinici e neuroradiologici utili per un corretto inquadramento diagnostico, in aggiunta ad elementi di diagnostica differenziale. Segue infine una breve rassegna delle opzioni terapeutiche attualmente disponibili.
Convexity Meningioma with an Aneurysm of the Meningeal Vascular Pedicle
Authors: Muras I. , Rispo A. , Bernini F.P.
Published: April 2015

Middle meningeal artery aneurysms are rare. Less infrequently post-traumatic aneurysms on meningeal vessels have been reported. Often true meningeal aneurysms are associated with tumours, Paget's disease and vascular malformations. This is the second report of a middle meningeal artery aneurysm associated with meningioma. We indicate that haemodynamic factors are important in the development of these aneurysms.
Intracranial Abscess with Unusual MR Features
Authors: Aprile I. , Lesizza F. , Fabris G.
Published: April 2015

Characterization of necrotic intracranial masses by means of computed tomography and magnetic resonance is always difficult. The pre and post contrast aspects and morphological characteristics of the solid component could suggest diagnosis, but in many cases they are not specific.

In unusual cases, the necrotic central tissue could have the specific aspect of MR and CT signals (metastasis with mucinous material or rich in melanin), but generally it is not possible to characterize the lesion with this parameter, because it does not present specific features (hypodensity on CT, hyperintensity on PD and T2-weighted MR images, hypointensity on T1-weighted scans).

The case that we describe regards an intracranial abscess with necrotic material presenting a high signal in all sequences.

These signal characteristics are typical of tissue with a high mucinous content, so we assume that in this case the hyperintensity on T1-weighted images is due to proteic material from granulocyte lysis.
Blood-Fluid Levels in Sellar and Juxtasellar Neoplasms
Authors: Prasad S. , Patkar D. , Shah J. , Goel A. , Patankar T.
Published: April 2015

Though cystic tumours in the sellar and juxtasellar regions are frequently encountered, neoplastic fluid-fluid levels (FFL) are rarely found. We describe blood-fluid levels (BFL) in three sellar/juxtasellar neoplasms which include pituitary macroadenoma, suprasellar germinoma and esthesioneuroblastoma.
Pituitary Adenoma Histologically Mimicking Paraganglioma: CT, MR and Pathologic Findings
Authors: D'Aprile P. , Tarantino A. , Cimmino A. , Maiorano E. , D'Aprile G. , Carella A.
Published: April 2015

The CT, MR and pathologic features of a case of pituitary adenoma with endocrinological dysfunction and neuroendocrine-like features at histology are presented. The diagnosis was confirmed by the immunohistochemical demonstration of prolactin and synaptophysin immunoreactivity The pathological features and the possible pathogenesis of intrasellar tumours arising from the neural crest are discussed.
The Closing Angle of Ruptured and Unruptured Cerebral Aneurysm
Authors: Chang J.K. , Joy S.E. , Pergolizzi R.S.
Published: April 2015

Cerebral aneurysms rupture when their natural frequencies coincide with bruit frequencies. The natural frequencies of cerebral aneurysms are determined by their closing angles When the closing angles approaches 48.5° (+/- 1.3°), the untreated or partially treated cerebral aneurysms face higher risk of rupture.

Using the Closing Angle to predict which aneurysm is at risk of rupture may help in therapeutical decisions.
AVM Radiosurgery: Where is the Volume Limit?
Authors: Guo W.Y. , Pan H.C. , Shiau C.Y. , Chang Y.C. , Wu H.M. , Chung W.Y. , Wang L.W. , Teng M.M.H.
Published: April 2015

To evaluate the role of radiosurgery for large AVM (nidus volume > 8 ml). 200 cerebral AVM patients treated by Gamma Knife radiosurgery constituted the study database. Of them, 90 had a nidus volume > 8 ml. 38 of the 90 patients who fulfilled the following criteria were enrolled in result analysis. They were either treated more than 24 months ago or proved cured at any time earlier than 24 months. Grades of the AVM were II/2, III/11, IV/20, V/5 (Spetzler-Martin grading system). Integrated stereotaxic MR and stereotaxic x-ray angiography were used for treatment guidance. Volumes of the AVM nidi of the 38 patients were 8∼26 ml, median 11 ml. The prescribed mean maximum and minimum irradiation doses to the delineated AVM nidi were 36 Gy and 18 Gy, respectively.

21 patients were cured of AVM at 18∼36, mean 23 months, after radiosurgery. Almost complete obliteration occurred in 6 patients at 24∼46, mean 37 months, and subtotal obliteration occurred in 11 patients at 27∼60, mean 38 months, after radiosurgery. Nidus volume, not AVM grading, had an impact on the cure rate of AVM radiosurgery. T2-weighted high signals in the vicinity of the AVM were observed in 32 of 38 patients. Minor neurological deficits occurred in 3 patients. Re-bleeding occurred in 3 patients during the follow-up periods.

Gamma Knife radiosurgery is currently an effective treatment alternative for large AVM, up to a nidus volume of 21 ml. The waiting time for complete obliteration of large AVM appears to be longer than for small ones. Nidus volume is the most decisive factor in radiosurgery of large AVM. Application of MR improves the conformity of treatment volume in AVM radiosurgery. The improvement minimizes the irradiation volumes and makes radiosurgery for large AVM safer.
Late Migration of Guglielmi Detachable Coils and Mechanical Detachable Spirals Report of Four Cases
Authors: Phatouros C.C. , McConachie N.S. , Jaspan T.
Published: April 2015

We describe a previously unreported complication associated with the use of Guglielmi Detachable Coils and Mechanical Detachable Spirals in the endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms in which part of a coil migrated into the parent artery after completion of the procedure. Four cases are documented and possible aetiological mechanisms are discussed.
Follow-up Study after Intracranial Percutaneous Transluminal Cerebral Balloon Angioplasty
Authors: Mori T. , Fukuoka M. , Kazita K. , Mori K.
Published: April 2015

Purpose of this research was to find specific characteristics angiographic lesions appropriate for intracranial percutaneous transluminal cerebral angioplasty (PTCBA). Forty-two clinically symptomatic patients with 42 haemodynamically significant intracranial lesions were treated by PTCBA between January 1992 and May 1996. Before the angioplasty treatment, the patients were classified into three groups according to angiographic lesion characteristics. They were followed after PTCBA from one month to six years to compare the three groups. Primary end points were death, stroke, or bypass surgery. The clinical success rates in type A, B and C groups were 92%, 86% and 33% (p=0.0032), respectively. Cumulative risks of fatal or nonfatal ischaemic stroke in type A, B and C groups were 8%, 12% and 56%, respectively. PTCBA for intracranial simple (type A) lesions produces a favourable clinical outcome for symptomatic patients.
Cortical Development and Maturation in Normal and Abnormal Fetuses as Assessed with Prenatal MRI
Authors: Levine D. , Barnes P.D.
Published: April 2015

This paper describes the MR appearance of sulcal anatomy with respect to gestational age in normal and abnormal fetuses. 79 fetal MR examinations were reviewed. In all of the normal fetal brain MRs the sulcation landmarks appeared in the order predicted by anatomic studies.

In the fetuses with abnormalities other than mild ventriculomegaly, the time lag varied from 0–21 weeks.

Cortical maturation is clearly demonstrated by fetal MR. Normal maturation by MR follows a predictable course that is slightly delayed compared to that described in neuroanatomic specimens.
MRI of the Hypothalamic Hypophyseal Region in Children with Growth Hormone Deficiency
Authors: De Almeida Magalhães A. Cebrian , Liberman B. , Salgado L.R.
Published: April 2015

We correlated alterations in the hypothalamic-hypophyseal region studied by MRI with growth hormone deficiency (GHD). Fifty-four patients (38 male; 16 female) with clinical and biochemical diagnosis of GHD were examined in a 1.5 T magnet (Signa GE), using coronal and sagittal T1WI 3 mm slices.

Isolated GHD (IGHD) was considered in all patients stature shorter than 2.5 SD for age, growth velocity less than 4.0 cm/year. Multiple Pituitary Hormone Deficiency (MPHD) was found in 35 patients (64.8%). IGHD was found in 19 patients (35.2%). Ectopic posterior hypophysis was found in 35 patients. From these 25 patients (71%) were MPHD and 10 patients (29%) were IGHD. The values found for stalk thickness and anterior hypophyseal height and volume were greater in patients with IGHD than in patients with MPHD. The present study permitted the standardization of the measurements of the structures of the hypothalamic-hypophyseal region, stalk and chiasm, in patients with GHD. MRI of the hypothalamic-hypophyseal region is helpful in the diagnosis of GHD. Although 60% of patients with GHD may not show typical alterations on MRI the findings of ectopic posterior hypophysis in patients with IGHD reduce the possibility of having MPHD.
Marinesco-Sjögren Syndrome: Neuroradiologic Findings
Authors: Snow R.D. , Georgy B.A. , Brogdon B.G. , Wertelecki W.
Published: April 2015

We report the neuroradiologic manifestations of Marinesco-Sjögren Syndrome, an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by cerebellar ataxia, congenital cataracts, mental and physical retardation, skeletal anomalies and myopathy.

Our patient population included eight patients (five males and three females), aged 4 to 56 years, with mental retardation, cerebellar ataxia and myopathy. Clinical and genetic evaluations were performed in all patients. Four patients underwent muscle biopsies. Nine CT examinations, seven MR examinations and two lateral skull films were performed.

All patients had absent lenses and hypoplasia of vermis and cerebellar hemispheres. All except one (who had a posterior fossa arachnoid cyst) had a small posterior fossa.

The neuroradiologic hallmarks of the disease are cerebellar hypoplasia, small posterior fossa and absence of the lens secondary to early cataract extraction. The role of imaging is to suggest this syndrome in the differential diagnosis of small posterior fossa or hypoplastic cerebellum and congenital cataracts. The presence of characteristic clinical findings and history of consanguineous marriage help in reaching the final diagnosis.
Single Voxel Proton MR Spectroscopy in Hippocampal Sclerosis
Authors: Kim Hong-Dae , Chang Kee-Hyun , Song In-Chan , Han Moon-Hee , Han Man-Chung
Published: April 2015

To evaluate proton MR spectroscopy (MRS) of patients with hippocampal sclerosis (HS). We obtained MRS spectra from both hippocampi of 20 normal adult volunteers and 25 patients with unilateral HS as seen on MR images. The MRS was performed on a 1.5 T MR unit by using PRESS sequence with 1500 TR and 136 TE. We used multiple voxel sizes ranging from 6 cm3 (2.0 cm × 2.0 cm × 1.5 cm) to 1 cm3 (1.0 cm × 1.0 cm × 1.0 cm) to see the effect of voxel size change. NAA/Cho and NAA/Cr ratios were calculated and the results were compared between normal control subjects and the patients with HS.

In HS patients, mean NAA/Cho and NAA/Cr ratios of the ipsilateral hippocampus were significantly lower than those of contralateral hippocampus (NAA/Cho: 0.78 ± 0.19 vs. 0.91 ± 0.19; NAA /Cr: 0.95 ± 0.23 vs. 1.11 ± 0.25). Mean NAA/Cho and NAA/Cr ratios of the contralateral hippocampus of HS patients were also significantly lower than those of normal control subjects (NAA/Cho: 0.91 ± 0.19 vs. 1.19 ± 0.35, NAA/Cr: 1.11 ± 0.25 vs. 1.53 ± 0.64). However, there was wide overlapping in both NAA/Cho and NAA/Cr ratios between the ipsilateral and contralateral hippocampus of HS patients and normal subjects. With the threshold value of either NAA/Cho being 0.8 or NAA/Cr being 1.0 (95% confidence level), sensitivity of MRS was 72% (18/25), when MRI was used as a gold standard. When combination of MRI, PET, invasive study and/or surgery was used as a gold standard, it was 57% (13/23). Bilateral abnormality was noted in 24% (6/25). There were trends for better sensitivity with smaller voxel size and with NAA/Cho rather than NAA/Cr.

Single voxel proton MRS may be a useful, promising diagnostic tool in the evaluation of hippocampal sclerosis. However, one should be cautious in interpreting the data, because there is a wide overlap in both NAA/Cho and NAA/Cr ratios between the hippocampi of normal subjects and HS patients.
Pulsatile Tinnitus Neuroradiological Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Lövblad K.O. , Waldvogel D. , Mattle H.P. , Sturzenegger M. , Schroth G.
Published: April 2015

Pulsatile tinnitus can be annoying for a patient and also the only hint to a potentially devastating and life-threatening neurological disease. In order to better understand its clinical spectrum and management we analyzed the files of 84 patients seen at our hospital suffering from this entity.

We reviewed the records of 84 consecutive patients with pulsatile tinnitus. The mean age was 51 years (range from 3 to 82 years, 58 women and 26 men). The evaluation of tinnitus was on average 13 months after onset. Noninvasive techniques (ultrasound, CT, MRI, MRA, First-pass-Gadolinium-MRA) and angiography were employed for work-up tailored to the individual patient. Endovascular treatment was performed using a biplane interventional angiography system (1024 × 1024 matrix) by arterial and transvenous approach.

A vascular pathology was found in 36 (42%) patients (dural arteriovenous fistula: 17; carotid-cavernous-fistula: 6; arteriosclerotic carotid stenosis: 7; dissection of the ICA: 5; fibromuscular dysplasia with ICA stenosis: 5; cerebral venous sinus thrombosis: 2; cerebral venous sinus stenosis: 1; ICA aneurysm: 1; abnormal loop of the anterior inferior cerebellar artery: 1). In 12 patients (14%) nonvascular pathologies such as glomus tumor or intracranial hypertension due to different reasons caused the tinnitus (paraganglioma: 5, meningioma: 1, sarcoidosis: 1, intracranial hypertension due to intracranial tumors: 4, intracranial hypertension due to aqueduct stenosis: 1).

We conclude that patients with pulsatile tinnitus should be worked-up primarily with non-invasive techniques, e.g. first-pass gadolinium MRA, MRI and doppler sonography. If these are negative or to clarify abnormal findings further selective angiography is needed for diagnosis and treatment.
Radiographic Screening for Orbital Foreign Body Prior to MRI is Neither Cost Effective Nor Clinically Necessary as Recently Recommended
Authors: Seidenwurm D. , McDonnell C. , Raghavan N. , Breslau J.
Published: April 2015

To evaluate the cost effectiveness of clinical versus radiological screening for orbital foreign body prior to MRI.

Costs of screening were developed using data available in medical literature, disability rating guides and practice survey. Base case estimates were derived based on published guidelines. A single state change model was constructed, social cost was the unit of analysis. Sensitivity analysis was performed over plausible ranges for each variable.

Using base case estimates and a discount rate of zero, the cost of the current guideline is $328,580 per quality adjusted life year saved. The analysis identifies screening cost as a critical variable. Discount rates and effectiveness of foreign body removal also are important variables. Probability of injury and prevalence of foreign body may impact the analysis. Clinical screening prior to radiography would be expected to reduce the cost of screening by an order of magnitude, assuming base case ocular foreign body removal rates.

Clinical screening prior to radiological screening would increase the cost effectiveness of foreign body screening by an order of magnitude. Simply asking the patient “Did a doctor get it all out?” accomplishes this goal Occupational history by itself is not sufficient to mandate radiological orbital screening. Current practice guidelines for foreign body screening should be altered.
MR Imaging of Schmorl's Nodes and Several Factors Influencing Enhancement of Schmorl's Nodes
Authors: Lee S.L. , Jin W.
Published: April 2015

Retrospective analysis of Schmorl's nodes on L-spine MRI performed between May, 1995 and September, 1996 was done in 516 patients. In 516 patients, 117 patients(M: F = 48: 69, mean age: 46 yrs.) had 231 Schmorl's nodes. Contrast enhancements were performed in 84 patients (154 cases).

231 Schmorl's nodes were noted in 117 patients (mean number per patient: 1.9, maximum number per patient: 9). Mean AP diameter of nodes was 7.1 mm and mean height was 5.2 mm. The locations of nodes were L3 (24.9%), L4 (22.2%), L2 (21.3%), L1 (12.7%), T12 (7.7%), and S1 (1.2%). 55% of nodes were located in lower endplates and 45% were located in upper endplates. Also the common locations on endplates were mid. 1/3 portion (39%) and mid-Posterior junction (34.2%). The frequencies of intervertebral disc herniations with nodes were 33.3% at L4–5, 23.7% at L3–4, 21% at L5-S1, 12.8% at L2–3 and 7% at L1–2. The changes of adjacent vertebral bodies were noted in 75 patients (33%). Fatty marrow change (80%) was the most frequent findings. Contrast enhancements were visible in 54 cases (34%) among 154 cases. Statistical correlations were significant (p<.05, Chi-Square test) between height of Schmorls' nodes and enhancements/age and enhancements/age and height of Schmorl's nodes. Also there were trends of enhancements in the lower endplate than upper endplate and toward lower vertebral body (especially L5).

The most frequent location of Schmorl's node were L3, the lower endplate, and mid. 1/3 portion of endplate. There were significant correlations (p<.05) between height of Schmorl's node and enhancement/ age and enhancement/age and height of Schmorl's node. The trends of enhancements in the lower endplate than upper endplate and toward lower vertebral body (especially L5) were noted.
MR-Evaluation of Acute Cervical Spine Trauma: The Significance of Discoligamental Injury
Authors: Dietrich U. , Wanke I. , Stolke D. , Forsting M.
Published: April 2015

Following acute and severe trauma of the cervical spine 28 patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Fracture or dislocation had been diagnosed by computed tomograpy (CT) or plain films in 16 patients whereas in 12 patients no bone injury had been detected. MRI revealed discoligamental injury in 12/16 patients with fracture and in 7/12 of the patients without fracture. MRI was considered to be necessary in 6/12 patients who underwent surgery in the first group and in 5/7 patients with surgery of the second group.
Syringomyelia Associated with Supratentorial Tumor: Collapse of the Syrinx after Removal of Olfactory Groove Meningioma
Authors: Farina L. , Ciceri E. , Lasio G. , Milanesi I. , Erbetta A. , D'Incerti L. , Solero C.L. , Savoiardo M.
Published: April 2015

We report the unusual association between a large olfactory groove meningioma and cervical syringomyelia which disappeared after surgical removal of the supratentorial tumor. The association of syrinx with supratentorial large tumors may be explained by the same mechanism that is involved in cases of syringomyelia associated with posterior fossa tumor or with Chiari malformation, i.e. impaction of herniated tonsils and brainstem at the foramen magnum with obliteration of the CSF space.
The effects of intermittent vitamin D3 supplementation on muscle strength and metabolic parameters in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Cavalcante Roseane , Maia Juliana , Mesquita Patrícia , Henrique Rafael , Griz Luiz , Bandeira Maria P. , Bandeira Francisco
Published: April 2015

Background:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of weekly vitamin D3 supplementation on metabolic parameters and muscle strength of postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes.

Methods:

A total of 38 patients with serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D] below 30 ng/ml and hand strength below 20 kg were randomly assigned to oral vitamin D3 (6600 IU/week in 2 cc oil preparation) or 2 cc olive oil weekly for 3 months.

Results:

There were nonsignificant increases in serum 25(OH)D in the intervention group to 22.98 ± 4.23 ng/ml and nonsignificant decreases in the control group to 22.84 ± 3.88 (26% of the intervention and 48% of the control groups had 25(OH)D < 20 ng/ml). Handgrip strength improved significantly in the intervention group (right arm 17.4 ± 2.68 to 19.9 ± 3.53 kg, p = 0.002; left arm 16.31 ± 2.6 to 18.46 ± 3.2 kg, p < 0.001) but not in the control group (right arm 16.87 ± 3.99 to 17.93 ± 4.91 kg, p = 0.1; left arm 16.13 ± 4.29 to 16.86 ± 4.79 kg, p < 0.2). More patients in the control group became obese at the end of the study period ( p = 0.014). There were no significant changes in mean fasting glucose, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), serum triglycerides and blood pressure with vitamin D supplementation. Systolic blood pressure increased significantly in the control group from 136.6 ± 18.6 to 141.4 ± 17.6 mmHg, p = 0.04).

Conclusions:

Vitamin D3 supplementation in doses equivalent to 942 IU/day improved isometric handgrip strength, but had no effect on glycaemic control in postmenopausal women with longstanding type 2 diabetes.
Systematic review of cognitive behavioural therapy for the management of headaches and migraines in adults
Authors: Harris Petra , Loveman Emma , Clegg Andy , Easton Simon , Berry Neil
Published: April 2015

Aim:

This systematic review aimed to establish if cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can reduce the physical symptoms of chronic headache and migraines in adults.

Methods:

Evidence from searches of eight databases was systematically sought, appraised and synthesised. Screening of title and abstracts was conducted independently by two reviewers. Full papers were screened, data extracted and quality assessed by one reviewer and checked by a second. Data were synthesised narratively by intervention due to the heterogeneity of the studies. The inclusion criteria specified randomised controlled trials with CBT as an intervention in adults suffering from chronic headaches/migraines not associated with an underlying pathology/medication overuse. CBT was judged on the basis of authors describing the intervention as CBT. The diagnosis of the condition had to be clinician verified. Studies had to include a comparator and employ headache/migraine-specific outcomes such as patient-reported headache days.

Results:

Out of 1126 screened titles and abstracts and 20 assessed full papers, 10 studies met the inclusion criteria of the review. Some studies combined CBT with another intervention, as well as employing varying numbers of comparators. CBT was statistically significantly more effective in improving some headaches-related outcomes in CBT comparisons with waiting lists (three studies), in combination with relaxation compared with relaxation only (three studies) or antidepressant medication (one study), with no statistically significant differences in three studies.

Conclusions:

The findings of this review were mixed, with some studies providing evidence in support of the suggestion that people experiencing headaches or migraines can benefit from CBT, and that CBT can reduce the physical symptoms of headache and migraines. However, methodology inadequacies in the evidence base make it difficult to draw any meaningful conclusions or to make any recommendations.
Negative Affect Instability Among Individuals With Comorbid Borderline Personality Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Scheiderer Emily M. , Wang Ting , Tomko Rachel L. , Wood Phillip K. , Trull Timothy J.
Published: April 2015

Ecological momentary assessment was utilized to examine affective instability (AI) in the daily lives of outpatients with borderline personality disorder (BPD; N = 78), with and without posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A psychiatric control group ( n = 50) composed of outpatients with major depressive disorder/dysthymia (MDD/DYS) was employed to compare across subgroups: BPD-only, BPD+PTSD, MDD/DYS-only, and MDD/DYS+PTSD. Compared with the BPD-only group, the BPD+PTSD group had significantly greater instability of fear and sadness, but did not significantly differ in instability of hostility or aggregate negative affect. This pattern of elevated instability of fear and sadness was not present—and, in fact, was reversed—in the MDD/DYS group. Results emphasize the importance of examining AI within the context of specific comorbidities and affect types. Treatment and research addressing AI in the context of BPD-PTSD comorbidity may benefit from a focus on fear and sadness as separate from hostility or general negative affect.
Selections From the ABC 2014 Annual Conference, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Authors: Whalen D. Joel
Published: April 2015

This article, the first of a two-part series, catalogs teaching innovations from the 2014 Association for Business Communication Annual Conference. These 12 assignments debuted during two My Favorite Assignment sessions. Learning experiences included job-seeking skills—résumé writing, writing job applications, sharpening interview skills, interview performance feedback via video, peers, and handheld mirrors and communication tools—creating effective graphs, charts and figures, interactive web-based communication, crafting PowerPoint slides, managing communication anxiety via the web, and corporate social media strategy/tactics. Additional teaching materials—instructions to students, stimulus materials, slides, grading rubrics, frequently asked questions, and sample student projects—are posted on http://businesscommunication.org/assignments .
Beyond Bibliophilia: Contextualizing Private Libraries in the Nineteenth Century
Authors: Potten Edward
Published: April 2015

Our view of private book ownership in the nineteenth century is biased by our preconceptions. The changes in taste and approach that take place in the late eighteenth century, the move from acquiring books primarily for their content to collecting them as objects, and the attendant bibliomania, have come to dominate discussion of private libraries in the period. This article describes a major but little-known private library amassed by Charles Winn (1795–1874) at Nostell Priory. It argues that, in characterizing such libraries as merely bibliophilic or bibliomaniacal, we oversimplify the complicated relationships that exist between owners and their books. Using Nostell as a case study, this paper details the underlying complexity of the library, the influences upon its development, and how it was used. It adopts an approach which views bibliomania not as a defining characteristic, but instead as one facet of a more nuanced landscape of book acquisition, ownership, and use.
Improved anticancer delivery of paclitaxel by albumin surface modification of PLGA nanoparticles
Authors: Esfandyari-Manesh Mehdi , Mostafavi Seyed Hossein , Majidi Reza Faridi , Koopaei Mona Noori , Ravari Nazanin Shabani , Amini Mohsen , Darvishi Behrad , Ostad Seyed Nasser , Atyabi Fatemeh , Dinarvand Rassoul
Published: April 2015

Background

Nanoparticles (NPs) play an important role in anticancer delivery systems. Surface modified NPs with hydrophilic polymers such as human serum albumin (HSA) have long half-life in the blood circulation system.

Methods

The method of modified nanoprecipitation was utilized for encapsulation of paclitaxel (PTX) in poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA). Para-maleimide benzoic hydrazide was conjugated to PLGA for the surface modifications of PLGA NPs, and then HSA was attached on the surface of prepared NPs by maleimide attachment to thiol groups (cysteines) of albumin. The application of HSA provides for the longer blood circulation of stealth NPs due to their escape from reticuloendothelial system (RES). Then the physicochemical properties of NPs like surface morphology, size, zeta potential, and in-vitro drug release were analyzed.

Results

The particle size of NPs ranged from 170 to 190 nm and increased about 20–30 nm after HSA conjugation. The zeta potential was about -6 mV and it decreased further after HSA conjugation. The HSA conjugation in prepared NPs was proved by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, faster degradation of HSA in Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) characterization, and other evidences such as the increasing in size and the decreasing in zeta potential. The PTX released in a biphasic mode for all colloidal suspensions. A sustained release profile for approximately 33 days was detected after a burst effect of the loaded drug. The in vitro cytotoxicity evaluation also indicated that the HSA NPs are more cytotoxic than plain NPs.

Conclusions

HSA decoration of PLGA NPs may be a suitable method for longer blood circulation of NPs.
Absorption- and Pressure-induced Structural Transition Exhibiting V-shaped Density Change in Imidazolium-based Ionic Liquid + CO2 System
Authors: Okumura Shuhei , Ushio Masayoshi , Oishi Akina , Nishikawa Keiko , Morita Takeshi
Published: April 2015

The density of ionic liquid (IL) + CO2 systems was measured by X-ray absorption method and excess molar volume was evaluated to investigate the volumetric behavior under a CO2 absorption process up to 20 MPa. A V-shaped density plot was observed, and three types of expanded/compressed trends were classified based on the excess molar volume of the IL. The volumetric behavior of the IL strongly depends on the CO2 amount absorbed in the IL’s cavities.
The “NF-ĸB interacting long noncoding RNA” (NKILA) transcript is antisense to cancer-associated gene PMEPA1
Authors: Dijkstra Johannes M. , Alexander David B.
Published: April 2015

This correspondence concerns a recent publication inCancer Cellby Liu et al.1 who analyzed a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) that they designated “NKILA”. Liu et al. found thatNKILA(1) is upregulated by immunostimulants, (2) has a promoter with an NF-ĸB binding motif, (3) can bind to the p65 protein of the NF-ĸB transcription factor and then interfere with phosphorylation of IĸBα, and (4) negatively affects functions that involve NF-ĸB pathways.  And, importantly, they found that (5) lowNKILAexpression in breast cancers is associated with poor patient prognosis.  However, they entirely failed to mentionPMEPA1, a gene which runs antisense toNKILA, and the expression of which is associated with several tumors and which encodes a protein that participates in immune pathways.

ThePMEPA1locus, including its promoter region, which Liu et al.1only discuss in regard toNKILA, is highly conserved through evolution.  Our impression is thatNKILAemerged only later in evolution, possibly as an additional means ofPMEPA1regulation.  Liu et al., however, only consider direct binding betweenNKILAand NF-ĸB as the mechanism for theirin vivoobservations ofNKILAfunction, but do not provide solid evidence for their model.  Ifin vivoobservations by Liu et al. could be explained byNKILAregulation ofPMEPA1, it would contribute to the establishment ofPMEPA1as an important topic of cancer research.  We feel that the herein presented discussion is necessary for a correct interpretation of the Liu et al. article.
The Strength of Many Kinds of Ties: Unpacking the Role of Social Contacts Across Stages of the Job Search Process
Authors: Barbulescu Roxana
Published: April 2015

The topic of job mobility has received increasing attention in recent years. Yet, surprising in light of the wealth of research on social networks and job attainment, we do not have a unified model of the impact of different kinds of social contacts on job search success. In this paper I show that contacts are differently beneficial for job seekers depending on the stage of the job search process that job seekers are engaged in. Specifically, three stages of the job search process can be distinguished in which social contacts fulfill different roles for the job seekers: deciding the types of jobs for which to apply, submitting job applications, and preparing for interviews. I propose that contacts who are spread across different occupations are conducive to applying to more types of jobs, yet it is contacts who are more focused across occupations that are beneficial for being invited to more interviews—relative to the number of job types applied for—and for converting the interviews into offers. In addition, contacts with lower relationship depth with the job seeker are more helpful for getting invited to interviews, whereas contacts who have more frequent interactions with the job seeker are more helpful for converting interviews into offers. Analyses using a unique longitudinal data set on the job searches of 226 participants in an MBA program offer robust evidence in support of the hypotheses. The results suggest that external mobility is best enabled when job seekers engage with—and learn from—different kinds of contacts across stages of the job search process.
Relaciones entre estrés académico, apoyo social, optimismo-pesimismo y autoestima en estudiantes universitarios
Authors: Fernández González L. , González Hernández A. , Trianes Torres M. V.
Published: April 2015

Introducción. El objetivo de la presente investigación fue analizar de la manera en la cual variables como el optimismo, el pesimismo, la autoestima y el apoyo social tienen un efecto sobre el estrés académico en estudiantes universitarios.Método. La muestra estuvo constituida por 123 estudiantes de 3º de Psicología con edades comprendidas entre los 20 y 31 años. Los estudiantes cumplimentaron la escala de autoestima de Rosenberg, el cuestionario de optimismo Life Orientation Test (LOT-R), el cuestionario de frecuencia y satisfacción con el apoyo social y el Student Stress Inventory, Stress Manifestation (SSI-SM). Se realizaron tres análisis de regresión lineal, en cada análisis se empleó una variable dependiente distinta: manifestaciones de estrés fisiológicas, conductuales o emocionales; y como variables predictoras: optimismo, pesimismo, autoestima y satisfacción con el apoyo social (emocional, instrumental e informacional).Resultados. Los resultados de cada uno de los análisis muestran que, en primer lugar, las manifestaciones fisiológicas del estrés no son predichas por las variables predictoras utilizadas, en segundo lugar, las manifestaciones conductuales de estrés han obtenido resultados significativos en relación con la satisfacción con el apoyo social instrumental y el optimismo. En tercer lugar, tomando las manifestaciones emocionales de estrés como variable dependiente, se observan resultados significativos respecto al optimismo y el pesimismo. En cuanto a la autoestima no ha resultado ser significativa. Finalmente se ha realizado un MANOVA que muestra efectos principales del optimismo, la satisfacción con el apoyo instrumental, la edad y el sexo.Discusión. Las hipótesis previstas en el estudio se han cumplido parcialmente.
Promover la regulación individual y grupal del aprendizaje en entornos colaborativos: una experiencia en Educación Superior
Authors: Onrubia Javier , Rochera María José , Engel Anna
Published: April 2015

En este trabajo presentamos una experiencia de innovación docente dirigida a promover la regulación individual y grupal del aprendizaje en estudiantes universitarios que trabajan en un entorno colaborativo mediado por ordenador. Participaron en la experiencia 127 estudiantes y tres profesores de una asignatura troncal de Psicología de la Educación de la Universitat de Barcelona (España). La experiencia se basó en el uso de una herramienta digital — el “cuaderno de bitácora”— en que los estudiantes debían incluir una serie de evidencias de su proceso de trabajo personal y grupal, y del progreso de su aprendizaje, que eran revisadas y comentadas sistemáticamente por los profesores. Se valoró la experiencia a partir de cuestionarios a los estudiantes y autoinformes de los profesores, así como de las calificaciones de los estudiantes. Los resultados de la experiencia fueron positivos tanto desde el punto de vista de la mejora en la organización y funcionamiento individual y grupal de los estudiantes como de la satisfacción de los estudiantes y el profesorado.
Elderly abuse: Suffering in silence - who is listening? Some concern for social work practices
Authors: Singh Avtar , Duggal Akshi , Singh Ravinder , K. Talwar Upmesh
Published: April 2015

Paper highlights basic concepts of elder abuses and raises relevant issues concerning problems of elderly, which must be listened with utmost care. None of us claim convincingly that what is an extent of older personâ€™s problems and what is the appropriate solution. It is only possible through a caring unit of society, the family, if restructured on the values and reframing the sensitivity among kins n kieth. Then elderly people may get a meaningful relationship among the family of genitor and extended family of procreator â€“ younger children and their families. Otherwise their suffering, though how difficult or simple may, would continue as such, despite best economical resources, plans and programmes existing for them. Legal provisions to do exist to safeguard elderly people in family situations, butÂ they are neither aware nor their progeny for caring them in extended families. Do we hear them or spend quality time as married sons or daughters, daughter in laws? Do our children spend time with grandfather? Or do we not leave them to alone with their suffering in silence? Overall in last, we do not have enough time to listen their problems-being alone, emotional disturbances, etc., and they remain to suffer in silences.
Analysis of Internal Cracks in Continuous Casting Slabs with Soft Reduction
Authors: Wang Bo , Zhang Jiongming , Xiao Chao , Wang Shunxi , Song Wei
Published: April 2015

The formation of internal cracks in continuous casting slabs is mainly attributed to the strain status and microsegregation near the solidifying front of the slabs. By analyzing the internal cracks of medium carbon microalloy steel, the obtained conclusions are that C, P, S, etc. enrich in dendrites and exist in grain boundaries, but these are just the internal causes, and the root cracking causes the tensile stress of solidification front. When the slab passes through the straightening segments, the liquid core thickness is large, and the liquid steel in the space of columnar crystals is not completely frozen. Therefore, the reduction effect of rollers results in the strain of solidification front exceeding the critical value. However, the corresponding strain in the arc and horizontal segments does not exceed this critical value, so the solidification front in the straightening segments would be much easy to crack. The statistics analysis shows that after soft reduction and straightening process are separately carried out, the occurrence rate of intermediate cracks is reduced by 41.3%.
Antioxidant and cytotoxic activity of stems of Smilax zeylanica in vitro
Authors: Uddin Mohammad Nasir , Ahmed Taksim , Pathan Sanzida , Al-Amin Md. Mamun , Rana Md. Sohel
Published: April 2015

Background: Plant-derived phytochemicals consisting of phenols and flavonoids possess antioxidant properties, eventually rendering a lucrative tool to scavenge reactive oxygen species. This study was carried out to evaluate in vitro antioxidant and cytotoxic potential of methanolic extract and petroleum ether extracts of Smilax zeylanica L. stems.

Methods: Phytochemical screening was done following standard procedures. Antioxidant activity was tested using several in vitro assays, viz., 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, NO assay, H2O2 assay, CUPRAC assay, FRAP assay and total antioxidant capacity assay. Total phenol and flavonoid contents were determined by colorimetric method. Brine shrimp lethality and MTT cell viability assays were used for cytotoxic potential.

Results: Preliminary phytochemical study revealed the presence of flavonoids and glycosides in both extracts. Methanolic extract was found to possess stronger antioxidant potential than petroleum ether extracts in all assays. The IC50 value of methanolic extract was 29.14±0.39 μg/mL, 120.30±3.32 μg/mL and 78.41±5.53 μg/mL in DPPH assay, NO assay and H2O2 assay, respectively. Likewise, total phenol [56.78 mg/g gallic acid (GAE)] and flovonoid [125.69 mg/g quercetin equivalents (QE)] were higher in methanolic extract. In cytotoxicity assays, petroleum ether extract showed stronger activity in both brine shrimp lethality (LC50 2.85±0.13 μg/mL) and MTT cell viability assay (IC50 15.49±1.18 μg/mL).

Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that methanolic extracts could be considered as potential sources of natural antioxidant, whereas petroleum ether extracts could be explored for promising anticancer molecules.
Phytoplankton-based recovery requirement for urban lakes in the implementation of the Water Framework Directive’s ecological targets
Authors: Napiórkowska-Krzebietke Agnieszka , Dunalska Julita
Published: April 2015

This study focused on the determination of the phytoplankton-based recovery requirement, including bloom intensity thresholds in human-affected lakes, helpful in the restoration. The phytoplankton and physicochemical analyses were carried out on seven urban lakes in Kartuzy and Skępe. The Phytoplankton Metric for Polish Lakes was used to assess the ecological status and the Trophic Level Index was used to determine the trophic state. Only one lake had a good ecological status (meeting the WFD requirements for at least good status), whereas other lakes had poor or bad ecological status. All of them were eutrophic or hyper-eutrophic and the summer phytoplankton assemblages were dominated mainly by bloomforming cyanobacteria. The lowest phytoplankton bloom threshold of 2.6 mm3 l-1 (seasonal maximum) and the following thresholds of 5 mm3 l-1 for classes I/II; 8 mm3 l-1 for classes II/III; 21 mm3 l-1 for classes III/IV; 100 mm3 l-1 for classes IV/V were proposed for urban lakes. This could directly refer to the bloom intensity for high, good, moderate, poor and bad ecological status. This all indicates a huge recovery requirement in the majority of urban lakes, and the proposed bloom intensity classification may be helpful in fulfilling the WFD targets for the ecologicallyrelevant lake status.
The Simple Act of Choosing Influences Declarative Memory
Authors: Murty Vishnu P. , DuBrow Sarah , Davachi Lila
Published: April 2015

Individuals value the opportunity to make choices and exert control over their environment. This perceived sense of agency has been shown to have broad influences on cognition, including preference, decision-making, and valuation. However, it is unclear whether perceived control influences memory. Using a combined behavioral and functional magnetic resonance imaging approach, we investigated whether imbuing individuals with a sense of agency over their learning experience influences novel memory encoding. Participants encoded objects during a task that manipulated the opportunity to choose. Critically, unlike previous work on active learning, there was no relationship between individuals' choices and the content of memoranda. Despite this, we found that the opportunity to choose resulted in robust, reliable enhancements in declarative memory. Neuroimaging results revealed that anticipatory activation of the striatum, a region associated with decision-making, valuation, and exploration, correlated with choice-induced memory enhancements in behavior. These memory enhancements were further associated with interactions between the striatum and hippocampus. Specifically, anticipatory signals in the striatum when participants are alerted to the fact that they will have to choose one of two memoranda were associated with encoding success effects in the hippocampus on a trial-by-trial basis. The precedence of the striatal signal in these interactions suggests a modulatory relationship of the striatum over the hippocampus. These findings not only demonstrate enhanced declarative memory when individuals have perceived control over their learning but also support a novel mechanism by which these enhancements emerge. Furthermore, they demonstrate a novel context in which mesolimbic and declarative memory systems interact.