bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oxidized Low Density Lipoprotein (OX-LDL) Induced Arterial Muscle
Contraction Signaling Mechanisms
Authors: Packer C. Subah , Rice Ami E. , Johnson Tomalyn C. , Pelaez Nancy J. , Temm Constance J. , Potter George V. , White William A. , Roth Alan H. , Dominguez Jesus H. , Peterson Richard G.
Published: June 2014

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (OX-LDL), a reactive oxidant, forms when reactive oxygen species
interact with LDL. Elevated OX-LDL may contribute to high blood pressure associated with diseases such as diabetes
and obesity. The current study objective was to determine if OX-LDL is a vasoconstrictor acting through the OX-LDL receptor
(LOX1) on arterial smooth muscle and elucidate the intracellular signaling mechanism. Arteries were extracted
from Sprague-Dawley rats (SD) and obese F1 offspring (ZS) of Zucker diabetic fatty rats (ZDF) x spontaneously hypertensive
heart failure rats (SHHF). Pulmonary arterial and aortic rings and caudal arterial helical strips were attached to
force transducers in muscle baths. Arterial preparations were contracted with high KCl to establish maximum force development
in response to membrane depolarization (Po). Addition of OX-LDL caused contractions of varying strength dependent
on the arterial type. OX-LDL contractions were normalized to % Po. Caudal artery was more reactive to OX-LDL
than aorta or pulmonary artery. Interestingly, LOX1 density varied with arterial type in proportion to the magnitude of the
contractile response to OX-LDL. OX-LDL contractions in the absence of calcium generated about 50% as much force as
in normal calcium. Experiments with myosin light chain kinase and Rho kinase inhibitors, ML-9 and Y-27632, suggest
OX-LDL induced contraction is mediated by additive effects of two distinct signaling pathways activated concomitantly
in the presence of calcium. Results may impact development of new therapeutic agents to control hypertension associated
with disorders in which circulating LDL levels are high in a high oxidizing environment.
Biodiesel Production from Crude Cottonseed Oil: An Optimization Process Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Fan Xiaohu , Wang Xi , Chen Feng
Published: June 2014

Biodiesel, known as fatty acid methyl ester (FAME), was produced from crude cottonseed oil (triglycerides) by
transesterification with methanol in the presence of sodium hydroxide. This process was optimized by applying factorial
design and response surface methodology (RSM) with SAS and PSIPLOT programs. A second-order mathematical model
was obtained to predict the yield as a function of methanol/oil molar ratio, catalyst concentration, reaction temperature,
and rate of mixing. Based on ridge max analysis and RSM, as well as economic cost consideration, the practical optimal
condition for the production of biodiesel was found to be: methanol/oil molar ratio, 7.9; temperature, 53 °C; time, 45 min;
catalyst concentration, 1.0%; and rate of mixing, 268 rpm. The optimized condition was validated with the actual
biodiesel yield of 97%. Furthermore, the biodiesel was confirmed by HPLC analyses that triglycerides of cottonseed oil
were almost completely converted to FAME.
Kinetics of Nutrient Removal by Nano Zero‐Valent Iron under Different Biochemical Environments
Authors: Xu Shengnan , Hu Zhiqiang
Published: June 2014

The effectiveness of nano zero‐valent iron (NZVI; an average size of 55 nm at a concentration of 200 mg Fe/L) in nutrient removal was determined under anaerobic, anoxic, and aerobic conditions. Compared to the rate of reduction of nitrate nitrogen (‐N) to ammoniacal nitrogen ( ‐N) by NZVI alone, the presence of activated sludge increased the rate of complete reduction by 300%. About 31% of ‐N was converted to ‐N through NZVI‐facilitated dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium, while 56% of ‐N was removed by heterotrophic denitrification. The presence of sludge reduced the rates of phosphorus removal by NZVI, with the first‐order reaction rate constants of 0.06/hour, 0.42/hour, and 0.18/hour under anaerobic, anoxic, and aerobic conditions, respectively. The highest phosphorus removal efficiency (95%) by NZVI was observed under anoxic abiotic conditions, whereas the efficiency dropped to 31% under anaerobic biotic conditions, which was attributed to significant sludge‐facilitated NZVI agglomeration.
The Effects of Weathering on the Geochemical Characterization of Southeastern U.S. Rhyolites
Authors: Dillian Carolyn D.
Published: June 2014

This study presents an experimental analysis of the effect of weathering on the elemental characterization of artifacts made from rhyolite and metarhyolite originating within the Carolina Slate Belt of central North Carolina. A comparison of the results of portable x-ray fluorescence analyses of weathered and unweathered surfaces revealed no statistical difference between the compositional data for most of the selected elements. As a result, characterization and sourcing studies of rhyolite artifacts with weathered surfaces does not require destructive preparation such as cutting, grinding, or pelletizing a sample prior to analysis. This is important as such damaging preparation methods are prohibited for many archaeological collections or museum artifacts.
Preparation, characterization and antimicrobial activity of chitosan microparticles with thyme essential oil
Authors: Pecarski Danijela , Knezevic-Jugovic Zorica , Dimitrijevic-Brankovic Suzana , Mihajilovski Katarina , Jankovic Slobodan
Published: June 2014

Considering the therapeutic effects of formulations with violate essential
oils, development of an available drug delivery system is of great interest,
especially assuming the fact that using essential oils as antimicrobial
agents is a rather expanded in antimicrobial therapy nowadays. In this work,
chitosan microparticles with encapsulated thyme essential oil were prepared
by the emulsion cross-linking method. The effect of thyme oil and
glutaraldehyde initial concentrations on particle size, morphology, and
particle size distribution was investigated. In addition, the influence of
these parameters on the encapsulation of thyme oil in chitosan
microparticles, concerning thyme oil loadings and encapsulation efficiency
was also tested. The particles showed a spherical shape with an average
diameter from 4.71?1.42 to 13.65?4.34 m, depending on the concentration of
the essential oil and glutaraldehyde that were used. The diameter of
microparticles appeared to increase with increasing the thyme essential oil
concentration, and decreased with the increase of glutaraldehyde
concentration. It was shown that the concentration of glutaraldehyde did not
affect the degree of encapsulation, but the increase in the initial
concentration of thyme oil increased the degree of encapsulation of this
essential oil in chitosan microparticles. All particles containing thyme
essential oil, as well as essential oil of thyme itself showed significant
antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Esherichia
coli ATCC 25922, Candida albicans ATCC 24433, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC
25929. This study showed a great potential of the use of thyme essential oil
as an antimicrobial agent, especially when encapsulated in a drug delivery
system with controlled release of the active antimicrobial component.
The effects of monitoring the abundance and species composition of aphids as virus vectors on seed potato production in Serbia
Authors: Milosevic Drago , Milenkovic Slobodan , Peric Pantelija , Stamenkovic Svetomir
Published: June 2014

Aphids are the most important vectors of potato viruses during the crop?s
growing season. The most widespread and damaging viruses, the potato virus Y
and potato leaf roll virus, are transmitted by aphids in non-persistent and
persistent manner, respectively. The two viruses cause the greatest concern
of potato producers and a great constraint to seed potato production in
Serbia, the region and across the world. Potato virus Y is particularly
harmful, given its distribution and spreading rate. Seed potato production
systems under well-managed conditions involve a series of virus control
measures, including the monitoring of outbreaks of winged aphids, their
abundance and species composition, in order to forecast virosis, i.e.
potential plant and tuber infection periods. Monitoring the aphid vectors of
potato viruses enables determination of optimum dates for haulm destruction
when higher than normal numbers of winged aphids as vectors of economically
harmful diseases have been observed. Haulm destruction in a potato crop
reduces the risk of plant infection and virus translocation from the
aboveground parts to tubers, thus keeping the proportion of infected tubers
within tolerance limits allowed for certain categories of seed potatoes. This
practice has positive effects if used in combination with other viral disease
control measures; otherwise, it becomes ineffective. This paper provides an
integral analysis of the effects and role of monitoring outbreaks of aphids,
their abundance and species composition in timing haulm growth termination to
prevent plant infection, virus translocation and tuber infestation in potato
crops in Serbia and the wider region.
Allelopathic effects of water extracts of Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers., Convolvulus arvensis L. and Cirsium arvense Scop. on early seedling growth of some leguminous crops
Authors: Golubinova Irena , Ilieva Anna
Published: June 2014

In order to study the allelopathic effect of aboveground dry biomass of
Sorghum halepense, Convolvulus arvensis and Cirsium arvense on seed
germination and early seedling growth of Pisum sativum (L.), varieties Mir
(winter form) and Kerpo (spring form); Vicia sativa (L.), variety Tempo, and
Medicago sativa (L.), variety Dara, a laboratory experiment was conducted at
the Institute of Forage Crops - Pleven. Four concentrations: 1.25, 2.5, 5.0
and 10.0% were applied to each weed biotype used to study allelopathic
effects. The results showed that weed extracts significantly decreased
germination percentage, shoot and root length (cm), shoot and root weight
(g), and seed vigor index (SVI1 and SVI2) of the tested species. In general,
the variable effects are related to the weed species and extract
concentrations.
Biology and harmfulness of Planococcus vovae (Nassonov) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in Belgrade area
Authors: Graora Draga , Spasic Radoslava , Ilic Sladjana
Published: June 2014

Planococcus vovae (Nassonov) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is an important pest
on plants of the family Cupressaceae. Its numerous populations have been
present in recent years on Juniperus spp. in Belgrade. Feeding by sap-sucking
on all aboveground plant organs, it causes growth stagnation, chlorosis,
drying of needles and branches, and even of entire plants under heavy
infestation. Additionally, the scale excretes large quantities of honeydew,
on which sooty mold develops, reducing photosynthesis and causing faster
plant deterioration. Throughout 2007 and 2008, P. vovae was recorded on
Juniperus spp. in 12 localities in Belgrade, and on Thuja sp. in a single
locality. The pest was found to develop three generations per year and
overwinter on branches at the egg or second instar stages. The first
generation adults were observed at the end of May, the second generation at
the beginning of August, while the third generation was recorded at the
beginning of October. Different overwintering modes, and variable
oviposition, embryonic and larval development periods led to an overlapping
of generations and continuous presence of all developmental stages on plants.
In different localities the infestation of plants varied in abundance from a
few individual specimens to very large colonies. The highest infestation
intensity was recorded in the localities Bezanija, Dorcol and Vozdovac. The
predatory species Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) and
Nephus bipunctatus (Kugelann) (Coleoptera: Coccinelidae) were found in the
scale colonies. Regarding N. bipunctatus, this was its first record as a new
species in the Serbian fauna.
The concentration of molybdenum and copper in rocks, soils and plants in the area of Jabłonki (Eastern Beskids Mts.) / Zawartość molibdenu i miedzi w skałach, glebach i roślinach w okolicy Jabłonek (Beskidy Wschodnie)
Authors: Stojek Małgorzata
Published: June 2014

Molybdenum is one of the major trace elements for plants, but its excess and the deficiency of copper in soils can lead to the production of feed that may be toxic to animals and cause molybdenosis. Menilite shales that occur in the Eastern Beskids Mts. are characterised by an elevated content of this element. The concentration of molybdenum and copper has been determined in samples of bedrock, soils and plants (Trifolium hybridum L. and Plantago major L. plants), taken in the area of occurrence of menilite shales and the Otryt Sandstones. The molybdenum concentration in rocks varies from 0.80 to 40 mg/kg, in soils - from 1.97 to 19.58 mg/kg, and in plant material - from 0.54 to 11.76 mg/kg. The copper concentration in rocks ranges from 11 to 111 mg/kg, in soils - from 23 to 76 mg/kg, and in plants - up to 20 mg/kg. The average Mo concentration in all kinds of plants is significantly higher in the area of occurrence of menilite shales than in the area where the Otryt Sandstones are dominant. The higher content of Mo in the samples collected from clover was accompanied by the lower Cu/Mo ratio, which may cause a molybdenosis disease in animals in the study area.
The influence of particular biostimulators on some biochemical parameters in broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. Var. Botrytis italica plenck) / Wpływ wybranych biostymulatorów na kształtowanie się parametrów biochemicznych u brokułu (Brassica oleracea L. Var. Botrytis italica Plenck)
Authors: Smolik Beata , Miśkowiec Agata , Rekowska Ewa , Zakrzewska Helena , Śnioszek Martyna
Published: June 2014

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of biostimulators: Kelpak, Asahi SL and Goëmar Goteo on some biochemical parameters-proline and MDA concentration in leaves and florets of Monaco F1cultivars of broccoli grown under field conditions. Biostimulators applied in the experiment caused changes of some biochemical parameters in the plants. Kelpak and Goëmar Goteo significantly increased the oxidative stress parameters like the concentration of proline and malondialdehyde in leaves and florets of broccoli cultivar Monaco F1. Although, Asahi SL affected the content of chosen biochemical parameters although not seriously.
Evaluation of the total concentration of iron, manganese, cadmium and nickel and their DTPA extractable forms in the common dandelion rhizospheric and non-rhizospheric soil of the lower Vistula river floodplain grasslands / Ocena całkowitej zawartości żelaza, manganu, kadmu i niklu oraz ich form ekstrahowanych DTPA w glebie ryzosferowej mniszka lekarskiego oraz glebie pozaryzosferowej użytków zielonych z terenów zalewowych Doliny Dolnej Wisły
Authors: Kobierski Mirosław
Published: June 2014

Rhizospheric and non-rhizospheric soils were collected from six topsoils of grasslands in the Lower Vistula River Valley. The research covered the areas of the floodplains between the stream channel of the Vistula River and the flood embankment within the mesoregions of the Fordon Valley and the Grudziądz Basin. The research area, found in the Chełmiński and Nadwiślański Complex of Landscape Parks, is exposed to annual floods. The fluvial sediments are deposited during short-term and, most frequently spring, high discharges of the Vistula River. The amount of the material deposited in the floodplain valleys depends on the range of the flood and landscape-specific local conditions. In the rhizospheric soil of the common dandelion, a higher content of the clay fraction and organic matter was found, as compared with the non-rhizospheric soil material. The total content of Fe, Mn, Cd and Ni and their forms extractable with the DTPA solution differed between the rhizospheric and non-rhizospheric soil. A lower total concentration of the metals was noted in the rhizospheric soil at all the sampling sites. The concentrations of FeDTPA and MnDTPA forms in Fluvisols were much higher than the concentration defined as the deficit one. A relatively high content of organic matter and the clay fraction in rhizospheric soil makes the metals bound by the sorption complex, thus limiting their bioavailability. Under Regulation of Minister of the Environment of 9 September 2002, concerning soil quality standards for protected areas compliant with nature protection laws, the total concentration of Cd and Ni in non-rhizospheric soil was slightly higher than the admissible value (1.0 and 35.0 mg • kg−1, respectively). Since no unfavourable effect of trace elements on the environment was demonstrated and as the floodplain areas are under agricultural use, to evaluate the pollution, the standards applicable for agricultural land were assumed. According to those criteria, the soils are not classified as polluted with cadmium and nickel.
Third-generation oxygen amperometric biosensor based on Trametes hirsuta laccase covalently bound to graphite electrode
Authors: Gutierrez-Sanchez Cristina , Shleev Sergey , De Lacey Antonio L. , Pita Marcos
Published: June 2014

The response of low-density graphite electrodes hosting Trametes hirsuta laccase in a direct electron transfer regime is presented for real-time analysis of O
On the influence of climatic factors on the ratio between the cosmogenic isotope 14C and total carbon in the atmosphere in the past
Authors: Koudriavtsev Igor , Dergachev Valentin , Nagovitsyn Yury , Ogurtsov Maxim , Jungner Högne
Published: June 2014

Radiocarbon 14C is a cosmogenic isotope, which is most extensively used by scientists from a wide variety of fields. Its rate of generation in the atmosphere depends on solar modulation and thus, studying 14C concentration in natural archives, one can reconstruct solar activity level in the past. The paper shows results of box-model calculations of generation of the 14C isotope in the atmosphere and its relative abundance during the time interval 1389–1800 AD, taking into account influence of changing climate. This interval includes the deep minimum of solar activity and period of significant change in atmospheric concentration of CO2 and global temperature. The performed analysis showed that concentration of 14C in the atmosphere reflects not only variations of the galactic cosmic rays intensity but as well changes of temperature and atmospheric CO2 concentration. It is shown that the decrease in CO2 concentration in the atmosphere during 1550–1600 can be connected with absorption of CO2 by the ocean surface layer. Thus, taking into account the climatic changes is an important condition for the reconstruction of solar activity in the past using data based on cosmogenic isotopes.
Influences of Wheelchair-Related Efficacy on Life-Space Mobility in Adults Who Use a Wheelchair and Live in the Community
Authors: Sakakibara Brodie M. , Miller William C. , Eng Janice J. , Backman Catherine L. , Routhier François
Published: June 2014

Background

Self-efficacy has important implications for health and functioning in people with limited mobility. However, the influence of self-efficacy on mobility in adults who use wheelchairs has yet to be investigated.

Objective

The study objective was to: (1) estimate the direct association between wheelchair use self-efficacy and life-space mobility and (2) investigate an indirect effect through wheelchair skills.

Design

This was a cross-sectional study.

Methods

Participants (N=124) were adults who use a wheelchair, live in the community, and were 50 years of age and older (X̅=59.67, range=50–84), with at least 6 months of experience with manual wheelchair use; 60% were men. The 20-item Life-Space Assessment, the 65-item Wheelchair Use Confidence Scale, and the 32-item Wheelchair Skills Test-Questionnaire were used to measure life-space mobility, self-efficacy, and wheelchair skills, respectively.

Results

Self-efficacy had a statistically significant association with life-space mobility (nonstandardized regression coefficient=0.23, 95% confidence interval=0.07, 0.39) after controlling for sex, number of comorbidities, geographic location, and assistance with using a wheelchair. This model accounted for 37.1% of the life-space mobility variance, and the unique contribution of self-efficacy was 3.5%. The indirect effect through wheelchair skills was also statistically significant (point estimate=0.21, 95% bootstrapped confidence interval=0.05, 0.43) and accounted for 91.3% of the direct effect of self-efficacy on life-space mobility. This model accounted for 39.2% of the life-space mobility variance.

Limitations

Causality could not be established because of the study design. The self-report nature of data from volunteers may be influenced by recall bias, social desirability, or both.

Conclusions

Wheelchair use self-efficacy had both direct and indirect associations with life-space mobility after controlling for confounding variables. Interventions targeted toward improving self-efficacy may lead to improvements in life-space mobility.
The Test-Optional Movement at America’s Selective Liberal Arts Colleges
Authors: Belasco Andrew S. , Rosinger Kelly O. , Hearn James C.
Published: June 2014

The test-optional movement in the United States emerged largely in response to criticism of standardized admissions tests as inadequate and potentially biased measures of postsecondary promise. Although anecdotal reports suggest that test-optional policies have improved campus diversity, empirical research has not yet confirmed this claim. Consequently, this study employs quasi-experimental techniques to assess the relationship between test-optional policy implementation and subsequent growth in the proportion of low-income and minority students enrolling at adopting liberal arts colleges. It also examines whether test-optional policies increase institutional standing through greater application numbers and higher reported Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores. Results show that, on average, test-optional policies enhance the perceived selectivity, rather than the diversity, of participating institutions.
Accessing Citizenship
Authors: Björk Anna
Published: June 2014

This article deals explicitly with the dimension of access in the concept of citizenship and is discussed from the point of view of migration. Access is analyzed in the context of the reform of German citizenship laws in 1999. The state of Hesse is singled out to be used as an example of parliamentary debate on the concepts of citizenship and integration. The point is to explicate the interrelations of the federal legislative reform and the conceptual implications thereof, using Hesse as a state-level example.
Primary malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor of the spine with acute hydrocephalus: a rare clinical entity
Authors: Li Yaxiong , Fan Fengshi , Xu Jianguo , An Jie , Zhang Weining
Published: June 2014

Primary malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are extremely rare in patients without a history of neurofibromatosis; only 18 cases have been reported in the English-language literature to this point. The authors report their experience with 1 new case of a primary MPNST. A 33-year-old woman presented with low-back pain radiating to the right calf that progressed over 1 year. Magnetic resonance imaging of the spine revealed an intradural extramedullary lesion at the T12–L1 level. The patient was diagnosed with primary MPNST, underwent two surgical excisions and radiation therapy, and developed leptomeningeal metastases as well as brain metastases. The patient revisited the emergency room with sudden loss of consciousness. A brain CT scan displayed bilateral lateral ventricle enlargement, for which a ventriculoperitoneal shunt was inserted. These symptoms have not been described in any previous report. Primary spinal MPNST is an exceedingly rare entity, and the overall prognosis is very poor. To the authors' knowledge, no standard of care for primary spinal MPNSTs has yet been established. All 19 cases of primary spinal MPNSTs are reviewed, and the authors discuss their clinical, radiological, and therapeutic features and outcomes.
Jugulotympanic paragangliomas treated with Gamma Knife radiosurgery: a single-center review of 58 cases
Authors: Gandía-González Maria Luisa , Kusak M. Elena , Moreno Nuria Martínez , Sárraga Jorge Gutiérrez , Rey Germán , Álvarez Roberto Martínez
Published: June 2014

Object

Jugulotympanic paragangliomas (JTPs) are rare benign tumors whose surgical treatment is usually associated with partial resection of the lesion, high morbidity, and even death. Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) has been reported as a useful treatment option. The goal of this retrospective study is to analyze the role of GKRS in tumor volume control and clinical outcomes of these patients.

Methods

A total of 75 patients with JTPs were treated with GKRS at the authors' center from 1995 to 2012. The authors analyzed those treated during this period to allow for a minimal observation time of 2 years. The MR images and clinical reports of these patients were reviewed to assess clinical and volumetric outcomes of the tumors. The radiological and clinical assessments, along with a group of prognostic factors measured, were analyzed using descriptive methods. The time to volumetric and clinical progression was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Prognostic factors were identified using log-rank statistics and multivariate Cox regression models.

Results

The mean follow-up was 86.4 months. The authors observed volumetric tumor control in 94.8% of cases. In 67.2% of cases, tumor volume decreased by a mean of 40.1% from the original size. Of patients with previous tinnitus, 54% reported complete recovery. Improvement of other symptoms was observed in 34.5% of cases. Overall, clinical control was achieved in 91.4% of cases. Previous embolization and familial history of paraganglioma were selected as significant prognostic factors for volumetric response to GKRS treatment in the univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, no factors were significantly correlated with progression-free survival. No patient died of side effects related to GKRS treatment or tumor progression.

Conclusions

Gamma Knife radiosurgery is an effective, safe, and efficient therapeutic option for the treatment of these tumors as a first-line treatment or in conjunction with traditional surgery, endovascular treatment, or conventional fractionated radiotherapy.
The guillotine knife: a novel tool for safe endoscopic cutting of intracranial membranes
Authors: Damaty Ahmed El , Manwaring Jotham C. , Schroeder Henry W. S.
Published: June 2014

This article describes a new endoscopic cutting tool that acts like a guillotine. It enables safe cutting of membranes overlying neurovascular structures because the footplate protects these structures from inadvertent injury. The footplate is introduced under the membrane, elevating it slightly, and then the membrane is cut while pushing the blade down into the footplate. The guillotine knife has been used in various endoscopic procedures such as septostomies, arachnoid cyst fenestrations, colloid cysts resections, and fenestrations of other intraventricular membranes. The authors think that the guillotine knife is a useful addition to the neuroendoscopic armamentarium.
Carotid cutdown for surgical retrieval of a guidewire introducer: an unusual complication after mitral valve repair
Authors: Meyers Joshua E. , Sorkin Grant C. , Shakir Hakeem J. , Snyder Kenneth V.
Published: June 2014

With the use of endovascular techniques and indwelling catheters, potential complications can include embolization of fragments or components of various systems. The authors describe the surgical retrieval of a guidewire introducer from the right common carotid artery (CCA). A 64-year-old man was found to have a foreign body within the right CCA on CT angiography after he had presented with a transient ischemic attack. He had undergone a complex mitral valve repair several months before presenting to the authors' facility. That procedure involved a femoral artery cutdown and the insertion of an endovascular aortic balloon for cardiac bypass. As in most endovascular procedures, guidewire introducers were probably used to facilitate the introduction of the guidewire into the system during the procedure. Although rare, iatrogenic embolization of the introducer probably occurred during use of the guidewire. The guidewire introducer was successfully retrieved without complication by using a standard carotid cutdown approach. It is extraordinarily unusual for an extracorporeal part of an implantable system to embolize to the carotid circulation. To the authors' knowledge, this is the only reported case of an embolized guidewire introducer and the use of a carotid exposure to retrieve an intraluminal foreign body. This case demonstrates that a carotid cutdown approach can be used successfully for the retrieval of intraluminal extracranial carotid artery foreign bodies.
A reduction in errors is associated with prospectively recording them
Authors: Oremakinde Adetunji A. , Bernstein Mark
Published: June 2014

Object

Error recording and monitoring is an important component of error prevention and quality assurance in the health sector given the huge impact of medical errors on the well-being of patients and the financial loss incurred by health institutions. With this in mind, assessing the effect of reporting errors should be a cause worth pursuing. The object in this study was to examine the null hypothesis that recording and publishing errors do not affect error patterns in a clinical practice.

Methods

Intraoperative errors and their characteristics were prospectively recorded between May 2000 and May 2013 in the neurosurgical practice of the senior author (M.B.). The error pattern observed between May 2000 and August 2006, which has been previously described (Group A), was compared with the error pattern observed between September 2006 and May 2013 (Group B).

Results

A total of 1108 cases in Group A and 974 cases in Group B were surgically treated. A total of 2684 errors were recorded in Group A, while 1892 errors were recorded in Group B. The ratios of cranial to spinal procedures performed in Groups A and B were 3:1 and 10:1, respectively, while the ratios of general to local anesthesia in the two groups were 2:1 and 1.3:1, respectively (p < 0.0001 for both). There was a significantly decreased proportion of cases with error (87% to 83%, p < 0.006), mean errors per case (2.4 to 1.9, p < 0.0001), proportion of error-related complications (16.7% to 5.5%, p < 0.002), and clinical impacts of error (2.7% to 1.0%, p < 0.0001) in Group B compared with Group A. Errors in Group B tended to be more preventable than those in Group A (85.8% vs 78.5%, p < 0.0001). A significant reduction was also noticed with most types of error. A descending trend in the mean errors per case was demonstrated from the years 2001 to 2012; however, an increased severity of errors (22.6% to 29.5%, p < 0.0001) was recorded in Group B compared with Group A.

Conclusions

Data in this study showed that the act of recording errors might alter behaviors, resulting in fewer errors.
Cauda equina schwannoma presenting with intratumoral hemorrhage and intracranial subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Kukreja Sunil , Ambekar Sudheer , Sharma Mayur , Nanda Anil
Published: June 2014

The authors report the case of a spinal intradural schwannoma presenting with intracranial subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Cerebral angiography did not show any intracranial lesion; however, MRI revealed two separate tumors in the lower segment of the spinal cord. The proximal lesion arising from the conus medullaris was well circumscribed and homogeneously enhanced, whereas the tumor in the cauda equina revealed hemorrhagic signals on MRI. This case also illustrates an unusual presentation of intracranial SAH simultaneously with intratumoral hemorrhage in a spinal cord schwannoma. The absence of hemorrhagic changes in the lesion arising proximal to the cauda equina region supports the mechanical theory proposed for the pathogenesis of hemorrhagic complications in spinal cord tumors.
A comparative analysis of minimally invasive and open spine surgery patient education resources
Authors: Agarwal Nitin , Feghhi Daniel P. , Gupta Raghav , Hansberry David R. , Quinn John C. , Heary Robert F. , Goldstein Ira M.
Published: June 2014

Object

The Internet has become a widespread source for disseminating health information to large numbers of people. Such is the case for spine surgery as well. Given the complexity of spinal surgeries, an important point to consider is whether these resources are easily read and understood by most Americans. The average national reading grade level has been estimated to be at about the 7th grade. In the present study the authors strove to assess the readability of open spine surgery resources and minimally invasive spine surgery resources to offer suggestions to help improve the readability of patient resources.

Methods

Online patient education resources were downloaded in 2013 from 50 resources representing either traditional open back surgery or minimally invasive spine surgery. Each resource was assessed using 10 scales from Readability Studio Professional Edition version 2012.1.

Results

Patient education resources representing traditional open back surgery or minimally invasive spine surgery were all found to be written at a level well above the recommended 6th grade level. In general, minimally invasive spine surgery materials were written at a higher grade level.

Conclusions

The readability of patient education resources from spine surgery websites exceeds the average reading ability of an American adult. Revisions may be warranted to increase quality and patient comprehension of these resources to effectively reach a greater patient population.
In vivo 3D kinematic changes in the cervical spine after laminoplasty for cervical spondylotic myelopathy
Authors: Nagamoto Yukitaka , Iwasaki Motoki , Sugiura Tsuyoshi , Fujimori Takahito , Matsuo Yohei , Kashii Masafumi , Sakaura Hironobu , Ishii Takahiro , Murase Tsuyoshi , Yoshikawa Hideki , Sugamoto Kazuomi
Published: June 2014

Object

Cervical laminoplasty is an effective procedure for decompressing the spinal cord at multiple levels, but restriction of neck motion is one of the well-known complications of the procedure. Although many authors have reported on cervical range of motion (ROM) after laminoplasty, they have focused mainly on 2D flexion and extension on lateral radiographs, not on 3D motion (including coupled motion) nor on precise intervertebral motion. The purpose of this study was to clarify the 3D kinematic changes in the cervical spine after laminoplasty performed to treat cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

Methods

Eleven consecutive patients (6 men and 5 women, mean age 68.1 years, age range 57–79 years) with cervical spondylotic myelopathy who had undergone laminoplasty were included in the study. All patients underwent 3D CT of the cervical spine in 5 positions (neutral, 45° head rotation left and right, maximum head flexion, and maximum head extension) using supporting devices. The scans were performed preoperatively and at 6 months after laminoplasty. Segmental ROM from Oc–C1 to C7–T1 was calculated both in flexion-extension and in rotation, using a voxel-based registration method.

Results

Mean C2–7 flexion-extension ROM, equivalent to cervical ROM in all previous studies, was 45.5° ± 7.1° preoperatively and 35.5° ± 8.2° postoperatively, which was a statistically significant 33% decrease. However, mean Oc–T1 flexion-extension ROM, which represented total cervical ROM, was 71.5° ± 8.3° preoperatively and 66.5° ± 8.3° postoperatively, an insignificant 7.0% decrease. In focusing on each motion segment, the authors observed a statistically significant 22.6% decrease in mean segmental ROM at the operated levels during flexion-extension and a statistically insignificant 10.2% decrease during rotation. The most significant decrease was observed at C2–3. Segmental ROM at C2–3 decreased 24.2% during flexion-extension and 21.8% during rotation. However, a statistically insignificant 37.2% increase was observed at the upper cervical spine (Oc–C2) during flexion-extension. The coupling pattern during rotation did not change significantly after laminoplasty.

Conclusions

In this first accurate documentation of 3D segmental kinematic changes after laminoplasty, Oc–T1 ROM, which represented total cervical ROM, did not change significantly during either flexion-extension or rotation by 6 months after laminoplasty despite a significant decrease in C2–7 flexion-extension ROM. This is thought to be partially because of a compensatory increase in segmental ROM at the upper cervical spine (Oc–C2).
The Feeling of Life
Authors: Düttmann Alexander García
Published: June 2014

Is there a feeling of life, and if so, can deconstruction contribute to its elucidation? What is a deconstructionist's ‘feeling of life’? If one takes Derrida's argument about iterability as an argument about life, then one could perhaps infer from it that life, for the deconstructionist, is the occurrence, or the event, of what always occurs only once because it occurs more than once, and of what always occurs more than once because it occurs only once. One could infer from it that life cannot be told apart from a feeling of life, from a certain expressive intensity, since life is tension, a tension between an ‘only-once’ and a ‘once-more’, between an ‘only-once’ haunted by a ‘once-more’ and a ‘once-more’ haunted by an ‘only-once’, a tension that prompts each of the terms to change into the other.
Controversies Surrounding Clostridium difficile Infection in Infants and Young Children
Authors: Nicholson Maribeth , Thomsen Isaac , Edwards Kathryn
Published: June 2014

Clostridium difficile is a frequent cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in adults and older children. However, as many as 80% of infants can be asymptomatically colonized. The reasons for this have not been well established but are believed to be due to differences in toxin receptors or toxin internalization. Determining which children who test positive for C. difficile warrant treatment is exceedingly difficult, especially in the setting of increased rates of detection and the rising risk of disease in children lacking classic risk factors for C. difficile.
Silicon Heterojunction Solar Cells Using AlOx and Plasma-Immersion Ion Implantation
Authors: Lin Yu-Hsien , Wu Yung-Chun , You Hsin-Chiang , Chen Chun-Hao , Chen Ping-Hua , Tsai Yi-He , Yang Yi-Yun , Chang-Liao K.
Published: June 2014

Aluminum oxide (AlOx) and plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII) were studied in relation to passivated silicon heterojunction solar cells. When aluminum oxide (AlOx) was deposited on the surface of a wafer; the electric field near the surface of wafer was enhanced; and the mobility of the carrier was improved; thus reducing carrier traps associated with dangling bonds. Using PIII enabled implanting nitrogen into the device to reduce dangling bonds and achieve the desired passivation effect. Depositing AlOx on the surface of a solar cell increased the short-circuit current density (Jsc); open-circuit voltage (Voc); and conversion efficiency from 27.84 mA/cm2; 0.52 V; and 8.97% to 29.34 mA/cm2; 0.54 V; and 9.68%; respectively. After controlling the depth and concentration of nitrogen by modulating the PIII energy; the ideal PIII condition was determined to be 2 keV and 10 min. As a result; a 15.42% conversion efficiency was thus achieved; and the Jsc; Voc; and fill factor were 37.78 mA/cm2; 0.55 V; and 0.742; respectively.
Proof-of-Concept of a Zinc-Silver Battery for the Extraction of Energy from a Concentration Difference
Authors: Marino Massimo , Misuri Lorenza , Carati Andrea , Brogioli Doriano
Published: June 2014

The conversion of heat into current can be obtained by a process with two stages. In the first one, the heat is used for distilling a solution and obtaining two flows with different concentrations. In the second stage, the two flows are sent to an electrochemical cell that produces current by consuming the concentration difference. In this paper, we propose such an electrochemical cell, working with water solutions of zinc chloride. The cell contains two electrodes, made respectively of zinc and silver covered by silver chloride. The operation of the cell is analogous to that of the capacitive mixing and of the “mixing entropy battery”: the electrodes are charged while dipped in the concentrated solution and discharged when dipped in the diluted solution. The cyclic operation allows us to extract a surplus of energy, at the expense of the free energy of the concentration difference. We evaluate the feasibility of such a cell for practical applications and find that a power up to 2 W per m2 of the surface of the electrodes can be achieved.
Telemedicine, Telehealth and m-Health: New Frontiers in Medical Practice
Authors: Krupinski Elizabeth , Weinstein Ronald
Published: June 2014

Telemedicine is changing the practice of medicine. It is part of the ever-growing use of communications technology in health care being used in prevention, disease management, home health care, long-term (chronic) care, emergency medicine, remote medical imaging, and many other applications. The pace at which telemedicine is being adopted and integrated into the healthcare enterprise is exponential and, for many (even those in the field!), it is often difficult to keep up with all of the changes occurring. Thus, it is useful periodically to stand back and summarize recent advances, to take stock, analyze where we have been, and project where we are headed. [...]
Sperm-Egg Fusion: A Molecular Enigma of Mammalian Reproduction
Authors: Klinovska Karolina , Sebkova Natasa , Dvorakova-Hortova Katerina
Published: June 2014

The mechanism of gamete fusion remains largely unknown on a molecular level despite its indisputable significance. Only a few of the molecules required for membrane interaction are known, among them IZUMO1, which is present on sperm, tetraspanin CD9, which is present on the egg, and the newly found oolema protein named Juno. A concept of a large multiprotein complex on both membranes forming fusion machinery has recently emerged. The Juno and IZUMO1, up to present, is the only known extracellular receptor pair in the process of fertilization, thus, facilitating the essential binding of gametes. However, neither IZUMO1 nor Juno appears to be the fusogenic protein. At the same time, the tetraspanin is expected to play a role in organizing the egg membrane order and to interact laterally with other factors. This review summarizes, to present, the known molecules involved in the process of sperm-egg fusion. The complexity and expected redundancy of the involved factors makes the process an intricate and still poorly understood mechanism, which is difficult to comprehend in its full distinction.
Weighted Risk Score-Based Multifactor Dimensionality Reduction to Detect Gene-Gene Interactions in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Li Chao-Feng , Luo Fu-Tian , Zeng Yi-Xin , Jia Wei-Hua
Published: June 2014

Determining the complex relationships between diseases, polymorphisms in human genes and environmental factors is challenging. Multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) has been proven to be capable of effectively detecting the statistical patterns of epistasis, although classification accuracy is required for this approach. The imbalanced dataset can cause seriously negative effects on classification accuracy. Moreover, MDR methods cannot quantitatively assess the disease risk of genotype combinations. Hence, we introduce a novel weighted risk score-based multifactor dimensionality reduction (WRSMDR) method that uses the Bayesian posterior probability of polymorphism combinations as a new quantitative measure of disease risk. First, we compared the WRSMDR to the MDR method in simulated datasets. Our results showed that the WRSMDR method had reasonable power to identify high-order gene-gene interactions, and it was more effective than MDR at detecting four-locus models. Moreover, WRSMDR reveals more information regarding the effect of genotype combination on the disease risk, and the result was easier to determine and apply than with MDR. Finally, we applied WRSMDR to a nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) case-control study and identified a statistically significant high-order interaction among three polymorphisms: rs2860580, rs11865086 and rs2305806.
Damage of Neuroblastoma Cell SH-SY5Y Mediated by MPP+ Inhibits Proliferation of T-Cell Leukemia Jurkat by Co-Culture System
Authors: Wang Fuli , Awan Umer , Wang Yuanyuan , Wang Luna , Qing Hong , Ma Hong , Deng Yulin
Published: June 2014

The adaptive immune system has implications in pathology of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Research data demonstrated that the peripheral CD4+ T-cell population decreased in pathogenesis of PD. The effect of damaged dopaminergic neurons on peripheral T cells of PD is still unknown. In this study, we constructed a neuronal and glial cells co-culture model by using human neuroblastoma cells SH-SY5Y and gliomas cells U87. After the co-culture cells were treated with neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) for 24 h, the conditioned media was harvested and used to cultivate T-cell leukemia Jurkat cells for another 24 h. We then analyzed the cell proliferation, cell cycle and necrosis effect of Jurkat cells. The results showed that co-culture medium of SH-SY5Y and U87 cells with MPP+ treatment inhibited the proliferation of Jurkat cells compared to control medium without MPP+, even though the same concentration of MPP+ had very little toxicity to the Jurkat cell. Furthermore, co-culture medium with low concentration of MPP+ (100 µM) arrested Jurkat cells cycle in G2/M phase through increasing cell cycle division 2 (CDC2) and CyclinB1 expression level, whereas co-culture medium with high concentration of MPP+ (500 µM) induced Jurkat cell necrosis through cellular swelling and membrane breakage. Our data implies that damaged dopamine neurons with glial cells can lead to the reduced number or inhibited proliferation activity of peripheral T cells.
Role of Candida albicans-Secreted Aspartyl Proteinases (Saps) in Severe Early Childhood Caries
Authors: Li Wenqing , Yu Dongsheng , Gao Shuo , Lin Jiacheng , Chen Zhuoyu , Zhao Wei
Published: June 2014

Candida albicans is strongly associated with severe early childhood caries (S-ECC). However, the roles of secreted aspartyl proteinases (Saps), an important virulence factor of C. albicans, in the progress of S-ECC are not clear. In our study, the Saps activities were evaluated by the yeast nitrogen base–bovine serum albumi (YNB–BSA) agar plate method and by the MTT method with bovine serum albumin (BSA) as the substrate. Genotypes of C. albicans and gene expression of Sap1–5 were evaluated. The relationships of Saps activities and genotypes with S-ECC were analyzed. The results showed that enzyme activities of Saps in the S-ECC group were significantly higher than those in the caries free (CF) group (p < 0.05). Genotypes A, B and C were detected in the S-ECC group, and genotypes A and C were detected in the CF group. In the genotype A group, Saps activity in the S-ECC group was significantly different from that in the CF group (p < 0.05). The gene expression level of Sap1 in the S-ECC group was significantly higher than that in the CF group (p = 0.001), while Sap4 expression was significantly lower than that in the CF group (p = 0.029). It can be concluded that Sap1–5 are the predominant proteinase genes expressed in C. albicans from dental biofilm and Sap1 may play an important role in the development of S-ECC.