bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuronal Intranuclear Inclusion Disease Presenting as Juvenile Parkinsonism
Authors: Wiltshire Katie M. , Dunham Christopher , Reid Stuart , Auer Roland N. , Suchowersky Oksana
Published: December 2014

Background:

Diagnostic considerations for juvenile onset Parkinsonism (onset at <21 years of age) include juvenile Huntington disease, Wilson disease, dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA), storage diseases, and mitochondrial cytopathies. Neuronal Intranuclear Inclusion Disease (NIID) must also be considered.

Case Report:

We present a case of juvenile onset NIID with a predominantly Parkinsonian presentation, followed later by corticospinal, cerebellar, and lower motor neuron symptoms.

Conclusion:

Diagnosis of NIID can be made antemortem through rectal biopsy, however it was missed in this case. Rectal biopsy should be performed in all suspected cases, reviewed by an experienced neuropathologist and repeated if the suspicion for NIID is high. Pathologically, SUMO-1 immunohistochemistry appears to reliably label the neuronal inclusions and abnormal SUMOylation may play a part in the pathogenesis.
Risk Factors of Stroke in Pakistan: A Dedicated Stroke Clinic Experience
Authors: Taj Fawad , Zahid Rehan , Syeda Umm-e-Rubab , Murtaza Muhammed , Ahmed Shahzad , Kamal Ayeesha Kamran
Published: December 2014

Background:

Secondary prevention of cerebrovascular disease through dedicated stroke clinics has been shown to decrease recurrent vascular events in patients. However, there is limited literature describing such stroke clinic experiences from low and middle income countries. This study describes patient characteristics and observations made at the first systematized stroke clinic in Pakistan.

Methods:

Aretrospective audit of medical records of all patients presenting between September 2006 and August 2008 with a cerebrovascular event was conducted. Information about clinical presentation, modifiable risk factors and laboratory and radiological investigations was collected. Burden of disability was assessed using Modified Rankin score. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS 14.0.

Results:

159 patients with a mean age of 57.0 ± 13.9 years were included in this study and 34.6% of all patients were women. 108 patients were diagnosed with ischemic stroke (67.9%) while 34 patients presented with hemorrhagic stroke (21.4%) and 17 patients presented with transient ischemic attacks (10.7%). Hypertension was the most common modifiable risk factor seen in 78.0%, followed by diabetes in 40.3% and dyslipidemia in 31.5%. At presentation to clinic, only 26.0% patients with dyslipidemia and 64.5% patients with hypertension were on appropriate medications.

Conclusion:

A high prevalence of modifiable risk factors such as hypertension in stroke patients was observed and it presents an opportunity for conventional interventions in Pakistan. Systematized clinics for stroke and an algorithmic approach in primary care towards stroke may improve the implementation of evidence based secondary prevention strategies in developing countries.
Substantia Nigra and Parkinson's Disease: A Brief History of Their Long and Intimate Relationship
Authors: Parent Martin , Parent André
Published: December 2014

The substantia nigra was discovered in 1786 by Félix Vicq d'Azyr, but it took more than a century before Paul Blocq and Georges Marinesco alluded to a possible link between this structure and Parkinson's disease. The insight came from the study of a tuberculosis patient admitted in Charcot's neurology ward at la Salpêtrière because he was suffering from unilateral parkinsonian tremor. At autopsy, Blocq and Marinesco discovered an encapsulated tumor confined to the substantia nigra, contralateral to the affected side, and concluded that tremor in that particular case resulted from a midbrain lesion. This pioneering work, published in 1893, led Edouard Brissaud to formulate, in 1895, the hypothesis that the substantia nigra is the major pathological site in Parkinson's disease. Brissaud's hypothesis was validated in 1919 by Constantin Trétiakoff in a remarkable thesis summarizing a post-mortem study of the substantia nigra conducted in Marinesco's laboratory. Despite highly convincing evidence of nigral cell losses in idiopathic and post-encephalitic Parkinsonism, Trétiakoff's work raised considerable doubts among his colleagues, who believed that the striatum and pallidum were the preferential targets of parkinsonian degeneration. Trétiakoff's results were nevertheless confirmed by detailed neuropathological studies undertaken in the 1930s and by the discovery, in the 1960s, of the dopaminergic nature of the nigrostriatal neurons that degenerate in Parkinson's disease. These findings have strengthened the link between the substantia nigra and Parkinson's disease, but modern research has uncovered the multifaceted nature of this neurodegenerative disorder by identifying other brain structures and chemospecifc systems involved in its pathogenesis.
Examining Ontario Deaths Due to All-Terrain Vehicles, and Targets for Prevention
Authors: Lord Sarah , Tator Charles H. , Wells Sandy
Published: December 2014

Background:

All-terrain vehicle (ATV) use is increasingly popular among people of all ages. Although ATV use is known to cause significant morbidity due to head and neck trauma, there is a lack of published data detailing ATV-related fatalities. We examined all ATV-related fatalities in Ontario from 1996 - 2005 to determine the epidemiology and risk factors as a guide for improved injury prevention strategies.

Methods:

All ATV-related fatalities from 1996 - 2005 in Ontario were examined through Coroner's reports in the Office of the Chief Coroner of Ontario. Epidemiologic information and risk factors relating to the driver, environment, and vehicle were recorded.

Results:

There were 74 ATV-related fatalities from 1996 - 2005. There was only one fatality per year in 1996 and 1997 and a peak of 16 per year in 2004 and 2005. Head and neck injuries were the commonest causes of death. Males comprised 90.5% of the cases. The highest risk was from age 15 - 29, and 21% of fatalities occurred in children under 16. Northeastern Ontario had the highest fatality rate.

Conclusions:

There was a major increase in the incidence of ATV-related fatalities in Ontario from 1996 - 2005 with the majority due to head trauma. Notable risk factors included alcohol use, riding at night, lack of helmet use, and excessive speed. We recommend the adoption of laws that focus on helmet requirements, a minimum driver age of 16, and certified training courses. Aggressive injury prevention efforts should be targeted toward males aged 15 - 29.
Outcomes of Patients with Parkinson Disease and Pathological Gambling
Authors: Bharmal A. , Lu C. , Quickfall J. , Crockford D. , Suchowersky O.
Published: December 2014

Objective:

To determine the outcomes of patients with Parkinson disease (PD) with pathological gambling (PG) from one Canadian Movement Disorders Clinic.

Methods:

Assessments were performed in-person during routine clinic visits of all patients currently followed by one neurologist (OS). Pathological gambling was defined according to DSM-IV-TR criteria. Chart review was performed to obtain details on medication use, dosages, and patient demographics. Follow-up of patients with PG collected information on gambling behavior, PG management interventions, medications, treatment, and psychosocial outcomes.

Results:

146 patients were surveyed with an overall prevalence of PG of 4.1% (6/146). The rate of pathological gambling for those patients on dopamine agonist therapy (DA) was 8.1% (6/74). Only patients who were recreational gamblers prior to starting DA developed PG. All PG patients discontinued, decreased, or switched to another DA, and experienced a partial or full remission of PG. 3 (50%) patients described financial losses of $100,000 or more, and 75% (3/4) patients described significant marital stresses. At follow-up (August 2008), 4 of the 6 patients with PG continued to gamble in a controlled fashion despite medication changes. No significant difference in levodopa equivalent daily dose (LEDD) pre- and post-PG were observed; however, the relative amount of DA was decreased (p= 0.0593), while levodopa was relatively increased (p= 0.5277). Despite control of PG, patients still experience financial and marital strains.

Conclusions:

DA (in combination with levodopa) was associated with a significantly higher prevalence of PG in PD, particularly in patients who were recreational gamblers previously. Despite control of PG, patients continued to experience significant financial and marital stresses that should be regularly enquired upon in follow-up care and managed appropriately.
Abrogating HSP Response Augments Cell Death Induced by As2O3 in Glioma Cell Lines
Authors: Song Xueming , Chen Zhiqiang , Wu Chunbo , Zhao Shiguang
Published: December 2014

Objectives:

We previously reported that Arsenic trioxide (ATO) can inhibit glioma growth both in vitro and in vivo. While the use of ATO alone for solid tumor treatment sometimes was found to be ineffective which may be due to the protective pathways including heat shock proteins (HSPs) response induced by ATO. In this study, we modified HSPs expression to investigate whether HSPs had some effect on ATO induced glioma cell death.

Methods:

Trypan bule exclusion assay, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) Assay, and SubG1 detection were used to evaluate cell viability and western-blot was employed to detect HSPs and some apoptosis markers expression induced by ATO. Heat pre-treatment, HSPs inhibitor, or Heat Shock factor-1 (HSF1) knockdown by SiRNA was employed to modify HSPs levels.

Results:

It was showed that KNK437 (HSPs inhibitor) or HSF1 knockdown significantly enhanced cell death, MMP disruption, JNK phosphorylation and caspase-3 cleavage induced by ATO, which was accompanied by abrogation of HSPs induction, while heat pre-treatment with clear HSPs induction had strong protection on the effects mentioned above.

Conclusion:

Those data suggested that HSPs play protective roles on ATO induced cell death in glioma. Inhibition of HSPs may have a synergistic effect with ATO on glioma treatment.
Julius Caesar's Late Onset Epilepsy: A Case of Historic Proportions
Authors: McLachlan Richard S.
Published: December 2014

This is a case report of Julius Caesar's epilepsy that onset when he was 54-years-old. The differential diagnosis of late onset epilepsy is discussed and the rationale presented for concluding from the clinical presentation that the cause was neurocysticercosis. That this man's disease and its consequences altered the course of history is a very real possibility.
Blunt Cerebrovascular Injuries: Diagnosis and Management Outcomes
Authors: Wei Corie W. , Montanera Walter , Selchen Daniel , Lian Jackie , Stevens Christopher , de Tilly Lyne Noël
Published: December 2014

Background:

Blunt cerebrovascular injury (BCVI) to the carotid and vertebral arteries is a potentially devastating injury in trauma patients. The optimal management for BCVI has not been standardized. At our institution, 64-slice multi-detector computed tomographic angiography (CTA) has been used as the initial screening exam for BCVI in patients who met predefined screening criteria. The purpose of this study is to review the incidence of CTA-diagnosed BCVI in at-risk patients and to evaluate the treatment and clinical outcome of patients with BCVI.

Methods:

This study included trauma patients with a positive diagnosis of BCVI on CTA during a 41-month study period. The medical records and relevant radiographic findings were retrospectively reviewed.

Results:

Twenty seven of 222 blunt trauma patients evaluated with CTA had a positive diagnosis of BCVI, with an occurrence rate of 12.2%. Traumatic brain injury (72.2%) and basal skull fractures (55.6%) were the most frequent associated injuries with carotid trauma while 100% of blunt vertebral injuries occurred in the setting of cervical fractures. Fourteen (51.8%) patients received medical therapy; Eleven (40.7%) patients received conservative treatment. Endovascular treatment was attempted in a single case of vertebral arteriovenous fistula. BCVI-related stroke was found in four patients (14.8%), one of whom developed an infarct while on medical treatment.

Conclusions:

BCVI is found in a significant portion of blunt trauma patients with identifiable risk factors, and screening CTA has high diagnostic yield in detecting these lesions. Medical therapy is the mainstay of treatment at our institution; however, BCVI-related stroke may occur despite treatment.
Diffusion Tensor Imaging Abnormalities in Cognitively Impaired Multiple Sclerosis Patients
Authors: Akbar Nadine , Lobaugh Nancy J. , O'Connor Paul , Moradzadeh Linda , Scott Christopher J. M. , Feinstein Anthony
Published: December 2014

Background:

Cognitive impairment can add to the burden of disease in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The aim of this study was to assess the relative importance of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) indices derived from normal appearing white matter (NAWM) and grey matter (NAGM) in determining cognitive dysfunction in MS patients.

Methods:

Sixty two MS patients [51 female, mean age= 41 (sd=9.6) years, median expanded disability status scale (EDSS)=2.5] meeting modified McDonald criteria for MS underwent neuropsychological testing using the Neuropsychological Screening Battery for MS (NSBMS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI, 1.5T GE) that included DTI sequences. Total T1 hypointense and T2 hyperintense lesion volumes were obtained using semi-automated software. Lesion volumes were subtracted from whole-brain parenchyma to obtain measures of NAWM and NAGM. Fractional anisotropy (FA) of NAWM and mean diffusivity (MD) of NAGM were obtained.

Results:

Cognitive impairment was present in 11 patients (18%). These patients had higher EDSS scores, were less educated, and were more likely to have secondary progressive MS. They also had higher hypointense (p=0.001) and hyperintense (p=0.004) lesion volumes, greater NAWM atrophy (p=0.007), lower FA of total NAWM (p=0.003), and higher MD of total NAGM (p=0.015). Using a logistic regression analysis, and after controlling for demographic and disease-related differences between groups, FA of NAWM emerged as a significant predictor of cognitive impairment adding to the variance derived from lesion and atrophy data.

Conclusion:

This study underlies the important role of normal-appearing brain tissue in the pathogenesis of MS-related cognitive impairment.
Corpus Callosum Volume and Interhemispheric Transfer in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Brown L. N. , Zhang Y. , Mitchell J. R. , Zabad R. , Metz L. M.
Published: December 2014

Background:

The corpus callosum (CC) is frequently compromised in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Structural and functional measurements of the CC may be useful to monitor the progression of the disease. The aim of this pilot study was to determine if bimanual tactile temporal thresholds correlates with CC volume. A tactile temporal threshold is the longest temporal interval that separates the onsets of two tactile stimuli when they are judged by the observer as simultaneous. Judgments to bimanual stimulations require interhemispheric transfer via the CC.

Methods:

Thresholds were examined in MS patients and matched controls. Magnetic resonance (MR) images were acquired on a 3T MR system within 48 hours of clinical assessment and measurement of thresholds.

Results:

Corpus callosum volume was assessed by using a semiautomatic livewire algorithm. The CC volume was smaller (by 21% on average, p < 0.01) and thresholds were higher (by 49% on average, p < 0.03) in MS patients when compared to controls. A significant correlation (r = -0.66, p = 0.01) between CC volume and thresholds emerged for the MS patients.

Conclusion:

Measuring treatment benefits of neuroprotective and repair therapies is a well recognized challenge in MS research. The overall findings of this study suggest that these measurements, which involve the transfer of information interhemispherically via the CC, may be promising outcome measures that warrant further scientific exploration to develop a model to measure recovery.
Clinical Significance of Molecular Biomarkers in Glioblastoma
Authors: Ang C. , Guiot M.-C. , Ramanakumar A. V. , Roberge D. , Kavan P.
Published: December 2014

Aim:

To review the impact of molecular biomarkers on response to therapy and survival in patients with primary glioblastoma (GBM).

Materials & Methods:

Tissue specimens were analyzed for p53 mutations, EGFR amplification, loss of PTEN and p16, and O6-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation. Demographic and clinical data were gathered from medical records.

Results:

Clinical and pathological data of 125 patients were collected and analysed. MGMT promoter methylation was associated with improved median overall survival (OS) (61 vs. 42 weeks, p = 0.01) and was an important prognosticator independent of age at diagnosis, extent of resection and post-operative ECOG performance status (HR 2.04, 95% CI 1.11-3.75). Among patients with MGMT promoter methylation, survival was significantly improved with chemoradiotherapy (CRT) over radiotherapy (RT) alone (71 vs. 14 weeks, p < 0.01). Furthermore, amongst those treated with temozolomide (TMZ) based CRT, the presence of EGFR amplification, maintenance of PTEN and wild-type p53 and p16 were each associated with trends towards improved survival.

Conclusion:

MGMT promoter methylation is a strong, independent prognostic factor for OS in GBM. EGFR amplification, maintenance of PTEN, wild-type p53 and p16 all appear to be associated with improved survival in patients treated with CRT. However, the prognostic value of these biomarkers could not be ascertained and larger prospective studies are warranted.
D-Serine in Neurobiology: CNS Neurotransmission and Neuromodulation
Authors: Bardaweel Sanaa K. , Alzweiri Muhammed , Ishaqat Aman A.
Published: December 2014

Homochirality is fundamental for life. L-Amino acids are exclusively used as substrates for the polymerization and formation of peptides and proteins in living systems. However, D- amino acids were recently detected in various living organisms, including mammals. Of these D-amino acids, D-serine has been most extensively studied. D-Serine was found to play an important role as a neurotransmitter in the human central nervous system (CNS) by binding to the N-methyl- D-aspartate receptor (NMDAr). D-Serine binds with high affinity to a co-agonist site at the NMDAr and, along with glutamate, mediates several vital physiological and pathological processes, including NMDAr transmission, synaptic plasticity and neurotoxicity. Therefore, a key role for D-serine as a determinant of NMDAr mediated neurotransmission in mammalian CNS has been suggested. In this context, we review the known functions of D-serine in human physiology, such as CNS development, and pathology, such as neuro-psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases related to NMDAr dysfunction.
Stroke- on- Awakening: Safety of CT-CTA Based Selection for Reperfusion Therapy
Authors: Bal Simerpreet , Bhatia Rohit , Shobha Nandavar , Menon Bijoy K. , Sohn Sung Il , Goyal Mayank , Demchuk Andrew M. , Hill Michael D. ,   for the Calgary CTA group
Published: December 2014

Background:

We studied the safety of use of acute reperfusion therapies in patients with stroke- on- awakening using a computed tomographic angiography (Cta) based large vessel occlusion-good scan paradigm in clinical routine.

Methods:

the Cta database of the Calgary stroke program was reviewed for the period January 2003-March 2010. patients with stroke-on-awakening with large artery occlusions on Cta, who received conservative, iV thrombolytic and/or endovascular treatment at discretion of the attending stroke neurologist were analyzed. time of onset was defined by the time last seen or known to be normal. Baseline non-contrast Ct scan (nCCt) alberta Stroke program early Ct Score (aSpeCtS) > 7 was considered a good scan. hemorrhage was defined on follow-up brain imaging using eCaSS 3 criteria. independence (mrS≤2) at three months was considered a good clinical outcome. Standard descriptive statistics and multivariable analysis were done.

Results:

among 532 patients with large artery occlusions, 70 patients with stroke-on-awakening (13.1%) were identified. the median age was 69.5 (iQr 24) and 41 (58.6%) were female; 41 (58.6%) received anti-platelets only and 29 (41.4%) received thrombolytic treatment [iV-12 (17.1%), iV/ia-12 (17.1%) and ia-5(7.1%)]. unadjusted analysis showed that baseline nCCt aSpeCtS ≤ 7 (p=0.002) and higher nihSS scores (p=0.018) were associated with worse outcomes. there were no ph2 hemorrhages in the iV thrombolytic or endovascular treated group. functional outcome was not different by treatment.

Conclusion:

When carefully selected using Ct –Cta, by a good scan (aSpeCtS > 7) occlusion paradigm, acute reperfusion therapies in patients with stroke-on-awakening can be performed safely in clinical routine.
Expression of NF-κB, MCP-1 and MMP-9 in a Cerebral Aneurysm Rabbit Model
Authors: Liu Yan fei , Zhang Yongqiang , Dai Dawei , Xu Zheng
Published: December 2014

Objective:

We explored the early expression of NF-κB, MCP-1 and -MMP 9 in a rabbit carotid aneurysm model, and investigated the possible mechanism of aneurysm.

Methods:

twenty four adult new Zealand rabbits were divided into four groups. normal control (group a); rabbits received elastase induction for 1, 2 3 weeks (group b, C and d respectively); hematoxylin-eosin stains were performed for observation. the mrna and protein expression of NF-κB, MCP-1 and MMP-9 were analyzed using RT-PCR and immunohistochemical methods.

Results:

the expression of NF-κB and MCp-1 reached their peaks after induction for one week, then decreased. their expression in week 1 and week 2 had no statistical difference. the expression of MMP-9 increased after induction. We observed the highest expression at week 3. as the induction time increased, the number of smooth muscles reduced. endothelial cells were damaged; the aneurysm wall elastic layer was damaged.

Conclusion:

activation of NF-κB may be one of the initiating factors contributing to the occurrence and development of cerebral aneurysm. MCP-1 induced macrophage adhesion and infiltration in the artery wall of cerebral aneurysms, and contributed to the occurrence and development of brain aneurysm. damage to elastic fibers is one of the key factors for aneurysm formation. increased infiltration of inflammatory cells and the secretion of MMP-9 are the main reasons for elastic fiber damage.
The Portrayal of Tourette Syndrome in Film and Television
Authors: Calder-Sprackman Samantha , Sutherland Stephanie , Doja Asif
Published: December 2014

Objective:

To determine the representation of Tourette Syndrome (TS) in fictional movies and television programs by investigating recurrent themes and depictions.

Background:

Television and film can be a source of information and misinformation about medical disorders. Tourette Syndrome has received attention in the popular media, but no studies have been done on the accuracy of the depiction of the disorder.

Methods:

International internet movie databases were searched using the terms “Tourette’s”, “Tourette’s Syndrome”, and “tics” to generate all movies, shorts, and television programs featuring a character or scene with TS or a person imitating TS. Using a grounded theory approach, we identified the types of characters, tics, and co-morbidities depicted as well as the overall representation of TS.

Results:

Thirty-seven television programs and films were reviewed dating from 1976 to 2010. Fictional movies and television shows gave overall misrepresentations of TS. Coprolalia was overrepresented as a tic manifestation, characters were depicted having autism spectrum disorder symptoms rather than TS, and physicians were portrayed as unsympathetic and only focusing on medical therapies. School and family relationships were frequently depicted as being negatively impacted by TS, leading to poor quality of life.

Conclusions:

Film and television are easily accessible resources for patients and the public that may influence their beliefs about TS. Physicians should be aware that TS is often inaccurately represented in television programs and film and acknowledge misrepresentations in order to counsel patients accordingly.
Facial Motor Neuron Excitability in Hemifacial Spasm: A Facial MEP Study
Authors: Wilkinson Marshall F. , Kaufmann Anthony M.
Published: December 2014

Introduction:

Hemifacial spasm (HFS) may be due to peripheral axon ephapsis or central motor neuron hyperexcitability. Low facial motor evoked potential (MEP) thresholds or MEP responses to single pulse stimulation (normally multipulse stimulation is needed) may support the central hypothesis.

Methods:

We retrospectively compared response thresholds for facial MEPs in 65 patients undergoing surgical microvascular decompression (MVD) for HFS and 29 patients undergoing surgery for skull base tumors.

Results:

Single pulse stimulation elicited facial Mep in up to 87% of HFS patients whereas only 10% of tumor patients responded to single pulse stimulation. When comparing facial MEP thresholds using multi-pulse stimulus trains the voltage required in the HFS group were significantly lower then in skull base tumor patients (p < 0.001). the MEP latencies and amplitudes at threshold stimulation were similar between the two groups.

Conclusions:

these results suggest the facial corticobulbar pathway demonstrates enhanced excitability in HFS.
Profile of Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Across Continuum of Care
Authors: Kehyayan Vahe , Korngut Lawrence , Jetté Nathalie , Hirdes John P.
Published: December 2014

Objective:

This study describes the socio-demographic and clinical profile of persons with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in home care, nursing homes and complex continuing care settings in several Canadian jurisdictions.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted using available Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI 2.0 and RAI Home Care) national databases from 1996- 2011. The profile of ALS patients was compared with patients without pre-specified neurological conditions.

Results:

There were 2,092 ALS patients identified in these settings. Persons with ALS were more likely than those in the comparison group to suffer from health instability (25.4%) and minor to major depressive symptoms (27.2%) , to experience falls (44.0%) and weight loss (22.9%), to require extensive assistance in activities of daily living (54.9%), and to receive rehabilitation services: physical (23.9%), speech language pathology (8.9%), and occupational therapy 43.3%).

Conclusions:

The ALS population in this study are greatly affected by a number of health issues. They are more likely than the comparison group to require therapies, medical interventions, and psychotropic drug use. While persons with ALS have a poor prognosis, a great deal could be done to enhance their quality of life and the quality of care they receive.
Serum Antioxidant Levels Associated with Subcortical Ischemic Vascular Disease
Authors: Zhou Xia , Wang Long , Liu Han , Zhang Chao , Zhu Minmin , Zhu Xiaoqun , Hao Jiahu , Sun Zhongwu
Published: December 2014

Objective:

We aimed to examine changes in serum bilirubin and uric acid (UA) levels in subcortical ischemic vascular disease (SIVD). In addition, we investigated if altered serum bilirubin and UA levels correlate with the subtypes of SIVD as well as the severity of leukoaraiosis (LA).

Methods:

This cross-sectional study included 1098 consecutive patients with slight symptoms, such as dizziness, vertigo etc. According to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appearances, they were divided into either SIVD group or controls (CN), and the SIVD group was further grouped in lacunar infarction (LI) and LA subtypes, as well as different grades. Serum bilirubin and UA levels were determined by the vanadate oxidase method and enzymatic method respectively, after at least an eight hour overnight fasting, in all subjects.

Results:

The bilirubin level was obviously lower while the UA level was significantly higher in the SIVD group when compared with the controls. Moreover, the LA subgroup presented more significant changes in bilirubin and UA when compared to the LI subgroup in both males and females. The correlation was positive between the UA levels and the LA severity (r=0.134,p=0.006). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that the odds ratio (95% CI) for SIVD in the lowest tertile of total bilirubin (Tbil<9.58μmol/L) and highest tertile of UA (UA>339μmol/L) were 2.702(1.936–3.770) and 2.135(1.521–2.996) respectively after adjusting for confounding variables.

Conclusions:

Serum bilirubin levels were lower, whereas UA levels were higher in SIVD patients when compared with controls in both males and females, especially in LA patients. Moreover, serum UA levels positively correlated to LA severity.
The Effects of Vitamin D Insufficiency and Seasonal Decrease on Cognition
Authors: Pettersen Jacqueline A. , Fontes Sara , Duke Carlie L.
Published: December 2014

Background:

Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) deficiency has been associated with dementia and cognitive decline. Which cognitive domains are most associated with D3 levels and how seasonal fluctuations in levels relate to cognition is unclear. We addressed these questions using a prospective observational study examining associations between D3 levels and cognition among individuals living in northern latitudes (54°N) in summer and winter.

Methods:

Healthy adult participants underwent testing in summer and winter of D3 levels and cognition, using the Symbol digit Modalities test, phonemic fluency, digit Span and CANTAB® battery.

Results:

Of 32 participants tested in the summer, 46% were D3 insufficient (<75 nmol/L) and performed worse on digit Span Backward (DS-B) (μ=5.8, SD=2) than those who were sufficient (μ=7.9, SD=2), p=0.018. In multivariate analyses, sufficiency status was an independent predictor of dS-B, (b=0.41, p=0.02). The majority (63%) of 19 participants tested in winter were D3 insufficient, with levels declining by a median of 15 nmol/L overall. Those with insufficient levels performed worse (i.e., higher scores) on the CANTAB® Spatial Working Memory (SWM) task (μ=36.1, SD=6 versus μ=29.3, SD=8), p=0.05). Those with larger drops in levels (≥15 nmol/L) showed decline/less improvement on the CANTAB® one touch Stockings of Cambridge (OTS) task, (μ=0.50, SD=1.9 versus μ=-2.11, SD=2.6, p=0.01), a test of working memory/executive functioning.

Conclusions:

Vitamin D3 insufficiency and seasonal declines ≥15 nmol/L were associated with inferior working memory/executive functioning. While our findings require confirmation, they suggest that sufficient D3 levels should be maintained year-round, likely necessitating supplementation, at least during winter at higher latitudes.
A Chinese Patient with Pusher Syndrome and Unilateral Spatial Neglect Syndrome
Authors: Chen Xiao-Wei , Lin Cheng-He , Zheng Hua , Lin Zhen-Lan
Published: December 2014

Objective:

To observe clinical manifestations, behavioral characteristics, and effects of rehabilitation on a patient with pusher syndrome and unilateral spatial neglect caused by right thalamic hemorrhage.

Methods:

Assessment of pusher syndrome was made by the Scale for Contraversive pushing (SCP), and unilateral spatial neglect syndrome was diagnosed using line cancellation, letter and star cancellation, line bisection tests and copy and continuation of graphic sequence test. Behavioral therapy, occupational therapy, reading training and traditional Chinese medicine methods were adopted for treatment of pusher syndrome and unilateral spatial neglect.

Results:

The patient showed typical pusher syndrome and unilateral spatial neglect symptoms. The pusher syndrome and unilateral spatial neglect symptoms were significantly improved following rehabilitation treatments.

Conclusions:

Pusher syndrome and unilateral spatial neglect syndrome occurred simultaneously after right thalamic hemorrhage. Early rehabilitation therapy can reduce the symptoms of pusher syndrome and unilateral spatial neglect syndrome and improve motor function.
Subdural Hematoma: A Rare Presentation of a Convexity Meningioma
Authors: Pelz David , Levine Adrian B. , MacDougall Keith W.
Published: December 2014

A 69-year-old male presented to a peripheral emergency department with a several day history of increasing confusion and headache. On admission, his Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score was 10 (E3 M6 V1). He was mute but would obey commands intermittently. Cranial nerve exam was normal and there was no evidence of weakness. A computed tomogram (CT) head (Figure 1) showed a chronic subdural hematoma with midline shift, as well as a mass within the left frontal region that appeared consistent with a convexity meningioma seen on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) two years prior (Figure 2). The patient was not on any blood thinners and had no history of falls. Past medical history also included hypertension and prostate cancer.
Multiple Sclerosis: Autoimmune Disease or Autoimmune Reaction?
Authors: Stys Peter K.
Published: December 2014

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is traditionally considered an autoimmune inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) with much knowledge available to support this view. However, this characterization implies that the primary event is an aberrant immune response directed at CNS antigens, promoting inflammation and later driving progressive axo-glial degeneration. Trials with potent anti-inflammatory agents and detailed neuropathological studies raise questions about this sequence of events. This hypothetical paper argues that MS may be primarily a “cytodegenerative” disease, possibly first involving the oligodendrocyte/myelin unit. Liberation of autoantigens secondarily recruits an immune response, the force of which heavily depends on the host's immune predisposition. Thus, the spectrum of MS from highly aggressive Marburg type, to primary progressive disease with little inflammatory burden, is governed by a “convolution” between the underlying cytodegeneration and the host's immune predilection. Clinical heterogeneity may be a reflection of a variable immune response, whereas in reality, the “real MS” may be a homogeneous degenerative process analogous to well known primary neurodegenerative diseases.
Inverse Vaccination to Silence Immunity to Myelin in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Steinman Lawrence
Published: December 2014

The adaptive immune response in multiple sclerosis is complex. We have devised large scale arrays to measure the antibody response to myelin proteins and lipids. Despite the widespread immune responses to myelin, we have devised an inverse vaccine aimed at turning off key drivers of this diverse response. Clinical trials in patients with multiple sclerosis show that it is possible to constrain antibody responses to myelin on a large scale with this approach.
An efficient semisupervised feedforward neural network clustering
Authors: Asadi Roya , Asadi Mitra , Kareem Sameem Abdul
Published: December 2014

We developed an efficient semisupervised feedforward neural network clustering model with one epoch training and data dimensionality reduction ability to solve the problems of low training speed, accuracy, and high memory complexity of clustering. During training, a codebook of nonrandom weights is learned through input data directly. A standard weight vector is extracted from the codebook, and the exclusive threshold of each input instance is calculated based on the standard weight vector. The input instances are clustered based on their exclusive thresholds. The model assigns a class label to each input instance through the training set. The class label of each unlabeled input instance is predicted by considering a linear activation function and the exclusive threshold. Finally, the number of clusters and the density of each cluster are updated. The accuracy of the proposed model was measured through the number of clusters and the quantity of correctly classified nodes, which was 99.85%, 100%, and 99.91% of the Breast Cancer, Iris, and Spam data sets from the University of California at Irvine Machine Learning Repository, respectively, and the superiorFmeasure results between 98.29% and 100% accuracies for the breast cancer data set from the University of Malaya Medical Center to predict the survival time.
Computing the creativeness of amusing advertisements: A Bayesian model of Burma-Shave's muse
Authors: Burns Kevin
Published: December 2014

How do humans judge the creativeness of an artwork or other artifact? This article suggests that such judgments are based on the pleasures of an aesthetic experience, which can be modeled as a mathematical product of psychological arousal and appraisal. The arousal stems from surprise, and is computed as a marginal entropy using information theory. The appraisal assigns meaning, by which the surprise is resolved, and is computed as a posterior probability using Bayesian theory. This model is tested by obtaining human ratings of surprise, meaning, and creativeness for artifacts in a domain of advertising design. The empirical results show that humans do judge creativeness as a product of surprise and meaning, consistent with the computational model of arousal and appraisal. Implications of the model are discussed with respect to advancing artificial intelligence in the arts as well as improving the computational evaluation of creativity in engineering and design.
How we eat what we eat: identifying meal routines and practices most strongly associated with healthy and unhealthy dietary factors among young adults
Authors: Laska Melissa N , Hearst Mary O , Lust Katherine , Lytle Leslie A , Story Mary
Published: December 2014

Objective

(i) To examine associations between young adults’ meal routines and practices (e.g. food preparation, meal skipping, eating on the run) and key dietary indicators (fruit/vegetable, fast-food and sugar-sweetened beverage intakes) and (ii) to develop indices of protective and risky meal practices most strongly associated with diet.

Design

Cross-sectional survey.

Setting

Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area, Minnesota (USA).

Subjects

A diverse sample of community college and public university students (n 1013).

Results

Meal routines and practices most strongly associated with healthy dietary patterns were related to home food preparation (i.e. preparing meals at home, preparing meals with vegetables) and meal regularity (i.e. routine consumption of evening meals and breakfast). In contrast, factors most strongly associated with poor dietary patterns included eating on the run, using media while eating and purchasing foods/beverages on campus. A Protective Factors Index, summing selected protective meal routines and practices, was positively associated with fruit/vegetable consumption and negatively associated with fast-food and sugar-sweetened beverage consumption (P<0·001). A Risky Factors Index yielded significant, positive associations with fast-food and sugar-sweetened beverage consumption (P<0·001). The probability test for the association between the Risky Factors Index and fruit/vegetable intake was P=0·05.

Conclusions

Meal routines and practices were significantly associated with young adults’ dietary patterns, suggesting that ways in which individuals structure mealtimes and contextual characteristics of eating likely influence food choice. Thus, in addition to considering specific food choices, it also may be important to consider the context of mealtimes in developing dietary messaging and guidelines.
Bipolar/rod-shaped microglia are proliferating microglia with distinct M1/M2 phenotypes
Authors: Tam Wing Yip , Ma Chi Him Eddie
Published: December 2014

Microglia are generally considered the resident immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS) that regulate the primary events of neuroinflammatory responses. Microglia also play key roles in repair and neurodegeneration of the CNS after injury. Recent studies showed that trains of bipolar/rod-shaped microglia align end-to-end along the CNS injury site during the initial recovery phase. However, the cellular characteristics of bipolar/rod-shaped microglia remain largely unknown. Here, we established a highly reproducible in vitro culture model system to enrich and characterize bipolar/rod-shaped microglia by simply generating multiple scratches on a poly-d-lysine/laminin-coated culture dish. Trains of bipolar/rod-shaped microglia formed and aligned along the scratches in a manner that morphologically resembled microglial trains observed in injured brain. These bipolar/rod-shaped microglia were highly proliferative and expressed various M1/M2 markers. Further analysis revealed that these bipolar/rod-shaped microglia quickly transformed into amoeboid microglia within 30 minutes of lipopolysaccharide treatment, leading to the upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expression and the activation of Jak/Stat. In summary, our culture system provides a model to further characterize this highly dynamic cell type. We suggest that bipolar/rod-shaped microglia are crucial for repairing the damaged CNS and that the molecular mechanisms underlying their morphological changes may serve as therapeutic biomarkers.
Nanowire Phase-Change Memory
Authors: Nukala Pavan , Agarwal Ritesh
Published: December 2014

Phase-change materials (PCMs) are an important class of materials that reversibly and rapidly change their structure from a stable crystalline to a metastable amorphous phase under the influence of an optical or electrical pulse. This chapter provides a comprehensive review of research in nanowire phase-change memory, a prospective candidate for universal memory. Traditionally, crystal-to-amorphous transformation in PCM thin-film devices was carried out through the application of electrical pulses, which joule heat to melt and quench the crystalline phase, whereas the amorphous-to-crystalline transformation was carried out by the application of electric pulses that heat the amorphous phase above the crystallization temperature. Problems with this ‘thermal’ strategy of switching in thin-film PCM that restrict continued scaling are briefly reviewed, and research in self-assembled 1D-PCM devices that show better scaling properties than their thin-film counterparts is highlighted. Upon repeated switching, device performance of all the PCM devices degrades owing to issues of electromigration, and this effect is enhanced with top-down processing and polycrystallinity of thin-films. Bottom-up synthesized single-crystalline nanowires, owing to their lateral and confined geometry show better scaling, retention, and endurance behavior (switching properties) in comparison to thin-film PCM devices. A detailed review on the synthesis of single-crystalline nanowires and switching properties of nanowire devices is provided. Revolutionary and exciting applications such as multilevel switching using core/shell nanowire devices are discussed, and it is shown that the drift of electrical properties in amorphous phase – an important challenge to overcome to realize multilevel switching capability – is stress dependent, and is less pronounced in nanowire devices owing to their better stress–relaxation mechanisms. The melt-quench mechanism of crystal to amorphous switching in PCM is challenged, and a dislocation-templated and carrier-wind force driven amorphization based mechanism, which directly makes use of the unique bonding and structure in crystalline PCM for phase-change, is discussed through a detailed review of in situ electron microscopy based experiments on PCM nanowire devices.
Nanowire Biosensors
Authors: Zimmerman John , Tian Bozhi
Published: December 2014

Nanowire field-effect transistors (NWFETs) represent diverse and powerful nanostructures for achieving nanoscale electronic interfaces with biological systems. NWFETs exhibit exquisite sensitivity in chemical and biological detection and could form strongly coupled interfaces with cellular components. NWFETs also offer the hope of intervening with biological systems on a molecular scale for unprecedented studies of biophysical dynamics, in a nuanced way that has not been feasible up until this point.
Correction: Towards improved precision in the quantification of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) enhancement factors: a renewed approach
Authors: Sivanesan Arumugam , Adamkiewicz Witold , Kalaivani Govindasamy , Kamińska Agnieszka , Waluk Jacek , Hołyst Robert , Izake Emad L.
Published: December 2014

Correction for ‘Towards improved precision in the quantification of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) enhancement factors: a renewed approach’ by Arumugam Sivanesan et al., Analyst, 2015, DOI: 10.1039/c4an01778a.
A new strategy to construct a FRET platform for ratiometric sensing of hydrogen sulfide
Authors: He Longwei , Lin Weiying , Xu Qiuyan , Wei Haipeng
Published: December 2014

We introduce a new FRET strategy working in coordination with the ICT process to construct a ratiometric fluorescent H2S sensor.
Shape selectivity extending to ordered supermicroporous aluminosilicates
Authors: Fu Wen Hua , Liang Xiao Min , Zhang Haidong , Wang Yi Meng , He Ming Yuan
Published: December 2014

Shape selectivity was observed in the pores of ordered supermicroporous aluminosilicates for the first time and the superior selectivity for target products was attributed to the particular pore diameter.
Oxygen adsorption onto pure and doped Al surfaces – the role of surface dopants
Authors: Lousada Cláudio M. , Korzhavyi Pavel A.
Published: December 2014

Dissociative adsorption energy of O2 at a doped (111) surface of an Al49 cluster: ΔEads,dis(O2–Al49X) (eV) as a function of the Mulliken modified second-stage electronegativity of the dopant atom, χ2m.
In situ synthesis of silver supported nanoporous iron oxide microbox hybrids from metal–organic frameworks and their catalytic application in p-nitrophenol reduction
Authors: Jiang Zhifeng , Jiang Deli , Showkot Hossain A. M. , Qian Kun , Xie Jimin
Published: December 2014

In situ synthesis of silver supported nanonanoporous iron oxide microboxes hybrid from metal–organic frameworks and their catalytic application to p-nitrophenol reduction.
Nickel(ii) complexes with a flexible piperazinyl moiety: studies on DNA and protein binding and catecholase like properties
Authors: Das Mriganka , Nasani Rajendar , Saha Manideepa , Mobin Shaikh M , Mukhopadhyay Suman
Published: December 2014

Nickel complexes with a flexible piperazinyl moiety are showing interesting DNA and protein binding properties and catecholase like activity in the boat conformation.
Phosphorescent biscyclometallated iridium(iii) ethylenediamine complexes functionalised with polar ester or carboxylate groups as bioimaging and visualisation reagents
Authors: Tang Tommy Siu-Ming , Leung Kam-Keung , Louie Man-Wai , Liu Hua-Wei , Cheng Shuk Han , Lo Kenneth Kam-Wing
Published: December 2014

Four new phosphorescent biscyclometallated iridium(iii) ethylenediamine complexes were designed as bioimaging and visualization reagents.
Harvesting visible light for aerobic oxidation of alcohols by a novel and efficient hybrid polyoxometalate
Authors: Karimian Davud , Yadollahi Bahram , Mirkhani Valiollah
Published: December 2014

The synthesis, characterization and photocatalytic application of a novel hybrid polyoxometalate, ((n-C4H9)4N)4[SiW11O39(Si(CH2)3NCHC14H9)2O], which can absorb light in the visible region, in the oxidation of alcohols under an O2 atmosphere are reported.
The effect of a paramagnetic metal ion within a molecule: comparison of the structurally identical paramagnetic [3,3-Fe(1,2-C2B9H11)2]− with the diamagnetic [3,3-Co(1,2-C2B9H11)2]− sandwich complexes
Authors: Cioran Ana M. , Teixidor Francesc , Viñas Clara
Published: December 2014

Effects on the NMR spectra of a paramagnetic metal ion are clearly observed by comparing identical sandwich molecular structures of diamagnetic [3,3′-Co(1,2-C2B9H11)2]− with paramagnetic [3,3′-Fe(1,2-C2B9H11)2]−.