bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pembentukan Benih Sintetik Tanaman Nenas
Authors: Roostika I , Purnamaningsih R , Supriati Y , Mariska Ika , Khumaida N , Wattimena A G
Published: October 2016

Nenas merupakan tanaman buah tropis dan subtropis yang komersial. Kultivar Smooth Cayenne memiliki tipe dan jumlah propagul yang terbatas, sehingga diperlukan dukungan teknologi lainnya untuk produksi benih secara masal. Teknologi benih sintetik dapat diterapkan untuk produksi benih secara masal dan konservasi. Tujuan  penelitian ialah untuk mengetahui pengaruh kombinasi auksin dan sitokinin terhadap morfogenesis eksplan nenas yang terenkapsulasi, mengetahui pengaruh interaksi antara suhu penyimpanan dengan konsentrasi paklobutrazol atau manitol terhadap pertumbuhan eksplan nenas yang terenkapsulasi dan masa simpan. Penelitian dilaksanakan dari Bulan April sampai dengan Desember 2011 di Laboratorium Kultur Jaringan, Kelompok Peneliti Biologi Sel dan Jaringan, Balai Besar Penelitian dan Pengembangan Bioteknologi dan Sumberdaya Genetik Pertanian, Bogor. Percobaan disusun secara faktorial dalam rancangan acak lengkap terdiri atas enkapsulasi eksplan, pertumbuhan minimal menggunakan paklobutrazol, atau manitol yang dikombinasikan dengan suhu penyimpanan. Enkapsulasi dilakukan terhadap batang semu dan basal daun menggunakan Na-alginat 3% yang berisi media MS dengan penambahan BA (0, 1, 2, dan 3 mg/l) yang dikombinasikan dengan NAA (0, 1, 2, dan 3 mg/l). Untuk memacu proses diferensiasi, basal daun diberi praperlakuan menggunakan media MS yang mengandung BA 0,5 mg/l dan NAA 0,5 mg/l sebelum dienkapsulasi dengan perlakuan BA dan NAA pada konsentrasi 0; 0,5; dan 1 mg/l.  Pertumbuhan minimal dilakukan menggunakan paklobutrazol (0, 1, 2, dan 3 mg/l) atau manitol (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, dan 5%) pada suhu penyimpanan 15 dan 25 0C. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa basal daun nenas yang terenkapsulasi mampu berdiferensiasi setelah praperlakuan. Tidak terdapat interaksi yang nyata antara konsentrasi paklobutrazol dengan suhu penyimpanan terhadap daya hidup dan daya tembus kapsul tunas nenas. Biakan tersebut hanya dapat disimpan selama 1 bulan. Interaksi yang nyata juga tidak dijumpai antara konsentrasi manitol dengan suhu penyimpanan terhadap daya hidup dan daya tembus kapsul embrio somatik nenas. Manitol 4% mampu memperpanjang masa simpan hingga 4 bulan. Manitol dapat menggantikan aplikasi suhu rendah dalam penyimpanan kultur nenas yang terenkapsulasi.
Drought severity and change in Xinjiang, China, over 1961–2013
Authors: Li Yi , Chen Chunyan , Sun Changfeng
Published: October 2016

Monthly climatic data from 53 sites across Xinjiang, China, were used to compare drought severity from the widely accepted Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) with the recently proposed Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), as well as trends in the data from 1961 to 2013. Monthly Thornthwaite based (ETo.TW) and Penman-Monteith based reference evapotranspiration (ETo.PM) were computed and subsequently used to estimate SPEITW and SPEIPM, respectively. The indices' sensitivity, spatiotemporal distributions and trends were analyzed. The results showed that the TW equation underestimated ETo, which affected the accuracy of the SPEI estimation. Greater consistency was found between SPI and SPEIPM than between SPI and SPEITW at different timescales. SPI and SPEIPM were sensitive to precipitation, but SPEITW and SPEIPM were insensitive to ETo. The scope of spatial SPEIPM was wider than that of SPI at the same timescale. Obvious differences in SPI, SPEITW and SPEIPM existed between northern and southern Xinjiang. SPEIPM was a better indicator of global warming than SPI. Both SPI and SPEIPM had increasing trends, which contradict previously reported trends in global drought. In conclusion, the decrease in drought severity observed over the last 53 years may indicate some relief in the water utilization crisis in Xinjiang, China.
Application of set pair analysis based on the improved five-element connectivity in the evaluation of groundwater quality in XuChang, Henan Province, China
Authors: Yu Furong , Qu Jihong , Li Zhiping , Gao Zhipeng
Published: October 2016

The evaluation of groundwater quality plays an important part in the evaluation of groundwater resources. It analyses the temporal and spatial distributions and utilisation of underground water according to the main components and corresponding water quality standards for underground water. Thereby, it can provide a scientific basis for the development, utilisation, planning, and management of groundwater resources. Set pair analysis (SPA), based on the improved five-element connectivity degree, was used in this research to establish a comprehensive evaluation model of water quality, so as to evaluate the groundwater quality in XuChang, Henan Province, China. Meanwhile, fuzzy evaluation was also used to measure groundwater quality. As demonstrated in the research results, SPA is proven to be convenient and useful with objective and stable results, it therefore is an effective approach with which to evaluate groundwater quality. In addition, the results obtained using SPA matched those from fuzzy comprehensive evaluation; it was concluded, based on the analysis, that the groundwater in XuChang was severely polluted. The groundwater quality at the observation points located in the lower reaches is poorer than that of the upper reaches; hazardous substances permeate underground to pollute shallow groundwater through decomposition and loss due to weathering and rainfall.
Synthesis and solvatochromic studies of 2- amino-3-phenolazo1-(4-sulfophenyl)-3-methyi-5-pyrozolone and use it for the determination of trace amount of Nickel (II) in blood samples
Authors: Ali Amar M. , Mohammed* Hussain. J.
Published: October 2016

A new, simple, sensitive and rapid spectrophotometric method is proposed for the determination of trace amount of Nickel (II). The method is based on the formation of a 1:2 complex with 4-(4-((2-hydroxy-6-nitrophenyl) diazenyl) -3-methyl-5-oxo-2, 5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-1-yl) benzenesulfonic acid (2-ANASP) as a new reagent is developed. The complex has a maximum absorption at 516 nm and εmax of 1. 84 X 105 L. mol-1. cm-1. A linear correlation (0. 25 – 4. 0μg. ml-1) was found between absorbance at λmax and concentration. The accuracy and reproducibility of the determination method for various known amounts of Nickel (II) were tested. The results obtained are both precise (RSD was 1. 2 %) and accurate (relative error was 0. 787 %). The effect of diverse ions on the determination of Nickel (II) to investigate the selectivity of the method were also studied. The stability constant of the product was 0. 399 X 106 L. mol-1. The proposed method was successfully applied to the analysis of diabetes blood and normal human blood.
Ameliorative effects of gallic acid on cardio-renal complexity induced by isoproterenol
Authors: Abdel-Reheim Eman Salah
Published: October 2016

Myocardial infarction (MI) arises out many risk factors, which work in concert and give rise to a lot of unfavorable outcome especially on the kidney. In the present study, we investigate the effect of gallic acid (GA), a natural antioxidant on cardio-renal complexity induced by isoproterenol (ISO). The myocardial infarcted rats showed deterioration in the heart function measured by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatin kinase (CK) and kidney function measured by urea, uric acid and creatinine. There were relative overweight in both the organs. Abnormal oxidation in lipids of their membrane indicated by the increased malomdialdhyde (MDA) content and nitrite level indicating the increase in their nitric oxide (NO). However, the result indicated a decrease in glutathione (GSH) content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POX) activities. These results were assured by other measurements as brain naturetic peptide (BNP) and myoglobin (Mgb) which indicated a damage happened in the myocytes, C-reactive protein (CRP) indicated the inflammatory response and homocystain, angiotensin and aldosterone levels which indicating the kidney hormones secretion. In conclusion, GA ascertained its efficacy in ameliorating the heart function biomarkers, kidney function testes and hormones and oxidation state.
Screening of local medicinal plant extracts against multi drugs resistance bacteria
Authors: Nadeem* Muhammad , Abdullah Sayed
Published: October 2016

Multi Drugs Resistance (MDR) bacteria are mostly resistant to most of antibiotics, this leads to several severe infections and diseases. Thus the desire of new antibiotic sources are required which direct to the screening of new medicinal plants and use against MDR pathogenic bacteria. In our study, the antibacterial activity of three different plant extracts are utilized against pathogenic bacteria in-vitro to treat the infection and disease cause by pathogenic bacteria. The extracts were isolated from Mallotus philippensis, Silybum marianum and Stachys parviflora Benth in four different solvents extracts and were tested against eight pathogenic MDR bacterial strains (Brucella abortus, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter sakazakii, Proteus vulgaris, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Providencia stuartii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (gram negative) and Staphylococcus aureus (gram positive) through well diffusion and disc diffusion. It was found that the extracts of selected plants showed maximum activity against all bacterial strains. The recorded zones of inhibition were 8.0-26.33mm for methanolic, 6.0-17.66mm for chloroform extracts and 8.01-2.33mm for ethyl acetate extracts.  So, it is cleared from the results that the tested plant extracts have great potential as antibacterial compounds against bacteria. However, further research is required to isolate and identify the active ingredients are vital for further pharmacological evaluation. Also screening of these plants for Anticancer and Anti-diabetic activity will be significant.
Heavy metals accumulation in freshwater mussels (Lamellidens marginalis) as a biological monitor inhabiting in Dhanmondi Lake, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Authors: Sultana Sabia , Siddiki A. K. M. Nur Alam , Rokonujjaman Md. , Naser M. Niamul , Salam Abdus , Salam* Md. Abdus
Published: October 2016

The heavy metal concentration (e.g., Mn, Zn, Pb and Ni) were determined in soft tissues and shells of freshwater mussels (Lamellidens marginalis) at the various sites of Dhanmondi lake, Dhaka, Bangladesh between the period April, 2010 and March 2011. The heavy metal concentrations in shells and soft tissues of freshwater mussels were tended to vary significantly among sampling points and seasons in Dhanmondi Lake. Distribution of heavy metals in shell and soft tissue of Lamellidens marginalis followed the order Mn>Zn>Pb>Ni, respectively. According to the t-test, level of manganese, zinc and lead under investigation between shell and tissue showed statistically significant differences [Mn: t=-11.387; df=16; P=0.000; Zn: t=-2.590; df=16; P=0.020 and Pb: t=-2.8679; df=16; P=0.011].
Extracting and complexing properties of di-, tri- and tetra ThiaCalix [4] arenes
Authors: Othman* Amel Ben , Fredj Imen Ben , Abidi Rym
Published: October 2016

In the present work, the focus is the study of complexing and extracting properties of three nanoscale derivatives namely multicalixarenes 2C, 3C and 4C which the latter structure is a dendrimer structure of first generation. The metal cations included in this study are the alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, some transition metals, heavy metals and lanthanides. This study was conducted essentially in methanol to determine the stoichiometry of the complexes formed, or the location of the coordination sites, and finally to evaluate selectivity's. These studies have been conducted by UV-visible spectrophotometry, conductivity and proton NMR. The liquid-liquid extraction picrates metal cations followed by UV-visible showed strong selectivity dicalixarenic derived for sodium. The solid liquid extraction of metal picrates followed by 1H-NMR shows an intra- or intermolecular exchange of cations within the calixarene units studied nanocomposites.
Advantages of laser beam oscillation for remote welding of aluminum closely above the deep-penetration welding threshold
Authors: Sommer Martin , Weberpals Jan-Philipp , Müller Steffen , Berger Peter , Graf Thomas
Published: October 2016

Laser beam welding of aluminum has been developed into a widely used process in modern car body manufacturing. Following the trend of recent lightweight designs and the use of high strength materials, the application of thinner aluminum sheets is increasing. Due to the stepwise increase of the welding depth at the transition from heat-conduction welding to keyhole welding, the usability of the laser beam as a tool has some limitations. This work has investigated the penetration depth when keyhole welding close to the deep-penetration welding threshold can be reduced in a controlled manner by means of laser beam oscillation.
Cervical Spine Fracture With Vertebral Artery Dissection
Authors: Halfpap Joshua P. , Cho Aaron A. , Rosenthal Michael D.
Published: October 2016

A 51-year-old man presented to a direct-access physical therapy clinic with persistent neck pain for 5 days after a fall in shallow water while surfing. Based on “dangerous mechanism of injury” from the Canadian cervical spine rule as being a high risk factor, the physical therapist ordered radiographs of the cervical spine, which were suggestive of a more serious injury. Computed tomography suggested and magnetic resonance imaging confirmed vertebral artery dissection.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(10):929. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.0416
Advancements in Imaging Technology: Do They (or Will They) Equate to Advancements in Our Knowledge of Recovery in Whiplash?
Authors: Elliott James M. , Dayanidhi Sudarshan , Hazle Charles , Hoggarth Mark A. , McPherson Jacob , Sparks Cheryl L. , Weber Kenneth A.
Published: October 2016

Synopsis

It is generally accepted that up to 50% of those with a whiplash injury following a motor vehicle collision will fail to fully recover. Twenty-five percent of these patients will demonstrate a markedly complex clinical picture that includes severe pain-related disability, sensory and motor disturbances, and psychological distress. A number of psychosocial factors have shown prognostic value for recovery following whiplash from a motor vehicle collision. To date, no management approach (eg, physical therapies, education, psychological interventions, or interdisciplinary strategies) for acute whiplash has positively influenced recovery rates. For many of the probable pathoanatomical lesions (eg, fracture, ligamentous rupture, disc injury), there remains a lack of available clinical tests for identifying their presence. Fractures, particularly at the craniovertebral and cervicothoracic junctions, may be radiographically occult. While high-resolution computed tomography scans can detect fractures, there remains a lack of prevalence data for fractures in this population. Conventional magnetic resonance imaging has not consistently revealed lesions in patients with acute or chronic whiplash, a “failure” that may be due to limitations in the resolution of available devices and the use of standard sequences. The technological evolution of imaging techniques and sequences eventually might provide greater resolution to reveal currently elusive anatomical lesions (or, perhaps more importantly, temporal changes in physiological responses to assumed lesions) in those patients at risk of poor recovery. Preliminary findings from 2 prospective cohort studies in 2 different countries suggest that this is so, as evidenced by changes to the structure of skeletal muscles in those who do not fully recover. In this clinical commentary, we will briefly introduce the available imaging decision rules and the current knowledge underlying the pathomechanics and pathophysiology of whiplash. We will then acknowledge known prognostic factors underlying functional recovery. Last, we will highlight emerging evidence regarding the pathobiology of muscle degeneration/regeneration, as well as advancements in neuroimaging and musculoskeletal imaging techniques (eg, functional magnetic resonance imaging, magnetization transfer imaging, spectroscopy, diffusion-weighted imaging) that may be used as noninvasive and objective complements to known prognostic factors associated with whiplash recovery, in particular, poor functional recovery. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(10):861–872. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.6735
Whiplash Injury or Concussion? A Possible Biomechanical Explanation for Concussion Symptoms in Some Individuals Following a Rear-End Collision
Authors: Elkin Benjamin S. , Elliott James M. , Siegmund Gunter P.
Published: October 2016

Study Design

Finite element modeling of experimental data.

Background

The clinical presentations of whiplash injury and concussion have considerable overlap. Both diagnoses are generally based on presenting signs and symptoms, and a history of neck or head trauma. With incomplete knowledge of the trauma, differentiating between whiplash injury and concussion can be clinically challenging.

Objectives

To estimate the brain strains that develop during rear-end car crashes, evaluate how these strains vary with different head kinematic parameters, and compare these strains to those generated during potentially concussive football helmet impacts.

Methods

Head kinematic data were analyzed from 2 prior studies, one that focused on head restraint impacts in rear-end crash tests and another that focused on football helmet impacts. These data were used as inputs to a finite element model of the human brain. Brain strains were calculated and compared to different peak kinematic parameters and between the 2 impact conditions.

Results

Brain strains correlated best with the head's angular velocity change for both impact conditions. The 4 crashes with head angular velocity changes greater than 30 rad/s (greater than 1719°/s) generated the highest brain stains. One crash, in which the head wrapped onto the top of the head restraint, generated brain strains similar to a 9.3-m/s rear football helmet impact, a level previously associated with concussion.

Conclusion

This work provides new insight into a potential biomechanical link between whiplash injury and concussion, and advances our understanding of how head restraint interaction during a rear-end crash may cause an injury more typically associated with sports-related head impacts. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(10):874–885. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.7049
Fitness, Well-Being, and Preparation for Death
Authors: Howes Moira
Published: October 2016

Many of the messages we receive about fitness can undermine well-being and promote bodily dissatisfaction and intersectional injustice. To address this, I argue in this essay that we should broaden the goals of fitness to include preparation for life events such as aging, disability, reproduction, and death. Using the example of death, I show how sport and exercise can prepare us physically and psychologically for dying with greater meaning and equanimity—and, in the process, support greater well-being in life. Such preparation can also strengthen our resistance to sources of bodily dissatisfaction, personal unhappiness, and intersectional injustice in fitness and health related contexts.
Should Feminists Defend Self-Defense?
Authors: Cahill Ann J. , Hunt Grayson
Published: October 2016

Feminists have criticized self-defense training, arguing that by focusing on the targets of sexual assault, it constitutes a form of victim blaming, and that it is particularly ineffective against the most common forms of sexual assault. We argue here that such critiques are either targeted toward nonfeminist approaches (and therefore hold significant merit) or adopt an overly narrow standard of success that, somewhat paradoxically, fails to recognize the corporeal effects of rape culture on feminized bodies. Feminist self-defense training should be understood as a bodily intervention that seeks to interrupt, undermine, and provide alternatives to the corporeal habits that assume and perpetuate rape culture.
Site-Specific Safety Analysis of Diverging Diamond Interchange Ramp Terminals
Authors: Claros Boris , Edara Praveen , Sun Carlos
Published: October 2016

A site-specific analysis of the safety of diverging diamond interchange (DDI) ramp terminals was conducted for the first time. Crash modification factors (CMFs) were developed for DDI ramp terminals for different crash severity levels. The ramp terminal CMFs complement the project-level DDI CMFs developed in previous research. The study used data from 20 ramp terminals in Missouri. The safety evaluation was conducted with two before-and-after observational methods: comparison group (CG) and empirical Bayes (EB). Because of inaccurate crash locations, a systematic crash location correction process was developed. An extensive review of 8,400 individual crash reports was conducted for the calibration and safety evaluation. Both before-and-after safety evaluation methods produced consistent results. The DDI design replacing a conventional diamond decreased the numbers of ramp terminal–related crashes for all severity levels. The most significant crash reduction by method was observed for fatal and injury (FI) crashes: 73.3% (CG) and 63.4% (EB). Property damage only (PDO) crashes were reduced by 21.0% (CG) and 51.2% (EB). The total crash frequency also decreased by 42.7% (CG) and 54.0% (EB). The EB CMF values for the DDI ramp terminal were 0.366 for FI crashes, 0.488 for PDO crashes, and 0.460 for total crashes. This study serves as a case study for conducting a site-specific analysis of ramp terminals or other interchange facilities. The methodology that was used is transferable and can be used to quantify the safety effects of other innovative intersection and interchange designs.
Utilizing personalized stereotactic frames for laser interstitial thermal ablation of posterior fossa and mesiotemporal brain lesions: a single-institution series
Authors: Dadey David Y. A. , Kamath Ashwin A. , Smyth Matthew D. , Chicoine Michael R. , Leuthardt Eric C. , Kim Albert H.
Published: October 2016

OBJECTIVE

The precision of laser probe insertion for interstitial thermal therapy of deep-seated lesions is limited by the method of stereotactic guidance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of customized STarFix 3D-printed stereotactic platforms to guide laser probe insertion into mesiotemporal and posterior fossa targets.

METHODS

The authors conducted a retrospective review of 5 patients (12–55 years of age) treated with laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) in which STarFix platforms were used for probe insertion. Bone fiducials were implanted in each patient's skull, and subsequent CT scans were used to guide the design of each platform and incorporate desired treatment trajectories. Once generated, the platforms were mounted on the patients' craniums and used to position the laser probe during surgery. Placement of the laser probe and the LITT procedure were monitored with intraoperative MRI. Perioperative and follow-up MRI were performed to identify and monitor changes in target lesions.

RESULTS

Accurate placement of the laser probe was observed in all cases. For all patients, thermal ablation was accomplished without intraoperative complications. Of the 4 patients with symptomatic lesions, 2 experienced complete resolution of symptoms, and 1 reported improved symptoms compared with baseline.

CONCLUSIONS

Customized stereotactic platforms were seamlessly incorporated into the authors' previously established LITT workflow and allowed for accurate treatment delivery.
Stereotactic laser ablation as treatment for brain metastases that recur after stereotactic radiosurgery: a multiinstitutional experience
Authors: Ali Mir Amaan , Carroll Kate T. , Rennert Robert C. , Hamelin Thomas , Chang Leon , Lemkuil Brian P. , Sharma Mayur , Barnholtz-Sloan Jill S. , Myers Charlotte , Barnett Gene H. , Smith Kris , Mohammadi Alireza M. , Sloan Andrew E. , Chen Clark C.
Published: October 2016

OBJECTIVE

Therapeutic options for brain metastases (BMs) that recur after stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) remain limited.

METHODS

The authors provide the collective experience of 4 institutions where treatment of BMs that recurred after SRS was performed with stereotactic laser ablation (SLA).

RESULTS

Twenty-six BMs (in 23 patients) that recurred after SRS were treated with SLA (2 patients each underwent 2 SLAs for separate lesions, and a third underwent 2 serial SLAs for discrete BMs). Histological findings in the BMs treated included the following: breast (n = 6); lung (n = 6); melanoma (n = 5); colon (n = 2); ovarian (n = 1); bladder (n = 1); esophageal (n = 1); and sarcoma (n = 1). With a median follow-up duration of 141 days (range 64–794 days), 9 of the SLA-treated BMs progressed despite treatment (35%). All cases of progression occurred in BMs in which < 80% ablation was achieved, whereas no disease progression was observed in BMs in which ≥ 80% ablation was achieved. Five BMs were treated with SLA, followed 1 month later by adjuvant SRS (5 Gy daily × 5 days). No disease progression was observed in these patients despite ablation efficiency of < 80%, suggesting that adjuvant hypofractionated SRS enhances the efficacy of SLA. Of the 23 SLA-treated patients, 3 suffered transient hemiparesis (13%), 1 developed hydrocephalus requiring temporary ventricular drainage (4%), and 1 patient who underwent SLA of a 28.9-cm3 lesion suffered a neurological deficit requiring an emergency hemicraniectomy (4%). Although there is significant heterogeneity in corticosteroid treatment post-SLA, most patients underwent a 2-week taper.

CONCLUSIONS

Stereotactic laser ablation is an effective treatment option for BMs in which SRS fails. Ablation of ≥ 80% of BMs is associated with decreased risk of disease progression. The efficacy of SLA in this setting may be augmented by adjuvant hypofractionated SRS.
Laser interstitial thermal therapy for subependymal giant cell astrocytoma: technical case report
Authors: Dadey David Y. A. , Kamath Ashwin A. , Leuthardt Eric C. , Smyth Matthew D.
Published: October 2016

Subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA) is a rare tumor occurring almost exclusively in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex. Although open resection remains the standard therapy, complication rates remain high. To minimize morbidity, less invasive approaches, such as endoscope-assisted resection, radiosurgery, and chemotherapy with mTOR pathway inhibitors, are also used to treat these lesions. Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) is a relatively new modality that is increasingly used to treat a variety of intracranial lesions. In this report, the authors describe two pediatric cases of SEGA that were treated with LITT. In both patients the lesion responded well to this treatment modality, with tumor shrinkage observed on follow-up MRI. These cases highlight the potential of LITT to serve as a viable minimally invasive therapeutic approach to the management of SEGAs in the pediatric population.
Laser interstitial thermal therapy for newly diagnosed and recurrent glioblastoma
Authors: Thomas Jonathan G. , Rao Ganesh , Kew Yvonne , Prabhu Sujit S.
Published: October 2016

OBJECTIVE

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and deadly malignant primary brain tumor. Better surgical therapies are needed for newly diagnosed GBMs that are difficult to resect and for GBMs that recur despite standard therapies. The authors reviewed their institutional experience of using laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) for the treatment of newly diagnosed or recurrent GBMs.

METHODS

This study reports on the pre-LITT characteristics and post-LITT outcomes of 8 patients with newly diagnosed GBMs and 13 patients with recurrent GBM who underwent LITT.

RESULTS

Compared with the group with recurrent GBMs, the patients with newly diagnosed GBMs who underwent LITT tended to be older (60.8 vs 48.9 years), harbored larger tumors (22.4 vs 14.6 cm3), and a greater proportion had IDH wild-type GBMs. In the newly diagnosed GBM group, the median progression-free survival and the median survival after the procedure were 2 months and 8 months, respectively, and no patient demonstrated radiographic shrinkage of the tumor on follow-up imaging. In the 13 patients with recurrent GBM, 5 demonstrated a response to LITT, with radiographic shrinkage of the tumor following ablation. The median progression-free survival was 5 months, and the median survival was greater than 7 months.

CONCLUSIONS

In carefully selected patients with recurrent GBM, LITT may be an effective alternative to surgery as a salvage treatment. Its role in the treatment of newly diagnosed unresectable GBMs is not established yet and requires further study.
Safety of stereotactic laser ablations performed as treatment for glioblastomas in a conventional magnetic resonance imaging suite
Authors: Rennert Robert C. , Carroll Kate T. , Ali Mir Amaan , Hamelin Thomas , Chang Leon , Lemkuil Brian P. , Chen Clark C.
Published: October 2016

OBJECTIVE

Stereotactic laser ablation (SLA) is typically performed in the setting of intraoperative MRI or in a staged manner in which probe insertion is performed in the operating room and thermal ablation takes place in an MRI suite.

METHODS

The authors describe their experience, in which SLA for glioblastoma (GBM) treatment was performed entirely within a conventional MRI suite using the SmartFrame stereotactic device.

RESULTS

All 10 patients with GBM (2 with isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 mutation [mIDH1] and 8 with wild-type IDH1 [wtIDH1]) were followed for > 6 months. One of these patients underwent 2 independent SLAs approximately 12 months apart. Biopsies were performed prior to SLA for all patients. There were no perioperative morbidities, wound infections, or unplanned 30-day readmissions. The average time for a 3-trajectory SLA (n = 3) was 436 ± 102 minutes; for a 2-trajectory SLA (n = 4) was 321 ± 85 minutes; and for a single-trajectory SLA (n = 4) was 254 ± 28 minutes. No tumor recurrence occurred within the blue isotherm line ablation zone, although 2 patients experienced recurrence immediately adjacent to the blue isotherm ablation line. Overall survival for the patient cohort averaged 356 days, with the 2 patients who had mIDH1 GBMs exhibiting the longest survival (811 and 654 days).

CONCLUSIONS

Multitrajectory SLA for treatment of GBM can be safely performed using the SmartFrame stereotactic device in a conventional MRI suite.
The use of custom 3D printed stereotactic frames for laser interstitial thermal ablation: technical note
Authors: Brandmeir Nicholas J. , McInerney James , Zacharia Brad E.
Published: October 2016

Over the last several years, laser interstitial thermotherapy (LITT) has gained wide acceptance for the treatment of a myriad of cranial lesions. A wide variety of techniques for placement of the laser fiber have been reported with a spectrum of perceived benefits and drawbacks. The authors present the first report of a customized 3D printed stereotactic frame for LITT.

Approximately 1 week prior to surgery, 3–4 skull fiducials were placed after each of 5 patients received a local anesthetic as an outpatient. Radiographs with these fiducials were then used to create a trajectory to the lesion that would be treated with LITT. After the plan was completed, software was used to render a customized frame. On the day of surgery, the frame was attached to the implanted skull fiducials and the LITT catheter was placed. This procedure was carried out in 5 consecutive patients. In 2 patients, a needle biopsy was also performed.

Intraoperative and postoperative imaging studies confirmed the accurate placement of the LITT catheter and the lesion created. Mean operating room time for all patients was 45 minutes but only 26 minutes when excluding the cases in which a biopsy was performed.

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of the use of a specific system, the STarFix microTargeting system, for use with LITT and brain biopsy. This system offers several advantages including fast operating times, extensive preoperative planning, no need for cranial fixation, and no need for frame or fiducial placement on the day of surgery. The accuracy of the system combined with these advantages may make this a preferred stereotactic method for LITT, especially in centers where LITT is performed in a diagnostic MRI suite.
Imidazole and its derivatives as potential candidates for drug development
Authors: Mumtaz Amara , Saeed Aamer , Fatima Nighat , Dawood Muhammad , Rafique Hummera , Iqbal Jamshed
Published: October 2016

Imidazole and its derivatives are the pharmacological significant scaffolds
with the broad spectrum of activities can be synthesized in the laboratory in
the single step by the action of the catalyst. The current review summarizes
the role of the imidazole and its derivatives during the last decade (2005-2014)
for the treatment of many diseases. Review highlights their significant
contribution towards the drug development for the treatment of some fatal
diseases like HIV, cancer, tuberculosis and hepatitis C. As imidazole and its
derivatives continue to play an important role for the treatment of many
diseases so there is a need to trigger research in this field.
Effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Borago officinalis on naloxone-precipitated withdrawal syndrome in morphine-dependent mice
Authors: Rabiei Zahra , Lorigooini Zahra , Kopaei Mahmoud Rafieian
Published: October 2016

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Borago officinalis on morphine withdrawal syndrome in mice. Morphine-dependent group received morphine for nine days and then received naloxone via intraperitoneal injection.  Control group received saline for nine days. Post-treated group received B. officinalis extract intraperitoneally (100 mg/kg) on the day 10 before naloxone injection. Co-treated group received B. officinalis extract intraperitoneally (100 mg/kg) and morphine for nine days and then received naloxone. Extract-treated group received extract for nine days and then received naloxone. Naloxone injection significantly increased the frequency of jumping, blinking, ptosis, defecation, paw trembling, and two-legged standing in comparison to the control group. Co-treatment and post-treatment with B. officinalis extract significantly decreased the withdrawal symptoms. In conclusion, hydroalcoholic extract of B. officinalis significantly attenuated the symptoms of morphine withdrawal syndrome.

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Antithrombotic potential of Berberis calliobotrys extract
Authors: Alamgeer . , Asif Hira , Rasool Shahid
Published: October 2016

This study was focused with the aim to investigate the antithrombotic potential of Berberis calliobotrys. Aqueous-methanolic extract and various fractions showed significant (p<0.05-0.001) increase in prothrombin, activated partial thromboplastin and clotting time while only aqueous methanolic extract caused clot lysis when added to the blood samples of rabbit and human. In vivo study in rabbits, butanolic fraction (100 mg/kg) produced more significant prolongation in bleeding, prothrombin, activated partial thromboplastin and clotting time. Interestingly butanolic fraction had shown more pronounced effects among all tested extracts both in vivo and in vitro studies. Hence, it was subjected to antilipid peroxidation and phytochemical studies (total falvonoid contents, HPLC-DAD profile, FTIR). In conclusion, B. calliobotrys induce transient changes in the coagulation parameters, may it possess active constituents responsible for its antithrombotic potential.

 
Anti-cancer effect of dihydrokaempferol in human malignant melanoma cell is mediated via inhibition of cell migration and invasion and up-regulation of NF-kB/MAPK signalling pathways
Authors: Zeng Ning , Qiu Hong , Wu Min , Xu Yi , Wang Hai-Ping , Zhan Ying
Published: October 2016

The purpose of the present research work was to demonstrate the antitumor activity of dihydrokaempferol in SK-Mel-28 human malignant melanoma cells. MTT assay was used to study the cytotoxic effects induced by dihydrokaempferol in these cells. In vitro wound healing assay and invasion assay were used to examine its effects on cell migration and invasion. Fluorescence microscopy using acridine orange/propidium iodide was used to study effects on cell morphology and apoptosis. Western blot assay revealed its effects on NF-kB/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) protein expression levels. The results indicated that dihydrokaempferol significantly inhibited the growth of these cells and the cytotoxicity pattern was shown to follow the drug dose and incubation times. Dihydrokaempferol led to onset of red fluorescence in these cells indicating that its treatment with different doses leads to induction of apoptosis. Dihydrokaempferol also led to inhibition of cell migration and invasion in a dose-dependent manner. It was also shown to up-regulate NF-kB/MAPK signalling pathways.

Video Clip:

In vitro wound healing assay: 4 min 25 sec

 
Effect of dexmedetomidine infusion on N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide level in patients with femoral shaft fractures under general anesthesia
Authors: Mirkheshti Alireza , Memary Elham , Shafiee Hamed , Dahi Mastaneh
Published: October 2016

This study was performed to assess the effect of dexmedetomidine on the level of N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP) in patients undergoing major orthopedic surgery. Patients undergoing general anesthesia for femoral shaft fracture surgery were randomly assigned to either 0.5 µg/kg/hour dexmedetomidine or normal saline. Changes in levels of NT-pro-BNP and hemodynamic parameters were compared. Data of 46 patients were analyzed and it was found that the change in NT-pro-BNP levels in the dexmedetomidine group was significantly less than the control group (p = 0.001). In addition, bleeding, changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure in dexmedetomidine group was significantly less than the control group (p˂0.001). It is likely that dexmedetomidine infusion can reduce the rise of NT–pro-BNP level and therefore is associated with better cardiac outcome. In addition, dexmedetomidine infusion can achieve hemodynamic stability in femoral shaft fracture under general anesthesia.

 
Syringin exhibits anticancer effects in HeLa human cervical cancer cells by inducing apoptosis, cell cycle arrest and inhibition of cell migration
Authors: Xia Ning
Published: October 2016

The present study was aimed at to demonstrate the antitumor effects of syringin in HeLa human cervical cancer cells. Its effects on apoptosis, cell cycle phase distribution as well as on cell migration were also examined. The effect on cell proliferation was evaluated by MTT assay, while as effects on colony formation were assessed using clonogenic assay. Syringin inhibited cancer cell growth in HeLa cells in a time-dependent as well as in a concentration-dependent manner. Syringin also led to inhibition of colony formation efficacy with complete suppression at 100 µM drug dose. Syringin could induce G2/M cell cycle arrest along with slight sub-G1 cell cycle arrest. HeLa cells began to emit red fluorescence as the dose of syringin increased from 0 µM in vehicle control to 100 µM. Syringin also inhibited cell migration in a dose-dependent manner with 100 µM dose of syringin leading to 100% inhibition of cell migration.

 
Isolation and purification of plant secondary metabolites using column-chromatographic technique
Authors: Bajpai Vivek K. , Majumder Rajib , Park Jae Gyu
Published: October 2016

Chromatographic techniques have significant role in natural products chemistry as well as contribute dramatically in the discovery of novel and innovative compounds of pharmaceutical and biomedical importance. This study focused on step-by-step visual demonstration of fractionation and isolation of biologically active plant secondary metabolites using column-chromatographic techniques. Isolation of bioactive compounds using column-chromatographic involves: a) Preparation of sample; b) Packing of column; c) Pouring of sample into the column; d) Elution of fractions; and e) Analysis of each fractions using thin layer chromatography. However, depending on nature of research, compounds can be further purified using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectral analyses.

Video Clips

Part 1: 3 min 45 sec

Part 2: 6 min 21 sec

Part 3: 4 min 45 sec
Imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like skin inflammation in mouse model
Authors: Rather Irfan Ahmad , Bajpai Vivek K. , Han Jonghun , Nam Gyeong-Jun
Published: October 2016

Psoriasis is a skin disorder characterized by skin inflammation and plaques. Induction of psoriasis in animal model include following steps: a) Selection of animal model, b) Hair removing from the back or ear, c) treatment of skin with Aldara, a cream containing 5% imiquimod and d) Observation. Imiquimod-induced skin inflammation in animal model resembles with psoriasis.

Video Clip:

Psoriaisis-like skin: 9 min 10 sec
Outcome of surgically resected mandibular ameloblastoma
Authors: Haque Md. Habibul , Rahman Quazi Billur , Alam Shamiul , Kundu Gokul Chand , Imon Ashik Abdullah
Published: October 2016

Ameloblastoma is a slowly growing locally invasive benign tumor of the jaw. Only account for 1% of all tumors of maxillofacial region and 11% of all odontogenic tumors. The Aim of the study was to establish
The development of ornithology in Mexico and the importance of access to scientific information
Authors: Peterson A. Townsend , Navarro-Sigüenza Adolfo G. , Gordillo-Martínez Alejandro
Published: October 2016

Mexican ornithology has seen a curious trajectory, beginning with remarkably well documented indigenous knowledge, progressing to colonial expeditions and intensive nineteenth-century exploration. The baton passed to collectors and scientists from the United States of America around the beginning of the twentieth century, and most recently to Mexican scientists. The documentation of Mexican bird diversity grew in each of these phases, but has now become a Mexican enterprise, thanks to the combined availability of information (both from within the country and that “repatriated” from around the world) and funding (provided in largest part by the Mexican government). This evolutionary process of a science community is perhaps general and global, but with different phases emphasized in different countries, and at diverse points in the process.
The life and work of Margaret Gatty (1809–1873), with particular reference to her seaweed collections
Authors: Plaisier H. , Bryant J. A. , Irvine L. M. , Mclean A. , Jones M. , Spencer Jones M. E.
Published: October 2016

Margaret Gatty was a skilled seaweed collector. Her large worldwide collection currently housed at St Andrews University Herbarium and another significant collection (of both seaweeds and marine invertebrates) held at Museums Sheffield are evaluated for the first time. These collections have remained largely un-curated, but assessment and data capture of their holdings is currently under way. Mrs Gatty acquired great skill and expertise as a collector and student of seashore flora and fauna, so much so that a number of taxa were named after her. Her daughter, Horatia, followed her mother but specialised in marine invertebrates, amassing a large collection, the bulk of which is divided between Sheffield and the Natural History Museum, London. An appendix of taxa associated with Mrs Gatty is included.
Control Strategy of an Impulse Turbine for an Oscillating Water Column-Wave Energy Converter in Time-Domain Using Lyapunov Stability Method
Authors: Song Seung , Park Jin
Published: October 2016

We present two control strategies for an oscillating water column-wave energy converter (OWC-WEC) in the time domain. We consider a fixed OWC-WEC on the open sea with an impulse turbine module. This system mainly consists of a chamber, turbine and electric generator. For the time domain analysis, all of the conversion stages considering mutualities among them should be analyzed based on the Newtonian mechanics. According to the analysis of Newtonian mechanics, the hydrodynamics of wave energy absorption in the chamber and the turbine aerodynamic performance are directly coupled and share the internal air pressure term via the incompressible air assumption. The turbine aerodynamics and the dynamics of the electric generator are connected by torque load through the rotor shaft, which depends on an electric terminal load that acts as a control input. The proposed control strategies are an instant maximum turbine efficiency tracking control and a constant angular velocity of the turbine rotor control methods. Both are derived by Lyapunov stability analysis. Numerical simulations are carried out under irregular waves with various heights and periods in the time domain, and the results with the controllers are analyzed. We then compare these results with simulations carried out in the absence of the control strategy in order to prove the performance of the controllers.
Effects of Coupling Agents on the Structure and Electrical Properties of PZT-Poly (Vinylidene Fluoride) Composites
Authors: Li Rui , Zhang Liu , Shi Zhiliang , Pei Jianzhong
Published: October 2016

Piezoelectricceramictransducer(PZT)-Poly(vinylideneﬂuoride)compositeswereprepared by the hot-pressing method. Before addition, PZT particles were ﬁrstly modiﬁed with two different coupling agents. The micromorphology, microstructure, dielectric properties, and piezoelectric propertiesofthecompositeswerecharacterizedandinvestigated. ResultsindicatedthatPZTparticles were homogeneously dispersed in the poly (vinylidene ﬂuoride) (PVDF) matrix by the addition of coupling agents. The electric properties of PZT-PVDF composites with NDZ-101 were the best. Especially when the volume ratio of the titanate coupling agent NDZ-101 was 1%, the piezoelectric strain constant d33 of PZT-PVDF composites reached maximum value 19.23 pC/N; its relative dielectric constant εr was 67.45; at the same time its dielectric loss tan δ was 0.0766.
A Low-Cost High-Performance Interleaved Inductor-Coupled Boost Converter for Fuel Cells
Authors: Chang Long-Yi , Chang Jung-Hao , Chao Kuei-Hsiang , Chung Yi-Nung
Published: October 2016

This paper presents an interleaved inductor-coupled converter for a fuel cell. It is designed to boost a low input voltage from a fuel cell to a specified voltage level for DC load or high voltage DC link, thus providing a high-voltage conversion ratio. The presented converter mainly involves coupled inductors and capacitor of voltage doublers for boosting purposes, but the voltage ratings of the involved power switches and diodes, in particular, remain unaffected as the output voltage is boosted. Using an interleaving trigger mechanism, this circuit configuration can not only suppress the input current ripple, but also reduce the current ratings of power switches. In simple terms, it is a low-cost but high-voltage gain converter due to a smaller number of required components and the lower current and voltage ratings of power switches. The operation principles and design steps are detailed herein, and the performance simulations are experimentally validated at the end of the work.