bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potenciais benefícios do sistema de rastreabilidade animal dos EUA para o setor de carnes americano
Authors: Resende Filho Moisés de Andrade
Published: June 2009

Este artigo investigou os potenciais ganhos do setor de carnes americano advindos da implantação do Sistema Nacional de Identificação Animal (NAIS), dos EUA. Foram analisados os potenciais efeitos do NAIS sobre a percepção de risco dos consumidores americanos em relação aos perigos decorrentes do consumo das carnes bovina, suína e de aves e seus derivados. Sistemas de equações de demanda foram estimados, incorporando-se como "proxies" da percepção de risco do consumidor, séries de índices de segurança do alimento, separadamente construídas para cada tipo de carne. Tais séries foram concebidas, somando-se o número de referências nos principais jornais americanos a problemas de segurança da carne. Foi utilizado o melhor modelo estimado, escolhido com base em uma série de testes de especificação, para se construir três cenários, simulando-se os casos em que o NAIS não está implementado; que está implementado apenas para o gado bovino; e que está implementado para suínos e bovinos. Foram utilizadas as diferenças entre as receitas estimadas para cada cenário e para cada tipo de carne, como uma medida do potencial ganho advindo da implementação do NAIS. Foi concluído que os setores da carne bovina e suína poderiam arcar com os custos do NAIS. Esse resultado, contudo, depende de o quanto desses potenciais ganhos chegarão efetivamente aos produtores agrícolas.
Novel mechanism of IGF-binding protein-3 action on prostate cancer cells: inhibition of proliferation, adhesion, and motility
Authors: Massoner Petra , Colleselli Daniela , Matscheski Andrea , Pircher Haymo , Geley Stephan , Jansen Dürr Pidder , Klocker Helmut
Published: June 2009

IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) is a modulator of the IGF-signaling pathway and was described as an anti-cancer agent in prostate cancer. The molecular mechanisms underlying these effects remained, however, largely undefined. We analyzed the influence of recombinant IGFBP-3 on cell proliferation of PC3, Du145, and LNCaP prostate cancer cells. As expected, IGFBP-3 inhibited IGF-stimulated cell proliferation by blocking IGF-mediated proliferation signals, but we observed an IGF-independent inhibitory effect of IGFBP-3 on prostate cancer cell proliferation in long-term cultures. We further investigated the influence of IGFBP-3 on adhesion, motility, and invasion of prostate cancer cells using adhesion assays, live-cell imaging techniques, and matrigel invasion measurements. There was a clear inhibitory effect of IGFBP-3 on tumor cell adhesion to extracellular matrix components in the presence and absence of IGF, whereas cell–cell adhesion was not affected. The same inhibitory effect of IGFBP-3 was determined on cell motility when real-time cell movements were followed. In addition, IGFBP-3 was able to inhibit tumor cell invasion through matrigel. In summary, we show that IGFBP-3 inhibits proliferation, adhesion, migration, and invasion processes of prostate tumor cells. These newly described mechanisms of IGFBP-3 can be of importance for tumor progression and support a role of IGFBP-3 in therapeutic settings.
Impact of connexin32 deletion on E7 or RET/PTC3 oncogene-driven growth and neoplastic transformation of the thyroid gland
Authors: Prost Gaëlle , Bernier-Valentin Françoise , Croset Martine , Rousset Bernard
Published: June 2009

Connexins (Cx) form gap junctions and allow direct cell-to-cell communication. Cx through gap junctions or by themselves play regulatory roles on cell growth and differentiation. Using genetically modified mice, we previously found that Cx32 acts as a down-regulator of growth in normal thyroid gland. In this study, we examined the impact of Cx32 ablation on oncogene-driven thyroid growth and neoplastic transformation. Cx32 knockout (Cx32-KO) mice were crossed with transgenic mice expressing, selectively in the thyroid gland, either the E7 or RET/PTC3 (RP3) oncogene. As already described, Cx32-KO mice had no detectable thyroid alteration in physiological conditions and mice expressing E7 or RP3 exhibited time-dependent thyroid hypertrophy and variable changes in expression of differentiation. The thyroid of E7 mice evolved towards a large colloid goitre whereas RP3 mice developed a hyperplastic thyroid of variable size, and the largest glands (about 40% of total) represented a profound tissue remodeling with proliferative papillary formations. E7-induced thyroid hypertrophy was reduced by about 40% in Cx32-KO mice as compared with wild-type (WT) littermates. On the contrary, thyroid hypertrophy induced by thyrotropin stimulation (in response to goitrogen treatment) was enhanced by about 40% in Cx32-KO mice as compared with WT mice. Thyroid hypertrophy of RP3 mice and the proportion of glands showing extensive tissue remodeling were drastically reduced in mice devoid of Cx32. Our data show that Cx32, which negatively controls thyroid growth activated by thyrotropin via the cAMP pathway, would act as a positive effector of thyroid growth triggered by oncogenes acting through other signaling cascades.
Selection of Artificial Lift
Authors: Lea James F. , Nickens Henry V.
Published: June 2009

Selection of the most economical artificial lift method is necessary for the operator to realize the maximum potential from developing any oil or gas field. Historically the methods used to select the method of lift for a particular field have varied broadly across the industry, including

Determining what methods will lift at the desired rates and from the required depths. Evaluating lists of advantages and disadvantages. Use of "expert" systems to both eliminate and select systems. Evaluation of initial costs, operating costs, production capabilities, etc. using economics as a tool of selection.

This paper will highlight some of the methods commonly used for selection and also include some examples of costs and profits over time calculated to the present time as a tool of selection. The operator should consider all of these methods when selecting a method of artificial lift, especially for a large, long-term project.
How Structural Macroeconomic Shocks Can Explain Exchange Rate Pass-Through in Developing Countries: A Common Trend Approach
Authors: Barhoumi Karim
Published: June 2009

This paper investigates the exchange rate pass-through in 12 developing countries during the period 1980-2001 by adopting a new formulation. Rather than considering the traditional approach based on the exogenous exchange rate movement through correlation between exchange rate and prices, we focus on fundamental macroeconomic shocks that affect both exchange rate and prices. In order to do that, we employ long-run restrictions à la Blanchard and Quah (1989) to identify the different shocks through an open economic macroeconomic model (ISLM framework). We use the common trends approach proposed by Warne et al (1992). This allows us to calculate the pass-through as the responses of the exchange rate, CPI and import prices to the supply, the relative demand, the nominal and the foreign prices shocks. We show that the pass-through ratio in developing countries is different when considering different structural shocks.
Infrastructure, Commodity Spectra, and Trade Transitions in Economic Development
Authors: Bowden Roger J. , Huang Hui
Published: June 2009

Infrastructure growth and its regional concentration can accelerate growth and diversification of international trade, in terms of both commodities and the implied factor content. The origins and mechanism are explored via a model of endogenous growth that internalizes social spending on physical infrastructure, leading to the accumulation of human capital as a result of learning by doing. Infrastructure developed in the first instance to enhance and diversify manufactured exports can create a supply push into the export of human capital services. As a leading case study, China's recent free trade agreements show clear signs of a development strategy shifting orientation towards the export of services, such as those relating to infrastructure construction and tourism, and the financial services required in support.
The Undergraduate Education of Nurses: Looking to the Future
Authors: Hegarty Josephine , Walsh Ella , Condon Carol , Sweeney John
Published: June 2009

Societal change historically has presented many challenges for nursing. The challenge to nurse educators is to ensure that professional education remains relevant and keeps abreast of both societal and healthcare changes. These challenges include globalization, changing patient characteristics, science and information technology advancements, the increasing complexities of healthcare, and recent policy and economic developments. The aim of this paper is to consider possible future societal and healthcare changes and how these may impact the preparation of future graduates in general nursing. A clear understanding of these factors is essential if nursing is to meet the challenges presented by tomorrow's healthcare environment within a global context.
Relations between Oxidative Stability and Antioxidant Content in Vegetable Oils Using an Accelerated Oxidation Test - Rancimat
Authors: Esquivel M. Mercedes , Ribeiro M. Albertina , Bernardo-Gil M. Gabriela
Published: June 2009

In vegetable oils, particularly virgin olive oil and sunflower oil and in lard, the effects of temperature and antioxidant extracts concentration on the induction time were investigated using a sequence of simple factorial designs.The antioxidant extracts were obtained from aromatic plants by hydrodistillation followed by liquid-liquid extraction using diisopropyl ether as a solvent. Vegetable oils and lard were spiked with those extracts in a range of concentrations from 250 to 2500 ppm and then subjected to oxidation in a 679 Rancimat apparatus.In the sequence of factorial designs, two blocks of 23 design were run. In the first block only peppermint extract was used in two different matrices (virgin olive oil and sunflower oil). In the second block the antioxidant extract was introduced as a new variable but keeping the same matrix (sunflower oil). A simple equation was derived trying to relate the induction time (TI) with the extract concentration (C). The model was validated with data obtained from rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), peppermint (Mentha piperita), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) and marjoram (Origanum majorana) in virgin olive oil and sunflower oil at temperatures of 100, 110, 120, 130, 140 and 150 °C. To confirm the results, supplementary experiments were done with peppermint in lard at 120 and 130 °C.
Approach Model for Simulation of the Starch Hydrolysis by ?-Amylase and Alcohol Production from Manioc Root Starch
Authors: Curvelo-Santana José Carlos , Librantz André Felipe , Tambourgi Elias
Published: June 2009

This work shows optimal conditions to use the amylases from A. niger in starch hydrolysis and alcohol production from manioc root starch. Bioreactors contained 10-20 g/L of manioc starch concentration, on 35-55°C, and at pH 4.8; they were made for the evaluation of the effects of starch concentration and temperature on hydrolysis yield. New models for starch hydrolysis kinetics were compared for substratum dependence ([S]) to the hydrolysis time (t) and hydrolysis conversion rate (V) dependences with the substratum concentration ([S]). Results showed that exponential models fitted better than other models. The appropriate models were [S] = e-k.t and V = e(Vmax. [S]/KM), while k, Vmax and KM are the kinetic, maxim velocity and Michaelis-Menten constants, respectively. Models proposed in this work have been compared to experimental data, and it may be possible to simulate the starch hydrolysis process by amylases and its scale-up. Results showed that exponential models were more appropriate to use than Michaelis-Menten model for V values higher than 0.3 g/L.min. At a V range lower than 0.3 g/L.min, both models were satisfactory predictives. For starch hydrolysis, the exponential models perceived that, at optimal conditions, the mean yield was 70%. After fermentation, an alcohol yield above 45% was obtained (the theoretical is 51.1%).
Performance Indicators in Reactive Distillation Design
Authors: Filipe Rui M , Matos Henrique A , Novais Augusto Q
Published: June 2009

A cost indicator for the design and multi-objective optimization of reactive distillation columns, designated capacity, was introduced in previous work by the authors. The question of this indicator's effectiveness as a measure of the actual column cost is herein investigated over a number of designs by comparing it with the value obtained by means of conventional costing procedures. The results show that the level of accuracy obtained when using capacity is satisfactory and certainly acceptable for a preliminary design stage. However, in the present work a further refinement of this indicator is proposed, with the incorporation of an additional term, which accounts for the cost of catalyst. This will ensure a more stringent choice of candidate configurations at the early stages of design.
Editorial: Special Issue Contributed by the 10th International Chemical and Biological Engineering Conference - CHEMPOR 2008
Authors: Ferreira Eugénio C , Mota Manuel
Published: June 2009

The 10th International Chemical and Biological Engineering Conference - CHEMPOR 2008, was held in Braga, Portugal, from the 4th to the 6th of September, 2008. The conference was jointly organized by the University of Minho, the Ordem dos Engenheiros, and the Institute for Biotechnology and Bioengineeing, with the support of Sociedade Portuguesa de Química and Sociedade Portuguesa de Biotecnologia.The CHEMPOR series traditionally brings together both young and established researchers and end users to discuss recent developments in different areas of Chemical Engineering. The scope of this edition was extended to Biological Engineering research. One of the major core areas of the conference program was life quality, due to the importance that Chemical and Biological Engineering plays in this area. Integration of Life Sciences & Engineering and Sustainable Process-Product Development through Green Chemistry were two of the leading themes with papers addressing such important issues. This was complemented with additional leading themes including Advancing the Chemical and Biological Engineering Fundamentals, Multi-Scale and/or Multi-Disciplinary Approach to Process-Product Innovation, Systematic Methods and Tools for Managing the Complexity, and Educating Chemical and Biological Engineers for Coming Challenges. Papers contributed for this special issue represent a good sample of the important themes that were addressed.This special issue presents a set of fifteen selected research papers, which have undergone the peer-review process of Chemical Product and Process Modeling journal. We wish to thank the authors who have contributed to yield a high scientific standard to this special issue. We also extend our gratefulness to all reviewers, through their dedicated efforts, having assisted us in this task.
Functional Assessment of Pancreatic β-Cell Area in Humans
Authors: Meier Juris J. , Menge Bjoern A. , Breuer Thomas G.K. , Müller Christophe A. , Tannapfel Andrea , Uhl Waldemar , Schmidt Wolfgang E. , Schrader Henning
Published: June 2009

OBJECTIVE

β-Cell mass declines progressively during the course of diabetes, and various antidiabetic treatment regimens have been suggested to modulate β-cell mass. However, imaging methods allowing the monitoring of changes in β-cell mass in vivo have not yet become available. We address whether pancreatic β-cell area can be assessed by functional test of insulin secretion in humans.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 33 patients with chronic pancreatitis (n = 17), benign pancreatic adenomas (n = 13), and tumors of the ampulla of Vater (n = 3) at various stages of glucose tolerance were examined with an oral glucose load before undergoing pancreatic surgery. Indexes of insulin secretion were calculated and compared with the fractional β-cell area of the pancreas.

RESULTS

β-Cell area was related to fasting glucose concentrations in an inverse linear fashion (r = −0.53, P = 0.0014) and to 120-min postchallenge glycemia in an inverse exponential fashion (r = −0.89). β-Cell area was best predicted by a C-peptide–to–glucose ratio determined 15 min after the glucose drink (r = 0.72, P < 0.0001). However, a fasting C-peptide–to–glucose ratio already yielded a reasonably close correlation (r = 0.63, P < 0.0001). Homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) β-cell function was unrelated to β-cell area.

CONCLUSIONS

Glucose control is closely related to pancreatic β-cell area in humans. A C-peptide–to–glucose ratio after oral glucose ingestion appears to better predict β-cell area than fasting measures, such as the HOMA index.
Urinary Adiponectin Excretion
Authors: von Eynatten Maximilian , Liu Dan , Hock Cornelia , Oikonomou Dimitrios , Baumann Marcus , Allolio Bruno , Korosoglou Grigorios , Morcos Michael , Campean Valentina , Amann Kerstin , Lutz Jens , Heemann Uwe , Nawroth Peter P. , Bierhaus Angelika , Humpert Per M.
Published: June 2009

OBJECTIVE

Markers reliably identifying vascular damage and risk in diabetic patients are rare, and reports on associations of serum adiponectin with macrovascular disease have been inconsistent. In contrast to existing data on serum adiponectin, this study assesses whether urinary adiponectin excretion might represent a more consistent vascular damage marker in type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Adiponectin distribution in human kidney biopsies was assessed by immunohistochemistry, and urinary adiponectin isoforms were characterized by Western blot analysis. Total urinary adiponectin excretion rate was measured in 156 patients with type 2 diabetes who had a history of diabetic nephropathy and 40 healthy control subjects using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Atherosclerotic burden was assessed by common carotid artery intima-media-thickness (IMT).

RESULTS

A homogenous staining of adiponectin was found on the endothelial surface of glomerular capillaries and intrarenal arterioles in nondiabetic kidneys, whereas staining was decreased in diabetic nephropathy. Low-molecular adiponectin isoforms (∼30–70 kDa) were detected in urine by Western blot analysis. Urinary adiponectin was significantly increased in type 2 diabetes (7.68 ± 14.26 vs. control subjects: 2.91 ± 3.85 μg/g creatinine, P = 0.008). Among type 2 diabetic patients, adiponectinuria was associated with IMT (r = 0.479, P < 0.001) and proved to be a powerful independent predictor of IMT (β = 0.360, P < 0.001) in multivariable regression analyses. In a risk prediction model including variables of the UK Prospective Diabetes Study coronary heart disease risk engine urinary adiponectin, but not the albumin excretion rate, added significant value for the prediction of increased IMT (P = 0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

Quantification of urinary adiponectin excretion appears to be an independent indicator of vascular damage potentially identifying an increased risk for vascular events.
Genetic Variant of the Renin-Angiotensin System and Diabetes Influences Blood Pressure Response to Angiotensin Receptor Blockers
Authors: Konoshita Tadashi , Kato Norihiro , Fuchs Sébastien , Mizuno Shinichi , Aoyama Chikako , Motomura Makoto , Makino Yasukazu , Wakahara Shigeyuki , Inoki Isao , Miyamori Isamu , Pinet Florence ,   for the Genomic Disease Outcome Consortium (G-DOC) Study Investigators
Published: June 2009

OBJECTIVE

Recent studies have proven the favorable effects of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) on cardiovascular and renal disorders. However, determinants of the response to ARBs remain unclear. We substantiated the hypothesis that genetic variants of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) have significant impacts on the response to ARBs.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Subjects comprised 231 consecutively enrolled hypertensive individuals including 45 type 2 diabetic subjects. Five genetic variants of the RAS, i.e., renin (REN) C-5312T, ACE insertion/deletion, angiotensinogen M235T, angiotensin II type 1 receptor A1166C, and angiotensin II type 2 receptor C3123A were assayed by PCR and restriction fragment-length polymorphism. A dose of 40–160 mg/day of valsartan was administered for 3 months as a monotherapy.

RESULTS

Changes in diastolic blood pressure significantly differed between genotypes of REN C-5312T: 10.7-mmHg reduction (from 95.9 ± 12.9 to 85.2 ± 11.4) in CC versus 7.0-mmHg reduction (from 94.7 ± 14.0 to 87.7 ± 12.6) in CT/TT (P = 0.02 for interactive effects of valsartan and genotype). Responder rates also differed between the genotypes: 72.8% in CC versus 58.0% in CT/TT (P = 0.03). Univariate analysis indicated a significant association of response to valsartan with blood pressure, diabetes, plasma aldosterone concentration, and CC homozygotes of REN C-5312T. Finally, multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that systolic blood pressure, CC homozygotes of REN C-5312T, and diabetes were independent predictors for responders with odds ratios (95% CI) of 2.49 (1.41–4.42), 2.03 (1.10–3.74), and 0.48 (0.24–0.96), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides strong support that a genetic variant of REN C-5312T and diabetes contribute to the effects of ARBs and are independent predictors for responder. Thus, in treatment of hypertension with ARBs, a new possibility for personalized medicine has been shown.
Foot Muscle Energy Reserves in Diabetic Patients Without and With Clinical Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: Dinh Thanh , Doupis John , Lyons Thomas E. , Kuchibhotla Sarada , Julliard Walker , Gnardellis Charalambos , Rosenblum Barry I. , Wang Xiaoen , Giurini John M. , Greenman Robert L. , Veves Aristidis
Published: June 2009

OBJECTIVE

To investigate changes in the foot muscle energy reserves in diabetic non-neuropathic and neuropathic patients.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We measured the phosphocreatinine (PCr)/inorganic phosphate (Pi) ratio, total 31P concentration, and the lipid/water ratio in the muscles in the metatarsal head region using MRI spectroscopy in healthy control subjects and non-neuropathic and neuropathic diabetic patients.

RESULTS

The PCr/Pi ratio was higher in the control subjects (3.23 ± 0.43) followed by the non-neuropathic group (2.61 ± 0.36), whereas it was lowest in the neuropathic group (0.60 ± 1.02) (P < 0.0001). There were no differences in total 31P concentration and lipid/water ratio between the control and non-neuropathic groups, but both measurements were different in the neuropathic group (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Resting foot muscle energy reserves are affected before the development of peripheral diabetic neuropathy and are associated with the endothelial dysfunction and inflammation.
Spatially extended populations reproducing logistic map
Authors: Dzwinel Witold
Published: June 2009

We discuss here the conditions that the spatially extended systems (SES) must satisfy to reproduce the logistic map. To address this dilemma we define a 2-D coupled map lattice with a local rule mimicking the logistic formula. We show that for growth rates of k⩽k
∞ (k
∞ is the accumulation point) the global evolution of the system exactly reproduces the cascade of period doubling bifurcations. However, for k > k
∞, instead of chaotic modes, the cascade of period halving bifurcations is observed. Consequently, the microscopic states at the lattice nodes resynchronize producing dynamically changing spatial patterns. By downscaling the system and assuming intense mobility of individuals over the lattice, the spatial correlations can be destroyed and the local rule remains the only factor deciding the evolution of the whole colony. We found the class of “atomistic” rules for which uncorrelated spatially extended population matches the logistic map both for pre-chaotic and chaotic modes. We concluded that the global logistic behavior can be expected for a spatially extended colony with high mobility of individuals whose microscopic behavior is governed by a specific semi-logistic rule in the closest neighborhood. Conversely, the populations forming dynamically changing spatial clusters behave in a different way than the logistic model and reproduce at least the steady-state fragment of the logistic map.
Design Research Perspectives on Transitioning From Individual Microgenetic Interviews to a Whole-Class Teaching Experiment
Authors: Lamberg Teruni d. , Middleton James A.
Published: June 2009

This article describes an education design research program that began with individual microgenetic interviews with children in a laboratory setting and led to a developmental model of students’ understanding of quotients in mathematics and subsequently to the design and testing of an anchored instruction module for use in whole-class work. The authors discuss the design’s theoretical, methodological, and pragmatic aspects. They focus on the development of theory and the generation and refinement of artifacts as mutually constitutive in design research. Special attention is paid to making explicit the causal chain of arguments that link theory development, empirical tests of that theory, and product development. They make the case that effective interventions and rigorous theory can be codeveloped in the design paradigm.
Selection criteria and outcome of operative approaches for thoracolumbar burst fractures with and without neurological deficit
Authors: Schnee Charles L. , Ansell Lee V.
Published: June 2009

✓ Criteria for choosing operative techniques for the treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures remain disputed, particularly in neurologically intact patients. A retrospective study of 25 patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures was performed to assess fracture characteristics, operative approaches, fixation, radiographic results, and neurological, functional, and pain outcomes.

Anterior corpectomy, allograft strut, and plate fixation were performed in 14 patients with or without neurological deficit when vertebral compression or canal encroachment was at least 40% or kyphosis was 15° or more with a stable posterior column. In nine cases, an anterior operation and a posterior segmental fixation were combined for similar deformity and three-column instability. Posterior transpedicular decompression, fixation, and fusion were used primarily for two symptomatic patients with less than 40% encroachment and at most 40% compression.

Overall, 21 patients (84%) were walking and 18 (72%) were continent at follow-up evaluation (mean 16.3 months) versus eight (32%) and 11 (44%) at presentation, respectively. Preoperatively, 17 patients experienced neurological deficit; 16 improved and 12 increased one Frankel grade. No patient deteriorated. Prior employment or activity level was resumed by 19 patients (76%) and only four patients professed incapacity. Pain was eliminated after 18 procedures (72%), all anterior or combined approaches. Restoration of anatomical alignment (< 5°) was achieved in 19 cases. No anterior construct failed and only one patient treated posteriorly had postoperative kyphosis progression. Operative morbidity occurred in three cases (12%).

Satisfactory neurological and functional outcomes were achieved in a majority of patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures after correction of canal compromise, middle column compression, and attendant deformity. These results indicate that anterior decompression and a weight-bearing strut graft are critical to clinical success in patients with significant vertebral destruction.
Toward an agreement on terminology of nuclear and subnuclear divisions of the motor thalamus
Authors: Macchi Giorgio , Jones Edward G.
Published: June 2009

✓ The nomenclature most commonly applied to the motor-related nuclei of the human thalamus differs substantially from that applied to the thalamus of other primates, from which most knowledge of input—output connections is derived. Knowledge of these connections in the human is a prerequisite for stereotactic neurosurgical approaches designed to alleviate movement disorders by the placement of lesions in specific nuclei. Transfer to humans of connectional information derived from experimental studies in nonhuman primates requires agreement about the equivalence of nuclei in the different species, and dialogue between experimentalists and neurosurgeons would be facilitated by the use of a common nomenclature.

In this review, the authors compare the different nomenclatures and review the cyto- and chemoarchitecture of the nuclei in the anterolateral aspect of the ventral nuclear mass in humans and monkeys, suggest which nuclei are equivalent, and propose a common terminology. On this basis, it is possible to identify the nuclei of the human motor thalamus that transfer information from the substantia nigra, globus pallidus, cerebellum, and proprioceptive components of the medial lemniscus to prefrontal, premotor, motor, and somatosensory areas of the cerebral cortex. It also becomes possible to suggest the principal functional systems involved in stereotactically guided thalamotomies and the functional basis of the symptoms observed following ischemic lesions in different parts of the human thalamus.
Classification of previously unclassified cases of craniosynostosis
Authors: Chumas Paul D. , Cinalli Giuseppe , Arnaud Eric , Marchac Daniel , Renier Dominique
Published: June 2009

✓ Cases of craniosynostosis usually fall into well-demarcated categories: those related to a syndrome or those identified by a combination of suture involvement and morphological appearance. Between 1976 and 1995, 53 (3.6%) of 1474 cases in the craniofacial databank were assessed and designated as nonsyndromic but unclassifiable. The records and radiological studies obtained in these patients were retrospectively analyzed and comparisons were made with patients classified in the databank as having simple craniosynostoses.

It proved possible to divide the formerly unclassifiable cases into two groups: those with “two-suture disease” (Group A) and a “complex” group (Group B) in which more than two sutures were affected. Group A consisted of 36 cases (68%) of patients presenting with clear evidence of simultaneous involvement of two sutures but with no progression over time to suggest a more diffuse pansynostosis. Suture involvement was as follows: 17 of 36 sagittal plus one coronal; seven of 36 sagittal and metopic; six of 36 sagittal plus one lambdoid; and six of 36 metopic plus one coronal. The only significant difference between the Group A cases and the cases of simple craniosynostoses was in the percentage requiring a second operation (24% vs. 5%, p < 0.0001).

Group B consisted of 17 cases in which the patients presented at a slightly earlier age (mean 1 year) with severe morphological changes and multiple suture involvement. At the time of surgery, six of 17 patients showed large areas of lacunae within the cranial vault, making craniectomy the only option. In Group B, 10 of 17 patients displayed bilateral lambdoid plus sagittal suture involvement resulting in marked occipital recession posteriorly, whereas anteriorly in six of these 10 patients there was a massive frontal bone associated with posteriorly located coronal sutures. In contrast, there were also four patients in Group B with bilateral coronal plus metopic involvement resulting in a small frontal bone. There was a trend toward a lower intelligence quotient and a worse morphological outcome in the patients in Group B, but again the only result attaining statistical significance when compared to the databank was the rate of second operation (37.5 vs. 5%, p < 0.0001).

“Two-suture synostosis” is a relatively straightforward condition and is treatable with standard craniosynostosis techniques. However, possibly as a result of surgical compromise when two sutures are involved, the rate of reoperation is far higher than in simple suture cases. In contrast, patients in the “complex” group presenting with severe multisuture involvement require a more tailor-made approach to their management that often entails a second procedure.
Disappearing cervical disc
Authors: Westmark Richard M. , Westmark Kaye D. , Sonntag Volker K. H.
Published: June 2009

✓ The authors report the case of a 48-year-old woman who experienced spontaneous resolution of a large herniated disc at C6–7. Spontaneous resolution of a herniated lumbar disc was first documented by computerized tomography. This case is another example of a rare spontaneous resolution of a cervical disc herniation documented by magnetic resonance imaging.
Cerebral autoregulation following minor head injury
Authors: Jünger Elisabeth C. , Newell David W. , Grant Gerald A. , Avellino Anthony M. , Ghatan Saadi , Douville Colleen M. , Lam Arthur M. , Aaslid Rune , Winn H. Richard
Published: June 2009

✓ The purpose of this study was to determine whether patients with minor head injury experience impairments in cerebral autoregulation. Twenty-nine patients with minor head injuries defined by Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores of 13 to 15 underwent testing of dynamic cerebral autoregulation within 48 hours of their injury using continuous transcranial Doppler velocity recordings and blood pressure recordings. Twenty-nine age-matched normal volunteers underwent autoregulation testing in the same manner to establish comparison values. The function of the autoregulatory response was assessed by the cerebral blood flow velocity response to induced rapid brief changes in arterial blood pressure and measured as the autoregulation index (ARI).

Eight (28%) of the 29 patients with minor head injury demonstrated poorly functioning or absent cerebral autoregulation versus none of the controls, and this difference was highly significant (p = 0.008). A significant correlation between lower blood pressure and worse autoregulation was found by regression analysis in head-injured patients (r = 0.6, p < 0.001); however, lower blood pressure did not account for the autoregulatory impairment in all patients. Within this group of head-injured patients there was no correlation between ARI and initial GCS or 1-month Glasgow Outcome Scale scores. This study indicates that a significant number of patients with minor head injury may have impaired cerebral autoregulation and may be at increased risk for secondary ischemic neuronal damage.
Head injuries due to falls caused by seizures: a group at high risk for traumatic intracranial hematomas
Authors: Zwimpfer Thomas J. , Brown Jennifer , Sullivan Irene , Moulton Richard J.
Published: June 2009

✓ This prospective review of adult patients with head injuries examines the incidence of head injuries due to falls caused by seizures, the incidence and severity of intracranial hematomas, and the morbidity and mortality rates in this patient population. A head injury was attributed to a fall caused by a seizure if the seizure was witnessed to have caused the fall, or the patient had a known seizure history, appeared postictal or was found convulsing after the fall, and no other cause for the fall was evident.

A total of 1760 adult head-injured patients were consecutively admitted to the authors' service between 1986 and 1993. Five hundred eighty-two head injuries (33.1%) were due to falls and 22 (3.8%) of these were caused by seizures. Based on the prevalence rates for epilepsy in the general population of 0.5 to 2%, these results indicate that epileptics are several times more likely to suffer a head injury due to a fall. Mass lesions were found in 20 (90.9%) of these 22 patients and the remaining two patients suffered mild diffuse head injuries. There was a high incidence of extraaxial mass lesions: 17 (85%) of the 20 intracranial hematomas were either epidural (five cases) or acute subdural (12 cases) hematomas. Eighteen (81.8%) of the 22 patients required evacuation of a hematoma. Both the incidence of intracranial hematomas (90.9% vs. 39.8%; p < 0.001, chi-square analysis) and the rate of hematoma evacuation (81.8% vs. 32.3%; p < 0.001) was significantly greater in patients injured in falls due to seizures (22 cases) than in the group injured in falls from all other causes (560 cases). The higher incidence of hematomas and the need for evacuation were not explained by differences in age, severity of head injury, or incidence of alcohol intoxication. Despite the greater incidence of mass lesions and the need for operative treatment in patients injured because of seizures, their mortality rate was similar to that of patients injured in falls from other causes.

On the basis of their review of patients admitted to a neurosurgical center with complaints of head injury, the authors conclude that patients with head injuries due to a fall caused by a seizure should undergo computerized tomography scanning early in their management. Until a mass lesion has been excluded, any decrease in level of consciousness or focal neurological deficit should not be attributed to the seizure itself.
Regional brain tissue pressure gradients created by expanding extradural temporal mass lesion
Authors: Wolfla Christopher E. , Luerssen Thomas G. , Bowman Robin M.
Published: June 2009

✓ A porcine model of regional intracranial pressure was used to compare regional brain tissue pressure (RBTP) changes during expansion of an extradural temporal mass lesion. Measurements of RBTP were obtained by placing fiberoptic intraparenchymal pressure monitors in the right and left frontal lobes (RF and LF), right and left temporal lobes (RT and LT), midbrain (MB), and cerebellum (CB). During expansion of the right temporal mass, significant RBTP gradients developed in a reproducible pattern: RT > LF = LT > RF > MB > CB. These gradients appeared early, widened as the volume of the mass increased, and persisted for the entire duration of the experiment. The study indicates that RBTP gradients develop in the presence of an extradural temporal mass lesion. The highest RBTP was recorded in the ipsilateral temporal lobe, whereas the next highest was recorded in the contralateral frontal lobe. The RBTP that was measured in either frontal lobe underestimated the temporal RBTP. These results indicated that if a frontal intraparenchymal pressure monitor is used in a patient with temporal lobe pathology, the monitor should be placed on the contralateral side and a lower threshold for therapy of increased intracranial pressure should be adopted. Furthermore, this study provides further evidence that reliance on a single frontal intraparenchymal pressure monitor may not detect all areas of elevated RBTP.
Improvement of cognitive deficits and decreased cholinergic neuronal cell loss and apoptotic cell death following neurotrophin infusion after experimental traumatic brain injury
Authors: Sinson Grant , Perri Brian R. , Trojanowski John Q. , Flamm Eugene S. , McIntosh Tracy K.
Published: June 2009

✓ This study explores the effects of infusion of nerve growth factor (NGF) on behavioral outcome and cell death in the septal region using the clinically relevant model of fluid-percussion brain injury in the rat. Animals were subjected to fluid-percussion brain injury and 24 hours later a miniosmotic pump was implanted to infuse NGF (12 animals) or vehicle (12 animals) directly into the region of maximum injury for 2 weeks. Four weeks postinjury the animals were tested for cognitive function using a Morris Water Maze paradigm. Neurological motor function was evaluated over a 4-week postinjury period. The rats receiving NGF infusions had significantly higher memory scores than vehicle-treated animals. Examination of the cholinergic neurons in the medial septal region using choline acetyltransferase immunohistochemistry demonstrated significant cell loss after injury. Infusion of NGF significantly attenuated loss of these cholinergic neurons.

A second group of animals was subjected to fluid-percussion brain injury alone (23 rats) or injury followed by NGF infusion (18 rats). These animals were killed between 24 hours and 2 weeks postinjury and the septal region was examined for the presence of apoptotic cells using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase—mediated biotinylated-deoxyuridinetriphosphate nick-end labeling technique. Apoptotic cells were identified as early as 24 hours postinjury; their numbers peaked at 4 and 7 days, and then declined by 14 days. The NGF-treated animals had some apoptotic cells; however, even at 7 days there were significantly fewer of these cells. No significant motor differences were observed between the NGF- and vehicle-treated groups.

These data indicate that NGF administration beginning 24 hours after fluid-percussion brain injury has a beneficial effect on cognition and results in sparing of cholinergic septal neurons. These improvements persist after cessation of NGF administration. The beneficial effects of NGF may be related to its ability to attenuate traumatically induced apoptotic cell death.
Serial changes of hemostasis in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage with special reference to delayed ischemic neurological deficits
Authors: Fujii Yukihiko , Takeuchi Shigekazu , Sasaki Osamu , Minakawa Takashi , Koike Tetsuo , Tanaka Ryuichi
Published: June 2009

✓ This study was undertaken to elucidate comprehensively the serial changes occurring in hemostatic systems after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and thereby to ascertain whether the examination of the integrity of these systems is helpful in predicting delayed ischemic neurological deficits (DINDs). The authors examined 117 patients admitted to the hospital within 24 hours after onset of SAH. Blood samples were collected from each patient on Days 0 (at admission), 3, 6, 14, and 30. A number of hemostatic parameters were examined in these samples, and the relationships between their changes and DINDs were assessed. Eighteen (15.4%) of the patients exhibited DINDs, and their frequency increased as the severity of subarachnoid clotting increased. Also, the frequency of DINDs was significantly higher in the patients with hydrocephalus on initial computerized tomography (CT) scans than in those without hydrocephalus. Regarding the hemostatic parameters at admission, there was no significant difference between the patients with and without DINDs. On Day 3, however, the fibrinogen and D-dimer levels were higher in the patients with than in those without DINDs. The fibrinogen and thrombin—antithrombin complex levels on Day 6 and the D-dimer level on Day 14 in the patients with DINDs were higher than the corresponding levels in those without DINDs. Multivariate analyses revealed that the following variables (in order of importance) were independent predictors of DINDs: the levels of D-dimer on Day 3, fibrinogen on Day 6, and the presence of hydrocephalus on admission. These data indicate that the levels of hemostatic parameters in concert with the CT findings may enable us to predict the appearance of DINDs.
Progressive posttraumatic myelomalacic myelopathy: treatment with untethering and expansive duraplasty
Authors: Lee Thomas T. , Arias Jose M. , Andrus Heather L. , Quencer Robert M. , Falcone Steven F. , Green Barth A.
Published: June 2009

✓ Patients with progressive posttraumatic myelomalacic myelopathy (PPMM), or tethered cord syndrome, present with symptoms and signs similar to those observed in cases of progressive posttraumatic cystic myelopathy, that is, sensorimotor function deterioration, local and/or radicular pain, increased spasticity, increased autonomic dysreflexia, and sphincter dysfunction. The authors investigated surgical outcomes of untethering combined with expansive duraplasty.

Forty patients with PPMM who presented with functional deterioration underwent untethering of the spinal cord and nerve roots with an expansive duraplasty. Meticulous dissections of adhesions on the dorsal and lateral aspects of the spinal cord and nerve roots were performed. Intraoperative ultrasonography was used to detect the presence of a confluent cyst and to assess the success of untethering. After surgery, the patients were treated using a protocol that involved frequent turning for 48 hours and subsequently mobilization. Preoperative magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, with and without administration of a contrast agent, was obtained in all patients, except one patient who underwent immediate and delayed computerized tomography (CT) myelography. The mean follow-up period was 3 years (range 20–57 months) for the 36 patients available for follow-up review.

Spinal cord tethering was observed in all patients preoperatively. Trauma was the most common cause of this pathology, accounting for 31 of the 40 cases. Preoperative MR imaging did not demonstrate tumor recurrence in the group of five patients who had undergone an initial operation for tumor excision. The interval between the causative event and the operation was less than 5 years in half of the patients (20 of 40), with the longest interval lasting up to 37 years. Motor function deterioration was the most frequent manifestation; it was present in 31 of 40 patients. Improvements in motor function, autonomic dysreflexia, pain, sphincter dysfunction, and sensory function were found during the most recent follow-up examination in 79%, 75%, 62%, 50%, and 43% of the patients, respectively. Two patients experienced retethering of the spinal cord and one underwent a second operation.

Surgical untethering and expansive duraplasty, followed by postoperative position rotation to avoid retethering, provide symptomatic relief for patients with PPMM.
Arterial pulsation—dependent perivascular cerebrospinal fluid flow into the central canal in the sheep spinal cord
Authors: Stoodley Marcus A. , Brown Sally A. , Brown Christopher J. , Jones Nigel R.
Published: June 2009

✓ The impetus for the enlargement of syringes is unknown. The authors hypothesize that there is a flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from perivascular spaces into the central canal and that the flow is driven by arterial pulsations. Using horse-radish peroxidase as a tracer, the CSF flow was studied in normal sheep, in sheep with damped arterial pulsations, and in sheep with lowered spinal subarachnoid pressure. The CSF flow from perivascular spaces into the central canal was demonstrated in the normal sheep, and two patterns of flow were identified: 1) from perivascular spaces in the central gray matter; and 2) from perivascular spaces in the ventral white commissure. Flow into the central canal was also observed in the sheep with lowered spinal subarachnoid pressure, but not in those with reduced arterial pulse pressure. This study provides evidence that CSF flow from perivascular spaces into the central canal is dependent on arterial pulsations. Arterial pulsation—driven CSF flow may be the impetus for the expansion of syringes.