bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relação entre a origem costeira de Macrobrachium amazonicum e o ní­­vel de salinidade na larvicultura.
Authors: SOEIRO Regiane Kelly Silva , ROCHA Cristina Pantoja , MACIEL Murilo , ABRUNHOSA Fernando Araújo , MACIEL Cristiana Ramalho
Published: October 2016

No cultivo das larvas de crustáceos maiores sobrevivências são observados nas salinidades ideais devido ao menor gasto energético com a osmorregulação. Em ótimas condições, é esperado maior longevidade destas sob completa inanição. No presente estudo, larvas foram obtidas de fêmeas oví­­geras do camarão de água doce Macrobrachium amazonicum, capturadas de duas regiões costeiras da Amazônia: várzea (Abaetetuba/PA) e estuarina (Bragança/PA). As larvas foram mantidas em inanição a partir de zoea I e zoea VII e foram submetidas í­Â s salinidades 0, 2, 5, 10, 20 e 30 ppt,. Baseado nos resultados obtidos, as larvas (100 larvas/L) foram então cultivadas em sistema fechado diní­¢mico, em tanques com volume de 2L, nas salinidades: 5, 10, 20 ppt e alimentadas com náuplios de Artemia. Maiores longevidades foram observadas nas larvas de origem estuarina nas salinidade 10 (12,00 Â± 0,79 dias) e menor em água doce (6,77 Â± 3,47 dias). No entanto, melhores resultados foram registrados nas salinidades 2 (10,33 Â± 1,97 dias), 5 (10,80 Â± 2,07 dias) e 10 ppt (10,23 Â± 1,07 dias) para as larvas de várzea. Relevante diferenças foram observadas quando comparados os dois cultivos:  as larvas de estuário não chegam a PL em água doce e apresentam redução da produtividade na salinidade 5 ppt (43,2 Â± 7,8 PL/L) enquanto que as larvas de várzea atingem normalmente pós-larvas em água doce podendo ser cultivadas em salinidade 5ppt sem perda de produtividade, reduzindo assim os custos do manejo.
Trypanorhyncha cestodes parasites of guaivira important in seafood hygiene
Authors: ZUCHINALLI Juliana Calil , BARROS Luciano Antunes , FELIZARDO Nilza Nunes , CALIXTO Flavia Aline Andrade , SÃO-CLEMENTE Sérgio Carmona de
Published: October 2016

Fish belonging to Oligoplites genus are found along the Americas' Atlantic coast. Cestodes belonging to the Trypanorhyncha order, although not possessing zoonotic character, can provide repulsive aspect to seafood; studies have shown that these cestodes may lead antibody responses when ingested. This study aimed to search cestodes belonging to the Trypanorhyncha order with importance in fish inspection, infesting the commercial fish named "guaivira", which comprises three species: Oligoplites saurus; O. palometa; O. saliens; they were marketed in the cities of Niterói (Rio de Janeiro State) and Ubatuba (São Paulo State), Brazil. Necropsies were performed in 56 specimens of this fish and parasitesââ‚¬â„¢ larvae were collected. Among the studied fish, 19 (33.9%) fish were infested by cestodes larvae belonging to the Trypanorhyncha order. In total, 47 plerocerci belonging to the Pterobothrium crassicolle species were collected, having the mesentery and serosa of the intestine as infection sites. This is the first record of Pterobothrium crassicolle infesting O. saurus. It was concluded that the Oligoplites saurus is an intermediate host of Pterobothrium crassicolle.
Aspectos da reprodução e primeiro registro de distocia em raia-ticonha (Rhinoptera bonasus)
Authors: CAVALCANTE Daniela Gurgel , GALLO Hugo , SOUSA Otavio Mesquita de , AZEVEDO Venâncio Guedes de , SANCHES Eduardo Gomes
Published: October 2016

O registro de processos reprodutivos de elasmobrí­¢nquios são raros e pouco documentados em aquários destinados í­Â  visitação pública. O presente trabalho registra o primeiro caso de distocia em raia-ticonha (Rhinoptera bonasus), (Mitchill, 1815). O exemplar, mantido em cativeiro por 16 anos, apresentou uma gestação de 14 meses. Não houve ocorrência do parto natural, sendo necessária a intervenção humana através de manobras obstétricas para a retirada do feto. Os procedimentos descritos podem ser utilizados como referência em outros casos de distocia com esta espécie.
Uso do sal comum (NaCl) e densidade de estocagem durante a larvicultura de Betta splendens.
Authors: DIAS Joel Artur Rodrigues , ABE Higo Andrade , SOUSA Natalino Costa , RAMOS Fabricio Menezes , CORDEIRO Carlos Alberto Martins , FUJIMOTO Rodrigo Yudi
Published: October 2016

Este trabalho avaliou o desempenho produtivo e a sobrevivência de larvas de Betta splenden ssubmetidas a diferentes concentrações de sal comum (NaCl:0, 2, 4, 6 e 8 g L-1), e densidades de estocagem (1, 5, 10 e 15 larvas L-1). Para tanto foi utilizado delineamento inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 5X4 com três repetições. Ao final do experimento foram avaliados o peso, comprimento, uniformidade, taxa de crescimento especí­­fico e sobrevivência. A salinização da água com 2 g L-1 permitiu maiores valores de comprimento total í­Â s larvas criadas nas densidades elevadas de 10 e 15 larvas L-1. Em relação aos demais parí­¢metros avaliados, não houve interações entre a adição de sal e a densidade de estocagem. Independentemente da adição de sal, o melhor desenvolvimento ocorreu em densidades de até 5 larvas L-1.  Assim, recomenda-se densidade de estocagem de 5g L-1em água salinizada (2 g L-1) para a larvicultura de Betta splendens.
Óleos essenciais de Ocimum basilicum e Cymbopogon flexuosus na sedação, anestesia e recuperação de tambacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus macho x Colossoma macropomum fêmea)
Authors: LIMMA-NETTO José Dantas , SENA Artur Cedraz , COPATTI Carlos Eduardo
Published: October 2016

Objetivou-se verificar os óleos essenciais de manjericão (Ocimum basilicum) (OEOB) e capim limão (Cymbopogon flexuosus) (OECF) para a sedação, anestesia e recuperação de juvenis de tambacu. Foram utilizados oito exemplares para cada concentração: 0, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200 e 300 uL L-1. Os tempos de sedação foram inferiores a 30 segundos em todas as concentrações, e 10 ou 25 uL L-1 são recomendados para a sedação por ambos os óleos essenciais por serem as doses mais econômicas. Os melhores tempos de anestesia e recuperação anestésica ocorreram na concentração de 300 uL L-1: 113,90 e 152,12 e 194,88 e  116,25 segundos para os OEOB e OECF, respectivamente. Dessa forma, é recomendado o uso de OEOB e OECF para sedação e anestesia de tambacu nas concentrações de 10-25 e 300 ÂµL L-1, respectivamente.
Nonlinear waves in a simple model of high-grade glioma
Authors: Álvarez-Arenas Arturo , Belmonte-Beitia Juan , Calvo Gabriel F.
Published: October 2016

We present an analysis of a mathematical model describing the key features of the most frequent and aggressive type of primary brain tumor: glioblastoma. The model captures the salient physiopathological characteristics of this type of tumor: invasion of the normal brain tissue, cell proliferation and the formation of a necrotic core. Our study, based on phase space analysis, geometric perturbation theory, exact solutions and numerical simulations, proves the existence of bright solitary waves in the tumor coupled with kink and anti-kink fronts for the normal tissue and the necrotic core. Finally, we study the linear stability of the solutions to calculate the time of tumor recurrence.
Applied mathematics and nonlinear sciences in the war on cancer
Authors: Pérez-García Víctor M. , Fitzpatrick Susan , Pérez-Romasanta Luis A. , Pesic Milica , Schucht Philippe , Arana Estanislao , Sánchez-Gómez Pilar
Published: October 2016

Applied mathematics and nonlinear sciences have an enormous potential for application in cancer. Mathematical models can be used to raise novel hypotheses to test, develop optimized treatment schedules and personalize therapies. However. this potential is yet to be proven in real-world applications to specific cancer types. In this paper we discuss how we think mathematical knowledge may be better used to improve cancer patients’ outcome.
English Spread as 'Structural Violence'
Authors: Birkby Stuart J.
Published: October 2016

The author proposes new terminology to describe the spread and domination of English-language use throughout the late 20th and early 21st century. Through a review of the pertinent literature, he suggests that the term, “linguistic imperialism,” first coined by Phillipson in 1992, is inaccurate in that it suggests the domination of English, and the subsequent extinction of other languages, is directed by some agent with shadowy ulterior motives.  Instead, the term “structural violence,” taken from the writings of John Galtung, the founder of the field of peace and conflict studies, is more appropriate. This terminology suggests that English dominance is an imposition because of the role it has assumed as a global lingua franca the related societal structures that have developed to adapt to its worldwide spread and use.
Comparison of different threshold level methods for drought propagation analysis in Germany
Authors: Heudorfer B. , Stahl K.
Published: October 2016

The Threshold Level Method is an approach that enables comparability across all hydrological levels. This advantage is used especially in studies on drought propagation. There are different calculation procedures for this method. The effect that the choice of a variable versus a constant threshold level method has on drought characteristics and drought propagation patterns has not been fully explored yet. Also, most drought propagation studies have analyzed modelled data, suggesting that applicability to observations be tested. We tested the Constant and the Variable Threshold Level Method for the 10th, 20th and 30th percentile on observed precipitation, streamflow, and groundwater data from Germany, and compared drought characteristics and drought propagation patterns by means of statistical analysis and synoptic assessment. The characteristic effects of choosing a variable versus a constant threshold are: (1) a substantial increase in short droughts, (2) a moderate decrease in intermediate droughts and (3) a minor increase in long droughts. Furthermore, in slow-reacting lowland catchments, theoretical propagation characteristics could mostly be confirmed. In faster-reacting upland catchments, this was not always the case and considerable differences arose. Sources of ambiguity were predominantly groundwater in lowlands and streamflow in the mountainous catchments. In conclusion, there is potential of diverging inference from the same data, depending on the chosen methodology.
Assessment of different methods for estimation of missing data in precipitation studies
Authors: Sattari Mohammad-Taghi , Rezazadeh-Joudi Ali , Kusiak Andrew
Published: October 2016

The outcome of data analysis depends on the quality and completeness of data. This paper considers various techniques for filling in missing precipitation data. To assess suitability of the different methods for filling in missing data, monthly precipitation data collected at six different stations was considered. The complete sets (with no missing values) are used to predict monthly precipitation. The arithmetic averaging method, the multiple linear regression method, and the non-linear iterative partial least squares algorithm perform best. The multiple regression method provided a successful estimation of the missing precipitation data, which is supported by the results published in the literature. The multiple imputation method produced the most accurate results for precipitation data from five dependent stations. The decision-tree algorithm is explicit, and therefore it is used when insights into the decision making are needed. Comprehensive error analysis is presented.
Modelling particle growth of calcium carbonate in a pilot-scale pellet fluidized bed reactor
Authors: Hu Rui-zhu , Huang Ting-lin , Wen Gang , Yang Shang-ye
Published: October 2016

Pellet fluidized bed reactors have been widely used to soften water. Reports from laboratory-scale research on the particle growth kinetics of calcium carbonate in pellet reactors have been put forward. However, the reports have not been comprehensive as they only consider the influence of supersaturation on the calcium carbonate growth process. The influence of three factors, namely, the superficial velocity (SV), particle size (L0), and supersaturation (S) on the particle growth rate of calcium carbonate were investigated in a pilot-scale study, and two models of particle growth rate and fixed bed height growth rate were built. The linear particle growth model G = 3.90 × 10−SV1.93L0−1.56S2.13 at the bottom of the pellet reactor was built based on a pilot-scale study of particle growth kinetics influenced by SV, L0, and S. The growth of the fixed bed height is closely related to the particle growth and also influenced by the three factors. The fixed bed growth model Rh = 5.19 × 10−8SV1.65L0−0.93S2.58 also incorporates SV, L0, and S, and provides a method for calculating the fixed bed height. The two models were built based on the pilot-scale experiment and were different from those previously reported. They are applicable as pellet discharge guides and are used in the management of pellet reactors.
Estimation of combined sewer overflow discharge: a software sensor approach based on local water level measurements
Authors: Ahm Malte , Thorndahl Søren , Nielsen Jesper E. , Rasmussen Michael R.
Published: October 2016

Combined sewer overflow (CSO) structures are constructed to effectively discharge excess water during heavy rainfall, to protect the urban drainage system from hydraulic overload. Consequently, most CSO structures are not constructed according to basic hydraulic principles for ideal measurement weirs. It can, therefore, be a challenge to quantify the discharges from CSOs. Quantification of CSO discharges are important in relation to the increased environmental awareness of the receiving water bodies. Furthermore, CSO discharge quantification is essential for closing the rainfall-runoff mass-balance in combined sewer catchments. A closed mass-balance is an advantage for calibration of all urban drainage models based on mass-balance principles. This study presents three different software sensor concepts based on local water level sensors, which can be used to estimate CSO discharge volumes from hydraulic complex CSO structures. The three concepts were tested and verified under real practical conditions. All three concepts were accurate when compared to electromagnetic flow measurements.
Screening of amino acid constituents from date palm fruits
Authors: Birlangi Lata
Published: October 2016

The date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is one of mankind’s oldest cultivated plants. The fruit of the date palm is an important crop of the hot arid and semi-arid regions of the world. It has always played a genuine economic and social part in the lives of the people of these areas. The present objective in examining the amino acid content of different varieties of date palm fruits from Middle-East region; is to determine whether its protein could effectively supplement the nutritional value and it is also aimed in finding which variety is rich in number of amino acids. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of eight essential amino acids and five non-essential amino acids in the date fruits. Among all the date fruit varieties taken as samples for the study, Dabbas cultivar of United Arab Emirates found to exhibit eight types of amino acids which includes five as non-essential ones. Total of thirteen amino acids were detected in the seven date cultivars. Determination of amino acid can serve as a guide to the possible nutritional value.
TiO2: ZnO nanocomposites in treatment of dental plaques
Authors: Thomas* Anitha , Raj M. Shailaja , Venkataramana Jagirdar
Published: October 2016

Dental caries is a major concern effecting most of the individuals today. Statistics show that 69% of adults aged 35 to 44 years have lost permanent tooth due to accident, gum disease failed root canal or tooth decay. Dental plaque is a general term for the diverse microbial community found on tooth surface, embedded in matrix of polymers of bacteria. Nanoparticles considered being of a size not greater than 100 nm have unique properties to combat infection. Nanocomposite is a matrix to which nanoparticles have been added to improve a particular property of the material. The present study deals with the antimicrobial studies of nanocomposite preparations of Titanium dioxide and Zinc oxide. Titanium dioxide and Zinc oxide nanocomposites are found to be effective in inhibiting the growth of bacteria. The present work is to prepare different proportions of nanocomposites of these oxides and find out if the effectivity is more when compared to using the nanoparticle alone. Some nanocomposite materials have been shown to be 1000 times tougher than the bulk component materials. The study carried out shows that the antimicrobial activity of nanocomposites is more effective than the nanoparticle alone providing best alternative to dental implant surgery.
Analysis of organophosphates in borehole water of Mailinne and Sosianni, Uasin Gishu county, Kenya.
Authors: Chirchir* Emily , Lutta Samuel , Cherutoi Jackson
Published: October 2016

The noxiousness of pesticides as well as their harmful environmental effects have generated interests in the identification and quantification of organophosphate in borehole water. These contaminants can move from agricultural land or poorly managed sewerage systems and get into drinking water by surface runoff or by leaching into groundwater. The study sought to analyze the organophosphates contaminants of borehole water of Maili-nne a residential area and Sosiani an agricultural area. This was through detection of organic contaminants in borehole water; quantification of the detected organochemicals of borehole water of Maili-nne and Sosiani areas. Fifteen boreholes, five at Maili-nne (MB1-MB5) and ten at Sosiani (SB6-SB15) were systematically selected and water sampled during the dry and the wet seasons. Organic contaminants were analysed by detection and quantification of organic pesticides based on retention times by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) in correlation to computed element libraries for quantification. Diazinon was detected in boreholes SB9, SB12 and SB13, with highest level of 2.21 mg/L during the dry season and 1.52 mg/L in the wet season. Fenitrothion was detected in MB1 (0.145 mg/L and 0.191 mg/L) during the dry and the wet season, respectively. Malathion was found in SB6 and SB15 at 0.207 mg/L and 0.940 mg/L, respectively only during the dry season. Chloropyrifos was present in both Mailli-nne and Sosiani areas in borehole number MB1, SB9 and SB13 only during the dry season. Sulfotep was only detected during dry season in water samples obtained from SB9 and SB13. Dimethoate was only detected in Sosiani (SB7) during the wet season. It can therefore be concluded that residues of some organophosphate contaminants were above the WHO standards leading to decrease of water pH during the dry season beyond WHO limits (pH 6.5). The study also established that there was a positive significant correlation between presence of organic contaminants and deviation of physico-chemical properties (p=0.016, rho=0.68) in Maili-nne and Sosiani. In this regard the borehole water in the study areas should be treated and awareness be made on the impacts of pesticides use.
Microbes in forensic medicine: a microbiologist perspective
Authors: Narang* Deepak , Kulshreshtra Reena , Khan Fatima , Sur Jaideep , Singh Amit , Kulkarni Vishal , Desai Veena , Pandey Abhishek
Published: October 2016

Microbial forensics is a naïve branch that involves multi-disciplinary approach to detection, tracing and evidencing the bio crime, with a predominant microbiological approach by studying evidence from inadvertent microorganism or its toxins released in bioterrorism act, biocrime, or for attribution purposes using advanced molecular techniques. Methods for identification and attribution of potential microbial weapons is challenging and forensic microbiological investigations involves crime scene investigation, chain of custody practices, evidence collection, handling and preservation, evidence shipping, analysis of evidence, interpretation of results, and court presentation. This field is emerging as a necessary for civil security rather than optional. In 21st century, pathogens are readily accessible, and technology is making their use as a weapon more feasible. As an preventive measures, it is important to strengthen microbial forensic capabilities. The sharing of data collected and validated will greatly improve the practice of microbial forensics. Forensic scientists worldwide should contribute to the field of microbial forensics and enhance its capabilities to aid in bringing perpetrators of these heinous attacks to justice. International and National collaborative approaches can be done by setting up a national and international reference laboratory, transparency of analysis.
Effectiveness of acupressure therapy on menstrual pain perception among adolescent girls with primary dysmenorrhea.
Authors: Christina Esther , Sahu Geeta , Saha Piyali , Sharma Poonam , Bano Sajda , Gaur Bharat Singh , Malviya* Rukmanee
Published: October 2016

Acupressure is one of the most popular alternative modality which is been practiced worldwide presently. Activating “The Acupoint Sp6 or San Yin Jiao or Spleen 6” point by pressing and releasing every day as a preventive measure for reducing the problems like pre-menstrual syndrome, dysmenorrhea, irregular menstruation. The present study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of acupressure therapy on menstrual pain perception among adolescent girls with primary dysmenorrhea in Peoples College of Nursing, Bhanpur, Bhopal, M.P. Totally 60 samples were taken by using Purposive sampling technique. The research design selected for present study was one group pre-test post-test design. Result- The pre-test pain score mean was 6.18 and post-test pain score mean was 1.88. The calculated value of ‘t’ was 7.41 which was very much higher than the tabulated ‘p’ value <0.005 at 5 % level of significance. This shows that there was very high significant difference between the pain score of pre- test and post-test. There is a no significant association found between the pain score with selected socio demographic variable.
The effect of co-inoculation of pea plants with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and rhizobium on the nodulation, growth and productivity.
Authors: P. Shinde B. , Thakur* Jaya
Published: October 2016

Soil microorganisms can be used to decrease the input of fertilizers, pesticides and other chemicals. Among soil microorganisms, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and Rhizobium spp. can promote plant growth. Integration of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus with Rhizobium spp. thus appears to be a promising approach for sustainable agriculture. The study evaluated the response of pea (Pisum sativum) to AMF species Glomus fasciculatum and Glomus intraradix and Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viceae, regarding the growth, nodulation and yield. Pea plants were grown in pots until the flowering stage (35 days). Five replicates of control, with Rhizobium and mycorrhiza alone and the dual inoculation of Rhizobium and AMF were maintained during present studies. The obtained results demonstrated that the dual inoculation of pea plants significantly increased the plant growth, nodule biomass and nodule number in comparison with single inoculation with AMF and Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viceae.
Whiplash Continues Its Challenge
Authors: Jull Gwendolen
Published: October 2016

There have been many advances in the management of neck pain disorders, but a personal frustration as a clinician and researcher in the field is that the incidence of full recovery following a whiplash injury as a result of a motor vehicle crash has not increased and, subsequently, the rate of transition to chronic neck pain has not lessened. The commentaries in this special issue reflect the multifaceted nature of whiplash-associated disorders and the wide-ranging research in the field. While management of whiplash, especially the challenge of lessening the rate of transition to chronicity, has yet to be achieved, the picture is becoming clearer. This should give great confidence and some hope to individuals with whiplash-associated disorders who have long-term pain and functional disability that after the next decade of research and clinical development, the outcomes following whiplash are likely to be vastly improved.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(10):815–817. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.0112
Preventable Injuries/Fatalities Due to Distracted Driving: A Call for a Coordinated Action
Authors: Bowman Karen , Robertson Robyn D.
Published: October 2016

In the past decade, distracted driving has emerged as one of the most prominent global road safety concerns. The singular and combined efforts of many organizations, such as Drop It And Drive (DIAD) and the Traffic Injury Research Foundation (TIRF), have identified the need for partnerships, shared information, and access to interpretable research findings to guide decision making and to identify effective strategies to reduce, if not eliminate, preventable injuries/fatalities from distracted driving, including whiplash-associated disorders. This editorial describes activities in 5 target areas identified in our environmental scan in Canada: (1) provincial/territorial government strategies, (2) enforcement, (3) data collection and measurement, (4) awareness campaigns, and (5) legislation. We will also reinforce the potential benefits of seeking and establishing meaningful interdisciplinary partnerships to reduce distracted driving across the globe. Finally, this editorial provides an example of how these interdisciplinary partnerships can help reduce preventable, life-altering injuries/deaths caused by distracted driving.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(10):818–821. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.0113
Assessment and Management of Whiplash From the Emergency and Acute Care Setting: Care, Questions, and Future Global Research Needs
Authors: Courtney D. Mark
Published: October 2016

The primary goal of this editorial is to discuss the care patients typically receive in the immediate post-motor vehicle collision setting and the questions patients typically ask with respect to their symptoms and prognosis. Commentary and guidance are provided from the perspective of an acute care physician on what we should be able to tell patients and providers going forward.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(10):822–825. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.0114
Unstable Os Odontoideum
Authors: Riebel Mark , Westrick Richard , Goss Donald
Published: October 2016

A 24-year-old male Marine presented to a direct-access physical therapy clinic with a chief complaint of bilateral hand paresthesia secondary to a parachuting accident when his neck was forced into lateral flexion. Due to the positive neurologic findings and history of trauma, the physical therapist ordered cervical spine imaging. The odontoid was not adequately visualized on radiographs, but computed tomography revealed an os odontoideum.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(10):930. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.0417
Whiplash-Associated Disorders: Occupant Kinematics and Neck Morphology
Authors: Stemper Brian D. , Corner Brian D.
Published: October 2016

Synopsis

Despite considerable research effort, the incidence of whiplash injury during automotive collisions has continued to rise. This is due, at least in part, to a limited recognition of biomechanical injury mechanisms and factors influencing injury risk. While automotive safety modifications reduced injury risk in some cases, impact on the overall whiplash incidence was limited. This is likely attributable to significant occupant-related differences that have a profound impact on injury risk. Many of those differences were outlined in research studies, and examples include female sex and the associated sex-based anthropometrical variation that can affect seating orientation; cervical spinal posture; and anatomical attributes, including cervical column slenderness and neck muscle morphometry. This review highlights these anatomical attributes and explains, based on biomechanical concepts, the method by which these attributes may alter cervical spine response during automotive rear impacts to affect injury risk. The biomechanical explanations are based on existing studies that have incorporated postmortem human subjects, computational models, and anthropomorphic test devices (ie, crash test dummies), as well as medical imaging in human volunteers. These biomechanical explanations may provide improved understanding of injury risk. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(10):834–844. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.6846
Coming to Know More Through and From Writing
Authors: Prain Vaughan , Hand Brian
Published: October 2016

Over the past 20 years, claims about how and why student writing can serve learning have changed markedly. This has been partly due to new technologies displacing writing as a predominant resource for learning, prompting new sense-making practices and shifts in how these changes are theorized. Learners now routinely collaborate to generate, manipulate, analyze, and share images in many subject areas, where multimodal and multimedia resources are expected to motivate learners, enact new learning processes and outcomes, and display this cross-modal learning. These new practices have prompted revisions to how writing is understood and used as a tool for learning in an increasingly multimodal, highly digitized world. In reviewing this literature, we claim that there are strong evidence-based reasons for viewing writing as a central but not sole resource for learning. Our case draws on both past and current research on writing as an epistemological tool. In presenting this case, we draw primarily on our professional background in science education research, acknowledging its distinctive take on the use of writing for learning. However, we think our general case also holds for other disciplinary areas.
School Hopscotch: A Comprehensive Review of K–12 Student Mobility in the United States
Authors: Welsh Richard O.
Published: October 2016

This article provides an integrative review of the extant literature on K–12 student mobility in the United States. Student mobility is a widespread phenomenon with significant policy implications. Changing schools is most prevalent among minority and low-income students in urban school districts. There is an ongoing debate about whether student mobility is helpful or harmful. Earlier research compared movers with nonmovers using cross-sectional data and did not always include controls for the students’ prior achievement and demographic characteristics. Studies in the past decade compared movers with themselves over time using longitudinal data and provided more convincing estimates. Overall, switching schools is associated with a negative impact on students’ educational outcomes; however, transferring to higher quality schools may offset and outweigh the transition costs of moving. Strong causal claims are elusive due to considerable data and methodological challenges and the inability to account for the motivating reasons for changing schools.
Stereotactic robot-assisted MRI-guided laser thermal ablation of radiation necrosis in the posterior cranial fossa: technical note
Authors: Chan Alvin Y. , Tran Diem Kieu T. , Gill Amandip S. , Hsu Frank P. K. , Vadera Sumeet
Published: October 2016

Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat a variety of intracranial lesions. Utilization of robotic assistance with stereotactic procedures has gained attention due to potential for advantages over conventional techniques. The authors report the first case in which robot-assisted MRI-guided LITT was used to treat radiation necrosis in the posterior fossa, specifically within the cerebellar peduncle. The use of a stereotactic robot allowed the surgeon to perform LITT using a trajectory that would be extremely difficult with conventional arc-based techniques.

A 60-year-old man presented with facial weakness and brainstem symptoms consistent with radiation necrosis. He had a history of anaplastic astrocytoma that was treated with CyberKnife radiosurgery 1 year prior to presentation, and he did well for 11 months until his symptoms recurred. The location and form of the lesion precluded excision but made the patient a suitable candidate for LITT. The location and configuration of the lesion required a trajectory for LITT that was too low for arc-based stereotactic navigation, and thus the ROSA robot (Medtech) was used. Using preoperative MRI acquisitions, the lesion in the posterior fossa was targeted. Bone fiducials were used to improve accuracy in registration, and the authors obtained an intraoperative CT image that was then fused with the MR image by the ROSA robot. They placed the laser applicator and then ablated the lesion under real-time MR thermometry. There were no complications, and the patient tolerated the procedure well. Postoperative 2-month MRI showed complete resolution of the lesion, and the patient had some improvement in symptoms.
Thermal injury to corticospinal tracts and postoperative motor deficits after laser interstitial thermal therapy
Authors: Sharma Mayur , Habboub Ghaith , Behbahani Mandana , Silva Danilo , Barnett Gene H. , Mohammadi Alireza M.
Published: October 2016

OBJECTIVE

Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) has been increasingly used to treat deep-seated tumors. Despite its being minimally invasive, there is a risk of LITT damaging adjacent critical structures, including corticospinal tracts (CSTs). In this study, the authors investigated the predictive value of overlap between the hyperthermic field and CSTs in determining postoperative motor deficit (PMDs).

METHODS

More than 140 patients underwent an LITT procedure in our institution between April 2011 and June 2015. Because of the tumor's proximity to critical structures, 80 of them underwent preoperative diffusion tensor imaging and were included in this study. Extent of the hyperthermic field was delineated by the software as thermal-damage-threshold (TDT) lines (yellow [43°C for 2 minutes], blue [43°C for 10 minutes], and white [43°C for 60 minutes]). The maximum volume and the surface area of overlaps between motor fibers and the TDT lines were calculated and compared with the PMDs.

RESULTS

High-grade glioma (n = 46) was the most common indication for LITT. Postoperative motor deficits (partial or complete) were seen in 14 patients (11 with permanent and 3 with temporary PMDs). The median overlap volumes between CSTs with yellow, blue, and white TDT lines in patients with any PMD (temporary or permanent) were 1.15, 0.68, and 0.41 cm3, respectively. The overlap volumes and surface areas revealed significant differences in those with PMDs and those with no deficits (p = 0.0019 and 0.003, 0.012 and 0.0012, and 0.001 and 0.005 for the yellow, blue, and white TDT lines, respectively). The receiver operating characteristic was used to select the optimal cutoff point of the overlapped volumes and areas. Cutoff points for overlap volumes and areas based on optimal sensitivity (92%–100%) and specificity (80%–90%) were 0.103, 0.068, and 0.046 cm3 and 0.15, 0.07, and 0.11 mm2 for the yellow, blue, and white TDT lines, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Even a minimal overlap between the TDT lines and CSTs can cause a PMD after LITT. Precise planning and avoidance of critical structures and important white matter fibers should be considered when treating deep-seated tumors.
Magnetic resonance imaging–guided laser interstitial thermal therapy for previously treated hypothalamic hamartomas
Authors: Burrows Anthony M. , Marsh W. Richard , Worrell Gregory , Woodrum David A. , Pollock Bruce E. , Gorny Krzysztof R. , Felmlee Joel P. , Watson Robert E. , Kaufmann Timothy J. , Goerss Steven , Van Gompel Jamie J.
Published: October 2016

OBJECTIVE

Hypothalamic hamartomas (HHs) are associated with gelastic seizures and the development of medically refractory epilepsy. Magnetic resonance imaging–guided laser interstitial thermal therapy (MRg-LITT) is a minimally invasive ablative treatment that may have applicability for these deep-seated lesions. Here, the authors describe 3 patients with refractory HHs who they treated with MRg-LITT.

METHODS

An institutional review board–approved prospective database of patients undergoing Visualase MRg-LITT was retrospectively reviewed. Demographic and historical medical data, including seizure and medication histories, previous surgeries, procedural details, and surgical complications, along with radiological interpretation of the HHs, were recorded. The primary outcome was seizure freedom, and secondary outcomes included medication reduction, seizure frequency, operative morbidity, and clinical outcome at the latest follow-up.

RESULTS

All 3 patients in the multi-institutional database had developed gelastic seizures related to HH at the ages of 7, 7, and 9 years. They presented for further treatment at 25, 28, and 48 years of age, after previous treatments with stereotactic radiosurgery in all cases and partial hamartoma resection in one case. One ablation was complicated by a small tract hemorrhage, which was stable on postoperative imaging. One patient developed hyponatremia and experienced weight gain, which were respectively managed with fluid restriction and counseling. At the most recent follow-up at a mean of 21 months (range 1–32 months), one patient was seizure free while another had meaningful seizure reduction. Medication was reduced in one case.

CONCLUSIONS

Adults with gelastic seizures despite previous treatments can undergo MRg-LITT with reasonable safety and efficacy. This novel therapy may provide a minimally invasive alternative for primary and recurrent HH as the technique is refined.
Intracerebral laser interstitial thermal therapy followed by tumor resection to minimize cerebral edema
Authors: Pisipati Sindhura , Smith Kyle A. , Shah Kushal , Ebersole Koji , Chamoun Roukoz B. , Camarata Paul J.
Published: October 2016

OBJECTIVE

Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) is used in numerous neurosurgical applications including lesions that are difficult to resect. Its rising popularity can be attributed to its minimally invasive approach, improved accuracy with real-time MRI guidance and thermography, and enhanced control of the laser. One of its drawbacks is the possible development of significant edema, which contributes to extended hospital stays and often necessitates hyperosmolar or steroid therapy. Here, the authors discuss the use of minimally invasive craniotomy to resect tissue ablated with LITT in attempt to minimize cerebral edema.

METHODS

Five patients with glioblastoma multiforme prospectively underwent LITT followed by resection. The LITT was performed with the aid of an MR-compatible skull-mounted frame in the MRI suite. Ablated tumor was then resected via small craniotomy by using the NICO Myriad system or cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator. Postoperative management involved dexamethasone administration slowly tapered over several weeks.

RESULTS

The use of resection following LITT, as compared with open resection or LITT alone, did not extend the hospital stay except in 1 patient who required 3-day inpatient management of edema with a trapped ventricle. No new neurological deficits were encountered, although 1 patient developed seizures postoperatively. No increase in infection rates was identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Resection of ablated tumor is a viable option to reduce the incidence of neurological deficits due to edema following LITT. This approach appears to mitigate cerebral edema by increasing available volume for mass effect and reducing the tissue burden that may promote an inflammatory response.
Stereotactic laser ablation for hypothalamic and deep intraventricular lesions
Authors: Buckley Robert T. , Wang Anthony C. , Miller John W. , Novotny Edward J. , Ojemann Jeffrey G.
Published: October 2016

OBJECTIVE

Laser ablation is a novel, minimally invasive procedure that utilizes MRI-guided thermal energy to treat epileptogenic and other brain lesions. In addition to treatment of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy, laser ablation is increasingly being used to target deep or inoperable lesions, including hypothalamic hamartoma (HH), subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA), and exophytic intrinsic hypothalamic/third ventricular tumors. The authors reviewed their early institutional experience with these patients to characterize clinical outcomes in patients undergoing this procedure.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort (n = 12) of patients undergoing laser ablation at a single institution was identified, and clinical and radiographic records were reviewed.

RESULTS

Laser ablation was successfully performed in all patients. No permanent neurological or endocrine complications occurred; 2 (17%) patients developed acute obstructive hydrocephalus or shunt malfunction following treatment. Laser ablation of HH resulted in seizure freedom (Engel Class I) in 67%, with the remaining patients having a clinically significant reduction in seizure frequency of greater than 90% compared with preoperative baseline (Engel Class IIB). Treatment of SEGAs resulted in durable clinical and radiographic tumor control in 2 of 3 cases, with one patient receiving adjuvant everolimus and the other receiving no additional therapy. Palliative ablation of hypothalamic/third ventricular tumors resulted in partial tumor control in 1 of 3 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Early experience suggests that laser ablation is a generally safe, durable, and effective treatment for patients harboring HHs. It also appears effective for local control of SEGAs, especially in combination therapy with everolimus. Its use as a palliative treatment for intrinsic hypothalamic/deep intraventricular tumors was less successful and associated with a higher risk of serious complications. Additional experience and long-term follow-up will be beneficial in further characterizing the effectiveness and risk profile of laser ablation in treating these lesions in comparison with conventional resective surgery or stereotactic radiosurgery.
Percutaneous surgery for treatment of epidural spinal cord compression and spinal instability: technical note
Authors: Tatsui Claudio E. , Belsuzarri Telmo A. B. , Oro Marilou , Rhines Laurence D. , Li Jing , Ghia Amol J. , Amini Behrang , Espinoza Heron , Brown Paul D. , Rao Ganesh
Published: October 2016

OBJECTIVE

An emerging paradigm for treating patients with epidural spinal cord compression (ESCC) caused by metastatic tumors is surgical decompression and stabilization, followed by stereotactic radiosurgery. In the setting of rapid progressive disease, interruption or delay in return to systemic treatment can lead to a negative impact in overall survival. To overcome this limitation, the authors introduce the use of spinal laser interstitial thermotherapy (sLITT) in association with percutaneous spinal stabilization to facilitate a rapid return to oncological treatment.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively reviewed a consecutive series of patients with ESCC and spinal instability who were considered to be poor surgical candidates and instead were treated with sLITT and percutaneous spinal stabilization. Demographic data, Spine Instability Neoplastic Scale score, degree of epidural compression before and after the procedure, length of hospital stay, and time to return to oncological treatment were analyzed.

RESULTS

Eight patients were treated with thermal ablation and percutaneous spinal stabilization. The primary tumors included melanoma (n = 3), lung (n = 3), thyroid (n = 1), and renal cell carcinoma (n = 1). The median Karnofsky Performance Scale score before and after the procedure was 60, and the median hospital stay was 5 days (range 3–18 days). The median Spine Instability Neoplastic Scale score was 13 (range 12–16). The mean modified postoperative ESCC score (2.75 ± 0.37) was significantly lower than the preoperative score (4.5 ± 0.27) (Mann-Whitney test, p = 0.0044). The median time to return to oncological treatment was 5 days (range 3–10 days).

CONCLUSIONS

The authors present the first cohort of sLITT associated with a percutaneous spinal stabilization for the treatment of ESCC and spinal instability. This minimally invasive technique can allow a faster recovery without prejudice of adjuvant systemic treatment, with adequate local control and spinal stabilization.
Laser interstitial thermal therapy followed by minimal-access transsulcal resection for the treatment of large and difficult to access brain tumors
Authors: Wright James , Chugh Jessey , Wright Christina Huang , Alonso Fernando , Hdeib Alia , Gittleman Haley , Barnholtz-Sloan Jill , Sloan Andrew E.
Published: October 2016

OBJECTIVE

Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT), sometimes referred to as “stereotactic laser ablation,” has demonstrated utility in a subset of high-risk surgical patients with difficult to access (DTA) intracranial neoplasms. However, the treatment of tumors larger than 10 cm3 is associated with suboptimal outcomes and morbidity. This may limit the utility of LITT in dealing with precisely those large or deep tumors that are most difficult to treat with conventional approaches. Recently, several groups have reported on minimally invasive transsulcal approaches utilizing tubular retracting systems. However, these approaches have been primarily used for intraventricular or paraventricular lesions, and subtotal resections have been reported for intraparenchymal lesions. Here, the authors describe a combined approach of LITT followed by minimally invasive transsulcal resection for large and DTA tumors.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively reviewed the results of LITT immediately followed by minimally invasive, transsulcal, transportal resection in 10 consecutive patients with unilateral, DTA malignant tumors > 10 cm3. The patients, 5 males and 5 females, had a median age of 65 years. Eight patients had glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), 1 had a previously treated GBM with radiation necrosis, and 1 had a melanoma brain metastasis. The median tumor volume treated was 38.0 cm3.

RESULTS

The median tumor volume treated to the yellow thermal dose threshold (TDT) line was 83% (range 76%–92%), the median tumor volume treated to the blue TDT line was 73% (range 60%–87%), and the median extent of resection was 93% (range 84%–100%). Two patients suffered mild postoperative neurological deficits, one transiently. Four patients have died since this analysis and 6 remain alive. Median progression-free survival was 280 days, and median overall survival was 482 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Laser interstitial thermal therapy followed by minimally invasive transsulcal resection, reported here for the first time, is a novel option for patients with large, DTA, malignant brain neoplasms. There were no unexpected neurological complications in this series, and operative characteristics improved as surgeon experience increased. Further studies are needed to elucidate any differences in survival or quality of life metrics.
Zerumbone inhibits prostate cancer cell viability and induces cell death by non-apoptotic pathway
Authors: Cao Xian-De , Zheng Hui-Min
Published: October 2016

The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of zerumbone on the proliferation, cell cycle arrest and cell death in DU-145 prostate cancer cell lines. The MTT assay revealed that zerumbone (20 µM) reduced proliferation of DU-145 cells to 39.0% at 48 hours. It also increased the proportion of propidium iodide stained cells to 53.4% compared 1.0% in control. However, the population of annexin V-stained cells remained uneffected indicating induction of non-apoptotic cell death by zerumbone. Treatment of DU-145 cells with zerumbone (20 µM) caused 8-fold enhancement in the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS). On the other hand, exposure of the zerumbone treated DU-145 cells to glutathione inhibited the generation of ROS. Fow cytometry using propidium iodide staining revealed that zerumbone treat-ment increased proportion of cells in G1 phase to 71.3% on compared to 34.7% in the control. The results from Western blot analysis revealed a significant increase in the expression of cyclin D1 protein in DU-145 cells on treatment with 20 µM concentration of zerumbone. Thus, zerumbone treatment inhibits prostate cancer cell viability and can be used for its treatment.

 