bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth and Yielding of Onion Under Conservation Tillage
Authors: Kęsik Tadeusz , Błażewicz-woźniak Marzena
Published: August 2009

Growth and Yielding of Onion Under Conservation Tillage

A field experiment with conservation tillage was set up to study the effect of using cover crops: spring rye (Secale cereale) and vetch (Vicia sativa), and various methods of soil preparation prior to sowing: no-tillage, rotary disk ploughing in the spring, and pre-winter disk ploughing, on the growth and yielding of onion cv. Wolska as compared with conventional cultivation methods.

Sprouting of onion plants was best on those plots where spring rye mulch had been mixed with the soil during pre-winter disk ploughing. Mixing the soil with the biomass of vetch by disk ploughing in the spring reduced the extent of sprouting. Growth of onion plants was best following traditional soil cultivation. On those plots, onion plants were the tallest and produced the most leaves. The soil conservation factor employed by taking advantage of the mulching effect of intercrop plants of spring rye and vetch was found to reduce the total and marketable yields of onion in comparison with traditional cultivation. The most beneficial pre-sowing tillage method for onion was traditional tillage consisting in pre-winter ploughing and soil preparation treatments in the spring, without the presence of a mulching crop. Among the soil mulching plants under comparison, a more beneficial effect on onion yields was produced by the spring rye. As far as conservation tillage is concerned, the best effects were obtained following spring tillage in which rye mulch was mixed with the soil by disk ploughing.
The Effect of Plant Mulches on the Nutritive Value of Red Cabbage and Onion
Authors: Franczuk Jolanta , Jabłońska-Ceglarek Romualda , Zaniewicz-Bajkowska Anna , Kosterna Edyta , Rosa Robert
Published: August 2009

The Effect of Plant Mulches on the Nutritive Value of Red Cabbage and Onion

The effect of three methods of soil mulching: autumn or spring ploughing and leaving mulch as a cover crop on the soil surface without incorporation till the end of cabbage growth on the contents of selected nutrients in red cabbage and onion was investigated. The following plants were used as intercropped mulches: phacelia, vetch, serradella and oat. Mulching effects were compared to a non-mulched control as well as a farmyard manure application at the rate of 40 t·ha-1. Nutrient content in both vegetable species depended on weather conditions and varied in study years. Accumulation of dry matter in cabbage was favoured by phacelia and oat mulches, irrespective of the date of ploughing. Non-incorporated oat and autumn-incorporated phacelia increased dry matter content in onion. An increase in the protein content in cabbage was observed when following serradella and vetch mulches. The protein content in onion cultivated in the second year following mulching did not change significantly as a result of the influence of examined factors. Among an the mulches taken into study, serradella and oat increased the content of vitamin C in cabbage. Similarly, autumn- or spring-incorporated oat mulch and non-incorporated serradella mulch increased the content of vitamin C in onion.
The Effect of Nitrogen Fertilization on Yield and Nutritional Value of Onion Grown from Sets for Early Cropping
Authors: Biesiada Anita , Kołota Eugeniusz
Published: August 2009

The Effect of Nitrogen Fertilization on Yield and Nutritional Value of Onion Grown from Sets for Early Cropping

In field experiment conducted in 2005-2007 the effect of a nitrogen source (ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulphate and ENTEC-26) in the amounts of 50, 100, 150, 100+50 kg N·ha-1 in onion (Allium cepa L.) Wolska cv. grown from sets for early cropping were estimated. Results of the experiment showed that ENTEC-26 was equally good source of nitrogen as ammonium nitrate and less efficient than ammonium sulphate. Split application of ammonium sulphate and ammonium nitrate produced higher while of ENTEC-26 similar yield of onion in comparison to a preplant single dose of fertilizer. Onion fertilized with ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulphate had only slightly higher content of vitamin C in bulbs and leaves than that fertilized with ENTEC-26. Plants of onion fertilized with ENTEC-26 contained also slightly higher level of reducing sugars in bulbs than by using the other source of N
The Influence of Selected Agronomic Practices on the Yield and Chemical Composition of Winter Garlic
Authors: Rekowska Ewa , Skupień Katarzyna
Published: August 2009

The Influence of Selected Agronomic Practices on the Yield and Chemical Composition of Winter Garlic

The studies were carried out in 2002-2005 on evaluation of covers application (a perforated film with 100 holes·m-2 and polypropylene non-woven) as well as the influence of different plant density (250, 125, 83 and 63 plants·m-2) on the yield and chemical composition of winter garlic cv. Arkus for bunch-harvest.

Covering the plants with perforated film and polypropylene non-woven increased the marketable yield by 30.7% in comparison to open field cultivation. Moreover, the covers had a favourable effect on the weight and leaf length as well as on plant weight and bulb diameter. The plants grown under covers showed significantly higher dry weight content in bulbs, total sugars in leaves, but simultaneously less amount of L-ascorbic acid. The increase of plant density from 63 to 250 per m2 caused a significant increase of marketable yield. However, the plants grown at the highest density had the lowest weight and their edible parts had the least amount of total sugar and L-ascorbic acid.
Effect of Cultivation Methods and Drip Irrigation on the Yield of Roots and the Quality of Chicons of Witloof Chicory
Authors: Babik Józef , Kaniszewski Stanisław , Dyśko Jacek
Published: August 2009

Effect of Cultivation Methods and Drip Irrigation on the Yield of Roots and the Quality of Chicons of Witloof Chicory

In the years 2005-2007, a study was carried out to investigate the effect of surface and subsurface drip irrigation on the yield of witloof chicory in flatground and ridge cultivation. Irrigation began at a soil water potential of 30-40 kPa. Irrigation was found to have a beneficial effect on the yield and quality of the roots of witloof chicory. The largest increase in yield was obtained in the first year, in which there was a drought during sprouting and scarcity of rainfall during vegetative growth. In flat-ground cultivation, and in the year with insufficient soil humidity in ridge cultivation, surface irrigation was more beneficial in comparison with subsurface irrigation because it created better conditions in terms of moisture levels, particularly for the germinating seeds. In the years with sufficient rainfall during germination and sprouting no significant differences were found in the yield of chicory roots between surface and subsurface irrigation.

Chicory plants were forced hydroponically in water using a standard nutrient solution. The roots obtained from irrigated plots, as well as those from flatground cultivation, produced significantly longer and tighter chicons. Over the three years of the study, internal browning of the stem, which is a physiological disorder lowering the quality of chicons, occurred only in 2005. It might have been caused by high temperatures during sprouting and high moisture deficiency in the soil during vegetative growth. The use of irrigation significantly reduced the incidence of this phenomenon, especially in flat-ground cultivation.
Effect of Nitrogen Fertilization on Yield and Quality of Endive
Authors: Adamczewska-Sowińska Katarzyna , Miłowana Uklańska Cecylia
Published: August 2009

Effect of Nitrogen Fertilization on Yield and Quality of Endive

The aim of the experiments carried out in 2007-2008 was to assess the effect of various nitrogen doses on the growth, yield and nutritional value of two endive cultivars Cigal and Excel. The effects of two types of fertilizers were compared: that of ammonium nitrate with that of the product Entec-26. On the basis of the results obtained, it was shown that endive cv. Excel produced a marketable yield that was on average by 35.5% higher than that of the cultivar Cigal. A significantly higher marketable yield of endive was obtained by fertilizing with a single dose of the fertilizer Entec-26, particularly at the rates of 90 and 135 kg N·ha-1, and also 180 kg N·ha-1. The experiments also revealed a significant effect of the fertilization method and nitrogen application rate on the biological value of the endive cultivars under evaluation. The cultivar Excel was characterized by a higher degree of nitrate accumulation, whereas the cultivar Cigal had a higher vitamin C content, dry weight, and chlorophyll content.
The Effect of Nitrogen Fertilization Methods on Yield and Chemical Composition of Pumpkin (Cucurbita Maxima) Fruits Before and After Storage
Authors: Biesiada Anita , Nawirska Agnieszka , Kucharska Alicja , Sokół-Łętowska Anna
Published: August 2009

The Effect of Nitrogen Fertilization Methods on Yield and Chemical Composition of Pumpkin (Cucurbita Maxima) Fruits Before and After Storage

In field experiment pumpkin of Amazonka and Karowita cvs (Cucurbita maxima) were fertilized at the rate of 200 kg N·ha-1 in the following methods: 1-100 kg N·ha-1 preplant broadcasting + 100 kg N·ha-1 as top dressing in form of 4 foliar sprays, 2-100 kg N·ha-1 preplant band placement on strips of 50 cm wide + 100 kg N·ha-1 as top dressing broadcasted on total area of field, 3- placement of N in rate of 200 kg N·ha-1 as a nests placement 25 cm apart from plant, 4-organic fertilization with composted cattle manure at the rate of 40 t·ha-1 applied in 50 cm wide strips. There were estimated total and marketable yield and chemical composition of fruits before and after 90 days of storage. Broadcasting of nitrogen gave the higher yield of fruit than banded or nested placement of this nutrient. Banded placement of nitrogen affected in the highest vitamin C content as well as higher levels of total and reducing sugars and carotenoids than in other methods of nitrogen placement. Before storage the fruits had higher amounts of soluble solids, dry matter, carotenoids, vitamin C as well as total and reducing sugars than after 90 days of storage.
Latest Maastrichtian foraminiferal assemblages from the Husów region (Skole Nappe, Outer Carpathians, Poland)
Authors: Gasiński M. , Uchman Alfred
Published: August 2009

Latest Maastrichtian foraminiferal assemblages from the Husów region (Skole Nappe, Outer Carpathians, Poland)

The Ropianka Formation (also known as the Inoceramian Beds) in the marginal part of the Skole Nappe (Husów region, the Gaj section) contains abundant, diverse and well preserved assemblages of Maastrichtian planktonic and benthic foraminiferids, assigned to the middle-upper part of the Gansserina gansseri Zone and to the Abathomphalus mayaroensis Zone. The composition of the assemblages indicates fluctuations of organic matter flux to the marginal part of the Skole Basin floor in the studied interval. The studied taxa are typical of the "transitional zone" between the Tethyan and the Boreal domains. The disappearance of planktonic foraminifers in the uppermost part of the section and appearance of some agglutinated taxa (Rzehakina fissistomata; abundant Conglophragmium irregularis and Glomospira charoides) points to a Paleocene age.
Markov Chain analysis of turbiditic facies and flow dynamics (Magura Zone, Outer Western Carpathians, NW Slovakia)
Authors: Staňová Sidónia , Soták Ján , Hudec Norbert
Published: August 2009

Markov Chain analysis of turbiditic facies and flow dynamics (Magura Zone, Outer Western Carpathians, NW Slovakia)

Methods based on the Markov Chains can be easily applied in the evaluation of order in sedimentary sequences. In this contribution Markov Chain analysis was applied to analysis of turbiditic formation of the Outer Western Carpathians in NW Slovakia, although it also has broader utilization in the interpretation of sedimentary sequences from other depositional environments. Non-random facies transitions were determined in the investigated strata and compared to the standard deep-water facies models to provide statistical evidence for the sedimentological interpretation of depositional processes. As a result, six genetic facies types, interpreted in terms of depositional processes, were identified. They comprise deposits of density flows, turbidity flows, suspension fallout as well as units which resulted from syn- or post-depositional deformation.
Anatoliacodium gen. nov. (Halimedaceae, Green algae) from the Ilerdian-Cuisian in the Eskişehir region (Western Central Turkey)
Authors: Erdem Nazire , Radoicic Rajka
Published: August 2009

Anatoliacodiumgen. nov. (Halimedaceae, Green algae) from the Ilerdian-Cuisian in the Eskişehir region (Western Central Turkey)

A new genusAnatoliacodium(Halimedaceae, Green algae) is described from the Ilerdian-Cuisian shallow-water sediments of Eskişehir region, central-western Turkey. These sequences consist of limestones, clayey limestones, sandy limestones and claystones.Anatoliacodiumgen. nov. is characterized by erected calcareous segments with well differentiated inner structure: prevailing with large medulla of more or less densely set parallel filaments and cortical zone of prevailing horizontal to subhorizontal cortical filaments, once branching and without constriction. It is supposed that poorly and rarely preserved noncalcareous structures on the skeleton surface could be reproductive structures. The type species of the new genus isAnatoliacodium xinanmuigen. nov. sp. nov. A further new species is also described:Anatoliacodium mericigen. nov. sp. nov. FinallyGymnocodium nummuliticumPfender, 1966 is emended and transferred to the genusAnatoliacodium.
Age Affects the Attentional Demands of Stair Ambulation: Evidence From a Dual-Task Approach
Authors: Ojha Heidi A. , Kern Rebecca W. , Lin Chien-Ho Janice , Winstein Carolee J.
Published: August 2009

Background: Approximately 75% of all injury-producing falls on steps for people of all ages occur in people 65 years of age and older. Diminished attentional capacity contributes to fall risk in older adults, particularly when task demands are high.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the attentional demands of ascending and descending a set of stairs (stair ambulation) in older adults and younger adults.

Design: This was a nonblinded, prospective, single-site, observational cohort study.

Methods: Ten older (>65 years of age) and 10 younger (21–33 years of age) adults without disabilities were recruited. A dual-task approach was used for 2 task conditions: the first task was standing and responding verbally to an unanticipated auditory tone as quickly as possible (probe task), and the second task was ascending or descending a set of stairs with the same probe task. A 2-factor (group × task) analysis of variance with repeated measures on task (standing and stair ambulation) was performed for voice response time (VRT). Significance for the analysis was set at P<.05.

Results: The group × task interaction was significant for VRT. Post hoc analyses indicated that during stair ambulation, the VRT for older adults was significantly longer than that for younger adults. For the standing task, the VRTs (X̅±SD) were similar for younger (322±65 milliseconds) and older (306±22 milliseconds) participants. For stair ascent and descent, the average VRTs were more than 100 milliseconds longer for older participants (493±113 and 470±127 milliseconds, respectively) than for younger participants (365±56 and 356±67 milliseconds, respectively).

Limitations: Because of the small sample size and generally fit older group, generalization of findings to older people at risk for falls is not recommended until further research is done.

Conclusions: The results demonstrated that although both older and younger adults required similar attentional resources for the standing task, older adults required significantly more resources during stair ambulation. The findings suggested that the dual-task method used here provided a clinically useful measure for detecting important changes in attentional demands in older adults who are healthy.
Step Test Scores Are Related to Measures of Activity and Participation in the First 6 Months After Stroke
Authors: Mercer Vicki Stemmons , Freburger Janet Kues , Chang Shuo-Hsiu , Purser Jama L.
Published: August 2009

Background: The Step Test (ST) is a measure of dynamic standing balance and paretic–lower-extremity motor control in patients with stroke. Little is known about the extent to which impairments assessed by the ST relate to activity and participation during stroke recovery.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine relationships between ST scores and measures of activity and participation during the first 6 months after stroke.

Design: This was a prospective cohort study.

Methods: Thirty-three individuals (18 men, 15 women) with a diagnosis of a single, unilateral stroke participated in the study. Participants were tested one time per month from 1 to 6 months poststroke. The ST was considered an impairment-level measure. Self-selected gait speed and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) Physical Function Index (PFI) were used to assess physical function. Three domains (mobility, basic and instrumental activities of daily living, participation) of the Stroke Impact Scale were used to assess self-reported disability. Regression analyses were conducted to examine the bivariate associations between ST scores and each physical function and disability measure at each time point (1–6 months).

Results: The ST scores were positively associated with both physical function measures. The associations were stronger for self-selected gait speeds (R2=.60–.79) than for the PFI scores (R2=.32–.60). During the first 6 months after stroke, each additional step with the paretic lower extremity on the ST corresponded to a 0.07-m/s to 0.09-m/s increase in gait speed, and each additional step with the nonparetic lower extremity was associated with a 0.07-m/s to 0.08-m/s gait speed increase. The impairment-disability associations were weaker than the impairment-physical function associations.

Limitations: Limitations of the study include a relatively small sample size and lack of examiner blinding with regard to participant characteristics.

Conclusions: Impairments in balance and paretic–lower-extremity motor control, as measured by the ST, relate to physical function and disability during the first 6 months following stroke.
Management of direct carotid-cavernous sinus fistulas with the use of ethylene-vinyl alcohol (Onyx) only: preliminary results
Authors: Zenteno Marco , Santos-Franco Jorge , Rodríguez-Parra Vladimir , Balderrama Jorge , Aburto-Murrieta Yolanda , Vega-Montesinos Susana , Lee Ángel
Published: August 2009

Object

So-called direct carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCFs) are commonly treated by detachable balloons or coils to occlude the shunt while sparing the carotid artery. Liquid embolic agents have been rarely used, and in particular, to the authors' knowledge, the use of Onyx as the sole agent has never been reported in an indexed publication.

Methods

The authors describe a case series of 5 patients with posttraumatic CCF in whom embolization with Onyx was prospectively used as the sole strategy of management.

Results

Complete occlusion was obtained at the end of the procedure in 4 cases, and the lesion in the remaining patient subsequently occluded at the 6-month follow-up evaluation.

Conclusions

As endovascular techniques for treatment of direct CCFs continue to evolve, this novel approach with Onyx as the sole embolic material seems promising in treating these lesions.
Monitoring intracranial pressure in patients with malignant middle cerebral artery infarction: is it useful?
Authors: Poca Maria Antonia , Benejam Bessy , Sahuquillo Juan , Riveiro Marilyn , Frascheri Laura , Merino Maria Angels , Delgado Pilar , Alvarez-Sabin Jose
Published: August 2009

Object

Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring is increasingly used in the treatment of patients with malignant middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarction. However, neurological deterioration may exist independent from intracranial hypertension. This study aimed to present the findings of continuous ICP monitoring in a cohort of patients with malignant MCA infarction and to correlate these findings with clinical and radiological features.

Methods

The authors studied a prospective cohort of 25 patients with malignant MCA infarction consecutively admitted to the neurotrauma intensive care unit of the Vall d'Hebron University Hospital between March 2002 and September 2006. The patients were treated using a combined protocol of initial moderate hypothermia and hemicraniectomy. The latter was performed when patients showed a midline shift (MLS) ≥ 5 mm or ICP > 20 mm Hg. Six patients had an MLS ≥ 5 mm on the first CT scan and underwent surgery without prior ICP monitoring. This study focuses on the subgroup of 19 patients who underwent intraparenchymatous ICP monitoring before surgery.

Results

Intracranial pressure readings were evaluated and correlated with pupillary abnormalities, MLS, and ischemic tissue volume. In 12 of the 19 patients, ICP values were always ≤ 20 mm Hg, despite a mean (± SD) MLS of 6.7 ± 2 mm and a mean ischemic tissue volume of 241.3 ± 83 cm3. In 2 patients with anisocoria, ICP values were also normal.

Conclusions

In patients with a malignant MCA infarction, pupillary abnormalities and severe brainstem compression may be present despite normal ICP values. Therefore, continuous ICP monitoring cannot substitute for close clinical and radiological follow-up in the management of these patients.
Three-dimensional volume-rendering technique in the angiographic follow-up of intracranial aneurysms embolized with coils
Authors: Zhou Bing , Li Ming-Hua , Wang Wu , Xu Hao-Wen , Cheng Yong-De , Wang Jue
Published: August 2009

Object

The authors conducted a study to evaluate the advantages of a 3D volume-rendering technique (VRT) in follow-up digital subtraction (DS) angiography of coil-embolized intracranial aneurysms.

Methods

One hundred nine patients with 121 intracranial aneurysms underwent endovascular coil embolization and at least 1 follow-up DS angiography session at the authors' institution. Two neuroradiologists independently evaluated the conventional 2D DS angiograms, rotational angiograms, and 3D VRT images obtained at the interventional procedures and DS angiography follow-up. If multiple follow-up sessions were performed, the final follow-up was mainly considered. The authors compared the 3 techniques for their ability to detect aneurysm remnants (including aneurysm neck and sac remnants) and parent artery stenosis based on the angiographic follow-up. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used for group comparisons, and the kappa test was used to measure interobserver agreement. Statistical analyses were performed using commercially available software.

Results

There was a high statistical significance among 2D DS angiography, rotational angiography, and 3D VRT results (X2 = 9.9613, p = 0.0069) when detecting an aneurysm remnant. Further comparisons disclosed a statistical significance between 3D VRT and rotational angiography (X2 = 4.9754, p = 0.0257); a high statistical significance between 3D VRT and 2D DS angiography (X2 = 8.9169, p = 0.0028); and no significant difference between rotational angiography and 2D DS angiography (X2 = 0.5648, p = 0.4523). There was no statistical significance among the 3 techniques when detecting parent artery stenosis (X2 = 2.5164, p = 0.2842). One case, in which parent artery stenosis was diagnosed by 2D DS angiography and rotational angiography, was excluded by 3D VRT following observations of multiple views. The kappa test showed good agreement between the 2 observers.

Conclusions

The 3D VRT is more sensitive in detecting aneurysm remnants than 2D DS angiography and rotational angiography and is helpful for identifying parent artery stenosis. The authors recommend this technique for the angiographic follow-up of patients with coil-embolized aneurysms.
Application of a flexible CO2 laser fiber for neurosurgery: laser-tissue interactions
Authors: Ryan Robert W. , Wolf Tamir , Spetzler Robert F. , Coons Stephen W. , Fink Yoel , Preul Mark C.
Published: August 2009

Object

The CO2 laser has an excellent profile for use in neurosurgery. Its high absorption in water results in low thermal spread, sparing adjacent tissue. Use of this laser has been limited to line-of-sight applications because no solid fiber optic cables could transmit its wavelength. Flexible photonic bandgap fiber technology enables delivery of CO2 laser energy through a flexible fiber easily manipulated in a handheld device. The authors examined and compared the first use of this CO2 laser fiber to conventional methods for incising neural tissue.

Methods

Carbon dioxide laser energy was delivered in pulsed or continuous wave settings for different power settings, exposure times, and distances to cortical tissue of 6 anesthetized swine. Effects of CO2 energy on the tissue were compared with bipolar cautery using a standard pial incision technique, and with scalpel incisions without cautery. Tissue was processed for histological analysis (using H & E, silver staining, and glial fibrillary acidic protein immunohistochemistry) and scanning electron microscopy, and lesion measurements were made.

Results

Light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy revealed laser incisions of consistent shape, with central craters surrounded by limited zones of desiccated and edematous tissue. Increased laser power resulted in deeper but not significantly wider incisions. Bipolar cautery lesions showed desiccated and edematous zones but did not incise the pia, and width increased more than depth with higher power. Incisions made without using cautery produced hemorrhage but minimal adjacent tissue damage.

Conclusions

The photonic bandgap fiber CO2 laser produced reliable cortical incisions, adjustable over a range of settings, with minimal adjacent thermal tissue damage. Ease of application under the microscope suggests this laser system has reached true practicality for neurosurgery.
A method for placing Heschl gyrus depth electrodes
Authors: Reddy Chandan G. , Dahdaleh Nader S. , Albert Gregory , Chen Fangxiang , Hansen Daniel , Nourski Kirill , Kawasaki Hiroto , Oya Hiroyuki , Howard Matthew A.
Published: August 2009

A wide range of devices is used to obtain intracranial electrocorticography recordings in patients with medically refractory epilepsy, including subdural strip and grid electrodes and depth electrodes. Penetrating depth electrodes are required to access some brain regions, and 1 target site that presents a particular technical challenge is the first transverse temporal gyrus, or Heschl gyrus (HG). The HG is located within the supratemporal plane and has an oblique orientation relative to the sagittal and coronal planes. Large and small branches of the middle cerebral artery abut the pial surface of the HG and must be avoided when planning the electrode trajectory.

Auditory cortex is located within the HG, and there are functional connections between this dorsal temporal lobe region and medial sites commonly implicated in the pathophysiology of temporal lobe epilepsy. At some surgical centers, depth electrodes are routinely placed within the supratemporal plane, and the HG, in patients who require intracranial electrocorticography monitoring for presumed temporal lobe epilepsy. Information from these recordings is reported to facilitate the identification of seizure patterns in patients with or without auditory auras.

To date, only one implantation method has been reported to be safe and effective for placing HG electrodes in a large series of patients undergoing epilepsy surgery. This well-established approach involves inserting the electrodes from a lateral trajectory while using stereoscopic stereotactic angiography to avoid vascular injury. In this report, the authors describe an alternative method for implantation. They use frameless stereotaxy and an oblique insertion trajectory that does not require angiography and allows for the simultaneous placement of subdural grid arrays. Results in 19 patients demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the method.
Magnetic resonance neurography for the evaluation of peripheral nerve, brachial plexus, and nerve root disorders
Authors: Du Rose , Auguste Kurtis I. , Chin Cynthia T. , Engstrom John W. , Weinstein Philip R.
Published: August 2009

Object

Treatment of spinal and peripheral nerve lesions relies on localization of the pathology by the use of neurological examination, spinal MR imaging and electromyography (EMG)/nerve conduction studies (NCSs). Magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) is a novel imaging technique recently developed for direct imaging of spinal and peripheral nerves. In this study, the authors analyzed the role of MRN in the evaluation of spinal and peripheral nerve lesions.

Methods

Imaging studies, medical records, and EMG/NCS results were analyzed retrospectively in a consecutive series of 191 patients who underwent MRN for spinal and peripheral nerve disorders at the University of California, San Francisco between March 1999 and February 2005. Ninety-one (47.6%) of these patients also underwent EMG/NCS studies.

Results

In those who underwent both MRN and EMG/NCS, MRN provided the same or additional diagnostic information 32 and 45% of patients, respectively. Magnetic resonance neurograms were obtained at a median of 12 months after the onset of symptoms. The utility of MRN correlated with the interval between the onset of symptoms to MRN. Twelve patients underwent repeated MRN for serial evaluation. The decrease in abnormal signal detected on subsequent MRN correlated with time from onset of symptoms and the time interval between MRN, but not with resolution of symptoms. Twenty-one patients underwent MRN postoperatively to assess persistent, recurrent, or new symptoms; of these 3 (14.3%) required a subsequent surgery.

Conclusions

Magnetic resonance neurography is a valuable adjunct to conventional MR imaging and EMG/NCS in the evaluation and localization of nerve root, brachial plexus, and peripheral nerve lesions. The authors found that MRN is indicated in patients: 1) in whom EMG and traditional MR imaging are inconclusive; 2) who present with brachial plexopathy who have previously received radiation therapy to the brachial plexus region; 3) who present with brachial plexopathy and have systemic tumors; and 4) in patients under consideration for surgery for peripheral nerve lesions or after trauma. Magnetic resonance neurography is limited by the size of the nerve trunk imaged and the timing of the study.
Flight instructors’ perceptions of pilot behaviour related to gender
Authors: Vermeulen Leopold P.
Published: August 2009

This study investigated flight instructors’ perceptions with regard to gender-related pilot behaviour. The subjects fell into two sample groups. The first sample consisted of 93 flight instructors and the second sample was a control group of 93 commercial pilots. The Aviation Gender Attitude Questionnaire (AGAQ) was administered to measure the perceptions that both groups held about female pilots’ flying proficiency and safety orientation. Statistical analysis revealed that flight instructors and commercial pilots differed significantly in their perceptions of female pilots’ flying proficiency but that the two groups did not differ in their perceptions of female pilots’ safety orientation.
Routine review of ascites fluid from patients with cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma is a low-yield procedure: An observational study
Authors: Thrall Michael J. , Giampoli Ellen J.
Published: August 2009

Background:

Patients with cirrhosis develop ascites for physiologic reasons that are unrelated to malignant progression. However, physicians performing paracentesis in these patients, often send fluid to the cytology laboratory, sometimes specifically looking for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We have investigated the diagnostic yield of these specimens.

Materials and Methods:

A computerized pathology database search for all ascites fluid cases submitted to the cytology laboratory at a major liver transplant center between November 2004 and April 2008 was performed. Clinical history was obtained for each case. Patients with cirrhosis, with or without HCC, were included in the study. Cytologic diagnoses were compiled and follow-up information was obtained for cases with non-negative findings.

Results:

A total of 167 specimens from 133 patients ranging from 29 to 85 years of age (mean 56 years) were submitted over the said time period. The causes of cirrhosis included: alcohol - 44; Hepatitis C - 30; Hepatitis B - 6; non-alcoholic steatohepatitis - 7; cryptogenic - 18; other single causes - 6; and multifactorial (alcohol and hepatitis viruses) - 22. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was present or strongly suspected in 17 patients and had been previously resected in two others. The status of fifteen patients was post liver transplant, with recurrent liver failure. Human immunodeficiency virus was present in seven patients and eight patients had a history of non hepatic malignancies. Among the specimens, 162 were negative, two had atypical lymphocytes worked up for lymphoma, and three had atypical epithelioid cells; none was positive for HCC. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated a mesothelial origin for the atypical epithelioid cells in two cases; in the third case, the patient died shortly after the specimen was collected, with no radiological evidence of HCC.

Conclusion:

Ascites fluid cytology specimens in patients with cirrhosis, even those known or suspected to have HCC, are almost always negative. Atypical cells seen in such specimens should be treated with skepticism since the likelihood that they represent peritoneal spread of HCC is low..
Fabrication of Microbeads with a Controllable Hollow Interior and Porous Wall Using a Capillary Fluidic Device
Authors: Choi Sung‐Wook , Zhang Yu , Xia Younan
Published: August 2009

Poly(D,L‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) microbeads with a hollow interior and porous wall are prepared using a simple fluidic device fabricated with PVC tubes, glass capillaries, and a needle. Using the fluidic device with three flow channels, uniform water‐in‐oil‐in‐water (W‐O‐W) emulsions with a single inner water droplet can be achieved with controllable dimensions by varying the flow rate of each phase. The resultant W‐O‐W emulsions evolve into PLGA microbeads with a hollow interior and porous wall after the organic solvent in the middle oil phase evaporates. Two approaches are employed for developing a porous structure in the wall: emulsion templating and fast solvent evaporation. For emulsion templating, a homogenized, water‐in‐oil (W/O) emulsion is introduced as the middle phase instead of the pure oil phase. Low‐molecular‐weight fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) and high‐molecular‐weight fluorescein isothiocyanate–dextran conjugate (FITC–DEX) is added to the inner water phase to elucidate both the pore size and their interconnectivity in the wall of the microbeads. From optical fluorescence microscopy and scanning electron microscopy images, it is confirmed that the emulsion‐templated microbeads (W‐W/O‐W) have larger and better interconnected pores than the W‐O‐W microbeads. These microstructured microbeads can potentially be employed for cell encapsulation and tissue engineering, as well as protection of active agents.
Mortality of older construction and craft workers employed at department of energy (DOE) nuclear sites
Authors: Dement John M. , Ringen Knut , Welch Laura S. , Bingham Eula , Quinn Patricia
Published: August 2009

Background

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) established medical screening programs at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation, Oak Ridge Reservation, the Savannah River Site, and the Amchitka site starting in 1996. Workers participating in these programs have been followed to determine their vital status and mortality experience through December 31, 2004.

Methods

A cohort of 8,976 former construction workers from Hanford, Savannah River, Oak Ridge, and Amchitka was followed using the National Death Index through December 31, 2004, to ascertain vital status and causes of death. Cause‐specific standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated based on US death rates.

Results

Six hundred and seventy‐four deaths occurred in this cohort and overall mortality was slightly less than expected (SMR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.86–1.01), indicating a “healthy worker effect.” However, significantly excess mortality was observed for all cancers (SMR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.13–1.45), lung cancer (SMR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.24–1.87), mesothelioma (SMR = 5.93, 95% CI = 2.56–11.68), and asbestosis (SMR = 33.89, 95% CI = 18.03–57.95). Non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma was in excess at Oak Ridge and multiple myeloma was in excess at Hanford. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was significantly elevated among workers at the Savannah River Site (SMR = 1.92, 95% CI = 1.02–3.29).

Conclusions

DOE construction workers at these four sites were found to have significantly excess risk for combined cancer sites included in the Department of Labor' Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program (EEOCIPA). Asbestos‐related cancers were significantly elevated. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:671–682, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Self‐presentation and the value of information in Q&A websites
Authors: Raban Daphne Ruth
Published: August 2009

Prior research has shown that social interaction is important for continuation of question‐and‐answer (Q&A) activity online and that it also leads to monetary rewards. The present research focuses on the link between social interaction and the value of information. Expressions of self‐presentation in the interaction between askers and answerers online are studied as antecedents for answer feedback which represents the value of the answer to the asker. This relationship is examined in a Q&A site, specifically, in Google Answers (GA). The results of content analysis performed on sets of questions and answers show that both explicit and implicit social cues are used by the site's participants; however, only implicit expressions of self‐presentation are related to the provision of social and monetary feedback, ratings, and tips. This finding highlights the importance of implicit cues in textual communication and lends support to the notion of social capital where both monetary and social forms of feedback are the result of interaction online.
Application of immobilized bovine enterokinase in repetitive fusion protein cleavage for the production of mucin 1
Authors: Kubitzki Tina , Minör Daniel , Mackfeld Ursula , Oldiges Marco , Noll Thomas , Lütz Stephan
Published: August 2009

Bovine enterokinase is a serine protease that catalyzes the hydrolysis of peptide bonds and plays a key role in mammalian metabolism. Because of its high specificity towards the amino acid sequence (Asp)4‐Lys, enterokinase is a potential tool for the cleavage of fusion proteins, which are gaining more importance in biopharmaceutical production. A candidate for adaptive cancer immunotherapy is mucin 1, which is produced recombinantly as a fusion protein in CHO cells. Here, we present the first repetitive application of immobilized enterokinase for the cleavage of the mucin fusion protein. The immobilization enables a facile biocatalytic process due to simplified separation of the biocatalyst and the target protein. Immobilized enterokinase was applied in a maximum of 18 repetitive reactions. The enzyme utilization (total turnover number) was increased significantly 419‐fold compared to unbound enzyme by both immobilization and optimization of process conditions. Slight enzyme inactivation throughout the reaction cycles was observed, but was compensated by adjusting the process time accordingly. Thus, complete fusion protein cleavage was achieved. Furthermore, we obtained isolated mucin 1 with a purity of more than 90% by applying a simple and efficient purification process. The presented results demonstrate enterokinase to be an attractive tool for fusion protein cleavage.
Quantification of henatinib maleate, a novel potent inhibitor of VEGF receptors, in rat plasma by LC‐MS/MS
Authors: Gu Ping , Ding Ying , Sun Dezhu , Hang Taijun , Liu Wenying , Ding Li
Published: August 2009

Henatinib maleate (R,Z)‐2‐[(5‐fluoro‐1,2‐dihydro‐2‐oxo‐3H‐indol‐3‐ylidene) methyl]‐5‐(2‐hydroxy‐3‐morpholinopropyl)‐3‐methyl‐5,6,7,8‐tetrahydro‐1H‐pyrrolo[3,2‐c] azepin‐4‐ketone maleate is a potent inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors, and is currently under preclinical evaluation as an anticancer drug. A novel method for the quantification of henatinib maleate in rat plasma using high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry has been developed. The analyte (henatinib maleate) and internal standard (papaverine hydrochloride) were extracted from 50 μL of rat plasma by protein precipitation and separated on a C18 column using a mixture of 25 mm ammonium acetate buffer : methanol : acetonitrile (35 : 50 : 15, v/v/v) as mobile phase with a run time of 4.5 min. The detection was performed by means of triple quadrupole mass spectrometer equipped with an ESI interface operating in the multiple‐reaction monitoring mode. A linear response was observed over the concentration range 5.0–1000 ng/mL. The limit of quantification was 5.0 ng/mL. Both intra‐ and inter‐day precision, defined as relative standard deviation, were within 9.7%. Accuracy, defined as relative error, was within ± 3.1%. The developed method was successfully applied to preclinical pharmacokinetic studies of henatinib maleate in rat after a single oral administration of the drug. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A simple RP‐HPLC method for quantification of columbianadin in rat plasma and its application to pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Zhang You‐Bo , Yang Xiu‐Wei
Published: August 2009

A rapid and sensitive reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatographic (RP‐HPLC) method was developed to investigate pharmacokinetics of columbianadin, one of the main bioactive constituents in the roots of Angelica pubescens f. biserrata, in rat plasma after intravenous administration to rats at two doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg. The method involves a plasma clean‐up step using liquid–liquid extraction by diethyl ether, followed by RP‐HPLC separation and detection. Separation of columbianadin was performed on an analytical Diamonsil™ ODS C18 column, with a mobile phase of MeOH–H2O (85 : 15, v/v) at a flow‐rate of 1.0 mL/min, and UV detection was set at 325 nm. The retention time of columbianadin and scoparone (internal standard) was 6.7 and 3.5 min, respectively. The calibration curve was linear over the range of 0.2–20.0 μg/mL (r2 = 0.9986) in rat plasma. The lower limits of detection and quantification were 0.05 and 0.1 μg/mL, respectively. The extraction recovery from plasma was in the range of 81.61–89.93%. The intra‐ and inter‐day precisions (relative standard deviation) were between 1.01 and 9.33%, with accuracies ranging from 89.76 to 109.22%. The results indicated that the method established was suitable for the determination and pharmacokinetic study of columbianadin in rat plasma. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alteration of the Diastereoselectivity of 3‐Methylaspartate Ammonia Lyase by Using Structure‐Based Mutagenesis
Authors: Raj Hans , Weiner Barbara , Puthan Veetil Vinod , Reis Carlos R. , Quax Wim J. , Janssen Dick B. , Feringa Ben L. , Poelarends Gerrit J.
Published: August 2009

3‐Methylaspartate ammonia‐lyase (MAL) catalyzes the reversible amination of mesaconate to give both (2S,3S)‐3‐methylaspartic acid and (2S,3R)‐3‐methylaspartic acid as products. The deamination mechanism of MAL is likely to involve general base catalysis, in which a catalytic base abstracts the C3 proton of the respective stereoisomer to generate an enolate anion intermediate that is stabilized by coordination to the essential active‐site MgII ion. The crystal structure of MAL in complex with (2S,3S)‐3‐methylaspartic acid suggests that Lys331 is the only candidate in the vicinity that can function as a general base catalyst. The structure of the complex further suggests that two other residues, His194 and Gln329, are responsible for binding the C4 carboxylate group of (2S,3S)‐3‐methylaspartic acid, and hence are likely candidates to assist the MgII ion in stabilizing the enolate anion intermediate. In this study, the importance of Lys331, His194, and Gln329 for the activity and stereoselectivity of MAL was investigated by site‐directed mutagenesis. His194 and Gln329 were replaced with either an alanine or arginine, whereas Lys331 was mutated to a glycine, alanine, glutamine, arginine, or histidine. The properties of the mutant proteins were investigated by circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, kinetic analysis, and 1H NMR spectroscopy. The CD spectra of all mutants were comparable to that of wild‐type MAL, and this indicates that these mutations did not result in any major conformational changes. Kinetic studies demonstrated that the mutations have a profound effect on the values of kcat and kcat/KM; this implicates Lys331, His194 and Gln329 as mechanistically important. The 1H NMR spectra of the amination and deamination reactions catalyzed by the mutant enzymes K331A, H194A, and Q329A showed that these mutants have strongly enhanced diastereoselectivities. In the amination direction, they catalyze the conversion of mesaconate to yield only (2S,3S)‐3‐methylaspartic acid, with no detectable formation of (2S,3R)‐3‐methylaspartic acid. The results are discussed in terms of a mechanism in which Lys331, His194, and Gln329 are involved in positioning the substrate and in formation and stabilization of the enolate anion intermediate.
Results of percutaneous drug‐eluting stent implantation for unprotected left main coronary disease according to left ventricular systolic function
Authors: Bollati Mario , Gerasimou Argyrios , Sillano Dario , Biondi‐Zoccai Giuseppe , Garrone Paolo , Moretti Claudio , Sciuto Filippo , Omedé Pierluigi , Trevi Gian Paolo , Sheiban Imad
Published: August 2009

Objectives: We aimed to appraise the early and long‐term outcome after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug‐eluting stents (DES) in patients with unprotected left main disease (ULM) and left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVD). Background: PCI with DES has being performed with increasing frequency in subjects with ULM and LVD, but few specific data are available. Setting and Patients: We identified patients undergoing PCI with DES for ULM at our Center and distinguished those with ejection fraction (EF) >50% from those with 40% <EF ≤50% and those with EF ≤40%. The primary end‐point was the rate of major adverse cerebro‐cardiovascular events (MACCE, ie death, myocardial infarction [MI], stroke, repeat PCI or bypass surgery). Results: A total of 197 patients were included, 57.4% with EF >50%, 32.0% with 40% <EF ≤50%, and 10.6% with EF ≤40%. In‐hospital mortality was significantly higher in those with EF ≤40% (9.5% vs. 0 and 3.2%, P < 0.001). A total of 96% patients were followed for 23 ± 14 months, yielding a MACCE rate of 44.2% (41.6% in those with EF >50%, 41.6% in those with 40% <EF ≤50%, and 61.9% in those with EF ≤40%, P = 0.4). Specifically, death occurred in 2.7%, 7.9%, and 28.6% (P < 0.001), cardiac death in 1.8%, 4.8%, and 23.8% (P = 0.001), MI in 8.0%, 7.9% and 0 (P = 0.4), and TVR in 15.9%, 11.1% and 33.3% (P = 0.6). Conclusion: Systolic ventricular dysfunction is highly correlated with in‐hospital and long term death rates in patients undergoing PCI with DES for ULM disease. However it does not confer an increased risk of nonfatal adverse events or stent thrombosis. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.