bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reports of metaldehyde and iron phosphate exposures in animals and characterization of suspected iron toxicosis in dogs
Authors: Buhl Kaci J. , Berman Frederick W. , Stone David L.
Published: April 2013

Objective—To describe reports of animals exposed to metaldehyde- and iron phosphate–containing molluscicides and characterize iron phosphate exposure incidents in dogs with clinical signs compatible with iron toxicosis.

Design—2-part retrospective case series.

Sample—1,500 reports of animals exposed to molluscicides containing metaldehyde (n … 1,285) or iron phosphate between 2001 and 2011 (n … 215; part 1) and a subset of 56 reports involving 61 dogs with suspected iron toxicosis (part 2).

Procedures—In part 1, a National Pesticide Information Center database was searched to identify reported exposures to metaldehyde- and iron phosphate–containing molluscicides before, during, and after a regulatory transition affecting metaldehyde product labeling beginning in 2006. Source of the report, number of animals, clinical signs, and deaths were evaluated. In part 2, reports involving potential iron toxicosis in dogs were additionally reviewed for signalment, circumstances of exposure, and product identification.

Results—Reports of metaldehyde exposures decreased each year between 2006 (n … 193) and 2011 (21), whereas reports of iron phosphate exposures increased between 2006 (n … 4) and 2010 (73); changes were not evaluated statistically. Animals had no clinical signs at the time of the call in 130 of 215 (60%) and 675 of 1,285 (53%) reports of iron phosphate and metaldehyde exposure, respectively. In dogs, 35 deaths were associated with metaldehyde exposure and no deaths were associated with iron phosphate exposure.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Veterinary professionals should be aware of the potential for iron toxicosis following exposure to iron phosphate–containing molluscicides.
Clinical manifestations, response to treatment, and clinical outcome for Weimaraners with hypertrophic osteodystrophy: 53 cases (2009–2011)
Authors: Safra Noa , Johnson Eric G. , Lit Lisa , Foreman Oded , Wolf Zena T. , Aguilar Miriam , Karmi Nili , Finno Carrie J. , Bannasch Danika L.
Published: April 2013

Objective—To evaluate clinical manifestations, response to treatment, and outcome for Weimaraners with hypertrophic osteodystrophy (HOD).

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—53 dogs.

Procedures—Medical records were reviewed for signalment, vaccination history, clinical signs, laboratory test results, response to treatment, and relapses. Radiographs were reviewed.

Results—Clinical signs included pyrexia, lethargy, and ostealgia; signs involving the gastrointestinal, ocular, or cutaneous systems were detected. Of the 53 dogs, 28 (52.8%) had HOD-affected littermates. Dogs with HOD-affected littermates were more likely to relapse, compared with the likelihood of relapse for dogs with no HOD-affected littermates. All 53 dogs had been vaccinated 1 to 30 days before HOD onset; no difference was found between the number of dogs with a history of vaccination with a recombinant vaccine (n … 21) versus a nonrecombinant vaccine (32). Fifty (94.3%) dogs had radiographic lesions compatible with HOD at disease onset, and the other 3 (5.7%) had HOD lesions 48 to 72 hours after the onset of clinical signs. Twelve of 22 (54.5%) dogs treated with NSAIDs did not achieve remission by 7 days after initiation of treatment. All dogs treated initially with corticosteroids achieved remission within 8 to 48 hours. Of the 33 dogs that reached adulthood, 28 (84.8%) were healthy and 5 (15.2%) had episodes of pyrexia and malaise.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Treatment with corticosteroids was superior to treatment with NSAIDs in Weimaraners with HOD. It may be necessary to evaluate repeated radiographs to establish a diagnosis of HOD. Most HOD-affected Weimaraners had resolution of the condition with physeal closure.
Management practices associated with the rate of respiratory tract disease among preweaned beef calves in cow-calf operations in the United States
Authors: Hanzlicek Gregg A. , Renter David R. , White Brad J. , Wagner Bruce A. , Dargatz David A. , Sanderson Michael W. , Scott H. Morgan , Larson Robert E.
Published: April 2013

Objective—To assess associations between herd management practices and herd-level rates of bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC) in preweaned beef calves in US cow-calf operations.

Design—Cross-sectional survey.

Sample—443 herds weighted to represent the US cow-calf population.

Procedures—Producers from 24 states were selected to participate in a 2-phase survey; 443 producers completed both survey phases and had calves born alive during the study period. Data from those respondents underwent multivariable negative binomial regression analyses.

Results—Bred heifer importation was associated with lower BRDC rates (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 0.40; confidence interval [CI], 0.19 to 0.82), whereas weaned steer importation was associated with higher BRDC rates (IRR, 2.62; CI, 1.15 to 5.97). Compared with single-breed herds, operations with calves of 2-breed crosses (IRR, 2.36; CI, 1.30 to 4.29) or 3-breed crosses (IRR, 4.00; CI, 1.93 to 8.31) or composite-herd calves (IRR, 2.27; CI, 1.00 to 5.16) had higher BRDC rates. Operations classified as supplemental sources of income had lower BRDC rates (IRR, 0.48; CI, 0.26 to 0.87) than did operations classified as primary sources of income. Reported feed supplementation with antimicrobials was positively associated with BRDC rates (IRR, 3.46; CI, 1.39 to 8.60). The reported number of visits by outsiders in an average month also was significantly associated with herd-level BRDC rates, but the magnitude and direction of the effects varied.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Management practices associated with preweaning BRDC rates may be potential indicators or predictors of preweaning BRDC rates in cow-calf production systems.
Ab initio studies of two pyrimidine derivatives as possible photo-switch systems
Authors: Csehi András , Woywod Clemens , Halász Gábor , Vibók Ágnes
Published: April 2013

The six lowest lying electronic singlet states of 8-(pyrimidine-2-yl)quinolin-ol and 2-(4-nitropyrimidine-2-yl)ethenol have been studied theoretically using the complete active space self-consistent-field (CASSCF) and M’ller-Plesset second-order perturbation theory (MP2) methods. Both molecules can be viewed as consisting of a frame and a crane component. As a possible mechanism for the excited-state relaxation process an intramolecular hydrogen transfer promoted by twisting around the covalent bond connecting the molecular frame and crane moieties has been considered. Based on this idea we have attempted to derive abstracted photochemical pathways for both systems. Geometry optimizations for the construction of hypothetical reaction coordinates have been performed at the MP2 level of theory while the CASSCF approach has been employed for the calculation of vertical excitation energies along the pathways. The results of the calculations along the specific twisting displacements investigated in this study do not support the notion of substantial twisting activity upon excitation of any of the five excited states at the planar terminal structures of the torsion coordinates of both molecules. However, the present analysis should be considered only as a first, preliminary step towards an understanding of the photochemistry of the two candidate compounds. For example, we have not performed any excited state geometry optimizations so far and the estimates of vertical excitation energies do not take dynamical electron correlation into account. Further work on this subject is in progress.
A kinetic Monte Carlo study for stripe-like magnetic domains in ferrimagnetic thin films
Authors: Tyukodi Botond , Chioar Ioan-Augustin , Néda Zoltán
Published: April 2013

The topology and dynamics of stripe-like magnetic domains obtained in a ferrimagnetic garnet subjected to a time-dependent external magnetic field is studied experimentally and theoretically. Experiments are performed on a commercially available magnetic bubble apparatus, allowing the observation of the time-evolution of the magnetic domain structure. The system is modeled by a meso-scale Ising-type lattice model. Exchange and dipolar interactions between the spins, and interaction of the spins with the external magnetic field are considered. The model is investigated by kinetic Monte Carlo simulations with time-varying transition rates. In the limit of low temperatures the elaborated model leads to a magnetic domain topology and dynamics that is similar to the ones observed in the experiments. In the highly non-equilibrium limit with a high driving frequency the model reproduces the experimentally recorded hysteresis loops as well.
Risk factors in patients with herpes zoster infections: case-control study
Authors: Pezer Maja , Vidić Vjeran , Nikolić Jadranka , Curić Ivo , Arapović Jurica
Published: April 2013

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of chronic disease and the risk factors for herpes zoster infection. In this case-control study medical records were collected from 55 patients who presented with herpes zoster and 54 patients in a control group who presented with gastroenterocolitis. Both groups were treated at the Clinic for Infectious Diseases, University Clinical Hospital Mostar from January, 2005 to December, 2010. When we compared the herpes zoster group with the control group, we did not demonstrate any significant difference in the overall prevalence of chronic diseases. However, the prevalence of diabetes and cancer was statistically higher when compared to the control group. A statistically significant difference in the number of cigarette smokers was not observed, whereas the number who consumed alcohol in the herpes zoster group was significantly higher compared to the control group. The correlation between alcohol and herpes zoster could help in solving the reactivation mechanism of VZV.
Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma with prominent cutaneous manifestation — case report
Authors: Stefanko Ewa , Wróbel Tomasz
Published: April 2013

Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (IVLBCL) is a rare subtype of extranodal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) characterized by selective growth of neoplastic cells within the vascular lumen. IVLBCL involves all types of organs and mostly is associated with poor prognosis, but patients with cutaneous variant have significantly better survival. In this article we report a case of 80-year-old woman with prominent cutaneous manifestation of intravascular large B-cell lymphoma.
Borreliosis presenting as autonomic nervous dysfunction, phrenic nerve palsy with respiratory failure and myocardial dysfunction — a case report
Authors: Petrun Andreja , Sinkovič Andreja
Published: April 2013

Unrecognized and untreated Borrelia infection can progress from localized inflammation (erythema migrans) to early or late generalized stage within weeks to months. Meningoradiculitis, arthritis, multiple erythemas, myositis, and myocarditis of the early generalized stage have a good prognosis after antibiotic treatment, but late manifestations can progress to chronic disease. Phrenic nerve palsy, autonomic nervous system dysfunction and carditis with acute heart failure are among rare manifestations as well as late generalised stage with myelitis. We present a case of a patient with meningoradiculitis, autonomic nervous dysfunction, respiratory failure due to phrenic nerve palsy and acute heart failure with systolic myocardial dysfunction. The diagnosis of Borrelia infection was confirmed by positive serological testing, appropriate response to antibiotic therapy and exclusion of other diseases. Our case suggests that in unexplained respiratory failure and acute systolic myocardial dysfunction, particularly associated with signs of meningoradiculitis, Borrelia infection should be included in the differential diagnosis.
Impact of melatonin on immunity: a review
Authors: Pohanka Miroslav
Published: April 2013

Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland. In addition to its hormonal effect, it has strong antioxidant properties. Melatonin is probably best known for its ability to control circadian rhythm; it is sold in many countries as a supplement or drug for improving of sleep quality. However, melatonin’s effect is not limited to control of circadian rhythm:. it is involved in other effects, including cell cycle control and regulation of several important enzymes, including inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase. Melatonin affects immunity as well. It can modulate the immune response on disparate levels with a significant effect on inflammation. The role of melatonin in body regulatory process is not well understood; only limited conclusions can be drawn from known data. The current review attempts to summarize both basic facts about melatonin’s effects and propose research on the lesser known issues in the future.
Adaptive Exploration through Covariance Matrix Adaptation Enables Developmental Motor Learning
Authors: Stulp Freek , Oudeyer Pierre-Yves
Published: April 2013

The “Policy Improvement with Path Integrals” (PI2) [25] and “Covariance Matrix Adaptation - Evolutionary Strategy” [8] are considered to be state-of-the-art in direct reinforcement learning and stochastic optimization respectively. We have recently shown that incorporating covariance matrix adaptation into PI2 – which yields the PICMA
2 algorithm – enables adaptive exploration by continually and autonomously reconsidering the exploration/exploitation trade-off. In this article, we provide an overview of our recent work on covariance matrix adaptation for direct reinforcement learning [22–24], highlight its relevance to developmental robotics, and conduct further experiments to analyze the results. We investigate two complementary phenomena from developmental robotics. First, we demonstrate PICMA
2’s ability to adapt to slowly or abruptly changing tasks due to its continual and adaptive exploration. This is an important component of life-long skill learning in dynamic environments. Second, we show on a reaching task PICMA
2 how subsequently releases degrees of freedom from proximal to more distal limbs as learning progresses. A similar effect is observed in human development, where it is known as ‘proximodistal maturation’.
A Synchrony-Based Perspective for Partner Selection and Attentional Mechanism in Human-Robot Interaction
Authors: Hasnain Syed Khursheed , Mostafaoui Ghiles , Gaussier Philippe
Published: April 2013

Future robots must co-exist and directly interact with human beings. Designing these agents imply solving hard problems linked to human-robot interaction tasks. For instance, how a robot can choose an interacting partner among various agents and how a robot locates regions of interest in its visual field. Studies of neurobiology and psychology collectively named synchrony as an indispensable parameter for social interaction. We assumed that Human-Robot interaction could be initiated by synchrony detection. In this paper, we present a developmental approach for analyzing unintentional synchronization in human-robot interaction. Using our neural network model, the robot learns from a babbling step its inner dynamics by associating its own motor activities (oscillators) with the visual stimulus induced by its own motion. After learning the robot is capable of choosing an interacting agent and of localizing the spatial position of its preferred partner by synchrony detection.
Cognitive-Behavioral–Based Physical Therapy to Improve Surgical Spine Outcomes: A Case Series
Authors: Archer Kristin R. , Motzny Nicole , Abraham Christine M. , Yaffe Donna , Seebach Caryn L. , Devin Clinton J. , Spengler Dan M. , McGirt Matthew J. , Aaronson Oran S. , Cheng Joseph S. , Wegener Stephen T.
Published: April 2013

Background and Purpose

Fear of movement is a risk factor for poor postoperative outcomes in patients following spine surgery. The purposes of this case series were: (1) to describe the effects of a cognitive-behavioral–based physical therapy (CBPT) intervention in patients with high fear of movement following lumbar spine surgery and (2) to assess the feasibility of physical therapists delivering cognitive-behavioral techniques over the telephone.

Case Description

Eight patients who underwent surgery for a lumbar degenerative condition completed the 6-session CBPT intervention. The intervention included empirically supported behavioral self-management, problem solving, and cognitive restructuring and relaxation strategies and was conducted in person and then weekly over the phone. Patient-reported outcomes of pain and disability were assessed at baseline (6 weeks after surgery), postintervention (3 months after surgery), and at follow-up (6 months after surgery). Performance-based outcomes were tested at baseline and postintervention. The outcome measures were the Brief Pain Inventory, Oswestry Disability Index, 5-Chair Stand Test, and 10-Meter Walk Test.

Outcomes

Seven of the patients demonstrated a clinically significant reduction in pain, and all 8 of the patients had a clinically significant reduction in disability at 6-month follow-up. Improvement on the performance-based tests also was noted postintervention, with 5 patients demonstrating clinically meaningful change on the 10-Meter Walk Test.

Discussion

The findings suggest that physical therapists can feasibly implement cognitive-behavioral skills over the telephone and may positively affect outcomes after spine surgery. However, a randomized clinical trial is needed to confirm the results of this case series and the efficacy of the CBPT intervention. Clinical implications include broadening the availability of well-accepted cognitive-behavioral strategies by expanding implementation to physical therapists and through a telephone delivery model.
Incidence and Factors Associated With Falls in Independent Ambulatory Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury: A 6-Month Prospective Study
Authors: Phonthee Sirisuda , Saengsuwan Jiamjit , Siritaratiwat Wantana , Amatachaya Sugalya
Published: April 2013

Background

Sensorimotor impairments following spinal cord injury (SCI) affect mobility and subsequently increase the risk of falls to patients. However, most of the fall data for these patients were retrospectively gathered.

Objectives

This study prospectively assessed falls and intrinsic factors associated with falls in 89 independent ambulatory individuals with SCI over the course of 6 months. In addition, functional ability between participants who did and did not fall was compared.

Methods

Participants were interviewed and assessed for their baseline data and functional ability using the Timed “Up & Go” Test and the Six-Minute Walk Test. Then they were interviewed by telephone to complete a self-report questionnaire once per week to gather fall data for 6 months. A stepwise multiple logistic regression was utilized to determine the effects of demographics and SCI characteristics on occurrence of falls. The functional data between participants who fell and those who did not fall were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test.

Results

Thirty-five participants (39%) experienced at least 1 fall during 6 months (range=1–11). Two participants required medical attention due to patellar and sternum fractures after falling. Participants with an educational level of high school graduate or greater, an American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale C (AIS-C) classification, and a fear of falling (FOF) significantly increased their risk of falls approximately 4 times more than those who graduated primary education, had an AIS-D classification, and did not have FOF. Moreover, the functional abilities of participants who fell were significantly poorer than those who did not fall.

Limitations

The sample size was calculated based on the primary objective (incidence of falls), which may not be sufficient to clearly indicate factors associated with falls for the participants.

Conclusions

More than one third of the independent ambulatory participants with SCI experienced at least 1 fall during the 6-month period of the study. The findings suggest the importance of functional improvement on the reduction of fall risk in these individuals.
Seniority Provisions in Collective Bargaining Agreements and the “Teacher Quality Gap”
Authors: Cohen-Vogel Lora , Feng Li , Osborne-Lampkin La’Tara
Published: April 2013

For at least two decades, studies have demonstrated that the least experienced and credentialed teachers are concentrated in poor, minority, and low-performing schools. Some blame provisions in collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) between teachers unions and school districts that favor senior teachers. Seniority preference rules, they say, exacerbate the “teacher quality gap” by allowing experienced teachers to transfer. Using data from Florida, the authors analyze whether and how CBAs influence the distribution of teacher quality within school districts, paying special attention to staffing rules that grant preferences to senior teachers. They find little evidence that the within-district variation in teacher quality between more and less disadvantaged schools in Florida is explained by the determinativeness of union contract rules.
Hip-Fracture Care in Rural Southwestern Ontario: An Ethnographic Study of Patient Transitions and Physiotherapy Handoffs
Authors: Johnson Helen , Forbes Dorothy , Egan Mary Y. , Elliott Jacobi , Stolee Paul , Chesworth Bert M.
Published: April 2013

Purpose: To examine information exchange by physiotherapists during care handoffs of patients with hip fracture in a rural health care setting. Methods: This qualitative ethnographic study used observation and interviews of 11 networks of patients with hip fracture (n=11), family caregivers (n=8), and health care providers (n=24). Patients were followed from acute care through each subsequent care setting. Data were supplemented by health care records and policy documents. Results: Findings revealed that handoffs were less successful when information transfer was untimely or incomplete. Family caregivers experienced challenges in obtaining information required to facilitate the handoff, especially when direct contact with physiotherapists was not possible as a result of distance or other factors. Physiotherapists had to navigate multiple data sources to retrieve important information, and managed information gaps in various ways. Information flow was often unidirectional and suggested no further clinical accountability for the discharging physiotherapist. Conclusions: Providing information in a structured and timely fashion facilitated physiotherapy handoffs. Inadequate handoffs compromised continuity of care, delayed progress in rehabilitation, and resulted in families' missing information of vital importance to their caregiving role. A multi-directional exchange of information is needed between patients, families, and health care providers across care settings.
Kierkegaard, Fire, and the Prolixity of Filling Time
Authors: Ziolkowski Eric
Published: April 2013

Abstract:

According to Marthe Robert, the novel Don Quixote raises the question of the truth of literature: “What place do books have in reality? Are they absolutely true or true only relatively?… If they are false, their very fascination makes them useless or harmful and they must be rendered null and void, or better still, burned.” This article explores the pertinence of this question to the writings of Kierkegaard, who was preoccupied by images of fire and burning as well as by questions of the ultimate adequacy of literature, including his own “prolix literature,” to communicate Christian truth. Throughout his authorial career, and increasingly in his final years, Kierkegaard expresses concerns over what Johannes Climacus calls “the inadequacy of language.” Incited by Jesus's arsonist declaration “I came to cast fire upon the earth” (Luke 12:49), which he invokes as part of his attack on the established Danish Church, Kierkegaard becomes convinced that the “prolixities” of false Christendom “must go.” Yet, as his journals and authorship reveal, he remains haunted to the end of his life by thoughts about his (and his pseudonyms’) own sheer verbosity, his authorial needs for “filling up” time and narrative, and the ultimate “superficiality” of his literary vocation.
Early and long-term excess mortality in 227 patients with intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas
Authors: Piippo Anna , Laakso Aki , Seppä Karri , Rinne Jaakko , Jääskeläinen Juha E. , Hernesniemi Juha , Niemelä Mika
Published: April 2013

Object

The aim of this study was to assess the early and long-term excess mortality in patients with intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) compared with a matched general Finnish population in an unselected, population-based series.

Methods

The authors identified 227 patients with DAVFs admitted to 2 of the 5 Departments of Neurosurgery in Finland—Helsinki and Kuopio University Hospitals—between 1944 and 2006. All patients were followed until death or the end of 2009. Long-term excess mortality was estimated using the relative survival ratio compared with the general Finnish population matched by age, sex, and calendar year.

Results

The median follow-up period was 10 years (range 0–44 years). Two-thirds (67%) of the DAVFs were located in the region of transverse and sigmoid sinuses. Cortical venous drainage (CVD) was present in 28% of the DAVFs (18% transverse and sigmoid sinus, 42% others). Of the 61 deaths counted, 11 (18%) were during the first 12 months and were mainly caused by treatment complications (5 of 11, 45%). The 1-year survivors presenting with hemorrhage experienced excess mortality until 7 years from admission. However, DAVFs with CVD were associated with significant, continuous excess mortality. There were more cerebrovascular and cardiovascular deaths in this group of patients than expected in the general Finnish population. Location other than transverse and sigmoid sinuses was also associated with excess mortality.

Conclusions

In the patients with DAVF there was excess mortality during the first 12 months, mainly due to treatment complications. Thereafter, their overall long-term survival became similar to that of the matched general population. However, DAVFs with CVD and those located in regions other than transverse and sigmoid sinuses were associated with marked long-term excess mortality after the first 12 months.
Efficacy of vagus nerve stimulation in brain tumor–associated intractable epilepsy and the importance of tumor stability
Authors: Patel Kunal S. , Moussazadeh Nelson , Doyle Werner K. , Labar Douglas R. , Schwartz Theodore H.
Published: April 2013

Object

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a viable option for patients with medically intractable epilepsy. However, there are no studies examining its effect on individuals with brain tumor–associated intractable epilepsy. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of VNS in patients with brain tumor–associated medically intractable epilepsy.

Methods

Epilepsy surgery databases at 2 separate epilepsy centers were reviewed to identify patients in whom a VNS device was placed for tumor-related intractable epilepsy between January 1999 and December 2011. Preoperative and postoperative seizure frequency and type as well as antiepileptic drug (AED) regimens and degree of tumor progression were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using odds ratios and t-tests to examine efficacy.

Results

Sixteen patients were included in the study. Eight patients (50%) had an improved outcome (Engel Class I, II, or III) with an average follow-up of 39.6 months. The mean reduction in seizure frequency was 41.7% (p = 0.002). There was no significant change in AED regimens. Seizure frequency decreased by 10.9% in patients with progressing tumors and by 65.6% in patients with stable tumors (p = 0.008).

Conclusions

Vagus nerve stimulation therapy in individuals with brain tumor–associated medically intractable epilepsy was shown to be comparably effective in regard to seizure reduction and response rates to the general population of VNS therapy patients. Outcomes were better in patients with stable as opposed to progressing tumors. The authors' findings support the recommendation of VNS therapy in patients with brain tumor–associated intractable epilepsy, especially in cases in which imminent tumor progression is not expected. Vagus nerve stimulation may not be indicated in more malignant tumors.
Infundibular widening mimicking anterior communicating artery aneurysm
Authors: Park Jaechan , Kang Dong-Hun
Published: April 2013

Because infundibular widening most commonly appears at the origins of the posterior communicating artery and anterior choroidal artery from the internal carotid artery, its occurrence in association with the anterior communicating artery (ACoA) or the A1-A2 junction can be misinterpreted as an ACoA aneurysm on angiograms.

The authors report on 2 such cases; one in a 73-year-old woman with infundibular widening of the recurrent artery of Heubner, and the other in a 44-year-old woman with infundibular widening of a perforating vessel from the ACoA. The correct diagnosis was established based on surgical exploration. In addition, grayscale modification of 3D reconstruction images of preoperative digital subtraction angiography revealed the cases of the recurrent artery of Heubner and perforating artery of the ACoA arising from the apex of the infundibular widening.
Franc D. Ingraham and the genesis of pediatric neurosurgery
Authors: Lohani Subash , Cohen Alan R.
Published: April 2013

In 1929, Franc D. Ingraham, Harvey Cushing's protégé, established the first pediatric neurosurgical unit in the world at Boston Children's Hospital and dedicated his career to the neurosurgical care of children. He trained with both Cushing and Dandy and spent 1 year working in Oxford with Sherrington, who considered Ingraham to be the finest operative surgeon ever to work in his laboratory. Ingraham was instrumental in developing novel treatments, which he compiled in his classic book, Neurosurgery of Infancy and Childhood. Although he was modest and shy, Ingraham loved to entertain children with magic and enjoyed photography in and out of the operating room. Unfortunately, his career was plagued by personal illness, and he died young in 1965 at the age of 67. Despite his prolific 36-year neurosurgical career, Ingraham remained an associate professor at Harvard at his retirement. To recognize his remarkable contributions, Harvard established an endowed chair in his name in 1967. Ingraham was a pioneer and a leader in the development of pediatric neurosurgery by virtue of his imagination, intelligence, and ability to lead and inspire others. Cushing has come to be regarded as the founder of neurosurgery. It is fair to conclude that Ingraham, his disciple, is the founder of pediatric neurosurgery.
Recurrent cerebrospinal fluid shunt infection and the efficacy of reusing infected ventricular entry sites
Authors: Winston Ken R. , Ho Joseph T. , Dolan Susan A.
Published: April 2013

Object

The objective of this investigation was to review the clinical characteristics of recurrent CSF shunt infections in a large pediatric neurosurgical practice and to assess the safety and efficacy of reusing original ventricular entry sites for external ventricular drainage during treatment of infections and for subsequent reinsertion of shunts.

Methods

Prospectively accrued clinical data on all patients treated at Children's Hospital Colorado for CSF shunt infections within a 10.5-year span were retrospectively investigated.

Results

One hundred twenty-one consecutive cases of CSF shunt infection met inclusion criteria. Recurrent shunt infection attributable to the management of these infections occurred in 14 cases (11.6%). Three recurrent infections were with their original organisms, 7 were organisms different from the original organisms, and 4 were indeterminate.

Conclusions

Half or more of recurrent shunt infections were with organisms different from the original organism, and hence were new-type infections introduced during the management of the original infections. Incomplete eradication of original pathogens accounted for 3 (21.4%) of the 14 recurrent infections. Reusing recently infected or contaminated ventricular entry sites, both for CSF drainage during treatment and for implantation of new shunts, was as safe, with regard to risk of recurrent infection, as switching to new entry sites. Prior evidence of shunt infection is not, alone, a sufficient reason to change to a previously well-functioning site, and reuse of contaminated ventricular entry sites avoids all risks associated with making new ventricular entries.
Instantaneous center of rotation behavior of the lumbar spine with ligament failure
Authors: Alapan Yunus , Demir Cihan , Kaner Tuncay , Guclu Rahmi , İnceoğlu Serkan
Published: April 2013

Object

The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of ligament failure on the instantaneous center of rotation (ICR) in the lower lumbar spine.

Methods

A 3D finite element model of the L4–5 segment was obtained and validated. Ligament failure was simulated by reducing ligaments in a stepwise manner from posterior to anterior. A pure bending moment of 7.5 Nm was applied to the model in 3 anatomical planes for the purpose of validation, and a 6-Nm moment was applied to analyze the effect of ligament failure. For each loading case, ligament reduction step, and load increment, the range of motion of the segment and the ICR of the mobile (L-4) vertebra were calculated and characterized.

Results

The present model showed a consistent increase in the range of motion as the ligaments were removed, which was in agreement with the literature reporting the kinematics of the L4–5 segment. The shift in the location of the ICR was below 5 mm in the sagittal plane and 3 mm in both the axial and coronal planes.

Conclusions

The location of the ICR changed in all planes of motion with the simulation of multiple ligament injury. The removal of the ligaments also changed the load sharing within the motion segment. The change in the center of rotation of the spine together with the change in the range of motion could have a diagnostic value, revealing more detailed information on the type of injury, the state of the ligaments, and load transfer and sharing characteristics of the segment.
Plate fixation in the cervical spine: traditional paramedian screw configuration compared with unique unilateral configuration
Authors: Mageswaran Prasath , McLain Robert F. , Colbrunn Robb , Bonner Tara , Hothem Elijah , Bartsch Adam
Published: April 2013

Object

This study compared the fixing strength and stability achieved by a unilateral plate and screw configuration against a standard cervical fixation plate using a single-level corpectomy and allograft strut graft model.

Methods

Multidirectional in vitro flexibility tests were performed using a robotic spine testing system. Human cadaveric spines were assessed for spinal stability after vertebral corpectomy and anterior instrumentation. Specimens were mounted cranially and caudally on custom jigs that were then attached to load cells on the robotic system's end effector and base pedestal. C2–T1 spine specimens (n = 6) were tested intact; then after C-5 corpectomy (the vertebral body was excised), allograft placement and anterior plate fixation were performed. The surgeons performed a uniform corpectomy and reconstruction of each specimen in a protocol fashion. Two plates were compared: a unilateral 4-hole cervical plate designed to obtain rigid fixation using 4 convergent fixation screws all placed unilateral to the vertebral midline, and a standard cervical plate with bilateral plate screw configuration. The plate testing sequence was selected at random to limit bias. Fixation screws were matched for length and diameter. Pure moments were applied under load control (maximum 1.8 Nm) in flexion, extension, left/right lateral bending, and left/right axial rotation. Vertebral motion was measured using an optoelectronic system. The mean relative range of motion between C-4 and C-6 was compared among groups using repeated-measures ANOVA (significance level of 0.05).

Results

In comparing the intact construct and 2 different plates in all planes of motion, only motion in extension (intact vs unilateral plate, p = 0.003; intact vs standard plate, p = 0.001) and left axial rotation (intact vs unilateral plate, p = 0.019) were significantly affected. In terms of immediate cervical stability after 1-level corpectomy and placement of an allograft reconstruction, the unilateral plate showed comparable stiffness to the standard plate in all 3 motion planes (flexion [p = 0.993], extension [p = 0.732], left lateral bending [p = 0.683], right lateral bending [p = 0.546], left axial rotation [p = 0.082], and right axial rotation [p = 0.489]). The unilateral plate showed a trend toward improved stiffness in axial rotation. In no direction did the unilateral configuration prove significantly less stiff than the traditional configuration.

Conclusions

The unilateral plate design proposed here requires minimal dissection and retraction beyond the midline of tissues susceptible to scar, postoperative pain, and swelling. The authors' study suggests that a unilateral plate can be configured to provide comparable fixation strength and torsional stiffness compared with traditional, widely accepted plate designs.
En bloc resection of a pheochromocytoma metastatic to the spine for local tumor control and for treatment of chronic catecholamine release and related hypertension
Authors: Kaloostian Paul E. , Zadnik Patricia L. , Awad Ahmed J. , McCarthy Edward , Wolinsky Jean-Paul , Sciubba Daniel M.
Published: April 2013

Resection of metastatic pheochromocytomas may be complicated by transient postoperative neurological deficits due to hypotension. The authors report the first case of en bloc excision of a spinal pheochromocytoma with associated long-term hypertensive management off all medication. Interestingly, this is the first case of transient hypotension following en bloc resection of pheochromocytoma associated with temporary hypotension-associated neurological decline that resolved completely after correction of hypotension postoperatively. A 23-year-old man with a prior adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma presented with focal thoracic pain. He had a known T-10 vertebral body lesion for which he received chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Imaging demonstrated increased destruction of the T-10 vertebral body, which was concerning for tumor growth. The patient underwent angiographic embolization followed by single-stage posterior en bloc vertebrectomy with placement of a cage and posterior instrumentation and fusion without event. However, approximately 24 hours after surgery, the patient's systolic blood pressure was consistently no higher than 70 mm Hg. During this time, he began suffering from severe bilateral lower-extremity weakness. His systolic blood pressure increased with dopamine, and his strength immediately improved. The patient's oral regimen of adrenergic blockade was stopped, and he recovered without event. Since that time, the patient has been symptom free and requires no antihypertensive medication. The role of en bloc resection for metastatic lesions of the spine is controversial but may be warranted in cases of metastatic pheochromocytoma. En bloc resection avoids intralesional tumor resection and thus may help prevent complications of hypertensive crisis associated with hormonal secretion and extensive blood loss, which are not uncommon with pheochromocytoma resection surgeries. Additionally, the role of en bloc spondylectomy in this setting may allow for metabolic treatment as patients with actively secreting tumors may no longer require antiadrenergic medications.
Effective thermal conductivity of reservoir freshwater ice with attention to high temperature
Authors: Huang W. , Li Z. , Liu X. , Zhao H. , Guo S. , Jia Q.
Published: April 2013

A study on effective thermal conductivity (ETC) of natural ice in a reservoir with <3% gas content and ∼300 mg L−1 dissolved matter content in the parent water was conducted in a laboratory. Ice sections were prepared to obtain the ice crystal structure, gas bubble content and ice density. Profiles of horizontal and vertical thermal conductivity of ice samples were determined with attention to relatively high temperature spanning 0 to –10°C. A detailed comparative analysis was conducted of the effects on ETC of direction, ice crystal structure, gas bubbles and temperature. Gas inclusions had little impact on the thermal conductivity of natural reservoir ice due to their quite low content (<3%). At high ice temperature the ETC decreases remarkably as ice temperature approaches the melting point, as the ETC of sea ice does due to its brine volume at ice temperature approaching its melting point. The measured conductivities for temperatures higher than –4°C were less than expected from previous work on saline ice. Whether this was due to the measurement techniques or actual properties of the reservoir ice is not clear. The present findings could lead to better understanding of the thermal processes of ice in natural freshwater bodies.
A look at the date of snowmelt and correlations with the Arctic Oscillation
Authors: Foster J.L. , Cohen J. , Robinson D.A. , Estilow T.W.
Published: April 2013

Spring snow cover across Arctic lands has, on average, retreated ∼5 days earlier since the late 1980s compared to the previous 20 years. However, it appears that since about the late 1980s the date the snowline first retreats north during the spring has changed only slightly: in the last ∼20 years snow has not been disappearing significantly earlier. Snowmelt changes observed since the late 1980s have been step-like, unlike the more continuous downward trend seen in Arctic sea-ice extent. At 70° N, several longitudinal segments (of 10°) show significant (negative) trends, while only two longitudinal segments at 60° N show significant trends, one positive and one negative. These variations appear to be related to variations in the Arctic Oscillation (AO). When the springtime AO is strongly positive, snow melts earlier. When it is strongly negative, snow disappears later in the spring. The winter AO is less straightforward. At higher latitudes (70° N), a positive AO during the winter months is correlated with later snowmelt, but at lower latitudes (50° N and 60° N) a positive wintertime AO is correlated with earlier snowmelt. If the AO during the winter months is negative, the reverse is true. Similar stepwise changes (since the late 1980s) have been noted in sea surface temperatures and in phytoplankton abundance as well as in snow cover.
Assessment of Radioactivity in the Wastes Generated from the Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) Fertilizer Factory, chittagong, Bangladesh
Authors: Samad MA , Ali MI , Paul D , Islam SMA
Published: April 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jueb.v1i0.14543 Jahangirnagar University Environmental Bulletin, Vol.1, 15-24, 2012
Community Perceptions of Drinking Water Quality Supplied by DWASA: A Case Study of Kafrul Thana, Dhaka
Authors: Shammi Mashura , Kanak Shabnam Mostofa , Rahman Md Mostafizur , Uddin M Khabir
Published: April 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jueb.v1i0.14547 Jahangirnagar University Environmental Bulletin, Vol.1, 41-53, 2012
Study of the Seasonal Variations in Physicochemical and Biological Aspects of the Padma River at Paturia Ghat, Manikganj
Authors: Rahman Md Arifur , Huda ME
Published: April 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jueb.v1i0.14548 Jahangirnagar University Environmental Bulletin, Vol.1, 55-66, 2012
Flux and Degradation Rates of Carbohydrates and Lignin in a Tropical Wetland, West Java, Indonesia: a comparative study
Authors: Tareq Shafi M , Ohta Keiichi
Published: April 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jueb.v1i0.14549 Jahangirnagar University Environmental Bulletin, Vol.1, 67-76, 2012
Solving University Course Timetabling Problems Using Constriction Particle Swarm Optimization with Local Search
Authors: Chen Ruey-Maw , Shih Hsiao-Fang
Published: April 2013

Course timetabling is a combinatorial optimization problem and has been confirmed to be an NP-complete problem. Course timetabling problems are different for different universities. The studied university course timetabling problem involves hard constraints such as classroom, class curriculum, and other variables. Concurrently, some soft constraints need also to be considered, including teacher’s preferred time, favorite class time etc. These preferences correspond to satisfaction values obtained via questionnaires. Particle swarm optimization (PSO) is a promising scheme for solving NP-complete problems due to its fast convergence, fewer parameter settings and ability to fit dynamic environmental characteristics. Therefore, PSO was applied towards solving course timetabling problems in this work. To reduce the computational complexity, a timeslot was designated in a particle’s encoding as the scheduling unit. Two types of PSO, the inertia weight version and constriction version, were evaluated. Moreover, an interchange heuristic was utilized to explore the neighboring solution space to improve solution quality. Additionally, schedule conflicts are handled after a solution has been generated. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed scheme of constriction PSO with interchange heuristic is able to generate satisfactory course timetables that meet the requirements of teachers and classes according to the various applied constraints.
Ricin and Ricin-Containing Immunotoxins: Insights into Intracellular Transport and Mechanism of action in Vitro
Authors: Słomińska-Wojewódzka Monika , Sandvig Kirsten
Published: April 2013

Ricin is a type II ribosome inactivating protein (RIP) isolated from castor beans. Its high toxicity classifies it as a possible biological weapon. On the other hand, ricin linked to specific monoclonal antibodies or used in other conjugates has powerful medical applications. Ricin consists of an A-chain (RTA) that damages ribosomes and inhibits protein synthesis, and a B-chain that plays a role in binding and cellular uptake. A number of recent studies have demonstrated that ricin-induced inhibition of protein synthesis is not the only mechanism responsible for cell death. It turns out that ricin is able to induce apoptosis in different cell lines and multiple organs in animals. However, the molecular link between protein synthesis inhibition and ricin-dependent triggering of apoptotic cell death is unclear. This review describes the intracellular transport of ricin and ricin-based immunotoxins and their mechanism of action in different non-malignant and cancer cell lines. Moreover, various ricin-containing immunotoxins, their composition, medical applications and side-effects will be described and discussed. Understanding the mechanism of action of ricin-based immunotoxins will facilitate construction of effectively acting immunotoxins that can be used in the clinic for cancer treatment.
Stroke Neuroprotection: Targeting Mitochondria
Authors: Watts Lora , Lloyd Reginald , Garling Richard , Duong Timothy
Published: April 2013

Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death and the leading cause of long-term disability in the United States. Blood flow deficit results in an expanding infarct core with a time-sensitive peri-infarct penumbra that is considered salvageable and is the primary target for treatment strategies. The only current FDA-approved drug for treating ischemic stroke is recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA). However, this treatment is limited to within 4.5 h of stroke onset in a small subset of patients. The goal of this review is to focus on mitochondrial-dependent therapeutic agents that could provide neuroprotection following stroke. Dysfunctional mitochondria are linked to neurodegeneration in many disease processes including stroke. The mechanisms reviewed include: (1) increasing ATP production by purinergic receptor stimulation, (2) decreasing the production of ROS by superoxide dismutase, or (3) increasing antioxidant defenses by methylene blue, and their benefits in providing neuroprotection following a stroke.