bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Life Experience and DNA Polymorphisms Influence the Brain Epigenome
Authors: Poulter Michael O.
Published: December 2014

Although not strictly fitting the category of translational neuroscience, I believe the implications of this study where it was found that variability in DNA sequence, a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), can influence the epigenetic status of DNA and this is influenced by childhood trauma should be of wide interest.

Epigenetics is a burgeoning field of study that seeks to understand how alterations in DNA structure influence a wide range of biological outcomes ranging from cancer susceptibility to behaviour. Across this spectrum, two basic kinds of structure are most often examined. The first is covalent modification of DNA by methylation and second is the interaction between DNA binding proteins (histones for example) and DNA. Both influence the three dimensional structure of DNA and therefore gene expression. Importantly these dynamics are thought to be influenced by environmental conditions that may be positive or detrimental. For example, fetal alcohol syndrome has been shown to alter the methylation status of DNA accounting for the facial/cranial abnormalities that are often observed in these patients.
The Effects of Exercise Intensity on p-NR2B Expression in Cerebral Ischemic Rats
Authors: Zhang Anjing , Bai Yulong , Hu Yongshan , Zhang Feng , Wu Yi , Wang Yang , Zheng Ping , He Qiang
Published: December 2014

Background:

The current study explored the effects of treadmill exercise intensity on functional recovery and hippocampal phospho-NR2B (p-NR2B) expression in cerebral ischemic rats, induced by permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) surgery.

Method:

Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups, including sham, no exercise (NE), low intensity training (LIT, v = 15 m/min), and moderate intensity training groups (MIT, v = 20 m/min). At different time points, the hippocampal expressions of p-NR2B and total NR2B were examined. In addition, neurological deficit score (NDS), body weight, and 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining were used to evaluate brain infarct volume as assessments of post-stroke functional recovery. In order to investigate the effect of exercise on survival, the mortality rate was also recorded.

Results:

The results showed that treadmill exercise significantly decreased hippocampal expression of p-NR2B but didn't change the total NR2B, compared to the NE group on the 3rd, 7th, and 14th days following MCAO surgery. The effect on changes in p-NR2B levels, body weight, and brain infarct volume were more significant in the LIT compared to the MIT group.

Discussion and Conclusion:

The current findings demonstrate that physical exercise can produce neuroprotective effects, in part by down-regulating p-NR2B expression. Furthermore, the appropriate intensity of physical exercise is critical for post-stroke rehabilitation.
Fatigue Impact Scale Demonstrates Greater Fatigue in Younger Stroke Survivors
Authors: Parks Natalie E. , Eskes Gail A. , Gubitz Gordon J. , Reidy Yvette , Christian Christine , Phillips Stephen J.
Published: December 2014

Background:

Fatigue affects 33-77% of stroke survivors. There is no consensus concerning risk factors for fatigue post-stroke, perhaps reflecting the multifaceted nature of fatigue. We characterized post-stroke fatigue using the Fatigue Impact Scale (FIS), a validated questionnaire capturing physical, cognitive, and psychosocial aspects of fatigue.

Methods:

The Stroke Outcomes Study (SOS) prospectively enrolled ischemic stroke patients from 2001-2002. Measures collected included basic demographics, pre-morbid function (Oxford Handicap Scale, OHS), stroke severity (Stroke Severity Scale, SSS), stroke subtype (Oxfordshire Community Stroke Project Classification, OCSP), and discharge function (OHS; Barthel Index, BI). An interview was performed at 12 months evaluating function (BI; Modified Rankin Score, mRS), quality of life (Reintegration into Normal living Scale, RNL), depression (Geriatric Depression Scale, GDS), and fatigue (FIS).

Results:

We enrolled 522 ischemic stroke patients and 228 (57.6%) survivors completed one-year follow-up. In total, 36.8% endorsed fatigue (59.5% rated one of worst post-stroke symptoms). Linear regression demonstrated younger age was associated with increased fatigue frequency (β=-0.20;p=0.01), duration (β=-0.22;p<0.01), and disability (β=-0.24;p<0.01). Younger patients were more likely to describe fatigue as one of the worst symptoms post-stroke (β=-0.24;p=0.001). Younger patients experienced greater impact on cognitive (β=-0.27;p<0.05) and psychosocial (β=-0.27;p<0.05) function due to fatigue. Fatigue was correlated with depressive symptoms and diminished quality of life. Fatigue occurred without depression as 49.0% of respondents with fatigue as one of their worst symptoms did not have an elevated GDS.

Conclusions:

Age was the only consistent predictor of fatigue severity at one year. Younger participants experienced increased cognitive and psychosocial fatigue.
The Haplotype of the TGFβ1 Gene Associated with Cerebral Infarction in Chinese
Authors: Tao Hong-miao , Chen Guo-zhong , Cheng Gan-ping , Shan Xiao-yun
Published: December 2014

Background:

Transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFβ1) is a multifunctional cytokine involved in inflammation and pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between human TGFβ1 gene +869T>C (rs1800470), -509C>T (rs1800469) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and haplotypes and cerebral infarction (CI) in a Chinese population.

Methods:

The genetic association study was performed in 450 Chinese patients (306 male and 144 female) with CI and 450 control subjects (326 male and 124 female). TGFβ1 gene +869T>C and -509C>T polymorphisms were identified with amplification refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing method.

Results:

The individual SNPs analysis showed the +869T and -509C in an additive model (+869T vs +869C; -509 C vs T), +869TT genotype in a recessive model (TT vs TC+CC) and 509CC genotype in a dominant model (CC+ CT vs TT) were identified to be related to CI (P<0.05). +869T>C and -509C>T SNPs were in strong linkage disequilibrium (d'=0.87, R2=0.75). Haplotype analysis showed that +869C/-509T haplotype was associated with a significant decreased risk of CI (OR= 0.86, 95%CI, 0.70-0.92; P=0.007). Furthermore,+869T/-509C haplotype was associated with a significant increased risk of CI (OR=1.31, 95%CI, 1.10-2.03; P=0.019).

Conclusions:

The results of this study indicate that polymorphisms and the haplotypes in the TGFβ1 gene might be genetic markers for CI in the Chinese population.
Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome: An Update on Treatment
Authors: Carmant Lionel , Whiting Sharon
Published: December 2014

Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is a severe epileptic encephalopathy. Few current treatment options are effective in improving seizure control. This paper reviews the available treatments of LGS and discusses a new option in Canada, rufinamide. It is a wide spectrum anticonvulsant, approved in a number of countries for the treatment of LGS. In a randomized controlled trial in the LGS population, adjunctive rufinamide therapy has been shown to offer significantly greater reduction in total seizure frequency and tonic-atonic seizure frequency in comparison to placebo. Efficacy has been assessed over three years and appears to be sustained. Most adverse events were cognitive (e.g. somnolence) or gastrointestinal in nature and in many cases transient or mild. Based on the efficacy and safety data on rufinamide obtained to date, this medication will provide additional benefits to patients with LGS in Canada and is an important consideration for our patients in the adjunctive treatment setting.
Alzheimer's Disease, Cerebrovascular Disease, and the β-amyloid Cascade
Authors: Honjo Kie , Black Sandra E. , Verhoeff Nicolaas P. L. G.
Published: December 2014

Alzheimer's disease (AD), considered the commonest neurodegenerative cause of dementia, is associated with hallmark pathologies including extracellular amyloid-β protein (Aβ) deposition in extracellular senile plaques and vessels, and intraneuronal tau deposition as neurofibrillary tangles. Although AD is usually categorized as neurodegeneration distinct from cerebrovascular disease (CVD), studies have shown strong links between AD and CVD. There is evidence that vascular risk factors and CVD may accelerate Aβ 40-42 production/ aggregation/deposition and contribute to the pathology and symptomatology of AD. Aβ deposited along vessels also causes cerebral amyloid angiopathy. Amyloid imaging allowsin vivodetection of AD pathology, opening the way for prevention and early treatment, if disease-modifying therapies in the pipeline show safety and efficacy. In this review, we review the role of vascular factors and Aβ, underlining that vascular risk factor management may be important for AD prevention and treatment.
Neuroscience in Nazi Europe Part III: Victims of the Third Reich
Authors: Zeidman Lawrence A. , Kondziella Daniel
Published: December 2014

In Part I, neuroscience collaborators with the Nazis were discussed, and in Part II, neuroscience resistors were discussed. In Part III, we discuss the tragedy regarding european neuroscientists who became victims of the Nazi onslaught on “Non-Aryan” doctors. Some of these unfortunate neuroscientists survived Nazi concentration camps, but most were murdered. We discuss the circumstances and environment which stripped these neuroscientists of their profession, then of their personal rights and freedom, and then of their lives. We include a background analysis of anti-Semitism and Nazism in their various countries, then discuss in depth seven exemplary neuroscientist Holocaust victims; including germans Ludwig Pick, Arthur Simons, and Raphael Weichbrodt, Austrians Alexander Spitzer and Viktor Frankl, and Poles Lucja Frey and Wladyslaw Sterling. By recognizing and remembering these victims of neuroscience, we pay homage and do not allow humanity to forget, lest this dark period in history ever repeat itself.
Vasospasm Post Pituitary Surgery: Systematic Review and 3 Case Presentations
Authors: Mansouri Alireza , Fallah Aria , Cusimano Michael D. , Das Sunit
Published: December 2014

Background:

Vasospasm is a known complication of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and is a major cause of neurological morbidity and mortality. It is infrequently associated with pituitary adenoma surgery. We report three cases and present a systematic review of the literature with a view towards guiding neurosurgeons in the prevention and management of this complication.

Results:

Including our experience, vasospasm complicating pituitary adenoma surgery has been documented in 29 patients (mean age of 45). All cases occurred in the setting of a postoperative hemorrhage: 21 had a subarachnoid hemorrhage and 10 had a postoperative hematoma requiring evacuation. Initial clinical appearance of delayed cerebral ischemia attributable to vasospasm occurred from postoperative Days 2-13 (most commonly Day 5). Digital subtraction angiography and medical management were the most common diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, respectively. Glasgow Outcome Scores were ≤3 in 59% of cases. Univariate logistic regression identified later diagnosis of vasospasm and surgery for hematoma evacuation to be independently associated with better outcomes.

Conclusion:

Vasospasm should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients demonstrating altered mental or neurological status following pituitary surgery, particularly if there has been postoperative hemorrhage of any degree. Prompt treatment should be instituted to optimize outcome.
Predictors of Cognitive Impairment Severity in Rural Patients at a Memory Clinic
Authors: Lacny Catherine , Kirk Andrew , Morgan Debra G. , Karunanayake Chandima
Published: December 2014

Objective:

Patients with dementia benefit from early assessment and diagnosis. In an attempt to identify factors leading to delay in referral, we investigated socio-demographic, clinical, and functional predictors of greater severity of cognitive impairment in dementia patients presenting to a memory clinic in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Methods:

Data collection began in 2004 at the Rural and Remote Memory Clinic in Saskatoon, where non-institutionalized patients were referred by their family physicians. The patient and caregiver questionnaires and assessments administered at the clinic day appointment provided the socio-demographic, clinical, and functional patient variables, as well as the caregiver stress and burden variables. The dependent variable was patient cognitive impairment, as measured by Modified Mini-Mental State Examination (3MS) scores. Variables underwent univariate linear regression with 3MS scores in order to determine possible associations. A multiple regression analysis was conducted to determine predictors of cognitive impairment severity at clinic presentation.

Results:

Our sample included 198 patients (62% female). The mean age was 73.9 years (SD=9.2). We found that an age and gender interaction, years of formal education, Functional Activities Questionnaire score, and Brief Symptom Inventory score were significantly associated with 3MS scores (p<0.05).

Conclusions:

Increased cognitive impairment at presentation was predicted by fewer years of formal education, poorer functional ability, and less caregiver psychological distress. There was a significant interaction between age and gender: younger females were more cognitively impaired than younger males at clinic day, while in older patients, males were more cognitively impaired than females.
Impact of Disability Status on Ischemic Stroke Costs in Canada in the First Year
Authors: Mittmann Nicole , Seung Soo Jin , Hill Michael D. , Phillips Stephen J. , Hachinski Vladimir , Coté Robert , Buck Brian H. , Mackey Ariane , Gladstone David J. , Howse David C. , Shuaib Ashfaq , Sharma Mike
Published: December 2014

Background:

Longitudinal, patient-level data on resource use and costs after an ischemic stroke are lacking in Canada. The objectives of this analysis were to calculate costs for the first year post-stroke and determine the impact of disability on costs.

Methodology:

The Economic Burden of Ischemic Stroke (BURST) Study was a one-year prospective study with a cohort of ischemic stroke patients recruited at 12 Canadian stroke centres. Clinical history, disability, health preference and resource utilization information was collected at discharge, three months, six months and one year. Resources included direct medical costs (2009 CAN$) such as emergency services, hospitalizations, rehabilitation, physician services, diagnostics, medications, allied health professional services, homecare, medical/assistive devices, changes to residence and paid caregivers, as well as indirect costs. Results were stratified by disability measured at discharge using the modified Rankin Score (mRS): non-disabling stroke (mRS 0-2) and disabling stroke (mRS 3-5).

Results:

We enrolled 232 ischemic stroke patients (age 69.4 ± 15.4 years; 51.3% male) and 113 (48.7%) were disabled at hospital discharge. The average annual cost was $74,353; $107,883 for disabling strokes and $48,339 for non-disabling strokes.

Conclusions:

An average annual cost for ischemic stroke was calculated in which a disabling stroke was associated with a two-fold increase in costs compared to NDS. Costs during the hospitalization to three months phase were the highest contributor to the annual cost. A “back of the envelope” calculation using 38,000 stroke admissions and the average annual cost yields $2.8 billion as the burden of ischemic stroke.
Effect of Statin on Progression of Symptomatic Intracranial Atherosclerosis
Authors: Kim Hye-Jin , Kim Eun-Kyung , Kwon Sun U. , Kim Jong S. , Kang Dong-Wha
Published: December 2014

Background:

Symptomatic intracranial atherosclerosis (ICAS) is a dynamic disease that frequently progresses. Statins have been shown to have anti-atherosclerotic activity. We therefore investigated whether statins could prevent progression of ICAS.

Methods:

This retrospective cohort study assessed 55 patients with acute ischemic stroke and symptomatic ICAS in the middle cerebral or basilar arteries as shown on magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), with follow-up MRA performed more than 1 year after the index stroke. Change in ICAS was classified as progressive, regressive, or stable. Baseline clinical characteristics and risk factor control during follow-up were assessed, and laboratory tests were performed at the time of follow-up MRA. The statin group was defined as patients regularly treated with statins for more than 75% of the follow-up period; the remaining patients were defined as the non-statin group.

Results:

At a median follow-up time of 21.8 months (range, 11.8-66.1 months), the statin group consisted of 26 (47.3%) patients and the non-statin group of 29 (52.7%). During follow-up, 6 (10.9%) patients progressed, 14 (25.5%) regressed, and 35 (63.6%) remained stable. Statin treatment was significantly associated with non-progression of ICAS (p=0.024). Two patients in the non-statin group had recurrent strokes. Border-zone infarcts were associated with progression of ICAS (3/6, 50%; p=0.007), whereas risk factors and inflammatory biomarkers were not related to progression.

Conclusions:

Treatment with statins may prevent progression of symptomatic ICAS. Prospective randomized controlled trials are required to confirm that statins protect against such progression.
SPARC and Vav3 Expression in Meningioma: Factors Related to Prognosis
Authors: Jiang Jie , Song Yuejia , Liu Nan , Lin Chengjun , Zhao Shiguang , Sun Yu , Zhang Zhen , Fang Xiang , Qi Jiping
Published: December 2014

Background:

Meningiomas account for approximately 24-30% of primary intracranial neoplasms. Histopathologic grade and degree of resection are two major prognostic factors. The aim of this study was to determine the factors associated with the prognosis of meningioma.

Methods:

We used immunohistochemistry to analyze the expression levels of Vav3, SPARC, p-Akt, cyclin D1, and Ki-67 in 287 meningiomas of all grades.

Results:

The expression of Vav3, SPARC, p-Akt, cyclin D1, and Ki- 67 significantly increased with meningioma grade (p<0.01), and was higher in brain-invasive meningiomas compared to non-invasive meningiomas (WHO grade I) (p<0.05). Furthermore, the expression of Vav3, p-Akt, and Ki-67 was higher in recurrent meningiomas compared to non-recurrent meningiomas (WHO grade I) (p<0.05).

Conclusion:

The expression of Vav3, SPARC, p-Akt, cyclin D1, and Ki-67 in meningiomas appears to correlate with meningioma invasiveness, aggressiveness, and recurrence.
IL2RA Allele Increases Risk of Neuromyelitis Optica in Southern Han Chinese
Authors: Dai Yongqiang , Li Jin , Zhong Xiaonan , Wang Yuge , Qiu Wei , Lu Zhengqi , Wu Aimin , Bao Jian , Peng Fuhua , Hu Xueqiang
Published: December 2014

Background:

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and multiple sclerosis (MS) are chronic neuro-inflammatory diseases believed to arise from complex interactions between environmental and genetic factors. Recently, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in interleukin (IL)-2 and -7 receptor alpha genes have been identified as novel susceptibility alleles for MS in genome-wide association studies. However, similar research on NMO is limited. We aimed to investigate the association ofIL2RASNPs rs2104286 and rs12722489 andIL7RASNP rs6897932 with Southern Han Chinese NMO and MS patients.

Methods:

Frequencies of the three SNPs were examined in Southern Han Chinese mS cases (n=78), NMS cases (n=67) and controls (n=133) using sequencing-based typing.

Results:

The rs2104286Gfrequency in theIL2RAgene was significantly higher in NMO patients than in controls (puncorr=0.013,pcorr=0.026, OR:1.942, 95%CI:1.146-3.291).

Conclusion:

The rs2104286 G allele inIL2RAis present at higher frequencies in NMO patients than in healthy controls within a Southern Han Chinese population.
Bilateral Type II Persistent Proatlantal Intersegmental Arteries
Authors: Pelz David , Menon Ranjith K. , Swartz Rick H. , Aviv Richard I. , Symons Sean P.
Published: December 2014

A 64-year-old man with treated hypertension presented with acute left arm and leg weakness. A brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and neck magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) were performed. There was restricted diffusion in the right internal capsule posterior limb consistent with an acute lacunar infarct. The MRA demonstrated aplastic bilateral cervical vertebral arteries (V1 and V2 segments). bilaterally, a variant artery arose from the external carotid just above its origin, extended superiorly then medially, and forming the vertebral artery (V3 and V4 segments). bilaterally, the occipital artery arose from the variant artery at the juncture where it turned medially. The right variant artery terminated intracranially in the right posterior inferior cerebellar artery. The left variant artery continued intracranially to supply the basilar. The appearance was consistent with bilateral persistent proatlantal intersegmental arteries (PPIA) type II.
Inflammatory Changes in Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy Type 2I
Authors: McMillan H.J. , Michaud J.
Published: December 2014

Muscular dystrophies can show clinical and muscle biopsy features that mimic or overlap the changes seen in a primary myositis, particularly in the early stages of disease or when the clinical onset is abrupt. We present a child who was eventually diagnosed with limb girdle muscular dystrophy type 2I (LGMD2i). she presented with mild hip-girdle weakness and post-infectious myalgia. although her clinical symptoms favoured a muscular dystrophy, her muscle biopsy showed inflammatory infiltrates within muscle fibres and around blood vessels that were more typical of juvenile polymyositis. additional immunocytochemical antibody tests and genetic sequencing were key to obtaining an accurate diagnosis and avoiding immunosuppressant therapy.
Intracerebral Schwannoma Mimicking Meningioma: Case Report
Authors: Li Meihua , Mei Jinhong , Li Yiyun , Tao Xueqin , Hong Tao
Published: December 2014

Intracranial schwannomas account for 8% of all primary brain tumors, approximately 80-90% of them being seen in the cerebellopontine angle in relation to the vestibular nerve. Schwannomas arising within brain parenchyma, unrelated to the cranial nerves, are extremely rare. To our knowledge, only 73 cases of intracerebral schwannoma have been described in the English-language literature so far,1-5 but only six cases of intracerebral schwannoma mimicking meningioma have been reported1-3 and there have been few reports regarding neuroradiological findings. Disagreement remains concerning the histogenesis of these tumors.
Neurofilament M gene in a French-Canadian Population with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Han F. , Bulman D.E. , Panisset M. , Grimes D.A.
Published: December 2014

Background:

Recently, a single base pair substitution (G1747A) mutation of the neurofilament M (NF-M) gene was reported in a French-Canadian patient with early onset Parkinson’s disease (PD). Three unaffected siblings were found to be heterozygotes for the NF-M Gly336Ser mutation but, to date, no other affected PD individuals have been found with a similar mutation. No other individuals with Parkinson’s disease and of similar ethnic background have been screened for this mutation.

Methods:

We screened 102 French-Canadian patients with definite PD and 45 French-Canadian controls for this substitution in the NF-M gene using a PCR-restriction enzyme digestion method.

Results:

None of the patients or controls carried this mutation.

Conclusion:

Our results would indicate that this mutation is not common even in a PD population of similar ethnic background and suggest this change represents a rare variant. However, these results do not exclude the possibility that other mutations in this gene could be present.
Sex Steroid and Growth Factor Profile of a Meningioma Associated with Pregnancy
Authors: Smith Justin S. , Quiñones-Hinojosa Alfredo , Harmon-Smith Miranda , Bollen Andrew W. , McDermott Michael W.
Published: December 2014

Background:

Increased growth of meningiomas during pregnancy as well as postpartum clinical regression of symptoms have been reported but remain poorly understood. A better understanding of the factors that contribute to these observations, including potential factors associated with pregnancy, could enable design of more effective adjuvant therapies.

Methods:

We describe the presentation of a meningioma during the immediate postpartum period. Serial imaging demonstrated subsequent rapid decrease in size of the tumour prior to any intervention. The lesion was resected, and the tissue was subjected to immunostaining for gene products associated with pregnancy, including estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), platelet-derived growth factor receptor B (PDGFRB), fibroblastic growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR-2), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and human placental lactogen (hPL).

Results:

The lesion proved to be an atypical fibroblastic meningioma grade II (WHO). Immunostaining demonstrated significant staining for PR, PDGFRB, and FGFR-2. No specific staining for ER, EGFR, or hPL was identified.

Conclusion:

Although clinical regression of meningioma following pregnancy is well-recognized, imaging data are much less abundant. This report provides clear clinical and imaging documentation of a meningioma associated with pregnancy. In addition, the growth factor profile of this tumour suggests the importance of PR, PDGFRB, and FGFR-2 as potential therapeutic targets.
Neuropathologic Studies of 'Epileptogenic' Tissue
Authors: Vinters Harry V.
Published: December 2014

This mini-review will summarize some of the major contributions of Neuropathology to understanding the structural basis of several forms of intractable epilepsy. Because of space limitations, only selected morphologically defined brain abnormalities will be considered and illustrated. By definition, the types of specimen encountered by Neuropathologists are those resected to treat intractable seizure disorders. One can therefore infer that the 'lesions' encountered in some way caused or at least contributed to the epilepsy, though the leap from observed neuropathologic abnormalities to 'seizuregenesis' is not always straightforward—indeed often is very tortuous and obscure. Nevertheless, a Neuropathologist working with a team of neurologists, neurosurgeons, electrophysiologists, neuropsychologists, and others, can contribute to a richer understanding of why seizures are triggered within human brain tissue, and therefore how they may be more effectively treated.
Outcomes after Epilepsy Surgery
Authors: Téllez-Zenteno José F. , Hernandez-Ronquillo Lizbeth , Burneo Jorge
Published: December 2014

Epilepsy surgery is a highly effective and durable treatment for specific types of drug resistant epilepsy such as temporal lobe epilepsy. assessment of outcomes is essential in epilepsy surgery, which is an irreversible intervention for a chronic condition. Excellent short-term results of resective epilepsy surgery have been established. In the last years more information regarding long term outcomes have been published. This article reviews the best available evidence about the best measures to assess outcomes and the most important evidence. The outcomes reviewed in this article are the following: seizure outcome, social and psychiatric outcomes, complications and mortality.
Preparedness for emerging infectious diseases: pathways from anticipation to action
Authors: BROOKES V. J. , HERNÁNDEZ-JOVER M. , BLACK P. F. , WARD M. P.
Published: December 2014

Emerging and re-emerging infectious disease (EID) events can have devastating human, animal and environmental health impacts. The emergence of EIDs has been associated with interconnected economic, social and environmental changes. Understanding these changes is crucial for EID preparedness and subsequent prevention and control of EID events. The aim of this review is to describe tools currently available for identification, prioritization and investigation of EIDs impacting human and animal health, and how these might be integrated into a systematic approach for directing EID preparedness. Environmental scanning, foresight programmes, horizon scanning and surveillance are used to collect and assess information for rapidly responding to EIDs and to anticipate drivers of emergence for mitigating future EID impacts. Prioritization of EIDs − using transparent and repeatable methods − based on disease impacts and the importance of those impacts to decision-makers can then be used for more efficient resource allocation for prevention and control. Risk assessment and simulation modelling methods assess the likelihood of EIDs occurring, define impact and identify mitigation strategies. Each of these tools has a role to play individually; however, we propose integration of these tools into a framework that enhances the development of tactical and strategic plans for emerging risk preparedness.
Using winter 2009–2010 to assess the accuracy of methods which estimate influenza-related morbidity and mortality
Authors: JACKSON M. L. , PETERSON D. , NELSON J. C. , GREENE S. K. , JACOBSEN S. J. , BELONGIA E. A. , BAXTER R. , JACKSON L. A.
Published: December 2014

We used the winter of 2009–2010, which had minimal influenza circulation due to the earlier 2009 influenza A(H1N1) pandemic, to test the accuracy of ecological trend methods used to estimate influenza-related deaths and hospitalizations. We aggregated weekly counts of person-time, all-cause deaths, and hospitalizations for pneumonia/influenza and respiratory/circulatory conditions from seven healthcare systems. We predicted the incidence of the outcomes during the winter of 2009–2010 using three different methods: a cyclic (Serfling) regression model, a cyclic regression model with viral circulation data (virological regression), and an autoregressive, integrated moving average model with viral circulation data (ARIMAX). We compared predicted non-influenza incidence with actual winter incidence. All three models generally displayed high accuracy, with prediction errors for death ranging from −5% to −2%. For hospitalizations, errors ranged from −10% to −2% for pneumonia/influenza and from −3% to 0% for respiratory/circulatory. The Serfling and virological models consistently outperformed the ARIMAX model. The three methods tested could predict incidence of non-influenza deaths and hospitalizations during a winter with negligible influenza circulation. However, meaningful mis-estimation of the burden of influenza can still result with outcomes for which the contribution of influenza is low, such as all-cause mortality.
The introduction of the steam press: a court case on smoke and noise nuisances in a London mansion, 1824
Authors: KASUGA AYUKA
Published: December 2014

It has recently been revealed that English common law played a certain role in dealing with the pollution problems that accompanied industrialization. This article explores the role of legal actions in solving environmental problems, not within a legal theory but in a larger framework of environmental politics. By focusing on legal actions, it is shown that the Act on Smoke Abatement of 1821 triggered smoke and noise nuisance lawsuits in London, especially against printers. The introduction of the steam press not only contributed to the production of cheap prints but also transformed the printing business into a polluting industry. Legal actions could sometimes remove a polluting business from a plaintiff's neighbourhood, though it also raised the problem of environmental inequality.
Spontaneous aberrant right subclavian arterio-oesophageal fistula in a previously healthy child
Authors: Joynt Michael R. , Grifka Ronald G.
Published: December 2014

An aberrant right subclavian artery arising from a left aortic arch is the most frequently described congenital aortic arch anomaly, occurring in 0.5 to 2.3% of the general population. Despite the retro-oesophageal course of the aberrant subclavian artery, an arterio-oesophageal fistula is an uncommon finding, only previously reported as a very rare complication in critically ill patients with oesophageal instrumentation or foreign body ingestion. We describe a unique case of a spontaneous aberrant right subclavian arterio-oesophageal fistula without an inciting event in a 17-month-child.
REPUBLICANS ON ABORTION RIGHTS
Authors: Dore Clement
Published: December 2014

The Platform of the U.S. Republican Party in 2012 contains a promise to overturn the landmark Supreme Court decision, Roe. v. Wade, that laws prohibiting abortion are incompatible with the constitutional right to privacy of pregnant women. The Republican vice presidential nominee, Congressman Paul Ryan, opposes that decision as a matter of conviction. Congressman Ryan says that human life begins at conception, though he adds that abortion should be legal if a woman's pregnancy results from rape or incest, or if the life of the mother is at stake. Despite his reputation among Republicans as an astute thinker, Congressman Ryan's reasoning about abortion is faulty.
Spatial scales of bacterial community diversity at cold seeps (Eastern Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: Pop Ristova Petra , Wenzhöfer Frank , Ramette Alban , Felden Janine , Boetius Antje
Published: December 2014

Cold seeps are highly productive, fragmented marine ecosystems that form at the seafloor around hydrocarbon emission pathways. The products of microbial utilization of methane and other hydrocarbons fuel rich chemosynthetic communities at these sites, with much higher respiration rates compared with the surrounding deep-sea floor. Yet little is known as to the richness, composition and spatial scaling of bacterial communities of cold seeps compared with non-seep communities. Here we assessed the bacterial diversity across nine different cold seeps in the Eastern Mediterranean deep-sea and surrounding seafloor areas. Community similarity analyses were carried out based on automated ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis (ARISA) fingerprinting and high-throughput 454 tag sequencing and were combined with in situ and ex situ geochemical analyses across spatial scales of a few tens of meters to hundreds of kilometers. Seep communities were dominated by Deltaproteobacteria, Epsilonproteobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria and shared, on average, 36% of bacterial types (ARISA OTUs (operational taxonomic units)) with communities from nearby non-seep deep-sea sediments. Bacterial communities of seeps were significantly different from those of non-seep sediments. Within cold seep regions on spatial scales of only tens to hundreds of meters, the bacterial communities differed considerably, sharing <50% of types at the ARISA OTU level. Their variations reflected differences in porewater sulfide concentrations from anaerobic degradation of hydrocarbons. This study shows that cold seep ecosystems contribute substantially to the microbial diversity of the deep-sea.
Is there a common water-activity limit for the three domains of life?
Authors: Stevenson Andrew , Cray Jonathan A , Williams Jim P , Santos Ricardo , Sahay Richa , Neuenkirchen Nils , McClure Colin D , Grant Irene R , Houghton Jonathan D R , Quinn John P , Timson David J , Patil Satish V , Singhal Rekha S , Antón Josefa , Dijksterhuis Jan , Hocking Ailsa D , Lievens Bart , Rangel Drauzio E N , Voytek Mary A , Gunde-Cimerman Nina , Oren Aharon , Timmis Kenneth N , McGenity Terry J , Hallsworth John E
Published: December 2014

Archaea and Bacteria constitute a majority of life systems on Earth but have long been considered inferior to Eukarya in terms of solute tolerance. Whereas the most halophilic prokaryotes are known for an ability to multiply at saturated NaCl (water activity (aw) 0.755) some xerophilic fungi can germinate, usually at high-sugar concentrations, at values as low as 0.650–0.605 aw. Here, we present evidence that halophilic prokayotes can grow down to water activities of <0.755 for Halanaerobium lacusrosei (0.748), Halobacterium strain 004.1 (0.728), Halobacterium sp. NRC-1 and Halococcus morrhuae (0.717), Haloquadratum walsbyi (0.709), Halococcus salifodinae (0.693), Halobacterium noricense (0.687), Natrinema pallidum (0.681) and haloarchaeal strains GN-2 and GN-5 (0.635 aw). Furthermore, extrapolation of growth curves (prone to giving conservative estimates) indicated theoretical minima down to 0.611 aw for extreme, obligately halophilic Archaea and Bacteria. These were compared with minima for the most solute-tolerant Bacteria in high-sugar (or other non-saline) media (Mycobacterium spp., Tetragenococcus halophilus, Saccharibacter floricola, Staphylococcus aureus and so on) and eukaryotic microbes in saline (Wallemia spp., Basipetospora halophila, Dunaliella spp. and so on) and high-sugar substrates (for example, Xeromyces bisporus, Zygosaccharomyces rouxii, Aspergillus and Eurotium spp.). We also manipulated the balance of chaotropic and kosmotropic stressors for the extreme, xerophilic fungi Aspergillus penicilloides and X. bisporus and, via this approach, their established water-activity limits for mycelial growth (∼0.65) were reduced to 0.640. Furthermore, extrapolations indicated theoretical limits of 0.632 and 0.636 aw for A. penicilloides and X. bisporus, respectively. Collectively, these findings suggest that there is a common water-activity limit that is determined by physicochemical constraints for the three domains of life.
Evidence for extensive gene flow and Thermotoga subpopulations in subsurface and marine environments
Authors: Nesbø Camilla L , S Swithers Kristen , Dahle Håkon , Haverkamp Thomas H A , Birkeland Nils-Kåre , Sokolova Tatiana , Kublanov Ilya , Zhaxybayeva Olga
Published: December 2014

Oil reservoirs represent a nutrient-rich ecological niche of the deep biosphere. Although most oil reservoirs are occupied by microbial populations, when and how the microbes colonized these environments remains unanswered. To address this question, we compared 11 genomes of Thermotoga maritima-like hyperthermophilic bacteria from two environment types: subsurface oil reservoirs in the North Sea and Japan, and marine sites located in the Kuril Islands, Italy and the Azores. We complemented our genomes with Thermotoga DNA from publicly available subsurface metagenomes from North America and Australia. Our analysis revealed complex non-bifurcating evolutionary history of the isolates’ genomes, suggesting high amounts of gene flow across all sampled locations, a conjecture supported by numerous recombination events. Genomes from the same type of environment tend to be more similar, and have exchanged more genes with each other than with geographically close isolates from different types of environments. Hence, Thermotoga populations of oil reservoirs do not appear isolated, a requirement of the ‘burial and isolation’ hypothesis, under which reservoir bacteria are descendants of the isolated communities buried with sediments that over time became oil reservoirs. Instead, our analysis supports a more complex view, where bacteria from subsurface and marine populations have been continuously migrating into the oil reservoirs and influencing their genetic composition. The Thermotoga spp. in the oil reservoirs in the North Sea and Japan probably entered the reservoirs shortly after they were formed. An Australian oil reservoir, on the other hand, was likely colonized very recently, perhaps during human reservoir development.
Quantum state-controlled directional spontaneous emission of photons into a nanophotonic waveguide
Authors: Mitsch R. , Sayrin C. , Albrecht B. , Schneeweiss P. , Rauschenbeutel A.
Published: December 2014

The spin of light in subwavelength-diameter waveguides can be orthogonal to the propagation direction of the photons because of the strong transverse confinement. This transverse spin changes sign when the direction of propagation is reversed. Using this effect, we demonstrate the directional spontaneous emission of photons by laser-trapped caesium atoms into an optical nanofibre and control their propagation direction by the excited state of the atomic emitters. In particular, we tune the spontaneous emission into the counter-propagating guided modes from symmetric to strongly asymmetric, where more than "Equation missing"% of the optical power is launched into one or the other direction. We expect our results to have important implications for research in quantum nanophotonics and for implementations of integrated optical signal processing in the quantum regime.
p38α (MAPK14) critically regulates the immunological response and the production of specific cytokines and chemokines in astrocytes
Authors: Lo U. , Selvaraj V. , Plane J. M. , Chechneva O. V. , Otsu K. , Deng W.
Published: December 2014

In CNS lesions, “reactive astrocytes” form a prominent cellular response. However, the nature of this astrocyte immune activity is not well understood. In order to study astrocytic immune responses to inflammation and injury, we generated mice with conditional deletion of p38α (MAPK14) in GFAP+ astrocytes. We studied the role of p38α signaling in astrocyte immune activation both in vitro and in vivo and simultaneously examined the effects of astrocyte activation in CNS inflammation. Our results showed that specific subsets of cytokines (TNFα, IL-6) and chemokines (CCL2, CCL4, CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL10) are critically regulated by p38α signaling in astrocytes. In an in vivo CNS inflammation model of intracerebral injection of LPS, we observed markedly attenuated astrogliosis in conditional GFAPcre p38α−/− mice. However, GFAPcre p38α−/− mice showed marked upregulation of CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, CXCL2, CXCL10, TNFα and IL-1β compared to p38αfl/fl cohorts, suggesting that in vivo responses to LPS after GFAPcre p38α deletion are complex and involve interactions between multiple cell types. This finding was supported by a prominent increase in macrophage/microglia and neutrophil recruitment in GFAPcre p38α−/− mice compared to p38αfl/fl controls. Together, these studies provide important insights into the critical role of p38α signaling in astrocyte immune activation.
A colorimetric method of analysis for trace amounts of hydrogen peroxide with the use of the nano-properties of molybdenum disulfide
Authors: Guo Xinrong , Wang Yong , Wu Fangying , Ni Yongnian , Kokot Serge
Published: December 2014

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) with a layered structure was synthesized and applied for trace analysis of H2O2in water based on a colorimetric method.
Stabilities and electronic properties of monolayer MoS2with one or two sulfur line vacancy defects
Authors: Han Yang , Hu Ting , Li Rui , Zhou Jian , Dong Jinming
Published: December 2014

Monolayer MoS2with one (SV) or two (DV) staggered sulfur line vacancy defects in two different orientations.
Structuring catalyst and reactor – an inviting avenue to process intensification
Authors: Gascon J. , van Ommen J. R. , Moulijn J. A. , Kapteijn F.
Published: December 2014

Multiphase catalytic processes involve the combination of scale-dependent and scale-independent phenomena, often resulting in a compromised, sub-optimal performance.
Selectivity and kinetics of methyl crotonate hydrogenation over Pt/Al2O3
Authors: Hu Chaoquan , Creaser Derek , Grönbeck Henrik , Ojagh Houman , Skoglundh Magnus
Published: December 2014

The hydrogenation of gas-phase methyl crotonate (MC) over Pt/Al2O3 was investigated with the aim to understand CC hydrogenation in unsaturated methyl esters.
Combined biological and abiotic reactions with iron and Fe(iii)-reducing microorganisms for remediation of explosives and insensitive munitions (IM)
Authors: Niedźwiecka Jolanta B. , Finneran Kevin T.
Published: December 2014

Military explosives and insensitive munitions (IM) are a significant hazard to all natural and engineered environments.
Stability of silver nanowire based electrodes under environmental and electrical stresses
Authors: Mayousse Céline , Celle Caroline , Fraczkiewicz Alexandra , Simonato Jean-Pierre
Published: December 2014

Stability of transparent electrodes fabricated with random networks of silver nanowires (AgNWs) has been evaluated under various stresses.
From solid-state metal alkoxides to nanostructured oxides: a precursor-directed synthetic route to functional inorganic nanomaterials
Authors: Zhao Jun , Liu Yipu , Fan Meihong , Yuan Long , Zou Xiaoxin
Published: December 2014

This review summarizes the construction of nanostructured solid-state metal alkoxides and their conversion into functional inorganic nanomaterials.
Hydrogen photoproduction in green algae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii under magnesium deprivation
Authors: Volgusheva Alena , Kukarskikh Galina , Krendeleva Tatyana , Rubin Andrey , Mamedov Fikret
Published: December 2014

Mg deprivation results in the sustained H2 formation in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.
Colorless metallodithiolene oligomers and polymers with intense near- and mid-infrared absorption
Authors: Liu Bo , Qiao Wenqiang , Wang Zhi Yuan
Published: December 2014

Reported herein are the syntheses and properties of a series of multi-nuclear metallodithiolene complex oligomers (5, 6 and 7) and a homologous polymer (8).
A preliminary study of the pseudo-capacitance features of strontium doped lanthanum manganite
Authors: Lü Jingbo , Zhang Yaohui , Lü Zhe , Huang Xiqiang , Wang Zhihong , Zhu Xingbao , Wei Bo
Published: December 2014

Strontium doped lanthanum manganite shows a pseduo-capacitance of 56 F g−1 at a scanning rate of 2 mV s−1.
Ruthenium complex immobilized on poly(4-vinylpyridine)-functionalized carbon-nanotube for selective aerobic oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-diformylfuran
Authors: Chen Jinzhu , Zhong Jiawei , Guo Yuanyuan , Chen Limin
Published: December 2014

Ruthenium complex, immobilized on poly(4-vinylpyridine)-functionalized carbon-nanotube, shows excellent catalytic performance towards selective aerobic oxidation of biomass-based 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-diformylfuran.
Assemblies of hybrid core–shell ZSM-5 zeolite materials
Authors: He Daoping , Liu Dongliang
Published: December 2014

TPOAC and TPABr were used to achieve the facile synthesis of two different types of hybrid core–shell ZSM-5 zeolites.
Developing a new and versatile ordered mesoporous organosilica as a pH and temperature stable chromatographic packing material
Authors: Ide Matthias , De Canck Els , Van Driessche Isabel , Lynen Frédéric , Van Der Voort Pascal
Published: December 2014

Periodic Mesoporous Organosilicas (PMOs) have been successfully spray dried for the first time using a novel cyclic multifunctional organosilane molecule.
Design of an intelligent sub-50 nm nuclear-targeting nanotheranostic system for imaging guided intranuclear radiosensitization
Authors: Fan Wenpei , Shen Bo , Bu Wenbo , Zheng Xiangpeng , He Qianjun , Cui Zhaowen , Zhao Kuaile , Zhang Shengjian , Shi Jianlin
Published: December 2014

MR/UCL bimodal imaging guided intranuclear radiosensitization was firstly achieved by an intelligent nuclear-targeting nanotheranostic system.
Study of miniemulsion formulation containing 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate for its application in low-emitting coating products
Authors: Kong Yiyang , Hu Binjie , Choy Kwang-Leong , Li Xiaoyu , Chen Guangdi
Published: December 2014

Room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) are non-volatile organic salts, and few of them with low melting point may replace the conventional coalescing agents in waterborne coatings, thus preventing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emission, caused by coalescing agents.
Rings in random environments: sensing disorder through topology
Authors: Michieletto Davide , Baiesi Marco , Orlandini Enzo , Turner Matthew S.
Published: December 2014

We study the mobility of ring and linear polymers driven through a random environment by an external field. Changes in the surrounding structure are captured by measuring the mobility of the rings, while linear polymers are insensitive. This encourages novel non-invasive ways of exploiting topology to sense microscopic disorder.