bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complications related to instrumentation in spine surgery: a prospective analysis
Authors: Campbell Peter G. , Yadla Sanjay , Malone Jennifer , Maltenfort Mitchell G. , Harrop James S. , Sharan Ashwini D. , Ratliff John K.
Published: September 2011

Object

Prospective examination of perioperative complications in spine surgery is limited in the literature. The authors prospectively collected data on patients who underwent spinal fusion at a tertiary care center and evaluated the effect of spinal fusion and comorbidities on perioperative complications.

Methods

Between May and December 2008 data were collected prospectively in 248 patients admitted to the authors' institution for spine surgery. The 202 patients undergoing spine surgery with instrumentation were further analyzed in this report. Perioperative complications occurring within the initial 30 days after surgery were included. All adverse occurrences, whether directly related to surgery, were included in the analysis.

Results

Overall, 114 (56.4%) of 202 patients experienced at least one perioperative complication. Instrumented fusions were associated with more minor complications (p = 0.001) and more overall complications (0.0024). Furthermore, in the thoracic and lumbar spine, complications increased based on the number of levels fused. Advanced patient age and certain comorbidities such as diabetes, cardiac disease, or a history of malignancy were also associated with an increased incidence of complications.

Conclusions

Using a prospective methodology with a broad definition of complications, the authors report a significantly higher perioperative incidence of complications than previously indicated after spinal fusion procedures. Given the increased application of instrumentation, especially for degenerative disease, a better estimate of clinically relevant surgical complications could aid spine surgeons and patients in an individualized complication index to facilitate a more thorough risk-benefit analysis prior to surgery.
Chronic granulomatous herpes encephalitis: a rare entity posing a diagnostic challenge
Authors: Adamo Matthew A. , Abraham Lisa , Pollack Ian F.
Published: September 2011

Herpesviruses can cause an acute, subacute, or chronic disease state in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) encephalitis is most often an acute monophasic disease process. Rarely, however, it may progress to a chronic state, and more rarely still to a granulomatous encephalitis. Prior studies have suggested that antiviral immunity with Toll-like receptors determines susceptibility to herpesviruses. The authors report the case of a 14-year-old girl with a remote history of treated HSV encephalitis, who had intractable seizures and worsening MR imaging changes that were concerning for either a neoplastic or an inflammatory process. She was found to have granulomatous herpes simplex encephalitis and had a low cytokine response to Toll-like receptor 3 stimulation.
Congenital stridor in the context of Chiari malformation Type II: the etiological role of vernix caseosa granulomatous meningitis
Authors: Stritzke Amelie I. , Dunham Christopher P. , Smyth John A. , Steinbok Paul
Published: September 2011

The authors describe the case of a late preterm infant girl who presented prenatally with a low lumbar neural tube defect and features of Chiari malformation type II (CM-II). At birth, she exhibited stridor and underwent surgical repair of a lumbosacral myelomeningocele on Day 2 of life. The prognosis was deemed to be poor, and hence a “Chiari decompression” procedure was not undertaken. The patient was subsequently extubated and died on Day 10. Postmortem findings included a rarely described but characteristic granulomatous meningitic reaction to vernix caseosa, which presumably entered the subarachnoid space and spinal cord syrinx antenatally via the open neural tube defect. The significance of congenital stridor in the context of CM-II and in particular the role of vernix caseosa granulomatous meningitis are examined. The antenatal repair of myelomeningoceles, as championed by some, may prevent this ominous meningitic complication.
Features of the lumbar spine on magnetic resonance images following sectioning of filum terminale
Authors: Kim Albert H. , Kasliwal Manish K. , McNeish Brendan , Silvera V. Michelle , Proctor Mark R. , Smith Edward R.
Published: September 2011

Object

Spinal cord tethering due to a thickened filum terminale is a well-described entity that can be treated surgically. Postoperative MR imaging of the lumbar spine is performed for unrelated issues or for the development of new symptoms suggestive of cord retethering. A lack of radiological criteria for successful detethering makes interpretation of postoperative MR images challenging. The delineation of postoperative radiological characteristics of a sectioned filum terminale is therefore valuable to clinicians managing these often complex cases.

Methods

The clinical data for 16 patients who underwent sectioning of a fatty and thickened filum between 2001 and 2010 and in whom pre- and postoperative MR imaging studies were available were analyzed. Medical records were interrogated for preoperative neurological examination, operative details, and postoperative follow-up. The MR images were examined by both a neurosurgeon and a neuroradiologist to assess postoperative radiological characteristics.

Results

The patients' age at time of surgery ranged from 0.3 to 19.8 years (mean 7.5 years). Postoperative MR imaging was performed between 0.03 and 7.36 years after the procedure (mean 2.5 years). Indications for postoperative imaging included new neurological symptoms (11 of 16 patients), routine interval imaging (3 of 16), and possible development of pseudomeningocele (2 of 16). Filum discontinuity was confirmed in 79% of cases postoperatively. Filum remnants appeared thicker after surgery in most cases (80%), a phenomenon most often appreciated in the cephalad end of the sectioned filum. Postoperatively, the conus was elevated in 5 cases (31%) and was found to be more ventrally located in 7 cases (44%).

Conclusions

Discontinuity, along with thickening of the upper and lower remnants of a sectioned filum, may constitute important radiological features of a detethered filum. Radiological signs of conus relaxation, signified by elevation or a more ventral position, although reassuring, were less reliably observed postoperatively. Because it may be difficult to know if the goals of surgery were met on purely clinical grounds in this patient population, knowledge of the postoperative characteristics of a sectioned filum may aid the practicing neurosurgeon in the management of these complex cases.
Atlantal hemi-rings and craniocervical instability: identification, clinical characteristics, and management
Authors: Brockmeyer Douglas L. , Brockmeyer Meghan M. , Bragg Taryn
Published: September 2011

Object

Congenital craniovertebral anomalies are relatively common, but anomalies leading to overt craniocervical instability may be difficult to recognize and treat. The authors present a series of patients with atlantal hemi-rings, a disorder resulting in congenital craniovertebral instability. Presentation, treatment, imaging, and follow-up data obtained in patients with atlantal hemi-rings were assessed to identify factors relevant to craniocervical instability.

Methods

Nineteen patients were identified with atlantal hemi-rings, defined as a bony discontinuity of the C-1 ring in conjunction with lateral displacement of the C-1 lateral masses (as seen on coronal CT scans). Clinical and radiological characteristics were analyzed, including patient age at presentation, extent of occipitocervical motion, amount of C-1 lateral mass displacement, associated craniocervical anomalies, integrity of the transverse ligament, and neurological status.

Results

The mean patient age at presentation was 22 months (range birth to 9 years). The mean amount of occipitocervical translation seen on dynamic imaging was 9 mm (range 2–20 mm). Four patients required occipitocervical fusion at presentation. The remaining 15 patients were monitored for a mean of 20 months, and 9 ultimately underwent fusion. Surgery was also recommended for 4 of the remaining 6 children.

Conclusions

This report describes the radiological and clinical characteristics of patients with atlantal hemirings and craniocervical instability. The authors believe that this anomaly is the underlying cause of progressive instability in a significant proportion of patients with craniocervical abnormalities. The presence of atlantal hemi-rings should prompt immediate and thorough neurosurgical evaluation.
Unusual mesencephalic developmental venous anomaly causing obstructive hydrocephalus due to aqueductal stenosis
Authors: Guhl Susanne , Kirsch Michael , Lauffer Heinz , Fritsch Michael , Schroeder Henry W. S.
Published: September 2011

Developmental venous anomalies (DVAs) are benign vascular malformations that rarely become symptomatic. They are anatomical variations of the venous drainage system and most are incidentally discovered. Mechanical (obstruction and compression of cerebral and neural structures) and flow-related pathological mechanisms have been described in rare cases of symptomatic DVAs. The authors present the case of a 10-month-old boy with a mesencephalic DVA compressing the aqueduct and causing occlusive hydrocephalus. Endoscopic inspection confirmed the venous malformation causing aqueductal stenosis. The authors successfully performed endoscopic third ventriculostomy, resulting in decrease in the size of the ventricles. At the 6-month follow-up after surgery, the patient had significantly progressed in his psychomotor development. One year postsurgery the patient is doing fine, with no neurological or developmental deficits.
C1–2 instability from os odontoideum mimicking intramedullary spinal cord tumor
Authors: Gigante Paul R. , Feldstein Neil A. , Anderson Richard C. E.
Published: September 2011

Os odontoideum is a common cause of atlantoaxial instability in the pediatric population. The authors present the cases of 2 patients whose initial clinical presentation and MR imaging findings were suggestive of an intramedullary neoplasm, but whose ultimate diagnosis was determined to be cervical spine instability and cord injury due to os odontoideum.
Management of Dandy-Walker complex–associated infant hydrocephalus by combined endoscopic third ventriculostomy and choroid plexus cauterization
Authors: Warf Benjamin C. , Dewan Michael , Mugamba John
Published: September 2011

Object

Dandy-Walker complex (DWC) is a continuum of congenital anomalies comprising Dandy-Walker malformation (DWM), Dandy-Walker variant (DWV), Blake pouch cyst, and mega cisterna magna (MCM). Hydrocephalus is variably associated with each of these, and DWC-associated hydrocephalus has mostly been treated by shunting, often with 2-compartment shunting. There are few reports of management by endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV). This study is the largest series of DWC or DWM-associated hydrocephalus treated by ETV, and the first report of treatment by combined ETV and choroid plexus cauterization (ETV/CPC) in young infants with this association.

Methods

A retrospective review of the CURE Children's Hospital of Uganda clinical database between 2004 and 2010 identified 45 patients with DWC confirmed by CT scanning (25 with DWM, 17 with DWV, and 3 with MCM) who were treated for hydrocephalus by ETV/CPC. Three were excluded because of other potential causes of hydrocephalus (2 postinfectious and 1 posthemorrhagic).

Results

The median age at treatment was 5 months (88% of patients were younger than 12 months). There was a 2.4:1 male predominance among patients with DWV. An ETV/CPC (ETV only in one) was successful with no further operations in 74% (mean and median follow-up 24.2 and 20 months, respectively [range 6–65 months]). The rate of success was 74% for DWM, 73% for DWV, and 100% for MCM; 95% had an open aqueduct, and none required posterior fossa shunting.

Conclusions

Endoscopic treatment of DWC-associated hydrocephalus should be strongly considered as the primary management in place of the historical standard of creating shunt dependence.
Management considerations and strategies to avoid complications associated with the thoracoscopic approach for corpectomy
Authors: Krisht Khaled M. , Mumert Michael L. , Schmidt Meic H.
Published: September 2011

The thoracoscopic approach to the anterior spine is a practical and valuable means of approaching ventral spinal lesions but demands advanced technical skills and fine hand-eye coordination that is usually acquired with experience. A mutual understanding of all the ventilatory and surgical steps allows for an organized orchestration between the anesthesiologist and surgeon, which ultimately helps minimize potential complications. Despite a concerted effort by all involved to avoid risks, thoracoscopic surgery is associated with complications for which the surgical team should be cognizant. In this paper, the authors detail the operative technique of vertebral corpectomy and interbody fusion via the thoracoscopic approach for the treatment of ventral spinal pathology involving the thoracic and lower lumbar spine, discuss complications known to occur with the thoracoscopic approach, and present means to help avoid them.
Revision strategies for AxiaLIF
Authors: Hofstetter Christoph P. , James Andrew R. , Härtl Roger
Published: September 2011

Object

Paracoccygeal transsacral fixation is a novel percutaneous technique for arthrodesis of L5–S1 and L4–5 (Axial Lumbar Interbody Fusion [AxiaLIF]). There are no reports on feasible revision strategies. The goal of this paper is to analyze the surgical details of failed AxiaLIF constructs and to describe revision strategies.

Methods

The medical charts, operative records, and imaging studies of 5 patients with failed multisegment instrumentation using the AxiaLIF device were reviewed.

Results

AxiaLIF constructs were revised in 5 patients with a mean age of 58.4 years. All AxiaLIF devices were part of multisegment fusion constructs for revision surgery and were revised an average of 15 months after implantation. Two AxiaLIF devices were percutaneously retrieved; one because of excessive bone resorption around the AxiaLIF screw, and the other because of chronic hardware infection. In these 2 patients, the anterior column was subsequently stabilized via anterior lumbar interbody fusion. In the other 3 patients, the AxiaLIF device was left in situ. In 2 of these patients the anterior column was stabilized with bilateral L5–S1 posterior lumbar interbody fusion, and in the remaining patient with L4–5 instability the posterior instrumentation only was revised. Revision surgeries were well tolerated. One patient suffered from a wound dehiscence of the back wound.

Conclusions

AxiaLIF devices are safely retrieved using percutaneous technique. Both anterior and posterior revision strategies may be used to achieve anterior column fixation.
Anterior corpectomy versus posterior laminoplasty: is the risk of postoperative C-5 palsy different?
Authors: Gandhoke Gurpreet , Wu Jau-Ching , Rowland Nathan C. , Meyer Scott A. , Gupta Camilla , Mummaneni Praveen V.
Published: September 2011

Object

Both anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF) and laminoplasty are effective treatments for selected cases of cervical stenosis. Postoperative C-5 palsies may occur with either anterior or posterior decompressive procedures; however, a direct comparison of C-5 palsy rates between the 2 approaches is not present in the literature. The authors sought to compare the C-5 palsy rate of ACCF versus laminoplasty.

Methods

The authors conducted a retrospective review of 31 ACCF (at C-4 or C-5) and 31 instrumented laminoplasty cases performed to treat cervical stenosis. The demographics of the groups were similar except for age (ACCF group mean age 53 years vs laminoplasty group mean age 62 years, p = 0.002). The mean number of levels treated was greater in the laminoplasty cohort (3.87 levels) than in the ACCF cohort (2.74 levels, p < 0.001). The mean preoperative Nurick grade of the laminoplasty cohort (2.61) was higher than the mean preoperative Nurick grade of the ACCF cohort (1.10, p < 0.001).

Results

The overall clinical follow-up rate was 100%. The mean overall clinical follow-up was 15 months. There were no significant differences in the estimated blood loss or length of stay between the 2 groups (p > 0.05). There was no statistical difference between the complication or reoperation rates between the 2 groups (p = 0.184 and p = 0.238). There were 2 C-5 nerve root pareses in each group. Three of the 4 patients recovered full deltoid function, and the fourth patient recovered nearly full deltoid function at final follow-up. There was no statistical difference in the rate of deltoid paresis (6.5%) between the 2 groups (p = 1).

Conclusions

Both ACCF and laminoplasty are effective treatments for patients with cervical stenosis. The authors found no difference in the rate of deltoid paresis between ACCF and laminoplasty to treat cervical stenosis.
Complication management with minimally invasive spine procedures
Authors: Hussain Namath S. , Perez-Cruet Mick J.
Published: September 2011

Spine surgery as we know it has changed dramatically over the past 2 decades. More patients are undergoing minimally invasive procedures. Surgeons are becoming more comfortable with these procedures, and changes in technology have led to several new approaches and products to make surgery safer for patients and improve patient outcomes. As more patients undergo minimally invasive spine surgery, more long-term outcome and complications data have been collected. The authors describe the common complications associated with these minimally invasive surgical procedures and delineate management options for the spine surgeon.
The history of pituitary surgery for Cushing disease
Authors: Mehta Gautam U. , Lonser Russell R. , Oldfield Edward H.
Published: September 2011

Although he never performed a pituitary operation for the disease, Harvey Cushing was the first to describe and treat patients with Cushing disease (CD). Other surgeons at the time were reluctant to operate on the pituitary due to the normal sella on skull radiographs in CD and the unclear etiology of the disorder. To better define and understand factors influencing the history of pituitary surgery for CD, the authors analyzed historical texts related to CD biology, diagnosis, and treatment. Cushing's monograph on basophilic pituitary adenomas and cortisol excess appeared in 1932. One year later in 1933, Alfred Pattison performed the first successful pituitary operation for CD by implanting radon seeds in the sella. Resection of a pituitary adenoma for CD was attempted 1 month later in 1933 by Howard Naffziger, resulting in only transient improvement that corresponded to the lack of tumor in the resected tissue. Soon thereafter, Susman in 1935 and Costello in 1936 described pituitary basophilic adenomas at autopsy in patients without premorbid endocrinopathy. They concluded that the adrenal gland was the cause of CD, which resulted in a 3-decade abandonment of pituitary surgery for CD. Jules Hardy in 1963 used the operating microscope to perform the first selective removal of an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)–secreting microadenoma, which established a pituitary cause and defined the modern treatment of CD. Subsequent reports by Hardy, Laws, and Wilson resulted in widespread acceptance of pituitary surgery for CD. Initial reluctance to operate on the pituitary for CD was multifaceted and included general uncertainty surrounding the etiology of Cushing syndrome as well as a lack of early surgical success, both due to the small size of ACTH-secreting adenomas. Selective removal of ACTH-secreting adenomas identified the source of CD and ended the delay in acceptance of pituitary surgery for CD.
Gamma Knife surgery for nonvestibular schwannomas: radiological and clinical outcomes
Authors: Elsharkawy Mohamed , Xu Zhiyuan , Schlesinger David , Sheehan Jason P.
Published: September 2011

Object

Most intracranial schwannomas arise from cranial nerve (CN) VIII. Stereotactic radiosurgery is a mainstay of treatment for vestibular schwannomas. Intracranial schwannomas arising from other CNs are much less common. We evaluate the efficacy of Gamma Knife surgery on nonvestibular schwannomas including trigeminal, hypoglossal, abducent, facial, trochlear, oculomotor, glossopharyngeal, and jugular foramen tumors.

Methods

Thirty-six patients with nonvestibular schwannomas were treated at the University of Virginia Gamma Knife center from 1989 to 2008. The median patient age was 48 years (mean 45.6 years, range 10–72 years). Schwannomas arose from the following CNs: CN III (in 1 patient), CN IV (in 1), CN V (in 25), CN VI (in 2), CN VII (in 1), CN IX (in 1), and CN XII (in 3). In 2 patients, tumors arose from the jugular foramen. The median tumor volume was 2.9 cm3 (mean 3.3 cm3, range 0.07–8.8 cm3). The median margin dose was 13.5 Gy (range 9.3–20 Gy); the median maximum dose was 30 Gy (range 21.7–50.0 Gy).

Results

The mean and median follow-up times of 36 patients were 54 and 37 months, respectively (range 2–180 months). At the last radiological follow-up, the tumor size had decreased in 20 patients, remained stable in 9 patients, and increased in 7 patients. The 2-year actuarial progression-free survival was 91%. Higher maximum dose was statistically related to tumor control (p = 0.027).

Thirty-three patients had adequate clinical follow-up. Among them, 21 patients had improvement in their presenting symptoms, 8 patients were stable after treatment with no worsening of their presenting symptoms, 2 patients developed new symptoms, and 1 patient experienced symptom deterioration. Notably, 1 patient with neurofibromatosis Type 2 developed new symptoms that were unrelated to the tumor treated with Gamma Knife surgery.

Conclusions

Gamma Knife surgery is a reasonably effective treatment option for patients with nonvestibular schwannomas. Patients require careful follow-up for tumor progression and signs of neurological deterioration.
Prospective assessment of patient morbidity from prone sacral positioning
Authors: Sherman Courtney E. , Rose Peter S. , Pierce Lori L. , Yaszemski Michael J. , Sim Franklin H.
Published: September 2011

Object

Sacrectomy positioning must balance surgical exposure, localization, associated operative procedures, and patient safety. Poor positioning may increase hemorrhage, risk of blindness, and skin breakdown.

Methods

The authors prospectively identified positioning-related morbidity in 17 patients undergoing 19 prone sacral procedures from September 2008 to August 2009 following institution of a standardized positioning protocol. Key elements include skull traction/head suspension, an open radiolucent frame, and wide draping for associated closure and reconstructive procedures.

Results

Tumors included 5 chordomas, 4 high-grade sarcomas, 1 chondrosarcoma, 2 presacral extradural myxopapillary ependymomas, and 5 others. Mean patient age was 49.9 years (range 17–74 years); mean body mass index was 27.6 kg/m2 (range 19.3–43.9 kg/m2). Mean preoperative Braden skin integrity score was 21.1 (range 17–23). Average operative time was 501 minutes (range 158–1136 minutes). Prone surgery was a part of staged anterior/posterior resections in 8 patients. Localization was conducted using fluoroscopy in 13 patients and intraoperative CT in 4 patients. All imaging studies were successful. One patient developed a transient ulnar nerve palsy attributed to positioning. Three patients (two of whom were morbidly obese) developed Stage I pressure injuries to the chest and another developed Stage II pressure injury following a 1136-minute procedure. Morbidity was only observed in patients with morbid obesity or with procedures lasting in excess of 10 hours.

Conclusions

A positioning protocol using head suspension on an open radiolucent frame facilitates oncological sacral surgery with reasonable patient morbidity. Morbid obesity and procedure times in excess of 10 hours are risk factors for positioning-related complications. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of surgical positioning morbidity in this patient population.
Iodine Molecules Included in the Structure of Dibenzo-24-Crown-8, (I2)@(db24c8)
Authors: Walbaum Christine , Pantenburg Ingo , Meyer Gerd
Published: September 2011

A reaction of YI3, dibenzo-24-crown-8 and iodine in ethanol yielded, as a by-product, red single crystals of (I2)@(db24c8). In the triclinic crystal, P-1, a = 485.0(1), b = 1203.7(3), c = 1280.4(2) pm, α = 64.56(2)°, β = 86.82(2)°, γ = 83.89(2)°, V = 671.1(2) × 106.pm3, Z = 1, R1= 0.0301 for 1965 reflections with I0 > 2σ(I0), iodine molecules with an I–I distance of 268.39(7) pm, slightly longer than in the gas phase, are included in a matrix of db24c8 molecules.
Effect of Celluclast 1.5L on the Physicochemical Characterization of Gold Kiwifruit Pectin
Authors: Yuliarti Oni , Matia-Merino Lara , Goh Kelvin K. T. , Mawson John A. , Brennan Charles S.
Published: September 2011

The effects of Celluclast 1.5L concentration on the physicochemical characterization of gold kiwifruit pectin was evaluated. Varying the enzyme concentration affected the pectin yield and pectin physicochemical properties. The viscosity of extracted pectin was largely dependent on the enzyme concentration. Celluclast 1.5L with medium concentration exhibited the highest viscosity. Varying the enzyme concentration also influenced the molecular weight distribution. High molecular weight (Mw) pectin (1.65 × 106 g/mol) was obtained when the medium concentration was used. Overall, the study clearly reflects the importance of taking into consideration the amount of cellulytic enzyme added in order to determine the final quality of pectin.
Therapies from Fucoidan; Multifunctional Marine Polymers
Authors: Fitton Janet Helen
Published: September 2011

Published research on fucoidans increased three fold between 2000 and 2010. These algal derived marine carbohydrate polymers present numerous valuable bioactivities. This review discusses the role for fucoidan in the control of acute and chronic inflammation via selectin blockade, enzyme inhibition and inhibiting the complement cascade. The recent data on toxicology and uptake of fucoidan is detailed together with a discussion on the comparative activities of fractions of fucoidan from different sources. Recent in vivo, in vitro and clinical research related to diverse clinical needs is discussed. Targets include osteoarthritis, kidney and liver disease, neglected infectious diseases, hemopoietic stem cell modulation, protection from radiation damage and treatments for snake envenomation. In recent years, the production of well characterized reproducible fucoidan fractions on a commercial scale has become possible making therapies from fucoidan a realizable goal.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Poly(hexamethylene-urethane) and PEG-Poly(hexamethylene-urethane) and Their Cholesteryl Oleyl Carbonate Composites for Human Blood Biocompatibility
Authors: Shih Mei Fen , Shau Min Da , Hsieh Cheng Chih , Cherng Jong Yuh
Published: September 2011

Two new urethane-based acrylates (UAA and PEG-UAA) were synthesized as polymer blocks. The chemical composition of the two monomers was confirmed by IR and NMR. After cross-linking these blockers by radical polymerization, “hexamethylene PU” [poly(hexamethylene-urethane)] and “PEG-hexamethylene PU” [PEG-poly(hexa-methylene-urethane)] were obtained. The platelet adhesion and platelet activation of these polymers were evaluated in the presence of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) blood. The relative blood clotting indexes of the polymers were determined to measure their capability of reducing thrombogenicity. The hemolysis of red blood cells was also assessed to examine the haemocompatibility of the polymers. The hexamethylene PU and PEG-hexamethylene PU showed less platelet adhesion, platelet activation, blood clotting and hemolysis than a commercial PU (Tecoflex). The liquid crystal molecule, cholesteryl oleyl carbonate (COC), showed further improved biocompatibility to human blood, after COC was embedded in the PU polymers. PEG-hexamethylene PU + 10% COC demonstrated the best activity in reducing thrombogenicity and the best haemocompatibility. The inclusion of PEG segments into the PEG-UAA structure increased its hydrophilicity. The methylene bis(cyclohexyl) segments in Tecoflex PU decreased haemocompatibility. These observations are in good agreement with performed contact angle measurements. The PEG-hexamethylene PU loaded with COC might be a promising material for applications in bioengineering.
Synthesis under Microwave Irradiation of [1,2,4]Triazolo[3,4-b] [1,3,4]thiadiazoles and Other Diazoles Bearing Indole Moieties and Their Antimicrobial Evaluation
Authors: Gomha Sobhi M. , Riyadh Sayed M.
Published: September 2011

Microwave-assisted synthesis of some novel compounds, namely, 3-(2-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl)-6-aryl-[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazoles 5a,b was accomplished via bromination of 2-methyl-3-[4-(arylideneamino)-5-mercapto-4H-[1,2,4]triazol-3-yl]-1H-indoles 3a,b. Also, new [1,3,4]thiadiazoles 12a,b, [1,2,4]triazoles 15a,b and [1,3,4]oxadiazoles 19a,b, with indole moieties, were prepared by cyclization of 1-[(2-methyl-1H-indole)-3-carbonyl]thiosemicarbazides 8a,b under microwave irradiation using different reaction conditions. Moreover, reaction of acid hydrazide 7 with ethyl 2-(N-phenylhydrazono)-3-oxobutanoate (20) gave the respective phenylhydrazonopyrazole derivative 21 under the reaction conditions employed. The structures of the synthesized compounds were assigned based on elemental analyses and spectral data (IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, MS). The antifungal and antibacterial activities of the new products were also evaluated.
Down-Regulation of Treg Cells and Up-Regulation of Th1/Th2 Cytokine Ratio Were Induced by Polysaccharide from Radix Glycyrrhizae in H22 Hepatocarcinoma Bearing Mice
Authors: He Xiaojuan , Li Xiaobing , Liu Biao , Xu Li , Zhao Hongyan , Lu Aiping
Published: September 2011

Radix Glycyrrhizae polysaccharide (GP) possesses multiple pharmacological activities. However, the effect of GP on CD4+CD25+ regulatory T (Treg) cells has not been elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the effects of GP on Treg cells and Th1/Th2 cytokines in H22 hepatocarcinoma tumor-bearing mice. The results demonstrated that GP inhibits tumor progression. In the lymph nodes of the tumor microenvironment and spleen, the proportion of Treg cells was significantly higher in the tumor-bearing mice. GP administration down-regulated the population of Treg cells (P < 0.01) and decreased lymph node Foxp3 and IL-10 mRNA expression (P < 0.01). In addition, GP treatment decreased IL-10 and TGF-β level (P < 0.01) and increased IL-2 and IL-12p70 level in serum (P < 0.01). In conclusion, GP reduced the proportion of Treg cells and Foxp3 lowered expression in Treg cells, and up-regulated Th1/Th2 cytokine ratio in serum in the tumor bearing mice, which might partially cause the inhibition of tumor growth.
MC Sensor—A Novel Method for Measurement of Muscle Tension
Authors: Đorđević Srđan , Stančin Sara , Meglič Andrej , Milutinović Veljko , Tomažič Sašo
Published: September 2011

This paper presents a new muscle contraction (MC) sensor. This MC sensor is based on a novel principle whereby muscle tension is measured during muscle contractions. During the measurement, the sensor is fixed on the skin surface above the muscle, while the sensor tip applies pressure and causes an indentation of the skin and intermediate layer directly above the muscle and muscle itself. The force on the sensor tip is then measured. This force is roughly proportional to the tension of the muscle. The measurement is non-invasive and selective. Selectivity of MC measurement refers to the specific muscle or part of the muscle that is being measured and is limited by the size of the sensor tip. The sensor is relatively small and light so that the measurements can be performed while the measured subject performs different activities. Test measurements with this MC sensor on the biceps brachii muscle under isometric conditions (elbow angle 90°) showed a high individual linear correlation between the isometric force and MC signal amplitudes (0.97 ≤ r ≤ 1). The measurements also revealed a strong correlation between the MC and electromyogram (EMG) signals as well as good dynamic behaviour by the MC sensor. We believe that this MC sensor, when fully tested, will be a useful device for muscle mechanic diagnostics and that it will be complementary to existing methods.
Social Sciences and Sustainability
Authors: Lin Shu-Kun
Published: September 2011

At the time when the journal Sustainability [1] was launched, as a chemist and a scientist, I started to believe that social sciences may be more important to make humans sustainable. The broad journal title Social Sciences presents the opportunity for all social science scholars to have integrated consideration regarding the sustainability of humanity, because I am sure that science and technology alone cannot help. Science and technology may have in fact been contributing to accelerate the depletion of nonrenewable natural resources and putting human sustainability at risk since the industrial revolution about 150 years ago. I hope all intellectuals studying anthropology, archaeology, administration, communication, criminology, economics, education, government, linguistics, international relations, politics, sociology and, in some contexts, geography, history, law, and psychology publish with us to seek a solution to sustain humanity. Sustainability itself will also be a main topic of the journal Social Sciences. In addition to this integrated forum for social sciences, more topic specific journals, such as the already publishing Societies [2], will be launched. [...]
How to remove the influence of trace water from the absorption spectra of SWNTs dispersed in ionic liquids
Authors: Yang Juan , Zhang Daqi , Li Yan
Published: September 2011

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) can be efficiently dispersed in the imidazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs), at relatively high concentration, with their intrinsic structure and properties retained. Due to the hygroscopicity of the ILs, water bands may be introduced in the absorption spectra of IL-dispersed SWNTs and cause problems in spectral deconvolution and further analysis. In order to remove this influence, a quantitative characterization of the trace water in [BMIM]+[PF6]− and [BMIM]+[BF4]− was carried out by means of UV–vis-NIR absorption spectroscopy. A simple yet effective method involving spectral subtraction of the water bands was utilized, and almost no difference was found between the spectra of the dry IL-dispersed SWNT samples treated under vacuum for 10 hours and the spectra of the untreated samples with subtraction of the pure water spectrum. This result makes it more convenient to characterize SWNTs with absorption spectra in the IL-dispersion system, even in the presence of trace amount of water.
Entecavir plus Adefovir Combination Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis B Patients after Failure of Nucleoside/Nucleotide Analogues
Authors: Lim Young-Suk , Lee Tae Hoon , Heo Nae-Yun , Shim Ju Hyun , Lee Han Chu , Suh Dong Jin
Published: September 2011

Background

The combination of entecavir, a nucleoside analogue, and adefovir, a nucleotide analogue, would be a promising salvage treatment for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients who fail nucleoside/nucleotide analogue (NA) regimens.

Methods

A total of 89 CHB patients who had failed NA regimens and were treated with entecavir plus adefovir combination for at least 12 months were included.

Results

Mean baseline HBV DNA of patients was 6.16 ±1.44 log10 IU/ml. Patients were classed by the number of previously failed NAs; 1 NA (lamivudine; n=15; Group 1), 2 NAs (lamivudine and either adefovir or entecavir; n=39; Group 2) and 3 NAs (lamivudine, adefovir and entecavir; n=35; Group 3). After 12 months of treatment, the mean reduction in HBV DNA was greater in Group 1 than in Group 2 or 3 (-5.81 ±1.71, -3.20 ±1.36 and -2.93 ±1.56 log10 IU/ml, respectively; P<0.01). The rates of virological response (HBV DNA<2,000 IU/ml) were 100%, 79.5% and 34.3% ( P<0.01), and the rates of complete virological response (HBV DNA<60 IU/ml) were 53.3%, 25.6% and 14.3% in Group 1, 2 and 3, respectively ( P<0.01) at 12 months. Higher baseline HBV DNA (odds ratio =0.59; P=0.02) and increasing number of previously failed NAs ( P<0.01) were independently associated with a lower rate of complete virological response at 12 months.

Conclusions

Entecavir plus adefovir combination treatment was effective in achieving virological response in CHB patients after failure of NAs. However, its effect progressively decreased as the number of previously failed NAs increased.
Le Sahara occidental : un territoire revendiqué... des territoires imaginés ?
Authors: Dedenis Julien
Published: September 2011

Résumé Décolonisé tardivement en 1976, le Sahara occidental ex-espagnol reste un territoire indécis entre l’occupation de fait par le Maroc retrouvant ses frontières pré-coloniales, la Mauritanie exclue des revendications dès 1978, et le Front Polisario indépendantiste fondé sur une base tribale guerrière maure matinée de Révolution. Si la majeure part de la population sahraouie vit dans des « camps » autonomes à l’abri des frontières algériennes toutes proches, c’est à égalité presque avec la population restée « sur place » donc sous contrôle marocain. Cela sans compter les migrants en Espagne ou à Cuba. Comment un territoire revendiqué peut-il se définir depuis des positions aussi diverses ? C’est la question en suspens.
Frictions frontalières en Japonésie
Authors: Pelletier Philippe
Published: September 2011

Résumé Les frontières politiques japonaises résultent d’une alternance d’expansion ou de repli opérée par l’État japonais en réaction à des pressions internes et, surtout, externes. Les trois litiges frontaliers surinsulaires actuels héritent de cette géohistoire dont la configuration ressemble au jeu de go. Mais le Japon reste prisonnier d’une conception stricte, et largement dépassée, d’un État-nation bordé par des limites rigides. Le récent changement de la position états-unienne semble ouvrir une nouvelle phase.
Réflexions d'un orientaliste tempéré
Authors: Gentelle Pierre
Published: September 2011

Résumé Introduction inédite d’un colloque sur la question des tropicalités dont les géographes ont débattu à plusieurs reprises
Evidence for (E)-pityol as an aggregation pheromone of Pityophthorus pubescens (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae)
Authors: López Sergio , Quero Carmen , Iturrondobeitia Juan Carlos , Guerrero Ángel , Goldarazena Arturo
Published: September 2011

We present evidence favoring the use of (E)-pityol as an aggregation pheromone in Pityophthorus pubescens (Marsham). (E)-Pityol was detected in effluvia of male and female P. pubescens, and antennae of both sexes responded to (E)-(+)-pityol in electroantennogram assays. In two-choice olfactometer tests, males significantly preferred (E)-(+)-pityol and (E)-(±)-pityol to blank controls at doses of 1, 10, and 100ng, whereas females only showed a preference for (E)-pityol at the 1ng dose.
Effects of gypsy moth establishment and dominance in native caterpillar communities of northern oak forests
Authors: Timms Laura L. , Smith Sandy M.
Published: September 2011

Little research has addressed the impacts of invasive-species establishment on native forest insect communities. Such information is lacking even for gypsy moth,Lymantria dispar(L.) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae), the most thoroughly studied invasive forest insect. We investigated the ecological impacts of gypsy moth on native species at sites in north-central Ontario, Canada, with and without significant histories of gypsy moth defoliation over a 2-year period. Patterns in native forest caterpillar communities are described using measures of species diversity and multivariate analysis. We documented a transition from low-level to dominant gypsy moth populations. Sites with different gypsy moth outbreak histories exhibited differences in rank-abundance distributions and dominance structures in the first year of the study; by the second year, gypsy moth was dominant at sites of both types irrespective of their previous defoliation history. Contrary to our predictions, we found that gypsy moth outbreak history had no significant effects on native caterpillar community diversity or structure. However, sites with currently high gypsy moth abundance demonstrated significant shifts in late-season caterpillar community structure. Our results suggest that observed community differences were due to the presence of a highly abundant folivore, and not to permanent shifts in the native community because of the introduction of an invasive species.
The New World genera of Parathalassiinae (Diptera: Empidoidea: Dolichopodidae s.l.), with new species of Thalassophorus and Eothalassius
Authors: Brooks Scott E. , Cumming Jeffrey M.
Published: September 2011

The parathalassine genera Thalassophorus Saigusa, Eothalassius Shamshev and Grootaert, and Chimerothalassius Shamshev and Grootaert are recorded from the New World for the first time. Thalassophorus arnaudi Brooks and Cumming sp. nov. is described from specimens collected at coastal localities in British Columbia, Oregon, and California, and represents the second known species in the genus, the type species being T. spinipennis Saigusa, known only from Rishiri Island in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan. Detailed illustrations of the male genitalia of T. spinipennis are provided. Eothalassius borkenti Cumming and Brooks sp. nov. is described from specimens collected along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, bringing the total number of described species of this former Southeast Asian genus to three, with one probable additional described species in the Mediterranean region. The genus Chimerothalassius, which was previously known from a single New Zealand species, is recorded from the island of Dominica, based on a female specimen plus a slide-mounted wing of an undescribed species. A new undescribed parathalassiine genus is also recorded from Chile, based on limited material of two undescribed species. A key to the six genera of Parathalassiinae in the New World, including Parathalassius Mik and Microphorella Becker, is given, as are some preliminary remarks on the limits and phylogenetic relationships of the parathalassiine genera.
Ants and subterranean Sternorrhyncha in a native grassland in east-central Alberta, Canada
Authors: Newton J.S. , Glasier J. , Maw H.E.L. , Proctor H.C. , Foottit R.G.
Published: September 2011

Little is known about the associations of ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) with subterranean aphids and mealybugs (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Aphididae and Pseudococcidae), particularly in Canadian grasslands. Knowledge of host plants for these sternorrhynchans is equally rare. We carried out a plant-based survey of ants and belowground aphids and mealybugs in a native fescue grassland in east-central Alberta, Canada. We found 23 species of ants, 12 of which (species ofLasiusF.,MyrmicaLatreille,TapinomaFörster, andTemnothoraxMayr) were in association with subterranean sternorrhynchans. Twelve species of aphids and mealybugs were collected; 3 are new records for Canada and 2 are possibly undescribed. Most ant species associated with sternorrhynchans were found with more than one species of sternorrhynchan, sometimes in the same nest. Almost all sternorrhynchans were found on graminoid hosts (Poaceae and Cyperaceae); there was little observed plant-specificity beyond this. There were no significant correlations between presence of subterranean sternorrhynchans and percent cover of different plant types, soil moisture content, slope, aspect, or visible entrances to ant nests.
The parasitoid communities associated with an invasive canola pest, Ceutorhynchus obstrictus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), in Ontario and Quebec, Canada
Authors: Mason P.G. , Miall J.H. , Bouchard P. , Gillespie D.R. , Broadbent A.B. , Gibson G.A.P.
Published: September 2011

Surveys were conducted to determine the parasitoid communities associated with the cabbage seedpod weevil, Ceutorhynchus obstrictus (Marsham), an important invasive pest of canola in Ontario and Quebec, Canada. More than 18 species of Chalcidoidea (Hymenoptera) were associated with this pest through mass rearings from canola siliques. In southwestern Ontario, the most abundant species were a species of Chlorocytus Graham (23.6%–48.6%), Lyrcus perdubius (Girault) (0%–53%), L. maculatus (Gahan) (2.8%–14.7%), and species of Pteromalus Swederus (0.6%–23.1%) (Pteromalidae). In contrast, the most abundant species in Quebec were Trichomalus lucidus (Walker) (Pteromalidae) (33.3%–56.4%), unidentified Eulophidae (2.1%–39.1%), Mesopolobus gemellus Baur and Muller (Pteromalidae) (1.3%–21.4%), and Necremnus tidius (Walker) (Eulophidae) (11.5%–19.3%). In the Ottawa, Ontario, area, parasitoids were first recovered in 2008, and Trichomalus perfectus (Walker) (Pteromalidae), M. gemellus, and species of Pteromalus were most prevalent. Mesopolobus gemellus and T. perfectus are reported in North America for the first time. Although existing communities appear to provide substantial parasitism (e.g., 6.3%–26.3% in 2006), species composition varies among years and differs from that in other regions in North America. Thus, parasitism levels and parasitoid communities of the cabbage seedpod weevil should be monitored to assess whether these will increase or there is a need to introduce more host-specific species from Europe that could provide greater mortality.
Celiacomesenteric Trunk: A Variation That Must Be Known Before Aortic Surgery
Authors: Lagoutte Nicolas , Facy Olivier , Guiu Boris , Favier Claire , Cheynel Nicolas
Published: September 2011

The celiac trunk and the mesenteric arteries may present variations with different clinical significance. A celiacomesenteric trunk was discovered in a patient with mesenteric ischemia and a history of aortic bypass without inferior mesenteric artery reimplantation. Despite thrombectomies and digestive resections, the patient died. Anatomic variations like celiacomesenteric trunk must be known before aortic surgery.
Comonoidal W*-Morita equivalence for von Neumann bialgebras
Authors: De Commer Kenny
Published: September 2011

A theory of Galois co-objects for von Neumann bialgebras is introduced. This concept is closely related to the notion of
comonoidal W*-Morita equivalence
between von Neumann bialgebras, which is a Morita equivalence taking the comultiplication structure into account. We show that the property of ‘being a von Neumann algebraic quantum group’ (i.e. ‘having invariant weights’) is preserved under this equivalence relation. We also introduce the notion of a
projective corepresentation
for a von Neumann bialgebra, and show how it leads to a construction method for Galois co-objects and comonoidal W*-Morita equivalences.
Transnasal Endoscopic Repair of Post-traumatic Cerebrospinal Fluid Fistula and Meningoencephalocele: Successful Closure of a Big Breach (18 × 15 mm) with Septal Cartilage and Temporalis Fascia
Authors: Sonkhya Nishi , Mittal Payal , Sonkhya Divij
Published: September 2011

Transnasal endoscopic repair of cerebrospinal fluid fistula is recommended for patients with post-traumatic cerebrospinal fluid leaks who do not respond to conservative treatment. It is a safer and more successful alternative to transcranial surgery.

We present our experience of using septal cartilage and temporalis fascia in this transnasal endoscopic approach for the repair of the large defect of anterior skull base cerebrospinal fistula and meningoencephalocele. Use of microdebrider is highlighted in the technique for the debridement of the encephalocele and complete exposure of the defect.