bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beta-blocker therapy and impact on outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a cohort study
Authors: Chalouhi Nohra , Daou Badih , Okabe Toshimasa , Starke Robert M. , Dalyai Richard , Bovenzi Cory D. , Anderson Eliza Claire , Barros Guilherme , Reese Adam , Jabbour Pascal , Tjoumakaris Stavropoula , Rosenwasser Robert , Kraft Walter K. , Rincon Fred
Published: January 2016

OBJECTIVE

Cerebral vasospasm (cVSP) is a frequent complication of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), with a significant impact on outcome. Beta blockers (BBs) may blunt the sympathetic effect and catecholamine surge associated with ruptured cerebral aneurysms and prevent cardiac dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between preadmission BB therapy and cVSP, cardiac dysfunction, and in-hospital mortality following aSAH.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients with aSAH who were treated at a tertiary high-volume neurovascular referral center. The exposure was defined as any preadmission BB therapy. The primary outcome was cVSP assessed by serial transcranial Doppler with any mean flow velocity ≥ 120 cm/sec and/or need for endovascular intervention for medically refractory cVSP. Secondary outcomes were cardiac dysfunction (defined as cardiac troponin-I elevation > 0.05 μg/L, low left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] < 40%, or LV wall motion abnormalities [LVWMA]) and in-hospital mortality.

RESULTS

The cohort consisted of 210 patients treated between February 2009 and September 2010 (55% were women), with a mean age of 53.4 ± 13 years and median Hunt and Hess Grade III (interquartile range III–IV). Only 13% (27/210) of patients were exposed to preadmission BB therapy. Compared with these patients, a higher percentage of patients not exposed to preadmission BBs had transcranial Doppler-mean flow velocity ≥ 120 cm/sec (59% vs 22%; p = 0.003). In multivariate analyses, lower Hunt and Hess grade (OR 3.9; p < 0.001) and preadmission BBs (OR 4.5; p = 0.002) were negatively associated with cVSP. In multivariate analysis, LVWMA (OR 2.7; p = 0.002) and low LVEF (OR 1.1; p = 0.05) were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. Low LVEF (OR 3.9; p = 0.05) independently predicted medically refractory cVSP. The in-hospital mortality rate was higher in patients with LVWMA (47.4% vs 14.8%; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The study data suggest that preadmission therapy with BBs is associated with lower incidence of cVSP after aSAH. LV dysfunction was associated with higher medically refractory cVSP and in-hospital mortality. BB therapy may be considered after aSAH as a cardioprotective and cVSP preventive therapy.
Gamma Knife surgery for patients with jugular foramen schwannomas: a multiinstitutional retrospective study in Japan
Authors: Hasegawa Toshinori , Kato Takenori , Kida Yoshihisa , Sasaki Ayaka , Iwai Yoshiyasu , Kondoh Takeshi , Tsugawa Takahiko , Sato Manabu , Sato Mitsuya , Nagano Osamu , Nakaya Kotaro , Nakazaki Kiyoshi , Kano Tadashige , Hasui Koichi , Nagatomo Yasushi , Yasuda Soichiro , Moriki Akihito , Serizawa Toru , Osano Seiki , Inoue Akira
Published: January 2016

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the efficacy and safety of stereotactic radiosurgery in patients with jugular foramen schwannomas (JFSs).

METHODS

This study was a multiinstitutional retrospective analysis of 117 patients with JFSs who were treated with Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) at 18 medical centers of the Japan Leksell Gamma Knife Society. The median age of the patients was 53 years. Fifty-six patients underwent GKS as their initial treatment, while 61 patients had previously undergone resection. At the time of GKS, 46 patients (39%) had hoarseness, 45 (38%) had hearing disturbances, and 43 (36%) had swallowing disturbances. Eighty-five tumors (73%) were solid, and 32 (27%) had cystic components. The median tumor volume was 4.9 cm3, and the median prescription dose administered to the tumor margin was 12 Gy. Five patients were treated with fractionated GKS and maximum and marginal doses of 42 and 21 Gy, respectively, using a 3-fraction schedule.

RESULTS

The median follow-up period was 52 months. The last follow-up images showed partial remission in 62 patients (53%), stable tumors in 42 patients (36%), and tumor progression in 13 patients (11%). The actuarial 3- and 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 91% and 89%, respectively. The multivariate analysis showed that pre-GKS brainstem edema and dumbbell-shaped tumors significantly affected PFS. During the follow-up period, 20 patients (17%) developed some degree of symptomatic deterioration. This condition was transient in 12 (10%) of these patients and persistent in 8 patients (7%). The cause of the persistent deterioration was tumor progression in 4 patients (3%) and adverse radiation effects in 4 patients (3%), including 2 patients with hearing deterioration, 1 patient with swallowing disturbance, and 1 patient with hearing deterioration and hypoglossal nerve palsy. However, the preexisting hoarseness and swallowing disturbances improved in 66% and 63% of the patients, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

GKS resulted in good tumor control in patients with either primary or residual JFSs. Although some patients experienced some degree of symptomatic deterioration after treatment, persistent adverse radiation effects were seen in only 3% of the entire series at the last follow-up. Lower cranial nerve deficits were extremely rare adverse radiation effects, and preexisting hoarseness and swallowing disturbances improved in two-thirds of patients. These results indicated that GKS was a safe and reasonable alternative to surgical resection in selected patients with JFSs.
Low-flow and high-flow neurosurgical bypass and anastomosis training models using human and bovine placental vessels: a histological analysis and validation study
Authors: Belykh Evgenii , Lei Ting , Safavi-Abbasi Sam , Yagmurlu Kaan , Almefty Rami O. , Sun Hai , Almefty Kaith K. , Belykh Olga , Byvaltsev Vadim A. , Spetzler Robert F. , Nakaji Peter , Preul Mark C.
Published: January 2016

OBJECTIVE

Microvascular anastomosis is a basic neurosurgical technique that should be mastered in the laboratory. Human and bovine placentas have been proposed as convenient surgical practice models; however, the histologic characteristics of these tissues have not been compared with human cerebral vessels, and the models have not been validated as simulation training models. In this study, the authors assessed the construct, face, and content validities of microvascular bypass simulation models that used human and bovine placental vessels.

METHODS

The characteristics of vessel segments from 30 human and 10 bovine placentas were assessed anatomically and histologically. Microvascular bypasses were performed on the placenta models according to a delineated training module by “trained” participants (10 practicing neurosurgeons and 7 residents with microsurgical experience) and “untrained” participants (10 medical students and 3 residents without experience). Anastomosis performance and impressions of the model were assessed using the Northwestern Objective Microanastomosis Assessment Tool (NOMAT) scale and a posttraining survey.

RESULTS

Human placental arteries were found to approximate the M2–M4 cerebral and superficial temporal arteries, and bovine placental veins were found to approximate the internal carotid and radial arteries. The mean NOMAT performance score was 37.2 ± 7.0 in the untrained group versus 62.7 ± 6.1 in the trained group (p < 0.01; construct validity). A 50% probability of allocation to either group corresponded to 50 NOMAT points. In the posttraining survey, 16 of 17 of the trained participants (94%) scored the model's replication of real bypass surgery as high, and 16 of 17 (94%) scored the difficulty as “the same” (face validity). All participants, 30 of 30 (100%), answered positively to questions regarding the ability of the model to improve microsurgical technique (content validity).

CONCLUSIONS

Human placental arteries and bovine placental veins are convenient, anatomically relevant, and beneficial models for microneurosurgical training. Microanastomosis simulation using these models has high face, content, and construct validities. A NOMAT score of more than 50 indicated successful performance of the microanastomosis tasks.
Intraneural ganglion cysts: a systematic review and reinterpretation of the world's literature
Authors: Desy Nicholas M. , Wang Huan , Elshiekh Mohanad Ahmed Ibrahim , Tanaka Shota , Choi Tae Woong , Howe B. Matthew , Spinner Robert J.
Published: January 2016

OBJECTIVE

The etiology of intraneural ganglion cysts has been controversial. In recent years, substantial evidence has been presented to support the articular (synovial) theory for their pathogenesis. The authors sought to 1) perform a systematic review of the world's literature on intraneural cysts, and 2) reinterpret available published MR images in articles by other authors to identify unrecognized joint connections.

METHODS

In Part 1, all cases were analyzed for demographic data, duration of symptoms, the presence of a history of trauma, whether electromyography or nerve conduction studies were performed, the type of imaging, surgical treatment, presence of a joint connection, intraneural cyst recurrence, and postoperative imaging. Two univariate analyses were completed: 1) to compare the proportion of intraneural ganglion cyst publications per decade and 2) to assess the number of recurrences from 1914 to 2003 compared with the years 2004–2015. Three multivariate regression models were used to identify risk factors for intraneural cyst recurrence. In Part 2, the authors analyzed all available published MR images and obtained MR images from selected cases in which joint connections were not identified by the original authors, specifically looking for unrecognized joint connections. Two univariate analyses were done: 1) to determine a possible association between the identification of a joint connection and obtaining an MRI and 2) to assess the number of joint connections reported from 1914 to 2003 compared with 2004 to 2015.

RESULTS

In Part 1, 417 articles (645 patients) were selected for analysis. Joint connections were identified in 313 intraneural cysts (48%). Both intraneural ganglion cyst cases and cyst recurrences were more frequently reported since 2004 (statistically significant difference for both). There was a statistically significant association between cyst recurrence and percutaneous aspiration as well as failure to disconnect the articular branch or address the joint. In Part 2, the authors identified 43 examples of joint connections that initially went unrecognized: 27 based on their retrospective MR image reinterpretation of published cases and 16 of 16 cases from their sampling of original MR images from published cases. Overall, joint connections were more commonly found in patients who received an MRI examination and were more frequently reported during the years 2004 to 2015 (statistically significant difference for both).

CONCLUSIONS

This comprehensive review of the world's literature and the MR images further supports the articular (synovial) theory and provides baseline data for future investigators.
Outcomes after surgical treatment of meningioma-associated proptosis
Authors: Bowers Christian A. , Sorour Mohammed , Patel Bhupendra C. , Couldwell William T.
Published: January 2016

OBJECTIVE

Meningioma-associated proptosis (MAP) can be cosmetically and functionally debilitating for patients with sphenoorbital and other skull base meningiomas, and there is limited information on the quantitative improvement in proptosis after surgery. Because less extensive removals of tumor involving the orbit fail to reduce proptosis, the senior author has adopted an aggressive surgical approach to the removal of tumor involving the periorbita and orbit. The authors of this study retrospectively reviewed outcomes of this surgical approach.

METHODS

All surgeries for MAP performed by a single surgeon between January 1, 2002, and May 1, 2015, were reviewed. Age, sex, visual symptoms, number and types of surgical treatments, cavernous sinus involvement, complications, duration of follow-up, residual tumor, use of adjuvant radiation therapy, and extent of proptosis resolution as measured by the exophthalmos index (EI) pre- and postoperatively and at the final follow-up were recorded.

RESULTS

Thirty-three patients (24 female [73%]) with an average age of 51.6 years were treated for MAP. Of the 22 patients with additional visual symptoms (for example, loss of visual acuity, field cut, or diplopia), 15 had improved vision and 7 had stable vision. No patients had worse proptosis after treatment. The average preoperative EI was 1.39, the average immediate postoperative EI was 1.23, and the average final EI at the most recent follow-up was 1.13. Thus, average overall EI improvement was 0.26, but the average immediate EI reduction was 0.16, demonstrating that proptosis progressively improved during the postoperative period. Residual cavernous sinus involvement was present in 17 of 18 patients who had had preoperative cavernous sinus meningioma involvement. Only 2 patients in the series had recurrent tumor at the orbital region, and their proptosis improved again after reoperation. One case of delayed vasospasm and 2 cases of postoperative trigeminal numbness (V2) were recorded. The average follow-up was 4.5 years (53.8 months).

CONCLUSIONS

In this series, all patients experienced proptosis improvement and none had worse visual symptoms at the final follow-up, although proptosis resolution occurred over time. Only 2 patients had tumor recurrence at the orbit that required surgery. Surgical complications were uncommon. Study results suggest that aggressive resection of MAP is well tolerated and offers superior proptosis elimination with infrequent recurrence at the orbit. Importantly, no cases of enophthalmos were noted despite the lack of formal reconstruction of the orbit.
Assessment of Drinking Water Quality in a Community in Malaysia
Authors: Anita Devi K. , Saharuddin Surfina A. , Tan Jack Z. , Linn Wai Mai , Bokhari Shazneen F.
Published: January 2016

Potable water is important for the sustenance and survival of human beings and other living organisms. The present study deals with the evaluation of the drinking water quality in a city of Selangor, Malaysia and to compare the quality of drinking water from various households and restaurants by measuring the various physical and chemical parameters such as dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, nitrate, pH, coliform, turbidity and phosphate using the water monitoring kit. All samples showed no abnormal values for dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), turbidity and nitrate. The results showed that the contents of total coliform, phosphate and pH exceeded the standard. It was seen that out of 100 drinking water samples, 38 samples had E. coli count exceeding the acceptable limit and hence are considered contaminated. 69 samples were collected from houses and 28 samples (40%) out of them were contaminated. Among the 27 samples collected from the restaurants, 10 samples (37%) were contaminated. The results revealed that there was no significant difference in the quality of drinking water collected from houses as compared to the restaurants ( P value = 0.56). The pH levels for 99% of the samples were within the acceptable range. 1% of the drinking water samples had phosphate level that slightly exceeded the standards.
Remedies and Their Effectiveness for Ensuring Environmental Compliance: Evidences from Gujarat, India
Authors: Bansal Neeru , Solanki Ankit
Published: January 2016

Environmental compliance in the fast developing countries has been an area of interest for researchers to find out how sustainable growth can be achieved without compromising on environment. In India, agencies responsible for enforcement of environmental laws are resource scarce and juxtaposing this with the pace of industrial development, it raises serious concerns about how effective enforcement of environmental laws can be managed. This paper analyses the effectiveness of various remedies available for ensuring environmental compliance. The methodology included identification of remedies available for ensuring environmental compliance, identification of parameters for measuring their effectiveness and then selecting a few cases for detailed study. The analysis suggests that the powers delegated to State Pollution Control Board for issuing closure directions to polluting industries is the most effective remedy and has been resorted to the maximum by Pollution Control Boards in the recent past. However, complete reliance on this remedy by regulatory institutions may lead to ‘rent seeking.’
Surface Water Acidification due to Vehicular Industrial and Anthropogenic Activity: Bhubaneswar City—A Case Study
Authors: Kar B.B. , Biswal R.P.
Published: January 2016

This paper presents the seasonal analysis reports of the chemistry of rainwater, surface water and fog of Bhubaneswar city for three years, i.e., July 2008 to June 2011. In this study 838 rain water samples, 342 fog samples and 658 surface water samples have been collected from twelve different areas such as, Acharya Vihar, Saheed Nagar, Bapuji Nagar, Forest Park, Nalco Chhak, Sailashree Vihar, Patia, Chandaka Forest range, Baramunda, Khandagiri, Palaspalli and Kausalyaganga. The present study reports about the occurrence of acid rain, formation of fog and smog and their rate of contamination to the surface water changing its pH and nutrient content. The water sample collected from Acharya Vihar, Bapuji Nagar and Kausalyaganga area were found to be highly acidic in nature (pH < 5.2). It has been observed that pH of the rain water varies within the range of 4.3 to 5.0 and fog water sample in the range of 4.2 to 4.8 respectively. It has been found that the water sample obtained from other areas are slightly acidic in nature where the pH of the surface water remains in the range of 5.5 to 5.8. It has been observed that the water sample in high acidic area is found to be more loaded with heavy metal in comparison to the water obtained from low acidic area. A correlation has been established by the critical analysis of both the water samples (atmospheric and surface).
Influence of Process Variables and Kinetic Modelling on Mercury Removal Using Paecilomyces variotii Biomass—Effect of Process Parameters and Kinetics
Authors: Rajamohan N. , Rajasimman M.
Published: January 2016

In this present work, a novel fungal biosorbent was synthesized using Paecilomyces variotii species and employed for the removal of mercury under batch conditions. The effect of process parameters such as pH, sorbent dose, initial mercury concentration and agitation speed on metal removal efficiency was investigated. The metal uptake was found to increase in the pH range 2.0 – 5.0 and the maximum uptake obtained was 26.0 mg/g at an optimal pH of 5.0. The biosorbent achieved 86% metal removal efficiency when the mercury concentration was 100 mg/L. The effect of shaking speed was studied in the range of 100-400 rpm and the optimal speed was determined as 300 rpm. The sorption process was identified as exothermic in nature. Pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order model were tested with the kinetic data. The pseudo-second order model represented the kinetic experiments very well with higher values of R2 (>0.95). The pseudo-second rate constant ( k2), was evaluated as 2.090 × 10−3 g mg−1 min−1 at an initial mercury concentrations of 100 mg/L. Thermodynamic studies revealed the activation energy for this process as 58.25 kJ/mol.
Physico-chemical Activation on Rice Husk Biochar for Enhancing of Cadmium Removal from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Prapagdee Songkrit , Piyatiratitivorakul Somkiat , Petsom Amorn
Published: January 2016

The biochar was prepared from rice husk by pyrolysis at slow pyrolysis at 300, 400, and 500°C. The obtained biochars were activated by combined physico-chemical methods. An alkaline solution of 1.63 M of KOH was used for chemical pre-activation and made second pyrolysis at the same condition as first pyrolysis. Adsorption efficiency was studied using the batch static method under laboratory conditions. Cd(II) ion removal efficiency of activated biochars was increased from 13–20% to 95–97% over non-activated biochar. The activated biochar at a pyrolysis temperature of 300°C showed the highest Cd(II) ion removal efficiency of 97% at 180 min of contact time. Cd(II) ion adsorption isotherms of activated biochar were fitted well both in Langmuir and Freundlich model. The maximum Cd(II) ion adsorption capacity of activated biochar pyrolysis at 300°C was 45.87 mg g−1, about six times higher than that of the non-activated biochar (7.76 mg g−1). The activated biochar increased the BET surface area from 7.71 to 11.57 m2g−1. It has been suggested that the simplicity of the physico-chemical activation technique, technically feasible, eco-friendly, and cost effective, can stimulate high Cd(II) ion removal efficiency of rice husk biochar.
Future Climate Change Scenario at Hot Semi-arid Climate of Ahmedabad (23.04°N, 72.38°E), India Based on Statistical Downscaling by LARS-WG Model
Authors: Sarkar Jayanta , Chicholikar J.R.
Published: January 2016

General Circulation Models (GCMs) are widely used nowadays to simulate future climate scenarios. However, present GCMs have limited skills in simulating the complex and local climate features and to provide reliable information on precipitation and temperature data which are the principal inputs to hydrologic impact assessment models. Furthermore, the outputs provided by GCMs are too coarse to be used by such hydrologic models, as they require information at much finer scales. Downscaling of GCMs output is, therefore, a necessity. Keeping this in view, the present study aimed at verifying the skills of LARS-WG, a popular downscaling tool, in downscaling weather data in hot semi-arid climate of Ahmedabad and predict and analyze the future changes of temperature (daily maximum and minimum) and precipitation based on IPCC SRA2 scenario generated by seven GCMs’ predictions for the near (2011–2030), medium (2046–2065) and far (2080–2099) future periods. For this purpose, daily rainfall, maximum and minimum temperature data for the study site Ahmedabad for 1969–2013 have been utilized.

LARS-WG showed excellent skill in downscaling maximum and minimum temperature and reasonably good skill in downscaling daily rainfall data at Ahmedabad. The downscaled precipitation from the predictions of seven GCMs indicated no coherent change trends among various GCMs’ predictions of precipitation during near, medium and far future periods. Predicted rainfall in monsoon season (JJAS) based on the ensemble mean of seven GCMs showed a decrease in rainfall in near future i.e. 2011–2030 by about 2%; however, during medium future (2046–2065) it is predicted to increase and remain close to the baseline value; and during far future (2080–2099) period it is predicted to increase by about 5% compared to the baseline value. Summer maximum temperature is predicted to increase by 0.7, 2.0 and 4.0 deg. Celsius during 2011–2030, 2046–2065 and 2080–2099 respectively at the study site. Winter minimum temperature is predicted to increase by 1.0, 2.5 and 5.0 deg. Celsius during 2011–2030, 2046–2065 and 2080–2099 respectively at Ahmedabad.
Study of Gross Alpha and Gross Beta Activity in Bottled Water in Dhaka City of Bangladesh
Authors: Ferdous Jannatul , Begum Aleya , Sharmin Nusrat Jahan , Ahsan M. Habibul
Published: January 2016

Gross alpha and gross beta particle activity was selected for the screening of radioactive species. The purpose of this study is to determine gross alpha and gross beta activities in bottled water samples. Sixteen different branded bottled water samples were collected from different markets in Dhaka city and analyzed by dual phosphor Zinc Sulphide Scintillation Detector, ZnS(Ag) for the measurement of gross alpha and gross beta activity. The observed gross alpha activity concentration ranged from 0.73 ± 0.02 mBqL−1 to 0.96 ± 0.07 mBqL−1 with an average 0.83 ± 0.057 mBqL−1 while gross beta activity concentration ranged from 65.54 ± 0.98 mBqL−1 to 77.29 ± 2.04 mBqL−1 with an average 71.47 ± 3.44 mBqL−1. The obtained results showed that the average activity concentrations of alpha and beta emitting radionuclides in the bottled water samples did not exceed WHO recommended limits and The Environmental Conversation Rule of Bangladesh, 1997. The results of gross alpha and gross beta activities in bottled water were compared with the corresponding global values. To ensure the safe level of radioactivity in drinking water, however, periodic monitoring of water quality for compliance is necessary. This study will help to prepare baseline data for gross alpha and gross beta radioactivity in bottled water that can be used to evaluate the possible changes and the radiological impact on the public health in future.
Ozone and Ultraviolet Injury to Tobacco Plant in Anand District, Gujarat, India
Authors: Banerjee Devjani , Dhanani Dipal , Patel Parth
Published: January 2016

Tropospheric ozone and ultraviolet radiation cause more damage to plants than any other air pollutants finally affecting their productivity. The present study was an attempt to understand the toxic effect of ozone and ultraviolet radiation on tobacco plant ( Nicotiana tabacum) in Anand district, Gujarat, India. The area is well known for tobacco production and maximum of them are of export quality. Recently, it was reported that the quality of the tobacco is getting affected because of some anonymous atmospheric pollutant. In the quest for same the following study was carried out and the results revealed that when plants were exposed to ozone and ultraviolet radiation it showed marked alterations affecting their overall growth and gross morphology.
Tobacco Smoke Exposure Impairs Brain Insulin/IGF Signaling: Potential Co-Factor Role in Neurodegeneration
Authors: Deochand Chetram , Tong Ming , Agarwal Amit R. , Cadenas Enrique , de la Monte Suzanne M.
Published: January 2016

Background: Human studies suggest tobacco smoking is a risk factor for cognitive impairment and neurodegeneration, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, experimental data linking tobacco smoke exposures to underlying mediators of neurodegeneration, including impairments in brain insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling in AD are lacking. Objective: This study tests the hypothesis that cigarette smoke (CS) exposures can impair brain insulin/IGF signaling and alter expression of AD-associated proteins. Methods: Adult male A/J mice were exposed to air for 8 weeks (A8), CS for 4 or 8 weeks (CS4, CS8), or CS8 followed by 2 weeks recovery (CS8+R). Gene expression was measured by qRT-PCR analysis and proteins were measured by multiplex bead-based or direct binding duplex ELISAs. Results: CS exposure effects on insulin/IGF and insulin receptor substrate (IRS) proteins and phosphorylated proteins were striking compared with the mRNA. The main consequences of CS4 or CS8 exposures were to significantly reduce insulin R, IGF-1R, IRS-1, and tyrosine phosphorylated insulin R and IGF-1R proteins. Paradoxically, these effects were even greater in the CS8+R group. In addition, relative levels of S312-IRS-1, which inhibits downstream signaling, were increased in the CS4, CS8, and CS8+R groups. Correspondingly, CS and CS8+R exposures inhibited expression of proteins and phosphoproteins required for signaling through Akt, PRAS40, and/or p70S6K, increased AβPP-Aβ, and reduced ASPH protein, which is a target of insulin/IGF-1 signaling. Conclusion: Secondhand CS exposures caused molecular and biochemical abnormalities in brain that overlap with the findings in AD, and many of these effects were sustained or worsened despite short-term CS withdrawal.
Association between Coffee Consumption and Incident Risk of Disabling Dementia in Elderly Japanese: The Ohsaki Cohort 2006 Study
Authors: Sugiyama Kemmyo , Tomata Yasutake , Kaiho Yu , Honkura Kenji , Sugawara Yumi , Tsuji Ichiro
Published: January 2016

Epidemiological studies of the association between coffee consumption and dementia have yielded inconsistent results. Therefore, we investigated the association between coffee consumption and incident risk of dementia in an elderly Japanese population. 23,091 subjects aged ≥65 y living in Ohsaki City, northeastern Japan, responded to the baseline survey in 2006. Of these, we analyzed 13,137 subjects who gave informed consent and were not disabled at baseline. The outcome was the incidence of disabling dementia defined by usage of the Long-term Care Insurance database. We used the Cox proportional hazards regression model for multivariate analysis. During 5.7 y of follow-up period, we identified 1,107 cases of incident dementia. Overall, coffee consumption was significantly associated with a lower risk of incident dementia. The multivariate-adjusted HRs for the incidence of dementia according to coffee consumption categories (never, occasionally, 1-2 cups/d, and ≥3 cups/d) were 1.00, 0.73 (95% CI, 0.62–0.86), 0.72 (95% CI, 0.61–0.84), and 0.82 (95% CI, 0.65–1.02; p for trend = 0.009), respectively. In addition, this significant inverse association was more remarkable among women, non-smokers, and non-drinkers. Coffee consumption is significantly associated with a lower risk of incident dementia.
Association of Butyrylcholinesterase-K Allele and Apolipoprotein E ɛ4 Allele with Cognitive Decline in Dementia with Lewy Bodies and Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Vijayaraghavan Swetha , Darreh-Shori Taher , Rongve Arvid , Berge Guro , Sando Sigrid B. , White Linda R. , Auestad Bjørn H. , Witoelar Aree , Andreassen Ole A. , Ulstein Ingun D. , Aarsland Dag
Published: January 2016

Background: A common polymorphism of the butyrylcholinesterase gene, the K-variant (BCHE-K) is associated with reduced butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) activity. Insufficient studies exist regarding the frequency and role of BCHE-K in dementias. Objective: To determine the association of BCHE-K and APOE ɛ4 with diagnosis and rate of cognitive decline in dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients. Methods: Genomic DNA from 368 subjects (108 AD, 174 DLB, and 86 controls) from two routine clinical cohort studies in Norway; DemVest and TrønderBrain, were genotyped for BCHE-K and APOE ɛ4. The mild dementia DemVest subjects received annual Mini-Mental State Examination assessments for five years. Results: BCHE-K frequency was lower in DLB (33.9% ; p <  0.01) than in control subjects (51.2%), and was numerically lower in AD as well (38.9% ; p = 0.11). More rapid cognitive decline was associated with the APOE ɛ4 genotype, but not with the BCHE-K genotype. In an exploratory analysis of patients who completed all five follow-up visits, there was greater cognitive decline in BCHE-K carriers in the presence of the APOE ɛ4 allele than in the absence of these polymorphisms. Conclusion: BCHE-K is associated with a reduced risk for AD and DLB whereas APOE ɛ4 is associated with more rapid cognitive decline. The greater cognitive decline in individuals with both APOE ɛ4 and BCHE-K alleles require prospective confirmation in well-controlled trials.
Diet and Inflammation in Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Chronic Diseases: A Review
Authors: Gardener Samantha L. , Rainey-Smith Stephanie R. , Martins Ralph N.
Published: January 2016

Inflammation is one of the pathological features of the neurodegenerative disease, Alzheimer’s disease (AD). A number of additional disorders are likewise associated with a state of chronic inflammation, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, and type-2 diabetes, which are themselves risk factors for AD. Dietary components have been shown to modify the inflammatory process at several steps of the inflammatory pathway. This review aims to evaluate the published literature on the effect of consumption of pro- or anti-inflammatory dietary constituents on the severity of both AD pathology and related chronic diseases, concentrating on the dietary constituents of flavonoids, spices, and fats. Diet-based anti-inflammatory components could lead to the development of potent novel anti-inflammatory compounds for a range of diseases. However, further work is required to fully characterize the therapeutic potential of such compounds, including gaining an understanding of dose-dependent relationships and limiting factors to effectiveness. Nutritional interventions utilizing anti-inflammatory foods may prove to be a valuable asset in not only delaying or preventing the development of age-related neurodegenerative diseases such as AD, but also treating pre-existing conditions including type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity.
Dose-Dependent Neuroprotection and Neurotoxicity of Simvastatin through Reduction of Farnesyl Pyrophosphate in Mice Treated with Intracerebroventricular Injection of Aβ 1-42
Authors: Jin Huafeng , Chen Tingting , Li Guoxi , Wang Conghui , Zhang Baofeng , Cao Xinyuan , Sha Sha , Wan Qi , Chen Ling
Published: January 2016

Background: Simvastatin (SV) has been reported to improve dementia and slow progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), however there are conflicting reports. Objective & Methods: Intracerebroventricular injection of aggregated Aβ1-42 in mice (Aβ1-42-mice) caused spatial cognitive deficits, long-term potentiation (LTP) impairment, and death of hippocampal pyramidal cells. The present study focused on exploring the dose-dependent effects of SV (10–80 mg/kg) on Aβ1-42-impaired spatial memory and the underlying mechanisms. Results: The treatment of Aβ1-42-mice with SV for continuous 15 days could attenuate the spatial cognitive deficits and recover the LTP induction in a “U” type dose-dependent manner. The death of pyramidal cells in Aβ1-42-mice was significantly reduced by the SV-treatment at 20 mg/kg, but not at a dose of 10 or 40 mg/kg, even was aggravated at a dose of 80 mg/kg. Hippocampal NMDA receptor (NMDAr) NR2B phosphorylation (phospho-NR2B) was elevated in Aβ1-42-mice, which was further dose-dependently increased by SV-treatment. Replenishment of isoprenoid farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP) by applying farnesol (FOH) could abolish the SV-increased phospho-NR2B in Aβ1-42-mice, but had no effect on the Aβ1-42-enhanced phospho-NR2B. NMDAr antagonist blocked the neurotoxicity of Aβ1-42 and SV (80 mg/kg) in Aβ1-42-mice, whereas FOH only inhibited SV (80 mg/kg)-neurotoxicity. The SV-treatment in Aβ1-42-mice corrected the decrease in hippocampal Akt phosphorylation. The PI3K inhibitor abolished the SV (20 mg/kg)-neuroprotection in Aβ1-42-mice. Conclusion: SV-treatment in Aβ1-42-mice exerts dose-dependent neuroprotection and neurotoxicity by reducing FPP to enhance the phosphorylation of NR2B and Akt.
The Language Profile of Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal Dementia
Authors: Hardy Chris J.D. , Buckley Aisling H. , Downey Laura E. , Lehmann Manja , Zimmerer Vitor C. , Varley Rosemary A. , Crutch Sebastian J. , Rohrer Jonathan D. , Warrington Elizabeth K. , Warren Jason D.
Published: January 2016

Background: The language profile of behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) remains to be fully defined. Objective: We aimed to quantify the extent of language deficits in this patient group. Methods: We assessed a cohort of patients with bvFTD (n = 24) in relation to patients with semantic variant primary progressive aphasia (svPPA; n = 14), nonfluent variant primary progressive aphasia (nfvPPA; n = 18), and healthy age-matched individuals (n = 24) cross-sectionally and longitudinally using a comprehensive battery of language and general neuropsychological tests. Neuroanatomical associations of language performance were assessed using voxel-based morphometry of patients’ brain magnetic resonance images. Results: Relative to healthy controls, and after accounting for nonverbal executive performance, patients with bvFTD showed deficits of noun and verb naming and single word comprehension, diminished spontaneous propositional speech, and deterioration in naming performance over time. Within the bvFTD group, patients with MAPT mutations had more severe impairments of noun naming and single word comprehension than patients with C9orf72 mutations. Overall the bvFTD group had less severe language deficits than patients with PPA, but showed a language profile that was qualitatively similar to svPPA. Neuroanatomical correlates of naming and word comprehension performance in bvFTD were identified predominantly in inferior frontal and antero-inferior temporal cortices within the dominant hemispheric language network. Conclusions: bvFTD is associated with a language profile including verbal semantic impairment that warrants further evaluation as a novel biomarker.
Impacts of High Serum Total Cholesterol Level on Brain Functional Connectivity in Non-Demented Elderly
Authors: Zhang Ting , Li He , Zhang Junying , Li Xin , Qi Di , Wang Nuo , Zhang Zhanjun
Published: January 2016

Epidemiological and clinical studies suggest that high serum cholesterol is a risk factor of dementia. However, the effects of cholesterol on cognition and brain remain largely unclear. This study aims to investigate the associations between serum total cholesterol (TC) and neuropsychological performance, and intrinsic functional networks in non-demented elderly. Among a cohort of 120 community-dwelling Beijing residents, 29 subjects in the high-TC group (1st quartile) and 31 in the low-TC group (4th quartile) were included in this study, and underwent a battery of neuropsychological tests and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, including T2- and T1-weighted imaging, and resting-state functional MRI. No significant group difference was found in any of the neuropsychological tests used. Stronger connectivity in the default mode network was observed in the high-TC group compared to that in the low-TC group (p <  0.001, uncorrected). While in the salience network (SN), the high-TC group showed lower connectivity in the anterior cingulate cortex and frontal regions, compared to the low-TC group (p <  0.05, FWE corrected). Our findings suggest that in non-demented elderly persons, high serum cholesterol is associated with disruption of functional connectivity in the SN. The results not only deepen our understanding of how cholesterol affects the brain, but are also significant for selecting sensitive indicators for monitoring the impairments of cholesterol on the neural system.
Moderate-to-High Intensity Physical Exercise in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Hoffmann Kristine , Sobol Nanna A. , Frederiksen Kristian S. , Beyer Nina , Vogel Asmus , Vestergaard Karsten , Brændgaard Hans , Gottrup Hanne , Lolk Annette , Wermuth Lene , Jacobsen Søren , Laugesen Lars P. , Gergelyffy Robert G. , Høgh Peter , Bjerregaard Eva , Andersen Birgitte B. , Siersma Volkert , Johannsen Peter , Cotman Carl W. , Waldemar Gunhild , Hasselbalch Steen G.
Published: January 2016

Background: Studies of physical exercise in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are few and results have been inconsistent. Objective: To assess the effects of a moderate-to-high intensity aerobic exercise program in patients with mild AD. Methods: In a randomized controlled trial, we recruited 200 patients with mild AD to a supervised exercise group (60-min sessions three times a week for 16 weeks) or to a control group. Primary outcome was changed from baseline in cognitive performance estimated by Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) in the intention-to-treat (ITT) group. Secondary outcomes included changes in quality of life, ability to perform activities of daily living, and in neuropsychiatric and depressive symptoms. Results: The ITT analysis showed no significant differences between intervention and control groups in change from baseline of SDMT, other cognitive tests, quality of life, or activities of daily living. The change from baseline in Neuropsychiatric Inventory differed significantly in favor of the intervention group (mean: –3.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) –5.8 to –1.3, p = 0.002). In subjects who adhered to the protocol, we found a significant effect on change from baseline in SDMT as compared with the control group (mean: 4.2, 95% CI 0.5 to 7.9, p = 0.028), suggesting a dose-response relationship between exercise and cognition. Conclusions: This is the first randomized controlled trial with supervised moderate-to-high intensity exercise in patients with mild AD. Exercise reduced neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with mild AD, with possible additional benefits of preserved cognition in a subgroup of patients exercising with high attendance and intensity.
Prospective Memory Impairments in Alzheimer’s Disease and Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal Dementia: Clinical and Neural Correlates
Authors: Dermody Nadene , Hornberger Michael , Piguet Olivier , Hodges John R. , Irish Muireann
Published: January 2016

Background: Prospective memory (PM) refers to a future-oriented form of memory in which the individual must remember to execute an intended action either at a future point in time (Time-based) or in response to a specific event (Event-based). Lapses in PM are commonly exhibited in neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), however, the neurocognitive mechanisms driving these deficits remain unknown. Objective: To investigate the clinical and neural correlates of Time- and Event-based PM disruption in AD and the behavioral-variant FTD (bvFTD). Methods: Twelve AD, 12 bvFTD, and 12 healthy older Control participants completed a modified version of the Cambridge Prospective Memory test, which examines Time- and Event-based aspects of PM. All participants completed a standard neuropsychological assessment and underwent whole-brain structural MRI. Results: AD and bvFTD patients displayed striking impairments across Time- and Event-based PM relative to Controls, however, Time-based PM was disproportionately affected in the AD group. Episodic memory dysfunction and hippocampal atrophy were found to correlate strongly with PM integrity in both patient groups, however, dissociable neural substrates were also evident for PM performance across dementia syndromes. Conclusion: Our study reveals the multifaceted nature of PM dysfunction in neurodegenerative disorders, and suggests common and dissociable neurocognitive mechanisms, which subtend these deficits in each patient group. Future studies of PM disturbance in dementia syndromes will be crucial for the development of successful interventions to improve functional independence in the patient’s daily life.
Design, nonlinear modelling and performances of a biomedical system
Authors: Mahmoud Imed , Rehaoulia Habib
Published: January 2016

The present paper deals with design, modelling and characteristics of a biomedical system. The involved biomedical system is a syringe pump generally used for continuous drug infusion. The syringe pump consists of a linear switched reluctance motor (LSRM) coupled to a syringe plunger. In order to determine the axial force to control the syringe plunger, it was necessary to begin by evaluating the thrust force. For that purpose, an analytical approach is developed to evaluate the different forces and pressures involved. In addition, an experimental bench was conceived to determine the thrust force and validate the analytical model of the syringe. Consequent results constituted the key element for designing and modelling the LSRM with the help of finite element methods(FEM). The final step is reserved to predict the dynamic performances of all the biomedical system with and without saturation.
Super-high speed medical micro-motor design and thermal field calculation
Authors: Sun Liangwei , Pi Xitian , Liu Hongying , Li Jingcan
Published: January 2016

As the core component of a precision power operation system for Neurosurgery, medical micro-motors need to have characteristics of high reliability, high speed, high precision, low temperature rise and capability of repeated autoclave sterilization. Therefore, high requirements of design and manufacture are put forward. In view of the above, a super-high speed micro motor with a micro flow channel auxiliary cooling system was proposed in this paper. We used Ansoft to analyze the magnetic field distribution of the motor and operating performances at rated speed, and calculate the motor loss and motor temperature distribution. The results showed that the motor speed could reach 89000 Rpm in stable operation and the output power was 60 W. The temperature rise of the rotor and stator core was very low, when the temperature of the liquid coolant in cooling system was 20°C, which could efficiently prolong load working hours. This research provided a new idea for the design of a super-high speed micro-motor utilized in neurosurgical power operation system.
Antibacterial activity of seneciolactone isolated from Senecio scandens against some common gastrointestinal tract disease causing bacterial pathogens
Authors: Zheng Yi , Wang Yu , Shang Yuan-Hong
Published: January 2016

The objective of the present investigation was to study the antibacterial effect of seneciolactone isolated from the methanolic extract of Senecio scandens against five bacterial pathogens which are known to cause several gastrointestinal tract diseases. Disc diffusion assay and agar well diffusion assays were used to examine the antibacterial efficacy of this compound by measuring zones of inhibition and MIC/MBC values. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was involved to study the effect of this compound on cellular morphology of Shigella dysenteriae. Results revealed that seneciolactone exhibited moderate to potent antibacterial activity against different bacterial strains. Zones of inhibition and MIC/MBC values indicated that seneciolactone was most potent against S. dysenteriae followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and E. coli. SEM results indicated that seneciolactone induced potent damage to the cell membrane of the tested bacteria. As compared to the untreated control which exhibited normal cellular morphology, the seneciolactone treated bacterial cells revealed severe damage to the cellular membrane particularly at the higher doses.

 
Integrating Wheat Canopy Temperatures in Crop System Models
Authors: Neukam Dorothee , Ahrends Hella , Luig Adam , Manderscheid Remy , Kage Henning
Published: January 2016

Crop system models are generally parametrized with daily air temperatures recorded at 1.5 or 2 m height. These data are not able to represent temperatures at the canopy level, which control crop growth, and the impact of heat stress on crop yield, which are modified by canopy characteristics and plant physiological processes Since such data are often not available and current simulation approaches are complex and/or based on unrealistic assumptions, new methods for integrating canopy temperatures in the framework of crop system models are needed. Based on a forward stepwise-based model selection procedure and quantile regression analyses, we developed empirical regression models to predict winter wheat canopy temperatures obtained from thermal infrared observations performed during four growing seasons for three irrigation levels. We used daily meteorological variables and the daily output data of a crop system model as covariates. The standard cross validation revealed a root mean square error (RMSE) of ~0.8 °C, 1.5–2 °C and 0.8–1.2 °C for estimating mean, maximum and minimum canopy temperature, respectively. Canopy temperature of both water-deficit and fully irrigated wheat plots significantly differed from air temperature. We suggest using locally calibrated empirical regression models of canopy temperature as a simple approach for including potentially amplifying or mitigating microclimatic effects on plant response to temperature stress in crop system models.