bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Algal Growth Potential of Microcystis aeruginosa from Reclaimed Water
Authors: Joo Jin Chul , Ahn Chang Hyuk , Lee Saeromi , Jang Dae‐Gyu , Lee Woo Hyoung , Ryu Byong Ro 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACT: Algal growth potential (AGP) of the cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa (M. aeruginosa, NIES‐298) using reclaimed water from various wastewater reclamation pilot plants was investigated to evaluate the feasibility of the reclaimed water usage for recreational purposes. After completing the coagulation and ultrafiltration processes, the concentrations of most contaminants in the reclaimed water were lower than the reuse guidelines for recreational water. However, M. aeruginosa successfully adapted to low levels of soluble reactive phosphorus () concentrations. The AGP values of M. aeruginosa decreased with the progression of treatment processes, and with the increases in the dilution volume. Also, both the AGP and chlorophyll‐a values can be estimated a priori without conducting the AGP tests. Therefore, aquatic ecosystems in locations prone to environmental conditions favorable for the growth of M. aeruginosa require more rigorous nutrient management plans (e.g., reverse osmosis and dilution with clean water resources) to reduce the nutrient availability.
Use of a Real Time PCR Assay to Assess the Effect of Pulsed Light Inactivation on Bacterial Cell Membranes and Associated Cell Viability
Authors: Garvey Mary , Stocca Alessia , Rowan Neil 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACT: Research into more rapid and effective means of disinfecting water has become necessary due to the recognition that not all pathogenic species are being removed by chemical means. There is an extent of research highlighting the benefits of pulsed light for the disinfection of water. This study aims to determine the ability of a real time polymerase chain reaction assay to evaluate microbial inactivation of pulsed light treated cells. Findings show that pulsed light is a more rapid means of inactivating test species than standard UV lamp systems. A linear relationship between cell number and polymerase chain reaction amplification was obtained. A difference in threshold value (Ct) of approximately 4 (p ≤ 0.05) was obtained for DNA amplification following the addition of the dye for pulsed ultrviolet (PUV)‐treated Bacillus cells. Membrane protein leakage proved an effective means of determining membrane damage for both Bacillus and E. coli test species following PUV treatment. This membrane damage was not evident for cells exposed to low pressure ultraviolet (LPUV). Findings describe suggest that PUV treatment induced a viable but nonculturable state in treated cells.
Evaluation of Plant Extracts against Stemphylium Blight of Lentil
Authors: Subedi S. , Shrestha S. M. , KC G. B. , Thapa R. B. , Ghimire S. K. , Gharti D. B. , Neupane S. 
Published: January 2016

Experiments were carried out to evaluate five different plant extracts against lentil stemphylium blight (Stemphylium botryosum Walr.) at the Grain Legume Research Program, Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal during two winter seasons (2011/ 12 and 2012/13) using CRD in laboratory and RCBD in field conditions. Water extract of Acorus calamus at higher dose (8% W/V) was able to check the growth of the pathogen completely in-vitro. The mycelial growth inhibition (%) of Xanthoxylum armatum and Lantana camera at 8% concentration in PDA were 31.17 and 24.56 respectively. In the field experiment during 2011/12, extracts were sparingly effective for a short period. However the disease control (PDC) was higher in X. armatum treated plot (31.60%) followed by A. calamaus (28.69%) and L. camera (27.61%) when compared to unsprayed plot. The following year (2012/13) field experimental results also verified the effect of plant extracts against the disease. The lower Disease (%) Index (PDI) was obtained from the plots treated with A. calamus (35.33%) and X. armatum (35.55%). Higher crop yield was recorded from the plot treated with A. calamus (987.39 kg/ha) followed by X. armatum (972.78 kg/ha). Two years’ experimental results revealed that A. calamus and X. armatum were effective botanicals to manage lentil Stemphylium blight.Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 16, No.1 (2015) pp. 11-16
Temporal Variation of Rainfall in the Bagmati River Basin, Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Rajendra Man , Sthapit Azaya Bikram 
Published: January 2016

The main aim of the study was to identify the temporal variation of rainfall in the Bagmati River basin, Nepal using data available at Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, Government of Nepal. The time series data for the period of 1981-2008 were analyzed by using non-parametric Mann-Kendal test, Spearman’s’ Rho and a parametric linear regression. The results showed that there was a significantly increasing upward trend of the annual mean of weighted areal rainfall, with a rate of 2.2 mm per year. Trend analysis of the monthly time series of weighted areal rainfall showed a significant upward trend in the months of summer monsoon season (June and July). However, there were no such significant result in the other season/months. The increasing trend in the summer monsoon might lead to severe flooding in future.Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 16, No.1 (2015) pp. 31-40
Electrical stimulation of the parahippocampal gyrus for prediction of posthippocampectomy verbal memory decline
Authors: Tani Naoki , Kishima Haruhiko , Khoo Hui Ming , Yanagisawa Takufumi , Oshino Satoru , Maruo Tomoyuki , Hosomi Koichi , Hirata Masayuki , Kazui Hiroaki , Nomura Keiko Tokumasu , Aly Mohamed M. , Kato Amami , Yoshimine Toshiki 
Published: January 2016

OBJECTIVE
Epilepsy surgery is of known benefit for drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE); however, a certain number of patients suffer significant decline in verbal memory after hippocampectomy. To prevent this disabling complication, a reliable test for predicting postoperative memory decline is greatly desired. Therefore, the authors assessed the value of electrical stimulation of the parahippocampal gyrus (PHG) as a provocation test of verbal memory decline after hippocampectomy on the dominant side.

METHODS
Eleven right-handed, Japanese-speaking patients with medically intractable left TLE participated in the study. Before surgery, they underwent provocative testing via electrical stimulation of the left PHG during a verbal encoding task. Their pre- and posthippocampectomy memory function was evaluated according to the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised (WMS-R) and/or Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) before and 6 months after surgery. The relationship between postsurgical memory decline and results of the provocative test was evaluated.

RESULTS
Left hippocampectomy was performed in 7 of the 11 patients. In 3 patients with a positive provocative recognition test, verbal memory function, as assessed by the WMS-R, decreased after hippocampectomy, whereas in 4 patients with a negative provocative recognition test, verbal memory function, as assessed by the WMS-R or MMSE, was preserved.

CONCLUSIONS
Results of the present study suggest that electrical stimulation of the PHG is a reliable provocative test to predict posthippocampectomy verbal memory decline.
Microsurgical management of vestibular schwannoma after failed previous surgery
Authors: Samii Madjid , Metwali Hussam , Gerganov Venelin 
Published: January 2016

OBJECTIVE
Microsurgical treatment of recurrent vestibular schwannoma (VS) is difficult and poses specific challenges. The authors report their experience with 53 cases of surgically treated recurrent VS. Outcome of these tumors was compared to that of primarily operated on VS. Special attention was given to the facial nerve functional outcome.

METHODS
A retrospective analysis was performed of the patients who underwent surgery for recurrent VS at one institution from 2000 to 2013. The preoperative data, intraoperative findings, and outcome in terms of facial nerve function and improvement of the preoperative symptoms were analyzed and compared with those in a control group of 30 randomly selected patients with primarily operated on VS. A multivariate regression analysis was performed to test the factors that could affect the facial nerve outcome in each group.

RESULTS
Fifty-three consecutive patients underwent surgery for recurrent VS. Seventeen patients were previously operated on and received postoperative radiosurgery (Group A). Thirty-six patients were previously operated on but did not receive postoperative radiosurgery (Group B). The overall postoperative facial nerve function was significantly worse in Groups A and B in comparison with the control group (Group C). Interestingly, there was no significant difference in the facial nerve outcome among the 3 groups in patients who had good preoperative facial nerve function. The tumor size and the preoperative facial nerve function are variables that significantly affect the facial nerve outcome. Most of the patients showed improvement of the preoperative symptoms, such as trigeminal hypesthesia, gait disturbance, and headache.

CONCLUSIONS
Complete microsurgical tumor removal is the optimal management for patients with recurrent or regrowing VS. The procedure is safe, associated with favorable facial nerve outcome, and may also improve existing neurological symptoms.
Eliminating unnecessary routine head CT scanning in neurologically intact mild traumatic brain injury patients: implementation and evaluation of a new protocol
Authors: Anandalwar Seema P. , Mau Christine Y. , Gordhan Chirag G. , Majmundar Neil , Meleis Ahmed , Prestigiacomo Charles J. , Sifri Ziad C. 
Published: January 2016

OBJECTIVE
The utility of routine repeat head CT (HCT) scans in the management of minimal head injury (MHI) patients with an intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) has been questioned in multiple studies. All these studies analyzed this by obtaining a repeat HCT study, and none examined the effects of eliminating these routine HCT studies in neurologically intact patients. The authors' institution implemented a new “Neurologic Observation without Repeat HCT” (NORH) protocol with no repeat HCT scanning for patients admitted for MHI and ICH whose neurological status was maintained or improved to a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15 at 24 hours after admission. This purpose of this study was to assess the outcomes and safety of this novel protocol.

METHODS
Records of patients who sustained blunt trauma MHI and an ICH and/or skull fracture on initial HCT between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2012, were retrieved from the trauma registry of a Level I trauma center. The authors analyzed 95 patients in whom the NORH protocol was followed. Outcome measures included death, emergency department readmission, neurosurgical intervention, delayed repeat HCT, and length of stay.

RESULTS
The NORH protocol was followed for 95 patients; 83% of the patients were male, the average age was 38 ± 16.0 years old, and the most common cause of trauma was assault (35%). Of the 95 patients in whom the NORH protocol was followed, 8 (8%) had a delayed repeat HCT study (> 24 hours) after admission, but none resulted in neurosurgical intervention because of progression of ICH. The average length of stay was 4 ± 7.2 days. None of the patients were readmitted to the hospital.

CONCLUSIONS
Implementation of the NORH protocol (eliminating routine follow-up HCT) resulted in very low rates of delayed neurological deterioration, no late neurosurgical interventions resulting from ICH progression, very few emergency department revisits, and no readmissions. For a select group of MHI patients with ICH, the NORH protocol is safe and effective, and can reduce radiation exposure and costs.
Lumbar paraspinal muscle morphometry and its correlations with demographic and radiological factors in adult isthmic spondylolisthesis: a retrospective review of 120 surgically managed cases
Authors: Thakar Sumit , Sivaraju Laxminadh , Aryan Saritha , Mohan Dilip , Sai Kiran Narayanam Anantha , Hegde Alangar S. 
Published: January 2016

OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to assess the cross-sectional areas (CSAs) of lumbar paraspinal muscles in adults with isthmic spondylolisthesis (IS), to compare them with those in the normative population, and to evaluate their correlations with demographic factors and MRI changes in various spinal elements.

METHODS
The authors conducted a retrospective study of patients who had undergone posterior lumbar interbody fusion for IS, and 2 of the authors acting as independent observers calculated the CSAs of various lumbar paraspinal muscles (psoas, erector spinae [ES], multifidus [MF]) on preoperative axial T2-weighted MR images from the L-3 to L-5 vertebral levels and computed the CSAs as ratios with respect to the corresponding vertebral body areas. These values were then compared with those in an age- and sex-matched normative population and were analyzed with respect to age, sex, duration of symptoms, grade of listhesis, and various MRI changes at the level of the listhesis (pedicle signal change, disc degeneration, and facetal arthropathy).

RESULTS
Compared with values in normative controls, the mean CSA value for the ES muscle was significantly higher in the study cohort of 120 patients (p = 0.002), whereas that for the MF muscle was significantly lower (p = 0.009), and more so in the patients with PSC (p = 0.002). Magnetic resonance imaging signal change in the pedicle was seen in half of the patients, all of whom demonstrated a Type 2 change. Of the variables tested in a multivariate analysis, age independently predicted lower area values for all 3 muscles (p ≤ 0.001), whereas female sex predicted a lower mean psoas area value (p < 0.001). None of the other variables significantly predicted any of the muscle area values. A decrease in the mean MF muscle area value alone was associated with a significantly increased likelihood of a PSC (p = 0.039).

CONCLUSIONS
Compared with normative controls, patients with IS suffer selective atrophy of their MF muscle, whereas their ES muscle undergoes a compensatory hypertrophy. Advancing age has a detrimental effect on the areas of the lumbar PSMs, whereas female sex predisposes to a decreased psoas muscle area. Multifidus muscle atrophy correlates with PSC, indicating the role of this deep stabilizer in the biomechanical stability of spondylolisthetic spines. This may be of clinical significance in targeted physiotherapy programs during the conservative management of IS.
« Les premiers temps de la Carthage romaine » et la titulature de la colonie
Authors: Mokni Salem 
Published: January 2016

This paper deals with Carthage’s colonization process after 44 BC, and especially with octavian policy in 29 and, above all, 28 BC. Octave strengthened the colony by a new
deductio, in 29. Yet, the most important decisions (tax exemption, abolition of the curse on punic soil and grant of Roman citizenship to local peregrini) date from 28. A reference to Concordia was probably included in Carthage’s official name in this context.
Project Baseline: An unprecedented resource to study plant evolution across space and time
Authors: Etterson Julie R. , Franks Steven J. , Mazer Susan J. , Shaw Ruth G. , Gorden Nicole L. Soper , Schneider Heather E. , Weber Jennifer J. , Winkler Katharine J. , Weis Arthur E. 
Published: January 2016

PREMISE OF THE STUDY:Project Baseline is a seed bank that offers an unprecedented opportunity to examine spatial and temporal dimensions of microevolution during an era of rapid environmental change. Over the upcoming 50 years, biologists will withdraw genetically representative samples of past populations from this time capsule of seeds and grow them contemporaneously with modern samples to detect any phenotypic and molecular evolution that has occurred during the intervening time.METHODS:We carefully developed this living genome bank using protocols to enhance its experimental value by collecting from multiple populations and species across a broad geographical range in sites that are likely to be preserved into the future. Seeds are accessioned with site and population data and are stored by maternal line under conditions that maximize seed longevity. This open‐access resource will be available to researchers at regular intervals to evaluate contemporary evolution.KEY RESULTS:To date, the Project Baseline collection includes 100–200 maternal lines of each of 61 species collected from over 831 populations on sites that are likely to be preserved into the future across the United States (∼78,000 maternal lines). Our strategically designed collection circumvents some problems that can cloud the results of “resurrection” studies involving naturally preserved or existing seed collections that are available fortuitously.CONCLUSIONS:The resurrection approach can be coupled with long‐established and newer techniques over the next five decades to elucidate genetic change and thereby vastly improve our understanding of temporal and spatial changes in phenotype and the evolutionary processes underlying it.
The Incidence and Predictors of Infection in Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis: Results from Longitudinal Observational Cohorts
Authors: Haddad Amir , Li Suzanne , Thavaneswaran Arane , Cook Richard J. , Chandran Vinod , Gladman Dafna D. 
Published: January 2016

Objective.To investigate the rate, type, characteristics, and predictors of infection in a cohort of patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and a cohort of patients with psoriasis without arthritis (PsC).Methods.A cohort of patients with PsA and a cohort of patients with PsC were followed according to a standard protocol and information on the occurrence of infections was recorded. The rate of infection was estimated by fitting an exponential model. A Weibull regression model was fitted to estimate the relative risk of first infection associated with a number of covariates. Risk factors for recurrent infections were investigated using generalized estimating equations.Results.There were 498 and 74 infections reported among 695 and 509 patients with PsA and PsC, respectively, with an incidence rate of 19.6 per 100 person-years in the PsA cohort compared with 12.2 in the PsC cohort. The HR of the time to the first infection in PsA versus PsC was 1.6 (p = 0.002), and higher in patients treated with biologics versus nonbiologics at 1.56 (95% CI 1.22–2.00) in PsA and 1.50 (95% CI 0.64–3.54) in the PsC cohorts. Female sex and treatment with biologics were associated with infection in the PsA cohort, whereas a lower Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score and a higher Functional Comorbidity Index were associated with infection in the PsC cohort. Ultraviolet treatment was protective against infection in both cohorts. No difference in rates of hospitalization was found (p = 0.66). There were no infection-related deaths in either cohort.Conclusion.The incidence rate of infection was higher in the PsA than the PsC cohort and higher among patients treated with biologics. The data confirm the association between infection and biologic treatment in psoriatic disease.
Clinical Features, Morbidity, and Risk Factors of Intestinal Pseudo-obstruction in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Retrospective Case-control Study
Authors: Zhang Lingling , Xu Dong , Yang Hong , Tian Xinping , Wang Qian , Hou Yong , Gao Na , Zhang Li , Li Mengtao , Zeng Xiaofeng 
Published: January 2016

Objective.To analyze the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and risk factors for systemic lupus erythematosus-related intestinal pseudo-obstruction (SLE-IPO).Methods.We retrospectively examined 85 patients with SLE with IPO as the case group and 255 randomly matched patients with SLE without any gastrointestinal manifestations as the control group, out of 4331 inpatients at the Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) from 2003 to 2014.Results.Over the last 11 years at PUMCH, the prevalence of IPO in patients with SLE was 1.96% and the in-hospital fatality rate was 7.1%. Of these patients, 57.6% presented with IPO as the initial affected system of SLE, and the rate of misdiagnosis was about 78%. Pyeloureterectasis was the most common complication (58.9%) in patients with SLE-IPO and the incidence of biliary tract dilation was 7.1%. Patients with SLE with IPO were always diagnosed at an earlier stage of SLE with a higher frequency of hematological disturbance, polyserositis, and hypocomplementemia. Pyeloureterectasis, hypocomplementemia, and elevated C-reactive protein levels in serum were independent risk factors for IPO in SLE disease. Patients with SLE-IPO with long IPO duration and those diagnosed during late stages of SLE or concurrent with pyeloureterectasis and megacholedochus always had an unfavorable outcome.Conclusion.IPO is a rare complication, but commonly presents as the initial affected system of SLE, which can lead to a difficult diagnosis and delayed treatment. SLE-IPO occurrence concomitantly with pyeloureterectasis and megacholedochus showed a severe clinical situation in our cohort. Thus, patients with SLE-IPO with systemic smooth muscular involvement should be diagnosed early and treated aggressively.
Severe Intracranial Involvement in Giant Cell Arteritis: 5 Cases and Literature Review
Authors: Alsolaimani Roaa S. , Bhavsar Sankalp V. , Khalidi Nader A. , Pagnoux Christian , Mandzia Jennifer L. , Tay KengYeow , Barra Lillian J. 
Published: January 2016

Objective.Involvement of intracranial arteries in giant cell arteritis (GCA) is rare. We describe the neurologic complications of intracranial GCA (IC GCA) and available treatment options.Methods.We describe 5 IC GCA cases from 3 Canadian vasculitis centers and review the literature. We searched English-language publications reporting similar patients meeting American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for GCA and having intracranial artery involvement diagnosed by autopsy, magnetic resonance angiography, computed tomography angiography, or conventional angiography.Results.All 5 cases of IC GCA met ACR criteria for GCA; 4 cases had a temporal artery biopsy that was consistent with GCA. All cases experienced cerebrovascular accident(s). Arteritis involved the following vessels: intracranial internal carotid (n = 1), vertebrobasilar arteries (n = 1), or both (n = 3). All cases received aspirin and oral prednisone (preceded by intravenous methylprednisone in 3 cases), combined with an immunosuppressant in 4 cases. All patients survived; 2 had complete neurological recovery, 3 had residual neurologic sequelae. The literature review included 42 cases from 28 publications. The clinical features of the reported cases were similar to those of our 5 cases. However, mortality was 100% in untreated cases (n = 2), 58% in those treated with corticosteroid alone (n = 31), and 40% in those treated with corticosteroid and an immunosuppressant (n = 10).Conclusion.IC GCA appears to be associated with neurologic complications and mortality. In some cases corticosteroid alone was not sufficient to prevent neurologic complications. The role of additional immunosuppressive agents needs further investigation.