bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative study of transcranial color duplex sonography and transcranial Doppler sonography in adults
Authors: Schöoning Martin , Buchholz Reiner , Walter Jochen
Published: May 2009

✓ To determine whether the frequency shift recorded in basal cerebral arteries corresponds to “true” flow velocities, a prospective comparative study of transcranial color duplex sonography (TCCD) and transcranial Doppler sonography (TCD) was performed. A 2.0-MHz transducer of a computerized TCCD system and a TCD device were used. The middle cerebral artery (MCA) and anterior cerebral artery (ACA) were examined by TCCD in 49 healthy volunteers (mean age 35 ± 12 years). In 45 of the same volunteers a comparative TCD examination was possible. The studies were carried out blindly by different examiners at separate appointments. Peak systolic flow velocity, end-diastolic maximum flow velocity, time-averaged maximum flow velocity, and the pulsatility index were measured by both techniques. Additionally, for TCCD, time-averaged flow velocity was assessed, the resistance index and a spectral broadening index were calculated, and the energy output required for reliable measurement was analyzed.

The TCCD signals were recorded in 98% of both MCA's and ACA's; with TCD, signals were recorded in 98% of MCA's and 87% of ACA's. Although in both vessels the angle-corrected peak systolic and time-averaged maximum velocities were approximately 10% to 15% higher in TCCD than in TCD measurements, correlation of flow velocities between both techniques was significant (p < 0.0001); differences between sides and age-dependency of flow velocities corresponded as well. In a reproducibility study, TCCD was repeated in 27 subjects by a third examiner with significant correlation (p < 0.0001) of both TCCD examinations.

It is concluded that the advantage of TCCD is associated more with a qualitative aspect than a quantitative one. The additional visual dimension of TCCD can open new diagnostic possibilities in cerebrovascular disorders.
Observations on the blood and perineurial permeability barriers of surviving nerve allografts in immunodeficient and immunosuppressed rats
Authors: Zalewski Andrew A. , Kadota Yoshiaki , Azzam Nabil A. , Azzam Rita N.
Published: May 2009

✓ The authors investigate whether there are any permeability changes in the endoneurial blood-nerve barrier and the perineurium-nerve barrier of surviving nerve allografts. In a normal nerve, the blood-nerve barrier regulates the passage of substances from endoneurial blood vessels into the endoneurium, whereas the perineurium-nerve barrier protects the endoneurium from agents that escape from permeable epineurial vessels and accumulate around the nerve. Nerves from ACI rats were transplanted into immunologically deficient nude rats or normal Fischer rats immunosuppressed with cyclosporin A. None of the nerve allografts was rejected. The blood-nerve barrier of nerve allografts at 2 and 6 weeks postoperatively was permeable to intravenously injected horseradish peroxidase, which spread into endoneurial tissue. Electron microscopy revealed that horseradish peroxidase escaped from endoneurial vessels through intercellular junctions between endothelial cells. At 24 weeks, the blood-nerve barrier of nerve allografts had recovered and the endoneurial vessels, like those in normal nerves, were impermeable to horseradish peroxidase. The perineurium-nerve barrier of nerve allografts remained impermeable to horseradish peroxidase at all times. Axons were grouped into numerous minifascicles at nerve anastomosis zones at 24 weeks. Each nerve fascicle was surrounded by an impermeable perineurium. These results demonstrate that regenerated axons in long-term surviving nerve allografts and at anastomosis zones are protected by permeability barriers. It is concluded that permeability barriers of nerve allografts are not permanently altered by a foreign environment (grafts to nude rats) even when immunosuppression with cyclosporin A is required to prevent allograft rejection (grafts to Fischer rats).
Temporal profile and significance of metabolic failure and trophic changes in the canine cerebral arteries during chronic vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Yoshimoto Yuhei , Kim Phyo , Sasaki Tomio , Takakura Kintomo
Published: May 2009

✓ To investigate the pathogenetic significance of metabolic failure observed in spastic cerebral arteries after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), the temporal profile of alterations in the arterial content of high-energy phosphates was studied. A canine model of double hemorrhage was used. Constriction of the basilar artery was measured angiographically on Days 3, 5, 7, and 14 after SAH in separate groups of animals. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), adenosine diphosphate (ADP), adenosine monophosphate (AMP), guanosine triphosphate (GTP), guanosine diphosphate, creatine phosphate (CrP), and creatine (Cr) levels in the arteries were assayed using high-performance liquid chromatography. A time-dependent development of angiographic spasm was confirmed. A mild vasospasm was seen in the group studied 3 days after SAH, progressed in the Day 5 group, remained comparably severe in the Day 7 group, and resolved partially in the Day 14 group. The content of high-energy phosphates (ATP, GTP, and CrP) declined rapidly over the course of the study, and a significant reduction in ATP, GTP, and CrP was observed in the Day 3 group. Levels of ATP and CrP decreased further in the Day 5 and 7 groups. The decrement in GTP was completed in the early phase; a significant reduction took place in the Day 3 group, with no progression thereafter and no recovery though Day 14. Total adenylate (ATP + ADP + AMP) and total creatine (Cr + CrP) content diminished markedly over the course of the study. These results indicate that metabolic failure and trophic disturbance in the cerebral artery occurs with a rapid onset following SAH and progresses in close association with the development of vasospasm, suggesting a significant causal relationship with the pathogenesis.
Intractable hiccups: treatment by microvascular decompression of the vagus nerve
Authors: Johnson Dennis L.
Published: May 2009

✓ Idiopathic hiccups are usually managed with pharyngeal stimulation or a plethora of pharmacological agents. Hiccups that persist and prove intractable to these medical measures are treated by crush or ablation of the phrenic nerve, which denervates the major respiratory muscle. This is the first reported case of nondestructive microvascular decompression of the vagus nerve for the treatment of intractable idiopathic hiccups. The success of microvascular decompression has been documented with other conditions, such as trigeminal neuralgia and hemifacial spasm, that are characterized by hyperactive dysfunctional neurovascular contact.

The vagus nerve was separated from the posterior inferior cerebellar artery by inserting a Teflon pledget between the nerve and vessel which eliminated the neurovascular contact. One year after the initial surgery, the hiccups recurred. The Teflon pledget had fallen out of place and the nerve was once again in contact with the artery. Once the contact was eliminated by wrapping the artery with a tuft of Teflon, the hiccups stopped. The patient has remained free of hiccups for 3 years.

It is concluded that patients with intractable idiopathic hiccups who fail medical therapy should be considered for microvascular decompression of the vagus nerve.
Intraoperative electrocorticography during tumor resection: impact on seizure outcome in patients with gangliogliomas
Authors: Pilcher Webster H. , Silbergeld Daniel L. , Berger Mitchel S. , Ojemann George A.
Published: May 2009

✓ Gangliogliomas are indolent neoplasms that are often associated with long-standing intractable seizures. The seizure-free outcome following ganglioglioma resection alone (or “lesionectomy”) has been generally favorable, ranging in most series from 50% to 65%. Thus, the value of resection of epileptogenic cortex in addition to tumor with regard to seizure outcome has been the subject of controversy. The authors describe a series of 12 patients with frontal or temporal lobe gangliogliomas associated with long-standing intractable seizures. In these patients, intraoperative electrocorticography was used to guide the resection of epileptogenic cortex along with tumor. Functional brain mapping, interictal and ictal monitoring of seizures, as well as thorough neuropsychological assessments were performed prior to resection in all cases. Outcome with regard to seizures, tumor recurrence, and neurological deficits was assessed with a mean follow-up period of 3.1 years. There was universal freedom from seizures postoperatively in 11 patients in whom complete or near-complete resection of epileptogenic cortex was achieved. In one patient in whom complete tumor resection and subtotal removal of epileptogenic cortex was achieved, a 95% reduction in seizure frequency was identified. No tumor recurrence or neurological deficits were observed. In a subset of four patients, neuropsychological and cognitive function were evaluated pre- and postoperatively. In these four, a clear trend toward improvement was noted in most functions. Thus, resection of epileptogenic cortex along with tumor may improve seizure outcome in selected patients with tumor-associated epilepsy without engendering identifiable neurological or cognitive deficits attributable to the incremental resection.
Radiosurgical treatment of recurrent hemangiopericytomas of the meninges: preliminary results
Authors: Coffey Robert J. , Cascino Terrence L. , Shaw Edward G.
Published: May 2009

✓ Hemangiopericytomas of the meninges, classified previously as angioblastic meningiomas, have a propensity to recur either locally or at distant sites within the nervous system after surgical resection. Visceral metastases also develop much more commonly in these lesions than in other types of histologically benign meningiomas. The radiosurgical gamma knife was used to treat five patients with 11 meningeal hemangiopericytomas (seven new, two recurrent, and two residual tumors) after surgical resection of an initially solitary intracranial lesion. Three patients had undergone multiple craniotomies and radiation therapy before referral, and two patients underwent a second radiosurgical procedure for lesions that appeared between 5 and 13 months after the first treatment session. Dramatic tumor shrinkage occurred in most patients within 6 to 10 months after treatment. The only treatment-related morbidity in this series was a partial visual-field defect in one patient with a large falx-tentorial junction hemangiopericytoma who had previously undergone radiation therapy. Radiosurgery appears to cause dramatic early shrinkage of small and medium-sized intracranial hemangiopericytomas that have recurred or developed after previous surgery and/or radiation therapy.
Cardiovascular responses to global cerebral ischemia: role of excitatory amino acids in the ventrolateral medullary pressor area
Authors: Heary Robert F. , Maniker Allen H. , Krieger Abbott J. , Sapru Hreday N.
Published: May 2009

✓ The object of this study was to investigate the role of the ventrolateral medullary pressor area in mediating the cardiovascular responses to experimentally induced global cerebral ischemia, and to test if excitatory amino acids or acetylcholine are the transmitters released in this brain region during these responses. The cerebral ischemic response was elicited in pentobarbital-anesthetized, artificially ventilated male Wistar rats by bilateral ligation of vertebral arteries followed by temporary clamping of the common carotid arteries. The pressor area was identified by microinjections of L-glutamate. Inhibition of neurons in this area by microinjections of muscimol, a γ-aminobutyric acid receptor agonist, abolished the ischemic response, which demonstrated that this area is important in mediating these responses. Microinjections of a broad-spectrum excitatory amino acid receptor blocker (kynurenate), of specific antagonists for N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) and non-NMDA receptors (injected alone or in combination), and of atropine failed to block the ischemic responses. These results indicate that: 1) the ventrolateral medullary pressor area mediates pressor responses to cerebral ischemia, and 2) excitatory amino acids or acetylcholine in this area do not mediate the cardiovascular responses to cerebral ischemia.
Serotonergic manipulations in experimental neoplastic spinal cord compression
Authors: Siegal Tali , Siegal Tzony
Published: May 2009

✓ The effects of differing strategies of serotonergic manipulation on vascular permeability, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthesis, and the clinical course are evaluated in an experimental model of neoplastic spinal cord compression in rats. Serotonergic manipulations include in vivo inhibition of serotonin (5-HT) synthesis by p-chlorophenylalanine (p-CPA) and in vivo blockage of serotonin type 2 (5-HT2) receptors either by the selective antagonist ketanserin or by cyproheptadine. In paralyzed rats, the ratio of 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid (5-HIAA) to 5-HT is significantly elevated in the compressed segments, suggesting that 5-HT utilization is increased. Treatment with p-CPA attenuates spinal 5-HT levels by 62.8% ± 5.1% (mean ± standard deviation) and reduces the elevated 5-HIAA:5-HT ratio to the normal value. The increased synthesis of PGE2 observed in the compressed cord is unaffected by p-CPA or ketanserin treatment but is markedly attenuated by cyproheptadine. Ketanserin reduces the 10-fold increase in spinal cord permeability observed in paralyzed rats in a clearly dose-related manner. If given at the first sign of neurological dysfunction, ketanserin delays the onset of paraplegia with the 1-mg/kg dose being clearly superior. Cyproheptadine and p-CPA also reduce the increased permeability and protract the course to paraplegia. A comparison of the effect of dexamethasone, indomethacin, cyproheptadine, p-CPA, and ketanserin reveals that they protract the disease course by 48%, 57%, 60%, 64%, and 78%, respectively. These data suggest that 5-HT2 receptors mediate some of the deleterious vascular consequences observed in the compressed spinal cord by a mechanism not coupled with PGE2 synthesis. A potential benefit of serotonergic manipulations for the acute treatment of neoplastic spinal cord compression is suggested.
Biomechanical comparison of anterior Caspar plate and three-level posterior fixation techniques in a human cadaveric model
Authors: Traynelis Vincent C. , Donaher Paul A. , Roach Robert M. , Kojimoto H. , Goel Vijay K.
Published: May 2009

✓ Traumatic cervical spine injuries have been successfully stabilized with plates applied to the anterior vertebral bodies. Previous biomechanical studies suggest, however, that these devices may not provide adequate stability if the posterior ligaments are disrupted. To study this problem, the authors simulated a C-5 teardrop fracture with posterior ligamentous instability in human cadaveric spines. This model was used to compare the immediate biomechanical stability of anterior cervical plating, from C-4 to C-6, to that provided by a posterior wiring construct over the same levels. Stability was tested in six modes of motion: flexion, extension, right and left lateral bending, and right and left axial rotation. The injured/plate-stabilized spines were more stable than the intact specimens in all modes of testing. The injured/posterior-wired specimens were more stable than the intact spines in axial rotation and flexion. They were not as stable as the intact specimens in the lateral bending or extension testing modes. The data were normalized with respect to the motion of the uninjured spine and compared using repeated measures of analysis of variance, the results of which indicate that anterior plating provides significantly more stability in extension and lateral bending than does posterior wiring. The plate was more stable than the posterior construct in flexion loading; however, the difference was not statistically significant. The two constructs provide similar stability in axial rotation. This study provides biomechanical support for the continued use of bicortical anterior plate fixation in the setting of traumatic cervical spine instability.
Vertebral artery section for treating arterial compression of the medulla oblongata
Authors: Hongo Kazuhiro , Kobayashi Shigeaki , Hokama Masanobu , Sugita Kenichiro
Published: May 2009

✓ A case of a 30-year-old man who showed progressive pyramidal tract signs caused by compression of the left vertebral artery is presented. Initial decompression of the vertebral artery by placing a piece of sponge between the artery and medulla had no long-term effect. The left vertebral artery distal to the origin of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery was then sectioned, decompressing the medulla oblongata. The patient's symptoms improved postoperatively. This is the first reported case of brain-stem compression by an elongated vertebral artery treated by sectioning of the artery.
Progressive paraparesis due to thoracic extramedullary hematopoiesis in myelofibrosis
Authors: Klippel Nina De , Dehou Marie F. , Bourgain Claire , Schots Rik , Keyser Jaques De , Ebinger Guy
Published: May 2009

✓ A patient with myelofibrosis who developed a progressive paraparesis caused by spinal cord compression due to thoracic extramedullary hematopoietic tissue is reported. He recovered well after local radiotherapy alone.
Endovascular treatment of vertebral artery dissections and pseudoaneurysms
Authors: Halbach Van V. , Higashida Randall T. , Dowd Christopher F. , Fraser Kenneth W. , Smith Tony P. , Teitelbaum George P. , Wilson Charles B. , Hieshima Grant B.
Published: May 2009

✓ Sixteen patients with dissecting aneurysms or pseudoaneurysms of the vertebral artery, 12 involving the intradural vertebral artery and four occurring in the extradural segment, were treated by endovascular occlusion of the dissection site. Patients with vertebral fistulas were excluded from this study. The dissection was caused by trauma in three patients (two iatrogenic) and in the remaining 13 no obvious etiology was disclosed. Nine patients presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), two of whom had severe cardiac disturbances secondary to the bleed. The nontraumatic dissections occurred in seven women and six men, with a mean age on discovery of 48 years. Fifteen patients were treated with endovascular occlusion of the parent artery at or just proximal to the dissection site. One patient had occlusion of a traumatic pseudoaneurysm with preservation of the parent artery. Four patients required transluminal angioplasty because of severe vasospasm produced by the presenting hemorrhage, and all benefited from this procedure with improved arterial flow documented by transcranial Doppler ultrasonography and arteriography.

In 15 patients angiography disclosed complete cure of the dissection. One patient with a long dissection of extracranial origin extending intracranially had proximal occlusion of the dissection site. Follow-up angiography demonstrated healing of the vertebral artery dissection but persistent filling of the artery above the balloons, which underscores the need for embolic occlusion near the dissection site. No hemorrhages recurred. One patient had a second SAH at the time of therapy which was immediately controlled with balloons and coils. This patient and one other had minor neurological worsening resulting from the procedure (mild Wallenberg syndrome in one and minor ataxia in the second).

Symptomatic vertebral artery dissections involving the intradural and extradural segments can be effectively managed by endovascular techniques. Balloon test occlusion and transluminal angioplasty can be useful adjuncts in the management of this disease.
Neurosurgical correction of upper brachial plexus birth injuries
Authors: Laurent John P. , Lee Rita , Shenaq Saleh , Parke Julie T. , Solis Itzel S. , Kowalik Lisa
Published: May 2009

✓ The authors review the cases of 116 infants treated consecutively for birth-related brachial plexus injuries. Twenty-eight infants with upper brachial plexus lesions who showed no neurological improvement by 4 months of age were selected for early surgical reconstruction (at a mean age of 5 months). Neurological improvement of the affected arm was observed in more than 90% (p < 0.05) of the children examined longer than 9 months after brachial plexus reconstruction. A conservatively managed control subgroup of 44 children, first examined at less than 3 months of age, demonstrated neurological improvement by 4 months of age and continued to show improvement at 1 year of age. Early surgical reconstruction is recommended for infants with birth-related upper brachial plexus injury who show no neurological improvement by the age of 4 months.
Intraoperative identification of motor areas of the rhomboid fossa using direct stimulation
Authors: Strauss Christian , Romstöck Johann , Nimsky Christopher , Fahlbusch Rudolf
Published: May 2009

✓ Intraoperative electrical identification of motor areas within the floor of the fourth ventricle was successfully carried out in a series of 10 patients with intrinsic pontine lesions and lesions infiltrating the brain stem. Direct electrical stimulation was used to identify the facial colliculus and the hypoglossal triangle before the brain stem was entered. Multichannel electromyographic recordings documented selective stimulation effects. The surgical approach to the brain stem was varied according to the electrical localization of these structures. During removal of the lesion, functional integrity was monitored by intermittent stimulation. In lesions infiltrating the floor of the fourth ventricle, stimulation facilitated complete removal. Permanent postoperative morbidity of facial or hypoglossal nerve dysfunction was not observed. Mapping of the floor of the fourth ventricle identifies important surface structures and offers a safe corridor through intact nervous structures during surgery of brain-stem lesions. Reliable identification is particularly important in mass lesions with displacement of normal topographical anatomy.
Supraclinoid internal carotid artery fenestration with an associated aneurysm
Authors: Banach Michael J. , Flamm Eugene S.
Published: May 2009

✓ The case of an aneurysm occurring at the site of fenestration of the supraclinoid portion of the left internal carotid artery (ICA) is reported. A 37-year-old woman presenting with subarachnoid hemorrhage was found to have bilateral ICA aneurysms at the level of the posterior communicating arteries (PCoA's). The patient underwent right-sided craniotomy with uneventful clipping of the right PCoA aneurysm, and attempted clip placement on the contralateral left ICA aneurysm. The follow-up angiogram revealed a residual dome on the left ICA aneurysm, which was noted to originate at the proximal end of a fenestration of the left supraclinoid ICA. This represents the third reported case of fenestration of the intracranial ICA associated with an aneurysm. Intracranial artery fenestrations and their embryological origins are also reviewed.
Spinal epidural leiomyoma occurring in an HIV-infected man
Authors: Steel Timothy R. , Pell Malcolm F. , Turner Jennifer J. , Lim Gerald H. K.
Published: May 2009

✓ A case of spinal epidural leiomyoma is reported in a 52-year-old man infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The tumor arose in the epidural region at the T-3 vertebral level, and the patient presented with radicular pain in the right T-3 dermatome. While soft-tissue tumors such as Kaposi's sarcoma and lymphomas have been well documented in association with HIV infection, this is the first reported case of primary spinal leiomyoma. Isolated cases of leiomyomas and leiomyosarcomas in unusual locations have been reported, notably in pediatric HIV-positive patients, perhaps indicating a causal relationship. This case may represent further evidence of such an association.
Hemodynamic activity associated with a paraganglioma of the cauda equina
Authors: Toyota Brian , Barr Hugh W. K. , Ramsay David
Published: May 2009

✓ A 53-year-old man presented with a paraganglioma of the cauda equina that caused significant hemodynamic instability during removal. The clinical implications of this phenomenon are discussed.
Cardiac performance enhancement from dobutamine in patients refractory to hypervolemic therapy for cerebral vasospasm
Authors: Levy Michael L. , Rabb Craig H. , Zelman Vladimir , Giannotta Steven L.
Published: May 2009

✓ The use of the beta-agonist dobutamine in combination with hypervolemic preload enhancement of cardiac performance was analyzed in 23 patients who failed to respond to traditional preload enhancement following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. The patients ranged in age from 13 to 82 years, and three had a history of cardiac disease. Each patient underwent placement of a flow-directed balloon-tipped catheter and the following measurements were obtained during hyperdynamic therapy: pulmonary artery wedge pressure, central venous pressure, cardiac index, stroke volume index, total peripheral resistance, and left ventricular stroke work index (LVSWI). Mean baseline cardiac function was found to be within normal limits (LVSWI = 47.6 ± 4.2 gm/min/sq m and cardiac index = 3.30 ± 0.22 liter/min/sq m). After baseline measurements were recorded, 5% albumin was infused at 300 cc/hr and dobutamine was initiated at a rate of 5 to 10 µg/kg/hr. This hyperdynamic therapy with dobutamine in the presence of volume loading resulted in a 52% increase in cardiac index, a 15% increase in LVSWI, and a 21% decrease in total peripheral resistance. The clinical reversal of ischemic symptoms due to subarachnoid hemorrhage was evident in 18 (78%) of the 23 patients.
Calpain-calpastatin system of canine basilar artery in vasospasm
Authors: Yamaura Ikuya , Tani Eiichi , Saido Takaomi C. , Suzuki Koichi , Minami Nobutaka , Maeda Yukio
Published: May 2009

✓ Vasospasm was produced in the canine basilar artery by a two-hemorrhage method, while contraction was induced in the normal canine basilar artery by a local application of KCl or serotonin after transclival exposure. The control animals were injected with saline instead of fresh blood. The activation of μ-calpain, a Ca++-dependent neutral protease, in the basilar artery was studied by evaluating the conversion from its inactivated into its activated form on immunoblots. In addition, the activity of calpastatin, an intrinsic inhibitor of calpain, in the basilar artery was determined by assay. The majority of the μ-calpain was inactivated in the control group. In the spastic group, μ-calpain was generally activated markedly in the early stage of vasospasm and moderately thereafter. The contraction induced by KCl or serotonin application was classified into the early phasic and the later tonic stages; μ-calpain was usually activated in the phasic stage and inactivated in the tonic stage. Calpastatin activity was significantly decreased during vasospasm, whereas it was not significantly changed in KCl- or serotonin-induced contraction. The final activity of μ-calpain results from the balance of μ-calpain and calpastatin. This suggests that μ-calpain activity was enhanced continuously in the spastic group and transiently in the KCl or serotonin group, and that the continuous activation of μ-calpain during vasospasm probably induced more proteolytic changes compared to those in the KCl or serotonin group.
Effect of pentobarbital on normal brain protection and on the response of 9L rat brain tumor to radiation therapy
Authors: Kimler Bruce F. , Liu Changnian , Evans Richard G. , Morantz Robert A.
Published: May 2009

✓ The authors attempted to confirm published reports that pentobarbital protects against radiation-induced damage to normal rat brain, as well as enhances radiotherapeutic efficacy in a rat brain tumor model. They evaluated animal survival in 9L gliosarcoma-burdened rats that received whole-brain radiation therapy (16, 24, 32, or 40 Gy) while under intraperitoneal pentobarbital (60 mg/kg) or intramuscular ketamine (60 mg/kg) sedation. The animals were examined at autopsy to attribute death to either intracranial tumor growth or normal brain toxicity in the absence of discernible tumor. There was no difference between the two anesthesia groups regarding the survival of unirradiated animals. Radiation therapy produced a significant dose-dependent prolongation in animal survival, which was limited by the development of normal tissue toxicity at the higher doses. When compared to ketamine anesthesia, pentobarbital anesthesia appeared to offer some protection (not statistically significant) against early (but not late) toxicity at selected radiation doses. A reduction in the number of deaths from tissue toxicity suggested an increased antitumor effect, but again this was not statistically significant. Only in one case was there even a marginal significant difference (p = 0.045) between overall therapeutic efficacy in rats sedated with pentobarbital versus ketamine. While there may be a radioprotective effect of pentobarbital in rat brains without intracranial tumor, there is no conclusive evidence for either radioprotection or significant improvement of radiotherapeutic efficacy in this 9L rat brain tumor model.
Failure of FK-506, a new immunosuppressant, to prevent cerebral vasospasm in a canine two-hemorrhage model
Authors: Nagata Kazuya , Sasaki Tomio , Iwama Junichi , Mori Takashi , Iwamoto Shoko , Nirei Hisataka , Hamada Kaori , Kirino Takaaki
Published: May 2009

✓ In order to clarify the possible role of immunological reaction in the pathogenesis of cerebral vasospasm, the authors examined the prophylactic effect of the immunosuppressant agents FK-506 and cyclosporin A on chronic vasospasm in a canine two-hemorrhage model. While a mean constriction of the basilar artery to 81.0% ± 4.0% (± standard error of the mean) occurred on Day 2 and to 63.8% ± 3.5% on Day 7 in the untreated group, constriction to 77.9% ± 3.4% on Day 2 and 62.8% ± 3.0% on Day 7 was demonstrated in the FK-506-treated group (difference not significant). This tendency was also noted in the cyclosporin A-treated group, with basilar artery constriction to 81.8% ± 3.7% and 56.3% ± 2.7%, respectively (difference not significant). The histological changes of the basilar artery, including corrugation of the elastic lamina, detachment of endothelial cells, and vacuolar formation in the smooth-muscle layer were not different in the two treated groups and the one control group. Since these immunosuppressant agents are known to inhibit the release of interleukin-2 (IL-2), the level of IL-2 was examined in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with cerebral vasospasm. While interleukin-1 gradually increased in level as time passed, the level of IL-2 was consistently low during the course of the study, indicating less participation of IL-2 in the pathogenesis of cerebral vasospasm. This clinical observation matched the experimental results. The authors conclude that cell-mediated immunoreaction, initiated mainly by IL-2, plays little role in the pathogenesis of cerebral vasospasm.
Epidural perfusion cooling protection against protracted spinal cord ischemia in rabbits
Authors: Vanický Ivo , Maršala Martin , Gálik Ján , MarŠala Jozef
Published: May 2009

✓ The protective effect of a modified epidural cooling technique was assessed in a rabbit spinal cord ischemia model. The epidural space around the lumbar segments with induced ischemia was continually perfused with cold (5°C) isotonic saline via two communicating spinal canal openings. This procedure allowed the spinal cord to be kept deeply hypothermic (< 15°C within central gray matter) during the ischemic period.

The animals were subjected to either normothermic ischemia (Group A) or hypothermic ischemia (Group B). Each group contained three subgroups of animals undergoing 20, 40, or 60 minutes of aortic ligation. Their neurological outcomes were evaluated up to 48 hours postischemia, and the intergroup differences were compared. Two days postischemia, all of the animals were sacrificed by transcardial perfusion-fixation and their lumbar segments were processed for histopathological examination. In addition, in animals with 60-minute ischemia, spinal somatosensory evoked potentials were recorded during surgical intervention and again after 48 hours.

In the normothermic animals, a high incidence of paraplegia was detected: in 40% after 20 minutes of ischemia, in 75% after 40 minutes, and in 100% after 60 minutes. In contrast, all of the hypothermic animals exhibited full neurological recovery even after 60 minutes of ischemia. Both electrophysiological and histological observations clearly correlated with the neurological findings. The results suggest that deep spinal cord hypothermia produced by epidural perfusion cooling provides effective protection against protracted spinal cord ischemia in rabbits.
Isolated extranodal intracranial sinus histiocytosis in a 5-year-old boy
Authors: Shaver Ellen G. , Rebsamen Susan L. , Yachnis Anthony T. , Sutton Leslie N.
Published: May 2009

✓ Sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy was first described in 1969 by Rosai and Dorfman. The typical clinical characteristics of this disease include painless cervical lymphadenopathy, fever, and weight loss. The condition can present with an extranodal mass in about 25% of patients, and isolated masses without lymph node involvement occur rarely. The authors describe a 5-year-old boy with cavernous sinus syndrome due to an isolated extranodal form of sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy in the temporal fossa. Several cases of this disease involving the central nervous system are reviewed. The histopathological and magnetic resonance imaging characteristics are discussed.
The yin and yang of neurological surgery
Authors: Bagan Merwyn
Published: May 2009

✓ The President of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) discusses the present socioeconomic milieu, which has created anxiety in the neurosurgical community. The underlying factors are technological advances, hospital-physician relationships, medical liability, quality assurance reviews, and physician reimbursement. It is proposed that neurosurgeons be proactive in the development of health-care reform.
Localization of the face area of human sensorimotor cortex by intracranial recording of somatosensory evoked potentials
Authors: McCarthy Gregory , Allison Truett , Spencer Dennis D.
Published: May 2009

✓ The authors describe a method of localizing the sensory and motor peri-rolandic cortex representing the face and intraoral structures. Somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP's) to stimulation of the chin, lips, tongue, and palate were recorded in 37 patients studied intraoperatively under general anesthesia or following chronic implantation of cortical surface electrodes. Localization by trigeminal SEP recording was validated by SEP localization of the hand area with median nerve stimulation, and by cortical stimulation of the hand and face areas.

The following conclusions were drawn regarding the implementation of face area localization: 1) in general agreement with the results of cortical stimulation in humans and single-unit recordings in monkeys, there is a medial-to-lateral representation in somatosensory cortex of the hand, chin, upper lip, lower lip, tongue, and palate; 2) the chin and lip representations overlap, are adjacent to the hand area, and provide little additional localizing information if the hand area has been identified; 3) stimulation of the tongue and palate evokes reliable, large-amplitude SEP's useful for localization; 4) palatal SEP's allow localization near the sylvian sulcus; 5) for any type of trigeminal stimulation, the largest SEP's are recorded from the somatosensory cortex and provide the most consistent criterion for its identification; and 6) polarity inversion of potentials across the sulcus (a reliable localizing criterion for median nerve SEP's) is a less reliable criterion for trigeminal SEP's.
Cranial hemophilic pseudotumor
Authors: Horton Don D. , Pollay Michael , Wilson Don A. , Brandon Fred M. , Sexauer Charles L.
Published: May 2009

✓ Hemophilic pseudotumor is a rare complication of hemophilia occurring in 1% to 2% of individuals with a severe factor VIII or IX deficiency. This pseudotumor has been defined as a progressive cystic swelling involving muscle that is produced by recurrent hemorrhage and may be accompanied by roentgenographic evidence of bone involvement. The case is presented of a 12-month-old child with mild factor VIII deficiency (10% of normal factor VIII activity), who developed a pseudotumor of the skull.
Severe symptomatic vasospasm: the role of immediate postoperative angioplasty
Authors: le Roux Peter D. , Newell David W. , Eskridge Joseph , Mayberg Marc R. , Winn H. Richard
Published: May 2009

✓ The clinical success of angioplasty for symptomatic vasospasm following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) depends on early intervention and can best be achieved after the aneurysm is occluded. However, patients presenting with unsecured ruptured aneurysms and established clinical vasospasm offer a dilemma for the surgeon. The authors describe the cases of five such patients who underwent acute clipping of aneurysms followed by immediate postoperative angioplasty between 1988 and 1992. All were referred at least 5 days after SAH. Severe vasospasm compatible with the clinical presentation was confirmed by angiography. The patients met the department's criteria for angioplasty but, because of unclipped aneurysms, were first taken to the operating room for a craniotomy and aneurysm obliteration. Angiography was repeated immediately after surgery. Arterial narrowing had progressed during surgery in two patients. In all patients, postoperative mechanical dilatation was achieved with the use of a silicone microballoon. Following angioplasty, transcranial Doppler ultrasound flow velocities and single-photon emission computerized tomography evaluation indicated improved cerebral perfusion compared to preoperative determinations. Four patients improved clinically and made a good recovery. In this subgroup of patients presenting with proven symptomatic vasospasm and an unclipped but ruptured aneurysm, urgent surgical obliteration of the aneurysm followed by immediate postoperative angioplasty may be a safe and reasonable means to improve outcome.
Cognitive functioning in long-term survivors of high-grade glioma
Authors: Archibald Yvonne M. , Lunn Diane , Ruttan Lesley A. , Macdonald David R. , Del Maestro Rolando F. , Barr Hugh W. K. , Pexman J. H. Warwick , Fisher Barbara J. , Gaspar Laurie E. , Cairncross J. Gregory
Published: May 2009

✓ In a pilot study, two groups of patients with malignant glioma underwent sequential neuropsychological evaluations after successful tumor treatment. Group 1 included nine patients treated from 1981 to 1985; all patients received irradiation and eight underwent chemotherapy. The baseline neuropsychological assessment was performed 1 to 63 months after tumor diagnosis, with follow-up evaluations at irregular intervals over the next 3 to 7 years. Six patients in Group 1 exhibited impairment on most measures at baseline; subsequently, two patients developed profound cognitive impairment. Initially, three patients functioned in the average range on most tasks; thereafter, two deteriorated on one measure each. Group 2 was ascertained prospectively and included 16 patients treated from 1985 to 1987, all of whom received irradiation and chemotherapy. The first evaluation was performed 18 months after diagnosis, then every 6 months for 2 years, and then yearly. Compared to a control group, those in Group 2 had significant cognitive impairment at baseline. Cognitive performance did not change over the next 12 months in 10 patients who remained free of tumor, but within 2 years of baseline testing, deterioration on specific tasks was evident in two of seven disease-free survivors. When last tested, five of six disease-free survivors had deteriorated on one or more measures. Unlike Group 1, severe global cognitive impairment was not seen, perhaps because Group 2 was followed for a shorter time. Verbal and nonverbal composite scores derived from intelligence quotient (IQ) tests showed less impairment at baseline than did other measures and were more likely to remain stable subsequently. Verbal memory and sustained attention were the most impaired at baseline, and verbal learning and flexibility in thinking showed the greatest tendency to decline over time.

Cognitive functioning in survivors of high-grade glioma is best measured and monitored by tests that probe a broader spectrum of abilities than IQ. Neuropsychological measures used in this analysis lacked sensitivity at the lower end of the impaired range. Future studies should use tests better able to discern cognitive differences at low performance levels. Based on this experience, the authors conclude that most long-term survivors of high-grade glioma will have significant cognitive difficulties, usually evident by the first assessment; some patients will develop profound impairment years later, and few are capable of fully independent living.
Isolated cerebellar lymphomatoid granulomatosis progressing to malignant lymphoma
Authors: Hamilton Mark G. , Demetrick Douglas J. , Tranmer Bruce I. , Curry Bernadette
Published: May 2009

✓ A 60-year-old man presented with progressive and unique neurological symptoms. Investigations identified an isolated cerebellar lesion. This lesion fulfilled the histological criteria for lymphomatoid granulomatosis, and in situ hybridization and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) dot blot techniques revealed significant amounts of Epstein-Barr virus DNA within the tumor cells. The patient underwent cranial radiation therapy, and 16 months after the initial presentation the lesion evolved into a malignant lymphoma. He subsequently died secondary to subdural empyema, bacterial meningitis, and bronchopneumonia. The unique clinical and etiological aspects of this case are addressed.
La forêt pérenne: aimable rêverie sylvicole ou concept d'avenir? (essai) | The continuous cover forest: a pleasant forestry daydream or a concept for the future? (essay)
Authors: Schütz Jean-Philippe
Published: May 2009

The name alone of continuous cover forest demonstrates the very essence of a concept of forestry management whereby there is continuous forest cover and sudden jumps between the generations are avoided. Although this concept is highly modern, it was developed by Alfred Möller in Prussia in about 1920 in opposition to the mechanistic concept of gaining maximum profit from the soil. The ecosystem and its constituents, the trees with their individual growth characteristics, represent a production system combining ecology and economy using the natural processes of autoregulation known as bio-rationalisation. The application of the concept does however demand a high level of silvicultural competence. For finally the forester himself must determine, on the spot and with the evidence before him, which method of treatment will be best suited to the situation, taking into consideration all the prevailing conditions on the site and the structure of the stands present. This concept, which is highly suitable for multipurpose forest management, is perfectly adapted to the Swiss ecoforestry.
Analysis of Intestinal Injuries Induced by Ricin in Vitro Using SPR Technology and MS Identification
Authors: Liu Linna , Gao Hongwei , Li Jiping , Dong Ying , Liu Ning , Wan Jiayu , Liu Wensen , Sun Yucheng , Xu Ming
Published: May 2009

The present study found that ricin toxicity did not only manifest itself as inhibition of protein synthesis, but also induced apoptosis of immune cells and played an extremely significant role in intestinal injury. In this report, we describe a novel method to estimate binding events occurring on intestinal brush border membranes (BBM) based on SPR technology in an attempt to mimic the real intestinal surface capable of interacting physically and/or actively with certain biological molecules. Combined with HPCE-ESI-MS indentification, we obtained 28 kinds of proteins in BBM that interacted with ricin.
Review of Duloxetine and Venlafaxine in Depression
Authors: Zerjav Sylvia , Tse Gordon , Scott Michael J.W.
Published: May 2009

Objectives:

To compare the efficacy and pharmacologic, pharmacokinetic, drug interaction and adverse effect profiles of duloxetine and venlafaxine.

Methods:

A systematic review of the literature pertaining to duloxetine and venlafaxine was conducted using a computer-aided search of MEDLINE and EMBASE for the period January 1988 to May 2008 with the following search terms: venlafaxine and duloxetine and depression, clinical studies, pharmacology, drug interactions, pharmacokinetics, adverse effects, safety, case reports and review articles.

Results:

Duloxetine and venlafaxine have comparable efficacy and share similar pharmacologic profiles but differ somewhat in their pharmacokinetic profiles, drug interactions and adverse effects. Both agents block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine and both are substrates for the cytochrome P450 2D6 isoenzyme; however, duloxetine inhibits these enzymes to a moderate extent, whereas venlafaxine is only a weak inhibitor. Furthermore, duloxetine is more extensively bound to protein than venlafaxine. Venlafaxine is more likely to elevate blood pressure in a dose-related manner. Both duloxetine and venlafaxine have the potential to cause hepatic injury.

Conclusions:

Although venlafaxine and duloxetine have similar efficacy in the treatment of depression, differences in their adverse effects and pharmacokinetic profiles suggest that one agent may be preferred over the other in certain patient groups.
Effectiveness of Specific Neck Stabilization Exercises or a General Neck Exercise Program for Chronic Neck Disorders: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: GRIFFITHS CATHRIN , DZIEDZIC KRYSIA , WATERFIELD JACKIE , SIM JULIUS
Published: May 2009

Objective.

In a cohort of primary care patients with chronic neck pain, to determine whether specific neck stabilization exercises, in addition to general neck advice and exercise, provide better clinical outcome at 6 weeks than general neck advice and exercise alone.

Methods.

This was a multicenter randomized controlled trial in 4 physical therapy departments. Seventy-four participants (mean age 51.3 yrs) were randomized to specific neck stabilization exercises with a general neck advice and exercise program (n = 37) or a general neck advice and exercise program alone (n = 37). They attended a 1-hour clinical examination, followed by a maximum of 4 treatment sessions. Assessments were undertaken at baseline, 6 weeks, and 6 months. The primary outcome was the Neck Pain and Disability Scale (NPDS). Analysis was by intention to treat.

Results.

Seventy-one (96%) participants received their allocated intervention. There was 91% followup at 6 weeks and 92% followup at 6 months. The mean (SD) 6-week improvement (reduction) in NPDS score was 10.6 (20.2) for the specific exercise program and 9.3 (15.7) for the general exercise program. There were no significant between-group differences in the NPDS at either 6 weeks or 6 months. For secondary outcomes, participants in the specific exercise group were less likely to be taking pain medication at 6-week followup (p = 0.02). There were no other significant between-group differences.

Conclusion.

Adding specific neck stabilization exercises to a general neck advice and exercise program did not provide better clinical outcome overall in the physical therapy treatment of chronic neck pain.