bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a Consumer Advocacy Program
Authors: O'donnell Maryanne , Proberts Miriam , Parker Gordon
Published: January 2008

Objective: The aim of the present paper was to describe the development of a consumer advocacy program within the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney (NSW, Australia).

Methods: The program was developed within the context of a research project that investigated the effect on outcome of client-focused approaches to community case management for clients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Results: While the development of the advocacy program was limited by the constraints imposed by the research methodology, the study provided the opportunity to delineate the process involved and identify key components that need to be incorporated into future advocacy programs.

Conclusions: The main guidelines determined were that consumer participation in service delivery needs to be flexible, consumer driven, have broad-based support, ready access to supervision and debriefing, ongoing training and clear job descriptions. Given adequate support, autonomy and funding, consumer advocates can provide a much needed resource for their fellow consumers.
Defining the Role of the Consultant Psychiatrist in a Public Mental Health Service
Authors: Boyce Philip , Tobin Margaret
Published: January 2008

Objective: The aim of this paper is to clarify elements of the role of a psychiatrist working in the public sector.

Method: The relevant literature was examined to help clarify some of the reasons psychiatrists have been leaving the public sector and to help define the key roles of a psychiatrist working in the public sector.

Results: Two principal roles for the consultant psychiatrist in the public sector are identified: the psychiatrist as a clinician and the psychiatrist as a manager. The management role is contrasted with the role as an administrator and important differences between these roles are identified. The management role includes planning, advocacy and managing human resources. The importance of professional development in the career path for the newly qualified psychiatrist is discussed.

Conclusions: The role of the psychiatrist in public sector psychiatry is a challenging and exciting one. Psychiatrists will start to return to the public sector when they recognise this new role for the consultant psychiatrist. This will be to the advantage of public sector psychiatry in general and to the job satisfaction of psychiatrists. The key features of the clinical role are the demonstration of sophisticated clinical skills, providing clinical leadership via supervision, being accountable for patient care and providing consultant opinion on complex clinical problems.
Clinical features of temporal tip epidural hematomas
Authors: Yanagawa Youichi , Sakamoto Toshihisa , Okada Yoshiaki
Published: January 2008

Object

The purpose of this paper was to clarify the clinical features of temporal tip epidural hematomas (EDHs).

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted for 53 patients who had suffered an EDH. They were divided into two groups, those whose hematoma occurred in the temporal tip (23 patients) and others (30 patients). The following variables were analyzed: age, sex, Glasgow Coma Scale score, systolic blood pressure on admission, Injury Severity Score, incidence of hematomas in intracerebral regions, location of skull fracture, incidence of cranial nerve injury, type of operation, and Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) score at 3 months postinjury.

Results

A greater incidence of zygomatic arch or lateral orbital cavity fracture was found in the “temporal tip” group than in the “other” group. There was a greater incidence of cranial nerve injury in the temporal tip (26.0%) than in the other group (6.6%; p < 0.05). Surgery to treat the EDH was more frequently performed in the other group (36.6%) than in the temporal tip group (two patients, 8.6%; p = 0.01). There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of the GOS score.

Conclusions

A temporal tip hematoma is not a rare injury among patients with EDHs. This hematoma tends to be induced by lateral orbital cavity and/or zygomatic arch fractures. It tends to be associated with cranial nerve injury, but it rarely requires an operation. The outcome of patients with this hematoma depends on the associated intracerebral lesions, thus indicating it to be similar to an EDH in other places.
Toward improving the therapeutic ratio in stereotactic radiosurgery: selective modulation of the radiation responses of both normal tissues and tumor
Authors: Hopewell John W. , Millar William T. , Ang K. Kian
Published: January 2008

✓A review of the radiobiological factors that influence the response of the brain to radiation is provided in relation to stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). The prospects for intervention after radiation treatment to selectively modulate the expression of late central nervous system (CNS) injury is considered, as well as an account of recent interest in the use of radiation enhancers to selectively increase the response of tumors to radiation.

Brain necrosis in humans, after conventional irradiation, indicates that the risk of necrosis increases rapidly after an equivalent single dose of 12 or 13 Gy. When single-dose treatments are extended due to 60Co decay or planned extension of treatment times, account should be taken of the effects of the repair of sublethal radiation damage to DNA on the efficacy of treatment. Both repair capacity and repair kinetics will also influence tumor control, but parameters to quantify this effect have not yet been established.

The volume of CNS tissue that has been irradiated affects the tissue response, but this effect is only significant for volumes less than 0.05 cm3. The gain obtained from irradiation of small volumes is reduced, however, when focal irradiation is given within a wider field of irradiation.

Based on a vascular hypothesis explaining the pathogenesis of late CNS damage, approaches designed to selectively modulate the frequency of late CNS damage have been validated. Given the high intrinsic radioresistance of some tumors, as opposed to the presence of hypoxia, an interest has developed in the use of selective radiation enhancers in the treatment of tumors. The compound presently available has proved to be disappointing clinically due to toxicity at effective doses, when repeated administration is required. However, when given at high single doses it is less toxic and may be more effective. Less toxic radiation enhancers need to be developed.
Reversible cortical auditory dysfunction caused by cerebral vasospasm after ruptured aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and evaluated by perfusion magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Tabuchi Sadaharu , Kadowaki Mitsutoshi , Watanabe Takashi
Published: January 2008

✓ A 52-year-old woman developed subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) caused by a ruptured right internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysm. Because of the aneurysm configuration, the authors decided to delay surgery and instead undertook serial imaging studies of the aneurysm. The patient remained alert but developed acute bilateral deafness on Day 7. Audiological examination and auditory brainstem responses suggested that the hearing disturbance was cortical in origin. Three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) angiography showed severe vasospasm in the right middle cerebral artery (MCA) and moderate vasospasm in the left ICA and MCA. Three-tesla magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was performed 2 days after the onset of symptoms. Diffusion-weighted and T2-weighted MR images showed an acute infarction in the right insular cortex caused by vasospasm. Perfusion-weighted MR imaging, particularly mean transit time mapping, revealed hypoperfusion in both temporal lobes including the auditory cortex and right auditory radiation. The vasospasm was treated with induction of mild hypertension and hypervolemia. Follow-up MR images, 3D CT angiograms, and audiometry performed 2 weeks after the first examination showed recovery of vasospasm and resolution of perfusion abnormality and hearing disturbance. On Day 26, the aneurysm was successfully occluded with clips and the patient was discharged with no deficits. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of reversible cortical auditory dysfunction purely due to bilateral cerebral vasospasm detected using perfusion MR imaging after SAH.
Recovery of low-frequency sensorineural hearing loss following resection of a greater superficial petrosal nerve schwannoma
Authors: Sade Burak , Lee Joung H.
Published: January 2008

✓Facial nerve schwannomas can occur anywhere from the internal auditory canal to the parotid gland. Schwannomas arising from the greater superficial petrosal nerve are exceedingly rare.

The authors report the case of a 63-year-old woman who presented with a selective low-frequency hearing loss of 3 weeks' duration. Neurological examination demonstrated a House–Brackmann Grade II facial paresis and asymmetrical hearing loss on the left side. Audiometric evaluation showed a significant loss of low-frequency hearing with a speech reception threshold (SRT) of 30 dB and a speech discrimination score (SDS) of 88% on the left side. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 2.4-cm enhancing left middle fossa mass. Near-complete resection was performed via a left temporal craniotomy. The tumor was located in the Glasscock triangle and had invaded the petrous bone overlying the cochlea. A very small piece of the tumor over the cochlea was left in order to preserve hearing. A postoperative audiogram showed significant improvement in the patient's hearing, with an SRT of 20 dB and an SDS of 100%. The histological findings were consistent with schwannoma.

The patient experienced postoperative improvement of hearing function despite cochlear involvement, which has previously been reported as an unfavorable factor for postoperative hearing outcome in facial nerve schwannomas.
The microanatomical environment of the subthalamic nucleus
Authors: Rijkers Kim , Temel Yasin , Visser-Vandewalle Veerle , Vanormelingen Linda , Vandersteen Marjan , Adriaensens Peter , Gelan Jan , Beuls Emile A. M.
Published: January 2008

✓High-frequency stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is a widely performed method to treat advanced Parkinson disease. Due to the limitations of current imaging techniques, the 3D microanatomy of the STN and its surrounding structures in the mesencephalon are not well known. Using images they obtained using a 9.4-tesla magnetic resonance (MR) imaging unit, the authors developed a 3D reconstruction of the STN and its immediate surroundings. During the postmortem investigation of a human brain, a sample of tissue in the area around the STN was isolated. This brain tissue was scanned in the three orthogonal planes at 1-mm slice thickness. The images generated were compared with photographs of conventionally stained brain tissue slices in different neuroanatomical books, and a 3D reconstruction was made. High-field MR imaging is an appropriate method for visualizing the microanatomy of the STN and its surroundings. The images allow an optimal analysis of the microenvironment of the STN in the three orthogonal planes and can be used for 3D reconstructions of this area with possible clinical applications in the future.
Trigeminocardiac Reflex
Authors: Schaller Bernhard J.
Published: January 2008

Object

Surgical manipulation of the fifth cranial nerve during its intra-or extracranial course may lead to bradycardia or even asystole as well as arterial hypotension, a phenomenon described as the trigeminocardiac reflex (TCR). The authors studied the impact of this reflex on postoperative auditory function in patients undergoing vestibular schwannoma (VS) surgery.

Methods

One hundred patients scheduled for VS surgery were studied prospectively for parameters influencing the postoperative auditory function. The evaluation included sex, age, pre-and postoperative auditory function, preoperative mean arterial blood pressure, preoperative medical diseases or medication (for example, antiarrhythmia drugs), tumor size and localization, and the intraoperative occurrence of the TCR.

The TCR, which occurred in 11% of the patients, influenced the postoperative hearing function in the patients with Hannover Class T3 and T4 VSs.

With an overall hearing preservation of 47%, 11.1% of the patients in the TCR group and 51.4% of those in the non-TCR group experienced preserved hearing function postoperatively. In cases involving larger tumors (Hannover Class T3 and T4), an intraoperative TCR was associated with a significantly worse postoperative hearing function during VS surgery (p = 0.005).

Conclusions

The hypotension following TCR is a negative prognostic factor for hearing preservation in patients undergoing VS surgery. Patients' knowledge of this can be increased pre-and postoperatively. Further study of this phenomenon will advance the understanding of the underlying mechanisms and may help to improve hearing preservation by controlling the occurrence of the TCR.
Hypoglossal-Facial Anastomosis
Authors: Fernandez Eduardo , Doglietto Francesco , Ciampini Alessandro , Lauretti Liverana
Published: January 2008

The aim of this paper was to report on further experience with a new technique for reanimation of the facial nerve. This procedure allows a straight end-to-side hypoglossal–facial anastomosis without interruption of the 12th cranial nerve or the need for graft interposition. It is technically demanding and time consuming but offers an effective, reliable, and extraordinarily quick means of reinnervating the facial muscles, including the orbicularis oculi muscle, thus avoiding the need for a gold weight in the eyelid or a fascial sling.
World's first magnetic resonance imaging/x-ray/operating room suite: a significant milestone in the improvement of neurosurgical diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Matsumae Mitsunori , Koizumi Jun , Fukuyama Haruo , Ishizaka Hideo , Mizokami Yoshihito , Baba Tanefumi , Atsumi Hideki , Tsugu Atsushi , Oda Shinri , Tanaka Yutaka , Osada Takahiro , Imai Masaaki , Ishiguro Tomoko , Yamamoto Minako , Tominaga Jiro , Shimoda Masami , Imai Yutaka
Published: January 2008

Object

In February 2006, the magnetic resonance/x-ray/operating room (MRXO) suite opened at the authors' institution. This is the first hybrid neurosurgical procedure suite to combine magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, computed tomography (CT), and angiography within a neurosurgical operating room (OR). In the present paper the authors describe the concept of the MRXO as well as their first 10 months of experience using this suite, and discuss its advantages and limitations.

Methods

In the MRXO suite, the combined OR and angiography (OR–angiography) station is located in the middle of the suite, and the MR imaging and CT scanning stations are each installed in an adjoining bay connected to the OR–angiography station by shielded sliding doors. The surgical, MR imaging, angiography, and CT tables are positioned in order of use. The patient lies on a fully MR imaging– and radiography-compatible mobile patient tabletop that is used to move the patient quickly and safely among the tables in the imaging and operating components of the MRXO suite.

Results

The authors performed all interventional procedures safely. The specially designed operating tabletop of the MRXO suite reduced the limitations on neurosurgeons during standard neurosurgical procedures. This hybrid suite helps to provide high-quality intraoperative imaging, greatly reducing the risk of unexpected events during the procedure.

Conclusions

The MRXO suite, which combines OR and imaging equipment, represents a significant milestone in the improvement of neurosurgical diagnosis and treatment and other interventional procedures. Another advantage of the MRXO suite is its cost-effectiveness, which is partly due to its streamlined imaging procedure.
Assessment of brain aneurysms by using high-resolution magnetic resonance angiography after endovascular coil delivery
Authors: Wong John H. , Mitha Alim P. , Willson Morgan , Hudon Mark E. , Sevick Robert J. , Frayne Richard
Published: January 2008

Object

Digital subtraction (DS) angiography is the current gold standard of assessing intracranial aneurysms after coil placement. Magnetic resonance (MR) angiography offers a noninvasive, low-risk alternative, but its accuracy in delineating coil-treated aneurysms remains uncertain. The objective of this study, therefore, is to compare a high-resolution MR angiography protocol relative to DS angiography for the evaluation of coil-treated aneurysms.

Methods

In 2003, the authors initiated a prospective protocol of following up patients with coil-treated brain aneurysms using both 1.5-tesla gadolinium-enhanced MR angiography and biplanar DS angiography. Using acquired images, the subject aneurysm was independently scored for degree of remnant identified (complete obliteration, residual neck, or residual aneurysm) and the surgeon's ability to visualize the parent vessel (excellent, fair, or poor).

Results

Thirty-seven patients with 42 coil-treated aneurysms were enrolled for a total of 44 paired MR angiography–DS angiography tests (median 9 days between tests). An excellent correlation was found between DS and MR angiography for assessing any residual aneurysm, but not for visualizing the parent vessel (κ = 0.86 for residual aneurysm and 0.10 for parent vessel visualization). Paramagnetic artifact from the coil mass was minimal, and in some cases MR angiography identified contrast permeation into the coil mass not revealed by DS angiography. An intravascular microstent typically impeded proper visualization of the parent vessel on MR angiography.

Conclusions

Magnetic resonance angiography is a noninvasive and safe means of follow-up review for patients with coil-treated brain aneurysms. Compared with DS angiography, MR angiography accurately delineates residual aneurysm necks and parent vessel patency (in the absence of a stent), and offers superior visualization of contrast filling within the coil mass. Use of MR angiography may obviate the need for routine diagnostic DS angiography in select patients.
Incidence and pattern of direct blunt neurovascular injury associated with trauma to the skull base
Authors: Feiz-Erfan Iman , Horn Eric M. , Theodore Nicholas , Zabramski Joseph M. , Klopfenstein Jeffrey D. , Lekovic Gregory P. , Albuquerque Felipe C. , Partovi Shahram , Goslar Pamela W. , Petersen Scott R.
Published: January 2008

Object

Skull base fractures are often associated with potentially devastating injuries to major neural arteries in the head and neck, but the incidence and pattern of this association are unknown.

Methods

Between April and September 2002, 1738 Level 1 trauma patients were admitted to St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Among them, a skull base fracture was diagnosed in 78 patients following computed tomography (CT) scans. Seven patients had no neurovascular imaging performed and were excluded. Altogether, 71 patients who received a diagnosis of skull base fractures after CT and who also underwent a neurovascular imaging study were included (54 men and 17 women, mean age 29 years, range 1–83 years). Patients underwent CT angiography, magnetic resonance angiography, or digital subtraction angiography of the head and craniovertebral junction, or combinations thereof.

Results

Nine neurovascular injuries were identified in six (8.5%) of the 71 patients. Fractures of the clivus were very likely to be associated with neurovascular injury (p < 0.001). A high risk of neurovascular injury showed a strong tendency to be associated with fractures of the sella turcica–sphenoid sinus complex (p = 0.07).

Conclusions

The risk of associated blunt neurovascular injury appears to be significant in Level 1 trauma patients in whom a diagnosis of skull base fracture has been made using CT. The incidence of neurovascular trauma is particularly high in patients with clival fractures. The authors recommend neurovascular imaging for Level 1 trauma patients with a high-risk fracture pattern of the central skull base to rule out cerebrovascular injuries.
Reversible tonsillar prolapse and syringomyelia after embolization of a tectal arteriovenous malformation
Authors: Rodesch Georges , Otto Bernard , Mouchamps Micheline , Born Jacques
Published: January 2008

✓ The authors report the case of a 21-year-old woman who presented with headaches, frequent sensations of loss of equilibrium, and intermittent strabismus. A tectal arteriovenous malformation (AVM) was diagnosed based on magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings. The AVM drained toward the straight sinus and was associated with a tonsillar prolapse (Chiari malformation Type I [CM-I]) and cervical syringomyelia. The tectal AVM was embolized with N-butyl cyanoacrylate, and disconnection of about 80% of the lesion was obtained. All clinical symptoms resolved after embolization, and radiosurgery was proposed to treat the malformation remnant. A control MR image confirmed the regression of the tonsillar prolapse and the disappearance of the syrinx. This report emphasizes that CM-I and syringomyelia may be acquired and related to hydrovenous disorders.
Cyst degeneration in craniofacial fibrous dysplasia: clinical presentation and management
Authors: Diah Enrina , Morris David E. , Lo Lun-Jou , Chen Yu-Ray
Published: January 2008

Object

Fibrous dysplasia (FD) is a common osseous tumor that may affect the craniofacial skeleton. Cyst degeneration may occur within an existing FD lesion, manifesting as acute clinical deterioration. Because existing reports of this entity are limited, the object of this study was to describe the presentation and management of cyst degeneration in a relatively large series of patients.

Methods

For nine patients who were treated for cyst degeneration of craniofacial FD the following data were reviewed: demographic factors, clinical presentation, tumor type, computed tomography (CT) findings, surgical management, intraoperative findings, and histopathological findings.

Results

The mean age at tumor presentation was 14.9 years. Seven patients had received a diagnosis of FD before the acute changes of cyst degeneration occurred; this change occurred between 1 and 7 years after the initial diagnosis. The most common presenting symptoms were sudden mass enlargement (78% of patients) and pain (67%). No predisposing factor for cystic change was identified. Four patients presented with visual disturbance; blindness developed in two despite optic nerve decompression. Cyst degeneration occurred most commonly in the sphenoid and frontal bones. The cysts' appearance ranged from a simple lesion to aneurysmal bone cyst.

Conclusions

Cyst degeneration may occur spontaneously within the FD lesion years after the initial diagnosis. Evaluation with CT scanning remains effective in the diagnosis and monitoring of disease progression, and in treatment planning. Surgical intervention is indicated for patients with symptoms or functional impairment. Optimal management of this entity has been facilitated through careful collaboration between neurosurgeons and plastic surgeons.
Ethnic differences in risk factors for subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Krishna Vibhor , Kim Dong H.
Published: January 2008

Object

Studies on risk factors for subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) show heterogeneity. For example, hypertension has been found to be a significant risk factor in some studies but not in others. The authors hypothesized that differences in the ethnicity of the populations studied could account for these findings.

Methods

A metaanalysis was performed using 17 case-control and 10 cohort studies that met specified inclusion criteria. The authors used a random-effect model to calculate the pooled effect estimates for current smoking, hypertension, and alcohol consumption. A meta–regression analysis was performed using the ethnic composition of the study populations as a covariate. Studies were classified as multiethnic or monoethnic, and the pooled effect estimates were compared.

Results

Analysis of the cohort studies yielded a pooled effect estimate or risk ratio of 3.18 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.37–4.26) for current smoking, 3.05 (95% CI 2.09–4.44) for hypertension, and 2.46 (95% CI 1.42–4.24) for alcohol consumption at a rate of 150 g/week or more. The results were similar for the case-control studies. For current smoking, the ethnic composition of the study population was a statistically significant predictor of heterogeneity among case-control studies (p < 0.001, even after application of the Bonferroni correction). The risk for SAH among current smokers was higher in multiethnic populations (odds ratio 3.832) than in monoethnic populations (odds ratio 2.487).

Conclusions

The results of this metaanalysis suggest that differences in susceptibility to the harmful health effects of smoking may be one cause of the observed differences in SAH incidence for different ethnic groups. The role of ethnicity in risk factors for SAH should be considered in future studies.
Laser scanning tomography measurement of the extent of papilledema in the follow-up examination of patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension
Authors: Heckmann Josef G. , Faschingbauer Florian , Lang Christoph , Reulbach Udo , Dütsch Matthias , Mardin Christian Y. , Schwab Stefan
Published: January 2008

Object

The authors evaluated the characteristics of patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), and compared laser scanning tomography (LST) measurements of papilledema with the clinical parameters and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) opening pressures obtained.

Methods

Twenty-four patients were included in this study; these individuals included 21 women and three men with a mean age of 35.5 ± 9.7 years and a mean body mass index (BMI) of 35.4 ± 8.3 kg/m2. The authors conducted a prospective follow-up study over a period of 12 months through a series of four consultations with each patient. These patients had a mean time to treatment of 6.2 ± 7.9 months and, at the time of diagnosis, suffered a mean of 2.8 ± 1.3 symptoms each. Laser scanning tomography of the optic disc revealed a mean global rim volume of 1.693 ± 1.662 mm3 and a mean height of 0.604 ± 0.306 mm. The mean CSF opening pressure was 31.3 ± 6.3 cm H20.

Results

During the follow-up period, all patients improved significantly with regard to clinical parameters (p < 0.001), BMI reduction (p < 0.001), and reduction of visual field deficits (p = 0.007); visual acuity remained unchanged. In all patients at each successive consultation, the CSF opening pressure was lower than it had been at the previous consultation (p = 0.001). Laser scanning tomography measurements demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in both optic disc parameters over the follow-up period (global rim volume, p = 0.044; mean height, p = 0.019). The CSF opening pressure and the LST measurements correlated significantly with the number of symptoms (CSF opening pressure, p < 0.001; global rim volume, p = 0.001; mean height, p < 0.001). The mean area under the receiver operating characteristic curve in detecting the presence of clinical symptoms was 0.87 for CSF opening pressure, 0.7 for rim volume, and 0.81 for mean optic disc height.

Conclusions

Laser scanning tomography measurements are useful for evaluating the degree of papilledema in patients with IIH and correspond well with clinical data and measurements of CSF opening pressure. If a diagnosis of IIH is established, LST measurements may replace repeated CSF opening pressure measurements in follow-up monitoring.
Substance P is a promoter of adult neural progenitor cell proliferation under normal and ischemic conditions
Authors: Park Seung-Won , Yan Yi-Ping , Satriotomo Irawan , Vemuganti Raghu , Dempsey Robert J.
Published: January 2008

Object

Neurogenesis continues throughout the life of mammals in the subventricular zone (SVZ) of the lateral ventricles and the dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus. The authors tested the potential of the neuropeptide substance P (SP) acting via the neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1R) in promoting the proliferation of adult rat neural progenitor cells (NPCs).

Methods

Focal ischemia was induced in spontaneously hypertensive rats by transient middle cerebral artery occlusion. Substance P and the NK1R antagonist L-703,606 were infused into the lateral ventricles of rats by using Alzet osmotic minipumps. Progenitor cell proliferation was evaluated with immunostaining for bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) and immature neural marker doublecortin (DCX). Neurospheres were cultured from the SVZ of adult rats.

Results

Under in vitro conditions, SP (0.01–10 μmol/L) increased the proliferation of cultured NPCs, with a peak increase of 52 ± 7% at 0.1 μmol/L. Substance P (0.1 μmol/L) continuously increased NPC proliferation from 6 hours to 5 days, which was prevented by L-703,606 (by 69–98%). The cultured NPCs expressed both SP and NK1R proteins, indicating that these effects are receptor specific. Continuous infusion of SP (1 μmol/L) into the lateral ventricles for 5 days significantly increased the number of proliferating NPCs (cells positive for both BrdU and DCX) in both the SVZ (by 173 ± 24%, p < 0.05) and DG (by 82 ± 12%, p < 0.05) in adult rats; however, infusion of L-703,606 (10 μmol/L) significantly prevented the postischemic induction of NPC proliferation in both the SVZ (by 84 ± 6%, p < 0.05) and DG (by 63 ± 7%, p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Data in these studies indicated that SP plays a role in normal and ischemia-induced neurogenesis in the adult brain and thus could help central nervous system plasticity following injury.
Targeting adenovirus to CD80 and CD86 receptors increases gene transfer efficiency to malignant glioma cells
Authors: Ulasov Ilya V. , Rivera Angel A. , Han Yu , Curiel David T. , Zhu Zeng B. , Lesniak Maciej S.
Published: January 2008

Object

Gene therapy protocols for malignant gliomas utilize adenoviral vectors that rely almost exclusively on the adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5) backbone. The authors have previously shown that chimeric vectors that bind to the Ad3 receptor, or CD46, increase the transduction efficiency of malignant brain tumors. In light of the debate regarding the efficacy of CD46 compared with CD80/CD86 in binding Ad3 virions, the authors now examine the expression and transduction efficiency of Ad5/3 chimeras that bind via CD80/CD86.

Methods

The authors first analyzed CD80/CD86 expression in glioma cell lines. They then used three replication-defective vectors containing a luciferase reporter gene: Ad5/3 (containing the tail and shaft domain of Ad5 and the knob domain of Ad3); Ad3/5 (containing the tail of Ad5, shaft of Ad3, and knob of Ad5); and Ad3/3 (containing the tail of Ad5, shaft of Ad3, and knob of Ad3). These vectors were analyzed both in vitro and in vivo against malignant glioma cells. To examine further the effect of Ad5/3 fiber modification, the authors created an oncolytic vector, conditionally replicative Ad5/3 (CRAd5/3).

Results

The Ad5/3 vector showed a 10- to 100-fold enhanced transduction efficiency of malignant glioma compared with replication-defective wild-type adenovirus (reAd5) (p < 0.05). Moreover the use of Ad5/3 reduced transgene expression by more than 90% in normal human brain cells compared with reAd5. Finally, the use of CRAd5/3 inhibited tumor cell proliferation by 43% more than replication-competent wild-type virus in vitro (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The results of this study demonstrate that the Ad5/3 vector offers superior transduction efficiency and low toxicity in the setting of brain tumors, and therefore represents a potential new approach to gene therapy for malignant gliomas.
Assessment of imaging studies used with radiosurgery: a volumetric algorithm and an estimation of its error
Authors: Snell John W. , Sheehan Jason , Stroila Matei , Steiner Ladislau
Published: January 2008

✓ The Gamma Knife has played an increasingly important role in the neurosurgical treatment of patients. Intracranial lesions are not removed by radiosurgery. Rather, the goal of treatment is to induce tumor control. During planning, the creation of dose–volume histograms requires an accurate volumetric analysis of intracranial lesions selected for radiosurgery. In addition, an accurate follow-up imaging analysis of tumor volume is essential for assessing the results of radiosurgery. Nevertheless, sources of volumetric error and their expected magnitudes must be properly understood so that the operator may correctly interpret apparent changes in tumor volume. In this paper, the authors examine the often-neglected contributions of imaging geometry (principally image slice thickness and separation) to overall volumetric error.

One of the fundamental sources of volumetric error is that resulting from the geometry of the acquisition protocol. The authors consider the image sampling geometry of tomographic modalities and its contribution to volumetric error through a simulation framework in which a synthetic digital tumor is taken as the primary model. Because the exact volume of the digital phantom can be computed, the volume estimates derived from tomographic “slicing” can be directly compared precisely and independently from other error sources. In addition to providing empirical bounds on volumetric error, this approach provides a tool for guiding the specification of imaging protocols when a specific volumetric accuracy, or volume change sensitivity, for particular structures is sought a priori.

Using computational geometry techniques, the volumetric error associated with image acquisition geometry was shown to be dependent on the number of slices through the region of interest (ROI) and the lesion volume. With a minimum of five slices through the ROI, the volume of a compact lesion could be calculated accurately with less than 10% error, which was the predetermined goal for the purposes of computing accurate dose–volume histograms and determining follow-up changes in tumor volume.

Accurate dose–volume histograms can be generated and follow-up volumetric assessments performed, assuming accurate lesion delineation, when the object is visualized on at least five axial slices. Volumetric analysis based on fewer than five slices yields unacceptably larger errors (that is, > 10%). These volumetric findings are particularly relevant for radiosurgical treatment planning and follow-up analysis. Through the application of this volumetric methodology and a greater understanding of the error associated with it, neurosurgeons can better perform radiosurgery and assess its outcome.
Predictive value of Wada memory scores on postoperative learning and memory abilities in patients with intractable epilepsy
Authors: Andelman Fani , Kipervasser Svetlana , Neufeld Miri Y. , Kramer Uri , Fried Itzhak
Published: January 2008

Object

Surgery for refractory epilepsy often bestows significant relief but may cause memory impairment. The risk of postoperative memory loss can be determined by the intracarotid amobarbital procedure, or the Wada test. Chemical inactivation of the hemisphere on the side of the lesion is usually performed first, followed by inactivation of the contralateral hemisphere. Patients who demonstrate adequate memory capacity of the contralateral hemisphere following deactivation of the ipsilateral hemisphere are considered good candidates for anterior temporal lobectomy. Evidence for the contribution of deactivating the contralateral healthy hemisphere remains inconclusive.

Methods

The authors analyzed results in 32 patients with intractable epilepsy who had undergone a bilateral Wada test followed by an anterior temporal lobectomy and in whom the findings of both pre- and postsurgical neuropsychological evaluations were available. The Wada memory scores were correlated with the difference in scores between pre- and postsurgical standardized memory test scores.

Conclusions

Analyses revealed no significant relationship between the Wada memory scores in the contralateral hemisphere and postsurgical changes in memory abilities. There was, however, a significant negative correlation between the Wada memory score in the ipsilateral hemisphere and postsurgical memory changes, particularly in patients with right hemisphere epileptogenic lesions (p = 0.0007). The results of this study are discussed vis-à-vis two theories of hippocampal function, and the authors stress the importance of the functional status of the surgical hemisphere in the prediction of postsurgical memory changes.
A neurosurgical view of anatomical variations of the distal anterior cerebral artery: an anatomical study
Authors: Ugur Hasan Caglar , Kahilogullari Gokmen , Esmer Ali Firat , Comert Ayhan , Odabasi Aysun B. , Tekdemir Ibrahim , Elhan Alaittin , Kanpolat Yucel
Published: January 2008

Object

The vascularization pattern of the anatomy of the distal anterior cerebral artery (ACA) remains a subject of debate. The authors provide detailed information about the distal ACA and shed light on issues concerning it that have not previously been adequately discussed.

Methods

Fifty adult human brains (100 hemispheres) were obtained during routine autopsies. Cerebral arteries were separately cannulated and injected with latex. The vascularization patterns of the cortical branches and the variations of the arteries were investigated. The authors found that the distal ACA supplied all the inner surfaces of the frontal and parietal lobes and a median of one third of the outer surfaces. The origin of the arteries from the main trunk and their exit angles affected the vascularization patterns of the hemispheres. The authors redefine controversial terminology regarding the callosomarginal artery.

Conclusions

In each hemisphere, the vascularization pattern of the distal ACA is different to a greater or lesser extent. An awareness of this fact will contribute significantly to surgical interventions.
Von Hippel–Lindau disease germline mutations in Mexican patients with cerebellar hemangioblastoma
Authors: Rasmussen Astrid , Nava-Salazar Sonia , Yescas Petra , Alonso Elisa , Revuelta Rogelio , Ortiz Iván , Canizales-Quinteros Samuel , Tusié-Luna María Teresa , López-López Marisol
Published: January 2008

Object

Central nervous system (CNS) hemangioblastomas are benign vascular tumors arising either sporadically or as a manifestation of von Hippel–Lindau (VHL) disease, a hereditary cancer syndrome. The authors studied a series of patients with CNS hemangioblastomas and their families to identify germline mutations in the VHL tumor suppressor gene and to establish a predictive testing and screening protocol.

Methods

Patients admitted between 2002 and 2004 to the Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía for hemangioblastoma were prospectively enrolled, together with their at-risk family members. The authors performed the molecular analysis of the VHL gene by using polymerase chain reaction and direct genetic sequencing. All asymptomatic mutation carriers underwent genetic counseling and tumor surveillance. Ninety-eight individuals were tested for VHL mutations—23 symptomatic and 75 asymptomatic individuals belonging to 16 families. Seven of the families had definite clinical criteria of VHL disease, five had sporadic hemangioblastoma, and four had CNS hemangioblastoma combined with minor visceral signs. Molecular genetic testing identified five germline mutations in six of the definite VHL families (sensitivity 85%), but none in the possible VHL and sporadic hemangioblastoma cases; four of these mutations had been previously described and one is a novel mutation present in two unrelated families. After patients carrying the mutation were identified, they underwent clinical screening and asymptomatic VHL-related lesions were identified in 43%.

Conclusions

Genetic testing for mutations in the VHL gene is crucial in patients with CNS hemangioblastoma. The prompt identification of patients carrying the genetic mutation allows for a multidisciplinary screening protocol to decrease morbidity and mortality rates in these patients, while avoiding costly and invasive procedures for noncarriers.
Dynamic perfusion computerized tomography in cerebral vasospasm following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a comparison with technetium-99m–labeled ethyl cysteinate dimer–single-photon emission computerized tomography
Authors: Sviri Gill E. , Mesiwala Ali H. , Lewis David H. , Britz Gavin W. , Nemecek Andrew , Newell David W. , Lam Arthur , Cohen Wendy
Published: January 2008

Object

The aim of this study was to correlate cerebral blood flow (CBF) and mean transient time (MTT) measured on dynamic perfusion computerized tomography (CT) with CBF using 99mTc ethyl cysteinate dimer–single-photon emmision computerized tomography (SPECT) in patients with cerebral vasospasm following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).

Methods

Thirty-five patients with vasospasm following aneurysmal SAH (12 men and 23 women with a mean age of 49.3 ± 10.1 years) underwent imaging studies; thus, 35 perfusion CT scans and 35 SPECT images were available for comparison. The CBF and MTT values in 12 different brain regions were defined relative to the interhemispheric occipital cortex values using perfusion CT scans and were compared with qualitative relative (rel)CBF estimated on SPECT images.

In brain regions with normal, mild (relCBF 71–85%), moderate (relCBF 50–70%), and severe (relCBF < 50%) hypoperfusion on SPECT, the mean relCBF values measured on perfusion CT were 1.01 ± 0.08, 0.82 ± 0.22, 0.6 ± 0.15, and 0.32 ± 0.08, respectively (p < 0.0001); the mean relMTT values were 1.04 ± 0.14, 1.4 ± 0.31, 2.16 ± 0.46, and 3.3 ± 0.54, respectively (p < 0.0001). All but one brain region (30 regions) with severe hypoperfusion on SPECT images demonstrated relCBF values less than 0.6 and relMTT values greater than 2.5 on perfusion CT scans.

Conclusions

Relative CBF and MTT values on perfusion CT showed a high concordance rate with estimated relCBF on SPECT in patients with vasospasm following aneurysmal SAH. Given its logistical advantages, perfusion CT may be a valuable method of assessing perfusion abnormality in the acute setting of vasospasm and in patients with an unstable condition following aneurysmal SAH.
The marginal sinus
Authors: Tubbs R. Shane , Ammar Kevin , Liechty Peter , Wellons John C. , Blount Jeffrey P. , Salter E. George , Oakes W. Jerry
Published: January 2008

Object

Descriptions of the marginal venous sinus are lacking in the extant medical literature. The aim of this study was to characterize the anatomy of this intracranial venous sinus.

Methods

The authors examined the marginal sinuses in 15 adult cadavers following the injection of latex into the intracranial venous system. The maximal vertical height of the sinuses, which ranged from 7 to 15 mm (mean 10 mm), was located at the lateral aspect of the foramen magnum at or near the region at which the spinal accessory nerve crossed en route to the jugular foramen. In all specimens the sinus tapered as it traveled both anteriorly and posteriorly. Ninety-three percent of the specimens demonstrated significant drainage into the veins of the hypoglossal canal. The hypoglossal nerve rootlets pierced the sinus and its tributaries in 11 (73%) of 15 specimens. The marginal sinus communicated with the basilar venous plexus in 12 (80%) of 15 specimens and with the occipital sinus in all specimens (100%). There was venous communication with the sigmoid sinus in all specimens. The vertebral artery coursed through the marginal sinus as it pierced the posterior atlantooccipital membrane in all left sides and in 87% of the right sides.

Conclusions

These quantitative data will be useful to the neurosurgeon who operates in the region of the marginal sinus.
Unilateral Holmes tremor, clearly responsive to cerebrospinal fluid release, in a patient with an ischemic midbrain lesion and associated chronic hydrocephalic ventricle enlargement
Authors: Hertel Frank , Züchner Mark , Decker Christian , Erken Edward , Libri Stefani , Schmitt Marion , Bettag Martin
Published: January 2008

✓ The authors describe a 58-year-old man with sudden onset of a unilateral tremor caused by a midbrain lesion that affected the substantia nigra and the cerebellothalamic pathway. There were also clinical and neuroimaging signs of a communicating chronic hydrocephalus. The patient was severely handicapped by this tremor, which was a typical Holmes tremor with rest, posture, and intention components. Parkinson disease or multiple-system atrophy as causes for the tremor could be ruled out by DaTSCAN and 123I iodobenzamide and single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT), respectively.

The tremor was completely supressed by temporary and permanent cerebrospinal fluid release after ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement, without any additional medication, for a period of 6 months. Afterward, the tremor returned, and the patient had to be treated by a stereotactic electrode implantation in the contralateral ventralis intermedius nucleus, which led to complete tremor suppression during the 1.5-year follow-up period.

In this case report, the authors present the clinical description and the electrophysiological, SPECT, and magnetic resonance imaging data of a rare combination of symptoms and their surgical treatment.
Effects of bilateral subthalamic nucleus stimulation on sleep, daytime sleepiness, and early morning dystonia in patients with Parkinson disease
Authors: Lyons Kelly E. , Pahwa Rajesh
Published: January 2008

Object

The aim of this study was to assess the long-term effects of bilateral deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) for Parkinson disease (PD) on sleep, daytime sleepiness, and early morning dystonia and to evaluate the relationship between total sleep time and motor function.

Methods

Patients who had undergone bilateral STN DBS and a follow-up evaluation of 6 months (89 patients), 12 months (83 patients), and 24 months (43 patients) were included in this study. The patients were preoperatively assessed using the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) in the medication-on and -off conditions, and they completed patient diaries. A subset of patients also completed the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. These assessments were repeated postoperatively with stimulation.

The UPDRS activities of daily living (ADL) and motor scores as well as total sleep hours were significantly improved at 6, 12, and 24 months poststimulation and with no medication compared with baseline values. Increased sleep time was significantly correlated with improvements in bradykinesia but not with tremor or rigidity. Patient-reported sleep problems and early morning dystonia were reduced after STN DBS. Antiparkinsonian medications were significantly reduced after STN DBS; however, there were no changes in excessive daytime sleepiness 6, 12, or 24 months after surgery.

Conclusions

Bilateral STN DBS increased total sleep time and reduced patient-reported sleep problems and early morning dystonia for up to 24 months posttreatment. These changes in sleep were related to improvements in functioning, specifically those affected by bradykinesia. Despite significant reductions in antiparkinsonian medications, STN DBS did not reduce excessive daytime sleepiness.