bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PROSPECTS FOR THE ALLOCATION OF PRODUCTIVE SITES IN JURASSIC SEDIMENTS IN THE AREAS OF THE FROLOVSKAYA OIL AND GAS BEARING REGION
Authors: Bembel S. R. , Bembel R. M. , Avershin R. V. , Kornev V. A.
Published: November 2018

Prospects for the allocation of productive sites in the Jurassic interval of the section in the territory of Syngegan terrace were considered, based on the analysis of seismic survey, drilling and core studies. We identified the interrelation between productive sites of local oil deposits and the centers of rock area of destruction allocated according to seismic survey materials.
A modern series of subdiaphragmatic craniopharyngiomas
Authors: Jamshidi Ali O. , Beer-Furlan André , Prevedello Daniel M. , Sahyouni Ronald , Elzoghby Mohamed A. , Safain Mina G. , Carrau Ricardo L. , Jane John A. , Laws Edward R.
Published: November 2018

OBJECTIVE

The endoscopic endonasal approach has been proposed as a primary surgical strategy for select craniopharyngiomas. However, those tumors that arise from the sella have not been classified with the other craniopharyngioma subtypes in terms of surgical nuances, intraoperative findings, and postoperative outcomes. The authors describe their experience with a select subtype of craniopharyngioma arising within the sella subjacent to the diaphragma sellae and refer to these tumors as type 0.

METHODS

After obtaining IRB approval, three institutions retrospectively reviewed their data collected from 2005 to 2017. Patients eligible for inclusion in the study were those who had tumors that originated from the sella inferior to the diaphragma sellae. Demographic, clinical, radiological, surgical, and follow-up data were examined and analyzed.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight patients (average age 19.3 years, range 3–60 years) were included in this study. Sixteen patients (57%) were younger than 18 years of age. All patients had characteristic imaging features of an expanded sella. Seventy-five percent of the patients presented with some form of visual field deficit (89% had radiographic optic apparatus compression) and 39% with hypopituitarism. The average maximal tumor diameter in the axial, coronal, or sagittal plane was 3.1 cm. Gross-total resection was achieved in 82% of the patients. Twenty-one percent of patients experienced an iatrogenic complication, and there were only two cases (7%) of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. Only two patients (7%) required the use of a nasoseptal flap as part of their original reconstruction. Pathology was uniformly the adamantinomatous subtype. Postoperative objective visual outcomes were improved in 71% of the patients with visual symptoms or visual field deficits on presentation and stable in 24%. Mean follow-up was 45.1 months (range 3–120 months) with an 18% recurrence rate at a mean of 44.4 months (range 10–84 months). One patient was lost to follow-up. Thirty-six percent of patients received postoperative radiation to treat recurrence or residual tumor. Endocrine data are also presented.

CONCLUSIONS

Craniopharyngiomas that originate within the sella below the diaphragma sellae are a select subtype characterized by 1) an enlarged sella, 2) an intact diaphragma sellae at surgery, and 3) an adamantinomatous pathology. These tumors can be treated transnasally without the absolute need for neurovascular flap reconstruction, as there is a low risk of CSF leakage.
Endoscope- versus microscope-integrated near-infrared indocyanine green videoangiography in aneurysm surgery
Authors: Fischer Gerrit , Rediker Jana , Oertel Joachim
Published: November 2018

OBJECTIVE

The quality of surgical treatment of intracranial aneurysms is determined by complete aneurysm occlusion while preserving blood flow in the parent, branching, and perforating arteries. For a few years, there has been a nearly noninvasive and cost-effective technique for intraoperative flow evaluation: microscope-integrated indocyanine green videoangiography (mICG-VA). This method allows for real-time information about blood flow in the aneurysm and the involved vessels, but its limitations are seen in the evaluation of structures located in the depth of the surgical field, especially through small craniotomies. To compensate for these drawbacks, an endoscope-integrated ICG-VA (eICG-VA) was developed. The objective of the present study was to assess the use of eICG-VA in comparison with mICG-VA for intraoperative blood flow evaluation.

METHODS

In the period between January 2011 and January 2015, 216 patients with a total of 248 intracranial saccular aneurysms were surgically treated in the Department of Neurosurgery of Saarland University Medical Center in Homburg/Saar, Germany. During 95 surgeries in 88 patients with a total of 108 aneurysms, intraoperative evaluation was performed with both eICG-VA and mICG-VA. After clipping, evaluation of complete aneurysm occlusion and flow in the parent, branching, and perforating arteries was performed using both methods. Intraoperative applicability of each technique was compared with the other and with postoperative digital subtraction angiography as a standard evaluation technique.

RESULTS

Evaluation of completeness of aneurysm occlusion and of flow in the parent, branching, and perforating arteries was more successful with eICG-VA than with mICG-VA, especially for aneurysm neck assessment (88.9% vs 69.4%). For 63.9% of the aneurysms (n = 69), both methods were equivalent, but in 30.6% of the cases (n = 33), the eICG-VA provided better results for evaluating the post-clipping situation. In 4.6% of these aneurysms (n = 5), the information given by the additional endoscope considerably changed the surgical procedure. Thus, one residual aneurysm (0.9%), two neck remnants (1.9%), and two branch occlusions (1.9%) could be prevented. Nevertheless, two incomplete aneurysm occlusions (1.9%) and six neck remnants (5.6%) were revealed by postoperative digital subtraction angiography.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscope-integrated ICG-VA seems to be an improvement that might increase the quality of aneurysm surgery by providing additional information. It offers higher illumination, magnification, and an extended viewing angle. Its main advantage is its ability to assess deep-seated aneurysms, especially through small craniotomies, but further studies are required.
Outcomes and prognostic stratification of patients with recurrent glioblastoma treated with salvage stereotactic radiosurgery
Authors: Sharma Mayur , Schroeder Jason L. , Elson Paul , Meola Antonio , Barnett Gene H. , Vogelbaum Michael A. , Suh John H. , Chao Samuel T. , Mohammadi Alireza M. , Stevens Glen H. J. , Murphy Erin S. , Angelov Lilyana
Published: November 2018

OBJECTIVE

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most malignant form of astrocytoma. The average survival is 6–10 months in patients with recurrent GBM (rGBM). In this study, the authors evaluated the role of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in patients with rGBMs.

METHODS

The authors performed a retrospective review of their brain tumor database (1997–2016). Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) after salvage SRS were the primary endpoints evaluated. Response to SRS was assessed using volumetric MR images.

RESULTS

Fifty-three patients with rGBM underwent salvage SRS targeting 75 lesions. The median tumor diameter and volume were 2.55 cm and 3.80 cm3, respectively. The median prescription dose was 18 Gy (range 12–24 Gy) and the homogeneity index was 1.90 (range 1.11–2.02). The median OS after salvage SRS was estimated to be 11.0 months (95% CI 7.1–12.2) and the median PFS after salvage SRS was 4.4 months (95% CI 3.7–5.0). A Karnofsky Performance Scale score ≥ 80 was independently associated with longer OS, while small tumor volume (< 15 cm3) and less homogeneous treatment plans (homogeneity index > 1.75) were both independently associated with longer OS (p = 0.007 and 0.03) and PFS (p = 0.01 and 0.002, respectively). Based on these factors, 2 prognostic groups were identified for PFS (5.4 vs 3.2 months), while 3 were identified for OS (median OS of 15.2 vs 10.5 vs 5.2 months).

CONCLUSIONS

SRS is associated with longer OS and/or PFS in patients with good performance status, small-volume tumor recurrences, and heterogeneous treatment plans. The authors propose a prognostic model to identify a cohort of rGBM patients who may benefit from SRS.
Postoperative cerebral venous sinus thrombosis in the setting of surgery adjacent to the major dural venous sinuses
Authors: Benjamin Carolina Gesteira , Sen Rajeev D. , Golfinos John G. , Sen Chandra , Roland J. Thomas , McMenomey Sean , Pacione Donato
Published: November 2018

OBJECTIVE

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a known complication of surgeries near the major dural venous sinuses. While the majority of CVSTs are asymptomatic, severe sinus thromboses can have devastating consequences. The objective of this study was to prospectively evaluate the true incidence and risk factors associated with postoperative CVST and comment on management strategies.

METHODS

A prospective study of 74 patients who underwent a retrosigmoid, translabyrinthine, or suboccipital approach for posterior fossa tumors, or a supratentorial craniotomy for parasagittal/falcine tumors, was performed. All patients underwent pre- and postoperative imaging to evaluate sinus patency. Demographic, clinical, and operative data were collected. Statistical analysis was performed to identify incidence and risk factors.

RESULTS

Twenty-four (32.4%) of 74 patients had postoperative MR venograms confirming CVST, and all were asymptomatic. No risk factors, including age (p = 0.352), BMI (p = 0.454), sex (p = 0.955), surgical approach (p = 0.909), length of surgery (p = 0.785), fluid balance (p = 0.943), mannitol use (p = 0.136), tumor type (p = 0.46, p = 0.321), or extent of resection (p = 0.253), were statistically correlated with thrombosis. All patients were treated conservatively, with only 1 patient receiving intravenous fluids. There were no instances of venous infarctions, hemorrhages, or neurological deficits. The rate of CSF leakage was significantly higher in the thrombosis group than in the nonthrombosis group (p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

This prospective study shows that the radiographic incidence of postoperative CVST is higher than that previously reported in retrospective studies. In the absence of symptoms, these thromboses can be treated conservatively. While no risk factors were identified, there may be an association between postoperative CVST and CSF leak.
Does eloquence subtype influence outcome following arteriovenous malformation surgery?
Authors: Mascitelli Justin R. , Yoon Seungwon , Cole Tyler S. , Kim Helen , Lawton Michael T.
Published: November 2018

OBJECTIVE

Although numerous arteriovenous malformation (AVM) grading scales consider eloquence in risk assessment, none differentiate the types of eloquence. The purpose of this study was to determine if eloquence subtype affects clinical outcome.

METHODS

This is a retrospective review of a prospectively collected clinical database of brain AVMs treated with microsurgery in the period from 1997 to 2017. The only inclusion criterion for this study was the presence of eloquence as defined by the Spetzler-Martin grading scale. Eloquence was preoperatively categorized by radiologists. Poor outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 3–6, and worsening clinical status was defined as an increase in the mRS score at follow-up. Logistic regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Two hundred forty-one patients (49.4% female; average age 33.9 years) with eloquent brain AVMs were included in this review. Of the AVMs (average size 2.7 cm), 54.4% presented with hemorrhage, 46.2% had deep venous drainage, and 17.0% were diffuse. The most common eloquence type was sensorimotor (46.1%), followed by visual (27.0%) and language (22.0%). Treatments included microsurgery alone (32.8%), microsurgery plus embolization (51.9%), microsurgery plus radiosurgery (7.9%), and all three modalities (7.5%). Motor mapping was used in 9% of sensorimotor AVM cases, and awake speech mapping was used in 13.2% of AVMs with language eloquence. Complications occurred in 24 patients (10%). At the last follow-up (average 24 months), 71.4% of the patients were unchanged or improved and 16.6% had a poor outcome. There was no statistically significant difference in the baseline patient and AVM characteristics among the different subtypes of eloquence. In a multivariate analysis, in comparison to visual eloquence, both sensorimotor (OR 7.4, p = 0.004) and language (OR 6.5, p = 0.015) eloquence were associated with poor outcomes. Additionally, older age (OR 1.31, p = 0.016) and larger AVM size (OR 1.37, p = 0.034) were associated with poor outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Unlike visual eloquence, sensorimotor and language eloquence were associated with worse clinical outcomes after the resection of eloquent AVMs. This nuance in AVM eloquence demands consideration before deciding on microsurgical intervention, especially when numerical grading systems produce a score near the borderline between operative and nonoperative management.
Harvey Cushing’s craniopharyngioma treatment: Part 1. Identification and clinicopathological characterization of this challenging pituitary tumor
Authors: Pascual José María , Prieto Ruth , Barrios Laura
Published: November 2018

OBJECTIVE

Harvey Cushing (1869–1939) coined the term “craniopharyngioma” (CP) in 1929 to describe a kaleidoscopic group of epithelial tumors involving the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. Throughout his career, he endured a long struggle to accurately diagnose and safely remove these complex lesions, and his resulting surgical series has never before been analyzed in depth. The authors here conduct such an analysis.

METHODS

In this study, the authors retrospectively examined the CP patient records available in the Cushing Brain Tumor Registry, as well as those CP cases reported by Cushing in medical monographs and scientific reports.

RESULTS

Cushing’s CP series comprises a total of 124 tumors (CP124) compatible with a CP diagnosis. Among this series are 92 cases that could be pathologically verified (CP92). This subcohort showed a bimodal age distribution (41% aged ≤ 19 years old) and a balanced sex distribution. Clinical evolution up to diagnosis was longer than 3 years in half of the patients. Typical symptoms found at diagnosis were severe headache (94%), visual deficits (97%), panhypopituitarism (76%), psychiatric disturbances (47%), and abnormal somnolence (47%). The highest rate of endocrine deficits occurred in patients younger than 19 years of age (p < 0.001), whereas hypothalamic disturbances were observed mainly in adults between 30 and 49 years (p = 0.02). Hydrocephalus was present in 63% of the patients, predominantly involving the younger subgroup (p < 0.001). Preoperative diagnosis was based on clinical signs, funduscopic exams, and skull radiographs, the latter study showing suprasellar calcifications in 64% of cases. The majority of tumors (61%) had developed within the third ventricle (3V) or had invaded it. The adamantinomatous histological variant was the predominant one (73%). Squamous-papillary CPs occurred only in adults older than 40 years of age (p < 0.001). Strong CP adherences to the hypothalamus were demonstrated in 63% of cases. The infundibulo-tuberal and sellar/suprasellar–3V CP topographies were associated with the highest rates of hypothalamic dysfunction before surgery (p < 0.001), surgical hypothalamic injury (p < 0.001), and severe postoperative morbidity and/or mortality (p = 0.009). Both topographies showed the strongest adherences to the hypothalamus and 3V (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Cushing’s CP series comprises severely ill patients with tumors in the late stages of progression, with a high rate of tumors developing primarily within the hypothalamus (infundibulo-tuberal CPs) or invading this structure from the sellar/suprasellar regions. Craniopharyngioma topography was the fundamental variable influencing the clinical manifestations, tumor features, and patient outcomes in this series.
Circumferential wall enhancement in evolving intracranial aneurysms on magnetic resonance vessel wall imaging
Authors: Omodaka Shunsuke , Endo Hidenori , Niizuma Kuniyasu , Fujimura Miki , Inoue Takashi , Endo Toshiki , Sato Kenichi , Sugiyama Shin-ichiro , Tominaga Teiji
Published: November 2018

OBJECTIVE

Recent MR vessel wall imaging studies have indicated intracranial aneurysms in the active state could show circumferential enhancement along the aneurysm wall (CEAW). While ruptured aneurysms frequently show CEAW, CEAW in unruptured aneurysms at the evolving state (i.e., growing or symptomatic) has not been studied in detail. The authors quantitatively assessed the degree of CEAW in evolving unruptured aneurysms by comparing it separately to that in stable unruptured and ruptured aneurysms.

METHODS

A quantitative analysis of CEAW was performed in 26 consecutive evolving aneurysms using MR vessel wall imaging. Three-dimensional T1-weighted fast spin echo sequences were obtained before and after contrast media injection, and the contrast ratio of the aneurysm wall against the pituitary stalk (CRstalk) was calculated as the indicator of CEAW. Aneurysm characteristics of evolving aneurysms were compared with those of 69 stable unruptured and 67 ruptured aneurysms.

RESULTS

The CRstalk values in evolving aneurysms were significantly higher than those in stable aneurysms (0.54 vs 0.34, p < 0.0001), and lower than those in ruptured aneurysms (0.54 vs 0.83, p < 0.0002). In multivariable analysis, CRstalk remained significant when comparing evolving with stable aneurysms (odds ratio [OR] 12.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.53–42.41), and with ruptured aneurysms (OR 0.083, 95% CI 0.022–0.310).

CONCLUSIONS

The CEAW in evolving aneurysms was higher than those in stable aneurysms, and lower than those in ruptured aneurysms. The degree of CEAW may indicate the process leading to rupture of intracranial aneurysms, which can be useful additional information to determine an indication for surgical treatment of unruptured aneurysms.
Ventricle contact is associated with lower survival and increased peritumoral perfusion in glioblastoma
Authors: van Dijken Bart Roelf Jan , Jan van Laar Peter , Li Chao , Yan Jiun-Lin , Boonzaier Natalie Rosella , Price Stephen John , FCRS  , van der Hoorn Anouk
Published: November 2018

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to prospectively investigate outcome and differences in peritumoral MRI characteristics of glioblastomas (GBMs) that were in contact with the ventricles (ventricle-contacting tumors) and those that were not (noncontacting tumors). GBMs are heterogeneous tumors with variable survival. Lower survival is suggested for patients with ventricle-contacting tumors than for those with noncontacting tumors. This might be supported by aggressive peritumoral MRI features. However, differences in MRI characteristics of the peritumoral environment between ventricle-contacting and noncontacting GBMs have not yet been investigated.

METHODS

Patients with newly diagnosed GBM underwent preoperative MRI with contrast-enhanced T1-weighted, FLAIR, diffusion-weighted, and perfusion-weighted sequences. Tumors were categorized into ventricle-contacting or noncontacting based on contrast enhancement. Survival analysis was performed using log-rank for univariate analysis and Cox regression for multivariate analysis. Normalized perfusion (relative cerebral blood volume [rCBV]) and diffusion (apparent diffusion coefficient [ADC]) values were calculated in 2 regions: the peritumoral nonenhancing FLAIR region overlapping the subventricular zone and the remaining peritumoral nonenhancing FLAIR region.

RESULTS

Overall survival was significantly lower for patients with contacting tumors than for those with noncontacting tumors (434 vs 747 days, p < 0.001). Progression-free survival showed a comparable trend (260 vs 375 days, p = 0.094). Multivariate analysis confirmed a survival difference for both overall survival (HR 3.930, 95% CI 1.740–8.875, p = 0.001) and progression-free survival (HR 2.506, 95% CI 1.254–5.007, p = 0.009). Peritumoral perfusion was higher in contacting than in noncontacting tumors for both FLAIR regions (p = 0.04). There was no difference in peritumoral ADC values between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with ventricle-contacting tumors had poorer outcomes than patients with noncontacting tumors. This disadvantage of ventricle contact might be explained by higher peritumoral perfusion leading to more aggressive behavior.
Staged bilateral pallidotomy for dystonic camptocormia: case report
Authors: Horisawa Shiro , Oka Mieko , Kohara Kotaro , Kawamata Takakazu , Taira Takaomi
Published: November 2018

Camptocormia is a rare, involuntary movement disorder, presenting as truncal flexion while standing or walking, and is mainly observed as a feature of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and primary dystonia. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the globus pallidus internus is effective for refractory camptocormia observed with PD or dystonia. However, the effectiveness of pallidotomy for camptocormia has not been investigated. The authors report the case of a 38-year-old man with anterior truncal bending that developed when he was 36 years old. Prior to the onset of the symptom, he had been taking antipsychotic drugs for schizophrenia. There were no features of PD; the symptom severely interfered with his walking and daily life. He was given anticholinergics, clonazepam, and botulinum toxin injections, which did not result in much success. Because of the patient’s unwillingness to undergo implantation of a hardware device, he underwent staged bilateral pallidotomy with complete resolution for a diagnosis of tardive dystonic camptocormia. The Burke-Fahn-Marsden dystonia rating scale subscore for the trunk before and after bilateral pallidotomy was 3 and 0, respectively. No perioperative adverse events were observed. Effects have persisted for 18 months. Bilateral pallidotomy can be a treatment option for medically refractory dystonic camptocormia without the need for device implantation.
Fusiform vertebral artery aneurysms involving the posterior inferior cerebellar artery origin associated with the sole angiographic anterior spinal artery origin: technical case report and treatment paradigm proposal
Authors: Ravina Kristine , Strickland Ben A. , Rennert Robert C. , Fredrickson Vance , Bakhsheshian Joshua , Chien Mark , Mack William , Amar Arun , Russin Jonathan J.
Published: November 2018

Fusiform aneurysms of the vertebral artery (VA) involving the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) origin are uncommon and challenging. The anterior spinal artery (ASA) commonly originates from a unilateral ramus just distal to the PICA. Occlusion of an unpaired ASA can result in bilateral medial medullary syndrome. The authors propose a treatment paradigm for ASA preservation based on the artery’s proximity to fusiform VA aneurysms, and they present 3 representative cases. In the first case, they performed a V3-PICA bypass using an interposition graft and then performed endovascular coil embolization of the parent VA. A complete occlusion of the aneurysm and VA was complicated by ASA thrombosis. The subsequent cases were treated with PICA-PICA bypass and subsequent endovascular embolization of the VA. Filling of the sole angiographic ASA remote from the aneurysm was preserved in both cases. The anatomy of the ASA is the most critical determinant of treatment recommendations for fusiform VA aneurysms involving PICA. When the ASA originates from the aneurysm, proximal occlusion with or without a PICA bypass is suggested. In cases in which the ASA is removed from the aneurysm, the authors recommend revascularization followed by endovascular sacrifice. When the aneurysm is immediately adjacent to the ASA, revascularization and open trapping should be considered.
North American survey on the post-neuroimaging management of children with mild head injuries
Authors: Greenberg Jacob K. , Jeffe Donna B. , Carpenter Christopher R. , Yan Yan , Pineda Jose A. , Lumba-Brown Angela , Keller Martin S. , Berger Daniel , Bollo Robert J. , Ravindra Vijay M. , Naftel Robert P. , Dewan Michael C. , Shah Manish N. , Burns Erin C. , O’Neill Brent R. , Hankinson Todd C. , Whitehead William E. , Adelson P. David , Tamber Mandeep S. , McDonald Patrick J. , Ahn Edward S. , Titsworth William , West Alina N. , Brownson Ross C. , Limbrick David D.
Published: November 2018

OBJECTIVE

There remains uncertainty regarding the appropriate level of care and need for repeating neuroimaging among children with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) complicated by intracranial injury (ICI). This study’s objective was to investigate physician practice patterns and decision-making processes for these patients in order to identify knowledge gaps and highlight avenues for future investigation.

METHODS

The authors surveyed residents, fellows, and attending physicians from the following pediatric specialties: emergency medicine; general surgery; neurosurgery; and critical care. Participants came from 10 institutions in the United States and an email list maintained by the Canadian Neurosurgical Society. The survey asked respondents to indicate management preferences for and experiences with children with mTBI complicated by ICI, focusing on an exemplar clinical vignette of a 7-year-old girl with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15 and a 5-mm subdural hematoma without midline shift after a fall down stairs.

RESULTS

The response rate was 52% (n = 536). Overall, 326 (61%) respondents indicated they would recommend ICU admission for the child in the vignette. However, only 62 (12%) agreed/strongly agreed that this child was at high risk of neurological decline. Half of respondents (45%; n = 243) indicated they would order a planned follow-up CT (29%; n = 155) or MRI scan (19%; n = 102), though only 64 (12%) agreed/strongly agreed that repeat neuroimaging would influence their management. Common factors that increased the likelihood of ICU admission included presence of a focal neurological deficit (95%; n = 508 endorsed), midline shift (90%; n = 480) or an epidural hematoma (88%; n = 471). However, 42% (n = 225) indicated they would admit all children with mTBI and ICI to the ICU. Notably, 27% (n = 143) of respondents indicated they had seen one or more children with mTBI and intracranial hemorrhage demonstrate a rapid neurological decline when admitted to a general ward in the last year, and 13% (n = 71) had witnessed this outcome at least twice in the past year.

CONCLUSIONS

Many physicians endorse ICU admission and repeat neuroimaging for pediatric mTBI with ICI, despite uncertainty regarding the clinical utility of those decisions. These results, combined with evidence that existing practice may provide insufficient monitoring to some high-risk children, emphasize the need for validated decision tools to aid the management of these patients.
Distress and psychosocial risk in families with newly diagnosed pediatric brain tumors
Authors: Rocque Brandon G. , Cutillo Alexandra , Zimmerman Kathrin , Arynchyna Anastasia , Davies Susan , Landier Wendy , Madan-Swain Avi
Published: November 2018

OBJECTIVE

Hospitalization for a newly diagnosed pediatric brain tumor is an extremely stressful time for a family, but this period has not been the focus of rigorous study. The purpose of this study was to quantify distress and psychosocial risk in this population to improve psychosocial care delivery.

METHODS

The authors administered the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Thermometer (DT) and the Psychosocial Assessment Tool 2.0 (PAT) to primary caregivers of all children admitted to Children’s of Alabama with a new brain tumor between April 2016 and August 2017. The DT is a single-item measure of distress (scale range 0–10). The PAT (range 0–7) stratifies families by risk level: a score less than 1.0 indicates universal risk level (risk typically experienced during hospitalization); a score of 1.0–2.0 indicates targeted risk (specific psychosocial difficulties that impact medical treatment); and a score higher than 2.0 indicates clinically significant risk. Demographic and clinical information was abstracted from each child’s medical record. A correlation matrix using nonparametric statistics was created between abstracted data and the DT and PAT scores.

RESULTS

Forty primary caregivers were enrolled (of 49 eligible), with the patient age ranging from newborn to 17 years (mean 7.7 years). Twenty-five (63%) of the children were male, and 24 (60%) were white, non-Hispanic. Mean and median DT scores were 7.2 (SD 2.6) and 7, respectively. However, 12 (30%) rated their distress 10/10, and 85% rated distress 5 or greater. PAT scores ranged from 0.0 to 2.36 with mean and median scores of 0.89 (SD 0.50) and 0.86, respectively. PAT results for 16 (40%) families were in the targeted or clinical range, indicating psychosocial factors that have the potential to interfere with medical treatment. No clinical or demographic variable correlated significantly with the DT or PAT score.

CONCLUSIONS

Families of children with newly diagnosed brain tumors experience high levels of distress and psychosocial risk. This work will serve as the foundation for efforts to standardize psychosocial evaluation for newly diagnosed pediatric neurosurgical patients, and to create protocols that organize existing hospital-based psychosocial support services. These efforts have the potential to improve patient and family satisfaction as well as treatment outcomes.
Endoscope-assisted hemispherotomy: translation of technique from cadaveric anatomical feasibility study to clinical implementation
Authors: Wagner Kathryn , Vaz-Guimaraes Francisco , Camstra Kevin , Lam Sandi
Published: November 2018

OBJECTIVE

Appropriately chosen candidates with medically refractory epilepsy may benefit from hemispheric disconnection. Traditionally, this involves a large surgical exposure with significant associated morbidity. Minimally invasive approaches using endoscopic assistance have been described by only a few centers. Here, the authors report on the feasibility of endoscope-assisted functional hemispherotomy in a cadaver model and its first translation into clinical practice in appropriately selected patients.

METHODS

Three silicone-injected, formalin-fixed cadaver heads were used to establish the steps of the procedure in the laboratory. The steps of disconnection were performed using standard surgical instruments and a straight endoscope. The technique was then applied in two patients who had been referred for hemispherectomy and had favorable anatomy for an endoscope-assisted approach.

RESULTS

All disconnections were performed in the cadaver model via a 4 × 2–cm paramedian keyhole craniotomy using endoscopic assistance. An additional temporal burr hole approach was marked in case the authors were unable to completely visualize the frontobasal and insular cuts from the paramedian vertical view. Their protocol was subsequently used successfully in two pediatric patients. Full disconnection was verified with postoperative tractography.

CONCLUSIONS

Full hemispheric disconnection can be accomplished with minimally invasive endoscope-assisted functional hemispherotomy. The procedure is technically feasible and can be safely applied in patients with favorable anatomy and pathology; it may lead to less surgical morbidity and faster recovery.
Intraventricular tigecycline for the treatment of shunt infection: a case in pediatrics
Authors: Curebal Berksu , Dalgic Nazan , Bayraktar Banu
Published: November 2018

Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt infections are seen in 3%–17% of patients with VP shunts. These infections may cause severe morbidity and mortality. Staphylococci are the most common cause of CSF shunt-associated infections, although gram-negative bacteria (especially multidrug-resistant [MDR] and extensive drug–resistant [XDR] bacteria) also play an important role. Due to increased antibiotic resistance, sometimes off-label usage of antibiotics is considered. Tigecycline is one of these antibiotics. It should not be used unless there are no other antibiotic treatment options available, especially in children. It belongs to the glycylcycline class of antibiotic agents and inhibits protein translation in bacteria by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit. The authors describe the case of a patient who had an XDR Klebsiella pneumoniae–positive VP shunt infection. After removal of his VP shunt, an external ventricular drain was inserted, and the patient was treated with a combination of intravenous (1.2 mg/kg/day) and intraventricular (4 mg/day) tigecycline in addition to his meropenem (120 mg/kg/day) treatment. On the 7th day of the combined therapy, his CSF culture was sterile. Because tigecycline distribution into the tissues is not sufficient with intravenous administration, combining it with intraventricular infusion can provide new treatment methods. However, further studies are needed for its use as a treatment method in children.
Validation of QTLs for grain iron and zinc concentration in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Singh Anju Mahendru , Singh Anju Mahendru , Krishnappa Gopalareddy , Ahlawat A. K. , Singh S. K. , Sharma Poornima , Shukla R. B. , Singh G. P.
Published: November 2018

Markers linked to QTLs are useful in practical plant breeding, only if they get validated in genotypes of independent populations and diverse genetic backgrounds. 41 SSR markers reported linked to QTLs for grain iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) concentration in wheat were analysed. Only 16 of them showed polymorphism and the remaining 25 turned out to be monomorphic in 48 wheat genotypes used in the present study. Single marker analysis (SMA) for the 16 polymorphic markers was carried out to assess the linkage between marker and the trait, based on which two markers (Xbarc186 and Xbarc74) for grain Fe concentration and three markers (Xgwm3, Xwms149 and Xgwm538) for grain Zn concentration were validated in the present study. The phenotypic variations explained by Xbarc186, Xbarc74, Xgwm3, Xwms149 and Xgwm538 were 40.2% and 19.8%, 10.7%, 21.7%, and 39.6%, respectively. The validation of these SSRs may be useful in breeding wheat with high grain
Fe and Zn concentration.
Analysis of polymorphism of microsatellite markers linked to a longterm
net form of net blotch resistance gene in winter barley varieties in the south of Russia
Authors: Dontsova A. A. , Alabushev A. V. , Lebedeva M. V. , Potokina E. K.
Published: November 2018

Net form of net blotch (NFNT) is the most dangerous and devastating disease of barley causing huge losses in Russia. Highly effective gene rpt 5 determining resistance to net blotch pathogen in Russia was used in the study. A set of 95 winter barley indigenous and exotic varieties were studied to identify the genotypes with the alleles of 153 and 155 bp for the locus bmag173 and the alleles of 186, 188, 192 bp for the locus hvm74 exhibiting resistance to the net blotch pathogen (Pyrenophora teres Drechs. f. teres) occurring in North Caucasus region of Russia.
Plant regeneration from hypocotyls of black carrot via direct somatic embryogenesis and determination of its genetic stability by RAPD and iPBS methods
Authors: Çetin Burcu
Published: November 2018

A study was carried out to investigate plant regeneration from hypocotyls of black carrot (Daucus carota spp. sativus), an industrially and medicinally important plant via somatic embryogenesis, and the genetic stability of obtained plantlets with the random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and inter primer binding sites (iPBS) methods.
Hypocotyl explants isolated from in vitro germinated seeds were incubated initially at Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing 0.5 mg/L or 1 mg/L 2,4-D for 2 weeks and then at hormone-free MS medium in order to obtain somatic embryos, which were observed after 15 days on the explants. Performed molecular analyses showed that all bands obtained from plantlets through micropropagation
were monomorphic. This protocol where black carrot was determined to be clonally reproduced through
somatic embryogenesis may lead the way for further research regarding germplasm conservation and breeding studies.
Institucije kao determinanta ekonomskog rasta – primjer Hrvatske i odabranih članica EU-a
Authors: Buterin Vesna , Olgić Draženović Bojana , Jakovac Pavle
Published: November 2018

Ekonomski rast i njegovi uzroci dugo se istražuju u ekonomskoj znanosti.
U novije vrijeme kvaliteta institucija prepoznata je kao važna determinanta ekonomskog rasta. Može se reći da je kvaliteta institucija gotovo neodvojiva od ekonomskog rasta suvremenih ekonomija. Koristeći pokazatelje institucijskog razvoja, autori istražuju jesu li i kako institucije djelovale na rast hrvatske ekonomije u usporedbi s odabranim
članicama EU-a6. Autori nalaze da je razvijenost institucija imala zapažen utjecaj na rast, u okviru koje se posebno analizira Indeks ekonomskih sloboda i Međunarodni indeks prava vlasništva. Upravo na tim područjima Hrvatska treba napraviti značajan institucijski pomak, odnosno potaknuti institucijsku promjenu. Pritom se ne smije zanemariti ni bitan utjecaj ostalih formalnih institucija, poput stupnja otvorenosti, vladavine prava, ali ni važnost poticanja promjene neformalnih institucija jer je značaj neformalnih institucija u Hrvatskoj relativno visok. Autori zaključuju da će poticanje institucijske promjene potaknuti i dovesti do pozitivnih procesa ekonomskog rasta.
Comparison
of robot trajectory tracking efficiency using various nonlinear control methods
Authors: Krajči Vesna , Krajči Igor
Published: November 2018

The Denavit-Hartenberg algorithm and the Lagrange-Euler method are used to derive realistic kinematics and dynamic models of a three-axis electric driven articulated planar robot with viscous, dynamic and static frictions. These robot models are further used for testing the following presented nonlinear robot control methods: fuzzy control, variable-structure control and model-reference variable-structure control. In the fuzzy-logic control method seven fuzzy sets are defined for two input variables. Triangular input membership functions and the 7x7 fuzzy rule table are chosen. The fuzzy controller output value is calculated according to the centre of gravity principle. The same fuzzy control algorithm is used in all robot servo control loops with a proper
scaling of the linguistic variables. To eliminate the chattering of the
variable-structure control signal and to reduce energy consumption, sign function in the original variable-structure control law is replaced
with the following functions: a continuous, saturation and exponential function, all of them with a very thin boundary layer. The same modifications are also made in the original model-reference variable-structure control method. In all presented control methods controller parameters are chosen according to the principle of maximal allowed tracking error and a minimum of energy consumption. These control methods are tested by computer simulations in C programming language in the case of moving the tool of the chosen robot arm. The simulation results proved similar efficiencies of all mentioned modified
nonlinear robot control methods, although modified variable structure control algorithms are the most suitable because of their simplicity and lower number of controller parameters.
Usporedba
sustava za upravljanje voznim parkom
Authors: Škabić Barbara , Krelja Kurelović Elena , Tomljanović Jasminka
Published: November 2018

Upotreba sustava za upravljanje voznim parkom značajno olakšava i unaprjeđuje organizaciju rada i samo poslovanje suvremenih transportnih poduzeća. Takvi sustavi omogućuju automatizaciju i optimizaciju poslovnih procesa povezujući sve segmente poslovanja (disponiranje, nabavu, komunikaciju, navigaciju, računovodstvo i financije) u učinkovitu cjelinu koristeći pritom suvremena tehnološka rješenja kao što su satelitski sustav navigacije, mobilnu tehnologiju, bežičnu komunikaciju i prijenos podataka, računarstvo u oblaku te telemetriju (sonde i senzori u vozilima, uređaji za udaljenu dijagnostiku). Sustavi za upravljanje voznim parkom u svakom trenutku mogu odrediti položaj vozila u realnom vremenu, obaviti daljinsku kontrolu vozila i vršiti razna mjerenja, bilježiti i optimizirati rute, pratiti radno vrijeme vozača, pratiti troškove vozila i cijelog voznog parka te arhivirati prikupljene podatake radi njihovog naknadnog pretraživanja, analiziranja
i stvaranja različitih izvještaja. Rad donosi komparativnu analizu triju takvih sustava (Mobilisis, CVS Mobile i My GPS) koja proizlazi iz njihovog stvarnog korištenja u transportnom poduzeću. Aplikacije se analiziraju i uspoređuju s obzirom na mogućnosti prilagodbe sučelja, načina praćenja vozila, generiranja izvještaja, praćenje i kontrolu potrošnje goriva i ostalih troškova, izradu radnih naloga i putnih naloga te dostupnih oblika komunikacije između vozača i disponenata. Utvrđeno je da sustav Mobilisis daje najobuhvatnije rješenje, iako najskuplje, sve potrebne funkcionalnosti ima My GPS po znatno nižoj cijeni, a nedostatak CVS Mobile je u nemogućnosti izrade putnih naloga.
Jóvenes mexicanos y ciudadanía mundial para los objetivos del desarrollo sostenible
Authors: Farías Ochoa Alberto
Published: November 2018

El presente artículo pone a disposición los resultados de los trabajos de contraste, y análisis, sobre la acepción del concepto de “ciudadanía mundial” por parte de jóvenes mexicanos matriculados en la universidad. Se muestra un recorrido que inicia con la revisión de las instituciones internacionales promotoras del concepto y su asimilación a cargo de los gobiernos en los sistemas educativos, continúa con el estudio de los documentos situados en las currícula escolares, para finalmente culminar en la evaluación por parte de los propios jóvenes, y sus referentes sobre el concepto. Se trata de un diagnóstico tipo exploratorio, de enfoque cualitativo, que apunta a la construcción de un primer panorama para posteriores evaluaciones sobre jóvenes mexicanos y la ciudadanía mundial.
THE ION-EXCHANGE PROPERTIES OF NATURAL ZEOLITE MORDENITE
Authors: Mamedova G. A.
Published: November 2018

The cation exchange properties of mordenite (a Nakhchivan natural zeolite) were studied. Ion exchange of the original cations - sodium, potassium and calcium - by magnesium, strontium, cadmium, zinc and nickel cations was carried out. It was found that in the case of Zn cations cation exchange occurs readily at a high speed and the maximum value of the degree of exchange. A low value of the degree of cation exchange is observed for Mg. This is due to the large hydration shell of magnesium, which adversely affects the cation exchange. High values of the exchange rate of Na+ cations have already been explained at the first exchange of low content of sodium cations and their location mostly in exchange for positions available. The lesser ability to exchange K+, Na+ cations than contained in the natural zeolite is due to several reasons. With an increasing number of degrees of ionic exchange value exchangeable cations K+ vary to a greater degree than the degree of exchange of the cations Na+. Firstly, the content and size of the K+ cation are greater than those of the Na+ cations. Furthermore, a part of the K+ cations is in exchange for hard cancrinites cells. It has been found that the degree of cation exchange of K+ (αK), contained in the original zeolite, with Mg2+, Ni2+, Sr2+, Zn2+, Cd2+ cations is considerably lower than the values of the degree of cation exchange of Na+ (αNa) at the same cations.
STRUCTURE AND DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES OF NANOCOMPOSITES: OPAL MATRIX - TITANIUM OXIDE AND RARE-EARTH TITANATES
Authors: Samoylovich M. I. , Belyanin А. F. , Bagdasaryan A. S. , Bovtun V. ..
Published: November 2018

The conditions for the formation of nanocomposites based on the basis of lattice packings SiO2 nanospheres (opal matrices) with included clusters of crystalline phase of titanium oxide (TiO2 and TiO) and rare-earth titanates of the general formula R2TiO5 or R2Ti2O7, where R - Er, Dy, Gd, Pr, Tb and Yb in interspherical nanospacing are considered. The composition and structure of the nanocomposites studied electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. Results of measuring of the frequency dependences of real and imaginary components of the permittivity and microwave conductivity (ranging 10-2-1012 Hz) obtained nanostructures are viewed.
DYNAMICS OF SYSTEMS ALLOWING STRUCTURAL PHASE TRANSITIONS
Authors: Ragushina M. D. , Savin E. S.
Published: November 2018

The dynamics of active atoms that determine structure phase transitions in a solid body is considered in the context of the previously presented atom interaction model based on a special type of three-minimum potential. Periodical and soliton-like solutions of nonlinear differential equation of motion were obtained. The value of the bond energy of active atoms with respect to the potential barrier height in a single-particle potential with a triple minimum determines the character of a phase transition. Crystals of the MeIMeIIBX4 kind, as well as crystals and metals, on the surface of which atoms of gases and metals are absorbed, are considered as objects, in which the obtained results can be used.
EXPERIMENTAL DETERMINATION OF THE RATES OF NUCLEATION AND OF GROWTH OF PHASE TRANSFORMATION CENTERS
Authors: Taran Yu. А. , Zakharov М. К. , Тaran А. L. , Ivanov R. N.
Published: November 2018

The processes of granulation by crystallization of molten droplets in the flow of a cooling agent (prilling) and on the cooled surfaces of the granulators are widely used in the chemical and allied industries. The process of granulation (crystallization) of melts and qualitative indicators of granular products, their marketability is determined by the transfer phenomena in the phases and by the kinetics of crystallization and enantiotropic polymorphic transformations in the crystalline phase. Quantitatively the latter are given in the form of dependences of the rate of nucleation and growth of centers of transformation. The processes kinetics is usually less studied, but it determines the structure of the formed crystal phase and the maximum rate of the process. Therefore, most attention is focused on its study. The description of the scheme, of developed experimental laboratory facilities for the study of the rates of nucleation and growth of crystallization centers in the polycrystalline front of the growing group of crystals, as is the case when crystallization occurs in devices in real conditions (constrained growth of crystals) and single crystals in a thin layer (unrestricted growth of crystals) is given. The transfer of heat in the measuring cell and the sample and possible errors of experimental results were estimated using the natural scale method.