bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Testicular Function in Poor‐Risk Nonseminomatous Germ Cell Tumors Treated With Methotrexate, Paclitaxel, Ifosfamide, and Cisplatin Combination Chemotherapy
Authors: Pectasides D. , Pectasides E. , Papaxoinis G. , Skondra M. , Gerostathou M. , Karageorgopoulou S. , Kamposioras C. , Tountas N. , Koumarianou A. , Psyrri A. , Macheras A. , Economopoulos T.
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT: Our objective was to investigate the impact of methotrexate, paclitaxel, ifosfamide, and cisplatin (M‐TIP) on long‐term fertility in poor‐risk nonseminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCT). Thirty patients with poor‐risk NSGCT (median age, 29 years; range, 17–62 years) were treated with methotrexate 250 mg/m2 with folinic acid rescue (day 1) and paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 (day 1), followed by ifosfamide 1.2 g/m2 and cisplatin 20 mg/m2 (days 2–6). Treatment consisted of 4 cycles of M‐TIP administered every 3 weeks. Twenty‐one patients were continuously disease‐free at a median follow‐up of 5.3 years (range, 0.9–8.4 years). Sperm count and hormonal analyses were examined prechemotherapy (30 patients) and postchemotherapy (21 patients). Counts were classified as follows: lower than 1 × 106/mL, azoospermia; 1–20 × 106/mL, oligospermia (OS); higher than 20 × 106/mL, normospermia (NS). Patients were followed for a median of 2.3 years (range, 0.9–3.8 years) postchemotherapy. The prechemotherapy median luteinizing hormone (LH) serum levels were slightly above the upper normal limit, whereas the serum levels of follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone (T) were within the reference interval. Eleven (52.3%) patients had NS prechemotherapy. Among the patients with NS, 72.7% still had NS following chemotherapy. Overall, 17 of 21 (80.9%; 33.3% OS and 47.6% NS) patients had recovery of spermatogenesis after treatment. The median FSH serum levels were significantly elevated at least 1 year postchemotherapy when compared with the pretreatment levels. Eighteen months after the completion of chemotherapy the median FSH levels had returned to the reference limits. Serum LH and T levels were unaffected by chemotherapy. Prior to chemotherapy 4 of 30 patients had fathered 5 children. Since completion of chemotherapy, 5 patients have fathered 5 children. The majority of men with poor‐risk germ cell tumors who were treated with the M‐TIP regimen demonstrated recovery spermatogenesis after treatment, and Leydig cell function was unaffected.
Effects of an Environmentally Relevant Organochlorine Mixture and a Metabolized Extract of This Mixture on Porcine Sperm Parameters In Vitro
Authors: Campagna Céline , Guillemette Christine , Ayotte Pierre , Bailey Janice L.
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT: Organochlorine chemicals are present in the environment worldwide; however, populations living in the Far North are particularly at risk because their traditional diets are mainly composed of contaminated animals (fish, seals, whales, and polar bears). It has been suggested that male fertility is globally declining, possibly because of chronic, low‐level exposure to environmental contaminants. This study was designed to assess the effects on fresh sperm fertility parameters using the porcine model of 1) an environmentally relevant mixture of 15 organochlorines and 2) the metabolized extract of this mixture. In the first experiment, the organochlorine mixture (at relative concentrations of 10.5, 14.7, and 21 μg/mL polychlorinated biphenyls [PCBs]) reduced sperm total motility, progressive motility, and viability, and increased capacitation, spontaneous acrosome reaction rates, and cytosolic calcium levels, suggesting that the mixture alters the sperm membrane and is detrimental to sperm function. In the second experiment, the metabolized extract of this organochlorine mixture (at relative concentrations of 0.9, 1.8, 2.7, 3.6, and 4.5 μg/L OH‐PCBs) tended to decrease only sperm total motility. In an in vitro porcine model, the mixture of organochlorines, as found in the Arctic food chain, was rapidly detrimental to sperm function at concentrations above environmental levels. In contrast, short and physiologically relevant exposure to the metabolized extract of this mixture induced only limited adverse effects on sperm motility.
Sperm and Embryo Analysis in a Carrier of Supernumerary inv dup(15) Marker Chromosome
Authors: Oracova Eva , Musilova Petra , Kopecna Olga , Rybar Roman , Vozdova Miluse , Vesela Katerina , Rubes Jiri
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT: We identified a small, paternally inherited, supernumerary marker chromosome, inv dup(15), in a phenotypically normal and normozoospermic male from a couple with reproductive problems. Sperm analysis by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) showed that the marker was present in 26% of sperm nuclei. The disomy 15 was 10 times higher than in normal control donors. FISH analysis for aneuploidies of the other chromosomes showed an increase in nondisjunction of chromosome 21. We also examined 24 embryos by preimplantation genetic diagnosis, and 10 embryos (41.7%) contained the marker. This report provides information about inheritance of inv dup(15) from a male carrier.
On sociological criteria of religiousness: How many (Orthodox) believers are there today?
Authors: Blagojevic Mirko
Published: May 2009

In this text the author first tries to provide an answer on the number of religious people today in two post-communist and Orthodox countries, and then on the number of Orthodox believers in them. Therefore he analyzes numerous data from empirical evidence using a large number of indicators discussed in the text. The author first analyzes them as indicators of representative dimension of religiousness, then as indicators of beliefs in dogmatic core of Christianity, indicators of current church ritual practice and finally, as indicators of a traditional attitude towards religion and church. With these analyses the author tries to find the criterion or criteria which best express the religiousness of people in a particular area. The analysis identifies three approaches in Russian sociological and religious literature. The first one is defined as a classic, positivistic approach, the second one as post-classic or phenomenological, and the third one as synthetic. Then the author discusses the term attachment to religion and church and its indicators, as well as the indices which are sociologically more suitable for the research of the religious and church complex. In the end the author gives a few methodological instructions for a sociological and empirical research of religiousness.
Religious processes as intercultural interaction: Contours of a sociological discourse
Authors: Lebedev Sergej
Published: May 2009

During 'cyclic' historical periods it would be correct to interpret religious processes in terms of interaction of two essentially different, but substantially, structurally and functionally comparative types of integrating cultural complexes that, in historical perspective, compete with each other on the effect on individuals and society in general. Such complexes represent secular and religious culture. Contemporary socio-cultural situation can be defined as an asymmetric representativeness of both secular and religious cultures. In a modern secular society, dominance of a secular culture over a religious one can be manifested in three basic dimensions: substantial, regulative and subjective ones. Secular culture is adopted during the primary socialization process. However, religious culture is still adopted through conscious, voluntary selection in younger or more mature age. It may be possible to determine two basic attitudes of the contemporary ('secularized') man towards religion. The first attitude may be called 'reversive' and the other one 'conversive'.
Gadamers verständnis der tradition
Authors: Radojcic Sasa
Published: May 2009

(nemacki) In diesem Aufsatz man Gadamers Verst?ndnis der wichtigen hermeneutischen Begriffe des Vorurteils, der Autorit?t und der Tradition er?rtet. Der Vollzug des Verstehens, in dem die Vorurteile unvermeidlich sind, wird als Proze? ihre ununterbrechende Korrektion bestimmt. Die positive Auswertung des begrifflichen Paar Autorit?t-Tradition ist ein karakteristischen Motiv der philosophischen Hermeneutik, f?r die die Autorit?t kein negativen Mitklang hat, sondern auf freie und rationelle Annahmung begr?ndet ist. Der Zusammenhang des Verstehens und der Tradition ist eine dynamische Beziehung, in die weder Tradition noch das Subjekt des Verstehens unge?ndert bleiben. Daraus f?hrt man zwei Implikationen aus: da? der Sinn eines Textes kann man nie aussch?pfen, und seines Verstehen ein unendlichen Proze? ist; und da? die Suspension der Vorurteilen nur gelingt, wo die Tradition sie sozusagen 'filtriert'. Der Author stellt eine Spannung aus, zwischen Gadamers Verst?ndnis der hermeneutischen Produktivit?t der Tradition und des zeitlichen Abstand als Instanz die dem Verstehen beitr?gt.
Properties of Armendariz rings and weak Armendariz rings
Authors: Jokanovic Dusan
Published: May 2009

We consider some properties of Armendariz and rigid rings. We prove that the direct product of rigid (weak rigid), weak Armendariz rings is a rigid (weak rigid), weak Armendariz ring. On the assumption that the factor ring R/I is weak Armendariz, where I is nilpotent ideal, we prove that R is a weak Armendariz ring. We also prove that every ring isomorphism preserves weak skew Armendariz structure. Armendariz rings of Laurent power series are also considered.
Titania powder activation and rutile ceramics structure formation
Authors: Ziganshin I.R. , Porozova S.E. , Stolina A.E. , Torsunov M.F.
Published: May 2009

Impact of mechanochemical activation (MCA) in aqueous medium with various organic additives on commercial titania powder and products made of it has been investigated by X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Agar-agar additive has been shown to offer promise for activation of titania powders used in obtaining both dense and porous materials.
Quantitative formulation of mechanism of sintering process during creep deformation of refractory concretes
Authors: Terzic Anja , Pavlovic Lj.
Published: May 2009

This paper is concerned with quantitative formulation of the mechanism of the sintering process during secondary state creep deformation of refractory concretes. Investigated concretes varied in, both, chemical and mineralogical compositions. The sintering process during secondary state creep within refractory concrete has an isothermal character. Thus, an attempt was made to describe the mentioned process quantitatively. Creep was investigated at three different temperatures: 1200, 1300 and 1400?C. Variations of the microstructure of concrete samples, exposed to constant static pressure and constant temperature during certain time-intervals, were investigated using a scanning electron microscope. Obtained results of the investigation proved that creep resistance is an irreplaceable method when the decision about the best possible type of refractory concrete for application in metallurgical furnaces is required.
The effect of Y2O3 addition on thermal shock behavior of magnesium aluminate spinel
Authors: Posarac Milica , Devecerski A. , Volkov-Husovic T. , Matovic B. , Minic D.M.
Published: May 2009

The effect of yttria additive on the thermal shock behavior of magnesium aluminate spinel has been investigated. As a starting material we used spinel (MgAl2O4) obtained by the modified glycine nitrate procedure (MGNP). Sintered products were characterized in terms of phase analysis, densities, thermal shock, monitoring the damaged surface area in the refractory specimen during thermal shock and ultrasonic determination of the Dynamic Young modulus of elasticity. It was found that a new phase between yttria and alumina is formed, which improved thermal shock properties of the spinel refractories. Also densification of samples is enhanced by yttria addition.
Design and fabrication of sintered Nd-Fe-B magnets with a low temperature coefficient of intrinsic coercivity
Authors: Cui X.G. , Yan M. , Ma T.Y. , Luo W. , Tu S.J.
Published: May 2009

To decrease the temperature coefficients of sintered Nd-Fe-B magnets, the influencing factors on temperature coefficients, especially the reversible temperature coefficient ? of intrinsic coercivity Hcj, were analyzed. The results showed that the absolute value of ? decreased with increasing Hcj and also the ratio of microstructure parameter c to Neff, indicating that the increase of magnetocrystalline anisotropy field HA and c/Neff can effectively decrease the absolute value of ?. On the basis of this analysis, a sintered Nd-Fe-B magnet with a low temperature coefficient of Hcj was fabricated through composition design, and the value of ? was only -0.385%/?C in the temperature interval of 20-150?C.
Concurrent Course of Transient Neonatal Diabetes with Cholestasis and Paucity of Interlobular Bile Ducts: A Case Report
Authors: Kenny Alan P. , Crimmins Nancy A. , Mackay Deborah J.G. , Hopkin Robert J. , Bove Kevin E. , Leonis Mike A.
Published: May 2009

We report for the first time a patient with both transient neonatal diabetes mellitus (TNDM) and idiopathic neonatal cholestasis, with both features resolving over a similar time course. Cholestasis was due to paucity of interlobular bile ducts (PILBD). Genetic analysis was consistent with a uniparental disomy of chromosome 6. Paucity of interlobular bile ducts is common in Alagille syndrome but also occurs by unknown mechanisms in a wide spectrum of other diseases. We propose a shared explanation for this patient's TNDM and PILBD mediated by the noted chromosomal abnormality. We suggest that hepatobiliary function be evaluated in patients with TNDM to determine the prevalence and course of cholestasis of the disease.
Determination of the enthalpy of fusion of K3TaO2F4 and KTaF6
Authors: Kosa Ladislav , Macková Iveta , Netriová Zuzana
Published: May 2009

Areas of fusion and crystallization peaks of K3TaO2F4 and KTaF6 were measured using the DSC mode of a high-temperature calorimeter (SETARAM 1800 K). On the basis of these quantities, considering the temperature dependence of the calorimeter sensitivity, values of the fusion enthalpy of K3TaO2F4 at the fusion temperature of 1181 K of (43 ± 4) kJ mol−1 and of KTaF6 at the fusion temperature of 760 K of (8 ± 1) kJ mol−1 were determined.
Eclogites overprinted in the granulite facies from the Ďumbier Crystalline Complex (Low Tatra Mountains, Western Carpathians)
Authors: Janák Marian , Mikuš Tomáš , Pitoňák Pavel , Spišiak Ján
Published: May 2009

Eclogites overprinted in the granulite facies from the Ďumbier Crystalline Complex (Low Tatra Mountains, Western Carpathians)

Metabasites with evidence for breakdown of former eclogites and recrystallization under granulite facies conditions occur in the Ďumbier Crystalline Complex of the Low Tatra Mountains, Central Western Carpathains. Textural relationships, phase equilibrium modelling and thermobarometry have been used to determine theP-Tevolution of these rocks. Omphacite diagnostic for the eclogites facies stage is absent but its former presence is inferred from the symplectitic intergrowths of clinopyroxene + plagioclase. The re-equilibration in high-pressure granulite facies conditions is demonstrated by the assemblage garnet + clinopyroxene (< 10 % Jd) + plagioclase + quartz. The phase equilibrium modelling using THERIAK-DOMINO program and conventional geothermobarometry suggest theP-Tconditions of 750-760 °C and 1.1-1.5 GPa for the high-pressure granulite stage. Orthopyroxene formed in the clinopyroxene + plagioclase symplectites and kelyphites and coronas around garnet atP-Tconditions of ca. 0.7-1.0 GPa and 650-700 °C.P-Tevolution of granulitized eclogites is interpreted as the result of two metamorphic events; early Variscan eclogite facies metamorphism was followed by granulite facies thermal overprint in the Carboniferous time. The second metamorphic event was crucial for breakdown of eclogites, these are only seldom preserved in the pre-Alpine basement of the Western Carpathians.
Early Miocene ostracods from the Sadovi section (Mt Požeška gora, Croatia)
Authors: Hajek-Tadesse Valentina , Belak Mirko , Sremac Jasenka , Vrsaljko Davor , Wacha Lara
Published: May 2009

Early Miocene ostracods from the Sadovi section (Mt Požeška gora, Croatia)

The study of the Early Miocene (Late Ottnangian/Early Karpatian) ostracod fauna from the Sadovi section (Mt Požeška gora, Croatia) led to several results concerning Neogene paleobiogeography and paleoecology. Brackish deposits of Late Ottnangian and Early Karpatian age have been recognized for the first time in the North Croatian Basin. These deposits indicate the first marine ingression into the Early Miocene lake in this area. Twenty-nine ostracod species were determined, including the new taxaFabaeformiscandona slavonicanov. sp. andHerpetocypris sadoviinov. sp.
Precision measurements of gravity using cold atom sensors
Authors: Sorrentino F. , de Angelis M. , Bertoldi A. , Cacciapuoti L. , Giorgini A. , Prevedelli M. , Rosi G. , Tino G.M.
Published: June 2009

We present a synthetic view of experiments we are performing using atom interferometry to determine the gravitational constant G and to test the Newtonian gravitational law at micrometric distances. Accurate gravity measurements with atom interferometry also find applications in geophysical studies and in satellite missions for the geoid mapping. Experiments in progress, using ultracold atom devices, for applications in geophyiscal and space monitoring will be also described.
Adhesion of functional layer on polymeric substrates for optoelectronic applications
Authors: Amendola E. , Cammarano A. , Pezzuto M. , Acierno D.
Published: June 2009

The use of plastic film substrates for organic electronic devices promises to enable new applications, such as flexible displays. Plastic substrates have several distinct advantages, such as ruggedness, robustness, ultra lightness, conformability and impact resistance over glass substrates, which are primarily used in flat panel displays (FPDs) today. However, high transparency, proper surface roughness, low gas permeability and high transparent electrode conductivity of the plastic substrate are required for commercial applications. Polyesters, both amorphous and semicrystalline, are a promising class of commercial polymer for optoelectronic applications.

Surface modification of polyester films was performed via chemical solution determining hydrolysis or oxidation. Hydrolysis was carried out by means of sodium hydroxide solution and oxidation by using standard clean 1 (SC-1) of RCA procedure [1]. For this work we have used commercial polymer films of 100 µm in thickness: AryLite™ [2], supplied by Ferrania Imaging Technologies S.p.A. and characterised by very high glass transition temperature, Mylar™ (Polyethylene Terephthalate PET) and Teonex™ (Polyethylene Naphthalate PEN) both supplied by Dupont. Moreover, a bioriented and semicrystalline PET have been used. The aim of this study is modifying the polymer surface to improve the adhesion between organic-inorganic layer. It was found that the NaOH and SC-1 treatment cause a decrease of contact angles. In the present study we have deposited a thin films of amorphous hydrogenated silicon (a-Si:H) and its oxide (SiO2) on a new high temperature polymer substrate, AryLite™, by plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PECVD) [3], with a radio frequency plasma system.
Maximizing Benefits from Hydropower: A Nepal Case
Authors: Karmacharya Janak Lal
Published: May 2009

Hydropower development is the only development activity that yields multiple benefits and, in many cases, can be an effective agent for poverty alleviation. Apart from being a source of renewable and clean energy, to stabilize the supply of electricity, it helps provide year round irrigation resulting in the increase in the cropping intensity and changing cropping pattern, and it reduces both deforestation and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Nepal has adopted a policy of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), by which hydropower projects are developed in conjunction with irrigation, flood control, water supply and navigation components whenever feasible. As an agriculture dependent country, Nepal should maximize the irrigation benefit, by providing year round irrigation through storage projects developed for peak energy generation. Nepal has planned to provide year round irrigation to 67% of the total irrigated area by 2027. Electricity from hydropower projects currently contributes only 1% of energy need, whereas fuelwood contributes 68%, and fossil fuels 8%. Development of hydropower not only helps reduce deforestation, reported at the rate of 0.7% per annum, but also helps reduce GHG emission by substitution of imported fossil fuels. The annual fossil fuel import bill for Nepal 2004/05 was about 310 million USD. Nepal could benefit substantially if consumption of petroleum products were replaced by hydropower. Where the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) is effectively used to address the impact on climate change, hydropower gains significance in contributing positively to climate change.

Key words: Hydropower, IWRM, maximization of benefit, poverty alleviation, growth, Nepal

Hydro Nepal: Journal of Water, Energy and Environment Vol. I, Issue No. 1 (2007) pp. 29-34
Banker’s Perspectives on Hydropower Development in Nepal: Problems & Prospects
Authors: Shah Anil K.
Published: May 2009

Nepal is currently facing a power shortage that, it is feared, will get worse if we do not start working to enhance our capacity for energy generation. Hydropower, as a clean and renewable source of energy, is the right solution for our country, with its topographical advantage and the availability of more than 6,000 rivers. In addition to local demand, there is ample scope for export of electricity to India. The process has already begun for infrastructure development to pave the way for export. This is the right time to move forward for the development of this sector by all involved stakeholders; viz., investors, financiers, government, the local public, political parties, etc. This combined effort will give momentum for further developing the hydropower sector.

The financial sector must work on building in-house expertise as well as developing coalitions with other experienced international financial institutions to enhance the knowledge base and the lending capacity for project financing. Several tools for financing, including debentures, bonds and mutual fund, etc., can be introduced. We must now move forward to enhance our strength and mitigate the risks involved to realize: Nepal ko pani, pragati ko khani (literally: ‘Nepal’s water, source of national development’).

Hydro Nepal: Journal of Water, Energy and Environment Vol. 1, No. 2(2008) pp. 9-12
Dams, Environment and Local People
Authors: Thapa A. B.
Published: May 2009

Dams, environment and local people are interrelated. Large dams have several large scale advantages in irrigation, flood control, power generation, inland navigation etc. It is equally true that it has also many large scale adverse impacts inducing controversy and disputes. For example, despite enormous benefits to Canada from large scale dams, the local people of the Basin are still feeling deep resentment at the way they were treated. Hence, it is utmost necessary to thoroughly examine all the important aspects of the project particularly the environment side regarding the implementation of large dams.

Hydro Nepal: Journal of Water, Energy and Envorinment Vol. 1, No. 2(2008) pp. 19-21
Harnessing of Mini Scale Hydropower for Rural Electrification in Nepal
Authors: Ghimire Hari Krishna
Published: May 2009

This paper provides insight on hydropower development in general and mini-scale hydropower in particular, for rural electrification in Nepal. It also analyses the opportunities and challenges in the development of mini-scale hydropower to supply reliable electricity in remote rural areas of the country as an aid to poverty reduction and economic progress.

Hydro Nepal: Journal of Water, Energy and Environment Vol. 1, No. 2(2008) pp. 26-28
Food Production: The Critical Role of Irrigation Water
Authors: Sharma Khem Raj
Published: May 2009

As food need rises, Nepal's reliance on irrigated agriculture does increase. Increased production to satisfy the food demand of the future must essentially come from intensification, not from expansion of agriculture. Intensification potential of irrigated agriculture is much higher than rainfed system. Technologies, professionals and farmers should go together to achieve greater impacts and ensure the country's food security. Key words: Irrigated agriculture, food security, farmer participation, conjunctive use, physical infrastructure, integrated water resource management, Nepal  doi: 10.3126/hn.v3i0.1918 Hydro Nepal Journal of Water, Energy and Environment Issue No. 3, July 2008. Page 35-37
Hydropower Development Plans and Progress in Lao PDR
Authors: Phomsoupha Xaypaseuth
Published: May 2009

Laos is a mountainous country with very favorable conditions of hydropower development. Rainfall is considered high. It has 26,000 MW of theoretical potential. The Laos Govt. has a strategy to use hydropower to eradicate poverty. It has continuously made numbers of agreements with the neighboring country Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia for increased power export. The companies developing and exporting hydropower also has a system to include importing company as equity share holder of the company. It will supply 7000 MW and 5000 MW to Thailand and Vietnam respectively by 2020. It has set a target to increase domestic electrification from present 60% to 90% by 2020. The participation of private sector is sought and promoted through Build-Own-Operate-Transfer approach. The exports of power sector amounts to 30% of all Laos export Levels.Hydro Nepal: Journal of Water, Energy and Environment Issue No. 4, January, 2009 Page 15-17
Vision 2020: Hydropower - A Vision for Growth
Authors: Editor The
Published: May 2009

Papers presented by the experts in the SeminarHydro Nepal: Journal of Water, Energy and Environment Issue No. 4, January, 2009 Page 56-58
The Need and Use of Geographic Information Systems for Environmental Impact Assessment in Nepal
Authors: Bhatt Ramesh Prasad
Published: May 2009

Geographical applications in EIA studies is appropriate to build up and extend their knowledge and skills in using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), and obtain practical experience in the application of GIS technologies and disciplines. This article highlights emerging topics related to the principles and practice of EIA, including concepts, tools and methods, and related issues. GIS as a tool will be used to visually illustrate the implications of spatial decisions. GIS is applied in all EIA stages: from the acquisition, storage and display of thematic information relative to the vulnerability of the affected resources, to impact prediction and qualification, evaluation, and finally, presentation. This paper highlights how GIS applications using in EIA process in different countries and find out possibility to incorporate those applications in EIA studies in Nepal.Hydro Nepal: Journal of  Water, Energy and Environment, Issue 4 2009 pp.21-23
Giant interhemispheric cysts associated with agenesis of the corpus callosum
Authors: Mori Koreaki
Published: May 2009

✓ Interhemispheric cysts, often associated with agenesis of the corpus callosum, are rare lesions demonstrating little uniformity of pathogenesis. Four large interhemispheric cystic lesions with several unique features are reviewed. Magnetic resonance imaging clearly showed agenesis of the corpus callosum and was useful in the diagnosis of interhemispheric cysts. The differential diagnosis of these lesions is discussed, along with therapeutic considerations.
In vitro analysis of the proliferative potential of T cells from patients with brain tumor: glioma-associated immunosuppression unrelated to intrinsic cellular defect
Authors: McVicar Daniel W. , Davis Donna F. , Merchant Randall E.
Published: May 2009

✓ Patients harboring a malignant brain tumor have been described as being highly immunosuppressed, as evidenced by reduced numbers of T cells and the decreased ability of their lymphocytes to produce interleukin-2 (IL-2). In order to determine whether an intrinsic abnormality exists in the T lymphocytes of glioma patients and to evaluate what role corticosteroids may play in glioma-associated immunosuppression, in vitro T cell proliferative function in the presence of recombinant IL-2 (rIL-2) was examined in age-matched groups of normal control subjects, steroid-free patients with glial tumors, steroid-dependent patients with glial tumors, and steroid-dependent patients with nonglial cerebral tumors. The results demonstrated that, when enriched T cell populations of all brain-tumor patients were stimulated with rIL-2 and phytohemagglutinin (PHA), there were no statistically significant differences between any groups. In contrast, when T cell populations were stimulated with mitogenic combinations of phorbol ester, calcium ionophore, and rIL-2, those from steroid-dependent patients with glial tumors had a significantly lower response than those from normal control subjects, suggesting that a population of T cells capable of responding to phorbol ester/ionomycin and not PHA stimulation is inhibited by corticosteroid therapy in glioma patients. In addition, T cells of four brain-tumor patient/age-matched control subject pairs were stimulated with either phorbol ester/ionomycin or PHA for 24 hours; three of the four patients expressed low-affinity IL-2 receptor levels as high or higher than their respective control subjects, suggesting that IL-2 receptor expression in these patients may be quantitatively normal once the T cell number is corrected. Taken together, these results show that the decreased PHA responsiveness that has been previously reported in lymphocytes of glioma patients is not due to a cellular abnormality within the potentially responsive cells, but rather reflects the reduced proportion of T cells within their peripheral blood which, as a consequence, reduces the level of IL-2 production attained upon activation.
A portable traction device for cervical fractures
Authors: Kinnaird Ray H. , Jelsma Richard K.
Published: May 2009

✓ A lightweight and completely self-contained traction device is described. It has been used to immobilize the cervical spine during radiographic evaluation and treatment of patients with cervical fracture, and for therapeutic traction in patients with a ruptured disc. Other applications are possible, but have not yet been investigated
Terson's syndrome: a reversible cause of blindness following subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Garfinkle Andrew M. , Danys Irena R. , Nicolle David A. , Colohan Austin R. T. , Brem Steven
Published: May 2009

✓ Terson's syndrome refers to the occurrence of vitreous hemorrhage with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), usually due to a ruptured cerebral aneurysm. Although it is a well-described entity in the ophthalmological literature, it has been only rarely commented upon in the neurosurgical discussion of SAH.

Fundus findings are reported in a prospective study of 22 consecutive patients with a computerized tomography- or lumbar puncture-proven diagnosis of SAH. Six of these patients had intraocular hemorrhage on initial examination. In four patients vitreous hemorrhage was evident on presentation (six of eight eyes). In the subsequent 12 days, vitreous hemorrhage developed in the additional two patients (three of four eyes) due to breakthrough bleeding from the original subhyaloid hemorrhages.

The initial amount of intraocular hemorrhage did not correlate with the severity of SAH. Two of the six patients with intraocular hemorrhage died, whereas five of the 16 remaining SAH patients without intraocular hemorrhage died. Of the four survivors with intraocular hemorrhage, three showed gradual but significant improvement in their visual acuity by 6 months. The fourth underwent vitrectomy at 8 months after presentation and had a good visual result. With modern and aggressive medical and microsurgical management, Terson's syndrome should be recognized as an important reversible cause of blindness in patients surviving SAH.
Interaction of acidic fibroblast growth factor and transforming growth factor-β in normal and transformed glia in vitro
Authors: Ryken Timothy C. , Traynelis Vincent C. , Lim Ramon
Published: May 2009

✓ The mitogenic and morphological effects of acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) were assessed on cultured fetal rat astrocytes and C6 rat glioma cells in the presence and absence of serum. Astrocytes incubated with aFGF exhibited an increase in mitotic activity and characteristic morphological changes involving extensive process formation and rounding of cell bodies. Astrocytes incubated with TGF-β underwent a slight decrease in mitotic activity and remained morphologically unchanged. Cells exposed to a combination of aFGF and TGF-β demonstrated an attenuation of both the mitogenic and morphological changes observed in the presence of aFGF alone. The C6 glioma cells cultured in the presence of aFGF underwent a characteristic morphological change from a rounded piling cell mass to a more spindle-shaped bipolar cell layer, accompanied by an increase in mitotic activity. In contrast to the astrocyte cultures, increased growth and similar morphological effects were produced by TGF-β. The combination of aFGF and TGF-β did not result in attenuation of the mitogenic and morphological changes (as seen in astrocytic cells). These results suggest that, in normal fetal rat astrocytes, TGF-β is capable of attenuating the mitogenic and morphological changes induced by aFGF in vitro. In the transformed C6 glioma cell line, aFGF and TGF-β elicit similar mitogenic and morphological changes, without evidence of an antagonistic interaction as seen in normal astrocytes.
Transnasal stereotactic biopsy of a clivus tumor
Authors: Rosenfeld Jeffrey V. , Wallace David , Klug Geoffrey L. , Danks Andrew
Published: May 2009

✓ Computerized tomography-guided transnasal stereotactic tissue diagnosis of a lytic lesion in the clivus was performed successfully using the Cosman-Roberts-Wells frame, thus avoiding a major craniotomy. The authors recommend stereotaxis as the preferred technique for biopsy in this region.
A morphological and ultrastructural investigation of normal mouse brain tissue after intracerebral injection of tumor necrosis factor
Authors: Yamasaki Toshiki , Kikuchi Haruhiko , Moritake Kouzo , Nagao Seiichi , Iwasaki Kouichi , Paine Jonathan T. , Kagawa Takato , Namba Yuziro
Published: May 2009

✓ Morphological and ultrastructural changes in normal mouse brain tissue were investigated after intracerebral stereotactic injections of tumor necrosis factor (specific activity: 2.0 × 106U/mg protein) into the right frontal lobe. The mice received either a single infusion or multiple tumor necrosis factor infusions in three different dose groups (10, 100, or 500 U). Compared with sham-treated control mice that received adjusted intracerebral injections of purified albumin, the tumor necrosis factor-treated mice in all dose groups did not show any specificin vivobehavioral abnormalities during the 2 months of study following the infusions.

Histological studies revealed hemorrhage attributable to the mechanics of the intracerebral infusions, a thickening of the arachnoid membranes, a reactive gliosis, and neutrophilic and/or mononuclear cell infiltration along the infusion pathway. A local neutrophilic response was prominent 1 day after tumor necrosis factor injection. An immunohistochemical analysis indicated that the mononuclear cell infiltration consisted of lymphocytes and macrophages. Except for the transient neutrophilic infiltration, these histological alterations did not differ from those seen in the sham-treated control groups, and most nonspecific reactive changes disappeared within 8 weeks after the injections. Furthermore, an ultrastructural study showed no apparent pathological changes in the cytoplasmic organelles of neuronal, glial, and endothelial cells in the tumor necrosis factor-injected mouse specimens. These results suggest that the tumor necrosis factor injections caused no specific toxicity and did not alter the parenchymal and stromal cells comprising normal mouse brain tissue.
Spinal arachnoid cysts in the pediatric age group: an association with neural tube defects
Authors: Rabb Craig H. , McComb J. Gordon , Raffel Corey , Kennedy J. Gerald
Published: May 2009

✓ Between 1979 and 1991, spinal arachnoid cysts were found in 11 patients aged 19 months to 18 years (mean age 5½ years). Of the 11 patients, six had a myelomeningocele and one diastematomyelia. The presenting symptoms included radicular pain (one patient), progressive weakness (three), increasing scoliosis (one), worsening spasticity (three), and recurrent urinary tract infections and progressive constipation (one). Two patients showed no symptoms from the spinal arachnoid cyst. The distribution of lesions was as follows: cervicomedullary (one patient), cervical (one), cervicothoracic (two), thoracic (four), lumbar (two), and sacral (one). Four of the 11 arachnoid cysts (all intradural) were located anterior to the spinal cord, three of which were in children with a myelomeningocele. Only two of the cysts were extradural; both were found in the lumbosacral region, and one was associated with diastematomyelia. Eight patients were treated with fenestration and/or resection of the cyst wall. Three patients with anterior cysts were treated with shunts, a cyst-to-pleural space shunt in two and a cyst-to-subarachnoid space shunt in one. All of the patients either improved or exhibited an arrest in the progression of their symptoms. Spinal arachnoid cysts are a treatable cause of progressive neurological deficits and, in this series, were frequently found in patients with neural tube defects.
Intractable pain of spinal cord origin: clinical features and implications for surgery
Authors: Tasker Ronald R. , DeCarvalho Gervasio T. C. , Dolan Eugen J.
Published: May 2009

✓ The clinical features and types of pain affecting 127 patients with central pain caused by lesions in the spinal cord were studied and correlated with the results of surgical procedures performed on 103 of them. The surgical procedures consisted of percutaneous cordotomy in 39 cases, cordectomy in 12, dorsal root entry zone (DREZ) surgery in four, dorsal cord stimulation in 35, and brain stimulation in 13. The three most common types of pain in the 127 patients were characterized as: steady in 95% of cases, intermittent (usually shooting) in 31%, and evoked (allodynia, hyperpathia, or hyperesthesia) in 45%. Steady pain was usually causalgic (74.8%) or dysesthetic (27.6%). The only obvious clinical correlation with pain type was the association of intermittent pain with lesions at the T10-L2 vertebral level. Destructive surgery (cordotomy, DREZ surgery, or cordectomy) affected the three chief types of pain differently from treatment with cord or brain stimulation. Destructive surgery resulted in reduction of steady pain in 26% of affected cases, of intermittent pain in 89%, and of evoked pain in 84%, while stimulation resulted in pain reductions in 36%, 0%, and 16% of cases, respectively. The differential effect of destructive surgery on steady and intermittent pain is consistent with published experience. These observations suggest differing mechanisms for the three types of pain.
Clearance of brain edema and macromolecules through the cortical extracellular space
Authors: Ohata Kenji , Marmarou Anthony
Published: May 2009

✓ The transit routes of fluid and particulate matter through brain tissue remain unclear. The object of this study was to examine the movement of macromolecules through brain tissue to further clarify the clearance pathways of edema proteins as they migrate toward the cortex. For this purpose, albumin solution (20 µl rat albumin diluted to 65 mg/ml with mock cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)) was intracerebrally infused into the caudate putamen, and the migration through brain tissue as well as through the ultrastructure of the cortical surfaces was explored using an immunocytochemical technique. The authors observed immunoreactive product on the glial limitans and pial lining as well as in the extracellular space of the cortical neuropil at 24 hours postinfusion, confirming that the protein had reached the cortical surface.

To confirm the efflux of macromolecules into the subarachnoid CSF, 71,200 D fluorescein isothiocyanatedextran (FITC-dextran 71,200) was infused; cortical surfaces of brains removed en bloc as well as coronal sections were macroscopically observed under ultraviolet illumination at 15 minutes and 24 hours postinfusion. It was observed that infused FITC-dextran 71,200 mainly localized in the cortical white matter and caudate putamen of the infusion site at 15 minutes postinfusion and by 24 hours was distributed in the entire cortex of the infused hemisphere. However, the dynamics of lower-molecular-weight substances was completely different. The spatial distribution of FITC-dextran 4400 diverged upward toward the cortical surface and spread more extensively than FITC-dextran 71,200. These observations were consistent with a diffusion process as the spread of the tracer was dependent upon molecular size. These studies provide compelling evidence that a process other than bulk flow was involved in the spread of macromolecules through the extracellular space of the normal cortical neuropil to sink into the subarachnoid space. It was concluded that the CSF pathway via the extracellular space of the cortical neuropil is a primary route for clearance of extracellular edema proteins to the subarachnoid space and that diffusion is involved in this process.
Selective blood-tumor barrier disruption by leukotrienes
Authors: Chio Chung-Ching , Baba Takehiko , Black Keith L.
Published: May 2009

✓ The authors have previously reported that intracarotid infusion of 5 µg leukotriene C4 (LTC4) selectively increases blood-tumor barrier permeability in rat RG-2 tumors. In this study, rats harboring RG-2 tumors were given 15-minute intracarotid infusions of LTC4 at concentrations ranging from 0.5 µg to 50.0 µg (seven rats in each dose group). Blood-tumor and blood-brain barrier permeability were determined by quantitative autoradiography using 14C aminoisobutyric acid. The transfer constant for permeability (Ki) within the tumors was increased twofold by LTC4 doses of 2.5, 5.0, and 50.0 µg compared to vehicle alone (90.00 ±21.14, 92.68 ± 15.04, and 80.17 ± 16.15 vs. 39.37 ± 6.45 µl/gm/min, respectively; mean ± standard deviation; p < 0.01). No significant change in Ki within the tumors was observed at the 0.5-µg LTC4 dose. Blood-brain barrier permeability was selectively increased within the tumors. At no dose in this study did leukotrienes increase permeability within normal brain.

To determine the duration of increased opening of the blood-tumor barrier by LTC4 administration, Ki was measured at 15, 30, and 60 minutes after termination of a 15-minute LTC4 infusion (seven rats at each time point). The mean Ki value was still high at 15 minutes (92.68 ± 15.04 µl/gm/min), but declined at 30 minutes (56.58 ± 12.50 µl/gm/min) and 60 minutes (55.40 ± 8.10 µl/gm/min) after the end of LTC4 infusion.

Sulfidopeptide leukotrienes LTC4, LTD4, LTE4 and LTF4 were infused to compare their potency in opening the blood-tumor barrier. The mean leukotriene E4 was the most potent, increasing the permeability value 37½ fold compared with vehicle alone (139.86 ± 23.95 vs. 39.37 ± 6.45 µl/gm/min).
Clonal composition of glioblastoma multiforme
Authors: Berkman Richard A. , Clark W. Craig , Saxena Abha , Robertson James T. , Oldfield Edward H. , Ali Iqbal U.
Published: May 2009

✓ Glioblastoma multiforme, the most common and most lethal primary central nervous system neoplasm, is noted for its phenotypic and biological heterogeneity. This heterogeneity may result from genetic alterations accumulated by a single transformed astrocyte as it evolves into a monoclonal tumor. Alternatively, it may be attributed to the presence of multiple biologically and genetically distinct astrocytic populations within a polyclonal tumor.

To address the issue of clonal composition of glioblastoma multiforme the authors used two independent approaches: analysis of X-chromosome inactivation and analysis of chromosomes 10 and 17 for tumor-specific somatic deletions. The analysis included 10 tumors from nine female patients with glioblastoma multiforme (eight primary and two recurrent tumors), who were heterozygous at either of two X-chromosome genes (hypoxanthine phosphoribosyl-transferase or phosphoglycerate kinase). Nine glioblastomas multiforme demonstrated a monoclonal pattern on X-chromosome analysis; contamination with normal tissue obscured the analysis in one tumor. Somatic deletions on chromosomes 10 and/or 17 occurred in nine tumors, supporting a monoclonal composition for these tumors.

These data suggest that glioblastoma multiforme is a monoclonal neoplasm, derived from the clonal expansion of a single transformed astrocyte that has, as a fundamental step in tumorigenesis, sustained a critical genetic alteration on chromosome 10 and/or 17.
Effects of different methods of peripheral nerve repair on the number and distribution of muscle afferent neurons in rat dorsal root ganglion
Authors: Myles Lynn M. , Gilmour Joyce A. , Glasby Michael A.
Published: May 2009

✓ The effects of three methods of peripheral nerve repair and normal controls were compared with respect to the number and distribution of muscle afferent nerve cell bodies from the extensor digitorum longus muscle in the dorsal root ganglia of the rat. Nerves were repaired using one of three methods: 1) direct epineurial suture; 2) a three-strand cable graft; or 3) a coaxially aligned freeze-thawed autologous skeletal muscle graft. In all cases the number and distribution of muscle afferent nerve cells were estimated 300 days after nerve repair.

Retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase, injected into the extensor digitorum longus muscle, was used to identify muscle afferent nerve cell bodies in dorsal root ganglia exposed at laminectomy after fixation. It was found that all methods of nerve repair were associated with a change in both the number and distribution of labeled muscle afferent cell bodies. The number of labeled muscle afferent cells was significantly different from normal controls in all methods of repair, but was not significantly different among the three methods compared. On the other hand, cell size and cell distribution departed significantly more from normal after either of the grafting procedures than after direct repair. There was no significant difference between the two grafting techniques. These results are discussed with respect to their mechanistic and clinical interpretation.
Retromastoid cisternal Ommaya reservoir for intrathecal therapy of coccidioidomycosis meningitis
Authors: Wrobel Charles J. , Alksne John F.
Published: May 2009

✓ A method is described that simplifies placement of an Ommaya reservoir for chronic access to the basilar cisterns. This technique is useful in treating coccidioidomycosis and other fungal meningitides.
The AANS: The national and international organization for neurological surgery
Authors: Robertson James T.
Published: May 2009

✓ The President of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) validates the AANS as the national neurosurgical organization. He describes improved management of major committees of neurological surgery by the Joint Officers of the AANS and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons. A strong argument and proclamation are presented to expand the international role of the former Harvey Cushing Society.