bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pain-free survival after vagoglossopharyngeal complex sectioning with or without microvascular decompression in glossopharyngeal neuralgia
Authors: Teton Zoe E. , Holste Katherine G. , Hardaway Fran A. , Burchiel Kim J. , Raslan Ahmed M. 
Published: February 2019

OBJECTIVEGlossopharyngeal neuralgia (GN) is a rare pain condition in which patients experience paroxysmal, lancinating throat pain. Multiple surgical approaches have been used to treat this condition, including microvascular decompression (MVD), and sectioning of cranial nerve (CN) IX and the upper rootlets of CN X, or a combination of the two. The aim of this study was to examine the long-term quality of life and pain-free survival after MVD and sectioning of the CN X/IX complex.METHODSA combined retrospective chart review and a quality-of-life telephone survey were performed to collect demographic and long-term outcome data. Quality of life was assessed by means of a questionnaire based on a combination of the Barrow Neurological Institute pain intensity scoring criteria and the Brief Pain Inventory–Facial. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to determine pain-free survival.RESULTSOf 18 patients with GN, 17 underwent sectioning of the CN IX/X complex alone or sectioning and MVD depending on the presence of a compressing vessel. Eleven of 17 patients had compression of CN IX/X by the posterior inferior cerebellar artery, 1 had compression by a vertebral artery, and 5 had no compression. One patient (6%) experienced no immediate pain relief. Fifteen (88%) of 17 patients were pain free at the last follow-up (mean 9.33 years, range 5.16–13 years). One patient (6%) experienced throat pain relapse at 3 months. The median pain-free survival was 7.5 years ± 10.6 months. Nine of 18 patients were contacted by telephone. Of the 17 patients who underwent sectioning of the CN IX/X complex, 13 (77%) patients had short-term complaints: dysphagia (n = 4), hoarseness (n = 4), ipsilateral hearing loss (n = 4), ipsilateral taste loss (n = 2), and dizziness (n = 2) at 2 weeks. Nine patients had persistent side effects at latest follow-up. Eight of 9 telephone respondents reported that they would have the surgery over again.CONCLUSIONSSectioning of the CN IX/X complex with or without MVD of the glossopharyngeal nerve is a safe and effective surgical therapy for GN with initial pain freedom in 94% of patients and an excellent long-term pain relief (mean 7.5 years).
IMPACT probability of poor outcome and plasma cytokine concentrations are associated with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome following traumatic brain injury
Authors: Lee Sungho , Hwang Hyunsoo , Yamal Jose-Miguel , Goodman J. Clay , Aisiku Imoigele P. , Gopinath Shankar , Robertson Claudia S. 
Published: February 2019

OBJECTIVETraumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) occurs frequently after TBI and independently worsens outcome. The present study aimed to identify potential admission characteristics associated with post-TBI MODS.METHODSThe authors performed a secondary analysis of a recent randomized clinical trial studying the effects of erythropoietin and blood transfusion threshold on neurological recovery after TBI. Admission clinical, demographic, laboratory, and imaging parameters were used in a multivariable Cox regression analysis to identify independent risk factors for MODS following TBI, defined as maximum total Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score > 7 within 10 days of TBI.RESULTSTwo hundred patients were initially recruited and 166 were included in the final analysis. Respiratory dysfunction was the most common nonneurological organ system dysfunction, occurring in 62% of the patients. International Mission for Prognosis and Analysis of Clinical Trials (IMPACT) probability of poor outcome at admission was significantly associated with MODS following TBI (odds ratio [OR] 8.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.94–42.68, p < 0.05). However, more commonly used measures of TBI severity, such as the Glasgow Coma Scale, Injury Severity Scale, and Marshall classification, were not associated with post-TBI MODS. In addition, initial plasma concentrations of interleukin (IL)–6, IL-8, and IL-10 were significantly associated with the development of MODS (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.20–1.80, p < 0.001 for IL-6; OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.01–1.58, p = 0.042 for IL-8; OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.24–2.53, p = 0.002 for IL-10) as well as individual organ dysfunction (SOFA component score ≥ 1). Finally, MODS following TBI was significantly associated with mortality (OR 5.95, 95% CI 2.18–19.14, p = 0.001), and SOFA score was significantly associated with poor outcome at 6 months (Glasgow Outcome Scale score < 4) when analyzed as a continuous variable (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.06–1.40, p = 0.006).CONCLUSIONSAdmission IMPACT probability of poor outcome and initial plasma concentrations of IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 were associated with MODS following TBI.
Evaluation of a more ventral starting point for thoracic pedicle screws: higher maximal insertional arc and more medial and safer screw angulation
Authors: Lin James D. , Wei Chao , Shillingford Jamal N. , Beauchamp Eduardo C. , Tan Lee A. , Kim Yongjung J. , Lehman Ronald A. , Lenke Lawrence G. 
Published: February 2019

OBJECTIVETo demonstrate that a more ventral starting point for thoracic pedicle screw insertion, produced by aggressively removing the dorsal transverse process bone down to the superior articular facet (SAF), results in a larger margin for error and more medial screw angulation compared to the traditional dorsal starting point (DSP). The margin for error will be quantified by the maximal insertional arc (MIA).METHODSThe study population included 10 consecutive operative patients with adult idiopathic scoliosis who underwent primary surgery. All measurements were performed using 3D visualization software by an attending spine surgeon. The screw starting points were 2 mm lateral to the midline of the SAF in the mediolateral direction and in the center of the pedicle in the cephalocaudal direction. The DSP was on the dorsal cortex. The ventral starting point (VSP) was at the depth of the SAF. Measurements included distance to the pedicle isthmus, MIA, and screw trajectories.RESULTSTen patients and 110 vertebral levels (T1–11) were measured. The patients’ average age was 41.4 years (range 18–64 years). The pedicle isthmus was largest at T1 (4.04 ± 1.09 mm), and smallest at T5 (1.05 ± 0.93 mm). The distance to the pedicle isthmus was 7.47 mm for the VSP and 11.92 mm for the DSP (p < 0.001). The MIA was 15.3° for the VSP and 10.1° for the DSP (p < 0.001). Screw angulation was 21.7° for the VSP and 16.8° for the DSP (p < 0.001).CONCLUSIONSA more ventral starting point for thoracic pedicle screws results in increased MIA and more medial screw angulation. The increased MIA represents an increased tolerance for error that should improve the safety of pedicle screw placement. More medial screw angulation allows improved triangulation of pedicle screws.
Machine learning modeling for predicting hospital readmission following lumbar laminectomy
Authors: Kalagara Saisanjana , Eltorai Adam E. M. , Durand Wesley M. , DePasse J. Mason , Daniels Alan H. 
Published: February 2019

OBJECTIVEHospital readmission contributes substantial costs to the healthcare system. The purpose of this investigation was to create a predictive machine learning model to identify lumbar laminectomy patients at risk for postoperative hospital readmission.METHODSPatients who had undergone a lumbar laminectomy procedure in the period from 2011 to 2014 were isolated from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) database. Demographic characteristics and clinical factors, including complications, comorbidities, length of stay, age, and body mass index, were analyzed in relation to whether or not the patients had been readmitted to the hospital within 30 days after their procedure by utilizing independent-samples t-tests. Supervised gradient boosting machine learning was then used to create two models to predict readmission—one with all collected patient variables and one with only the variables known prior to hospital discharge.RESULTSA total of 26,869 patients were evaluated, 5.59% (1501 patients) of whom had an unplanned readmission to the hospital within 30 days of their procedure. Readmitted patients were older and had a greater number of complications and comorbidities, longer operative time, longer hospital stay, higher BMI, and higher work relative value unit (RVU) operation score (p < 0.01). They also had a worse health status prior to surgery (p < 0.01) and were more likely to be sent to a skilled discharge destination postoperatively (p < 0.01). The model with all patient variables accurately identified 49.6% of readmissions with an overall accuracy of 95.33% (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.8059), with postdischarge complications and comorbidities as the most important predictors. The predictive model built with only clinical information known predischarge identified 40.5% of readmitted patients with an accuracy of 79.55% (AUC = 0.6901), with discharge destination, comorbidities, and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification as the most influential factors in identifying readmitted patients.CONCLUSIONSIn this study, the authors analyzed hospital readmissions following laminectomy and developed predictive models to identify readmitted patients with an accuracy of over 95% using all variables and over 79% when using only predischarge variables. Using only the variables available predischarge, the authors created a model capable of predicting 40% of the readmitted patients. This study provides data that will assist in the development of predictive models for readmission and the creation of interventions to prevent readmission in high-risk patients.
Combined use of minimal access craniotomy, intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging, and awake functional mapping for the resection of gliomas in 61 patients
Authors: Whiting Benjamin B. , Lee Bryan S. , Mahadev Vaidehi , Borghei-Razavi Hamid , Ahuja Sanchit , Jia Xuefei , Mohammadi Alireza M. , Barnett Gene H. , Angelov Lilyana , Rajan Shobana , Avitsian Rafi , Vogelbaum Michael A. 
Published: February 2019

OBJECTIVECurrent management of gliomas involves a multidisciplinary approach, including a combination of maximal safe resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. The use of intraoperative MRI (iMRI) helps to maximize extent of resection (EOR), and use of awake functional mapping supports preservation of eloquent areas of the brain. This study reports on the combined use of these surgical adjuncts.METHODSThe authors performed a retrospective review of patients with gliomas who underwent minimal access craniotomy in their iMRI suite (IMRIS) with awake functional mapping between 2010 and 2017. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, intraoperative and postoperative adverse events, and treatment details were obtained. Volumetric analysis of preoperative tumor volume as well as intraoperative and postoperative residual volumes was performed.RESULTSA total of 61 patients requiring 62 tumor resections met the inclusion criteria. Of the tumors resected, 45.9% were WHO grade I or II and 54.1% were WHO grade III or IV. Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring modalities included speech alone in 23 cases (37.1%), motor alone in 24 (38.7%), and both speech and motor in 15 (24.2%). Intraoperative MRI demonstrated residual tumor in 48 cases (77.4%), 41 (85.4%) of whom underwent further resection. Median EOR on iMRI and postoperative MRI was 86.0% and 98.5%, respectively, with a mean difference of 10% and a median difference of 10.5% (p < 0.001). Seventeen of 62 cases achieved an increased EOR > 15% related to use of iMRI. Seventeen (60.7%) of 28 low-grade gliomas and 10 (30.3%) of 33 high-grade gliomas achieved complete resection. Significant intraoperative events included at least temporary new or worsened speech alteration in 7 of 38 cases who underwent speech mapping (18.4%), new or worsened weakness in 7 of 39 cases who underwent motor mapping (18.0%), numbness in 2 cases (3.2%), agitation in 2 (3.2%), and seizures in 2 (3.2%). Among the patients with new intraoperative deficits, 2 had residual speech difficulty, and 2 had weakness postoperatively, which improved to baseline strength by 6 months.CONCLUSIONSIn this retrospective case series, the combined use of iMRI and awake functional mapping was demonstrated to be safe and feasible. This combined approach allows one to achieve the dual goals of maximal tumor removal and minimal functional consequences in patients undergoing glioma resection.
Phase I trial of convection-enhanced delivery of IL13-Pseudomonas toxin in children with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma
Authors: Heiss John D. , Jamshidi Aria , Shah Smit , Martin Staci , Wolters Pamela L. , Argersinger Davis P. , Warren Katherine E. , Lonser Russell R. 
Published: February 2019

OBJECTIVEIn this clinical trial report, the authors analyze safety and infusion distribution of IL13-Pseudomonas exotoxin, an antitumor chimeric molecule, administered via intratumoral convection enhanced delivery (CED) in pediatric patients with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG).METHODSThis was a Phase I single-institution, open-label, dose-escalation, safety and tolerability study of IL13-PE38QQR infused via single-catheter CED into 5 pediatric DIPG patients. IL13-PE38QQR was administered to regions of tumor selected by radiographic findings. Two escalating dose levels were evaluated: 0.125 µg/mL in cohort 1 and 0.25 µg/mL in cohort 2. Real-time MRI was performed during intratumoral infusions, and MRI and MR spectroscopy were performed before and after the infusions. Clinical evaluations, including parent-reported quality of life (QOL), were assessed at baseline and 4 weeks post-infusion.RESULTSDirect infusion of brainstem tumor with IL13-PE using the CED technique in patients with DIPG produced temporary arrest of disease progression in 2 of 5 patients, both of whom subsequently received a second infusion. All 5 patients showed signs of disease progression by 12 weeks after initial infusion. Two patients experienced transient cranial nerve deficits and lethargy after infusion, and these deficits resolved with corticosteroid treatment in both cases. No patient had radiographic evidence of acute or long-term treatment toxicity. Parent-reported QOL was consistent with medical outcomes.CONCLUSIONSEven though IL13-PE delivered by CED did not reach the entire MRI-defined tumor volume in any patient, short-term radiographic antitumor effects were observed in 2 of the 5 patients treated. The patients’ performance status did not improve. Drug delivery using multiple catheters may produce improved outcomes.Clinical trial registration no.: NCT00088061 (clinicaltrials.gov)
Long-term follow-up of intensive chemotherapy followed by reduced-dose and reduced-field irradiation for intracranial germ cell tumor
Authors: Takada Akinori , Ii Noriko , Hirayama Masahiro , Toyoda Hidemi , Matsubara Toshio , Toyomasu Yutaka , Kawamura Tomoko , Daimon Takashi , Sakuma Hajime , Nomoto Yoshihito 
Published: February 2019

OBJECTIVEThe authors analyzed the efficacy of intensive chemotherapy followed by reduced-dose and reduced-field irradiation for intracranial germ cell tumors (GCTs) and evaluated the long-term late effects caused by chemoradiotherapy (CRT).METHODSThe authors performed a retrospective study. The subjects were 24 patients who received CRT between April 1994 and April 2015. After surgery, intensive chemotherapy followed by reduced-dose and reduced-field irradiation was administered. For those with pure germinoma, who comprised the “good prognosis” group, five courses of conventional-dose chemotherapy (CDC) were administered, and radiotherapy (24 Gy) was applied to the whole ventricle. For all others, defined as the “intermediate and poor prognosis” group, two or three courses of CDC and high-dose chemotherapy were administered with peripheral blood stem cell transplantation and radiotherapy (24–30 Gy) applied to the whole ventricle or a larger field with or without local boost irradiation (20 Gy), which was applied as needed.RESULTSThe median period of follow-up was 112.5 months (range 28–261 months), and the 5-/10-year overall and progression-free survival rates were 100%/83.5% and 91.3%/86.5%, respectively. The 5-/10-year overall survival rates determined based on the histological subtypes were 100%/100% for pure germinoma and 93.8%/78.7% for others, respectively. The late toxicities were as follows: endocrine disorder (33% in pure germinoma, 56% in others), involuntary movements (17% in pure germinoma, 39% in others), ear and labyrinth disorders (17% in pure germinoma, 33% in others), and psychiatric disorders (0% in pure germinoma, 33% in others). Nineteen of 24 patients underwent MRI (T2*- or susceptibility-weighted imaging) after radiotherapy, and 16 (84%) of those 19 patients had microbleeds detected, while 2 (10.5%) had radiation-induced cavernous vascular malformations detected.CONCLUSIONSIntensive chemotherapy followed by reduced-dose and reduced-field irradiation for intracranial GCTs had the same outcome as that reported in the literature, but late adverse effects after treatment were observed. Almost all of the complications were relatively mild but had the potential to lead to psychiatric disorders and intracranial hemorrhaging.
Treatment of only the fractional curve for radiculopathy in adult scoliosis: comparison to lower thoracic and upper thoracic fusions
Authors: Amara Dominic , Mummaneni Praveen V. , Ames Christopher P. , Tay Bobby , Deviren Vedat , Burch Shane , Berven Sigurd H. , Chou Dean 
Published: February 2019

OBJECTIVEMany options exist for the surgical management of adult spinal deformity. Radiculopathy and lumbosacral pain from the fractional curve (FC), typically from L4 to S1, is frequently a reason for scoliosis patients to pursue surgical intervention. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of limited fusion of the FC only versus treatment of the entire deformity with long fusions.METHODSAll adult scoliosis patients treated at the authors’ institution in the period from 2006 to 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with FCs from L4 to S1 > 10° and radiculopathy ipsilateral to the concavity of the FC were eligible for study inclusion and had undergone three categories of surgery: 1) FC only (FC group), 2) lower thoracic to sacrum (LT group), or 3) upper thoracic to sacrum (UT group). Primary outcomes were the rates of revision surgery and complications. Secondary outcomes were estimated blood loss, length of hospital stay, and discharge destination. Spinopelvic parameters were measured, and patients were stratified accordingly.RESULTSOf the 99 patients eligible for inclusion in the study, 27 were in the FC group, 46 in the LT group, and 26 in the UT group. There were no significant preoperative differences in age, sex, smoking status, prior operation, FC magnitude, pelvic tilt (PT), sagittal vertical axis (SVA), coronal balance, pelvic incidence–lumbar lordosis (PI-LL) mismatch, or proportion of well-aligned spines (SVA < 5 cm, PI-LL mismatch < 10°, and PT < 20°) among the three treatment groups. Mean follow-up was 30 (range 12–112) months, with a minimum 1-year follow-up. The FC group had a lower medical complication rate (22% [FC] vs 57% [LT] vs 58% [UT], p = 0.009) but a higher rate of extension surgery (26% [FC] vs 13% [LT] vs 4% [UT], p = 0.068). The respective average estimated blood loss (592 vs 1950 vs 2634 ml, p < 0.001), length of hospital stay (5.5 vs 8.3 vs 8.3 days, p < 0.001), and rate of discharge to acute rehabilitation (30% vs 46% vs 85%, p < 0.001) were all lower for FC and highest for UT.CONCLUSIONSTreatment of the FC only is associated with a lower complication rate, shorter hospital stay, and less blood loss than complete scoliosis treatment. However, there is a higher associated rate of extension of the construct to the lower or upper thoracic levels, and patients should be counseled when considering their options.
Inter-rater reliability of the modified Medical Research Council scale in patients with chronic incomplete spinal cord injury
Authors: Dupépé Esther B. , Davis Matthew , Elsayed Galal A. , Agee Bonita , Kirksey Keneshia , Gordon Amber , Pritchard Patrick R. 
Published: February 2019

OBJECTIVEThe aim of this study was to determine the inter-rater reliability of the modified Medical Research Council (MRC) scale for grading motor function in patients with chronic incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI).METHODSTwo neurosurgical residents and 2 faculty members performed motor examinations in 6 chronic incomplete SCI patients for a total of 156 muscle groups. Examinations were performed using the modified MRC grading scale during routine clinic visits for each patient. Informed consent was obtained prior to enrollment. Patients with American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale grade A (ASIA A) injuries were excluded. Inter-rater reliability coefficients were calculated using Kendall’s coefficient of concordance (W) and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs).RESULTSSixty-four percent of the tested variables demonstrated extremely strong (W 0.71–0.9) or strong (0.51–0.7) inter-rater reliability using Kendall’s coefficient of concordance and an ICC corresponding to excellent (ICC > 0.75) or fair to good (ICC 0.4–0.75) inter-rater reliability. An additional 7% showed poor inter-rater reliability (ICC < 0.4). The remaining variables tested did not reach statistical significance.CONCLUSIONSThe inter-rater reliability of the modified MRC scale was found to be high in the majority of tested variables, but the results suggest that discrepancy among trained observers does exist. Reliability was greatest in the lower-extremity muscle groups and least in the upper-extremity muscle groups in patients with chronic incomplete SCI.