bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Outcome evaluation of patients treated with fractionated Gamma Knife radiosurgery for large (> 3 cm) brain metastases: a dose-escalation study
Authors: Kim Kyung Hwan , Kong Doo-Sik , Cho Kyung Rae , Lee Min Ho , Choi Jung-Won , Seol Ho Jun , Kim Sung Tae , Nam Do-Hyun , Lee Jung-Il 
Published: August 2019

OBJECTIVEFractionated Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKS) represents a feasible option for patients with large brain metastases (BM). However, the dose-fractionation scheme balanced between local control and radiation-induced toxicity remains unclear. Therefore, the authors conducted a dose-escalation study using fractionated GKS as the primary treatment for large (> 3 cm) BM.METHODSThe exclusion criteria were more than 3 lesions, evidence of leptomeningeal disease, metastatic melanoma, poor general condition, and previously treated lesions. Patients were randomized to receive 24, 27, or 30 Gy in 3 fractions (8, 9, or 10 Gy per fraction, respectively). The primary endpoint was the development of radiation necrosis assessed by a neuroradiologist blinded to the study. The secondary endpoints included the local progression-free survival (PFS) rate, change in tumor volume, development of distant intracranial progression, and overall survival.RESULTSBetween September 2016 and April 2018, 60 patients were eligible for the study, with 46 patients (15, 17, and 14 patients in the 8-, 9-, and 10-Gy groups, respectively) available for analysis. The median follow-up duration was 9.6 months (range 2.5–25.1 months). The 6-month estimated cumulative incidence of radiation necrosis was 0% in the 8-Gy group, 13% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0%–29%) in the 9-Gy group, and 37% (95% CI 1%–58%) in the 10-Gy group. Being in the 10-Gy group was a significant risk factor for the development of radiation necrosis (p = 0.047; hazard ratio [HR] 7.2, 95% CI 1.1–51.4). The 12-month local PFS rates were 65%, 80%, and 75% in the 8-, 9-, and 10-Gy groups, respectively. Being in the 8-Gy group was a risk factor for local treatment failure (p = 0.037; HR 2.5, 95% CI 1.1–29.6). The mean volume change from baseline was a 47.5% decrease in this cohort. Distant intracranial progression and overall survival did not differ among the 3 groups.CONCLUSIONSIn this dose-escalation study, 27 Gy in 3 fractions appeared to be a relevant regimen of fractionated GKS for large BM because 30 Gy in 3 fractions resulted in unacceptable toxicities and 24 Gy in 3 fractions was associated with local treatment failure.
Deep brain stimulation of the posterior limb of the internal capsule in the treatment of central poststroke neuropathic pain of the lower limb: case series with long-term follow-up and literature review
Authors: Franzini Andrea , Messina Giuseppe , Levi Vincenzo , D’Ammando Antonio , Cordella Roberto , Moosa Shayan , Prada Francesco , Franzini Angelo 
Published: August 2019

OBJECTIVECentral poststroke neuropathic pain is a debilitating syndrome that is often resistant to medical therapies. Surgical measures include motor cortex stimulation and deep brain stimulation (DBS), which have been used to relieve pain. The aim of this study was to retrospectively assess the safety and long-term efficacy of DBS of the posterior limb of the internal capsule for relieving central poststroke neuropathic pain and associated spasticity affecting the lower limb.METHODSClinical and surgical data were retrospectively collected and analyzed in all patients who had undergone DBS of the posterior limb of the internal capsule to address central poststroke neuropathic pain refractory to conservative measures. In addition, long-term pain intensity and level of satisfaction gained from stimulation were assessed. Pain was evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS). Information on gait improvement was obtained from medical records, neurological examination, and interview.RESULTSFour patients have undergone the procedure since 2001. No mortality or morbidity related to the surgery was recorded. In three patients, stimulation of the posterior limb of the internal capsule resulted in long-term pain relief; in a fourth patient, the procedure failed to produce any long-lasting positive effect. Two patients obtained a reduction in spasticity and improved motor capability. Before surgery, the mean VAS score was 9 (range 8–10). In the immediate postoperative period and within 1 week after the DBS system had been turned on, the mean VAS score was significantly lower at a mean of 3 (range 0–6). After a mean follow-up of 5.88 years, the mean VAS score was still reduced at 5.5 (range 3–8). The mean percentage of long-term pain reduction was 38.13%.CONCLUSIONSThis series suggests that stimulation of the posterior limb of the internal capsule is safe and effective in treating patients with chronic neuropathic pain affecting the lower limb. The procedure may be a more targeted treatment method than motor cortex stimulation or other neuromodulation techniques in the subset of patients whose pain and spasticity are referred to the lower limbs.
Volumetric growth rates of untreated vestibular schwannomas
Authors: Schnurman Zane , Nakamura Aya , McQuinn Michelle W. , Golfinos John G. , Roland J. Thomas , Kondziolka Douglas 
Published: August 2019

OBJECTIVEThere remains a large discrepancy among surgeons in expectations of vestibular schwannoma (VS) growth. The anticipated growth rate of a VS and its potential clinical impact are important factors when deciding whether to observe the lesion over time or to intervene. Previous studies of VS natural growth remain limited, mostly confined to linear measurements, often without high-resolution, thin-sequence imaging. The present study comprehensively assessed natural tumor growth rates using volumetric measurements.METHODSBetween 2012 and 2018, 212 treatment-naïve patients diagnosed with a unilateral VS were evaluated. A total of 699 MR images were assessed, with a range of 2–11 MR images per patient. All MR images preceded any intervention, with patients subsequently being observed through completion of data analysis (36%) or treated with stereotactic radiosurgery (32%) or microsurgical resection (32%). To determine precise tumor volumes, the tumor area was outlined on every slice, and the products of the area and slice thickness were summed (99% of scans were ≤ 1-mm slice thickness). A multilevel model with random effects was used to assess the mean volume change over time. Each tumor was categorized as one of the following: growing (volume increase by more than 20% per year), fast growing (volume increase by more than 100% per year), stable (volume change between 20% decrease and 20% increase per year), and shrinking (volume decrease by more than 20% per year).RESULTSThe mean VS volumetric growth rate was 33.5% per year (95% CI 26.9%–40.5%, p < 0.001). When assessing the frequencies of individual tumor annual growth rates, 66% demonstrated growth (30% fast growing), 33% were stable, and 1% exhibited shrinking over an average interval of 25 months. Larger tumors were associated with increased absolute growth, but there was no relationship between tumor size and proportional growth rate. There was also no relationship between patient age and tumor growth rate.CONCLUSIONSThis study comprehensively assessed VS volumetric growth rates using high-resolution images and was conducted in a large and diverse patient sample. The majority of the tumors exhibited growth, with about one-third growing at a rate of 100% per year. These findings may contribute to a consensus understanding of tumor behavior and inform clinical decisions regarding whether to intervene or observe.
Use of a near-infrared vein finder to define cortical veins and dural sinuses prior to dural opening
Authors: Goldschmidt Ezequiel , Faraji Amir H. , Jankowitz Brian T. , Gardner Paul , Friedlander Robert M. 
Published: August 2019

Near-infrared (NIR) light is commonly used to map venous anatomy in the upper extremities to gain intravenous access for line placement. In this report, the authors describe the use of a common and commercially available NIR vein finder to delineate the cortical venous anatomy prior to dural opening.During a variety of cranial approaches, the dura was directly visualized using an NIR vein finder. The NIR light source allowed for recognition of the underlying cortical venous anatomy, dural sinuses, and underlying pathology before the dura was opened. This information was considered when tailoring the dural opening. When the dura was illuminated with the NIR vein finder, the underlying cortical and sinus venous anatomy was evident and correlated with the observed cortical anatomy. The vein finder was also accurate in locating superficial lesions and pathological dural veins. A complete accordance in the findings on the pre– and post–dural opening images was observed in all cases.This simple, inexpensive procedure is readily compatible with operative room workflow, necessitates no head fixation, and offers a real-time image independent of brain shift.
A multicenter, open-label, controlled trial on acceptance, convenience, and complications of rechargeable internal pulse generators for deep brain stimulation: the Multi Recharge Trial
Authors: Jakobs Martin , Helmers Ann-Kristin , Synowitz Michael , Slotty Philipp J. , Anthofer Judith M. , Schlaier Jürgen R. , Kloss Manja , Unterberg Andreas W. , Kiening Karl L. 
Published: August 2019

OBJECTIVERechargeable neurostimulators for deep brain stimulation have been available since 2008, promising longer battery life and fewer replacement surgeries compared to non-rechargeable systems. Long-term data on how recharging affects movement disorder patients are sparse. This is the first multicenter, patient-focused, industry-independent study on rechargeable neurostimulators.METHODSFour neurosurgical centers sent a questionnaire to all adult movement disorder patients with a rechargeable neurostimulator implanted at the time of the trial. The primary endpoint was the convenience of the recharging process rated on an ordinal scale from “very hard” (1) to “very easy” (5). Secondary endpoints were charge burden (time spent per week on recharging), user confidence, and complication rates. Endpoints were compared for several subgroups.RESULTSDatasets of 195 movement disorder patients (66.1% of sent questionnaires) with Parkinson’s disease (PD), tremor, or dystonia were returned and included in the analysis. Patients had a mean age of 61.3 years and the device was implanted for a mean of 40.3 months. The overall convenience of recharging was rated as “easy” (4). The mean charge burden was 122 min/wk and showed a positive correlation with duration of therapy; 93.8% of users felt confident recharging the device. The rate of surgical revisions was 4.1%, and the infection rate was 2.1%. Failed recharges occurred in 8.7% of patients, and 3.6% of patients experienced an interruption of therapy because of a failed recharge. Convenience ratings by PD patients were significantly worse than ratings by dystonia patients. Caregivers recharged the device for the patient in 12.3% of cases. Patients who switched from a non-rechargeable to a rechargeable neurostimulator found recharging to be significantly less convenient at a higher charge burden than did patients whose primary implant was rechargeable. Age did not have a significant impact on any endpoint.CONCLUSIONSOverall, patients with movement disorders rated recharging as easy, with low complication rates and acceptable charge burden.
Costs and predictors of 30-day readmissions after craniotomy for traumatic brain injury: a nationwide analysis
Authors: Hoffman Haydn , Furst Taylor , Jalal Muhammad S. , Chin Lawrence S. 
Published: August 2019

OBJECTIVEThere is increasing interest in the use of 30-day readmission (30dRA) as a quality metric to represent hospital and provider performance. Data regarding the incidence and risk factors for 30dRA after traumatic brain injury (TBI) are sparse. The authors sought to characterize these variables using a national database.METHODSThe Nationwide Readmissions Database was used to identify patients with a primary diagnosis of TBI who underwent craniotomy or craniectomy between 2010 and 2014. Our primary outcome of interest was 30dRA. Binary logistic regression was used to identify variables related to patient demographics, comorbidities, and index hospital admission that were associated with 30dRA.RESULTSA total of 25,354 patients met the inclusion criteria. The 30dRA rate during the entire study period was 15.5%. In 2010 the 30dRA rate was 16.8% and in 2014 it decreased to 15.1% (pooled OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.87–0.94). The mean cost associated with a 30dRA increased slightly but significantly, from $9999 in 2010 to $10,114 in 2014 (p = 0.021). Factors associated with increased odds of 30dRA in the binary logistic regression included increased age, greater comorbidity burden, more severe injury, tracheostomy, gastrostomy, sodium abnormality, and venous thromboembolism. In order of decreasing frequency, the most common causes for 30dRA were neurological, injury/iatrogenic, cardiovascular/cerebrovascular, infectious, and respiratory.CONCLUSIONSThe incidence of 30dRA after craniotomy for TBI decreased slightly from 2010 to 2014. This study identified several variables associated with 30dRA that require confirmation in a prospective study, which could direct attempts to prevent readmissions.
Neural and vascular architecture of the septum pellucidum: an anatomical study and considerations for safe endoscopic septum pellucidotomy
Authors: Barany Laszlo , Meszaros Cintia , Ganslandt Oliver , Buchfelder Michael , Kurucz Peter 
Published: August 2019

OBJECTIVEThe septum pellucidum is a bilateral thin membranous structure representing the border between the frontal horns of the lateral ventricles. Its most examined components are the septal veins due to their surgical importance during endoscopic septum pellucidotomy (ESP), which is a well-accepted method for surgical treatment of unilateral hydrocephalus. It is widely accepted that the septum pellucidum contains nerve fibers as well, but interestingly, no anatomical study has been addressed to its neural components before. The aim of the present study was to identify these elements as well as their relations to the septal veins and to define major landmarks within the ventricular system for neurosurgical use.METHODSNine formalin-fixed human cadaveric brains (18 septa pellucida) were involved in this study. A central block containing both septa pellucida was removed and frozen at −30°C for 2 weeks in 7 cases. The fibers of the septum pellucidum and the adjacent areas including the venous elements were dissected under magnification by using homemade wooden spatulas and microsurgical instruments. In 2 cases a histological technique was used to validate the findings of the dissections. The blocks were sliced, embedded in paraffin, cut in 7-µm-thick slices, and then stained as follows: 1) with H & E, 2) with Luxol fast blue combined with cresyl violet, and 3) with Luxol fast blue combined with Sirius red.RESULTSThe septum pellucidum and the subjacent septum verum form the medial wall of the frontal horn of the lateral ventricle. Both structures contain nerve fibers that were organized in 3 groups: 1) the precommissural fibers of the fornix; 2) the inferior fascicle; and 3) the superior fascicle of the septum pellucidum. The area directly rostral to the postcommissural column of the fornix consisted of macroscopically identifiable gray matter corresponding to the septal nuclei. The histological examinations validated the findings of the authors’ fiber dissections.CONCLUSIONSThe nerve elements of the septum pellucidum as well as the subjacent septum verum were identified with fiber dissection and verified with histology for the first time. The septal nuclei located just anterior to the fornix and the precommissural fibers of the fornix should be preserved during ESP. Considering the venous anatomy as well as the neural architecture of the septum pellucidum, the fenestration should ideally be placed above the superior edge of the fornix and preferably dorsal to the interventricular foramen.
Inhibition of motility by NEO100 through the calpain-1/RhoA pathway
Authors: Marín-Ramos Nagore I. , Pérez-Hernández Marta , Tam Anson , Swenson Stephen D. , Cho Hee-Yeon , Thein Thu Zan , Hofman Florence M. , Chen Thomas C. 
Published: August 2019

OBJECTIVEGlioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive type of brain tumor with a high rate of tumor recurrence, and it often develops resistance over time to current standard of care chemotherapy. Its highly invasive nature plays an essential role in tumor progression and recurrence. Glioma stem cells (GSCs) are a subpopulation of glioma cells highly resistant to treatments and are considered responsible for tumor recurrence.METHODSPatient-derived populations of GSCs were analyzed by western blot, MTT, and cytoplasmic calcium labeling to determine the cytotoxicity of NEO100. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to evaluate the levels of NEO100 in the cell culture supernatants. The effects of the compound on GSC motility were studied using Boyden chamber migration, 3D spheroid migration and invasion assays, and an mRNA expression PCR array. A RhoA activation assay, western blot, and immunofluorescence techniques were employed to confirm the signaling pathways involved. Intracranial implantation of GSCs in athymic mice was used to evaluate the effects of NEO100 in vivo on tumor progression and overall survival.RESULTSHere, the authors show how NEO100, a highly purified good manufacturing practices–quality form of perillyl alcohol, is cytotoxic for different subtypes of GSCs, regardless of the mechanisms of DNA repair present. At doses similar to the IC50 (half maximal inhibitory concentration) values, NEO100 induces ER stress and activates apoptotic pathways in all GSC populations tested. At subcytotoxic doses in the micromolar range, NEO100 blocks migration and invasion of GSCs. These results correlate with a decrease in calpain-1 expression and an increase in RhoA activation, leading to enhanced contractility of the GSCs. In addition, NEO100 blocks the activation of the kinases Src, p42/44 MAPK, Akt, and Stat3, all related to cell proliferation and migration. Intranasal administration of NEO100 in mice with GSC-derived intracranial tumors led to a decrease in tumor progression and a 32% increase in overall survival. Immunostaining studies showed that NEO100 induces apoptosis and reduces GSC invasion in vivo.CONCLUSIONSNEO100 could have significant value targeting GSCs and could be used for GBM therapy as either monotherapy or a coadjuvant therapy during temozolomide rest cycles.
A perfusion territory shift attributable solely to the secondary collaterals in moyamoya patients: a potential risk factor for preoperative hemorrhagic stroke revealed by t-ASL and 3D-TOF-MRA
Authors: Gao Xin-Yi , Li Qiao , Li Jing-Run , Zhou Qian , Qu Jian-Xun , Yao Zhen-Wei 
Published: August 2019

OBJECTIVEThe authors conducted a study to noninvasively and nonradioactively reveal moyamoya disease (MMD) intracerebral perfusion and perfusion territory supplied by the unilateral internal carotid artery (ICA) and external carotid artery (ECA) and bilateral vertebral arteries (VAs) before surgery and to further identify risk factors for preoperative hemorrhage in adult MMD.METHODSForty-three consecutive adult patients with bilateral MMD underwent unenhanced T1-weighted MRI, territorial arterial spin labeling (t-ASL), and unenhanced 3D time-of-flight MRA (3D-TOF-MRA). Clinical factors, including age, sex, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, current smoking status, and history of taking aspirin, were gathered and stratified. Univariate logistic regression analyses were used to examine the relationship between various risk factors and the occurrence of preoperative hemorrhage. Stepwise multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine independent risk factors of preoperative hemorrhage in MMD.RESULTSAmong the 86 MMD hemispheres, t-ASL revealed 137 perfusion territory shifts in 79 hemispheres. Five distinct categories of perfusion territory shifts were observed on t-ASL maps. The subtypes of perfusion territory shift on t-ASL maps were further subdivided into 2 different categories, group A and group B, in combination with findings on 3D-TOF-MRA. A perfusion territory shift attributable solely to the secondary collaterals was a potential independent risk factor for preoperative hemorrhage (p = 0.026; 95% CI 1.201–18.615; OR 4.729). After eliminating the influence of the secondary collaterals, the primary collaterals had no significant effect on the risk of preoperative hemorrhage (p = 0.182).CONCLUSIONSt-ASL could reveal comprehensive MMD cerebral blood perfusion and the vivid perfusion territory shifts fed by the unilateral ICA and ECA and bilateral VAs in a noninvasive, straightforward, nonradioactive, and nonenhanced manner. 3D-TOF-MRA could subdivide t-ASL perfusion territory shifts according to their shunt arteries. A perfusion territory shift attributable to the secondary collaterals is a potential independent risk factor for preoperative hemorrhage in MMD patients. A perfusion territory shift fed by the primary collaterals may not have a strong effect on preoperative hemorrhage in MMD patients. These findings make the combined modalities of t-ASL and 3D-TOF-MRA a feasible tool for MMD disease assessment, management, and surgical strategy planning.
Emprendimiento sin marketing no es emprendimiento
Authors: Piguave Espin Rosa Vicenta , Marín Richard Duque 
Published: August 2019

El presente trabajo de investigación se estableció en determinar cómo incide el Marketing en el desarrollo del emprendimiento de los estudiantes de la Carrera Ingeniería en Desarrollo Empresarial de la Facultad de Ciencias Administrativas de la Universidad Estatal Península de Santa Elena, y aportar al desarrollo de las habilidades y destrezas de emprendimiento efectivo en los profesionales de lasCarreras Administrativas.
Los Ingresos del Gobierno Autónomo Descentralizado Municipal de Salinas (GADMS) y el Gasto en la Inversión Pública, Período 2007 – 2012
Authors: Panchana Panchana Margarita , Cochea Tomalá Hermelinda 
Published: August 2019

La presente investigación se centra en el estudio y análisis de los ingresos del Gobierno Autónomo Descentralizado Municipal de Salinas GADMS y su impacto en la inversión pública del cantón, durante el período 2007 – 2012, fundamentada en lo que establece la Constitución de la República del Ecuador (2008), Plan Nacional del Buen Vivir, COOTAD, y Plan de Desarrollo y Ordenamiento Territorial del cantón Salinas. Los resultados indican que el GADMS, carece de disciplina fiscal, es decir incumplió la disposición legal respecto a: valoración a la propiedad urbana y rural (catastro), revisión de las tasa de funcionamiento de establecimientos turísticos (hoteles, hostales, pensiones, bares, discotecas, fuentes de soda, peñas, centros de convenciones, restaurantes, cafeterías, agencias de viajes y turismo), y otros, debilidad que incidió en la disponibilidad de recursos para atender las necesidades demandadas por la población de cada una de sus parroquias: Salinas, parroquia urbana; José Luis Tamayo y Anconcito, parroquias rurales; se demanda el servicio de alcantarillado, recolección de desechos sólidos (basura), mantenimiento de ciertas áreas de contaminación ambiental. El cantón Salinas registra pobreza por necesidades básicas insatisfecha NBI, extrema pobreza por NBI, y, la pobreza de consumo.