bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spinal manifestations of spontaneous intracranial hypotension
Authors: Schievink Wouter I. , Chu Ray M. , Maya M. Marcel , Johnson J. Patrick , Cohen Hart C. M. 
Published: November 2012

Object
The goal of the study was to elucidate the spinal manifestations of spontaneous intracranial hypotension.

Methods
The authors reviewed the medical records and imaging studies of 338 consecutive patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension who were evaluated at their institution between 2001 and 2010.

Results
Twenty patients (6%; mean age 35.8 [range 16 to 60 years]; 5 males and 15 females) had convincing signs or symptoms referable to the spinal cord or spinal nerve roots. The spinal manifestations consisted of radiculopathy in 11 patients (unilateral in 8 and bilateral in 3), myelopathy in 8 patients, and bibrachial amyotrophy in 1 patient. The cervical spine was involved in 12 patients, the thoracic spine in 5, and the lumbosacral spine in 3. The spinal symptoms were positional in only 3 patients. The spinal manifestations occurred around the time of the headache onset in 16 patients, and months to years after the positional headache had resolved in 4 patients. A large extrathecal CSF collection causing compression of the spinal cord or nerve root was responsible for the spinal manifestations in the majority of patients. Treatment of the spinal CSF leak resulted in resolution of the spinal manifestations along with the headache, except for those in the patient with bibrachial amyotrophy.

Conclusions
Spinal manifestations are uncommon in cases of spontaneous intracranial hypotension, occurring in about 6% of patients, but myelopathy and radiculopathy involving all spinal segments do occur. Unlike the headache, the spinal manifestations usually are not positional and are caused by mass effect from an extradural CSF collection.
The seasonality of postoperative infection in spine surgery
Authors: Gruskay Jordan , Smith Jeremy , Kepler Christopher K. , Radcliff Kristen , Harrop James , Albert Todd , Vaccaro Alexander 
Published: November 2012

Object
Studies from many disciplines have found an association with the summer months, elevated temperature, humidity, and an increased rate of infection. The “July effect,” a hypothesis that the inexperience of new house staff at the beginning of an academic year leads to an increase in wound complications, has also been considered. Finally, an increase in trauma-related admissions in the summer months is likely to result in an increased incidence of postoperative infections. Two previous studies revealed mixed results concerning perioperative spinal wound infections in the summer months. The purpose of this study was to determine the months and/or seasons of the year that display significant fluctuation of postoperative infection rate in spine surgery. Based on the idea that infection rates are susceptible to seasonal factors, the authors hypothesized that spinal infections would increase during the summer months.

Methods
Inclusion criteria were all spine surgery cases at a single tertiary referral institution between January 2005 and December 2009; 8122 cases were included. Patients presenting with a contaminated wound or active infection were excluded. Infection rates were calculated on a monthly and seasonal basis and compared.

Results
A statistically significant increase in the infection rate was present on both a seasonal and monthly basis (p = 0.03 and p = 0.024) when looking at the seasonal change from spring to summer. A significant decrease in the infection rate was seen on a seasonal basis during the change from fall to winter (p = 0.04). The seasonal rate of infection was highest in the summer (4.1%) and decreased to the lowest point in the spring (2.8%) (p = 0.03).

Conclusions
At the authors' institution, spine surgeries performed during the summer and fall months were associated with a significantly higher incidence of wound infection compared with the winter and spring. These data support the existence of a seasonal effect on perioperative spinal infection rates, which may be explained by seasonal variation in weather patterns and house staff experience, among other factors.
Tumors of the superior medullary velum in infancy and childhood: report of 6 cases
Authors: Tomita Tadanori , Frassanito Paolo 
Published: November 2012

Object
The superior medullary velum (SMV) is a thin lamina of white matter located between the superior cerebellar peduncles horizontally and between the midbrain and cerebellum vertically. The SMV has not previously been described as the primary location of a posterior fossa tumor, although it can be secondarily invaded by a tumor from the cerebellum or quadrigeminal plate. This paper aims to define clinical and radiological features of tumors primarily arising from the SMV during childhood.

Methods
The authors observed 6 infants and children harboring neoplasms of the SMV who were treated at Ann & Robert Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago (formerly Children's Memorial Hospital) in Chicago, Illinois. Pathological diagnosis of the neoplasms was an atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (ATRT) in 5 patients, and a juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma (JPA) in the remaining child. The tumors were diagnosed during infancy in all patients, with ages ranging from 3 months to 10 months, except for the patient with a JPA (diagnosed at 5 years old). All patients presented with signs and symptoms of increased intracranial pressure due to obstructive hydrocephalus.

Results
Characteristic MRI features were noted, consistent with a mass in both the fourth ventricle and the cerebellomesencephalic fissure and quadrigeminal cistern, resulting in the circumferential displacement of the neural structures surrounding the SMV. The tumor was removed effectively in gross-total fashion through the occipital transtentorial approach in all patients. This approach offers a wide exposure of the region. However, all infants with ATRT suffered tumor dissemination and died between 4 and 11 months after diagnosis, in spite of radical resection and oncological treatment. The 1 child with JPA is alive and well 30 months after tumor resection.

Conclusions
To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first description in the literature that focuses on tumors originating from the SMV. This entity must be promptly recognized on preoperative radiological studies to carefully plan the subsequent surgical and clinical management.
Berechnung von Mehraufwand und Minderertrag infolge des Trinkwasserschutzes im Wald
Authors: Blattert Clemens , Bürgi Anton , Lemm Renato 
Published: October 2012

Calculation of additional expense and reduced revenue as a result of drinking water protection in the forest
A good portion of the drinking water in Switzerland originates from groundwater wells in the forest. Within the framework of the Water Protection Ordinance these forest areas are designated as groundwater protection zones (core zone, S1; inner protection zone, S2; further protection zone, S3) to protect the drinking water supply against contamination. The designation of a forest area as a protection zone is connected to prescriptions and recommendations influencing forest management and causing additional costs for forest enterprises. On behalf of the Federal Office for Environment, an Excel tool has been developed. With this tool, the additional expense and reduced revenue can be calculated quickly and easily. To reflect the requirements in the tool, courses of action were defined, as they occur in forest management (e.g. no chemical wood treatment in the S2 and S3 zone, utilization of non-polluting fuels and lubricants). Subsequently, these courses were converted into mathematical formulae quantifying the additional costs. Three harvesting methods common in forest management were thereby distinguished, a motor-manual harvesting method, a fully mechanized harvesting method and a harvesting method for steep slopes. The results calculated with the drinking water protection tool can form an essential basis for the discussion on compensation payment for water services from forest management and provide a better communication between forest managers and water suppliers. However, the results of the tool are to be regarded rather as guidelines and should not be taken as absolutely.
Impact of increasing Antarctic ice-shelf melting on Southern Ocean hydrography
Authors: Wang Caixin , Wang Keguang 
Published: October 2012

AbstractSouthern Ocean hydrography has undergone substantial changes in recent decades, concurrent with an increase in the rate of Antarctic ice-shelf melting (AISM). We investigate the impact of increasing AISM on hydrography through a twin numerical experiment, with and without AISM, using a global coupled sea-ice/ocean climate model. The difference between these simulations gives a qualitative understanding of the impact of increasing AISM on hydrography. It is found that increasing AISM tends to freshen the surface water, warm the intermediate and deep waters, and freshen and warm the bottom water in the Southern Ocean. Such effects are consistent with the recent observed trends, suggesting that increasing AISM is likely a significant contributor to the changes in the Southern Ocean. Our analyses indicate potential positive feedback between hydrography and AISM that would amplify the effect on both Southern Ocean hydrography and Antarctic ice-shelf loss caused by external factors such as changing Southern Hemisphere winds.
Evaluation of vertical forces in the pads of German Shepherd dogs
Authors: Pinto A. C. B. C. F. , Marvulle V. , Matera J. M. , Souza A. N. A. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryObjective: To evaluate vertical forces in the pads of German Shepherd dogs by relative percentage among total limb vertical forces using a pressure sensitive walkway.Procedure: A pressure sensitive walkway was used to collect vertical force data for each pad of the limbs of 16 healthy client-owned German Shepherd dogs used for kinetic gait analysis. The vertical force for each pad was evaluated as a percentage of total limb vertical force. Weight distribution among limbs was also recorded. Velocity and acceleration were within a range of 1.3 and 1.6 ± 0.1 m/s2. The ANOVA test was used to compare data and the paired t-test was used to assess symmetry (p <0.05).Results: The peak vertical force was higher on the metacarpal pad than on the metatarsal pad. Peak vertical force was highest on the metacarpal pad and metatarsal pad followed by the digital pads 3, 4 and 5 of the forelimb, and on the hindlimb by digital pads 3 and 4. Vertical impulse was greatest in the metacarpal pad and digital pads 3 and 4 of the forelimb and hindlimb respectively, followed by digital pads 3, 4, and 5 of the forelimb and the metatarsal pad.Conclusion and clinical relevance: A vertical force distribution pattern was observed on the pads of the German Shepherd dogs. These data are important for improving the understanding of vertical force distribution during gait and to assess orthopaedic conditions.
Experiences using the Fixin locking plate system for the stabilization of appendicular fractures in dogs
Authors: Nicetto T. , Urizzi A. , Isola M. , Petazzoni M. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryObjectives: To retrospectively evaluate the stabilization of appendicular fractures in dogs using the Fixin locking plate system.Materials and methods: Medical records and radiographs of dogs with fractures stabilized with the Fixin system in the period from May 2005 to September 2010 were reviewed. For each patient, data pertaining to signalment, the nature of the fracture, implants used, and evidence of fracture healing were recorded. The outcome and complications were determined from clinical and radiographic follow-up examinations. Limb function was evaluated between 40 days and 90 days postoperatively. Owners of pets with complications were contacted by phone for long-term follow-up.Results: Eighty-two fractures in seventy-five dogs met the inclusion criteria for the study. Radiographic re-examinations were carried out between eight days to two years (median 60 days) following surgery. Seventy-three out of 82 fractures (89%) reached union without complications. Major complications were seen in six dogs (7%). Limb function was graded as ‘normal’ in 73/75 (97%) dogs and ‘mild lameness’ in 2/75 (3%) cases.Clinical significance: Despite a modest complication rate, the Fixin locking bone plating system appears to be an acceptable choice of implant for the stabilization of appendicular fractures in dogs.
A retrospective study of 109 dogs with mandibular fractures
Authors: de Rooster H. , Ferreira S. M. , Steenkamp G. , Kitshoff A. M. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryObjective: To determine patient factors and fracture morphology of dogs presented with mandibular fractures to a small animal referral centre in South Africa.Methods: Patient data on age, sex, breed and aetiology of dogs with mandibular fractures were recorded. The fractures were classified according to the anatomical location, displacement, fracture type, fracture line direction, periodontal pathology, and whether there were teeth in the fracture line or not by evaluation of preoperative radiographs. Clinical observations indicated whether these fractures were open or closed.Results: In total, 109 dogs with 135 mandibular fractures were included in the study. Small breed dogs and dogs less than eight months of age predominated (102/109). Dog fights were the most common aetiology in this study (68/109). The molar region was the most commonly affected region (56/135). Evaluation of the radiographs revealed that transverse (73/135), relatively unstable (116/135), and displaced (112/135) fractures were the most common. The majority of fractures involved teeth in the fracture line (100/135), with the first molar frequently involved (54/135). The majority of fractures were open (104/135).Clinical significance: The results obtained from this study may be used to guide patient and fracture morphology selection in biomechanical studies of mandibular fracture repair techniques. Screening of this patient population may inspire the search for new treatment options for mandibular fracture repair in South Africa.
The effect of blood contamination on equine synovial fluid analysis
Authors: Roquet I. , Hendrick S. , Carmalt J. L. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryObjective: Based on a systemic complete blood count and a synovial fluid sample, to develop a mathematical model enabling the approximation of corrected values for synovial fluid white blood cell (WBC) count, neutrophil percentage, and total protein concentration in samples of synovial fluid that were contaminated by blood.Methods: Peripheral venous blood and synovial fluid samples were obtained from ten horses. A pooled synovial fluid sample from each horse was separated into 2 mL aliquots, which were subsequently contaminated with a known percentage of autogenous blood (0 to 50% of the synovial fluid volume). A complete blood count, packed cell volume, total protein (TP) concentration, and differential cytological examination were performed in all the synovial fluid and venous blood samples. Regression analysis was used to generate a model to calculate non-contaminated synovial WBC count, TP concentration and synovial neutrophil percentage. Using a further five horses these models were applied in blinded fashion to contaminated synovial fluid samples. Calculated values were compared to non-contaminated measured values.Results: Model results for synovial WBC count and TP concentration were not significantly different from measured values. Calculated neutrophil percentage of synovial fluid WBC was a mean of 6.6% higher than measured values and was significantly different. There was no effect of the severity of contamination (as a percentage of volume) on the ability of the models to predict any of the outcome variables.Clinical significance: It is possible to calculate non-contaminated synovial fluid WBC and TP values, but not neutrophil percentage, from heavily contaminated samples. Further study would allow for improved prediction, validation and extrapolation to a wider horse population.
Management of degenerative lumbosacral disease in cats by dorsal laminectomy and lumbosacral stabilization
Authors: Danielski A. , Bertran J. , Fitzpatrick N. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryIn this case series we describe the diagnosis and surgical treatment of five cats affected by clinical cauda equina syndrome as a result of degenerative lumbosacral stenosis. Radiographic and magnetic resonance imaging findings confirmed the suspected diagnosis of disc-associated lumbosacral disease. Cauda equina decompression was achieved by dorsal laminectomy followed by dorsal annulectomy and nuclear extirpation. Dorsal stabilization was achieved using miniature positive-profile pins inserted into the vertebral body of L7 and the wings of S1 with the free ends of the pins being embedded in a bolus of gentamicin-impregnated polymethylmethacrylate. Reassessment two years postoperatively using a previously validated feline specific owner questionnaire indicated satisfactory outcome with complete return to normal activity and resolution of signs of pain in all cases.
Symplasmic, long‐distance transport in xylem and cambial regions in branches of Acer pseudoplatanus (Aceraceae) and Populus tremula × P. tremuloides (Salicaceae)
Authors: Sokołowska Katarzyna , Zagórska‐Marek Beata 
Published: November 2012

• Premise of the study: The picture of how long‐distance transport proceeds in trees is still far from being complete. Beside the apoplasmic pathway, transport undoubtedly also takes place within the system of living cells in the secondary xylem and cambial region. Because detailed, thorough studies of the symplasmic routes in woody branches, using direct localization with fluorescent tracers, had not been done, here we focused on the main routes of long‐distance symplasmic transport in xylem and cambial tissues and analyzed in detail tracer distribution in the rays on the extended cambial surface in branches of Acer pseudoplatanus and Populus tremula ×P. tremuloides.• Methods: Fluorescent tracers were loaded into branches through the vascular system, then their distribution in xylem and cambial regions was analyzed.• Key results: Tracer signal was present in the symplast of axial and radial xylem parenchyma cells and in both types of cambial cells. The living cells of xylem parenchyma and of the cambium were symplasmically interconnected via xylem rays. Tracer distribution in rays was uneven on the extended cambial surface; cambial regions with intensively or sparsely dyed rays alternated along the vertical axis of analyzed branches.• Conclusions: Symplasmic, long‐distance transport is present between the living cells of xylem and the cambial region in woody branches. The uneven distribution of fluorescent tracers in cambial rays along the stems is surprising and suggests the presence of an intrinsic pattern caused by an unknown mechanism.
Two-year Results of an Open Pilot Study of a 2-treatment Course with Rituximab in Patients with Early Systemic Sclerosis with Diffuse Skin Involvement
Authors: SMITH VANESSA , PIETTE YVES , VAN PRAET JENS T. , DECUMAN SASKIA , DESCHEPPER ELLEN , ELEWAUT DIRK , DE KEYSER FILIP 
Published: November 2012

Objective.To study safety and potential efficacy of a 2-treatment course (month 0/6) with rituximab (RTX) in early diffuse systemic sclerosis (dcSSc).Methods.Two years’ followup (open-label study) was done of 8 patients with early dcSSc. Patients received an infusion of 1000 mg RTX 2 times at months 0 and 6, with 100 mg methylprednisolone. Clinical measurements, Disease Activity Score, functional status, and CD19+ peripheral blood count were performed at months 0, 3, 6, 12, 15, 18, and 24 and histopathological evaluation of the skin at months 0, 3, 12, and 24.Results.There was a clinically significant change in skin score, with a mean Modified Rodnan skin score of 24.8 at baseline (SD 3.4) and 13.6 at Month 24 [SD 5.6; mixed models analyses (MMA) p < 0.0001] and a significant decrease in Disease Activity Score (DAS), with a median of 4.5 at baseline (range 1.5–7.5) and 0.5 at Month 24 (range 0.0–5.5; MMA p < 0.0001). Indices of internal organ involvement remained stable throughout the study. RTX induced effective B cell depletion at baseline and Month 6 (< 5 CD19+ cells/μl blood). The blindly assessed hyalinized collagen score changed significantly over time (MMA p = 0.009), with a mean of 69.3 at baseline (SD 22.8) and 33.1 at 24 months (SD 27.0). Five serious adverse events were considered unrelated to the RTX treatment.Conclusion.A 2-treatment course (months 0/6) with RTX appears to be well tolerated and may have potential efficacy for skin disease and stabilization of internal organ status in early dcSSc. Clinical Trials Registration NCT00379431.
La liberté d'association au regard de l'adhésion des mineurs
Authors: Alfandari Elie 
Published: October 2012

Résumé Deux approches complémentaires, politique et juridique, permettent d’appréhender la liberté d’association. Cette liberté de s’associer, d’adhérer à une association, est-elle applicable aux mineurs ? Sans doute, au titre de la liberté individuelle, avec plus de difficulté, en référence à la liberté de contracter qui demande d’avoir la capacité de le faire, l’incapacité des mineurs peut alors se présenter comme une restriction à la liberté individuelle. Heureusement, il existe des tempéraments apportés à l’incapacité des mineurs. L’auteur montre, en conclusion, comment le recours à la notion « d’intérêt supérieur de l’enfant » permet de résoudre cette question complexe.
Partir pour grandir ou ne pas grandir ? Le volontariat de solidarité internationale
Authors: Bosselut Clémence 
Published: October 2012

Résumé Chaque année, des individus, en majorité de jeunes adultes, partent vers des pays du Sud ou de l’Est comme volontaires de solidarité internationale. Cette expérience à caractère symbolique et initiatique s’inscrit dans des stratégies individuelles complexes et contribue, entre autres, au passage à l’âge adulte. À partir d’une enquête réalisée auprès de jeunes volontaires partant avec la Délégation catholique pour la coopération, trois types d’expériences de volontariat ont été distingués : la transition initiatique vers l’âge adulte, le moratoire et la simple ponctuation dans la construction identitaire de l’être adulte.
Les « jeunes vulnérables » : essai de définition
Authors: Becquet Valérie 
Published: October 2012

Dans quelle mesure la notion de vulnérabilité contribue-t-elle à une meilleure compréhension de la situation des jeunes ? C’est à cette question que tente de répondre cet article en confrontant les définitions et les analyses de la vulnérabilité et de la jeunesse. L’auteure souligne tout d’abord la plasticité de la notion de vulnérabilité dont la définition est discutée, puis propose une présentation des principales conclusions des travaux sur la jeunesse mettant en évidence le fait que les situations de vulnérabilité traversent la période juvénile et s’incarnent dans des configurations particulières.