bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pre-Operative Factors Affecting Resectability of Giant Intracranial Meningiomas
Authors: Quiñones-Hinojosa Alfredo , Kaprealian Tania , Chaichana Kaisorn L. , Sanai Nader , Parsa Andrew T. , Berger Mitchel S. , McDermott Michael W. 
Published: December 2014

Objective:Larger intracranial tumors require extended operating times and may be associated with increased perioperative complications. There are few reports describing the experience of resecting large meningiomas ≥5cm in a variety of locations. As a group, it remains largely unknown whether these relatively rare lesions are amenable to radical resection, and what factors influence their resectability.Methods:Sixty-seven patients undergoing surgery for a large intracranial meningioma (≥5cm in the longest dimension) between 1998 and 2004 were retrospectively reviewed. The surgeries were performed at a single institution University of California at San Francisco. Predictors of resectability were assessed via multivariate logistical regression analysis.Results:Thirty-nine (58%) patients underwent gross total resection (GTR) (Simpson grades I/II). There were no cases of perioperative mortality. At last follow-up, symptoms improved in 39 (58%) patients, remained unchanged in 20 (30%), and were aggravated in 8 (12%). In the multivariate model for all large meningiomas, age>45 years [OR(95%CI);0.127 (0.026-0.616),p=0.01] and superior sagittal sinus involvement [OR(95%CI);0.160 (0.026-0.976),p=0.05] were negative predictors of GTR, while preoperative embolization [OR(95%CI);8.087(1.719-38.044),p=0.008] was positively associated with GTR. For only supratentorial meningiomas, superior sagittal sinus involvement [OR (95%CI);0.077 (0.010-0.571),p=0.01] and preoperative embolization [OR(95%CI);10.492(1.961-56.135),p=0.006] were independently associated with GTR.Conclusions:This study evaluated a subset of large intracranial meningiomas ≥5cm. The results indicate that GTR can be achieved in the majority of cases with limited morbidity and mortality, where symptoms will likely improve and recurrences seldom occur. This study may provide useful insights for patients undergoing surgery for large intracranial meningiomas.
Cine Phase-Contrast MR Images Failed to Predict Clinical Outcome Following ETV
Authors: Di Xiao , Ragab M. , Luciano Mark G. 
Published: December 2014

Background:To predict success of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) in patients with obstructive hydrocephalus, we evaluated pre- and post- operative phase-contrast cine magnetic resonance images (PC MRI) on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), cine flow in basal cisterns around the brain stem, and cervical medullar junction (CMJ) retrospectively.Methods:The study involved 102 patients with mean age of 36.74±23.25, and F/M = 1.55. All patients had PC MRI taken both pre- and post-operatively. A dynamic MRI video of PC MRI was reviewed at sagittal, axial, and coronal sections to determine cistern flows around the brain stem and CMJ. For quantitative analysis, quadrants were divided around midbrain axially to evaluate interpeduncular, quadrageminal, and ambient cisterns of both sides using scores of 0 to 60. Pre- and post- pontine and CMJ flows were shown in sagittal view and scored 0 to 20, and lateral cerebellopontine cisterns of both sides were measured on coronal image and scored 0 to 20.Results:No significant difference in CSF flow was seen from three individual views and total cine score, or between ETV success and failure groups by multivariate analysis of variance. Kaplan-Meier Analysis and Spearman's Correlation Test produced no relationship between MRI cine flow scores and interval period after surgery to ETV failure.Conclusion:PC MRI cine flow failed to demonstrate significant differences between successful and failed ETV groups. This indicates in addition to achieving an adequate fenestration, CSF pathways beyond the basal cisterns around the brain stem and CMJ may play an essential role in achieving ETV success.
Postoperative Surveillance Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Cerebellar Astrocytoma
Authors: Vassilyadi Michael , Shamji Mohammed F. , Tataryn Zachary , Keene Daniel , Ventureyra Enrique 
Published: December 2014

Introduction:Patients with low grade astrocytomas generally have good prognosis when total resection can be achieved, but surveillance neuroimaging is commonly performed to detect recurrence or progression. This study evaluated the utility and yield of such strategy for pilocytic and non-pilocytic cerebellar astrocytomas.Methods:A 20-year retrospective review was performed of patients undergoing resection of cerebellar astrocytoma at a single institution. A negative MRI string (NMS) ratio was computed as the fraction of total follow-up period over which surveillance neuroimaging was negative for recurrence or progression. Chi-squared analysis differentiated NMS ratio by resection extent and lesion histopathology.Results:Twenty-eight patients with pilocytic (n=15) and non-pilocytic (n=13) astrocytoma underwent 34 craniotomies, with total resection in 19 cases. Surveillance MRIs (n=167) among total resection patients were uniformly negative for recurrent disease at average seven years follow-up (NMS ratio = 1.0). The 43 surveillance MRIs among subtotal resection patients revealed disease progression in two patients within six months of operation (NMS ratio = 0.78, p<0.05). No differences in NMS ratio were observed between pilocytic and non-pilocytic astrocytoma subtypes.Discussion:This study illustrates pediatric patients with low-grade cerebellar astrocytomas undergoing total resection may not benefit from routine surveillance neuroimaging, primarily because of low recurrence likelihood. Patients with subtotal resection may benefit from surveillance of residual disease, with further work aimed at exploring the schedule of such follow-up.
The Cerebellar Dysplasia of Chiari II Malformation as Revealed by Eye Movements
Authors: Salman Michael S. , Dennis Maureen , Sharpe James A. 
Published: December 2014

Introduction:Chiari type II malformation (CII) is a developmental deformity of the hindbrain. We have previously reported that many patients with CII have impaired smooth pursuit, while few make inaccurate saccades or have an abnormal vestibuloocular reflex. In contrast, saccadic adaptation and visual fixation are normal. In this report, we correlate results from several eye movement studies with neuroimaging in CII. We present a model for structural changes within the cerebellum in CII.Methods:Saccades, smooth pursuit, the vestibulo-ocular reflex, and visual fixation were recorded in 21 patients with CII, aged 8-19 years and 39 age-matched controls, using an infrared eye tracker. Qualitative and quantitative MRI data were correlated with eye movements in 19 CII patients and 28 controls.Results:Nine patients with CII had abnormal eye movements. Smooth pursuit gain was subnormal in eight, saccadic accuracy abnormal in four, and vestibulo-ocular reflex gain abnormal in three. None had fixation instability. Patients with CII had a significantly smaller cerebellar volume than controls, and those with normal eye motion had an expanded midsagittal vermis compared to controls. However, patients with abnormal eye movements had a smaller (non-expanded) midsagittal vermis area, posterior fossa area and medial cerebellar volumes than CII patients with normal eye movements.Conclusions:The deformity of CII affects the structure and function of the cerebellum selectively and differently in those with abnormal eye movements. We propose that the vermis can expand when compressed within a small posterior fossa in some CII patients, thus sparing its ocular motor functions.
Seroprevalence ofChlamydia PneumoniaeAntibodies in Stroke in Young
Authors: Bandaru V. C. S. Srinivasarao , Boddu D. Babu , Laxmi V. , Neeraja M. , Kaul S. 
Published: December 2014

Background:Younger patients, aged below 45 years, usually lack the conventional risk factors of stroke whereas infections, especially in developing countries, may play a role. There have been many reports in the last decade about the association ofChlamydia pneumoniae(C.pneumoniae) and atherosclerosis involving cerebral vessels.Objective:To investigate the seroprevalence ofC.pneumoniaeIgG and IgA antibodies in patients aged below 45 years with acute ischemic stroke.Methods:This study was done at a tertiary care hospital in South India between January 2004 and December 2006 where we recruited consecutive patients aged less than 45years with acute ischemic stroke. Age and sex matched controls were recruited from the outpatient department with non stroke diagnosis. All stroke patients underwent CT (Computerized Tomography), MRI (Magnetic Resonance Image), MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiography), Transthoracic Echocardiography and Carotid Doppler for stroke sub group diagnosis. We measuredC.pneumoniaeantibodies IgG and IgA by microimmunofluorescence technique in all patients and controls.Results:A total of 120 patients and 120 controls were studied over a period of two years. We foundC.pneumoniaeantibodies in 29.1% (35/120) stroke patients and in 12.5% (15/120) control subjects (p=0.002).C.pneumoniaeIgG antibodies were found in 27.5 % (33/120) of stroke patients and 12.5% (15/120) of controls (p=0.006). IgAantibodies were observed in 5 % (6/120) of strokes and none in control group (p=0.03). After adjustment of all risk factorsC.pneumoniaeIgG seropositivity showed odds ratio of 2.6; 95% Confidence Interval 1.2-5.6.Conclusions:C.pneumoniaeIgG antibodies were found to be associated with ischemic stroke in young.
Evaluating an Organized Palliative Care Approach in Patients with Severe Stroke
Authors: Blacquiere Dylan P. V. , Gubitz Gord J. , Dupere David , McLeod Deborah , Phillips Stephen 
Published: December 2014

Background:A recent survey found few guidelines on the provision of palliative care following stroke; none examined the efficacy or results of any such process. The role of the patient's family in decision making and in conflicts with staff has not been evaluated. We sought to formally evaluate the use of locally-developed palliative care guidelines on our Acute Stroke Unit (ASU).Methods:We retrospectively examined records of 104 patients who died on our ASU over a two-year period to determine if our existing palliative guidelines were reflected in clinical practice, and to identify conflicts that arose. Data on medical and nursing care, palliative decisions, and medication use were compared to the ASU's existing palliative care guidelines. Family concerns about the palliative process were also reviewed.Results:Of patients admitted to the stroke unit, 104 (16% of total admissions) died. Ninety-four (90.4%) of these were palliated; all received routine nursing and comfort care prior to death. Median time from admission to palliation was 3.6 days; median time from admission to death was 8.5 days. Most had vital signs (98.9%), investigations (100%) and non-palliative medications (95.7%) stopped, and had nasogastric feeding (96.8%) and intravenous fluids (87.2%) withdrawn or never begun. Most were treated with morphine (93.6%) and scopolamine (81.9%). Concerns raised by family members centered around hydration and feeding (45.7%), doubts about palliative care (27.8%) and patient comfort (18.2%).Conclusions:A formal approach to palliation results in timely decisions regarding end of life care with relatively few conflicts. Further work to address the specific concerns of families is needed.
Evaluation of ThinkFirst for Kids Injury Prevention Curriculum for Grades 7/8
Authors: Vassilyadi Michael , Duquette Cheryll , Shamji Mohammed F. , Orders Shari , Dagenais Simon 
Published: December 2014

Background:Head injury causes substantial morbidity and mortality in children. The ThinkFirst For Kids (TFFK) program improves knowledge of safe behaviours in kindergarten to Grade 6 students.Methods:This study evaluated the TFFK curriculum for grade 7/8 students. Knowledge acquisition was assessed quantitatively by an injury prevention test at baseline, at curriculum completion, and six weeks later. Participant experiences and behaviours were explored qualitatively by interviews and focus groups.Results:Students (n=204) and teachers (n=6) from four schools participated in this study. Test scores improved from baseline (26.48±0.17, n=204), to completion (27.75±0.16, n=176), to six weeks post-completion (28.65±0.13, n=111) (p<0.05). Most students reported their decision-making and participation in risky behaviors was altered by the curriculum.Interpretation:The TFFK curriculum may promote education about head injury prevention among Grade 7/8 students, with a suggestion of long-term knowledge retention. The curriculum was wellreceived and may be suitable to reduce risky behavior and injuries in children.
Management of Optic Neuritis in Canada: Survey of Ophthalmologists and Neurologists
Authors: Atkins Edward J. , Drews-Botsch Carolyn D. , Newman Nancy J. , Calvetti Olivier , Swanson Seegar , Biousse Valérie 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTBackground:Acute isolated optic neuritis is often the first manifestation of multiple sclerosis (MS), and its management remains controversial. Over the past decade, with the advent of new disease-modifying agents, management of isolated optic neuritis has become more complicated.Objectives:To evaluate the current practice patterns of Canadian ophthalmologists and neurologists in the management of acute optic neuritis, and to evaluate the impact of recently published randomized clinical trials.Design:Mail survey.Methods:All practicing ophthalmologists and neurologists in Canada were mailed a survey evaluating the management of isolated acute optic neuritis and familiarity with recent clinical trials. Surveys for 1158 were mailed, and completed surveys were collected anonymously through a datafax system. Second and third mailings were sent to non-respondents 6 and 12 weeks later.Results:The final response rate was 34.5%. Although many acute optic neuritis patients initially present to ophthalmologists, neurologists are the physicians primarily managing these patients. Ordering magnetic resonance imaging, and treating with high dose intravenous steroids has become the standard of care. However, 15% of physicians (14% of ophthalmologists and 16% of neurologists) continue to prescribe low dose oral steroids, and steroids are being given for reasons other than to shorten the duration of visual symptoms by 73% of ophthalmologists and 50% of neurologists. More neurologists than ophthalmologists are familiar with recent clinical trials involving disease-modifying agents.Conclusion:Although the management of acute optic neuritis has been evaluated in large clinical trials that were published in major international journals, some ophthalmologists and neurologists are not following evidence-based recommendations.
Pilot Study of Minocycline in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Zhang Yunyan , Metz Luanne M , Yong V Wee , Bell Robert B , Yeung Michael , Patry David G , Mitchell J Ross 
Published: December 2014

Background:Current multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment is only partially effective and not all patients respond well. The goal in this study was to evaluate minocycline for its safety, tolerability, and MRI impact as a potential therapy over 36 months after a three month run-in in ten relapsing-remitting (RR) MS patients.Methods:Clinical assessments were at three month intervals until six months, then at six month intervals. Three Tesla MRI was performed monthly during the run-in and first six months of treatment, then at 12, 24, and 36 months.Results:Treatment was safe and well tolerated. Annualized relapse rate was 1.2 during the run-in and 0.25 during treatment. The proportion of active scans was lower during the first six months of treatment (5.6%, p<0.001) and during the extension (8.7%, p= 0.002) than during the run-in (47.5%). Consistent with these outcomes, mean T2 lesion volume remained stable over three years and percent brain volume change was reduced during year three (-0.37%) of minocycline treatment.Conclusions:This trial is limited by small sample and no control group but suggests that minocycline is safe and potentially beneficial in RRMS. This supports further investigation of its efficacy.
Ophthalmoscopy: A 7-Step Program
Authors: Dooley Joseph M. , Gordon Kevin E. 
Published: December 2014

Background:Fundoscopy is viewed as a difficult or impossible task by many students and physicians. We have used a novel seven-step approach to teach trainees to use the ophthalmoscope. The technique is based on the premise that success is most easily achieved if the necessary motor skills are mastered first. A step by step approach will enable others to teach their trainees to attain the ability to routinely view the fundi of their pediatric patients.Methods:Step 1 involves examination of the trainee’s fundi to ensure there is no impediment to their success. In Step 2 the student examines the teacher. This identifies major errors. The next step teaches the trainee how to hold the ophthalmoscope. Step 4 gets the learner to read a journal article through the ophthalmoscope. In Step 5 they examine the teacher’s eyes again and with a little help they are always successful. In the last two steps an older patient is first examined and finally the student examines a young child.Conclusion:This method differs from most other approaches by leaving the cognitive component of ophthalmoscopy until the student is comfortable with handling the instrument. It has been uniformly successful among our students and residents.
Quality of Life and Memory after Vagus Nerve Stimulator Implantation for Epilepsy
Authors: McGlone Jeannette , Valdivia Ivan , Penner Marsha , Williams Jaime , Sadler R. Mark , Clarke David B. 
Published: December 2014

Objective:This prospective, case control study evaluates quality of life (QOL), depressive affect, and memory outcomes of epilepsy patients implanted with a vagus nerve stimulator (VNS).Methods:Three groups of patients with epilepsy underwent assessment on two occasions: 1) patients with a VNS were tested before and 12 months after implantation (n = 16); 2) patients who underwent cerebral resective surgery were tested pre- and post-operatively (n = 10); and 3) patients under medical management (n = 9). Group means were compared on the QOLIE-89, Geriatric Depression Scale, Wechsler Memory Scale - III, and the Memory Observation Questionnaire. Secondary analyses calculated the reliable change index, providing information on change beyond measurement error and chance.Results:Mean ratings of QOL, depression, and memory complaints and objective memory scores remained stable or improved in all the groups. The QOL improved more after cerebral resective surgery than VNS or medication controls, but the VNS and medication control groups did not differ. In the VNS group, QOL was not related to seizure reduction. The percentage of cases showing real change in memory was equivalent across groups, except in one of eight indices (i.e., verbal recognition memory).Conclusions:This first case controlled design found that vagus nerve stimulation as an adjunctive therapy for seizure control did not change QOL, depressive affect, or objective memory scores over one-year more so than medical management alone. We point out the need for larger case control, non-industry funded investigations.
L’absence épileptique de l’enfance dont le controle nécessite plus d’un medicament.
Authors: Nadler B. , Shevell M. I. 
Published: December 2014

Introduction:Absence epilepsy is the most common primary generalized epilepsy syndrome encountered in pediatric practice. Treatment is pharmacologically specific and usually successful with a single medication. The objective of this study was to identify any clinical or electroencephalographic features at initial presentation in a consecutive cohort of children with absence epilepsy that may be associated with the need for a second medication.Methods:A computerized pediatric neurology database (1991-2007 inclusive) was retrospectively searched for all patients with typical absence seizures, 3 Hz spike and wave on EEG and no apparent symptomatic etiology who were over the age of two years at seizure onset with at least one year of follow-up. All such children were then divided into two groups; a) those requiring a single medication for seizure control (Group 1), and b) those requiring two medications for seizure control despite optimal management with the initial medication as determined by serum drug monitoring (Group 2). Clinical and electrographic features evident at diagnosis were then contrasted between Group 1 and 2.Results:Seventy-five children with absence seizures were initially identified with 52 meeting the study’s inclusion and none of the exclusion criteria. Of these 52 children, 43 required a single medication for seizure control (Group 1), while 9 required two or more medications for seizure control (Group 2). A significant difference (p<0.05) was apparent between Group 1 and 2 with respect to gender (16/43 males vs 8/9 males) and mean age of diagnosis (8.19 years +/− 3.00 vs 6.06 years +/− 2.22). Age of onset of seizures, interval duration of seizures prior to treatment initiation, duration of seizures, presence of automatisms, family history, presence of co-morbid conditions and EEG findings were not found to be significantly different between the two Groups.Conclusions:Male gender and an earlier age of diagnosis is associated with the need for two medications for seizure control in children with absence epilepsy. This observation may suggest the need for more intensive early programmatic follow-up for young male children with newly diagnosed absence epilepsy to effect more rapid attainment of seizure control.
Can Clinical Data Predict Progression to Dementia in Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment?
Authors: Fellows Lesley , Bergman Howard , Wolfson Christina , Chertkow Howard 
Published: December 2014

Background:To determine whether clinical data obtained by history and physical examination can predict eventual progression to dementia in a cohort of elderly people with mild cognitive impairment.Methods:A prospective, longitudinal study of a cohort of elderly subjects with amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Ninety subjects meeting the criteria for amnestic MCI were recruited and followed annually for an average of 3.3 years. Main outcome measure was the development of dementia determined by clinical assessment with confirmatory neuropsychological evaluation.Results:Fifty patients (56%) developed dementia on follow-up. They were older, had lower Mini-mental status exam (MMSE) scores and a shorter duration of symptoms at the time of first assessment. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified age at symptom onset as the only clinical parameter which distinguished the group that deteriorated to dementia from the group that did not. The odds ratio for age was 1.1 (confidence interval 1.04 - 1.18).Conclusions:Patients presenting with amnestic MCI insufficient for the diagnosis of dementia are at high risk of developing dementia on follow-up. In our cohort, 56% were diagnosed with dementia over an average period of 5.9 years from symptom onset. The only clinical predictor for the eventual development of dementia was older age at symptom onset. Clinical features alone were insufficient to predict development of dementia.