bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of elevated glial expression of interleukin-1β with improved survival in patients with glioblastomas multiforme
Authors: Cuny Emmanuel , Loiseau Hugues , Penchet Guillaume , Ellie Emmanuel , Arsaut Josette , Vital Anne , Vincendeau Philippe , Demotes-Mainard Jacques 
Published: May 2009

Object. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) expression with improved survival in patients with glioblastomas multiforme (GBMs). Immune and vascular host—tumor interactions play a pivotal role in the control of tumor development, and inflammatory mechanisms may participate in the host's defense against tumor cells. Expression of proinflammatory cytokines and of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) has been noted in various types of malignant tumors, raising the possibility that endogenous expression of cytokines and the resulting cytotoxic action of sustained NO production play a role in the control of tumor growth. Indeed, human GBMs express variable amounts of iNOS.
Methods. In this study, the expression of iNOS and of cytokines known to upregulate IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor—α, interferon-γ or downregulate iNOS transcription (IL-10, transforming growth factor [TGF]β1, and TGFβ2) were measured using reverse transcription—polymerase chain reaction with competitor DNA in 39 samples of human GBM. The iNOS level in GBM was positively correlated with IL-1β messenger (m)RNA, but not with the other cytokines tested. Immunocytochemical double labeling revealed that both anti-iNOS immunoreactivity and anti—IL-1β immunoreactivity colocalized with glial fibrillary acidic protein immunoreactivity in GBM. Some macrophage/microglial cells also expressed iNOS, but not IL-1β. Comparison of biological data with clinical parameters indicated that the survival duration was enhanced when levels of IL-1β mRNA were elevated or when levels of TGFβ2 were low, but was independent of the level of iNOS mRNA within the tumor.
Conclusions. Taken together, these data indicate that the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β produced within GBM by glial-derived cells has a negative impact on tumor growth through a mechanism independent of iNOS induction.
Far-lateral approach to intradural lesions of the foramen magnum without resection of the occipital condyle
Authors: Nanda Anil , Vincent David A. , Vannemreddy Prasad S. S. V. , Baskaya Mustafa K. , Chanda Amitabha 
Published: May 2009

Object. The goal of this study was to determine whether drilling out the occipital condyle facilitates surgery via the far-lateral approach by comparing data from 10 clinical cases with that from studies of eight cadaver heads.
Methods. During the last 6 years at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center—Shreveport, 10 patients underwent surgery via the far-lateral approach to the foramen magnum. Six of these patients harbored anterior foramen magnum meningiomas, one patient a dermoid cyst, two patients vertebral artery (VA) aneurysms, and an additional patient suffered from rheumatoid disease of the craniocervical junction. The surgical approach consisted of retromastoid craniectomy and C-1 laminectomy.
The seven tumors and the pannus of rheumatoid disease were completely excised, and the two aneurysms were clipped without drilling the occipital condyle. In one patient a chronic subdural hematoma was found 3 months after surgery, but no patient displayed any complication associated with surgery. It is significant that in no patient was a cerebrospinal fluid leak present. All patients experienced improved neurological function postoperatively.
To compare surgical visibility, eight cadaveric specimens (16 sides) were studied, including delineation of the VA and its segments around the craniocervical junction. Increase in visibility as a function of fractional removal of the occipital condyle was quantified by measuring the degrees of visibility gained by removing one third and one half of the occipital condyle. Removal of one third of the occipital condyle produced a mean increase of 15.9° visibility, and removal of one half produced a mean increase of 19.9°.
Conclusions. On the basis of their findings the authors conclude that removal of the occipital condyle is not necessary for the safe and complete resection of anterior intradural foramen magnum tumors.
Superficial surgical landmarks for the frontal sinus
Authors: Tubbs R. Shane , Elton Scott , Salter George , Blount Jeffrey P. , Grabb Paul A. , Oakes W. Jerry 
Published: May 2009

Object. There is a lack of reports in the literature that contain descriptions of superficial anatomical landmarks for the identification of the internally located frontal sinus. Neurosurgeons must often enter the cranium through the frontal bone and knowledge of the frontal sinus is essential to minimize complications.
Methods. Seventy adult cadaveric frontal sinuses were evaluated. Measurements included both the lateral and superior extent of the frontal sinus in reference to a midpupillary line, and the superior extent of the frontal sinus from the nasion. Frontal sinuses were found bilaterally in all specimens. The mean height of the frontal sinus superior to the nasion was 2.8 cm. In 71.4% and 74.3% of specimens the lateral extent of the frontal sinus was found to be medial to the left and right midpupillary line, respectively. Distances superior to a plane drawn through the supraorbital ridges at a midpupillary line included a mean of 2.5 mm for the left side and 1.8 mm for the right side.
Conclusions. Of 70 sinuses, none extended more than 5 mm lateral to a midpupillary line. At this same midpupillary line and at a plane drawn through the supraorbital ridges, the frontal sinus was never higher than 12 mm. Finally, in the midline the frontal sinus never reached more than 4 cm above the nasion. These measurements will assist surgeons who must manipulate the frontal bone.
Accuracy of transcranial color Doppler ultrasonography in the diagnosis of middle cerebral artery spasm determined by receiver operating characteristic analysis
Authors: Mariak Zenon , Krejza Jaroslaw , Swiercz Miroslaw , Kordecki Kazimierz , Lewko Janusz 
Published: May 2009

Object. The value of transcranial Doppler ultrasonography for the detection of middle cerebral artery (MCA) spasm has been asserted. None of the published studies, however, has adequately scrutinized the overall diagnostic accuracy of this procedure. There are only sporadic reports concerning the utility of transcranial color Doppler (TCCD) ultrasonography, although this method has been proved to be more precise. In this study the authors attempted to estimate the performance of TCCD ultrasonography in detecting MCA narrowing by using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, based on TCCD studies obtained in a relatively large, randomly selected population of patients.
Methods. Transcranial color Doppler ultrasonography studies were obtained in 100 consecutive patients (54 men and 46 women ages 18–74 years, median age 50 years) routinely referred by neurosurgeons for intraarterial angiography. The M1 segment of the MCA was insonated using a 2.5-MHz probe via a temporal acoustic window, and angle-corrected flow velocities were obtained. Angiographically depicted vasospasm was graded as none, mild (≤ 25% vessel caliber reduction), and moderate to severe (> 25% vessel caliber reduction). The effectiveness of TCCD ultrasonography in diagnosing MCA spasm was evaluated by calculating the areas under the ROC curves (Az).
Of the 200 MCAs examined, 173 were successfully visualized with the aid of TCCD ultrasonography. Mild vasospasm was angiographically diagnosed in 15 arteries and moderate-to-severe vasospasm in 28. The best-performing TCCD parameter for the detection of MCA narrowing was revealed to be peak systolic velocity. The Az value for moderate-to-severe vasospasm only was 0.93 and that for all vasospasms was 0.8. The best efficiency, that is, the optimal tradeoff between sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing vasospasms, was associated with a peak systolic velocity of 182 cm/second.
Conclusions. The performance of TCCD ultrasonography in the diagnosis of advanced MCA narrowing is very good, and is acceptable for all vasospasms. The best-performing parameter was peak systolic velocity.
Electromagnetic field hazards involving adjustable shunt valves in hydrocephalus
Authors: Schneider Thomas , Knauff Uwe , Nitsch Jürgen , Firsching Raimund 
Published: May 2009

Object. Standard therapy for hydrocephalus involves shunts and valves, which are frequently adjustable. Because of increasing “electromagnetic smog” (for example, that generated by cellular phones), these valves are often exposed to electromagnetic fields.
Methods. Various magnetic fields were tested for their effects on two different kinds of adjustable valves. The minimum magnetic flux density affecting the adjustment of the valve was determined. Results were compared with magnetic fields found in contemporary everyday life.
In homogeneous magnetic fields the adjustment of one valve (Sophysa model SM8) was changed at 5 mT, whereas the second valve (Codman Hakim model CM) was not affected. In nonhomogeneous fields the SM8 valve was affected at 25 mT and the CM valve at 15 mT. Thus, these valves may be affected by headphones and telephone receivers. Surroundings such as the Japanese magnetic suspension railway and the lead cabin of electrical railway engines, in which critical levels of magnetic flux may be present, may also affect adjustable valves. The high-frequency fields of cellular phones, however, have no effect on these valves.
Conclusions. Every surgeon who implants these valves and every patient who receives them should know the possible hazards. The valve selection should be adapted to the environment of the patient. Devices with critical levels of electromagnetic flux that are used in the homes of patients should be replaced by ones with lower magnetic fields. The future construction of these valves should be modified in such a way that their adjustment requires a higher magnetic flux density, so that the valves become less sensitive to unwanted effects from environmental magnetic fields.
Preclinical evaluation of a novel device for delivering brachytherapy to the margins of resected brain tumor cavities
Authors: Stubbs James B. , Frankel Roger H. , Schultz Karl , Crocker Ian , Dillehay Dirck , Olson Jeffrey J. 
Published: May 2009

Object. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the safety and performance of a new brachytherapy applicator in the treatment of resected brain tumors in a canine model.
Methods. The brachytherapy applicator is an inflatable balloon catheter that is implanted in the resection cavity remaining after a brain tumor has been debulked. After implantation the balloon is inflated with Iotrex, a sterile solution containing organically bound iodine-125. The low-energy photons emitted by the iodine-125 deposit a therapeutic radiation dose across short distances from the surface of the balloon. After delivery of a prescribed radiation dose to the targeted volume, the radioactive fluid is retrieved and the catheter removed.
Small resections of the right frontal lobe were performed in large dogs. Magnetic resonance (MR) images were obtained and used to assess tissue response and to measure the conformance between the resection cavity wall and the balloon surface. In four animals a dose ranging from 36 to 59 Gy was delivered. Neurological status and histological characteristics of the brain were assessed in all dogs.
Implantation and explantation as well as inflation and deflation of the device were easily accomplished and well tolerated. The device was easily visualized on MR images, which demonstrated the expected postsurgical changes. The resection cavity and the balloon were highly conformal (range 93–100%). Histological changes to the cavity margin were consistent with those associated with surgical trauma. Additionally, radiation-related changes were observed at the margins of the resection cavity in dogs in which the brain was irradiated.
Conclusions. This balloon catheter and 125I radiotherapy solution system can safely and reliably deliver radiation to the margins of brain cavities created by tumor resection. Results of this study showed that intracranial pressure changes due to balloon inflation and deflation were unremarkable and characteristic of the imaging properties and radiation safety profile of the device prior to its clinical evaluation. Clinically relevant brachytherapy (adequate target volume and total dose) was accomplished in all four animals subjected to treatment.
Trigeminal schwannomas: removal of dumbbell-shaped tumors through the expanded Meckel cave and outcomes of cranial nerve function
Authors: Al-Mefty Ossama , Ayoubi Samer , Gaber Esam 
Published: May 2009

Object. As in patients with vestibular schwannomas, advances in surgical procedures have markedly improved outcomes in patients with trigeminal schwannomas. In this article the authors address the function of cranial nerves in a series of patients with trigeminal schwannomas that were treated with gross-total surgical removal. The authors emphasize a technique they use to remove a dumbbell-shaped tumor through the expanded Meckel cave, and discuss the advantage of the extradural zygomatic middle fossa approach for total removal of tumor and preservation or improvement of cranial nerve function.
Methods. Within an 11-year period (1989–2000), 25 patients (14 female and 11 male patients with a mean age of 44.4 years) with benign trigeminal schwannomas were surgically treated by the senior author (O.A.) with the aim of total removal of the tumor. Three patients had undergone previous surgery elsewhere. Trigeminal nerve dysfunction was present in all but two patients. Abducent nerve paresis was present in 40%. The approach in each patient was selected according to the location and size of the lesion. Nineteen tumors were dumbbell shaped and extended into both middle and posterior fossae. All 25 tumors involved the cavernous sinus. The zygomatic middle fossa approach was particularly useful and was used in 14 patients. The mean follow-up period was 33.12 months. In patients who had not undergone previous surgery, the preoperative trigeminal sensory deficit improved in 44%, facial pain decreased in 73%, and trigeminal motor deficit improved in 80%. Among patients with preoperative abducent nerve paresis, recovery was attained in 63%. Three patients (12%) experienced a persistent new or worse cranial nerve function postoperatively. Fifth nerve sensory deficit persisted in one of these patients, sensory and motor dysfunction in another, and motor trigeminal weakness in the third patient. In all patients a good surgical outcome was achieved. One patient died 2 years after treatment from an unrelated cause. In three patients the tumors recurred after an average of 22.3 months.
Conclusions. Preservation or improvement of cranial nerve function can be achieved through total removal of a trigeminal schwannoma, and skull base approaches are better suited to achieving this goal. The zygomatic middle fossa approach is particularly helpful and safe. It allows extradural tumor removal from the cavernous sinus, the infratemporal fossa, and the posterior fossa through the expanded Meckel cave.
Individual variations in the sulcal anatomy of the basal temporal lobe and its relevance for epilepsy surgery: an anatomical study performed using magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Novak Klaus , Czech Thomas , Prayer Daniela , Dietrich Wolfgang , Serles Wolfgang , Lehr Stephan , Baumgartner Christoph 
Published: May 2009

Object. The concept of selective amygdalohippocampectomy is based on pathophysiological insights into the epileptogenicity of the hippocampal region and the definition of the clinical syndrome of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). High-resolution magnetic resonance (MR) imaging allows correlation of the site of histologically conspicuous tissue with anatomical structure. The highly variable sulcal pattern of the basal temporal lobe, however, definitely complicates the morphometric analysis of histomorphologically defined subdivisions of the hippocampal region. The goal of this study was to define individual variations in the sulcal anatomy on the basis of preoperative MR images obtained in patients suffering from TLE.
Methods. The authors analyzed coronal MR images obtained in 50 patients for the presence of and intrinsic relationships among the rhinal, collateral, and occipitotemporal sulci. The surface relief of consecutive sections of 100 temporal lobes was graphically outlined and the resulting maps were used for visual analysis. The sulci were characterized by measurement of their depth, distance to the temporal horn, and laterality. The anatomical measurements and frequencies of sulcal patterns were assessed for statistical correlation with patients' histories and the lateralization of the seizure focus.
Conclusions. Statistical assessment shows that patient sex is a significant factor in sulcal patterns. Anatomical measurements are significantly decreased on the side of the seizure origin, which relates to loss of white matter, a known morphological abnormality associated with TLE. Magnetic resonance imaging allows for accurate preoperative knowledge of individual sulcal patterns and facilitates intraoperative orientation to anatomical landmarks.
Spontaneous spinal cerebrospinal fluid leaks and minor skeletal features of Marfan syndrome: a microfibrillopathy
Authors: Schrijver Iris , Schievink Wouter I. , Godfrey Maurice , Meyer Fredric B. , Francke Uta 
Published: May 2009

Object. Spontaneous spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks are increasingly recognized as a cause of postural headaches. The authors examined a group of patients suffering from spontaneous spinal CSF leaks who also had minor skeletal features of Marfan syndrome for abnormalities of fibrillin-containing microfibrils.
Methods. Patients with spontaneous CSF leaks were evaluated for the clinical characteristics of connective tissue disorders. Skin biopsies were obtained in three patients with skeletal manifestations that constitute part of the Marfan syndrome phenotype. Cultured fibroblasts were studied for fibrillin-1 synthesis and incorporation into the extracellular matrix (ECM) by performing quantitative metabolic labeling and immunohistochemical analysis. Among 20 consecutive patients found to have spinal CSF leaks, four (20%) exhibited minor skeletal features of Marfan syndrome, but lacked any ocular or cardiovascular abnormalities. The mean age of these patients (30 years) was lower than that of the 16 patients without skeletal abnormalities (44 years; p = 0.01). Abnormalities in fibrillin1 metabolism and immunostaining were detected in all three patients with the skeletal abnormalities who underwent examination, but not in a control patient without these skeletal manifestations.
Conclusions. Twenty percent of patients who experience spontaneous spinal CSF leaks have minor skeletal features of Marfan syndrome. The authors demonstrated abnormalities in fibrillin-1 protein deposition in all patients examined, but only one person was found to have a fibrillin-1 abnormality typically found in classic Marfan syndrome. The results indicate that there is a heterogeneous involvement of other components of ECM microfibrils at the basis of this cerebrospinal manifestation. In addition, the authors identified a connective-tissue etiological factor in a group of disorders not previously classified as such.
Stent placement for the treatment of occlusive atherosclerotic carotid artery disease in patients with concomitant coronary artery disease
Authors: Lopes Demetrius K. , Mericle Robert A. , Lanzino Giuseppe , Wakhloo Ajay K. , Guterman Lee R. , Hopkins L. Nelson 
Published: May 2009

Object. The authors report their experience with carotid artery stent placement (CASP) in patients with concomitant carotid artery (CA) and coronary artery (CorA) diseases.
Methods. In a review of 320 consecutive patients who underwent CASP, the authors identified 49 with severe CorA disease in addition to significant CA stenosis, who had undergone CASP before planned CorA bypass grafting (CorABG). The average age of these 49 patients was 68 years. In 39 patients (80%) the New York Heart Association functional classification grade was IV and in 10 the grade was III. In 26 patients 50% or greater stenosis of the left main CorA was found. Seventeen patients (35%) suffered from either significant hemodynamic contralateral CA stenosis (> 60% stenosis; eight patients) or contralateral CA occlusion (nine patients). Sixteen patients (33%) had symptomatic CA disease.
No cerebrovascular events occurred during CorABG. Four patients (8%) died of cardiac arrest and one patient (2%) suffered a major stroke within 30 days after the CorABG procedure. No patient experienced clinically significant recurrent CA stenosis during the study period (average clinical follow-up period 27 months).
Conclusions. Carotid artery stent placement should be considered as an alternative for the management of concomitant CA and CorA diseases. These preliminary results support the feasibility and durability of CASP in the population studied.
Seasonal variation in the incidence of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage in hospital- and community-based studies
Authors: Inagawa Tetsuji 
Published: May 2009

Object. The aim of this study was to examine seasonal variations in the onset of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in one hospital-based and one community-based patient series.
Methods. The study population consisted of 941 patients with aneurysmal SAH who were admitted to Shimane Prefectural Central Hospital and 358 patients who were treated in Izumo City, Japan. When investigated as a whole, no significant seasonal variations were found in either population; however, in both series, statistically significant seasonal trends, with a peak in winter and a nadir in summer, were found among patients aged 59 years or younger (p < 0.05 for the hospital-based series and p < 0.005 for the community-based series), but not among those aged 60 years or older, regardless of sex. In the hospital-based series, seasonal variations were most apparent at certain times of day, with significant variations observed between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. or 8:00 a.m. and noon (p < 0.001 and p < 0.005, respectively), regardless of patient age, and between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. for patients aged 59 years or younger (p < 0.05). Consequently, seasonal variations were significant during daytime hours (between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., p < 0.005) but not during the night (between 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.). Similar tendencies were found in the community-based series. Among patients aged 59 years or younger who had no risk factors for SAH, these seasonal variations were significant in both series. In patients with untreated hypertension, who were current smokers and daily alcohol drinkers, however, no significant patterns were observed in either series, even among younger patients.
Conclusions. In both hospital- and community-based studies, aneurysmal SAH appears to undergo seasonal variation, with a peak in winter and a nadir in summer. This seasonal pattern may be derived mainly from the occurrence of SAH in the morning, but may also be modified by patient age and SAH risk factors, resulting in the masking of significant seasonal patterns when all patients are considered together.