bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comparative analysis of fusion rates and donor-site morbidity for autogeneic rib and iliac crest bone grafts in posterior cervical fusions
Authors: Sawin Paul D. , Traynelis Vincent C. , Menezes Arnold H. 
Published: June 2009

Object.Autogeneic bone graft is often incorporated into posterior cervical stabilization constructs as a fusion substrate. Iliac crest is used frequently, although donor-site morbidity can be substantial. Rib is used rarely, despite its accessibility, expandability, unique curvature, and high bone morphogenetic protein content. The authors present a comparative analysis of autogeneic rib and iliac crest bone grafts, with emphasis on fusion rate and donor-site morbidity.Methods.A review was conducted of records and radiographs from 600 patients who underwent cervical spinal fusion procedures in which autogeneic bone grafts were used. Three hundred patients underwent rib harvest and posterior cervical fusion. The remaining 300 patients underwent iliac crest harvest (248 for an anterior cervical fusion and 52 for posterior fusion). The analysis of fusion focused on the latter subgroup; donor-site morbidity was determined by evaluating the entire group. Fusion criteria included bony trabeculae traversing the donor—recipient interface and long-term stability on flexion—extension radiographs. Graft morbidity was defined as any untoward event attributable to the graft harvest. Statistical comparisons were facilitated by using Fisher's exact test.Conclusions.Demographic data obtained in both groups were comparable. Rib constructs were placed in the following regions: occipitocervical (196 patients), atlantoaxial (35 patients), and subaxial cervical spine (69 patients). Iliac crest grafts were placed in the occipitocervical (28 patients), atlantoaxial (10 patients), and subaxial cervical (14 patients) regions. Fusion occurred in 296 (98.8%) of 300 rib graft and 49 (94.2%) of 52 iliac crest graft constructs (p = 0.056). Graft morbidity was greater with iliac crest than with rib (p < 0.00001). Donor-site morbidity for the rib graft was 3.7% and included pneumonia (eight patients), persistent atelectasis (two patients), and superficial wound dehiscence (one patient). Pneumothorax, intercostal neuralgia, and chronic chest wall pain were not encountered. Iliac crest morbidity occurred in 25.3% of the patients and consisted of chronic donor-site pain (52 patients), wound dehiscence (eight patients), pneumonia (seven patients), meralgia paresthetica (four patients), hematoma requiring evacuation (three patients), and iliac spine fracture (two patients). Even when chronic pain was not considered, morbidity encountered in obtaining iliac crest still exceeded that encountered with rib harvest (p = 0.035).The fusion rate and donor-site morbidity for rib autograft compare favorably with those for iliac crest when used in posterior cervical constructs. To the authors' knowledge, this represents the largest series to date in which the safety and efficacy of using autogeneic bone graft materials in spinal surgery are critically analyzed.
Role of surgical resection in the treatment of hypothalamic hamartomas causing precocious puberty
Authors: Stewart Laura , Steinbok Paul , Daaboul Jorge 
Published: June 2009

✓ Hypothalamic hamartomas (HHs) are benign tumors that are often associated with central precocious puberty. Resection of HHs has been recommended as a treatment option for selected cases of pedunculated lesions, especially in young children. The role of surgery has to be evaluated in the light of the availability of effective medical treatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs (GnRHas). The authors report the long-term results of total resection of HHs in two children with central precocious puberty and compare it with medical management in four children.
The two surgically treated patients underwent total resection of pedunculated HHs at 1.75 (Case 1) and 3.25 years (Case 2) and have received follow-up care for 9 and 8 years, respectively. There were no postoperative complications and computerized tomography scanning confirmed complete tumor removal in both patients. Both patients subsequently experienced some regression of secondary sexual characteristics. The response of luteinizing hormone to GnRH became prepubertal in one patient and was diminished in the other. However, the growth velocity remained elevated (> 7 cm/year), bone age remained advanced (> +2 standard deviations) 5 years after surgery, decreasing adult height prediction. In one child, GnRHa therapy was initiated 7 years postsurgery.
Four children were treated solely with GnRH agonists and have received follow-up care for 2.3, 6, 9, and 9 years, respectively. These patients have had a complete regression of endocrinological abnormalities, including a normalization of growth velocity and reduction in the rate of skeletal maturation. No side effects were noted with decapeptyl treatment, and one child developed sterile abscesses while receiving Lupron-Depot.
The proven efficacy of GnRHa in suppressing puberty and reducing bone age advancement leads the authors to advise against surgery as the initial management of central precocious puberty caused by HHs.
Role of intraoperative angiography in the surgical treatment of cerebral aneurysms
Authors: Payner Troy D. , Horner Terry G. , Leipzig Thomas J. , Scott John A. , Gilmor Richard L. , DeNardo Andrew J. 
Published: June 2009

The benefit of using intraoperative angiography (IA) during aneurysm surgery is still uncertain.Object. In this prospective study, the authors evaluate the radiographically demonstrated success of surgical treatment in 151 consecutive patients harboring 173 aneurysms who selectively underwent IA examination. The authors also assess the frequency with which IA led to repositioning of the aneurysm clip.Methods. Intraoperative angiography was used selectively in this series, based on the surgeon's concern about the potential for residual aneurysm, distal branch occlusion, or parent vessel stenosis. Specific variables were analyzed to determine their impact on the incidence of clip repositioning and the accuracy of IA was evaluated by direct comparison with postoperative angiography (PA) in 90% of the cases in which IA was used.Conclusions. The selective use of IA led to successful treatment as shown by PA, with a low incidence of unexpected residual aneurysm (3.2%), distal branch occlusion (1.9%), and parent vessel stenosis (0%). Intraoperative angiography led to immediate repositioning of the aneurysm clip in 27% of the cases. Anterior cerebral artery aneurysms required clip repositioning less often and superior hypophyseal artery aneurysms required repositioning more often than aneurysms in other locations. Large and giant aneurysms required clip repositioning more often than small aneurysms; however, they were also more likely to display false success on IA as determined by PA. Aneurysms arising along the internal carotid artery were more likely to display successful clipping on IA, as determined by PA, than were aneurysms in other locations.The results of this series support the selective use of IA in the treatment of complex aneurysms, particularly large and giant aneurysms as well as superior hypophyseal artery aneurysms. As measured by PA, IA will improve the outcome of these patients.
Ventricular shunt removal: the ultimate treatment of the slit ventricle syndrome
Authors: Baskin Jonathan J. , Manwaring Kim H. , Rekate Harold L. 
Published: June 2009

Object. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of an algorithm used to evaluate and prescribe treatment for patients having slit ventricle syndrome (SVS).Methods. All patients included in this protocol underwent fiberoptic intracranial pressure monitoring after removal or externalization of their ventricular shunt systems. A significant number of patients did not need extracranial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion and tolerated removal of their shunt systems without requiring further intervention. Patients who demonstrated a need for CSF drainage underwent an endoscopic third ventriculostomy, regardless of the putative cause of their hydrocephalus. Sixteen (72.7%) of 22 patients experienced resolution of or significant improvement in their SVS complaints after their inclusion in the protocol. Concomitantly, 14 (64%) of 22 patients were no longer shunt dependent after a mean follow-up period of 21.4 months.Conclusions. A significant number of patients debilitated by SVS may experience improvement in their symptoms and undergo shunt removal according to this protocol, improving their quality of life and simplifying their medical follow up.
Vascular endothelial growth factor expression and vascular density as prognostic markers of survival in patients with low-grade astrocytoma
Authors: Abdulrauf Saleem I. , Edvardsen Klaus , Ho Khang L. , Yang Xiao Yi , Rock Jack P. , Rosenblum Mark L. 
Published: June 2009

It has long been recognized that some patients with low-grade astrocytoma may survive for many years, whereas in others the disease follows a more malignant course resulting in a short survival time, usually due to malignant transformation into higher-grade tumors.Object. The aim of this study was to investigate angiogenesis in the initial biopsy specimen of tumor tissue as a biological marker to identify patients with low-grade astrocytoma who are at high risk of malignant tumor transformation or death.Methods. Tumor tissue was studied in 74 consecutively treated adult patients in whom a diagnosis of diffuse supratentorial hemispheric histologically proven fibrillary low-grade astrocytoma was made and who underwent surgery between January 1972 and January 1994. Studies were conducted using monoclonal antibodies to the antigens of the proliferation-associated Ki-67 (MIB-1), factor VIII, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and epidermal growth factor (EGF).The overall 5-year survival rate for the entire patient population was 65%, with a median survival time of 7.5 years. The total mean follow-up period was 6.1 years. All tumors showed a low proliferative potential at the time of the initial operation, as demonstrated by an MIB-1 labeling index of less than 1.5%. Patients with more than seven microvessels in tumor tissue (29 cases) had a shorter survival time (mean 3.8 years) than those with seven or fewer microvessels (mean survival 11.2 years). This difference in survival times was significant by univariate (p = 0.001) and stepwise multivariate analyses (p < 0.001). Tumors with a larger number of microvessels also had a greater chance of undergoing malignant transformation (p = 0.001). Similarly, significant staining for VEGF was correlated with shorter survival times when using univariate (p = 0.003) and multivariate (p = 0.008) analyses and with a greater chance of malignant transformation (p = 0.002). Patients with tumors staining positive for VEGF (39 individuals) had a median survival time of 5.3 years, and those with tumors negative for VEGF (35 patients) had a median survival time of 11.2 years. No association was observed between bFGF, EGF, and survival or malignant transformation. The stepwise multivariate analysis included histological and clinical variables simultaneously.Conclusions. The authors have shown that microvessel density and VEGF levels are independent prognostic markers of survival in fibrillary low-grade astrocytoma. This finding leads them to propose that fibrillary diffuse low-grade astrocytoma is not a single pathological entity but is composed of a spectrum of tumors with differing propensities to undergo malignant transformation that is at least partly based on their inherent angiogenic potential.
Sensitization of rat glioblastoma multiforme to cisplatin in vivo following restoration of wild-type p53 function
Authors: Dorigo Oliver , Turla Sally T. , Lebedeva Svetlana , Gjerset Ruth A. 
Published: June 2009

Object. To study the combined potential of wild-type p53 gene transfer and administration of cisplatin for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme, the authors used the 9L rat glioblastoma cell line, which expresses a mutant p53.Methods. Stable expression of wild-type p53 in 9L cells was achieved by transfection of the cells with a wild-type p53—expressing plasmid (pCEP4p53). The resultant cell line, 9LpCEP4p53, was found to be more sensitive to cisplatin treatment in vitro than control (9LpCEP4) cells. The in vitro growth rates of control cells and wild-type p53—modified cells were similar in the absence of cisplatin.Fischer 344 rats were implanted intracerebrally with 9LpCEP4p53 cells and intraperitoneally administered 4 mg/kg cisplatin weekly for 7 weeks. These animals survived significantly longer than animals that were implanted with 9LpCEP4p53 cells but were given no cisplatin treatment. In contrast, concurrent cisplatin treatment provided no benefit for animals implanted with 9LpCEP4 cells. Tumors that developed in animals that had been implanted with 9LpCEP4p53 cells and treated with cisplatin had lost expression of wild-type p53, indicating a correlation between expression of wild-type p53 and cisplatin sensitivity in vivo.Conclusions. The findings of this study suggest that p53-based gene therapy in combination with cisplatin-based chemotherapy may be superior to single-modality treatment in dealing with glioblastoma multiforme.
Long-term survival in rhinocerebral mucormycosis
Authors: Weprin Bradley E. , Hall Walter A. , Goodman Jesse , Adams George L. 
Published: June 2009

✓ Mucormycosis refers to a group of rapidly progressive infections caused by fungi belonging to the order Mucorales. Infection most often develops in individuals with immunological or metabolic compromise, although patients without underlying abnormalities have been affected. Specific clinical manifestations are associated with various predisposing factors. Rhinocerebral mucormycosis is the most common form and most frequently develops in individuals with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. The extent of anatomical involvement and clinical course are unpredictable, depending on the intrinsic factors of the host. Over the past 20 years the prognosis for patients with rhinocerebral mucormycosis, once considered to be a uniformly fatal disease, has improved. Coordinated medical and surgical treatment, including rapid diagnosis, the advent of systemic antifungal agents, aggressive surgical debridement, and control of the underlying disease process, have been credited with its successful management. The range of survival rates recorded with the regimen of combined therapies is wide because the number of patients reported is limited and anatomical involvement is diverse. Survival with intracerebral abscess is rare.The authors describe the successful management of a patient who developed a bifrontal fungal abscess during treatment for rhinocerebral mucormycosis associated with ketoacidosis and diabetes mellitus. The patient remains without radiographic or clinical evidence of infection more than 2 years after treatment. The authors review the characteristic clinical, radiographic, and pathological features of previously reported infections and emphasize the importance of early detection and aggressive treatment in the management of this frequently fulminant and fatal disease.
Reversibility of functionally injured neurotransmitter systems with shunt placement in hydrocephalic rats: implications for intellectual impairment in hydrocephalus
Authors: Tashiro Yuzuru , Drake James M. 
Published: June 2009

Intellectual impairment has been related to alteration of neuronal innervation in the following regions: cholinergic basal forebrain nuclei (Ch1–Ch6, learning and memory), dopaminergic ventral tegmental area (emotional control), and noradrenergic locus ceruleus (cognition). Recent studies have implicated neuronal injury in the pathogenesis of hydrocephalus.
Object. The authors used immunohistochemical techniques to investigate functional injury in these regions in animals with progressive hydrocephalus, following shunt placement for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage.
Methods. Hydrocephalus was induced in 20 Wistar rats by intracisternal injection of 0.05 ml of 25% kaolin solution. Four control animals (Group 1) received the same volume of saline. Ventriculoperitoneal shunts were inserted in eight rats at 2 and 4 weeks after kaolin injection and the animals were killed at 8 weeks (Group 2). The other 12 hydrocephalic animals were killed at 2, 4, and 8 weeks without undergoing shunt placement (Group 3). Immunoreactive (IR) neurons to choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) in Ch1–Ch6, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in the ventral tegmental area, and dopamine B-hydroxylase (DBH) in the locus ceruleus, as well as IR projection fibers in the terminal areas, were compared between groups. The number of ChAT- and TH-IR neurons in rats with and without shunt placement was counted for quantitative analysis. The number of ChAT-IR neurons was progressively reduced during the development of hydrocephalus in Ch1, Ch2, Ch3, and Ch4 (p < 0.05). Tyrosine-hydroxylase-immunoreactive neurons were also reduced in number, and demonstrated decreased projection fibers and terminals. Early shunting (at 2 weeks) restored ChAT and TH immunoreactivity to control levels, but late shunting (at 4 weeks) did not (p < 0.05). The DBH—IR neurons in the locus ceruleus were remarkably compressed by the dilated fourth ventricle, and diminished immunoreactivity was observed in the terminal areas. Shunt placement for CSF also restored the immunoreactivity in this system.
Conclusions. These findings indicate that a progressive functional injury occurs in the cholinergic, dopaminergic, and noradrenergic systems as a result of hydrocephalus. This may contribute to intellectual impairment and might be prevented by early treatment with shunt placement.
Microanatomy of the hypophyseal fossa boundaries
Authors: Destrieux Christophe , Kakou Médard K. , Velut Stéphane , Lefrancq Thierry , Jan Michel 
Published: June 2009

Object.The authors studied the heads of 17 adult cadavers and one fetus to clarify the anatomy of the sellar region, particularly the lateral boundaries of the hypophyseal fossa.Methods.Vascular injections and microdissection or histological techniques were used in this study. The roof of the cavernous sinuses and diaphragma sellae were part of a single horizontal dural layer that joined the two anterior petroclinoid folds. Laterally, the direction of this layer changed; it became the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus and joined the dura mater of the middle cerebral fossa. On the midline, this layer ballooned toward the sella through the diaphragmatic foramina, created a dural bag containing the hypophysis, and attached to the inferior aspect of the diaphragma sellae. As a consequence, no straight sagittal dural wall existed between the pituitary gland and cavernous sinus; the lateral border of the hypophyseal fossa was part of this anteroposterior and superoinferior convex bag. The authors stress the importance of the venous elements of the region and discuss the structure of the cavernous and coronary sinuses.Conclusions.Invasion of the cavernous sinus makes surgery more risky and difficult and may necessitate modification of the surgical treatment plan. The preoperative diagnosis of cavernous sinus invasion is thus of great interest, but the possibility of normal lateral expansions of the pituitary gland must be kept in mind. A lateral expansion of this gland into the cavernous sinus was encountered in 29% of the specimens, and an adenoma that developed in such an expansion could easily mimic cavernous sinus invasion.
Acute quadriplegia with delayed onset and rapid recovery
Authors: Latronico Nicola , Rasulo Frank A. , Recupero Daniela , Beindorf Andrea , Liberini Paolo , Stefini Roberto , Candiani Andrea 
Published: June 2009

✓ The authors describe a patient with severe head injury and sepsis who became acutely quadriplegic 3 days postinjury because of a critical illness polyneuropathy (CIP) and critical illness myopathy (CIM), which resolved rapidly after treatment of the underlying infection.
In only 3 days the patient developed septic shock together with flaccid quadriplegia and absent deep tendon reflexes with no clinical or radiological evidence of central nervous system deterioration. Neurophysiological studies showed an acute axonal sensorimotor polyneuropathy, whereas the clinical course strongly suggested a concurrent myopathy. A severe Staphylococcus epidermidis infection accompanied by bacteremia was treated and the patient recovered fully within a few days.
Although the case described here is unique because of its very early onset and rapid resolution, CIP and CIM are frequent complications of sepsis and multiple organ failure. The authors suggest that severely head injured patients with sepsis should be evaluated for CIP and CIM when presenting with unexplained muscle weakness or paralysis.
Development of neurosurgery in Greece: past, present, and future
Authors: Stranjalis George , Singounas Evangelos 
Published: June 2009

✓In this study the authors examine the historical tradition as well as current features of neurosurgery in Greece and compare the available data with international standards. In particular, they describe the organizational structure of neurosurgery with reference to manpower, unit distribution, training, and qualification. They discuss problems such as overproduction of neurosurgeons and the poor control of training and qualification procedures in the neurosurgical profession.
The findings are examined in a critical way and solutions are proposed that could improve the present situation.
Catamenial mononeuropathy and radiculopathy: a treatable neuropathic disorder
Authors: Zager Eric L. , Pfeifer Samantha M. , Brown Mark J. , Torosian Michael H. , Hackney David B. 
Published: June 2009

Object. The aim of this study was to investigate the indications and treatment options in patients with lower-extremity neuropathies and radiculopathies caused by endometriosis.
Methods. The authors identified five patients whose symptoms included catamenial pain, weakness, and sensory loss involving the sciatic and femoral nerves and multiple lumbosacral nerve roots. Radiographic studies supported the diagnosis of catamenial neuropathy or radiculopathy, but definitive diagnosis depended on surgical and pathological examination. Treatment of symptoms, including physical therapy and a course of antiinflammatory or analgesic medication, was not helpful. Patients responded favorably to hormonal therapy. Laparoscopy or open exploration for extrapelvic lesions was performed for diagnosis or for treatment when hormone therapy failed. Pain and sensory symptoms responded well to therapy. Weakness improved, but never recovered completely.
Conclusions. Catamenial neuropathy or radiculopathy should be considered when evaluating reproductive-age women with recurring focal neuropathic leg pain, weakness, and sensory loss.
Selective intraarterial gene delivery into a canine meningioma
Authors: Chauvet Anne E. , Kesava Prabhakar P. , Goh Chern Sing , Badie Behnam 
Published: June 2009

Object. The goal of this study was to evaluate gene delivery to a benign brain tumor.
Methods. A recombinant adenovirus vector bearing the Escherichia coli β-galactosidase reporter gene was selectively injected into the vascular supply of a spontaneously occurring canine olfactory groove meningioma. The tumor and a small amount of peritumoral brain tissue were removed 5 days after viral injection and stained with X-Gal to assess gene delivery. The authors noted significant β-galactosidase gene expression by the tumor, but not by surrounding brain tissue. No obvious viral-related cytotoxicity was noted.
Conclusions. The authors found that meningiomas can be successfully transduced by adenovirus vectors by using endovascular techniques.