bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Implantation of xenografts into parkinsonian rat brain after portal venous administration of xenogeneic donor spleen cells
Authors: Takeuchi Hiroshi , Yoshikawa Masahide , Kanda Seiji , Nonaka Masahiro , Nishimura Fumihiko , Yamada Takatsugu , Ishizaka Shigeaki , Sakaki Toshisuke 
Published: May 2009

Object. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of pretransplantation portal venous immunization with ultraviolet B (UVB)—treated donor spleen cells on neural xenograft transplantation.
Methods. Cells from a murine catecholaminergic cell line derived from the B6/D2 F1 mouse, CATH.a, were used as a xenograft. Thirty hemiparkinsonian rats were divided into three different treatment groups. Group 1 received saline in the dopamine-denervated striatum; Group 2 received xenograft cells; and Group 3 received portal venous administration of UVB-irradiated B6/D2 F1 splenocytes 7 days before receiving xenograft cells. Xenograft function was determined by reviewing apomorphine-induced rotation at 2-week intervals, and xenograft survival was examined at 4 and 12 weeks after transplantation by immunohistochemical staining for murine tyrosine hydroxylase (THase). Rotational behavior was improved in both xenograft-transplanted groups (Groups 2 and 3); however, the animals in Group 3 displayed a significantly reduced rotational behavior compared with Group 2. In Group 2, many inflammatory cells and a few THase-positive cells were found at the graft sites 4 weeks after transplantation. In Group 3, however, a large number of THase-positive cells were found with few inflammatory cells. The THase-positive cells disappeared in the Group 2 rats at 12 weeks, but remained in Group 3 animals. In Group 3 rats proliferation of spleen cells in a mixed lymphocyte reaction was suppressed in a donor-specific fashion.
Conclusions. This work demonstrates improved neural xenograft survival and function by pretransplantation portal venous immunization with UVB-irradiated xenogeneic donor splenocytes. On the basis of these findings, the authors suggest the possibility of creating donor-specific immunological tolerance in the brain by administration of xenogeneic donor lymphocytes via the portal vein.
Effects of tacrolimus on hemispheric water content and cerebrospinal fluid levels of glutamate, hypoxanthine, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α following controlled cortical impact injury in rats
Authors: Stover John F. , Schöning Britta , Sakowitz Oliver W. , Woiciechowsky Christian , Unterberg Andreas W. 
Published: May 2009

Object. Disturbance of calcium homeostasis contributes to evolving tissue damage and energetic impairment following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Calcium-mediated activation of calcineurin results in production of tissue-damaging nitric oxide and free oxygen radicals. Inhibition of calcineurin induced by the immunosuppressant tacrolimus (FK506) has been shown to reduce structural and functional damage after ischemia. The aims of the present study were to investigate time- and dose-dependent short-term antiedematous effects of tacrolimus following TBI.
Methods. A left temporoparietal contusion (controlled cortical impact injury [CCII]) was induced in 51 male Sprague—Dawley rats. Tacrolimus (1 or 3 mg/kg body weight) was administered by a single intraperitoneal injection at 5 minutes, 30 minutes, or 4 hours after CCII occurred. Control rats received physiological saline. Water contents of traumatized and nontraumatized hemispheres, as well as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of mediators reflecting tissue damage (the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin [IL]-6 and tumor necrosis factor [TNF]—α, the excitotoxin glutamate, and the adenosine triphosphate—degradation product hypoxanthine), were determined 24 hours after trauma.
Although CSF levels of IL-6 and TNFα were completely suppressed by tacrolimus at all time points and at both concentrations, CSF levels of glutamate and hypoxanthine, as well as edema formation, were only marginally influenced. Significant reduction of cerebral water content was confined to nontraumatized hemispheres. In addition, the higher dose of tacrolimus failed to exert significant antiedematous effects on traumatized hemispheres.
Conclusions. Under the present study design, the potency of tacrolimus in reducing edema formation following CCII seems limited. However, its immunosuppressive effects could be of value in influencing the posttraumatic inflammatory response known to aggravate tissue damage.
Protective effect of nimodipine on behavior and white matter of rats with hydrocephalus
Authors: Del Bigio Marc R. , Massicotte Eric M. 
Published: May 2009

Object. Hydrocephalus, a pathological dilation of the ventricles of the brain, causes damage to periventricular white matter, at least in part, through chronic ischemia. The authors tested the hypothesis that treatment with nimodipine, an L-type calcium channel-blocking agent with demonstrated efficacy in a range of cerebral ischemic disorders, would ameliorate the adverse effects of experimental hydrocephalus.
Methods. Hydrocephalus was induced in 3-week-old rats by injection of kaolin into the cisterna magna. The rats were treated by continuous administration of nimodipine or control vehicle for 2 weeks, beginning 2 weeks after induction of hydrocephalus. During the treatment period, the animals underwent repeated tests of motor and cognitive behavior. At the end of the treatment period, the rat brains were analyzed by histopathological and biochemical means.
Nimodipine treatment prevented the declines in motor and cognitive behavior that were observed in untreated control rats. During the treatment period, ventricular enlargement, determined by magnetic resonance imaging, was equal in the two groups, although the corpus callosum was thicker in the treated rats. Myelin content in white matter and synaptophysin content in gray matter, an indicator of synapses, did not differ.
Conclusions. The protective effect of nimodipine is most likely based on improved blood flow, although prevention of calcium influx—mediated proteolytic processes in axons cannot be excluded. Adjunctive pharmacological therapy may be beneficial to patients with hydrocephalus.
Neurotization as an alternative for restoring finger and wrist extension
Authors: Üstün Mehmet Erkan , Öğün Tunç Cevat , Büyükmumcu Mustafa 
Published: May 2009

Object. In cases of irreparable injuries to the radial nerve or in cases in which nerves are repaired with little anticipation of restoration of function, tendon transfers are widely used. In this study, the authors searched for a more natural alternative for selectively restoring function, with the aid of a motor nerve transfer.
Methods. Ten arms from five cadavers were used in the study. The posterior interosseous nerve and the median nerve together with their motor branches were exposed in the proximal forearm. The possibility of posterior interosseous nerve neurotization via the median nerve through its motor branches leading to the pronator teres, flexor pollicis longus, flexor digitorum profundus, and pronator quadratus muscles was investigated. The lengths of the nerves from points of divergence and their widths were measured using calipers, and the means with standard deviations of all nerves were calculated.
Motor branches to the pronator teres, flexor pollicis longus, and pronator quadratus muscles were found to be suitable for neurotization of the posterior interosseous nerve at different levels and in various combinations. The motor nerve extending to the flexor digitorum profundus muscle was too short to use for transfer.
Conclusions. These results offer a suitable alternative to tendon transfer for restoring finger and wrist extension in cases of irreversible radial palsy. The second step would be clinical verification in appropriate cases.
Analysis of loss of heterozygosity on chromosomes 10q, 11, and 16 in medulloblastomas
Authors: Yin Xiao-lu , Pang Jesse C. , Liu Yan-hui , Chong Edith Y. , Cheng Yue , Poon Wai-sang , Ng Ho-keung 
Published: May 2009

Object. The loss of genetic material from specific chromosome loci is a common feature in the oncogenesis of tumors and is often indicative of the presence of important tumor suppressor genes at these loci. Recent molecular genetic analyses have demonstrated frequent loss of chromosomes 10q, 11, and 16 in medulloblastomas. The aim of this study was to localize the targeted deletion regions on the three aforementioned chromosomes in medulloblastomas.
Methods. Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) was examined on chromosomes 10q, 11, and 16 in a series of 22 primary and two recurrent medulloblastomas by using polymerase chain reaction—based microsatellite analysis. The DNA extracted from the tumors and corresponding normal blood samples were amplified independently in the presence of radioactively labeled microsatellite primers, resolved by denaturing gel electrophoresis and processed for autoradiography. The DNA obtained from control blood samples that displayed allelic heterozygosity at a given microsatellite locus were considered informative. Loss of heterozygosity was inferred when the allelic signal intensity of the tumor sample was reduced by at least 40%, relative to that of the constitutional control. The LOH analysis demonstrated that deletions of chromosomes 10q, 11p, and 16q are recurrent genetic events in the development of medulloblastomas. Three subchromosomal regions of loss have been identified and are localized to the deleted in malignant brain tumors 1 [DMBT1] gene site on chromosomes 10q25, 11p13–11p15.1, and 16q24.1–24.3.
Conclusions. These results indicate that DMBT1 is closely associated with the oncogenesis of medulloblastomas and highlight regions of loss on chromosomes 11p and 16q for further fine mapping and cloning of candidate tumor suppressor genes that are important for the genesis of medulloblastoma.
Intraneural perineurioma of the common peroneal nerve
Authors: Heilbrun Marta E. , Tsuruda Jay S. , Townsend Jeannette J. , Heilbrun M. Peter 
Published: May 2009

✓ Intraneural perineurioma, or localized hypertrophic mononeuropathy (LHM), is a focal lesion that produces a slowly progressive mononeuropathy in a peripheral nerve. The authors describe the clinical presentation, magnetic resonance (MR) neurography characteristics, and pathological characteristics of a perineurioma involving the peroneal nerve. Although there has been much debate surrounding the cause of this lesion, a literature review supports the argument that this is a neoplastic lesion, best referred to as intraneural perineurioma. Surgical management includes excision to prevent progression of palsy and placement of a nerve graft if clinically indicated.
A 28-year-old woman presented with a 2-year history of progressive painless right peroneal nerve palsy. Magnetic resonance neurography revealed a right common peroneal nerve mass. At surgery, the mass was easily excised, leaving significant nerve fascicles intact. Intraoperative biopsy was not performed nor was a nerve graft placed. Pathological investigation demonstrated onion bulb—shaped whorls consistent with the appearance of intraneural perineurioma; immunochemical analysis confirmed the diagnosis.
A review of the literature supports the argument that perineurioma, or LHM, is a neoplastic process, making “intraneural perineurioma” the most appropriate name. The authors also demonstrate the utility of MR neurography in the identification isolated nerve tumors and review the surgical management of this lesion.
Long-term survival in a patient with brain metastases preceding the diagnosis of endometrial cancer
Authors: Petru Edgar , Lax Sigurd , Kurschel Senta , Gücer Fatih , Sutter Bernhard 
Published: May 2009

✓ Only five patients found to have brain metastasis preceding the diagnosis of endometrial cancer have been reported in the literature, and none of these survived beyond 38 months. The authors report on two patients with primary endometrial cancer who initially presented with cerebral metastasis. One of these patients died of disease 15 months after diagnosis. The other patient is still alive, with no evidence of disease, 171 months after she underwent radiosurgery for a solitary brain metastasis, aggressive cytoreductive abdominal and pelvic surgery, and doxorubicin-based chemotherapy. To the best of their knowledge, the authors believe that no similar observation has been made for any primary gynecological neoplasm, including endometrial, ovarian, or cervical cancer.
This is the first report documenting that survival beyond one decade may be achieved after intensive multimodal therapy in selected patients in whom a solitary brain metastasis has been found before diagnosis of endometrial cancer. Aggressive therapy appears to be warranted in these patients.
Treatment of hydrocephalus in adults by placement of an open ventricular shunt
Authors: Sotelo Julio , Izurieta Mario , Arriada Nicasio 
Published: May 2009

Object. Ventricular shunt placement is the neurosurgical procedure most frequently associated with complications. Over the years, it has been a growing concern that the performance of most shunting devices does not conform to physiological parameters. An open ventriculoperitoneal (VP) bypass with a peritoneal catheter for which the cross-sectional internal diameter was 0.51 mm as a distinctive element for flow resistance was evaluated for use in the treatment of adult patients with hydrocephalus.
Methods. During a 2-year period, open shunts were surgically implanted in 54 adults with hydrocephalus; conventional shunts were implanted in 80 matched controls. Periodic evaluations were performed using neuroimaging studies and measures of clinical status. All patients were followed from 12 to 36 months, 18.5 ± 4 months for patients with the open shunt and 19.1 ± 8.1 months for controls (mean ± standard deviation). The device continued to function in 50 patients with the open shunt (93%) and in 49 controls (61%; p < 0.001). The Evans index in patients with the open shunt was 0.33 ± 0.09 throughout the follow up. No cases of infection, overdrainage, or slit ventricles were observed; the index in controls was 0.28 ± 0.08; 60% of them developed slit ventricles. During the follow-up period occlusion occurred in four patients with the open shunt (7%) and in 31 controls (39%; p < 0.001).
Conclusions. The daily cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage through the open VP shunt is close to 500 ml of uninterrupted flow propelled by the hydrokinetic force generated by the combination of ventricular pressure and siphoning effect. It complies with hydrokinetic parameters imposed by a bypass connection between the ventricular and peritoneal cavities as well as with the physiological archetype of continuous flow and drainage according to CSF production. The open shunt is simple, inexpensive, and an effective treatment for hydrocephalus in adults.
Evaluation of iatrogenic lesions in 722 surgically treated cases of peripheral nerve trauma
Authors: Kretschmer Thomas , Antoniadis Gregor , Braun Veit , Rath Stefan A. , Richter Hans-Peter 
Published: May 2009

Object. The purpose of this study was to discover the number and types of iatrogenic nerve injuries that were surgically treated during a 9-year period at a relatively busy nerve center. The specific nerves involved, their sites of injury, and the mechanisms of injury were also documented.
Methods. The authors retrospectively evaluated the surgically treated iatrogenic lesions by reviewing case histories, operative reports, and follow-up notes in 722 cases of trauma. These cases were treated between January 1990 and December 1998 because of pain, dysesthesias, and sensory and/or motor deficits.
Iatrogenic injury was a much larger category of trauma than predicted. One hundred twenty-six (17.4%) of the 722 surgically treated cases were iatrogenic in origin. Most of these injuries occurred during a previous operation. To a major extent, nerves of the extremities were affected, and a relatively large number of injuries occurred in the neck and groin. Incidence was highest in the spinal accessory nerve (14 cases), the common peroneal nerve (11 cases), the superficial radial nerve (10 cases), the genitofemoral nerve branches (10 cases), and the median nerve (nine cases). At least two thirds of the patients did not undergo surgery for the iatrogenic injury within an optimal time interval due to delayed referral. Follow-up data were available in 97 of the 126 patients. Surgical outcomes demonstrated improvement in 70% of patients. Operative results were especially favorable in patients suffering from iatrogenic injuries to the accessory and superficial sensory radial nerves.
Conclusions. Iatrogenic injuries should be corrected in a timely fashion just like any other traumatic injury to nerve.
Safety of perioperative minidose heparin in patients undergoing brain tumor surgery: a prospective, randomized, double-blind study
Authors: Constantini Shlomi , Kanner Andy , Friedman Adi , Shoshan Ygal , Israel Zvi , Ashkenazi Eli , Gertel Moshe , Even Amiran , Shevach Yoshi , Shalit Mordechay , Umansky Felix , Rappaport Zvi H. 
Published: May 2009

Object. Thromboembolic phenomena (TEPs) continue to be a significant source of morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing neurosurgery. Although the efficacy of low-dose heparin in preventing TEPs in neurosurgical patients is well established, neurosurgeons are reluctant to use it perioperatively because of concern for increased bleeding complications. To clarify this issue, the authors used a prospective, randomized, double-blind design to evaluate the safety of minidose heparin treatment in patients undergoing surgery for supratentorial brain tumors.
Methods. One hundred three patients, all 40 years of age or older, were treated with either 5000 U of heparin (55 patients) or placebo (48 patients) starting 2 hours before surgery and continuing until full mobilization or for 7 days. Both groups were well matched for sex, weight, duration of surgery, and tumor diagnosis.
Subjective and objective parameters were used to estimate and calculate the perioperative bleeding tendency in all patients. Red blood cell mass loss was calculated by assessing the preoperative and postoperative hematocrit and the patient's weight. Intraoperative blood loss was determined by measuring the quantity of blood in the suction containers and subtracting the amount of irrigation fluids. Postoperative bleeding was measured by determining the amount of fluid in the subgaleal drain, and blood cell replacement was monitored during and after the procedure. Intracranial bleeding was graded according to findings on the postoperative computerized tomography scan obtained 48 to 72 hours after surgery. In addition, the senior surgeon in each case was asked to assess each patient's bleeding tendency during the operation. The results showed that perioperative administration of heparin did not significantly alter bleeding tendency by any measured parameter. The surgeon was blinded to which group individual patients had been allocated.
Conclusions. Perioperative minidose heparin is safe for use in patients undergoing craniotomy for supratentorial tumors. This relatively simple and inexpensive measure is recommended as a routine regimen for the prevention of TEPs in patients undergoing neurosurgery.
Determinants of tumor size and growth in vestibular schwannomas
Authors: Nutik Stephen L. , Babb Michael J. 
Published: May 2009

Object. This study was undertaken to analyze factors associated with the size of unilateral vestibular schwannomas (VSs).
Methods. A retrospective analysis of an unselected and sequential series of 433 patients with unilateral VSs was conducted. Tumor size was defined by the largest dimension of the tumor in the cerebellopontine angle, and the size was tested for a relationship with patient age and sex. In a subgroup of 231 patients in whom data were available, tumor size was also tested for a relationship with tumor cysts or the absence of an internal auditory canal (IAC) component. Some patients underwent a period of surveillance with serial imaging studies to monitor for tumor growth. Data from these patients, excluding those with cystic tumors, were analyzed to see if tumor growth was related to patient age, sex, or tumor size.
Conclusions. Larger tumors were found in younger patients, in females, in the subgroup of cystic tumors, and in patients in whom there was no tumor component in the IAC. The probable explanations for these larger tumors are a faster growth rate and/or a delay in symptom onset. When untreated tumors are managed with observation, measurable growth is more often seen in larger tumors, although smaller tumors have a faster relative growth rate than larger ones.
Three-dimensional anisotropy contrast magnetic resonance axonography to predict the prognosis for motor function in patients suffering from stroke
Authors: Watanabe Toru , Honda Yoshiho , Fujii Yukihiko , Koyama Miyako , Matsuzawa Hitoshi , Tanaka Ryuichi 
Published: May 2009

Object. The purpose of this study was to assess how early wallerian degeneration in the corticospinal tracts of patients who had suffered from stroke was detected using three-dimensional anisotropy contrast (3D-AC) magnetic resonance (MR) axonography and to explore the possibility of predicting the prognosis for motor function in these patients.
Methods. Ten healthy volunteers and 16 stroke patients with hemiparesis were studied using MR images including 3D-AC MR axonography images obtained using a 1.5-tesla MR imaging system. The axonography was performed using an echoplanar imaging method. All patients underwent MR studies 2, 3, and 10 weeks after stroke onset. To detect wallerian degeneration, the diffusion anisotropy in the corticospinal tracts at the level of the upper pons was evaluated on axial images. These MR findings were compared with the patients' motor functions, which were classified according to the Brunnstrom criteria 12 weeks after the onset of stroke.
In all patients with poor recovery (Brunnstrom Stages I–IV), wallerian degeneration, which was demonstrated as a reduction in diffusion anisotropy on axonography images, could be observed in the corticospinal tracts; this degeneration was not found in patients with good recovery (Stages V and VI). Axonography could be used to detect degeneration between 2 and 3 weeks after stroke onset. On conventional T2-weighted MR images, hyperintense areas indicating wallerian degeneration were not detected until 10 weeks after stroke onset.
Conclusions. With the aid of 3D-AC MR axonography, wallerian degeneration can be detected in the corticospinal tracts during the early stage of stroke (2–3 weeks after onset), much earlier than it can be detected using T2-weighted MR imaging. The procedure of 3D-AC MR axonography may be useful in predicting motor function prognosis in stroke patients.