bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Depression and functional outcome in patients with brain tumors: a population-based 1-year follow-up study
Authors: Mainio Arja , Hakko Helinä , Niemelä Asko , Koivukangas John , Räsänen Pirkko 
Published: May 2009

Object. The authors analyzed changes in depression and contemporary functional states by using valid tools in a population-based study sample during a 1-year follow-up period.
Methods. The study population consisted of 77 patients with a solitary primary brain tumor treated surgically at the Oulu Clinic for Neurosurgery. Each patient's depressive status, according to the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and functional outcome, based on the Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS), were evaluated before the tumor was surgically treated as well as 3 months and 1 year after surgery. Before surgery 27 patients (35%) had BDI scores indicating the presence of depression. These scores were significantly higher in patients with a history of depression (p = 0.017) and in those with a lower functional outcome (p = 0.015). In the entire study sample the severity of depression decreased statistically significantly (p = 0.031) at 3 months postsurgery. A lower functional status (KPS score ≤ 70) in patients was significantly associated with high depression scores at the 3-month (p = 0.000) and 1-year (p = 0.005) assessments. The decrease in the level of depression was significant in patients with an anterior tumor (p = 0.049) and those with a pituitary adenoma (p = 0.019).
Conclusions. Affective disorders among patients with brain tumors must be considered immediately after surgery, especially in persons with a depression history and in those with a coincident physical disability.
A reassessment of vascular endothelial growth factor in central nervous system pathology
Authors: Merrill Marsha J. , Oldfield Edward H. 
Published: May 2009

✓ Overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is associated with several central nervous system (CNS) diseases and abnormalities, and is often postulated as a causative factor and promising therapeutic target in these settings. The authors' goal was to reassess the contribution of VEGF to the biology and pathology of the CNS.
The authors review the literature relating to the following aspects of VEGF: 1) the biology of VEGF in normal brain; 2) the involvement of VEGF in CNS disorders other than tumors (traumatic and ischemic injuries, arteriovenous malformations, inflammation); and 3) the role of VEGF in brain tumor biology (gliomas and the associated vasogenic edema, and hemangioblastomas).
The authors conclude the following: first, that VEGF overexpression contributes to the phenotype associated with many CNS disorders, but VEGF is a reactive rather than a causative factor in many cases; and second, that use of VEGF as a therapeutic agent or target is complicated by the effects of VEGF not only on the cerebral vasculature, but also on astrocytes, neurons, and inflammatory cells. In many cases, therapeutic interventions targeting the VEGF/VEGF receptor axis are likely to be ineffective or even detrimental. Clinical manipulation of VEGF levels in the CNS must be approached with caution.
Expression of the tumor necrosis factor receptor—associated factors 1 and 2 and regulation of the nuclear factor—kB antiapoptotic activity in human gliomas
Authors: Conti Alfredo , Aguennouz M'Hammed , La Torre Domenico , Cardali Salvatore , Angileri Filippo Flavio , Buemi Catia , Tomasello Chiara , Iacopino Domenico Gerardo , D'Avella Domenico , Vita Giuseppe , Tomasello Francesco 
Published: May 2009

Object. Tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR)—associated factors (TRAFs) are a recently established group of proteins involved in the intracellular signaling of the TNFR superfamily members. The TRAFs have been implicated in promoting cell survival through the activation of transcription factor nuclear factor (NF)—κB. The authors investigated the expression of NF-κB, caspase 3, TRAF1, TRAF2, and TRAF-associated NF-κB activator/TRAF—interacting protein (TANK/I-TRAF), a regulator of TRAF activity, in human gliomas.
Methods. Tumor samples were obtained in 27 adult patients harboring seven low-grade gliomas, nine anaplastic astrocytomas, and 11 glioblastomas multiforme. The NF-κB activation was analyzed using the electrophoresis mobility shift assay; TRAF1, TRAF2, TANK/I-TRAF, and caspase 3 expression were studied using Western blot analysis.
Upregulated NF-κB DNA—binding activity, compared with that in normal brain tissue, was detected in all tumor samples (p = 0.002). The level of NF-κB activity showed some correlation with World Health Organization tumor grades (p = 0.01), even though variable activity levels were demonstrated in relation to tissue heterogeneity, which resulted in a substantial number of outliers in the quantitative analysis. Increased levels of TRAF1, TRAF2, and TANK/I-TRAF were expressed in astrocytomas compared with levels in normal brain tissue (p = 0.02, 0.006, and 0.01, respectively).
Conclusions. Data in this study confirm the upregulation of NF-κB in gliomas and reveal a correlation between levels of this transcription factor and tumor grade. A constitutive expression of TRAF1, TRAF2, and TANK/I-TRAF in human gliomas was documented. These proteins are involved in the intracellular signal transduction of the TNFR superfamily and in the control of NF-κB expression and its antiapoptotic activity.
Ultrastructural characteristics of hemorrhagic, nonhemorrhagic, and recurrent cavernous malformations
Authors: Tu Jian , Stoodley Marcus A. , Morgan Michael K. , Storer Kingsley P. 
Published: May 2009

Object. Ultrastructural characteristics of hemorrhagic, nonhemorrhagic, primary, and recurrent central nervous system cavernous malformations (CMs) were examined in an attempt to clarify their pathological mechanisms.
Methods. Thirteen specimens (nine from samples of CMs and four from healthy control tissue) were processed for ultrastructural study immediately after surgical or postmortem removal, by fixation in glutaraldehyde/formalin and postfixation in OsO4. Transmission electron microscopy was used to examine the vascular walls, endothelium, subendothelium, and cytoplasmic organelles.
The vascular walls in CMs demonstrated abnormal ultrastructure with no basement membranes and astrocytic foot processes. Pericytes were rarely seen. Single-layer lining endothelial cells showed fenestrated luminal surfaces. Large gaps were observed at intercellular junctions between endothelial cells, and large vesicles with extremely thin plasma membranes bordering the lumen were common in the lesions that had previously hemorrhaged. Endothelial cells of recurrent CMs had more Weibel—Palade bodies, filopodia, cytoplasmic processes, micropinocytotic vesicles, and filaments than those in primary lesions and normal control tissues.
Conclusions. The absence of the blood–brain barrier, normal supporting wall structure, and large vesicles bordering the lumen of CM vessels may explain leakage of red blood cells into surrounding brain in the absence of major hemorrhage. Proliferation of residual abnormal endothelial cells may contribute to the recurrence of surgically removed CMs.
Prospective evaluation of surgical microscope—integrated intraoperative near-infrared indocyanine green videoangiography during aneurysm surgery
Authors: Raabe Andreas , Nakaji Peter , Beck Jürgen , Kim Louis J. , Hsu Frank P. K. , Kamerman Jonathan D. , Seifert Volker , Spetzler Robert F. 
Published: May 2009

Object. The authors prospectively compared a new technique of surgical microscope-based indocyanine green (ICG) videoangiography with intraoperative or postoperative digital subtraction (DS) angiography.
Method. The technique was performed during 187 surgical procedures in which 124 aneurysms in 114 patients were clipped. Using a newly developed setup, the ICG technique has been integrated into an operating microscope (Carl Zeiss Co., Oberkochen, Germany). A microscope-integrated light source containing infrared excitation light illuminates the operating field. The dye is injected intravenously into the patient, and intravascular fluorescence from within the blood vessels is imaged using a video camera attached to the microscope. The patency of parent, branching, and perforating arteries and documentation of clip occlusion of the aneurysm as shown by ICG videoangiography were compared with intraoperative or postoperative findings on DS angiography.
The results of ICG videoangiography corresponded with intra- or postoperative DS angiography in 90% of cases. The ICG technique missed mild but hemodynamically irrelevant stenosis that was evident on DS angiography in 7.3% of cases. The ICG technique missed angiographically relevant findings in three cases (one hemodynamically relevant stenosis and two residual aneurysm necks [2.7% of cases]). In two cases the missed findings were clinically and surgically inconsequential; in the third case, a 4-mm residual neck may require a second procedure. Indocyanine green videoangiography provided significant information for the surgeon in 9% of cases, most of which led to clip correction.
Conclusions. Microscope-based ICG videoangiography is simple and provides real-time information about the patency of vessels of all sizes and about the aneurysm sac. This technique may be useful during routine aneurysm surgery as an independent form of angiography or as an adjunct to intra- or postoperative DS angiography.
Connectivity of the human periventricular—periaqueductal gray region
Authors: Sillery Emma , Bittar Richard G. , Robson Matthew D. , Behrens Timothy E. J. , Stein John , Aziz Tipu Z. , Johansen-Berg Heidi 
Published: May 2009

Object. The periventricular gray (PVG) zone and its continuation, the periaqueductal gray (PAG) substance, have been targets for deep brain stimulation (DBS) in the alleviation of intractable pain for longer than two decades. Nevertheless, the anatomical connectivity of this region has been fairly poorly defined. The effects of DBS in this region are probably related to the release of endogenous endorphins, but until the connectivity of this region is better understood the mechanisms will remain unclear.
Methods. Diffusion tractography was used to trace the pathways of the PVG—PAG region in seven healthy human volunteers. Images were acquired with the aid of a 1.5-tesla magnetic resonance imaging system. The region of interest was located just lateral to the posterior commissure and extended caudally to the level of the superior colliculus. Probabilistic diffusion tractography was performed from each voxel in each patient's PVG—PAG region.
The PVG—PAG region was found to yield descending projections to the spinal cord and cerebellum. Ascending projections to the thalamus and frontal lobes were also observed.
Conclusions. These findings suggest that the PVG—PAG region may modulate pain by two mechanisms: one involving the antinociceptive system in the spinal cord and the other involving influences on the central pain network.
Role of estrogen deficiency in the formation and progression of cerebral aneurysms. Part I: experimental study of the effect of oophorectomy in rats
Authors: Jamous Mohammad A. , Nagahiro Shinji , Kitazato Keiko T. , Satomi Junichiro , Satoh Koichi 
Published: May 2009

Object. Estrogen has been shown to play a central role in vascular biology. Although it may exert beneficial vascular effects, its role in the pathogenesis of cerebral aneurysms remains to be determined. To elucidate the role of hormones further, the authors examined the effects of bilateral oophorectomy on the formation and progression of cerebral aneurysms in rats.
Methods. Forty-five female, 7-week-old Sprague—Dawley rats were divided into three equal groups. Group I consisted of intact rats (controls). To induce cerebral aneurysms, the animals in Groups II and III were subjected to ligation of the right common carotid and bilateral posterior renal arteries. One month later, the rats in Group II underwent bilateral oophorectomy. Three months after the experiment began all animals were killed and cerebral vascular corrosion casts were prepared and screened for cerebral aneurysms by using a scanning electron microscope. Plasma was used to determine the level of estradiol and the gelatinase activity.
Hypertension developed in all rats except those in the control group. The estradiol level was significantly lower in Group II than in the other groups (p < 0.01). The incidence of cerebral aneurysm formation in Group II (60%) was three times higher than that in Group III (20%), and the mean size of aneurysms in Group II (76 ± 27 µm, mean ± standard deviation) was larger than that in Group III (28 ± 4.6 µm) (p < 0.05). No aneurysm developed in control animals (Group I), and there was no significant difference in plasma gelatinase activity among the three groups.
Conclusions. The cerebral aneurysm model was highly reproducible in rats. Bilateral oophorectomy increased the susceptibility of rats to aneurysm formation, indicating that hormones play a role in the pathogenesis of cerebral aneurysms.
Role of estrogen deficiency in the formation and progression of cerebral aneurysms. Part II: experimental study of the effects of hormone replacement therapy in rats
Authors: Jamous Mohammad A. , Nagahiro Shinji , Kitazato Keiko T. , Tamura Tetsuya , Kuwayama Kazuyuki , Satoh Koichi 
Published: May 2009

Object. The increased incidence of cerebral aneurysms in postmenopausal women appears to be related to low levels of circulating estrogen. Using a rat model of aneurysm induction, the authors found that oophorectomy increased the incidence of experimental cerebral aneurysms (Part I in this issue). In the current study they examined the effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on the formation of cerebral aneurysms in rats.
Methods. Forty-five female Sprague—Dawley rats were divided into three equal groups. The animals in Groups A and B were subjected to a cerebral aneurysm induction procedure (renal hypertension and right common carotid artery ligation) followed 1 month later by bilateral oophorectomy. After an additional week the rats in Group A received 17β estradiol continuous-release pellets. The rats in Group C served as controls. Three months after the aneurysm induction procedure, all the rats were killed and vascular corrosion casts of their cerebral arteries were prepared and checked for aneurysmal changes. Using a scanning electron microscope, the authors recorded aneurysmal changes as endothelial changes alone (Stage I), endothelial changes with intimal pad elevation (Stage II), and saccular aneurysm formation (Stage III). Aneurysmal changes (Stages I, II, and III) occurred in one third of rats that had undergone oophorectomy and were receiving HRT (Group A), compared with 87% of the rats that had undergone oophorectomy but did not receive HRT (Group B). Although most of the aneurysmal changes identified in Group A rats were limited to Stage I or II, most changes in Group B animals were identified as saccular dilation (Stage III).
Conclusions. The findings demonstrated the significant protective role of estrogen against the formation and progression of cerebral aneurysms. It appears to be related to the beneficial effects of estrogen on the function and growth of endothelial cells, which play a major role in preserving the integrity of the vascular wall.
Retargeting of adenoviral vector using basic fibroblast growth factor ligand for malignant glioma gene therapy
Authors: Wang Weijun , Zhu Nian-Ling , Chua Jason , Swenson Steve , Costa Fritz K. , Schmitmeier Stephanie , Sosnowski Barbara A. , Shichinohe Toshiaki , Kasahara Noriyuki , Chen Thomas C. 
Published: May 2009

Object. Adenovirus vector (AdV)—mediated gene delivery has been recently demonstrated in clinical trials as a novel potential treatment for malignant gliomas. Combined coxsackievirus B and adenovirus receptor (CAR) has been shown to function as an attachment receptor for multiple adenovirus serotypes, whereas the vitronectin integrins (αvβ3 and αvβ5) are involved in AdV internalization. In resected glioma specimens, the authors demonstrated that malignant gliomas have varying levels of CAR, αvβ3, and αvβ5 expression.
Methods. A correlation between CAR expression and the transduction efficiency of AdV carrying the green fluorescent protein in various human glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cell lines and GBM primary cell lines was observed. To increase transgene activity in in vitro glioma cells with low or deficient levels of CAR, the authors used basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF2) as a targeting ligand to redirect adenoviral infection through its cognate receptor, FGF receptor 1 (FGFR1), which was expressed at high levels by all glioma cells. These findings were confirmed by in vivo study data demonstrating enhanced transduction efficiency of FGF2-retargeted AdV in CAR-negative intracranial gliomas compared with AdV alone, without evidence of increased angiogenesis.
Conclusions. Altogether, the results demonstrated that AdV-mediated gene transfer using the FGF2/FGFR system is effective in gliomas with low or deficient levels of CAR and suggested that FGF2-retargeting of AdV may be a promising approach in glioma gene therapy.
Peak Flow Rate During Induced Cough: A Predictor of Successful Decannulation of a Tracheotomy Tube in Neurosurgical Patients
Authors: Chan Linda Y. Y. , Jones Alice Y. M. , Chung Raymond C. K. , Hung K. N. 
Published: May 2009

Background An accurate predictor of successful decannulation in neurosurgical patients that indicates the best time for tracheotomy decannulation would minimize the risks of continued cannulation and unsuccessful decannulation.Objective To determine whether the peak flow rate during induced cough is an appropriate predictor of successful decannulation.Methods A total of 32 neurosurgical patients with a tracheotomy were enrolled. The highest peak expiratory flow rate during 3 induced coughs, the total volume of tracheal secretions collected in 6 hours, and scores on the Glasgow Coma Scale were recorded. Logistic regression analysis was applied to determine the relationship between these variables and successful decannulation (reintubation not required within 72 hours).Results Decannulation was attempted in 23 of 32 patients. The remaining 9 patients were considered clinically inappropriate for the procedure. Of the 23 patients decannulated, 2 required reinsertion of the tracheotomy tube. Analysis revealed that peak flow rate during induced cough (odds ratio, 1.12; 95% confidence interval, 1.02–1.23) was independently associated with successful decannulation (accuracy, 75%; sensitivity, 85.7%; specificity, 54.5%). The receiver operating characteristic curve indicated an optimal cutoff point of 29 L/min.Conclusion Measurement of peak flow rate during induced cough is a simple and reproducible intervention that improves predictability of successful decannulation in patients with tracheotomy.
N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Gold(I) Catalyzed Transformation of N‐Tethered 1,5‐Bisallenes to 6,7‐Dimethylene‐3‐azabicyclo[3.1.1]heptanes
Authors: Kim Soo Min , Park Ji Hoon , Kang Youn Kyung , Chung Young Keun 
Published: May 2009

AbstractDie losen Enden verknüpft: N‐Ts‐verbrückte Bisallene (N‐Ts=N‐(p‐Tolylsulfonamid) liefern in Gegenwart eines kationischen Gold‐NHC‐Katalysators (NHC=N‐heterocyclisches Carben) neuartige Cycloisomerisierungsprodukte, 6,7‐Dimethylenazabicyclo[3.1.1]heptane, in hohen Ausbeuten (siehe Schema; IPr=N,N′‐Bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)imidazol‐2‐yliden).magnified image
Palladium‐Catalyzed Cyanation of CarbonCarbon Triple Bonds Under Aerobic Conditions
Authors: Arai Shigeru , Sato Takashi , Koike Yuka , Hayashi Michino , Nishida Atsushi 
Published: May 2009

AbstractOhne Sauerstoff geht nichts: Die Titelreaktion nutzt zwei Arten der Cyanierung, eine syn‐ und eine anti‐Cyanopalladierung, als Schlüsselschritte dieser katalytischen Reaktion. Die Umsetzung eignet sich auch für die dicyanierende Cyclisierung von Diin‐ und Eninderivaten (siehe Schema).magnified image
Local and Collective Motions in Precise Polyolefins with Alkyl Branches: A Combination of 2H and 13C Solid‐State NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Wei Yuying , Graf Robert , Sworen John C. , Cheng Chi‐Yuan , Bowers Clifford R. , Wagener Kenneth B. , Spiess Hans Wolfgang 
Published: May 2009

AbstractDie Beweglichkeit linearer Polymere ändert sich beim Verzweigen, was die Prozessierbar‐ und Ziehfähigkeit stark beeinflusst. Regelmäßig verzweigte Modellpolyolefine wurden mit modernen Festkörper‐NMR‐Techniken untersucht und Verdrillungen um die Verzweigungen in den kristallinen Bereichen identifiziert. Bei wenigen Verzweigungen sind die Verdrillbewegungen entkoppelt, bei hoher Verzweigung findet eine kollektive Bewegung statt (siehe Bild).magnified image
An Optical Approach for Drug Screening Based on Light‐Harvesting Conjugated Polyelectrolytes
Authors: An Lingling , Liu Libing , Wang Shu , Bazan Guillermo C. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractWirkstoffe schalten das Licht aus: Konjugierte Polyelektrolyte (CPEs) wurden in Fluoreszenzassays zum Echtzeit‐Screening von niedermolekularen Verbindungen genutzt (siehe Bild), welche die für die virale Replikation wichtige RNA‐Protein‐Komplexierung verhindern und damit als Kandidaten für die weitere Wirkstoffentwicklung dienen können.magnified image
Enantiospezifische Synthese und Allylierung ausschließlich Kohlenstoff‐substituierter, α‐chiraler Allylstannane
Authors: Schmidtmann Eric S. , Oestreich Martin 
Published: May 2009

AbstractEndlich frei wurde der Weg zu den Titelverbindungen in nahezu enantiomerenreiner Form mit einem Bis(triorganostannyl)zinkreagens (siehe Schema). Diastereoselektive thermische (links) und Lewis‐Säure‐vermittelte Folgereaktionen (rechts) veranschaulichen das Synthesepotenzial dieser Verbindungen.magnified image
Tellurium(II)‐Centered Dications from the Pseudohalide “Te(OTf)2”
Authors: Dutton Jason L. , Tuononen Heikki M. , Ragogna Paul J. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractPyridin‐ oder Carbenderivate als Liganden ermöglichen die Synthese von tellurzentrierten Dikationen, darunter einem dikationischen Telluranalogon des kürzlich synthetisierten „Carbodicarbens“, in hoher Ausbeute. Entscheidend für den Zugang zu diesen Verbindungen ist die Isolierung einer basenstabilisierten Form von TeOTf2 (siehe Struktur), einem neuen hoch elektrophilen Reagens für die Tellurchemie.magnified image
Palladium‐Catalyzed Cyanation of CarbonCarbon Triple Bonds Under Aerobic Conditions
Authors: Arai Shigeru , Sato Takashi , Koike Yuka , Hayashi Michino , Nishida Atsushi 
Published: May 2009

AbstractEssential oxygen: The title transformation involves two different modes of cyanation, syn and anti cyanopalladation, as the key steps in this catalytic reaction. These processes enable successful dicyanative cyclization of diyne and enyne derivatives (see scheme).magnified image
Amplification of the Cotton Effect of a Single Chromophore through Liposomal Ordering—Stereochemical Assignment of Plakinic Acids I and J
Authors: Dalisay Doralyn S. , Quach Tim , Nicholas Gillian N. , Molinski Tadeusz F. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractA dramatic effect is observed when acyclic N‐(2‐naphthamides) of medium‐chain 1‐amino‐2‐methylalkanes are partially ordered with the help of liposomes: the Cotton effect arising from π–π* transitions of the terminal naphthamide chromophor is enormously enhanced. This effect was exploited to assign the configuration of new polyketide peroxides such as 1 from the sponge Plakortis halichondroides.magnified image
Enantiospecific Synthesis and Allylation of All‐Carbon‐Substituted α‐Chiral Allylic Stannanes
Authors: Schmidtmann Eric S. , Oestreich Martin 
Published: May 2009

AbstractOnce difficult to obtain, the title compounds can be prepared in virtually enantiomerically pure form with a bis(triorganostannyl) zinc reagent (see scheme). Subsequent diastereoselective thermal (left) and Lewis acid promoted reactions (right) illustrate the synthetic potential of these compounds.magnified image