bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Survival following surgery and prognostic factors for recently diagnosed malignant glioma: data from the Glioma Outcomes Project
Authors: Laws Edward R. , Parney Ian F. , Huang Wei , Anderson Fred , Morris Angel M. , Asher Anthony , Lillehei Kevin O. , Bernstein Mark , Brem Henry , Sloan Andrew , Berger Mitchel S. , Chang Susan , _ _ 
Published: May 2009

Object. The Glioma Outcomes Project represents a contemporary analysis of the management of malignant (Grade III and Grade IV/GBM) gliomas in North America. This observational database was used to evaluate the influence of resection, as opposed to biopsy, on patient outcome as measured by the length of survival. Attempts were made to reduce the impact of selection bias by repeating the data analysis after omitting patients with major negative prognostic factors.
Methods. Outcome data from 788 patients accrued from multiple sites over a 4-year period (1997–2001) were analyzed with the primary outcome measure being length of survival. Of these, 565 patients with recent diagnoses formed the basis of the present analysis. Patients were systematically followed up until death or up to 24 months after enrollment in the study, and survival data were correlated with the histopathological grade and location of the tumor, the extent of surgery, the patient's performance status, and demographic factors.
The median length of survival was 40.9 weeks for patients with recently diagnosed GBMs. The true median length of survival for patients with Grade III gliomas was not reached, although there was a 58% survival rate at 104 weeks. In multivariate analysis, resection rather than biopsy (p < 0.0001), age 60 years or younger (p < 0.0001), and a Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) score of 70 or greater (p = 0.0004) were associated with a prolonged survival time for patients with Grade III or IV gliomas. The prognostic value of resection compared with biopsy was maintained (p < 0.0001), even after eliminating patients considered to be “poor risk” (those with age > 60 years, KPS score < 70, or presence of multifocal tumors), who may have been overrepresented in the biopsy group. Survival “tails” at 24 months were 58% for Grade III gliomas and 11% for GBMs.
Conclusions. These data provide Class II evidence to support tumor grade, patient's age, and patient's functional status as prognostic factors for survival in individuals with recently diagnosed malignant gliomas. Resection (compared with biopsy) is also a strong prognostic factor; however, no quantitative attempt was made to assess the true extent of the resection.
Use of 18F-choline and 11C-choline as contrast agents in positron emission tomography imaging—guided stereotactic biopsy sampling of gliomas
Authors: Hara Toshihiko , Kondo Tatsuya , Hara Tetsuo , Kosaka Noboru 
Published: May 2009

Object. Neuroimaging-guided stereotactic biopsy procedures are commonly used for diagnosis of gliomas. A number of the imaging modalities currently in use are not reliable enough in depicting these tumors. The authors developed 18F-choline and 11C-choline as tumor imaging agents for positron emission tomography (PET) scanning, and used them to visualize gliomas prior to stereotactic biopsy procedures.
Methods. The PET studies were performed in 12 patients who were thought to be affected by gliomas observed on computerized tomography and magnetic resonance images. The 18F- and 11C-choline were injected separately, and the PET scanning was started 5 and 20 minutes postinjection. The PET scans gave quantitative information about the distribution of 18F- and 11C-choline in the brain. The tumor uptake was constant between 5 and 20 minutes with both agents. Stereotactic biopsy sampling was performed to obtain tissues from the most radioactive areas on the PET scan; histological diagnoses were made using these tissues. The results were as follows: oligodendroglioma was found in two patients, astrocytoma in one, anaplastic astrocytoma in two, and glioblastoma in seven.
Conclusions. The uptake of contrast agents was always low in low-grade gliomas, and the uptake in high-grade glioma was always high. The tumor/normal (T/N) ratio of 18F-choline was 10.5:12 in anaplastic astrocytoma and 13.2:21 in glioblastoma. The 18F-choline yielded slightly superior results compared with 11C-choline with regard to the T/N ratio. In one case of oligodendroglioma the tumor showed no uptake of 18F- and 11C-choline. With this exception, the PET scans of gliomas in which 18F- and 11C-choline contrast agents were added would guide the approach to the most malignant areas for stereotactic biopsy sampling.
Prospective analysis of diplopia after anterior temporal lobectomy for mesial temporal lobe sclerosis
Authors: Cohen-Gadol Aaron A. , Leavitt Jacqueline A. , Lynch James J. , Marsh W. Richard , Cascino Gregory D. 
Published: May 2009

Object. In this prospective study the authors investigated the incidence and natural history of postoperative diplopia in patients undergoing anterior temporal lobectomy (ATL) and amygdalohippocampectomy for medically intractable mesial temporal lobe epilepsy.
Methods. Forty-seven patients scheduled for ATL for medically refractory seizures were examined preoperatively, 2 to 7 days postoperatively, and 3 to 6 months postoperatively. Ophthalmological examination including pupillary measurements, stereoacuity measurements, palpebral fissure measurements, vertical fusional amplitudes, Lancaster red green testing, visual field testing, and alternate cover testing was performed. Antiepileptic drug levels were monitored.
Nine (19%) of 47 patients developed diplopia postoperatively. The diplopia was caused by trochlear nerve palsy in every case. No oculomotor nerve dysfunction was documented. Trochlear nerve function recovered completely in all patients within 3 to 6 months postoperatively.
Conclusions. Postoperative diplopia following ATL occurs more often than previously thought and is primarily due to trochlear nerve dysfunction. Awareness of this transient complication is important in preoperative patient counseling.
Complications of chronic vagus nerve stimulation for epilepsy in children
Authors: Smyth Matthew D. , Tubbs R. Shane , Bebin E. Martina , Grabb Paul A. , Blount Jeffrey P. 
Published: May 2009

Object. The aim of this study was to define better the incidence of surgical complications and untoward side effects of chronic vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) in a population of children with medically refractory epilepsy.
Methods. The authors retrospectively reviewed the cases of 74 consecutive patients (41 male and 33 female) 18 years of age or younger (mean age 8.8 years, range 11 months–18 years) who had undergone implantation of a vagal stimulator between 1998 and 2001 with a minimum follow up of 1 year (mean 2.2 years). Of the 74 patients treated, seven (9.4%) had a complication ultimately resulting in removal of the stimulator. The rate of deep infections necessitating device removal was 3.5% (three of 74 patients who had undergone 85 implantation and/or revision procedures). An additional three superficial infections occurred in patients in whom the stimulators were not removed: one was treated with superficial operative debridement and antibiotic agents and the other two with oral antibiotics only. Another four stimulators (5.4%) were removed because of the absence of clinical benefit and device intolerance. Two devices were revised because of lead fracture (2.7%). Among the cohort, 11 battery changes have been performed thus far, although none less than 33 months after initial implantation. Several patients experienced stimulation-induced symptoms (hoarseness, cough, drooling, outbursts of laughter, shoulder abduction, dysphagia, or urinary retention) that did not require device removal. Ipsilateral vocal cord paralysis was identified in one patient. One patient died of aspiration pneumonia more than 30 days after device implantation.
Conclusions. Vagus nerve stimulation remains a viable option for improving seizure control in difficult to treat pediatric patients with epilepsy. Surgical complications such as hardware failure (2.7%) or deep infection (3.5%) occurred, resulting in device removal or revision. Occasional stimulation-induced symptoms such as hoarseness, dysphagia, or torticollis may be expected (5.4%).
Three-dimensional blood flow analysis in a wide-necked internal carotid artery—ophthalmic artery aneurysm
Authors: Tateshima Satoshi , Viñuela Fernando , Villablanca J. Pablo , Murayama Yuichi , Morino Taku , Nomura Kiyoe , Tanishita Kazuo 
Published: May 2009

Object. The aim of this study was to evaluate axial and secondary flow structures in a wide-necked internal carotid artery—ophthalmic artery aneurysm, one of the most common locations for endovascular coil placement.
Methods. A clear acrylic aneurysm model was manufactured from a three-dimensional computerized tomography angiogram. Intraaneurysm blood flow analysis was conducted using an acrylic aneurysm model together with laser Doppler velocimetry and particle imaging velocimetry. The maximal axial blood flow velocities in the inflow and outflow zones at the aneurysm orifice were noted at the peak systolic phase, measuring 46.8 and 24.9% of that in the parent artery, respectively. The mean size of the inflow zone during one cardiac cycle was 44.3 ± 9.8% (range 35.6–58.7%) the size of the axial section at the aneurysm orifice. In the lower and upper planes of the aneurysm dome, the mean size of inward and outward flow areas were 43.3 ± 6.7% and 43.8 ± 6.8% the size of the axial cross-sectional plane, respectively. The axial flow velocity structures were dynamically altered throughout the cardiac cycle, particularly at the aneurysm orifice. The fastest secondary flow at the opening was also noted at the peak systolic and early diastolic phases. Axial blood flow velocity was slower in the upper axial plane of the aneurysm dome than in the lower one. Conversely, the secondary flow component was faster in the upper plane.
Conclusions. The side-wall aneurysm in this study did not demonstrate a simple flow pattern as was previously seen in ideally shaped experimental aneurysms in vitro and in vivo. The flow patterns of inflow and outflow zones were very difficult to predict based on the limited flow information provided on standard digital subtraction angiography, even in an aneurysm with a relatively simple dome shape.
Growth factor enhancement of peripheral nerve regeneration through a novel synthetic hydrogel tube
Authors: Midha Rajiv , Munro Catherine A. , Dalton Paul D. , Tator Charles H. , Shoichet Molly S. 
Published: May 2009

Object. The authors' long-term goal is repair of peripheral nerve injuries by using synthetic nerve guidance devices that improve both regeneration and functional outcome relative to an autograft. They report the in vitro processing and in vivo application of synthetic hydrogel tubes that are filled with collagen gel impregnated with growth factors.
Methods. Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-methyl methacrylate) (PHEMA-MMA) porous 12-mm-long tubes with an inner diameter of 1.3 mm and an outer diameter of 1.8 mm were used to repair surgically created 10-mm gaps in the rat sciatic nerve. The inner lumen of the tubes was filled with collagen matrix alone or matrix supplemented with either neurotropin-3 at 1 µg/ml, brain-derived neurotrophic factor at 1 µg/ml, or acidic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-1) at 1 or 10 µg/ml. Nerve regeneration through the growth factor—enhanced tubes was assessed at 8 weeks after repair by histomorphometric analysis at the midgraft level and in the nerve distal to the tube repair. The tubes were biostable and biocompatible, and supported nerve regeneration in more than 90% of cases. Nerve regeneration was improved in tubes in which growth factors were added, compared with empty tubes and those containing collagen gel alone (negative controls). Tubes filled with 10 µg/ml of FGF-1 dispersed in collagen demonstrated regeneration comparable to autografts (positive controls) and showed significantly better regeneration than the other groups.
Conclusions. The PHEMA-MMA tubes augmented with FGF-1 in their lumens appear to be a promising alternative to autografts for repair of nerve injuries. Studies are in progress to assess the long-term biocompatibility of these implants and to enhance regeneration further.
Neurophysiological criteria for intraoperative prediction of pure motor hemiplegia during aneurysm surgery
Authors: Szelényi Andrea , de Camargo Adauri Bueno , Flamm Eugene , Deletis Vedran 
Published: May 2009

✓ The value of motor evoked potentials (MEPs) as an intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring tool for detecting selective subcortical ischemia of the motor pathways during intracerebral aneurysm repair is described and the use of such measures to predict postoperative motor status is discussed.
The authors present the case of a 64-year-old woman in whom there was an incidental finding of two right middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms. During the aneurysm clipping procedure, an intraoperative MEP loss in the left abductor pollicis brevis and tibial anterior muscles occurred during an attempt at permanent clip placement. There were no concurrent changes in somatosensory evoked potentials. Postoperatively, the patient demonstrated a left hemiplegia with intact sensation. A computerized tomography scan revealed an infarct in the anterior division of the MCA territory, including the posterior limb of the internal capsule.
In this patient, intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring with MEPs has been shown to be a sensitive tool for indicating subcortical ischemia affecting selective motor pathways in the internal capsule. Therefore, intraoperative loss of MEPs can be used to predict postoperative motor deficits.
Stereotactic radiotherapy for the treatment of lymphocytic hypophysitis
Authors: Selch Michael T. , DeSalles Antonio A. F. , Kelly Daniel F. , Frighetto Leonardo , Vinters Harry V. , Cabatan-Awang Cynthia , Wallace Robert E. , Solberg Timothy D. 
Published: May 2009

✓ Lymphocytic hypophysitis is a rare inflammatory disorder of the pituitary gland. Standard therapy consists of transsphenoidal resection or oral administration of corticosteroid medications. Two patients with symptomatic lymphocytic hypophysitis, which recurred after standard therapy, were treated with low-dose stereotactic radiotherapy. On imaging studies both lesions demonstrated a response to radiation and each patient experienced relief of symptoms. There has been no adverse sequela of the radiation treatment.
The authors conclude that stereotactic radiotherapy represents an effective, noninvasive treatment option for patients with lymphocytic hypophysitis, particularly if the disease is recurrent after surgery or resistant to corticosteroid medications.
Fluorescence-guided resection of glioblastoma multiforme by using high-dose fluorescein sodium
Authors: Shinoda Jun , Yano Hirohito , Yoshimura Shin-Ichi , Okumura Ayumi , Kaku Yasuhiko , Iwama Toru , Sakai Noboru 
Published: May 2009

✓ The authors have recently performed a fluorescence-guided tumor resection procedure by using high-dose fluorescein sodium without any special surgical microscopes for the intraoperative visualization of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), and they report on the actual procedure and clinicopathological findings.
Thirty-two patients with GBMs underwent tumor resection during which this fluorescence-guided procedure was used. Fluorescein sodium (20 mg/kg) was intravenously injected after dural opening at the craniotomy site. The tumor was stained almost homogeneously yellow and the color was intense enough to be readily perceived for resection. The center of the solid lesion was stained a deep yellow and surrounded by a transition zone that was faintly stained. The colored lesion was clearly distinguishable from the unstained zone outside the GBM, particularly in the white matter. Both the deeply and faintly stained regions included endothelial proliferation and dense tumor cells. In the unstained region, less dense tumor cells were consistently revealed; however, no endothelial proliferation could be seen. Grosstotal resection (GTR) was successful in 84.4% of the patients who received an injection of fluorescein sodium, which accounted for 100% of those in whom all the visible yellow color (both the deeply and faintly stained regions) was judged to have been resected during operation. Gross-total resection was performed in 100% of the patients who underwent the fluorescence-guided procedure and assigned to Stage I, a GBM stage in which, as a therapeutic policy, the tumor should be resected as radically as possible. The GTR rates in patients who received fluorescein sodium were significantly higher than those in patients who did not (73 patients with GBMs who underwent tumor resection without the fluorescence-guided procedure). Although the extent of surgery was revealed to be one of the significant and independent prognostic factors for GBM, the fluorescein sodium—guided resection procedure was not a significant or independent prognostic factor in this series.
This surgical procedure does not require any special surgical microscopic equipment and is simple, safe, useful, readily accomplished, and universally available for resection of GBMs. Its efficacy simplifies the surgical procedure of navigating the stained lesion from the unstained area to achieve GTR of GBMs, which can be demonstrated on magnetic resonance images.
Factors associated with the development of vasospasm after planned surgical treatment of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Macdonald R. Loch , Rosengart Axel , Huo Dezheng , Karrison Theodore 
Published: May 2009

Object. The goal of this study was to determine factors associated with the development of symptomatic vasospasm among patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) who participated in the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of tirilazad between 1991 and 1997.
Methods. Data obtained from 3567 patients entered into trials of tirilazad were analyzed using uni- and multivariate logistic regression to determine factors that predict the development of symptomatic vasospasm. Symptomatic vasospasm was defined by clinical criteria accompanied by laboratory- and radiologically determined exclusion of other causes of neurological deterioration. Transcranial Doppler ultrasonographic and/or angiographic confirmation was not required. In these patients, the aneurysms were scheduled to be treated surgically, and no patient undergoing endovascular treatment was included. A multivariate analysis showed that factors significantly associated with vasospasm were age 40 to 59 years, history of hypertension, worse neurological grade, thicker blood clot on the cranial computerized tomography (CT) scan obtained on hospital admission, larger aneurysm size, presence of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), prophylactic use of induced hypertension, and not participating in the first European tirilazad study.
Conclusions. Symptomatic vasospasm was associated with the amount of SAH on the CT scan, the presence of IVH, and the patient's neurological grade. The association with patient age may reflect alterations in vessel reactivity associated with age. A history of hypertension may render the brain more susceptible to symptoms from vasospasm. The explanation for the relationships with aneurysm size, use of prophylactic induced hypertension, and the particular study is unclear.
Long-term motor effect of unilateral pallidal stimulation in 26 patients with advanced Parkinson disease
Authors: Visser-Vandewalle Veerle , van der Linden Chris , Temel Yasin , Nieman Fred , Celik Halime , Beuls Emile 
Published: May 2009

Object. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term effects of unilateral pallidal stimulation on motor function in selected patients with advanced Parkinson disease (PD).
Methods. The authors enrolled 26 patients with idiopathic PD in whom there was an asymmetric distribution of symptoms and, despite optimal pharmocological treatment, severe response fluctuations and/or dyskinesias. After the patient had received a local anesthetic agent, a quadripolar electrode (Medtronic model 3387) was implanted at the side opposite the side affected or, if both sides were affected, the side contralateral to the more affected side. No serious complications occurred. After 3 months, the total Unified PD Rating Scale (UPDRS) Part III score decreased by 50.7% while patients were in the off-medication state (from 26.5 ± 9.2 to 13.1 ± 6.1) and by 55.4% while they were in the on-medication state (from 10.6 ± 6.3 to 4.7 ± 4.4). Only during the on state was the contralateral effect clearly more pronounced. The UPDRS Part IVa score decreased by 75% (from 3.7 ± 2.5 to 0.9 ± 1.1) and the UPDRS Part IVb score by 54.7% (from 3.3 ± 1.3 to 1.5 ± 1.3).
At long-term follow-up review (32.7 ± 10.7 months), there was an 8.3% increase in the UPDRS Part III score while patients were in the off state (from 26.5 ± 9.2 to 28.7 ± 7.6) and a 40.2% increase in this score while patients were in the on state (from 10.6 ± 6.3 to 14.9 ± 5.1). The UPDRS Part IVa score decreased by 28.1% (from 3.7 ± 2.5 to 2.7 ± 2.3) and the UPDRS Part IVb score increased by 3.5% (from 3.3 ± 1.3 to 3.4 ± 1.6).
Conclusions. Based on these unsatisfactory results at long-term review, the authors conclude that unilateral pallidal stimulation is not an effective treatment option for patients with advanced PD.
Selective opening of the blood—brain barrier by a nitric oxide donor and long-term survival in rats with C6 gliomas
Authors: Weyerbrock Astrid , Walbridge Stuart , Pluta Ryszard M. , Saavedra Joseph E. , Keefer Larry K. , Oldfield Edward H. 
Published: May 2009

Object. The response of brain tumors to systemic chemotherapy is limited by the blood—tumor barrier (BTB). Nitric oxide (NO) has been implicated in the regulation of vascular permeability and blood flow. The authors evaluated the effects of exogenous NO, which was released from a short-acting NO donor (Proli/NO), and those of NO metabolites on the capillary permeability of tumors and normal brain tissue by using quantitative autoradiography in a C6 glioma model in rats.
Methods. The Proli/NO was infused at a wide dose range (10−2 to 10−12 M) either intravenously or into the internal carotid artery (ICA) and demonstrated substantial tumor-selective increases in blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability in response to various-sized tracers ([14C]aminoisobutyric acid, [14C]sucrose, [14C]dextran). Internal carotid artery or intravenous administration of sodium nitrite had a comparable effect on BTB permeability. The NO effect on microvascular permeability could be obtained without causing hemodynamic side effects. The effect of NO on the efficacy of carboplatin chemotherapy was investigated in intracerebral C6 gliomas. Simultaneous intravenous infusions of Proli/NO (10−6 M) and carboplatin (20 mg/kg) led to long-term survival in 40% of rats harboring intracerebral C6 gliomas compared with control animals receiving ICA or intravenous infusions of carboplatin, Proli/NO, or vehicle alone. No residual tumor was demonstrated on histological or magnetic resonance imaging studies performed in rats treated with Proli/NO and carboplatin, and no toxicity was observed.
Conclusions. This new approach demonstrated the in vivo efficacy and safety of NO and nitrite in enhancing the delivery of systemically delivered radiolabeled tracers and carboplatin into rat gliomas. The NO-induced tumor-selective BBB disruption and intravenous carboplatin chemotherapy may be more efficacious than current chemotherapy strategies against brain tumors.