bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improving Diabetes Care Among Patients Overdue for Recommended Testing: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Automated Telephone Outreach
Authors: Simon Steven R. , Trinacty Connie Mah , Soumerai Stephen B. , Piette John D. , Meigs James B. , Shi Ping , Ensroth Arthur , Ross-Degnan Dennis 
Published: April 2010

OBJECTIVE
The study's objective was to assess the effects of automated telephone outreach with speech recognition (ATO-SR) on diabetes-related testing.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
We identified 1,200 health plan members who were overdue for diabetes-related testing and randomly allocated 600 to ATO-SR and 600 to usual care (no intervention). The intervention included three interactive calls encouraging recommended testing. The primary outcome was retinopathy testing, since this was the health plan's principal goal. Tests for glycemia, hyperlipidemia, and nephropathy were secondary outcomes.

RESULTS
In total, 232 participants (39%) verbally responded to the calls. There was no difference between the intervention and the usual care groups in the primary outcome (adjusted hazard ratio 0.93 [95% CI 0.71–1.22]) and no effect of the intervention on any of the secondary outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS
Fewer than 40% of the patients randomized to ATO-SR interacted verbally with the system. The intervention had no effect on the study's outcomes.
Effects of early exercise on metacarpophalangeal joints in horses
Authors: Kawcak Chris E. , McIlwraith C. Wayne , Firth Elwyn C. 
Published: April 2010

Abstract
Objective—To determine the effects of exercise at an early age on tissues in the metacarpophalangeal joints of horses.
Animals—Twelve 18-month-old horses.
Procedures—All horses were pasture reared, but 6 horses had additional exercise starting at 3 weeks of age until 18 months of age. At that time, computed tomography, articular cartilage metabolism evaluation, and histologic assessments of synovial membrane, articular cartilage, and subchondral bone were performed.
Results—Exercised horses had fewer gross lesions, less articular cartilage matrix staining in the dorsal aspect of the condyle, greater bone fraction in the dorsolateral aspect of the condyle, and higher bone formation rate, compared with nonexercised horses.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Exercise at a young age may be protective to joints, although more research is needed to characterize changes in articular cartilage matrix. Results suggested that exercise can be safely imposed at an early age.
Effects of dietary medium-chain triglycerides on plasma lipids and lipoprotein distribution and food aversion in cats
Authors: Trevizan Luciano , de Mello Kessler Alexandre , Bigley Karen E. , Anderson Wendy H. , Waldron Mark K. , Bauer John E. 
Published: April 2010

Abstract
Objective—To determine possible diet aversion and lipid and lipoprotein alterations in cats fed diets containing medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs).
Animals—19 clinically normal adult female cats.
Procedures—Cats were assigned to 2 groups (low MCT diet [n = 10] and high MCT diet [9]) and fed the diets for 9 weeks according to metabolic body weight (100 kcal of metabolizable energy [ME] × kg−0.67/d). Daily consumption records and weekly body weight and body condition score (BCS) were used to adjust amounts fed and calculate daily ME factors for each cat to maintain ideal BCS. Blood samples were obtained after withholding food on days 0, 14, 28, and 56 for measurement of plasma triglyceride and total cholesterol concentrations and lipoprotein-cholesterol distributions. Repeated-measures ANOVA and Tukey multiple comparison tests were performed.
Results—No diet differences were found for food consumption, body weight, BCS, and ME factors. A significant increase in plasma triglyceride concentration was detected for the high MCT diet; however, values were within the reference ranges. No diet effects were observed for total cholesterol concentrations or lipoprotein-cholesterol distributions, although increases over time were observed.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Inclusion of MCT in diets of cats did not result in feed refusal and had minimal effects on lipid metabolism. Such diets may be useful for both clinically normal cats and cats with metabolic disorders. The MCT oils are an example of a bioactive dietary lipid that may benefit feline metabolism and can serve as a useful functional food ingredient for cats.
Pharmacokinetics of voriconazole after oral administration of single and multiple doses in Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis)
Authors: Sanchez-Migallon Guzman David , Flammer Keven , Papich Mark G. , Grooters Amy M. , Shaw Shannon , Applegate Jeff , Tully Thomas N. 
Published: April 2010

Abstract
Objective—To determine the pharmacokinetics and safety of voriconazole administered orally in single and multiple doses in Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis).
Animals—15 clinically normal adult Hispaniolan Amazon parrots.
Procedures—Single doses of voriconazole (12 or 24 mg/kg) were administered orally to 15 and 12 birds, respectively; plasma voriconazole concentrations were determined at intervals via high-pressure liquid chromatography. In a multiple-dose trial, voriconazole (18 mg/kg) or water was administered orally to 6 and 4 birds, respectively, every 8 hours for 11 days (beginning day 0); trough plasma voriconazole concentrations were evaluated on 3 days. Birds were monitored daily, and clinicopathologic variables were evaluated before and after the trial.
Results—Voriconazole elimination half-life was short (0.70 to 1.25 hours). In the single-dose experiments, higher drug doses yielded proportional increases in the maximum plasma voriconazole concentration (Cmax) and area under the curve (AUC). In the multiple-dose trial, Cmax, AUC, and plasma concentrations at 2 and 4 hours were decreased on day 10, compared with day 0 values; however, there was relatively little change in terminal half-life. With the exception of 1 voriconazole-treated parrot that developed polyuria, adverse effects were not evident.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—In Hispaniolan Amazon parrots, oral administration of voriconazole was associated with proportional kinetics following administration of single doses and a decrease in plasma concentration following administration of multiple doses. Oral administration of 18 mg of voriconazole/kg every 8 hours would require adjustment to maintain therapeutic concentrations during long-term treatment. Safety and efficacy of voriconazole treatment in this species require further investigation.
Use of a combination of prednisolone and rosuvastatin for treatment of a pyogranuloma in a dog
Authors: Yuki Masashi , Hirano Takashi 
Published: April 2010

Abstract
Case Description—A 6-year-old spayed female Miniature Dachshund was examined because of a 3-day history of anorexia and diarrhea.
Clinical Findings—A lump was detected during abdominal palpation. Biochemical abnormalities included increases in serum concentrations of total protein, globulin, and C-reactive protein (CRP). Abdominal radiography and abdominal ultrasonography revealed a mass on the caudal aspect of the right kidney. Exploratory laparotomy confimed the mass; however, it could not be excised because it was strongly adhered to surrounding tissues. Histologic examination of a tissue sample from the mass led to a diagnosis of pyogranuloma.
Treatment and Outcome—The dog was treated with rosuvastatin, but no improvement was evident. Administration of a high dose of prednisolone (1 mg/kg [0.45 mg/lb], PO, q 12 h) was initiated. The CRP concentration returned to within reference limits, and the mass gradually decreased in size. The prednisolone dosage was tapered to 0.14 mg/kg (0.064 mg/lb), PO, every 12 hours. However, once the low dosage of prednisolone was reached, CRP concentration and size of the mass increased. Rosuvastatin was subsequently combined with the low dosage of prednisolone. After 1 week of the combination treatment, the CRP concentration returned to within reference limits, and the mass was reduced in size. The mass eventually could not be detected ultrasonographically.
Clinical Relevance—A low dose of prednisolone was not effective against the pyogranuloma. However, administration of a low dose of prednisolone in combination with rosuvastatin caused decreases in CRP concentration and size of the pyogranuloma. Thus, statins may act as immunosuppressants.
Hydrocephalus associated with cystic dilation of the foramina of Magendie and Luschka
Authors: Takami Hirokazu , Shin Masahiro , Kuroiwa Masafumi , Isoo Ayako , Takahashi Kan , Saito Nobuhito 
Published: April 2010

Cystic malformations in the posterior cranial fossa result from developmental failure in the paleocerebellum and meninges. The authors present the case of an infant with hydrocephalus associated with cystic dilation of the foramina of Magendie and Luschka.
This 7-month-old female infant presented with sudden onset of tonic-clonic seizures. Computed tomography revealed tetraventricular hydrocephalus. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a cyst communicating with the fourth ventricle and projecting to the cisterna magna and the cerebellopontine cisterns through the foramina of Magendie and Luschka. A suboccipital craniotomy was performed for removal of the cyst wall, and the transparent membrane covering the foramen of Magendie was removed under a microscope. After the surgery, the patient's hydrocephalus improved and a phase contrast cine MR imaging study showed evidence of normal CSF flow at the level of the third and fourth ventricles. Three weeks later, however, the hydrocephalus recurred. An endoscopic third ventriculocisternostomy was performed to address the possibility of stagnant CSF flow in the posterior cranial fossa, but the hydrocephalus continued. Finally the patient underwent placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt, resulting in improvement of her symptoms and resolution of the hydrocephalus.
On the basis of this experience and previously published reports, the authors speculate that the cystic malformation in their patient could be classified in a continuum of persistent Blake pouch cysts. Hydrocephalus was caused by a combination of obstruction of CSF flow at the outlets of the fourth ventricle and disequilibrium between CSF production and absorption capacity.
Precision of navigated stereotactic probe implantation into the brainstem
Authors: Giese Henrik , Hoffmann Karl-Titus , Winkelmann Andreas , Stockhammer Florian , Jallo George I. , Thomale Ulrich-W. 
Published: April 2010

Object
The indications for stereotactic biopsies or implantation of probes for local chemotherapy in diffuse brainstem tumors have recently come under debate. The quality of performing these procedures significantly depends on the precision of the probes' placement in the brainstem. The authors evaluated the precision of brainstem probe positioning using a navigated frameless stereotactic system in an experimental setting.

Methods
Using the VarioGuide stereotactic system, 33 probes were placed into a specially designed model filled with agarose. In a second experimental series, 8 anatomical specimens were implanted with a total of 32 catheters into the pontine brainstem using either a suboccipital or a precoronal entry point. Before intervention in both experimental settings, a thin-sliced CT scan for planning was obtained and fused to volumetric T1-weighted MR imaging data. After the probe positioning procedures, another CT scan and an MR image were obtained to compare the course of the catheters versus the planned trajectory. The deviation between the planned and the actual locations was measured to evaluate the precision of the navigated intervention.

Results
Using the VarioGuide system, mean total target deviations of 2.8 ± 1.2 mm on CT scanning and 3.1 ± 1.2 mm on MR imaging were detected with a mean catheter length of 151 ± 6.1 mm in the agarose model. The catheter placement in the anatomical specimens revealed mean total deviations of 1.95 ± 0.6 mm on CT scanning and 1.8 ± 0.7 mm on MR imaging for the suboccipital approach and a mean catheter length of 59.5 ± 4.1 mm. For the precoronal approach, deviations of 2.2 ± 1.2 mm on CT scanning and 2.1 ± 1.1 mm on MR imaging were measured (mean catheter length 85.9 ± 4.7 mm).

Conclusions
The system-based deviation of frameless stereotaxy using the VarioGuide system reveals good probe placement in deep-seated locations such as the brainstem. Therefore, the authors believe that the system can be accurately used to conduct biopsies and place probes in patients with brainstem lesions.
Endoscopic third ventriculostomy in patients younger than 2 years: outcome analysis of 41 hydrocephalus cases
Authors: Sufianov Albert A. , Sufianova Galina Z. , Iakimov Iurii A. 
Published: April 2010

Object
The object of this study was to analyze the outcome of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) in patients under 2 years of age and investigate factors related to ETV success or failure in this patient population.

Methods
The authors reviewed their experience in using endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) in the treatment of 41 hydrocephalus patients younger than 2 years. The mean duration of follow-up was 45 months. The relationship between ETV efficacy and the following variables was analyzed: cause of hydrocephalus, level of CSF occlusion, primary versus secondary ETV, type of surgical procedure, head circumference, patient age at ETV, patient age at first manifestation of hydrocephalus, and anatomical features of the ventricle. Success of ETV was assessed based on the results of neurological examination and postoperative imaging during the follow-up period.

Results
The authors performed 32 primary ETVs and 10 secondary ETVs (ETV after hydrocephalus surgery) in 41 patients (a second ETV was performed in 1 patient). The success rates of primary and secondary ETV were 75.8 and 55.6%, respectively (no significant difference, p = 0.15). The ETV was clinically and radiologically successful in 30 (71.4%) of 42 procedures during a mean (± SD) follow-up period of 45.0 ± 4.8 months (range 12–127 months). A negative relationship was found between success of ETV and the thickness of the floor of the third ventricle (the most effective procedures were those in which the floor of the ventricle was thinnest [p < 0.05]). There was a highly significant correlation between ETV success and prolapse of the ventricle floor (p < 0.001). Also, there was an inverse relationship between ventricle floor thickness and the width of the third ventricle (p < 0.005). In our group of patients there was significant correlation between ETV success and patient age at onset of hydrocephalus (the most effective procedures were in patients in whom signs of hydrocephalus first occurred after 1 month of age [p = 0.02]).

Conclusions
Endoscopic third ventriculostomy was successful in 71.4% of procedures in children younger than 2 years and in 75.0% of procedures in infants. Success of ETV in children younger than 2 years depends not on the age of the patient or cause of hydrocephalus but on the thickness of the floor of the third ventricle and the patient's age at first manifestation of hydrocephalus.
Tumor vessel biology in pediatric intracranial ependymoma
Authors: Wagemakers Michiel , Sie Mariska , Hoving Eelco W. , Molema Grietje , de Bont Eveline S. J. M. , den Dunnen Wilfred F. A. 
Published: April 2010

Object
This study aimed to characterize the pediatric intracranial ependymoma vasculature in terms of angiogenic activity and maturation status so as to provide indications for the applicability of vessel-targeted therapy in cases of pediatric intracranial ependymoma.

Methods
Tumor samples obtained in patients with ependymomas were immunohistochemically (double) stained for Ki 67/CD34, caspase 3a/CD34, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)–A, –B, –C, –D, collagen Type IV, and smooth muscle actin to determine microvessel density, tumor and endothelial cell proliferation and apoptotic fraction, the relative expression of VEGF family members, and the coverage of the tumor endothelial cells by basal membrane and pericytes. Messenger RNA expression of angiopoietin-1 and -2 was analyzed by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. These data were compared with those obtained in a glioblastoma series.

Results
Despite a low endothelial cell turnover, the microvessel density of ependymomas was similar to that of glioblastomas. In ependymomas the expression of VEGF-A was within the range of the variable expression in glioblastomas. The staining intensities of VEGF-B, -C, and -D in ependymomas were significantly lower (p < 0.001). The expression of angiopoietin-1 was higher in ependymomas than in glioblastomas (p = 0.03), whereas angiopoietin-2 expression was similar. The coverage of tumor endothelial cells with basal membrane and pericytes was more complete in ependymomas (p = 0.009 and p = 0.022, respectively).

Conclusions
The ependymoma vasculature is relatively mature and has little angiogenic activity compared with malignant gliomas. Therefore, the window for vessel normalization as a therapeutic aim might be considered small. However, the status of the tumor vasculature may not be a reliable predictor of treatment effect. Therefore, possible benefits of antiangiogenic treatment cannot be excluded beforehand in patients with ependymomas.
Comparison of perceptions and treatment practices between neurosurgeons and plastic surgeons for infants with deformational plagiocephaly
Authors: Lee Amy , Van Pelt Andrea E. , Kane Alex A. , Pilgram Thomas K. , Govier Daniel P. , Woo Albert S. , Smyth Matthew D. 
Published: April 2010

Object
Deformational plagiocephaly (DP) is the leading cause of head shape abnormalities in infants. Treatment options include conservative measures and cranial molding. Pediatric neurosurgeons and craniofacial plastic surgeons have yet to agree on an ideal therapy, and no definable standards exist for initiating treatment with helmets. Furthermore, there may be differences between specialties in their perceptions of DP severity and need for helmet therapy.

Methods
Requests to participate in a web-based questionnaire were sent to diplomates of the American Board of Pediatric Neurological Surgery and US and Canadian members of the Pediatric Joint Section of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons and the American Cleft Palate–Craniofacial Association. Questions focused on educational background; practice setting; volume of DP patients; preferences for evaluation, treatment, follow-up; and incentives or deterrents to treat with helmet therapy. Six examples of varying degrees of DP were presented to delineate treatment preferences.

Results
Requests were sent to 302 neurosurgeons and 470 plastic surgeons, and responses were received from 71 neurosurgeons (24%) and 64 plastic surgeons (14%). The following responses represented the greatest variations between specialties: 1) 8% of neurosurgeons and 26% of plastic surgeons strongly agreed with the statement that helmet therapy is more beneficial than conservative therapy (p < 0.01); and 2) 25% of neurosurgeons and 58% of plastic surgeons would treat moderate to severe DP with helmets (p < 0.01).

Conclusions
Survey responses suggest that neurosurgeons are less likely to prescribe helmet therapy for DP than plastic surgeons. Parents of children with DP are faced with a costly treatment decision that may be influenced more strongly by referral and physician bias than medical evidence.
Magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging and tractography of intracranial cavernous malformations: preliminary observations and characterization of the hemosiderin rim
Authors: Cauley Keith A. , Andrews Trevor , Gonyea Jay V. , Filippi Christopher G. 
Published: April 2010

Object
Cavernous malformations (CMs) can cause symptoms that appear out of proportion to the lesion size, leading one to hypothesize that they may have an effect on adjacent white matter that is not fully explained by local mass effect. The goal of this study was to investigate the diffusion tensor (DT) properties of CMs, the hemosiderin rim, and normal-appearing adjacent white matter.

Methods
Eighteen cavernous malformations were characterized using standard MR imaging sequences as well as 6-direction DT imaging with single-shot echo planar–gradient echo imaging at 3 tesla.

Results
Diffusion tensor imaging demonstrated that CMs have a characteristic signature on DT imaging, with low fractional anisotropy (FA) and high mean diffusivity centrally within the lesion. The hemosiderin rim had a high FA value relative to the central lesion or adjacent white matter. Tractography revealed that tracts neatly deviate around CMs. Tracts were typically seen to pass through the hemosiderin rim.

Conclusions
The hemosiderin rim of CMs was intimately associated with white matter tracts that were deviated by the central lesion. These findings are consistent with histopathological reports that the hemosiderin rim is composed of blood breakdown products deposited in viable white matter.
Endocrinological and ophthalmological consequences of an initial endonasal endoscopic approach for resection of craniopharyngiomas
Authors: Campbell Peter G. , McGettigan Brian , Luginbuhl Adam , Yadla Sanjay , Rosen Marc , Evans James J. 
Published: April 2010

Object
The expanded endoscopic approach to craniopharyngiomas has recently been described in several small case series. The authors present their experience with this technique and review the available literature.

Methods
Between September 2006 and September 2009, 14 patients underwent a purely endoscopic, endonasal approach for resection of newly diagnosed craniopharyngiomas. These procedures represent index surgeries; no patient had undergone previous tumor resection. A retrospective review of endocrinological and ophthalmological outcomes, extent of resection, and complication prevalence was completed. Additionally, a review of the English literature was performed to evaluate outcomes of similar endoscopic techniques for resection of craniopharyngiomas.

Results
Four patients (28.6%) underwent gross-total resection; near total resection or better was achieved in 9 patients (64.3%). All patients presented with some form of visual field or acuity deficit. Postoperatively, 12 patients (85.7%) experienced visual improvement, with 6 patients (42.9%) having complete visual recovery. One patient experienced worsening of her visual deficit. Visual acuity improved in 8 patients ((57.1%), while visual field defects improved in 11 (78.6%). The pituitary stalk was preserved in all cases. Eight (57.1%) of 14 patients experienced some form of anterior pituitary dysfunction postoperatively. Although 9 patients (64.3%) were documented to have either transient or permanent new diabetes insipidus immediately after surgery, at 1-month follow-up only 1 patient met clinical criteria. Five patients (35.7%) developed CSF leaks that were successfully treated by subsequent endoscopic revision. All CSF leaks occurred early in the series. Two patients (14.2%) were treated for presumed meningitis postoperatively.

Conclusions
The endoscopic endonasal approach is a minimally invasive alternative to open transcranial approaches for select craniopharyngiomas. Similar to previous transcranial series, rates of endocrinopathy and gross-total resection were dependent upon the adherence of the tumor capsule to the hypothalamus, pituitary stalk, and associated vasculature. A review of the literature suggests that the results of the current series are similar to other published series on this topic.