bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oxytocin: recent developments
Authors: Tom Nicole C. , Assinder Stephen J. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractOxytocin is a neurohypophyseal hormone that is produced centrally by neurons in the paraventricular nucleus and supraoptic nucleus of the hypothalamus. It is released directly into higher brain centres and into the peripheral circulation where it produces a multitude of effects. Classically, oxytocin is known for inducing uterine contractions at parturition and milk ejection during suckling. Oxytocin also acts in a species and gender specific manner as an important neuromodulator. It can affect behaviours associated with stress and anxiety, as well social behaviours including sexual and relationship behaviours, and maternal care. Additionally, oxytocin has been shown to have a variety of physiological roles in peripheral tissues, many of which appear to be modulated largely by locally produced oxytocin, dispelling the notion that oxytocin is a purely neurohypophyseal hormone. Oxytocin levels are altered in several diseases and the use of oxytocin or its antagonists have been identified as a possible clinical intervention in the treatment of mood disorders and pain conditions, some cancers, benign prostatic disease and osteoporosis. Indeed, oxytocin has already been successful in clinical trials to treat autism and schizophrenia. This review will report briefly on the known functions of oxytocin, it will discuss in depth the data from recent clinical trials and highlight future targets for oxytocinergic modulation.
Pseudohypocalcemia caused by perchlorate (Irenat®)
Authors: Durner Jürgen , Winkler-Budenhofer Ursula , Gahr Simon , Samtleben Walter , Schönermarck Ulf 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Background: Blood gas analysis (BGA), including measurement of ionized calcium, is performed routinely in patients with end stage renal disease on renal replacement therapy, especially when using citrate for regional anticoagulation. After installation of a new blood gas analyzer (RAPIDpoint® 405; BGA), we observed lower ionized calcium concentrations in a few patients without signs of hypocalcemia, whereas calcium concentrations were normal using a standard laboratory method. Pseudohypocalcemia was of limited duration and correlated with the short-term intake of sodium perchlorate monohydrate (Irenat®).

Methods: We prepared dilution series from whole blood samples and stock solutions of calcium and perchlorate with different concentrations of ionized calcium and perchlorate. Measurement of ionized calcium concentrations was performed using two different blood gas analyzers (RAPIDpoint® 405; BGA and Roche AVL 9180; standard laboratory method).

Results: After addition of different amounts of perchlorate, significant lower ionized calcium concentrations were measured with BGA compared to the standard laboratory method using either preparations from whole blood samples or stock solutions. The addition of potassium or methylene blue known to complex perchlorate had no effect on the concentrations of ionized calcium measured with BGA. Using different mathematical methods, a calculation of the “real” ionized calcium concentration from the value measured with BGA was not possible.

Conclusions: Based on our experiments, we confirm the hypothesis that perchlorate can influence the measurement of ionized calcium by BGA. As the effect depends on the ion selective electrode that is used, it is advisable to test the blood gas analyzer with calcium and perchlorate solutions.
Ni- and Cu-free Zr–Al–Co–Ag bulk metallic glasses with superior glass-forming ability
Authors: Hua Nengbin , Pang Shujie , Li Yan , Wang Jianfeng , Li Ran , Georgarakis Konstantinos , Yavari Alain Reza , Vaughan Gavin , Zhang Tao 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Beyond Traditional Outcomes: Improving Quality of Life in Patients with Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Cella David 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
The introduction of molecular targeted therapies for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma has provided treatment options that are more efficacious and better tolerated than cytokine therapy, the previous standard of care. These advances have led to renewed efforts to define the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) impact of disease status stabilization or improvement versus that of treatment-associated adverse events. The distinct classes of targeted agents have unique AE profiles related to their specific targets; therefore, treatment considerations should include the patient's pretreatment HRQOL along with the known HRQOL effects of each drug. With more second- and third-line treatment options available for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma, HRQOL outcomes in earlier lines of therapy may guide treatment decisions for subsequent therapy, as poor HRQOL at therapy onset predicts poor survival. Both general and disease-specific instruments are used in clinical trials to reveal the impact of treatment on patient-reported outcomes. In this article, the common instruments used to assess HRQOL and the HRQOL outcomes observed in pivotal trials of targeted therapies are reviewed. Current data indicate that first-line therapy with sunitinib and first-line therapy in poor-prognosis patients with temsirolimus provide improved HRQOL compared with interferon-α. First- and second-line therapy with pazopanib and second-line therapy with everolimus and sorafenib maintained HRQOL levels similar to placebo, indicating that these agents do not worsen HRQOL. The HRQOL effects of bevacizumab plus IFN-α have not been reported. As new agents enter clinical investigation, HRQOL data can help determine their overall role in treatment.
Endogenous stem cell proliferation induced by intravenous hedgehog agonist administration after contusion in the adult rat spinal cord
Authors: Bambakidis Nicholas C. , Horn Eric M. , Nakaji Peter , Theodore Nicholas , Bless Elizabeth , Dellovade Tammy , Ma Chiyuan , Wang Xukui , Preul Mark C. , Coons Stephen W. , Spetzler Robert F. , Sonntag Volker K. H. 
Published: February 2011

Object
Sonic hedgehog (Shh) is a glycoprotein molecule that upregulates the transcription factor Gli1. The Shh protein plays a critical role in the proliferation of endogenous neural precursor cells when directly injected into the spinal cord after a spinal cord injury in adult rodents. Small-molecule agonists of the hedgehog (Hh) pathway were used in an attempt to reproduce these findings through intravenous administration.

Methods
The expression of Gli1 was measured in rat spinal cord after the intravenous administration of an Hh agonist. Ten adult rats received a moderate contusion and were treated with either an Hh agonist (10 mg/kg, intravenously) or vehicle (5 rodents per group) 1 hour and 4 days after injury. The rats were killed 5 days postinjury. Tissue samples were immediately placed in fixative. Samples were immunohistochemically stained for neural precursor cells, and these cells were counted.

Results
Systemic dosing with an Hh agonist significantly upregulated Gli1 expression in the spinal cord (p < 0.005). After spinal contusion, animals treated with the Hh agonist had significantly more nestin-positive neural precursor cells around the rim of the lesion cavity than in vehicle-treated controls (means ± SDs, 46.9 ± 12.9 vs 20.9 ± 8.3 cells/hpf, respectively, p < 0.005). There was no significant difference in the area of white matter injury between the groups.

Conclusions
An intravenous Hh agonist at doses that upregulate spinal cord Gli1 transcription also increases the population of neural precursor cells after spinal cord injury in adult rats. These data support previous findings based on injections of Shh protein directly into the spinal cord.
Cervical myelopathy in patients with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament
Authors: Mochizuki Macondo , Aiba Atsuomi , Hashimoto Mitsuhiro , Fujiyoshi Takayuki , Yamazaki Masashi 
Published: February 2011

Object
The authors assessed the clinical course in patients with a narrowed cervical spinal canal caused by ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL), but who have no or only mild myelopathy. Additionally, the authors analyzed the factors contributing to the development and aggravation of myelopathy in patients with OPLLinduced spinal canal stenosis.

Methods
Between 1997 and 2004, the authors selected treatments for patients with cervical OPLL in whom the residual space available for the spinal cord was ≤ 12 mm. Treatment decisions were based on the severity of myelopathy at presentation. Twenty-one patients with no or mild myelopathy (defined as a Japanese Orthopaedic Association [JOA] scale score ≥ 14 points) received conservative treatment, with a mean follow-up period of 4.5 years. In 20 patients with moderate or severe myelopathy (JOA scale score < 14 points), the authors performed surgery via an anterior approach. The clinical course in these patients was assessed with the JOA scale and the OPLL types were classified. The authors evaluated the range of motion between C-1 and C-7, the developmental segmental sagittal diameter, the percentage of spinal canal diameter occupied by the OPLL (% ratio), and the residual space available for the spinal cord on cervical radiographs; T2-weighted MR images were examined for high signal changes (HSCs).

Results
In the conservative treatment group, 8 patients showed improvement, 12 remained unchanged, and 1 patient's condition became slightly worse during the observation period. Fifteen patients in this group had mixedtype, 3 had continuous-type, 2 had localized-type, and 1 had a segmental-type OPLL. In the surgically treated group, there were 12 patients with segmental-type, 10 patients with mixed-type, and 1 with localized-type OPLL. The mean range of motion at C1–7 was 36.4° in the conservatively treated group and 46.5° in the surgical group (p < 0.05). No significant difference was seen between the groups in terms of developmental segmental sagittal diameter, % ratio, or residual space available for the cord. No HSCs were noted in the conservative group, while 17 patients in the surgical group had HSCs (p < 0.05).

Conclusions
In the present study, the authors demonstrate that the mobility of the cervical spine and the type of OPLL are important factors contributing to the development and aggravation of myelopathy in patients with OPLLinduced spinal canal stenosis. The authors advocate conservative treatment in most patients with OPLLs who have no or only mild myelopathy, even in the presence of spinal canal narrowing.
Isolated unilateral hypoglossal nerve palsy secondary to an atlantooccipital joint juxtafacet synovial cyst
Authors: Elhammady Mohamed Samy , Farhat Hamad , Aziz-Sultan Mohammad Ali , Morcos Jacques J. 
Published: February 2011

Juxtafacet cysts of the atlantooccipital joint that present with isolated hypoglossal nerve palsy are rare and may mimic more common pathological entities. The authors report on the third such case in the literature and discuss the differential diagnosis, imaging hallmarks, preoperative recognition, and surgical management of this lesion, and provide a review of the literature.
The authors discuss their experience with the treatment of a 67-year-old woman who presented with an isolated hypoglossal nerve palsy caused by a nonenhancing cystic septated lesion abutting the lateral medulla just medial to the left hypoglossal canal. The lesion was presumed to be a necrotic hypoglossal schwannoma or epidermoid tumor. Intradural surgical exploration failed to demonstrate an intradural lesion, but confirmed the presence of an extradural mass caudal to the hypoglossal nerve. Extradural exploration revealed a synovial cyst of the atlantooccipital joint, which was then resected. Postoperatively, the patient developed worsening dysphagia and hoarseness. Failure to recognize this rare entity preoperatively resulted in unnecessary intradural exploration and cranial nerve morbidity. In retrospect, the preoperative diagnosis of this lesion was suggested by lack of central enhancement, absence of dumbbell formation and the presence of erosive synovial changes. Regardless, the extreme rarity of this lesion at this location will always make its recognition challenging.
Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy to evaluate spinal cord axonal injury in cervical spondylotic myelopathy
Authors: Holly Langston T. , Freitas Bonnie , McArthur David L. , Salamon Noriko 
Published: February 2011

Object
Magnetic resonance spectroscopy is commonly used to provide cellular and metabolic information in the management of a variety of pathological processes that affect the brain, and its application recently has been expanded to the cervical spine. The majority of radiographic investigations into the pathophysiology of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) have been focused on the spinal cord macrostructure. The authors sought to determine the feasibility of using MR spectroscopy to analyze spinal cord biochemical function in patients with CSM.

Methods
Twenty-one patients with clinical and radiographic evidence of CSM were prospectively enrolled in this study. The patients underwent preoperative neurological examination, functional assessment, and cervical spine MR spectroscopy. Voxels were placed at the C-2 level, and the MR spectroscopy spectra peaks for N-acetylaspartate (NAA), choline, lactate (Lac), and creatine (Cr) were measured. Thirteen age-matched healthy volunteers served as controls.

Results
The NAA/Cr ratio was significantly lower in patients with CSM than in controls (1.27 vs 1.83, respectively, p < 0.0001). The choline/Cr ratio was not significantly different between the 2 groups. Seven of the patients with CSM had a Lac peak, whereas no peaks were noted in the control group (p < 0.05). There was no correlation between the severity of myelopathy and the NAA/Cr ratio in the CSM cohort.

Conclusions
Data in this study demonstrated the feasibility of using MR spectroscopy to evaluate the cellular biochemistry of the spinal cord in patients with CSM. Patients with CSM had a significantly lower NAA/Cr ratio than healthy controls, likely because of axonal and neuronal loss. The presence of Lac peaks in one-third of the patients in the CSM cohort further supports the role of ischemia in the pathophysiology of CSM.
Spinal cord herniation after multilevel anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion for ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the cervical spine
Authors: Min Jun-Hong , Jung Byung-Joo , Jang Jee-Soo , Kim Seok-Kang , Jung Dae-Jin , Lee Sang-Ho 
Published: February 2011

The authors report the case of a 52-year-old man who had undergone resection of an ossified posterior longitudinal ligament via the anterior approach. The patient experienced postoperative neurological deterioration that may have been caused by a massive cord herniation associated with a dural defect at the corpectomy site.
Spinal cord herniation may develop as a complication of anterior cervical decompression. Surgeons should be alert to this condition when planning to treat cervical ossification of the ossified posterior longitudinal ligament via the anterior approach.
Reversal of longstanding musculoskeletal changes in basilar invagination after surgical decompression and stabilization
Authors: Goel Atul , Shah Abhidha 
Published: February 2011

Object
The authors investigated the changes in the bone architecture and the characteristics of the neck and craniovertebral region in selected cases of basilar invagination. The reversal in these changes that occurred after decompression and fixation are analyzed. The implications of such an analysis in understanding the pathogenesis of a number of features that are characteristically associated with basilar invagination are evaluated.

Methods
One hundred and seventy selected patients with basilar invagination who underwent atlantoaxial joint distraction-fixation surgery at the authors' institution between 1999 and April 2008 were reviewed. The study was prospective after June 2006. A variety of parameters were used for radiological and physical assessments. The evaluation was done on the basis of pre- and postoperative imaging studies and clinical photographs. In the 41 prospective cases, additional direct physical measurements of the neck were performed.

Results
Prior to surgery there were several physical changes such as reduced neck length, torticollis, exaggerated lordosis of the cervical spine, and reduced craniospinal angulation. Other findings included reduced discspace height, significant posterior cervical osteophyte formation, assimilation of atlas (72%), single-level (29%) or multiple-level (3%) cervical fusions, and an increase in the spinal subarachnoid space both above and below the level of maximum neural compression at the tip of the odontoid process. After surgical decompression of the region, there was remarkable recovery in craniovertebral alignments, and an increase in neck length (maximum up to 42 mm) was obvious on physical and radiological examination in 85% of patients. The disc-space height increased and there was a reversal of altered cervical lordosis, craniospinal angulation (maximum up to 36°), and torticollis.

Conclusions
It appears that a number of physical spinal changes characteristically associated with basilar invagination such as a short neck, exaggerated neck lordosis, torticollis, cervical spondylotic changes and fusions are potentially reversible after decompression and stabilization of the craniovertebral junction.
Clinical prognostic indicators of surgical outcome in cervical spondylotic myelopathy
Authors: Holly Langston T. , Matz Paul G. , Anderson Paul A. , Groff Michael W. , Heary Robert F. , Kaiser Michael G. , Mummaneni Praveen V. , Ryken Timothy C. , Choudhri Tanvir F. , Vresilovic Edward J. , Resnick Daniel K. 
Published: February 2011

Object
The objective of this systematic review was to use evidence-based medicine to assess whether clinical factors predict surgical outcomes in patients undergoing cervical surgery.

Methods
The National Library of Medicine and Cochrane Database were queried using MeSH headings and keywords relevant to clinical preoperative factors. Abstracts were reviewed, and studies that met the inclusion criteria were selected. The guidelines group assembled an evidentiary table summarizing the quality of evidence (Classes I–III). Disagreements regarding the level of evidence were resolved through an expert consensus conference. The group formulated recommendations that contained the degree of strength based on the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines network. Validation was done through peer review by the Joint Guidelines Committee of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons/Congress of Neurological Surgeons.

Results
Preoperative sensory-evoked potentials may aid in providing prognostic information in selected patients in whom clinical factors do not provide clear guidance (Class II). Age, duration of symptoms, and preoperative neurological function may commonly affect outcome (Class III).

Conclusions
Age, duration of symptoms, and preoperative neurological function should be discussed with patients when surgical intervention for cervical spondylotic myelopathy is considered. Preoperative sensory-evoked potentials may be considered for patients in whom clinical factors do not provide clear guidance if such information would potentially change therapeutic decisions.
Cervical laminectomy for the treatment of cervical degenerative myelopathy
Authors: Ryken Timothy C. , Heary Robert F. , Matz Paul G. , Anderson Paul A. , Groff Michael W. , Holly Langston T. , Kaiser Michael G. , Mummaneni Praveen V. , Choudhri Tanvir F. , Vresilovic Edward J. , Resnick Daniel K. 
Published: February 2011

Object
The objective of this systematic review was to use evidence-based medicine to examine the efficacy of cervical laminectomy for the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM).

Methods
The National Library of Medicine and Cochrane Database were queried using MeSH headings and keywords relevant to cervical laminectomy and CSM. Abstracts were reviewed after which studies meeting inclusion criteria were selected. The guidelines group assembled an evidentiary table summarizing the quality of evidence (Classes I–III). Disagreements regarding the level of evidence were resolved through an expert consensus conference. The group formulated recommendations that contained the degree of strength based on the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines network. Validation was done through peer review by the Joint Guidelines Committee of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons/Congress of Neurological Surgeons.

Results
Laminectomy has improved functional outcome for symptomatic cervical myelopathy (Class III). The limitations of the technique are an increased risk of postoperative kyphosis compared to anterior techniques or laminoplasty or laminectomy with fusion (Class III). However, the development of kyphosis may not necessarily to diminish the clinical outcome (Class III).

Conclusions
Laminectomy is an acceptable therapy for near-term functional improvement of CSM (Class III). It is associated with development of kyphosis, however.
Cervical laminoplasty for the treatment of cervical degenerative myelopathy
Authors: Matz Paul G. , Anderson Paul A. , Groff Michael W. , Heary Robert F. , Holly Langston T. , Kaiser Michael G. , Mummaneni Praveen V. , Ryken Timothy C. , Choudhri Tanvir F. , Vresilovic Edward J. , Resnick Daniel K. 
Published: February 2011

Object
The objective of this systematic review was to use evidence-based medicine to examine the efficacy of cervical laminoplasty in the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM).

Methods
The National Library of Medicine and Cochrane Database were queried using MeSH headings and keywords relevant to cervical laminoplasty and CSM. Abstracts were reviewed and studies meeting the inclusion criteria were selected. The guidelines group assembled an evidentiary table summarizing the quality of evidence (Classes I–III). Disagreements regarding the level of evidence were resolved through an expert consensus conference. The group formulated recommendations that contained the degree of strength based on the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines network. Validation was done through peer review by the Joint Guidelines Committee of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and Congress of Neurological Surgeons.

Results
Cervical laminoplasty has improved functional outcome in the setting of CSM or ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament. Using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association scale score, ~ 55–60% average recovery rate has been observed (Class III). The functional improvement observed after laminoplasty may be limited by duration of symptoms, severity of stenosis, severity of myelopathy, and poorly controlled diabetes as negative risk factors (Class II). There is conflicting evidence regarding age, with 1 study citing it as a negative risk factor, and another not demonstrating this result.

Conclusions
Cervical laminoplasty is recommended for the treatment of CSM or ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (Class III).