bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Diagnostic Value of N-Acetyl-β-D-Glucosaminidase and Microalbumin Concentrations in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Spasovski Dejan , Gruev Todor , Marina Nada , Calovski Jordan , Percinkova Snežana , Osmani Baskim , Rajčevska Ljubinka , Cakalaroski Kočo , Sotirova Tatjana , Balkanov Svetlana , Slaninka-Micevska Maja 
Published: December 2007

The Diagnostic Value of N-Acetyl-β-D-Glucosaminidase and Microalbumin Concentrations in Rheumatoid ArthritisThe purpose of this research was to compare the diagnostic values of laboratory variables, to present quantitative evaluations of the diagnostic sifted test with reference to sensitivity and specificity, the predictive value of the positive and negative test and precision of the test for N-acetyl-β-D-glucosa-minidase (NAG), microalbumin, rheumatoid factor (RF), Creactive protein (CRP), DAS 28 index, in early diagnosis of untreated rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and to define the effect of untreated rheumatoid arthritis on glomerular and tubular function. Using a colorimetric assay for the determination of Nacetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase and an immunoturbidimetric assay for the determination of urinary albumin, the samples of serum and urine have been examined in 70 participants (35 RA who were not treated, 35 healthy controls). RF was defined with the test for agglutination (Latex RF test) in the same participants. Out of 35 examined patients with RA, in 13 we found the presence of NAG enzymuria (sensitivity of the test 37.14%), while microalbuminuria appeared in 4 patients (sensitivity of the test 11.42%). RF appeared in 17 patients (sensitivity of the test 48.57%). Four patients were NAG and RF positive, while 3 patients were microalbuminuria and RF positive. Among 18 RF negative patients, 9 patients were NAG positive, and 1 patient presented with microalbuminuria. Among 17 RF positive RA, the presence of NAG was found in 4 patients, and the presence of microalbuminuria in 3 patients. Among 18 RF negative RA, NAG enzymuria appeared in 9 patients. Microalbuminuria was present in 1 patient. In the healthy control group, 8 patients were NAG positive, 2 patients were positive for microalbuminuria. RF appeared in 2 patients. NAG has higher sensitivity than microalbuminuria in the detection of asymptomatic renal lesions in untreated RA.
Skull base reconstruction in the extended endoscopic transsphenoidal approach for suprasellar lesions
Authors: Cavallo Luigi Maria , Messina Andrea , Esposito Felice , de Divitiis Oreste , Fabbro Mateus Dal , de Divitiis Enrico , Cappabianca Paolo 
Published: December 2007

Object
The extended transsphenoidal approach to the suprasellar region has the advantages of minimal invasiveness and brain manipulation in the surgical treatment of small to medium lesions. At the same time, however, it carries a higher risk of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage and related complications than those for the standard transsphenoidal approach. Effective reconstruction of large skull base defects is a major concern in such extended approaches and remains challenging.

Methods
Between January 2004 and April 2006, 21 patients affected by different suprasellar lesions underwent the extended endoscopic endonasal transtuberculum-transplanum approach. Three different techniques were used for the skull base reconstructions. In all cases, dehydrated human pericardium (Tutoplast) for dural reconstruction and a copolymer of l-lactic acid and glycolic acid (LactoSorb) as a bone substitute were used. Collagen sponges, fibrin glue, and an inflated Foley balloon catheter were also used to fill the sphenoid sinus cavity.

Results
Two cases of postoperative CSF leaks (9.5%) and one case of mycotic sinusitis (4.8%) occurred following the intradural (inlay) and intraextradural (inlay-overlay) graft positioning. No cases of postoperative CSF leakage occurred in cases in which the extradural-only reconstruction procedure was applied. No meningitis or other complications related to the closure were noticed.

Conclusions
The rate of postoperative CSF leakage after an extended approach to the suprasellar area is higher compared with that following standard pituitary surgery. Reconstruction after craniopharyngioma surgery exposes patients to an increased risk of postoperative CSF leaks. The extradural (overlay) technique was found to be the most effective in assuring a watertight closure.
Irradiation of cochlear structures during vestibular schwannoma radiosurgery and associated hearing outcome
Authors: Massager Nicolas , Nissim Ouzi , Delbrouck Carine , Delpierre Isabelle , Devriendt Daniel , Desmedt Françoise , Wikler David , Brotchi Jacques , Levivier Marc 
Published: December 2007

Object
The purpose of this study was to measure the dose of radiation delivered to the cochlea during a Gamma knife surgery (GKS) procedure for treatment of patients with vestibular schwannomas (VSs), and to analyze the relationship between cochlear irradiation and the hearing outcome of these patients.

Methods
Eighty-two patients with VSs were treated with GKS using a marginal dose of 12 Gy. No patient had neurofibromatosis Type 2 disease, and all had a Gardner–Robertson hearing class of I to IV before treatment, and a radiological and audiological follow-up of at least 1-year after GKS. The dosimetric data of the volume of the cochlea were retrospectively analyzed and were correlated with the auditory outcome of patients.

Results
The mean radiation dose delivered to the cochlear volume ranged from 1.30 to 10.00 Gy (median 4.15 Gy). The cochlea received significantly higher radiation doses in patients with worsening of hearing after GKS. A highly significant association between the cochlear and the intracanalicular dose of radiation delivered during GKS was found.

Conclusions
During GKS for VSs, relatively high doses of radiation can be delivered to the cochlea. Worsening of hearing after GKS can be the consequence of either radiation injury to the cochlea or the irradiation dose delivered into the auditory canal, or both.
Gamma Knife surgery for skull base chordomas and chondrosarcomas
Authors: Hasegawa Toshinori , Ishii Dai , Kida Yoshihisa , Yoshimoto Masayuki , Koike Joji , Iizuka Hiroshi 
Published: December 2007

Object
The purpose of this study was to evaluate radiosurgical outcomes in skull base chordomas and chondrosarcomas, and to determine which tumors are appropriate for stereotactic radiosurgery as adjuvant therapy following maximum tumor resection.

Methods
Thirty-seven patients (48 lesions) were treated using Gamma Knife surgery (GKS); 27 had chordomas, seven had chondrosarcomas, and three had radiologically diagnosed chordomas. The mean tumor volume was 20 ml, and the mean maximum and marginal doses were 28 and 14 Gy, respectively. The mean follow-up period was 97 months from diagnosis and 59 months from GKS.

Results
The actuarial 5- and 10-year survival rates after GKS were 80 and 53%, respectively. The actuarial 5- and 10-year local tumor control (LTC) rates after single or multiple GKS sessions were 76 and 67%, respectively. All patients with low-grade chondrosarcomas achieved good LTC. A tumor volume of less than 20 ml significantly affected the high rate of LTC (p = 0.0182). No patient had adverse radiation effects, other than one in whom facial numbness worsened despite successful tumor control.

Conclusions
As an adjuvant treatment after resection, GKS is a reasonable option for selected patients harboring skull base chordomas or chondrosarcomas with a residual tumor volume of less than 20 ml. Dose planning with a generous treatment volume to avoid marginal treatment failure should be made at a marginal dose of at least 15 Gy to achieve long-term tumor control.
Prediction of meningioma consistency using fractional anisotropy value measured by magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Kashimura Hiroshi , Inoue Takashi , Ogasawara Kuniaki , Arai Hiroshi , Otawara Yasunari , Kanbara Yoshiyuki , Ogawa Akira 
Published: December 2007

Object
Preoperative planning for meningiomas requires information about tumor consistency as well as location and size. In the present study the authors aimed to determine whether the fractional anisotropy (FA) value calculated on the basis of preoperative magnetic resonance (MR) diffusion tensor (DT) imaging could predict meningioma consistency.

Methods
In 29 patients with intracranial meningiomas, MR DT imaging was performed preoperatively, and the FA values of the tumors were calculated. Tumor consistency was intraoperatively determined as hard or soft, and the histological diagnosis of the tumor was established.

Results
Of the 29 tumors, 11 were classified as hard and 18 as soft. The FA values of fibroblastic meningiomas were significantly higher than those of meningothelial meningiomas (p = 0.002). The FA values of hard tumors were significantly higher than those of soft tumors (p = 0.0003). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the FA value was a significant independent predictor of tumor consistency (p = 0.007).

Conclusions
The FA value calculated from preoperative MR DT imaging predicts meningioma consistency.
Alpha-II spectrin breakdown products in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a novel biomarker of proteolytic injury
Authors: Lewis Stephen B. , Velat Gregory J. , Miralia Lynn , Papa Linda , Aikman Jada M. , Wolper Regina A. , Firment Chris S. , Liu Ming Chen , Pineda Jose A. , Wang Kevin K. W. , Hayes Ronald L. 
Published: December 2007

Object
Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (ASAH) is a serious event with grave consequences. Delayed ischemic neurological deficits caused by cerebral arterial vasospasm contribute significantly to death and disability. Biomarkers may reflect brain injury and provide an early warning of impending neurological decline and stroke from ASAH-induced vasospasm. Alpha-II spectrin is a cytoskeletal protein whose breakdown products are candidate surrogate markers of injury magnitude, treatment efficacy, and outcome. In addition, αII spectrin breakdown products (SBDPs) can provide information on the proteolytic mechanisms of injury.

Methods
Twenty patients who received a diagnosis of Fisher Grade 3 ASAH were enrolled in this study to examine the clinical utility of SBDPs in the detection of cerebral vasospasm in patients with ASAH. All patients underwent placement of a ventriculostomy for continual cerebrospinal fluid drainage within 72 hours of ASAH onset. Cerebrospinal fluid samples were collected every 6 hours and analyzed using Western Blotting for SBDPs. Onset of vasospasm was defined as an acute onset of a focal neurological deficit or a change in Glasgow Coma Scale score of two or more points. All suspected cases of vasospasm were confirmed on imaging studies.

Results
Both calpain- and caspase-mediated SBDP levels are significantly increased in patients suffering ASAH. The concentration of SBDPs was found to increase significantly over baseline level up to 12 hours before the onset of cerebral arterial vasospasm.

Conclusions
Differential expression of SBDPs suggests oncotic necrotic proteolysis may be predominant in acute brain injury after ASAH and cerebral arterial vasospasm.
Moving toward the petroclival region: a model for quantitative and anatomical analysis of tumor shift
Authors: Safavi-Abbasi Sam , Zabramski Joseph M. , Deshmukh Pushpa , Reis Cassius V. , Bambakidis Nicholas C. , Theodore Nicholas , Crawford Neil R. , Spetzler Robert F. , Preul Mark C. 
Published: December 2007

Object
The authors quantitatively assessed the effects of balloon inflation as a model of tumor compression on the brainstem, cranial nerves, and clivus by measuring the working area, angle of attack, and brain shift associated with the retrosigmoid approach.

Methods
Six silicone-injected cadaveric heads were dissected bilaterally via the retrosigmoid approach. Quantitative data were generated, including key anatomical points on the skull base and brainstem. All parameters were measured before and after inflation of a balloon catheter (inflation volume 4.8 ml, diameter 20 mm) intended to mimic tumor compression.

Results
Balloon inflation significantly shifted (p < 0.001) the brainstem and cranial nerve foramina (mean [± standard deviation] displacement of upper brainstem, 10.2 ± 3.7 mm; trigeminal nerve exit, 6.99 ± 2.38 mm; facial nerve exit, 9.52 ± 4.13 mm; and lower brainstem, 13.63 ± 8.45 mm). The area of exposure at the petroclivus was significantly greater with balloon inflation than without (change, 316.26 ± 166.75 mm2; p < 0.0001). Before and after balloon inflation, there was no significant difference in the angles of attack at the origin of the trigeminal nerve (p > 0.5).

Conclusions
This study adds an experimental component to the emerging field of quantitative neurosurgical anatomy. Balloon inflation can be used to model the effects of a mass lesion. The tumor simulation created “natural” retraction and an opening toward the upper clivus. The findings may be helpful in selecting a surgical approach to increase the working space for resection of certain extraaxial tumors.
A computed tomography scan and anatomical cadaveric study of the pterygopalatine ganglion for use in Gamma Knife treatment of cluster headache
Authors: Alvernia Jorge E. , Spomar Daniel G. , Olivero William C. 
Published: December 2007

Object
Gamma Knife surgery has recently been used to treat patients with cluster headaches. Both the trigeminal nerve root and the pterygopalatine ganglion (PPG) have been targeted. However, there are no clear-cut anatomical landmarks on computed tomography (CT) scans or magnetic resonance images that accurately identify the PPG. Therefore, the authors performed microsurgical dissections on latex-injected cadaver heads to expose the PPG and correlated the findings with thin-slice axial CT scans obtained in the same heads to determine how best to target the PPG.

Methods
Three cadaver heads (five sides) previously injected with colored latex were dissected using skull base approaches and microsurgical techniques to identify the PPG and surrounding structures. Measurements were then made to different osseous anatomical landmarks such as the foramen rotundum, vidian canal, and so on. The PPG was marked with a radiopaque marker and thin-slice CT scans were obtained in the cadaver heads to develop some correlates that could be used to identify where the PPG is located on CT scans.

Results
The PPG was clearly identified in all specimens and had a mean diameter of 3.58 ± 0.6 mm. The PPG was always located in the same plane (lateral and vertical) as the vidian canal and was located on average 2.7 ± 0.3 mm from the end of the canal. The vidian canal was clearly identified on coronal CT scans and had a diameter of 3.05 mm.

Conclusions
There was a clear and constant relationship between the PPG and vidian canal. The vidian canal is easily identified on coronal CT scans and can be used as a landmark to target the PPG with the Gamma Knife.
Axonal supercharging technique using reverse end-to-side neurorrhaphy in peripheral nerve repair: an experimental study in the rat model
Authors: Fujiwara Toshihiro , Matsuda Ken , Kubo Tateki , Tomita Koichi , Hattori Ryo , Masuoka Takeshi , Yano Kenji , Hosokawa Ko 
Published: December 2007

Object
In an attempt to improve peripheral nerve repair, the influence of the addition of reverse end-to-side neu-rorrhaphy for an injured peripheral nerve was investigated in the rat sciatic nerve transection model.

Methods
Twelve Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into two groups (six rats in each group). In Group I, the right sciatic nerve was cut at a point distal to the gluteal notch and repaired using end-to-end neurorrhaphy with four 10-0 nylon epineurial sutures. In Group II, after performing the same procedure as in Group I, the left sciatic nerve was cut distally and passed through a subcutaneous tunnel to the right side. The proximal stump of the left sciatic nerve was coapted to the epineurial window of the right sciatic nerve distal to the injured point in an end-to-side fashion using 10-0 nylon epineurial sutures. The effects were evaluated using analgesimeter recordings for the hind paw, electrophysiological tests, measurement of the muscle contraction force, a double-labeling technique, weight measurement and histological examination of the gastrocnemius muscle, histological examination of the bilateral sciatic nerves, and immunofluorescent staining.

Results
Results from the many tests used to evaluate the reverse end-to-side neurorrhaphy technique indicated thatfunctional recovery of the denervated target organs was promoted by axonal augmentation.

Conclusions
The reverse end-to-side neurorrhaphy technique could be useful in peripheral nerve repair.
Cognitive outcome following brain injury and treatment with an inhibitor of Nogo-A in association with an attenuated downregulation of hippocampal growth-associated protein-43 expression
Authors: Marklund Niklas , Bareyre Florence M. , Royo Nicolas C. , Thompson Hilaire J. , Mir Anis K. , Grady M. Sean , Schwab Martin E. , McIntosh Tracy K. 
Published: December 2007

Object
Central nervous system axons regenerate poorly after traumatic brain injury (TBI), partly due to inhibitors such as the protein Nogo-A present in myelin. The authors evaluated the efficacy of anti–Nogo-A monoclonal antibody (mAb) 7B12 administration on the neurobehavioral and cognitive outcome of rats following lateral fluid-percussion brain injury, characterized the penetration of the 7B12 or control antibodies into target brain regions, and evaluated the effects of Nogo-A inhibition on hemispheric tissue loss and sprouting of uninjured motor tracts in the cervical cord. To elucidate a potential molecular response to Nogo-A inhibition, we evaluated the effects of 7B12 on hippocampal GAP-43 expression.

Methods
Beginning 24 hours after lateral fluid-percussion brain injury or sham injury in rats, the mAb 7B12 or control antibody was infused intracerebroventricularly over 14 days, and behavior was assessed over 4 weeks.

Results
Immunoreactivity for 7B12 or immunoglobulin G was detected in widespread brain regions at 1 and 3 weeks postinjury. The brain-injured animals treated with 7B12 showed improvement in cognitive function (p < 0.05) at 4 weeks but no improvement in neurological motor function from 1 to 4 weeks postinjury compared with brain-injured, vehicle-treated controls. The enhanced cognitive function following inhibition of Nogo-A was correlated with an attenuated postinjury downregulation of hippocampal GAP-43 expression (p < 0.05).

Conclusions
Increased GAP-43 expression may be a novel molecular mechanism of the enhanced cognitive recovery mediated by Nogo-A inhibition after TBI in rats.
Gamma knife surgery for arteriovenous malformations in the brain: integration of time-resolved contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography into dosimetry planning
Authors: Taschner Christian A. , Le Thuc Vianney , Reyns Nicolas , Gieseke Juergen , Gauvrit Jean-Yves , Pruvo Jean-Pierre , Leclerc Xavier 
Published: December 2007

Object
The aim of this study was to develop an algorithm for the integration of time-resolved contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) angiography into dosimetry planning for Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in the brain.

Methods
Twelve patients harboring brain AVMs referred for GKS underwent intraarterial digital subtraction (DS) angiography and time-resolved MR angiography while wearing an externally applied cranial stereotactic frame. Time-resolved MR angiography was performed on a 1.5-tesla MR unit (Achieva, Philips Medical Systems) using contrast-enhanced 3D fast field echo sequencing with stochastic central k-space ordering. Postprocessing with interactive data language (Research Systems, Inc.) produced hybrid data sets containing dynamic angiographic information and the MR markers necessary for stereotactic transformation. Image files were sent to the Leksell GammaPlan system (Elekta) for dosimetry planning.

Results
Stereotactic transformation of the hybrid data sets containing the time-resolved MR angiography information with automatic detection of the MR markers was possible in all 12 cases. The stereotactic coordinates of vascular structures predefined from time-resolved MR angiography matched with DS angiography data in all cases. In 10 patients dosimetry planning could be performed based on time-resolved MR angiography data. In two patients, time-resolved MR angiography data alone were considered insufficient. The target volumes showed a notable shift of centers between modalities.

Conclusions
Integration of time-resolved MR angiography data into the Leksell GammaPlan system for patients with brain AVMs is feasible. The proposed algorithm seems concise and sufficiently robust for clinical application. The quality of the time-resolved MR angiography sequencing needs further improvement.
Primary granulomatous angiitis of the central nervous system: findings of magnetic resonance spectroscopy and fractional anisotropy in diffusion tensor imaging prior to surgery
Authors: Beppu Takaaki , Inoue Takashi , Nishimoto Hideaki , Nakamura Shinichi , Nakazato Yoichi , Ogasawara Kuniaki , Ogawa Akira 
Published: December 2007

✓Primary granulomatous angiitis of the central nervous system (CNS) is extremely rare. Its preoperative diagnosis is difficult as the condition displays nonspecific features on routine neuroimaging investigations. In this paper, the authors report findings of magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy and fractional anisotropy (FA) with diffusion tensor MR imaging in a case of granulomatous angiitis of the CNS.
A 30-year-old man presented with morning headaches and grand mal seizures. An MR image revealed a mass resembling glioblastoma in the right temporal lobe. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy showed a high choline/creatine (Cho/Cr) ratio indicative of a malignant neoplasm, accompanied by a slight elevation of glutamate and glutamine. The FA value was very low, which is inconsistent with malignant glioma. The mass was totally removed surgically. Histologically, the peripheral lesion of the mass consisted of a rough accumulation of fat granule cells, infiltration of inflammatory cells, and distribution of capillary vessels. Some vessels within the lesion were replaced by granulomas. The histological diagnosis was granulomatous angiitis of the CNS. The MIB-1–positive rate of the granuloma was approximately 5%. Both MR spectroscopy and FA were unable to accurately diagnose granulomatous angiitis of the CNS prior to surgery; however, elevated Cho/Cr and glutamate and glutamine shown by MR spectroscopy may indicate the moderate proliferation potential of the granuloma and the inflammatory process, respectively, in this condition. Although the low FA value in the present case enabled the authors to rule out a diagnosis of glioblastoma, FA values in inflammatory lesions require careful interpretation.