bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neck pain in multisport athletes
Authors: Villavicencio Alan T. , Hernández Theresa D. , Burneikiene Sigita , Thramann Jeff 
Published: December 2007

Object
The sport of triathlon is very physically demanding and has experienced rapid growth in recent years. The number of triathletes seen for spine disorders at neurosurgery clinics is increasing. Neck pain and overuse injuries have not been adequately studied in multisport athletes. The authors undertook an epidemiological study to establish the lifetime incidence of neck pain and the prevalence of possible discogenic pain, and to identify risk factors among triathletes in the Boulder, Colorado area.

Methods
An online questionnaire was developed to collect information about physical characteristics, training habits, athletic status, number of races completed, and neck pain among triathletes. The incidence of possible cervical discogenic pain was defined according to the duration of symptoms for the most recent pain episode.

Results
One hundred and sixty-four athletes responded to the questionnaire. The lifetime incidence of neck pain was 47.6% (78 athletes), with 15.4% possibly being of discogenic origin based on the duration of symptoms. Approximately 64% of responding athletes reported that their neck pain was sports related. Although the number of previous triathlons was not predictive of neck pain, total years in the sport (p = 0.029) and number of previous sports-related injuries (p < 0.0001) were.

Conclusions
Two major risk factors for long-term spinal problems in triathletes are sports-related injuries and overuse. This report is one of the first comprehensive studies of neck pain and overuse injury in multisport athletes.
The effects of topical granulocyte-macrophage colony–stimulating factor on dural healing in rats after induced cerebrospinal fluid leakage
Authors: Kurt Gökhan , Börcek Alp Özgün , Cemil Berker , Uçankuş NeşE Lortlar , Doğulu Fikret , Baykaner M. Kemali 
Published: December 2007

Object
Dural defects must be repaired to protect the central nervous system from contamination. Although there are various experimental and commercial substances available for this purpose, the ultimate method of watertight dural closure has yet to be discovered. In this study, the authors investigate the effects of topically applied recombinant mouse granulocyte-macrophage colony–stimulating factor (GM-CSF) on dural healing in a rat model of dural injury and cerebrospinal fluid leakage.

Methods
In this experimental model, a dural defect at the level of the L1–2 vertebrae was created in 32 Wistar rats. Sixteen animals were treated with locally applied recombinant mouse GM-CSF postoperatively, and 16 animals received normal saline. The effects of GM-CSF on dural healing, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, and wound healing were assessed 2 and 4 weeks postoperatively. Dural healing was evaluated histologically.

Results
Dural healing was increased in rats treated with GM-CSF compared with rats in the control group. This difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05).

Conclusions
Cerebrospinal fluid leakage may impede healing of dural defects. Topically applied GM-CSF seems to aid in dural healing.
Epidural Lipomatosis
Authors: Borré Daniel G. 
Published: December 2007

Object
Idiopathic symptomatic spinal epidural lipomatosis (SEL) is a rare condition, and few reports have discussed diagnostic imaging criteria. To evaluate factors relating to its clinical symptoms, correlations between clinical features and the presence of spinal epidural fat were investigated, and the literature concerning idiopathic SEL was reviewed.

Methods
Morphological gradings of epidural fat were evaluated in seven patients with idiopathic SEL by using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. In addition, body mass index (BMI), the number of involved vertebral levels, grade, and preoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score were analyzed. Surgery resulted in symptomatic relief, with a mean JOA score recovery rate of 67.4%. Grading of epidural fat tended to display a slight negative correlation with preoperative JOA score, whereas a strong significant positive correlation was found between the number of involved vertebral levels and BMI.

Conclusions
The number of involved vertebral levels and obesity are strongly correlated, whereas severity of dural compression is not always significantly associated with neurological complications. These results indicate that epidural fat of the lumbar spine contributes to neurological deficits. In addition, weight-reduction therapy appears to decrease the number of vertebral levels involved. Magnetic resonance imaging–based grading is helpful for the diagnosis and evaluation of idiopathic lumbar SEL. Moreover, symptoms and neurological findings are important for determining the surgical approach.
Embolization of spinal intramedullary arteriovenous malformations using the liquid embolic agent, Onyx: a single-center experience in a series of 17 patients
Authors: Corkill Rufus A. , Mitsos Aristotelis P. , Molyneux Andrew J. 
Published: December 2007

Object
The aim of this study was to analyze the endovascular treatment results of using the Onyx liquid embolic system for spinal intramedullary arteriovenous malformations (AVMs).

Methods
The clinical and radiological records of 17 patients with symptomatic spinal intramedullary AVMs treated exclusively by embolization with Onyx between 1999 and 2003 were retrospectively reviewed. There were 12 females and five males in the patient series (mean age 29 years). Four of these AVMs were located in the cervical spine, eight in the thoracic spine, and five in the lumbar spine. The clinical presentation of these AVMs included upper motor neuron signs and symptoms, and hemorrhage was the initial presentation in 12 patients. Neurological and functional evaluation was performed before and after treatment with Onyx in all patients.

Results
Thirteen patients underwent a single endovascular treatment and four patients underwent two endovascular treatments (average 1.23 sessions per patient). Intraprocedural complications occurred on two occasions without neurological consequences. The mean follow-up duration was 24.3 months. Angiographic outcomes included total AVM obliteration in six patients (37.5%), subtotal obliteration in five patients (31.25%), and partial obliteration in five patients (31.25%). Improvement in neurological and/or functional status was noted in 14 patients, resulting in an 82% rate of overall good clinical outcome.

Conclusions
Embolization using the Onyx system is a promising treatment method for spinal vascular malformations, even for challenging intramedullary AVMs. Larger studies with longer follow-up durations will further enhance our knowledge on the safety and efficacy of this relatively new liquid embolic agent.
Percutaneous multilevel decompressive laminectomy, foraminotomy, and instrumented fusion for cervical spondylotic radiculopathy and myelopathy: assessment of feasibility and surgical technique
Authors: Scheufler Kai-michael , Kirsch Eberhard 
Published: December 2007

Object
Extensive muscle dissection associated with conventional dorsal approaches to the cervical spine frequently results in local pain, muscle wasting, and temporarily painful and restricted neck movement. The utility of a percutaneous muscle-sparing access technique and specifically modified instrumentation for multilevel posterior cervical decompression and fusion were evaluated.

Methods
Eleven patients (six men, five woman; mean age 72.8 ± 6.3 years) presenting with refractory neck pain and progressive multilevel cervical radiculopathy and/or myelopathy due to cervical spondylosis with spinal canal and neural foraminal stenosis underwent multilevel laminectomy, foraminotomy, and subsequent instrumented posterior fusion via bilateral or unilateral percutaneous muscle dilation approaches. A novel cannulated polyaxial instrumentation system was used for unilateral transpedicular/translaminar fixation.

Results
Significant reduction of Neck Disability Index and Nurick Scale scores and partial or complete recovery of upper extremity radicular deficits was observed during follow-up (mean 14.6 months). Mean procedural blood loss was 45.5 ml, and mean length of stay in hospital was 5.7 days. Fusion was demonstrated in 10 patients between 12 and 14 months postoperatively. Operative exposure and instrumentation were significantly facilitated by specific modifications of retractor/access port systems, surgical instruments, and implants.

Conclusions
Muscle sparing posterior decompression and instrumented fusion constitutes a safe and effective surgical option in a selected subgroup of patients with multilevel cervical spondylotic radiculomyelopathy. Specific modifications in surgical technique, instrumentation, and implants are mandatory for effective achievement of the surgical goals. The use of refined image guidance technology and intraoperative imaging can further improve surgical safety and efficacy.
Syndrome of occipitoatlantoaxial hypermobility, cranial settling, and Chiari malformation Type I in patients with hereditary disorders of connective tissue
Authors: Milhorat Thomas H. , Bolognese Paolo A. , Nishikawa Misao , McDonnell Nazli B. , Francomano Clair A. 
Published: December 2007

Object
Chiari malformation Type I (CM-I) is generally regarded as a disorder of the paraxial mesoderm. The authors report an association between CM-I and hereditary disorders of connective tissue (HDCT) that can present with lower brainstem symptoms attributable to occipitoatlantoaxial hypermobility and cranial settling.

Methods
The prevalence of HDCT was determined in a prospectively accrued cohort of 2813 patients with CM-I. All patients underwent a detailed medical and neuroradiological workup that included an assessment of articular mobility. Osseous structures composing the craniocervical junction were investigated morphometrically using reconstructed 3D computed tomography and plain x-ray images in 114 patients with HDCT/CM-I, and the results were compared with those obtained in patients with CM-I (55 cases) and healthy control individuals (55 cases).

Results
The diagnostic criteria for Ehlers–Danlos syndrome and related HDCT were met in 357 (12.7%) of the 2813 cases. Hereditability was generally compatible with a pattern of autosomal dominant transmission with variable expressivity. The diagnostic features of HDCT/CM-I were distinguished from those of CM-I by clinical stigmata of connective tissue disease, a greater female preponderance (8:1 compared with 3:1, p < 0.001), and a greater incidence of lower brainstem symptoms (0.41 compared with 0.11, p < 0.001), retroodontoid pannus formation (0.71 compared with 0.11, p < 0.001), and hypoplasia of the oropharynx (0.44 compared with 0.02, p < 0.001). Measurements of the basion–dens interval, basion–atlas interval, atlas–dens interval, dens–atlas interval, clivus–atlas angle, clivus–axis angle, and atlas–axis angle were the same in the supine and upright positions in healthy control individuals and patients with CM-I. In patients with HDCT/CM-I, there was a reduction of the basion–dens interval (3.6 mm, p < 0.001), an enlargement of the basion–atlas interval (3.0 mm, p < 0.001), and a reduction of the clivus–axis angle (10.8°, p < 0.001), clivus–atlas angle (5.8°, p < 0.001), and atlas–axis angle (5.3°, p < 0.001) on assumption of the upright position. These changes were reducible by cervical traction or returning to the supine position.

Conclusions
The identification of HDCT in 357 patients with CM-I establishes an association between two presumably unrelated mesodermal disorders. Morphometric evidence in this cohort—cranial settling, posterior gliding of the occipital condyles, and reduction of the clivus–axis angle, clivus–atlas angle, and atlas–axis angle in the upright position—suggests that hypermobility of the occipitoatlantal and atlantoaxial joints contributes to retroodontoid pannus formation and symptoms referable to basilar impression.
Neuroprotective potential of erythropoietin and darbepoetin alfa in an experimental model of sciatic nerve injury
Authors: Grasso Giovanni , Meli Francesco , Fodale Vincenzo , Calapai Gioacchino , Buemi Michele , Iacopino Domenico G. 
Published: December 2007

Object
The objectives of this study were to examine whether the systemic administration of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) and its long-lasting derivative darbepoetin alfa expedited functional recovery in a rat model of sciatic nerve injury, and to compare the effects of these agents in the model.

Methods
Thirty male Sprague–Dawley rats received a crush injury to the left sciatic nerve and subsequently underwent either placebo treatment, daily injections of rHuEPO, or weekly injections of darbepoetin alfa.

Results
Both rHuEPO and darbepoetin alfa were effective in reducing neurological impairment and improving compound muscle action potentials following nerve injury. Darbepoetin alfa, however, shortened the duration of peripheral nerve recovery and facilitated recovery from the neurological and electrophysiological impairment following crush injury significantly better than rHuEPO. Examination of the footprint length factor data revealed that darbepoetin alfa–treated animals recovered preinjury function by postoperative Day 10, 4 days earlier than animals treated with rHuEPO and 11 days earlier than animals treated with placebo.

Conclusions
These results suggest that recovery of neurological function in a model of peripheral nerve injury is more rapid with weekly administration of darbepoetin alfa than with daily rHuEPO treatment. Agents that facilitate nerve regeneration have the potential to limit the extent of motor endplate loss and muscle atrophy. The administration of EPO in its long-lasting recombinant forms affords significant neuroprotection in peripheral nerve injury models and may hold promise for future clinical applications.
Iatrogenic pyogenic osteomyelitis of C-1 and C-2 treated with transoral decompression and delayed posterior occipitocervical arthrodesis
Authors: Reid Patrick J. , Holman Paul J. 
Published: December 2007

✓The authors describe a case of osteomyelitis of the craniocervical junction caused by iatrogenic infection of the spine during corticosteroid injection therapy. This 58-year-old diabetic man presented with acute exacerbation of neck pain that had began 4 months prior to admission. He did not experience the associated fever, chills, or sweats, but he did notice transient weakness in the right upper extremity. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the cervical spine demonstrated a destructive process involving the odontoid and the left occipitocervical and atlantoaxial joints that was not present on a CT obtained 2 months earlier, just before trigger-point and left-sided C1–2 facet joint corticosteroid injections. A diagnosis of staphylococcal osteomyelitis was made, and initial treatment with external immobilization and appropriate antibiotic therapy failed to control radiographically demonstrated and clinical progression. The patient was successfully treated using staged anterior decompression and posterior instrumented fusion with prolonged antibiotic therapy.
To the authors' knowledge this case is the first reported instance of iatrogenic pyogenic osteomyelitis of the craniocervical junction successfully treated with anterior decompression and delayed posterior arthrodesis.
Nanodot‐Enhanced High‐Efficiency Pure‐White Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes with Mixed‐Host Structures
Authors: Jou J.‐H. , Chen C.‐C. , Chung Y.‐C. , Hsu M.‐F. , Wu C.‐H. , Shen S.‐M. , Wu M.‐H. , Wang W.‐B. , Tsai Y.‐C. , Wang C.‐P. , Shyue J.‐J. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractA relatively high‐efficiency, fluorescent pure‐white organic light‐emitting diode was fabricated using a polysilicic acid (PSA) nanodot‐embedded polymeric hole‐transporting layer (HTL). The diode employed a mixed host in the single emissive layer, which comprised 0.5 wt % yellow 5,6,11,12‐tetra‐phenylnaphthacene doped in the mixed host of 50 % 2‐(N,N‐diphenyl‐amino)‐6‐[4‐(N,N‐diphenylamino)styryl]naphthalene and 50 % N,N′‐bis‐(1‐naphthyl)‐N,N′‐diphenyl‐1,10‐biphenyl‐4‐4′‐diamine. By incorporating 7 wt % 3 nm PSA nanodot into the HTL of poly(3,4‐ethylene‐dioxythiophene)‐poly‐(styrenesulfonate), the efficiency at 100 cd m–2 was increased from 13.5 lm W–1 (14.7 cd A–1; EQE: 7.2 %) to 17.1 lm W–1 (17.6 cd A–1; EQE: 8.3 %). The marked efficiency improvement may be attributed to the introduction of the PSA nanodot, leading to a better carrier‐injection‐balance.
The Photophysical Properties of Dipyrenylbenzenes and Their Application as Exceedingly Efficient Blue Emitters for Electroluminescent Devices
Authors: Wu K.‐C. , Ku P.‐J. , Lin C.‐S. , Shih H.‐T. , Wu F.‐I. , Huang M.‐J. , Lin J.‐J. , Chen I‐C. , Cheng C.‐H. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractThree blue‐light emitting dipyrenylbenzene derivatives, 1‐(4‐(1‐pyrenyl)phenyl)pyrene (PPP), 1‐(2,5‐dimethoxy‐4‐(1‐pyrenyl)phenyl)pyrene (DOPPP), and 1‐(2,5‐dimethyl‐4‐(1‐pyrenyl)phenyl)pyrene (DMPPP), have been prepared by the Suzuki coupling reaction of aryl dibromides with pyreneboronic acid in high yields. These compounds exhibit high glass‐transition temperatures of 97–137 °C and good film‐forming ability. As revealed from single‐crystal X‐ray analysis, these dipyrenylbenzenes adopt a twisted conformation with inter‐ring torsion angles of 44.5°–63.2° in the solid state. The twisted structure is responsible for the low degree of aggregation in the thin films that leads to fluorescence emission of the neat films at 446–463 nm, which is shorter than that of the typical pyrene excimer emission. The low degree of aggregation is also conducive for the observed high fluorescence quantum yields of 63–75%. In organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) applications, these dipyrenylbenzenes can be used as either the charge transporter or host emitter. The non‐doped blue OLEDs that employ these compounds as the emissive layer can achieve a very high external quantum efficiency (ηext) of 4.3–5.2%. In particular, the most efficient DMPPP‐based device can reach a maximum ηext of 5.2% and a very high luminescence of 40 400 cd m–2 in the deep‐blue region with Commission Internationale d'Énclairage (CIE) coordinates of (0.15, 0.11).
Carbon Nanotube Biofiber Formation in a Polymer‐Free Coagulation Bath
Authors: Razal J. M. , Gilmore K. J. , Wallace G. G. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractA novel solution spinning method to produce highly conducting carbon nanotube (CNT) biofibers is reported. In this process, carbon nanotubes are dispersed using biomolecules such as hyaluronic acid, chitosan, and DNA, and these dispersions are used as spinning solutions. Unlike previous reports in which a polymer binder is used in the coagulation bath, these dispersions can be converted into fibers simply by altering the nature of the coagulation bath via pH control, use of a crosslinking agent, or use of a biomolecule‐precipitating solvent system. With strength comparable to most reported CNT fibers to date, these CNT biofibers demonstrate superior electrical conductivities. Cell culture experiments are performed to investigate the cytotoxicity of these fibers. This novel fiber spinning approach could simplify methodologies for creating electrically conducting and biocompatible platforms for a variety of biomedical applications, particularly in those systems where the application of an electrical field is advantageous?for example, in directed nerve and/or muscle repair.
The inguinal ligament and its lateral attachments: Correcting an anatomical error
Authors: Acland Robert D. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractThe inguinal portions of the internal oblique and transversus abdominis muscles are generally described as arising from the inguinal ligament. Previous authors have shown that this description is incorrect. A new dissection study in 15 lightly embalmed cadavers confirms that in reality the inguinal portions of these muscles arise from a thickened strip of ilipsoas fascia that forms the superolateral part of the ilio‐pectineal arch. Details are given of a new dissection technique that fully exposes the deep aspect of the inguinal ligament, without disrupting its continuity. The historical background of the persistent textbook error is explored. It originated at a time when there was widespread descriptive and semantic confusion regarding the structure now known as the inguinal ligament. Clin. Anat. 21:55–61, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Longitudinal Dispersion Coefficient Modeling in Natural Channels using Fuzzy Logic
Authors: Fuat Toprak Z. , Savci M. Emin 
Published: December 2007

AbstractResearchers have long used differential equations to investigate longitudinal dispersion processes, which can be derived under certain assumptions and include a longitudinal dispersion coefficient (D1). In practice, most empirical equations are developed only for D1. Unfortunately, many critical assumptions in the derivation of these equations are not considered, and consequently, these equations can only be used with precautions and reservations. The goal of this study is to develop a fuzzy model to predict D1 in natural channels. The model depends on 65 data sets extracted from the literature. The variables are the depth, width and mean cross‐sectional velocity of the flow, shear velocity and D1. The data is divided for training and testing phases. The model is compared with measured data and seven existing equations. The comparison depends on seven statistical characteristics, four different error modes, and a contour map. It is observed that the fuzzy model yields results that are more reliable than existing methods and it can be used more easily and efficiently.
Migraine genetics and prospects for pharmacotherapy
Authors: Colson N.J. , Fernandez F. , Griffiths L.R. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractMigraine is a common complex neurological disorder with a well‐known but poorly characterized genetic liability. The search for migraine susceptibility genes has been the focus of intense research. It is now believed that common migraine is not a single gene disorder, but attributable to several potentially interacting genetic variants. These variants may differ in each sufferer and interact with environmental factors to set the individual migraine threshold. This genetic liability may play an important role in the clinical heterogeneity seen in migraine and also in the variability of treatment response. This review will look at genetic loci implicated in migraine to date and consider their current or prospective role in migraine therapy. To elucidate the complex nature of migraine genetic liability, approaches that consider detailed endophenotypic profiles that encompass treatment response may provide much more relevant information than simple end diagnosis. Drug Dev Res 68:282–293, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Triptan efficacy in migraine attacks: from appropriate diagnosis to metabolic profiles and pharmacogenomics
Authors: Buzzi M. Gabriella 
Published: December 2007

AbstractA major, revolutionary advance in acute migraine therapy was the development of sumatriptan, a selective 5‐HT1B/1D receptor agonist. After sumatriptan, the so‐called second generation‐triptans have become available and at present 7 triptans are on the market. Activation of the trigeminal nerve is a key component of the cascade that leads to, and perpetuates, a migraine attack. Sumatriptan and the other triptans currently on the market (almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, zolmitriptan) are potent agonists of the 5‐HT1B and 5‐HT1D receptors, and some are potent 5‐HT1F agonists. The use of a variety of endpoints for a certain drug, measuring treatment success in terms of both efficacy and tolerability, should aid in the selection of agents that can offer patients the highest likelihood of consistent treatment success. Further possibilities are offered by studying metabolic profiles of molecules in order to tailor the best treatment option for each patient, and obtain the best efficacy profiles and the lower rate of drug‐adverse events. Drug Dev Res 68:335–340, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.