bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Image-guided Transsacral Approach to Presacral Lesions of Nerve Root Origin: Technical Note
Authors: Lee Gabriel Y.F. , Massicotte Eric M. 
Published: October 2005

Abstract

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE:
The utility of image guidance in fashioning a posterior transsacral operative corridor for approaching small presacral neural lesions has not previously been reported.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION:
A 61-year-old woman presented with unilateral sciatica and worsening leg weakness. Subsequent investigations disclosed a well-defined, 1.4-cm lesion in continuity with the S1 nerve root distal to the anterior sacral foramen.

TECHNIQUE:
A minimally invasive approach was undertaken with use of the StealthStation (Medtronic Sofamor Danek, Inc., Memphis, TN). The amount of sacral bone resection was preplanned to ensure the most direct posterior access route. Intraoperative navigation was used to guide the trajectory of bone drilling. After adequate exposure was achieved, the lesion was resected using standard microsurgical techniques under continuous intraoperative electrophysiological monitoring.

CONCLUSION:
An image-guided transsacral approach is a viable option for accessing small to moderately sized lesions of nerve root origin located within the presacral space.
Surgical Technique to Retract the Tentorial Edge during Subtemporal Approach: Technical Note
Authors: Hernesniemi Juha , Ishii Keisuke , Karatas Ayse , Kivipelto Leena , Niemelä Mika , Nagy Laszlo , Shen Hu 
Published: October 2005

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:
To describe a surgical technique to retract the tentorial edge during the subtemporal approach initially introduced and used widely by Drake and Peerless to treat distal basilar artery aneurysms.

METHODS:
One of the most important parts of the exposure is to reflect the edge of the tentorium downward by 1 cm or more and to tether it with a suture placed lateral to or behind the insertion of the trochlear nerve and then to the dura mater of the floor of the middle fossa. Surgical forceps or a sharp dural hook are used to elevate the tentorial edge, in front of the trochlear nerve. A small incision is made on the surface of the floor of the middle fossa using a sharp bipolar forceps, and a small straight microclip is inserted with one arm through the incision on the surface of the floor of the middle fossa and the other at the free margin of the tentorial edge.

RESULTS:
The method described has been used by the senior author in more than 100 operations as a simple and fast means of tethering the free margin of the tentorial edge simply and quickly.

CONCLUSION:
We inserted a small straight microclip with one arm through the incision on the surface of the floor of the middle fossa and the other at the free margin of the tentorial edge as a fast and simple method of retracting the tentorial edge during a subtemporal approach.
Microsurgical Resection of Spinal Cord Hemangioblastomas
Authors: Lonser Russell R. , Oldfield Edward H. 
Published: October 2005

Abstract
HEMANGIOBLASTOMAS ARE NOT uncommon intramedullary spinal cord neoplasms. They are highly vascular, benign tumors that occur either sporadically or in the presence of von Hippel-Lindau disease. Despite their exceptionally vascular nature, these lesions can consistently be resected completely and safely with minimal blood loss. We describe a microsurgical method for removal of these tumors from the spinal cord.
Posterior Subscapular Approach to the Brachial Plexus
Authors: Tender Gabriel C. , Kline David G. 
Published: October 2005

Abstract
THE POSTERIOR SUBSCAPULAR APPROACH to the brachial plexus is commonly indicated in patients with neural entrapment (neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome, especially when associated with a large C7 transverse process or cervical rib) and paraspinal tumors or lacerating injuries involving the spinal nerves close to the spine. This approach is also preferred in patients with previous anterior neck operations and/or morbid obesity. We describe the anatomy and operative technique of this approach, which has been used by the senior author (DGK) for the past 25 years.
Successful Intra-arterial Basilar Artery Thrombolysis in a Patient with Bilateral Vertebral Artery Occlusion: Technical Case Report
Authors: Wang Huan , Fraser Kenneth , Wang David , Alvernia Jorge , Lanzino Giuseppe 
Published: October 2005

Abstract

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE:
Basilar artery occlusion is a clinical event with an exceedingly high mortality rate. Improved survival is closely associated with successful recanalization of the occluded basilar artery. Bilateral vertebral artery occlusion (BVAO) is a unique disease entity that effectively denies any direct access to the basilar artery for endovascular rescue therapy. We report a case of successful intra-arterial basilar artery thrombolysis in a patient with BVAO.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION:
A 78-year-old man was transferred to our hospital after intravenous administration of tissue plasminogen activator and with deteriorating neurological status requiring intubation. His clinical presentation was highly suggestive of acute basilar artery thrombosis. The cerebral angiogram showed a BVAO and collateral flow reconstituting both distal extracranial vertebral arteries but with significant contrast stasis. There was no retrograde filling of the basilar artery through the only angiographically visible posterior communicating artery.

TECHNIQUE:
Selective catheterizations of the left occipital artery and the left ascending cervical branch of the thyrocervical trunk were performed to deliver a total of 12 mg of tissue plasminogen activator. At that point, the patient showed significant neurological improvement. The post-tissue plasminogen activator angiogram showed improved flow through the basilar artery. The patient was independent and well at his 1-year follow-up visit.

CONCLUSION:
Knowledge of potential collateral pathways is important when direct access to the main intracranial vessels is not available. Basilar artery thrombolysis through collateral vessels is clinically effective when a direct approach to the artery is not feasible.
Bilateral Internal Carotid to Anterior Cerebral Artery Anastomosis with Anterior Communicating Artery Aneurysm: Technical Case Report
Authors: Kılıç Kaya , Orakdöğen Metin , Bakırcı Aram , Berkman Zafer 
Published: October 2005

Abstract

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE:
The present case report is the first one to report a bilateral anastomotic artery between the internal carotid artery and the anterior communicating artery in the presence of a bilateral A1 segment, fenestrated anterior communicating artery (AComA), and associated aneurysm of the AComA, which was discovered by magnetic resonance angiography and treated surgically.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION:
A 38-year-old man who was previously in good health experienced a sudden onset of nuchal headache, vomiting, and confusion. Computed tomography revealed a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Magnetic resonance angiography and four-vessel angiography documented an aneurysm of the AComA and two anastomotic vessels of common origin with the ophthalmic artery, between the internal carotid artery and AComA.

INTERVENTION:
A fenestrated clip, introduced by a left pterional craniotomy, leaving in its loop the left A1 segment, sparing the perforating and hypothalamic arteries, excluded the aneurysm.

CONCLUSION:
The postoperative course was uneventful, with complete recovery. Follow-up angiograms documented the successful exclusion of the aneurysm. Defining this particular internal carotid-anterior cerebral artery anastomosis as an infraoptic anterior cerebral artery is not appropriate because there is already an A1 segment in its habitual localization. Therefore, it is also thought that, embryologically, this anomaly is not a misplaced A1 segment but the persistence of an embryological vessel such as the variation of the primitive prechiasmatic arterial anastomosis. The favorable outcome for our patient suggests that surgical treatment may be appropriate for many patients with this anomaly because it provides a complete and definitive occlusion of the aneurysm.
Recanalization of Long-lasting Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion by a Combination of Surgical and Interventional Approaches: Technical Case Report
Authors: Beneš Vladimir , Netuka David , Charvát František , Mohapl Milan 
Published: October 2005

Abstract

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE:
In strictly selected cases of middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion, revascularization by extracranial-intracranial (EC-IC) bypass can be considered. The interventional recanalization of the occlusion under direct surgical control has not been reported in the literature so far.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION:
A 39-year-old Caucasian female patient had experienced an ischemic stroke 15 years before she came to our attention. At that time, occlusion of the right MCA was diagnosed by angiography. Her neurological deficit resolved within 6 months. Fifteen years later, the patient experienced repeated numbness of her left-sided extremities, which was refractory to medical treatment. Angiography revealed an occluded M1 segment of the MCA. Perfusion computed tomography without and after CO2 stimulation disclosed impaired cerebrovascular capacity.

INTERVENTION:
The patient was scheduled for EC-IC bypass. The MCA tree was exposed, and the occluded portion was found to be 10 mm long. We then decided to reopen the vessel by balloon dilation under direct visual control. A catheter was advanced to the M1 origin, where a glidewire was passed into the vessel lumen. With only a little help from the surgeon, it was surprisingly easy to direct the glidewire through the occluded segment. At this time, flow through the M1 segment was re-established. Flow through the MCA that had occluded for 15 years was re-established.

CONCLUSION:
On the basis of our experience, in nonatherosclerotic occlusions, intravascular intervention may be considered.
Reduction of Magnetic Resonance Imaging-related Heating in Deep Brain Stimulation Leads Using a Lead Management Device
Authors: Baker Kenneth B. , Tkach Jean , Hall John D. , Nyenhuis John A. , Shellock Frank G. , Rezai Ali R. 
Published: October 2005

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the ability of a lead management device to reduce magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-related heating of deep brain stimulation (DBS) leads and thereby to decrease the risks of exposing patients with these implants to MRI procedures.

METHODS:
Experiments were performed using the Activa series (Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, MN) DBS systems in an in vitro, gelled-saline head and torso phantom. Temperature change was recorded using fluoroptic thermometry during MRI performed using a transmit-and-receive radiofrequency body coil at 1.5 T and a transmit-and-receive radiofrequency head coil at 3 T. A cranial model placed in the phantom was used to test a custom-designed burr hole device that permitted the placement of small-diameter, concentric loops around the burr hole at the DBS lead as it exited the cranium.

RESULTS:
A total of 41 scans were performed, with absolute temperature changes ranging from 0.8 to 10.3°C. Depending on the MRI system tested and the side of the phantom on which the hardware was placed, loop placement resulted in reductions in temperature rise of 41 to 74%. The effect was linearly related to the number of loops formed (P &lt; 0.01) over the range tested (0–2.75 loops).

CONCLUSION:
Small, concentric loops placed around the burr hole seem to reduce MRI-related heating for these implants. Although the mechanism is still not fully understood, a device such as that used in the present study could permit a wider range of clinical scanning sequences to be used at 1.5 and 3 T in patients with DBS implants, in addition to increasing the margin of safety for the patient.
Ten-year Experience with the Supraorbital Subfrontal Approach through an Eyebrow Skin Incision
Authors: Reisch Robert , Perneczky Axel 
Published: October 2005

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:
More than ever before, the priority in contemporary neurosurgery is to achieve the greatest therapeutic effect while causing the least iatrogenic injury. The evolution of microsurgical techniques with refined instrumentation and illumination and the enormous development of preoperative and intraoperative diagnostic tools enable neurosurgeons to treat different lesions through limited and specific keyhole approaches.

METHODS:
Based on our surgical experience, the technique of supraorbital subfrontal craniotomy is described in detail in this article. After an eyebrow skin incision is made, a limited supraorbital craniotomy is performed with a width of 15 to 25 mm and a height of 10 to 15 mm.

RESULTS:
We have been using the supraorbital keyhole craniotomy since 1985 and have approached a variety of lesions within the anterior, middle, and posterior cranial fossae. During a 10-year period between July 1994 and June 2004, the lesions treated via the supraorbital approach in our department comprised 1125 intracranial tumors or cystic lesions, cerebral aneurysms, and other miscellaneous diseases, performed by 23 different surgeons and residents. Of these 1125 patients, we operated on 471 of them, and information obtained from 450 contributed to the follow-up data. Three months after surgery, the Glasgow Outcome Scale scores for this very heterogeneous group of patients were as follows: 5 in 387 patients (86.0%), 4 in 29 patients (6.4%), 3 in 16 patients (3.5%), 2 in 10 patients (2.2%), and 1 in 8 patients (1.8%). Of the 450 patients, 229 were treated for intracranial aneurysms, 93 for cranial base meningiomas, 39 for craniopharyngiomas, 23 for pituitary adenomas, 18 for deep-seated brainstem tumors, and 48 for other miscellaneous frontotemporal or suprasellar lesions.

CONCLUSION:
In our experience, the supraorbital craniotomy allows a wide, intracranial exposure for extended, bilaterally situated, or even deep-seated intracranial areas, according to the strategy of keyhole craniotomies. The supraorbital craniotomy offers equal surgical possibilities with less approach-related morbidity owing to limited exposure of the cerebral surface and minimal brain retraction. In addition, the short skin incision within the eyebrow and careful soft tissue dissection result in a pleasing cosmetic outcome.
Cervical human papillomavirus screening by PCR: advantages of targeting the E6/E7 region
Authors: Morris Brian J. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractPCR is a promising method for detection of human papillomavirus (HPV), the high-risk forms of which are responsible for cervical cancer. PCR primers that target the L1 or E1 region can be unreliable and may miss more advanced disease, whereas those directed at the E6 or E7 regions, which encode oncogenic products, are preferable because 1) the LI/E1 regions, but never the E6/E7 regions, are lost during integration of viral DNA into host genomic DNA, a process that can represent an integral component of progression from infection to tumorigenesis; and 2) the E6/E7 nucleotide sequence exhibits less nucleotide variation. The choice of region used for PCR has implications for HPV screening strategies in the clinical diagnosis and management of cervical cancer.
Isotretinoin therapy induces DNA oxidative damage
Authors: Georgala Sophia , Papassotiriou Ioannis , Georgala Catherina , Demetriou Elisabeth , Schulpis Kleopatra H. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractBackground: Isotretinoin (Iso) is currently indicated for the treatment of cystic acne (CA) and is related to marked teratogenicity.Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between total antioxidant status (TAS) and a serum marker of DNA oxidative damage, 8-hydroxy-2-desoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), in patients on Iso treatment.Patients and methods: Patients with CA (n=18) were evaluated before and 45days after Iso (0.5mg/kg per day) treatment and non-diseased controls (n=22) were tested only once. Plasma TAS levels and 8-OHdG were measured spectrophotometrically and with an immunoassay, respectively. Liver biochemical parameters and muscle enzymes were measured on a blood chemistry analyzer.Results: TAS levels were significantly (p<0.0001) lower in patients before treatment (921±124μmol/L) compared with those after treatment (1335±93μmol/L) and in controls (1536±126μmol/L). In contrast, 8-OHdG serum levels were two-fold higher in patients after treatment (0.21±0.03ng/mL) than before treatment (0.11±0.02ng/mL) and three-fold higher than in controls (0.07±0.01ng/mL; p<0.0001). Negative correlations were found between TAS and 8-OHdG (r=−0.754, p<0.0001) in patients before therapy and positive correlations were found between creatine kinase (CK) and 8-OHdG (r=0.488, p<0.001) and liver enzymes after Iso treatment.Conclusions: High serum levels of 8-OHdG in patients on Iso therapy may be due to a direct effect of Iso on liver, muscle and skin epidermal cells. Regular evaluation of 8-OHdG in sera of patients, especially of women of reproductive age, on Iso treatment could be a sensitive follow-up biomarker of DNA oxidation.
Effects of hemolysis and storage condition on neuron-specific enolase (NSE) in cerebrospinal fluid and serum: implications in clinical practice
Authors: Ramont Laurent , Thoannes Henri , Volondat Ariel , Chastang François , Millet Marie-Christine , Maquart François-Xavier 
Published: October 2005

AbstractThe concentration of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has been used as a biomarker in some cancers and, more recently, in neurodegenerative diseases. Pre-analytical conditions are very important for the quality of returned results. In this study, we evaluated the effects of storage conditions (temperature and duration of storage) and hemolysis on the concentration of NSE in serum and CSF. Our results demonstrate that samples for NSE measurement may be stored at −80°C for no more than 6 months in the case of CSF and 9months in the case of serum samples. Even invisible hemolysis may increase NSE levels in samples. Consequently, an index of hemolysis should be determined before deciding whether or not to perform NSE measurement.
Prevalence of abnormal thyroid stimulating hormone and thyroid peroxidase antibody-positive results in a population of pregnant women in the Samara region of the Russian Federation
Authors: Quinn Frank A. , Gridasov Gennady N. , Vdovenko Sergey A. , Krasnova Natalia A. , Vodopianova Nadezhda V. , Epiphanova Marina A. , Schulten Monika 
Published: October 2005

AbstractUndiagnosed thyroid disease is a common problem with significant public health implications. This is especially true during pregnancy, when the health of both the mother and the developing child can be adversely affected by abnormal maternal thyroid function. Measurement of serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO-Ab) are two common ways to assess maternal thyroid status. The objective of our study was to determine the prevalence of abnormal TSH and TPO-Ab tests in a population of pregnant women in the Samara region of the Russian Federation. Serum samples were obtained from 1588 pregnant women as part of their routine antenatal care. TSH and TPO-Ab were measured, and trimester-specific reference values for TSH (2.5–97.5 percentiles) were calculated using TPO-Ab-negative women. TSH results outside these ranges were considered abnormal; TPO-Ab levels outside the manufacturer's reference range (>12IU/mL) were considered abnormal. Overall, the prevalence of abnormal results was 6.3% for TSH and 10.7% for TPO-Ab. High TSH (>97.5 trimester-specific percentile) and TPO-Ab-positive results were most common in the first trimester (5.7% and 13.8%, respectively). TSH levels were associated with gestational age and TPO-Ab status, and with maternal age in TPO-Ab-negative women. TPO-Ab status was associated with both maternal and gestational age. Women with TSH >2.5mIU/L had a significantly increased risk of being TPO-Ab-positive, and this risk increased with age. Based on our data, we conclude that abnormal TSH and TPO-Ab are common in pregnant women of the Samara region. Given the association of thyroid dysfunction to adverse pregnancy outcomes, screening of this population for abnormal thyroid function should be considered.
Impact of standardized calibration on the inter-assay variation of 14 automated assays for the measurement of creatinine in human serum
Authors: Séronie-Vivien Sophie , Galteau Marie-Madeleine , Carlier Marie-Christine , Hadj-Aissa Aoumeur , Hanser Anne-Marie , Hym Bernadette , Marchal Alain , Michotey Odile , Pouteil-Noble Claire , Sternberg Michel , Perret-Liaudet Armand , Creatinine Working Group of the Société Française de Biologi 
Published: October 2005

AbstractPurpose: The aim of our study was to measure the inter-assay variation and accuracy of serum creatinine assays and to assess the effect of standardized calibration procedures on this variability. Methods: We analyzed 30 human sera and three reference materials, using 17 creatinine assays (12 colorimetric, 4 enzymatic and 1 HPLC). We compared two standardized calibration procedures, using either a reference material or secondary standards, to that recommended by the manufacturers. Results: For assays calibrated according to the manufacturers' recommendations, the median inter-assay coefficient of variation (CV) was 14.2% for 20 low samples (45–150μM), and 7.7% for 10 high samples (250–350μM). The CV was significantly influenced by the calibration procedure, but none of the standardized calibration procedures significantly improved the inter-assay variability. However, a significant decrease in CV was noted within each type of assay method (colorimetric or enzymatic) when the standardized calibration used standards of level(s) close to the concentrations to be measured. Only the compensated Jaffe technique and the amido-hydrolase assay showed bias of less than 10%. Conclusions: Standardizing calibration procedures is unlikely to decrease the analytical variability of creatinine assays enough to allow uniform and reliable use of the equations for estimation of glomerular filtration rate.
Mean and variance quality control for multiple correlated levels of replicated control samples
Authors: Livesey John H. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractMean and variance rules for quality control are more powerful than rules based on individual values. An algorithm for applying such rules is described that controls type I errors (false alarms), while allowing for multiple levels of quality control samples, correlation between levels, small numbers of preliminary values, replication of samples and autocorrelation arising from random effects. Based on ANOVA and empirical approximations for small samples, the algorithm maintains a low per-batch probability of type I errors. Three statistics are computed,
Clinical evaluation of serodiagnosis of active tuberculosis by multiple-antigen ELISA using lipids from Mycobacterium bovis BCG Tokyo 172
Authors: Fujita Yukiko , Ogata Hideo , Yano Ikuya 
Published: October 2005

AbstractThe humoral immune responses of 69 active tuberculosis (TB) patients against three major mycobacterial lipid antigens, monoacyl phosphatidylinositol dimannoside (Ac-PIM
A Hybrid Poly(ethylene oxide)/ Poly(vinylidene fluoride)/TiO2 Nanoparticle Solid‐State Redox Electrolyte for Dye‐Sensitized Nanocrystalline Solar Cells
Authors: Han H. W. , Liu W. , Zhang J. , Zhao X.‐Z. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractHigh‐efficiency all‐solid‐state dye‐sensitized nanocrystalline solar cells have been fabricated using a poly(ethylene oxide)/poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PEO/PVDF)/TiO2‐nanoparticle polymer redox electrolyte, which yields an overall energy‐conversion efficiency of about 4.8 % under irradiation by white light (65.2 mW cm–2). The introduction of PVDF (which contains the highly electronegative element fluorine) and TiO2 nanoparticles into the PEO electrolyte increases the ionic conductivity (by about two orders of magnitude) and effectively reduces the recombination rate at the interface of the TiO2 and the solid‐state electrolyte, thus enhancing the performance of the solar cell.