bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Jubatagrass (Cortaderia jubata) Control Using Chemical and Mechanical Methods
Authors: DiTomaso Joseph M. , Drewitz Jennifer J. , Kyser Guy B. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractJubatagrass is one of the most invasive plants along the California and southern Oregon coast. It establishes dense populations that can severely impact native plant diversity and conifer seedling recruitment following forestry operations. This goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of both manual removal and several herbicide control options and application techniques. In addition, a cost analysis was also conducted for the most successful herbicide control methods. Results demonstrate that mechanical removal through digging is effective, although labor intensive. Among the herbicides tested, glyphosate applied as a high-volume (spray-to-wet) application (0.6% ae) in early summer, low-volume application (2.4% ae) in early summer or fall, and ropewick technique in early summer or fall (> 9.9% ae) all provided ≥ 88% jubatagrass control, but the low-volume treatments were the most cost effective. Although the graminicide sethoxydim at the highest rate (0.36% ai) did not give effective control, fluazifop applied in the fall in a low-volume treatment (0.98% ai) gave 87% control of jubatagrass. Imazapyr gave some level of control but does not appear to provide an economical option for jubatagrass management. Results of this study demonstrate that in addition to the more conventional methods of mechanical removal and spray-to-wet glyphosate (0.6% ae), control of jubatagrass can also be equally or more effective with low-volume and ropewick applications of glyphosate.
Consistent Intrafamilial Transmission of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans Despite Clonal Diversity
Authors: Doğan Başak , Kipalev Arzu Şahan , Ökte Emel , Sultan Nedim , Asikainen Sirkka E. 
Published: February 2008

Background: Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans is a major pathogen in aggressive periodontitis. Our objectives were to determine the periodontal status and occurrence of A. actinomycetemcomitans in family members of subjects with A. actinomycetemcomitans–positive aggressive periodontitis (AgP) and to evaluate the probability of its intrafamilial transmission.Methods: Of the 300 subjects screened, 66 (22%) had AgP and A. actinomycetemcomitans. Eleven (probands) of these 66 subjects with AgP met the strict inclusion criteria for the study. The study population consisted of 55 subjects, including probands and their family members (N = 44). Two family groups were formed according to whether the proband was a child (N = 7) or a parent (N = 4). Subgingival samples from all subjects were cultured for A. actinomycetemcomitans, and its clonal types were determined by combining serotype and genotype data for each isolate.Results: Among 42 dentate family members, 16 (38%) exhibited periodontitis and eight (50%) had AgP. Periodontitis was found in nine of 12 (75%) of the dentate parents and six of 17 (35%) siblings of the child probands. A. actinomycetemcomitans was detected in 16 of 31 (52%) family members, i.e., one parent and at least one sibling in six families. The child probands shared A. actinomycetemcomitans clonal types with their parents in five of six (83%) families and with their siblings in three of six (50%) families. In the four parent–proband families, A. actinomycetemcomitans occurred in two spouses and all nine children. The parent probands shared A. actinomycetemcomitans clonal types with their spouses in both families and with their children in three of four families. In all families, the likelihood of intrafamilial transmission of A. actinomycetemcomitans was statistically significant. Members of most families (eight of 11, 73%) also harbored additional clonal types of A. actinomycetemcomitans.Conclusion: Parents and siblings of an individual with A. actinomycetemcomitans–positive AgP may have an increased susceptibility to periodontitis and shared and/or other clonal types of oral A. actinomycetemcomitans.
Short‐Term Effects of rhBMP‐2–Enhanced Bone Augmentation Beyond the Skeletal Envelope Within a Titanium Cap in Rabbit Calvarium
Authors: Hasegawa Yasunori , Sato Shuichi , Takayama Tadahiro , Murai Masakazu , Suzuki Naoto , Ito Koichi 
Published: February 2008

Background: Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP)‐2 in a bioabsorbable collagen sponge (ACS) carrier supports significant bone formation. However, histomorphometric data on the augmentation of bone formation beyond the skeletal envelope are insufficient. Our objective was to evaluate the short‐term effects of rhBMP‐2 on bone augmentation beyond the skeletal envelope within a titanium cap in rabbit calvarium.Methods: Eighteen adult male Japanese white rabbits were used. ACS soak‐loaded with rhBMP‐2 (100, 500, or 1,000 μg/ml) was placed at the calvarium; controls were packed with ACS alone. After 1 month, the animals were euthanized, and histologic sections were prepared. Newly generated tissue and mineralized bone areas were measured histomorphometrically and expressed as percentage ratios of the total submembranous space area.Results: At all concentrations, a statistically significant difference in the relative height and amount of newly generated tissue was observed between the experimental and control sites. There was a statistically significant difference in the relative amount of mineralized bone between the experimental and control sites in the 1,000‐μg/ml group, but no statistically significant differences were observed in the 100‐μg/ml and 500‐μg/ml groups.Conclusion: rhBMP‐2/ACS has a short‐term effect on bone augmentation beyond the skeletal envelope within a titanium cap in rabbit calvarium.
One-pot multicomponent synthesis of substituted 5,7-dihydro-1,6-naphthyridines and 5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinolines
Authors: Yan Chao-Guo , Wang Qi-Fang , Cai Xi-Mei , Sun Jing 
Published: February 2008

Abstract
An one-pot approach was developed for the synthesis of substituted 5,7-dihydro-1,6-naphthyridines and 5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinolines with moderate to good yields. This pathway is a modified two-step synthesis of Kröhnke pyridine and involves a four-component tandem reaction of N-phenacylpyridinium bromide, aromatic aldehydes, substituted or nitrogen-containing cyclic ketones and a nitrogen source. This multi-component reaction is performed using microwave irradiation heating of the reaction substrates under an environment of NH4OAc/HOAc.
Time course of syringomyelia resolution following decompression of Chiari malformation Type I
Authors: Wetjen Nicholas M. , Heiss John D. , Oldfield Edward H. 
Published: February 2008

Object
To better understand syrinx pathophysiology, the authors performed a prospective study in which they used findings from serial clinical and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging examinations performed before and after craniocervical decompression to establish the time course of syrinx narrowing.

Methods
Serial clinical examinations and cervical MR imaging were performed in 29 consecutive patients with Chiari malformation Type I (CM-I) and syringomyelia before surgery, 1 week, and 3–6 months after surgery, and then annually. Time to narrowing of the syrinx (> 50% decrease in maximal anteroposterior diameter) following surgery was calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results
All syringes decreased in diameter and length (number of segments) on MR images at 3–6 months, 1 year, and 2 years or later. The syrinx diameter decreased from 6.9 ± 2.1 mm (mean ± standard deviation) preoperatively to < 1.5 mm at last evaluation (p < 0.0001). The median time to syrinx narrowing was 3.6 months following CM-I decompression (95% confidence interval 3.0–6.5 months). After surgery 94% of patients had improved symptoms, but symptoms resolved incompletely in 68% of patients; 52 and 59% of patients had residual dysesthesias and sensory loss, respectively. Clinical improvement occurred before partial or complete disappearance of the syrinx on MR images. Patient age, duration of symptoms, sex, preoperative syrinx diameter, and length of syrinx were unrelated to time to syrinx narrowing.

Conclusions
Most patients improve after decompression for CM-I, but many have residual symptoms. Syringes may continue to diminish for months to years after surgical decompression. A collapsed syrinx (absence of distention of the spinal cord) indicates that the pathophysiology has been reversed by treatment regardless of the completeness of elimination of the cavity on MR images.
Long-term outcome in children treated for craniopharyngioma with and without radiotherapy
Authors: Lin Lilie L. , Naqa Issam El , Leonard Jeffrey R. , Park Tae Sung , Hollander Abby S. , Michalski Jeff M. , Mansur David B. 
Published: February 2008

Object
The authors report the results of surgery alone or in combination with radiotherapy in the management of craniopharyngiomas in children.

Methods
The authors retrospectively reviewed the outcomes in 31 patients treated for craniopharyngiomas at the Department of Radiation Oncology at Washington University in St. Louis and the St. Louis Children's Hospital. The median age at diagnosis was 8.1 years (range 1.1–21 years). Fourteen patients underwent gross-total resection (GTR) with observation, and 6 patients underwent subtotal resection (STR) with observation. Ten patients underwent STR or cyst aspiration followed by external-beam radiotherapy, and 1 patient underwent cyst aspiration followed by intracystic 32P installation.

Results
The median follow-up for all surviving patients was 78.2 months. Overall survival and local control rates at 10 years were 96 and 58%, respectively. One patient died of the disease, and 12 patients had subsequent recurrences. Of those with recurrences, 6 patients had undergone initial STR with observation and 6 had been treated with GTR and observation. The median time to progression was 17.9 months in the patients who underwent limited resection, and 55 months for those who underwent GTR. There were no recurrences in the patients who received radiotherapy at the time of initial diagnosis.

Conclusions
Radiotherapy delivered as part of the initial management of craniopharyngiomas in children or at the time of recurrence provides effective local control.
Hospital care for children with hydrocephalus in the United States: utilization, charges, comorbidities, and deaths
Authors: Simon Tamara D. , Riva-Cambrin Jay , Srivastava Raj , Bratton Susan L. , Dean J. Michael , Kestle John R. W. , _ _ 
Published: February 2008

Object
The aims of this study were to measure inpatient health care for pediatric hydrocephalus in the US; describe patient, hospital, and hospitalization characteristics for pediatric hydrocephalus inpatient care; and determine characteristics associated with death.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was performed using the 1997, 2000, and 2003 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kids' Inpatient Databases (KID), nationally representative weighted data sets of hospital discharges for pediatric patients. A hydrocephalus-related hospitalization was classified as either cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt–related (including initial placements, infections, malfunctions, or other) or non–CSF shunt–related. Patients > 18 years of age were excluded. The KID provided weighted estimates of 6.657, 6.597, and 6.732 million total discharges in the 3 study years.

Results
Each year there were 38,200–39,900 admissions, 391,000–433,000 hospital days, and total hospital charges of $1.4–2.0 billion for pediatric hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus accounted for 0.6% of all pediatric hospital admissions in the US in 2003, but for 1.8% of all pediatric hospital days and 3.1% of all pediatric hospital charges. Over the study years, children admitted with hydrocephalus were older, had an increase in comorbidities, and were admitted more frequently to teaching hospitals. Compared with children who survived, those who died were more likely to be < 3 months of age and have a birth-related admission, have no insurance, have comorbidities, be transferred, and have a non–CSF shunt–related admission.

Conclusions
Children with hydrocephalus have a chronic illness and use a disproportionate share of hospital days and healthcare dollars in the US. Since 1997 they have increased in age and in number of comorbid conditions. For important changes in morbidity and mortality rates to be made, focused research efforts and funding are necessary.
Breastfeeding: a potential protective factor against ventriculoperitoneal shunt infection in young infants
Authors: Nejat Farideh , Tajik Parvin , Ghodsi Syed Mohammad , Golestan Banafsheh , Majdzadeh Reza , Yazdani Shahrooz , Ansari Saeed , Dadmehr Majid , Ganji Sara , Najafi Mehri , Farahmand Fatemeh , Moatamed Farzaneh 
Published: February 2008

Object
Previous studies have shown nutritional benefits of breastfeeding for a child's health, especially for protection against infection. Protective factors in human milk locally and systemically prevent infections in the gastrointestinal as well as upper and lower respiratory tracts. It remains unclear whether breastfeeding protects infants against ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt infection.

Methods
A cohort study was conducted from December 2003 to December 2006 at Children's Hospital Medical Center in Tehran, Iran. A total of 127 infants with hydrocephalus who were treated using a VP shunt in the first 6 months of life were enrolled. Each infant's breastfeeding method was classified as either exclusively breastfed (EBF), combination feedings of breast milk and formula (CFBF), or exclusively formula-fed (EFF). Infants were followed up to determine the occurrence of shunt infection within 6 months after operation. Statistical analysis was performed using survival methods.

Results
Infants ranged in age from 4 to 170 days at the time of shunt insertion (mean 69.6 days), and 57% were males. Regarding the breastfeeding categories, 57.5% were EBF, 25.2% were CFBF, and 17.3% were EFF. During the follow-up, shunt infection occurred in 16 patients, within 15 to 173 days after shunt surgery (median 49 days). The 6-month risk of shunt infection was 8.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 4–18%) in the EBF group, 16.5% (95% CI 7–35%) in the CFBF group, and 26.0% (95% CI 12–52%) in the EFF group. There was no statistically significant difference between these 3 groups (p = 0.11). The trend test showed a significant trend between the extent of breastfeeding and the risk of shunt infection (p = 0.035), which persisted even after adjustment for potential confounding variables (hazard ratio = 2.01, 95% CI 1.01–4).

Conclusions
This study supports the protective effect of breastfeeding against shunt infection during the first 6 months of life and the presence of a dose–response relationship, such that the higher the proportion of an infant's feeding that comes from human milk, the lower the incidence of shunt infection. Encouraging mothers of infants with VP shunts to breastfeed exclusively in the first 6 months of life is recommended.
Intraventricular astroblastoma
Authors: Denaro Luca , Gardiman Marina , Calderone Milena , Rossetto Marta , Ciccarino Pietro , Giangaspero Felice , Perilongo Giorgio , d'Avella Domenico 
Published: February 2008

✓Astroblastoma is a rare primary brain neoplasm that accounts for 0.45–2.8% of brain gliomas. Intraventricular localization is extremely rare. The authors report a case of well-differentiated completely intraventricular astroblastoma in a 6-year-old girl and review the relevant literature. Their patient presented with a 5-week history of progressive nausea and vomiting. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging revealed a large, well-demarcated, solid-cystic mass in the left temporooccipital ventricular horn. Macroscopic radical resection of the tumor was performed via the superior temporal sulcus. The postoperative course was uneventful and no adjuvant therapy was administered after surgery. No recurrence was detected at 9-months follow-up.
Gross-total resection has the greatest impact on patient survival. In differentiated tumors, recurrence is usually local, and adjuvant therapy is recommended after repeated resection for the treatment of recurrence. In patients harboring anaplastic astroblastoma, gross-total resection and adjuvant therapy after the initial surgery seems to be the best choice. It is important to distinguish astroblastoma from ependymoma in clinical practice because of the differences in therapeutic approaches.
Triple neural tube defect and the multisite closure theory for neural tube defects: is there an additional site?
Authors: Srinivas Dwarakanath , Sharma Bhavani Shankar , Mahapatra Ashok Kumar 
Published: February 2008

✓Triple neural tube defects (NTDs) are rare; only 1 case exists in the available literature. There has been a divergent view on the etiogenesis of NTDs, and 2 main theories have been postulated: the more widely held orderly closure theory and the less accepted multisite closure theory. In this article the authors present 2 cases of patients with triple NTDs, and they examine the embryological basis of NTDs with special reference to the multisite closure theory. The patient in Case 1 had a 2-level myelomeningocele (MMC) along with an encephalocele; the patient in Case 2 had a 3-level MMC.
To the authors' knowledge, this paper outlines only the second and third cases described in world literature of triple NTDs including the first case of a triple MMC. The embryogenesis of triple NTDs can be better explained by the multisite closure theory. However, it fails to adequately explain the triple MMC in Case 2, given that the closure has to proceed in an orderly manner. The authors thus propose an additional closure site to explain this.
Craniovertebral Stabilization
Authors: Goel Atul 
Published: February 2008

Abstract (Jea et al.)
The authors describe the novel use of C-1 lateral mass screws in four children 8 years of age or younger, in whom occipitocervical or atlantoaxial fusion was performed for trauma or os odontoideum. The authors retrospectively reviewed the demographics and procedural data of four children, ranging in age from 2 to 8 years, who required and underwent surgical fixation. Although C1–2 screw/rod constructs involving individual C-1 lateral mass screws and C-2 pars interarticularis or pedicle screws have been widely applied in adults, only C1–2 transarticular screw fixation has been reported in children less than 8 years of age. This report demonstrates the successful results of rigid occipitocervical and atlantoaxial fusion in four children in whom C-1 lateral mass screws were placed as part of a screw/rod construct. There was one instance of a vertebral artery injury, and the lessons learned from this complication are discussed.
Effect of age on clinical and radiographic outcomes and adverse events following 1-level lumbar arthroplasty after a minimum 2-year follow-up
Authors: Guyer Richard D. , Geisler Fred H. , Blumenthal Scott L. , McAfee Paul C. , Mullin Bradford B. 
Published: February 2008

Object
Lumbar arthroplasty is approved in the US for the treatment of degenerative disc disease at 1 level in skeletally mature patients. However, a bias toward older patients (> 45 years of age) who are otherwise indicated for the procedure may exist. In this study, the clinical outcomes of patients from the Charité Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) study were analyzed on the basis of patient age.

Methods
There were 276 patients enrolled in the IDE study of the Charité Artificial Disc who underwent 1-level arthroplasty at either L4–5 or L5–S1, including 71 nonrandomized and 205 randomized individuals. Patient data were analyzed based on age (18–45 years [217 patients, Group 1] compared with 46–60 years [59 patients, Group 2]). Statistical analyses were performed based on 2-year postoperative improvements in Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), and visual analog scale (VAS) scores (clinical outcome), as well as range of motion (radiographic outcome), and adverse events.

Results
There was no significant difference between the groups with respect to level implanted, operative time, blood loss, changes in ODI and VAS scores or any of the 8 component scores of the SF-36, compared with baseline, at all time points throughout the 24-month follow-up period (p > 0.10). Patient satisfaction was equivalent at 24 months, with 87% satisfaction in Group 1 and 85% satisfaction in Group 2 (no statistical difference). In addition, no significant differences were identified with respect to adverse events including approach related, neurological, technique related, or reoperation.

Conclusions
Although patients > 45 years of age may have comorbidities or contraindications for arthroplasty for a number of reasons, particularly osteopenia, this analysis demonstrates that patients who are indicated for 1-level arthroplasty experience similar clinical outcome, satisfaction, or adverse events compared with their younger counterparts.
Effect of previous surgery on clinical outcome following 1-level lumbar arthroplasty
Authors: Geisler Fred H. , Guyer Richard D. , Blumenthal Scott L. , McAfee Paul C. , Cappuccino Andrew , Bitan Fabien , Regan John J. 
Published: February 2008

Object
A secondary lumbar surgery at a previously surgically treated level is believed to result in minimal clinical improvement. The clinical results of the CHARITÉ Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) study were analyzed to assess the effect of previous surgery on clinical outcomes following either total disc replacement with the CHARITÉ device or anterior lumbar interbody fusion with a BAK cage and iliac crest autograft.

Methods
Patients with prior microdiscectomy, laminectomy, or minimal medial facetectomy were not excluded from enrollment in the CHARITÉ IDE study. Thus, the following 3 groups were analyzed: all patients treated with the CHARITÉ Artificial Disc, whether randomized or nonrandomized; only patients treated with CHARITÉ devices randomized against patients with BAK devices; and control patients with BAK devices. Each group was further subdivided based on the patients' medical history, whether they had undergone prior surgery (prior surgery group) or had not (no prior surgery group). For all groups, baseline demographics were collected and compared for any potential recruitment bias. Postoperative improvements based on Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), visual analog scale (VAS), and patient satisfaction scores were further collected and statistically analyzed.

Results
For all 3 groups, there were no statistical differences in clinical improvement from 3 months to 2 years postoperatively as measured using ODI and VAS scores between the subgroups (those who had prior surgery and those who did not).

Conclusions
Patients indicated for 1-level lumbar arthroplasty with previous lumbar decompressive surgery can be expected to have similar clinical outcomes to patients undergoing arthroplasty without prior lumbar decompressive surgery. Similarly, candidates for anterior lumbar fusion with prior decompressive surgery may experience similar benefits from the surgical procedure as those without.