bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and Application of Innovation Technologies for Seal-Repair, Stimulation and Enhanced Oil Recovery
Authors: Zavolzhsky V. 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
The major activity of LLC "RITEK-ITC" is development, application, improvement and adaptation of innovative methods for seal repair, well stimulation, reservoir productivity increase, and production of chemical reagents.
In 2007 RITEK carried-out the following works on technologies:
integrated technology of selective water-restrain using invert emulsions stabilized by POLYSIL-DF with subsequent additional strengthening by plugging composition based on the material PLASTIK-KS; treatment of bottomhole formation zones (BFZ) in producing wells by invert water-oil emulsion using POLYSIL-DF for selective water-restrain; seal repair works (SRW) to eliminate untightness of production string and behind-the-casing flows, to shut off strata using plugging materials PLASTIK-KS; BFZ treatment by acid micro emulsion (AME) to increase reservoir permeability; BFZ treatment by the POLYSIL-P suspension to increase injectivity of intake wells; BFZ treatment by acid compositions (PC-9) to increase reservoir permeability; leveling of injectivity profile by PGS RITIN-10 to increase oil recovery.
Identification of Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhi DNA Fragments with Transcriptional Activity Under Different Growth Conditions
Authors: Saverino Daniele , McDermott Jennifer , Ferrari McDermott , Terrile Marta , Piatti Gabriella 
Published: October 2008

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi is a human pathogenic microorganism with a very complex infective cycle,
involving the transit of bacteria across different microenvironments; to optimize the performance of attenuated Salmonella
strains suitable as live carriers of heterologous antigens, fine tuning of wild type bacteria gene expression is essential.
Several DNA fragments were obtained from a Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (vi+, fim+) blood isolate and 18 clones
were selected according to the dimension of the insert (range <0.2-1.6 kb). These fragments showed a transcriptional activity
in a promoterless vector cloned in Escherichia coli background, according to homogeneous parameters. The results
obtained provide an insight about signals mediating gene activation in vivo, particularly in the microenvironments known
to exist during the infectious process, even if the fragments are not promoters sequences. Finally, the functional characterization
of several fragments showed that they possessed an efficient and homogeneous transcriptional activity, worth to
be further investigated.
Patho-Biotechnology – Making New Friends of Old Foes
Authors: Sleator Roy D. 
Published: October 2008

Although first described over a century ago, scientists
and clinicians have only recently begun to realize the
significant medical opportunities presented by probiotic
bacteria [1, 2].
However, the most beneficial probiotics often prove to be
the most physiologically fragile; a significant limitation in
clinical applications [3, 4]. The ‘Patho-biotechnology’
concept promotes the exploitation of pathogen derived stress
survival strategies for the design of more technologically
robust probiotic cultures with improved biotechnological and
clinical applications [5, 6].
The rationale for choosing pathogens over commensal
species as a source of potential stress survival mechanisms is
based on a number of factors; not least of which is the fact
that certain pathogenic bacteria, with lifecycles bridging the
host and external milieu, have evolved sophisticated stress
management strategies enabling them to succeed in more
diverse ecological niches than those normally occupied by
most non-pathogenic species [7]. Pathogens thus represent a
rich source of genes which could potentially improve the
physiological vigor of less versatile probiotic strains, both
external to and within the host.
The advantages of such a strategy are obvious; improving
storage, delivery and clinical efficacy of probiotic cultures
[3, 4, 8]. In addition, such ‘bioengineered probiotics’ may
ultimately provide a safer alternative to attenuated pathogens
as vaccine delivery platforms or be employed as novel drug
delivery vehicles; directed against emerging antibiotic
resistant pathogens such as Clostridium difficile [9, 10].
However, while the potential of the patho-biotechnology
approach is obvious; so too are the limitations. Consumer
and regulatory acceptance of genetically modified probiotics
expressing pathogen derived genes, is one of the major
obstacles to the continued development of the field. While
the use of genetically modified organisms raises legitimate
concerns about the dissemination of antibiotic markers or
other genetic modifications to neighbouring microbes in the
environment, I feel that proper adherence to biological
containment (both active and passive [11]) will help to ease
these concerns and facilitate safe and continued innovation
in the sector: eventually promoting patho-biotechnology as a
new and exciting paradigm in probiotic research.
Regulator of G-protein signalling expression and function in ovarian cancer cell lines
Authors: Hurst Jillian , Mendpara Nisha , Hooks Shelley 
Published: October 2008

AbstractRegulator of G-protein signalling (RGS)2 proteins critically regulate signalling cascades initiated by G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) by accelerating the deactivation of heterotrimeric G-proteins. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is the predominant growth factor that drives the progression of ovarian cancer by activating specific GPCRs and G-proteins expressed in ovarian cancer cells. We have recently reported that RGS proteins endogenously expressed in SKOV-3 ovarian cancer cells dramatically attenuate LPA stimulated cell signalling. The goal of this study was twofold: first, to identify candidate RGS proteins expressed in SKOV-3 cells that may account for the reported negative regulation of G-protein signalling, and second, to determine if these RGS protein transcripts are differentially expressed among commonly utilized ovarian cancer cell lines and non-cancerous ovarian cell lines. Reverse transcriptase-PCR was performed to determine transcript expression of 22 major RGS subtypes in RNA isolated from SKOV-3, OVCAR-3 and Caov-3 ovarian cancer cell lines and non-cancerous immortalized ovarian surface epithelial (IOSE) cells. Fifteen RGS transcripts were detected in SKOV-3 cell lines. To compare the relative expression levels in these cell lines, quantitative real time RT-PCR was performed on select transcripts. RGS19/GAIP was expressed at similar levels in all four cell lines, while RGS2 transcript was detected at levels slightly lower in ovarian cancer cells as compared to IOSE cells. RGS4 and RGS6 transcripts were expressed at dramatically different levels in ovarian cancer cell lines as compared to IOSE cells. RGS4 transcript was detected in IOSE at levels several thousand fold higher than its expression level in ovarian cancer cells lines, while RGS6 transcript was expressed fivefold higher in SKOV-3 cells as compared to IOSE cells, and over a thousand fold higher in OVCAR-3 and Caov-3 cells as compared to IOSE cells. Functional studies of RGS 2, 6, and 19/GAIP were performed by measuring their effects on LPA stimulated production of inositol phosphates. In COS-7 cells expressing individual exogenous LPA receptors, RGS2 and RSG19/GAIP attenuated signalling initiated by LPA1, LPA2, or LPA3, while RGS6 only inhibited signalling initiated by LPA2 receptors. In SKOV-3 ovarian cancer cells, RGS2 but not RGS6 or RGS19/GAIP, inhibited LPA stimulated inositol phosphate production. In contrast, in CAOV-3 cells RGS19/GAIP strongly attenuated LPA signalling. Thus, multiple RGS proteins are expressed at significantly different levels in cells derived from cancerous and normal ovarian cells and at least two candidate RGS transcripts have been identified to account for the reported regulation of LPA signalling pathways in ovarian cancer cells.
A three-dimensional histological atlas of the human basal ganglia. II. Atlas deformation strategy and evaluation in deep brain stimulation for Parkinson disease
Authors: Bardinet Eric , Bhattacharjee Manik , Dormont Didier , Pidoux Bernard , Malandain Grégoire , Schüpbach Michael , Ayache Nicholas , Cornu Philippe , Agid Yves , Yelnik Jérôme 
Published: October 2008

Object
The localization of any given target in the brain has become a challenging issue because of the increased use of deep brain stimulation to treat Parkinson disease, dystonia, and nonmotor diseases (for example, Tourette syndrome, obsessive compulsive disorders, and depression). The aim of this study was to develop an automated method of adapting an atlas of the human basal ganglia to the brains of individual patients.

Methods
Magnetic resonance images of the brain specimen were obtained before extraction from the skull and histological processing. Adaptation of the atlas to individual patient anatomy was performed by reshaping the atlas MR images to the images obtained in the individual patient using a hierarchical registration applied to a region of interest centered on the basal ganglia, and then applying the reshaping matrix to the atlas surfaces.

Results
Results were evaluated by direct visual inspection of the structures visible on MR images and atlas anatomy, by comparison with electrophysiological intraoperative data, and with previous atlas studies in patients with Parkinson disease. The method was both robust and accurate, never failing to provide an anatomically reliable atlas to patient registration. The registration obtained did not exceed a 1-mm mismatch with the electrophysiological signatures in the region of the subthalamic nucleus.

Conclusions
This registration method applied to the basal ganglia atlas forms a powerful and reliable method for determining deep brain stimulation targets within the basal ganglia of individual patients.
Suprainguinal retroperitoneal approach for the successful surgical treatment of meralgia paresthetica
Authors: Alberti Olaf , Wickboldt Jürgen , Becker Ralf 
Published: October 2008

Object
Neurosurgical textbooks describe an infrainguinal approach as the standard or preferred option for the surgical treatment of meralgia paresthetica (MP), the most frequent entrapment neuropathy of the lower limb. However, inhomogeneous results led the authors to adopt a suprainguinal, retroperitoneal approach for decompression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. In this paper the authors' aim was to study the outcome of patients harboring MP treated via this different surgical approach.

Methods
The outcome of 55 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for MP via the suprainguinal retroperitoneal approach during a 15-year period was ascertained through postal questionnaires (in 47 patients) and follow-up visits (in 8 patients). The male to female ratio was 1:0.67, and the mean patient age was 50 ± 12.9 years. The mean follow-up was 3.2 ± 3.3 years. Seven of the patients underwent bilateral surgery.

Results
Intraoperatively the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve was consistently found in close anatomical relationship to the anterior superior iliac spine, although some variations regarding the diameter, number of branches, and underlying pathological entity were observed. Eighty-seven percent of patients showed improvement (21 patients) or complete remission (27 patients) of painful dysesthesia in the anterolateral thigh, and 13% (7 patients) remained unchanged. In addition 82% had improvement (31 patients) or complete remission (14 patients) of hypesthesia, leaving 18% with unchanged (9 patients) or worsened (1 patient) hypesthesia. In the patient-evaluated group 66% (31 of 47) were completely satisfied with the outcome, 23% (11 of 47) were partially satisfied, and 11% (5 of 47) were not satisfied with the outcome. Two cases each of recurrence, seroma, wound infection, and 1 case of hematoma requiring revision were encountered as complications.

Conclusions
The suprainguinal retroperitoneal approach is a viable first-choice option for the surgical relief of MP.
Recent trends in the treatment of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage: analysis of a nationwide inpatient database
Authors: Andaluz Norberto , Zuccarello Mario 
Published: October 2008

Object
Recently updated guidelines failed to reflect significant progress in the treatment of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Using data from a nationwide hospital database, the authors identified recent trends in therapy and outcomes for ICH, as well as the effect of associated comorbidities and procedures, including surgery.

Methods
Data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample hospital discharge database (Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality) for the period 1993–2005 was retrospectively reviewed. Multiple variables were categorized and subjected to statistical analysis for codes related to ICH from the International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision, Clinical Modification. Data linked by the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database to associated diagnoses and procedures were also retrieved and analyzed.

Results
The number of discharges remained constant for ICH. The mortality rate remained unchanged at an average of 31.6%, whereas routine discharges (home) steadily declined by 25%, and discharges other than home doubled (p < 0.01). By the end of the study, length of hospital stay decreased by 30% (p < 0.01), and mean hospital charges steadily increased to more than twice the original figures. Arterial hypertension was the most frequently associated comorbidity. Seizures were associated with longer hospital stays and higher mean hospital charges. Craniotomy was associated with decreased mortality rates but also with worse outcomes and lower rates of patients discharged home (p < 0.01). No geographic differences in treatment and outcomes were noted.

Conclusions
From 1993 to 2005, no significant progress in treatment and prevention of ICH was noted. There were no regional differences in the treatment and outcome of ICH. The role of surgery for ICH remains uncertain, and large-scale controlled studies are greatly needed to clarify this role.
Emergency suboccipital decompression for respiratory arrest during supratentorial surgery: the untold story of a surgeon's courage in times of despair
Authors: Shelton Beth Ann , O'Hara Edward , Tubbs R. Shane , Shoja Mohammadli M. , Barker Fred G. , Cohen-Gadol Aaron A. 
Published: October 2008

The odyssey leading to the discovery of herniation syndromes was prolonged due to a lack of early understanding of the underlying pathophysiology. In 1896, Leonard Hill documented transtentorial pressure gradients as the intervening phenomenon involved in uncal herniation. In 1904, James Collier became the first to describe cerebellar tonsillar herniation as a “false localizing sign” often associated with intracranial tumors. During the infancy of neurological surgery, management of increased intracranial pressure and an improved understanding of brain herniation syndromes were of the utmost importance in achieving a safe technique. Harvey Cushing provided seminal contributions in understanding the pathophysiology of increased intracranial pressure and resulting cardiopulmonary effects.
Cushing believed that tonsillar herniation was a cause of acute cardiorespiratory compromise in patients with intracranial tumors. In this vignette, we describe the untold story of Cushing's heroic attempt to treat respiratory arrest operatively during supratentorial tumor surgery with an emergency suboccipital craniectomy to relieve the medullary dysfunction that he believed was caused by compression from tonsillar herniation. This case illustrates a surgeon's determination and courage in fighting for his patient's life in the most desperate of times.
Anterior clivectomy: surgical technique and clinical applications
Authors: Al-Mefty Ossama , Kadri Paulo A. S. , Hasan David M. , Isolan Gustavo Rassier , Pravdenkova Svetlana 
Published: October 2008

Object
Midline clival lesions, whether involving the clivus or simply situated anterior to the brainstem, present a technical challenge for adequate exposure and safe resection. The authors describe, as a minimally invasive technique, an anterior clivectomy performed via an expanded transsphenoidal approach coupled with the use of a neuronavigation on mobile head and endoscopic-assisted technique. Wide and direct exposure, with the ability to resect extra- and intradural tumors, was achieved without mortality and with a low rate of complications.

Methods
Cadaveric dissections were performed to outline the landmarks and measure the window that is created by resecting the clivus anteriorly. The technique was used in 43 patients to resect tumors located at or invading the clivus. The initial exposure of the clivus was obtained via the sublabial transsphenoidal approach. The wall of the anterior maxilla, often on 1 side, was removed to allow a wide side-to-side opening of the nasal speculum. Using neuronavigation, the authors made clivectomy windows by drilling the clivus between anatomical landmarks. Bilateral intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring was used (somatosensory evoked potentials, brainstem auditory evoked responses, and cranial nerves VI–XII).

Results
Of the 43 patients, 26 were female and 17 were male, and they ranged in age from 3.5 to 76 years (mean 41.5 years). Thirty-eight patients harbored a chordoma and 5 a giant invasive pituitary adenoma.
Gross-total resection of the tumor was achieved in 34 cases (79%). Nine patients (21%) had residual tumor unreachable through the anterior clivectomy, and this required a second-stage resection. Four patients developed new transient extraocular movement deficits. One patient developed a permanent cranial nerve VI palsy. Twenty-seven patients with chordoma underwent postoperative proton-beam radiotherapy. Tumor recurred in 19% of these cases. In 3 patients a cerebrospinal fluid leak developed during hospitalization and was treated successfully. Two other patients presented with a delayed cerebrospinal fluid leak after radiotherapy. Only 1 patient, who had previously undergone Gamma Knife surgery, experienced postoperative hemiparesis.

Conclusions
A complete anterior clivectomy via a simple extension of the transsphenoidal approach allows the surgeon access to different lesions involving the clivus or situated anterior to the brainstem. The exposure is similar to that provided by more extensive transfacial approaches. Instrument manipulation is easy. Neuronavigation, endoscopy, and intraoperative monitoring are easily incorporated and enhance the capability and safety of this approach.
Microsurgical management of 53 jugular foramen schwannomas: lessons learned incorporated into a modified grading system
Authors: Bulsara Ketan R. , Sameshima Tetsuro , Friedman Allan H. , Fukushima Takanori 
Published: October 2008

Object
Due to the proximity and involvement of critical neurovascular structures, the resection of jugular foramen schwannomas can pose a formidable challenge. The authors review their experience in the microsurgical management of jugular foramen schwannomas and propose a modified grading scale to guide surgical management.

Methods
All jugular foramen schwannoma cases treated by the senior author (T.F.) between 1980 and 2004 were retrospectively reviewed. The average age at presentation, surgical approach, tumor characteristics, cranial nerve (CN) deficits, and tumor recurrence rates were assessed. The authors present the following modified grading scale: Type A, intradural tumors; Type B, dumbbell-shaped tumors; and Type C, triple dumbbell tumors with a high cervical extension.

Results
The authors treated jugular foramen tumors in 129 patients during the study period. Of these, 53 patients (41%) had jugular foramen schwannomas. The mean patient age was 52 years (range 14–74 years); there were 12 male and 41 female patients. The mean follow-up period was 8.4 years. Patients presented most commonly with deficits of the vagus nerve, followed by vestibular/cochlear nerve and glossopharyngeal nerve deficits. Gross-total resection of the tumor was achieved in 48 patients (90.5%). New postoperative paresis in a previously normal CN was not seen; however, worsening of preoperative CN deficits was frequently noted. The highest incidence occurred with the glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves (30%), with 26% of the deficits being permanent. There were no deaths related to surgery in this series. Three patients (5.7%) experienced tumor recurrence.

Conclusions
The microsurgical resection of jugular foramen schwannomas carries a risk of worsening preoperative CN deficits; however, these are often transient. Based on their experience, the authors have formulated a grading scale that predicts the optimal surgical approach to these lesions. Considerable technical training and microneuroanatomical knowledge of the region is required. The modified grading scale presented facilitates preoperative planning.
Transient expansion of vestibular schwannoma following stereotactic radiosurgery
Authors: Nagano Osamu , Higuchi Yoshinori , Serizawa Toru , Ono Junichi , Matsuda Shinji , Yamakami Iwao , Saeki Naokatsu 
Published: October 2008

Object
The authors prospectively analyzed volume changes in vestibular schwannomas (VSs) after stereotactic radiosurgery.

Methods
One hundred consecutive patients with unilateral VS treated with Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) at Chiba Cardiovascular Center between 1998 and 2006 were analyzed in this study. For each lesion the Gd-enhanced volume was measured serially every 3 months in the 1st year, then every 6 months thereafter, using volumetric software. The frequency and degree of transient tumor expansion were documented and possible prognostic factors were analyzed. Concurrently, neurological deterioration involving trigeminal, facial, and cochlear nerve functions were also assessed.

Results
The mean observation period was 65 months (range 25–100 months). There were 32 men and 68 women, whose mean age was 59.1 years (range 29–80 years). Tumor volumes at GKS averaged 2.7 cm3 (range 0.1–13.2 cm3), and the lesions were irradiated at the mean 52.2% isodose line for the tumor margin (range 50–67%), with a mean dose of 12.2 Gy (range 10.5–13 Gy) at the periphery. The tumor volume was increased by 23% at 3 months and 27% at 6 months. Tumors shrank to their initial size over a mean period of 12 months. The maximum volume increase was < 10% (no significant increase) in 26 patients, 10–30% in 23, 30–50% in 22, 50–100% in 16, and > 100% in 13. The peak tumor expansion averaged 47% (range 0–613%). A high-dose (≥ 3.5 Gy/min) treatment appears to be the greatest risk factor for transient tumor expansion, although the difference did not reach statistical significance. Transient facial palsy and facial dysesthesia correlated strongly with tumor expansion, but only half of the hearing loss was coincident with this phenomenon.

Conclusions
Transient expansion of VSs after GKS was found to be much more frequent than previously reported, strongly suggesting a correlation with deterioration of facial and trigeminal nerve functions.