Acta neurochirurgica
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Acta neurochirurgica · Aug 2012
Inhibition of c-Jun N-terminal kinase prevents blood-brain barrier disruption and normalizes the expression of tight junction proteins clautin-5 and ZO-1 in a rat model of subarachnoid hemorrhage.
The c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) proteins are encoded by three genes (JNK1, JNK2, and JNK3), giving rise to multiple isoforms via alternative splicing. JNK inhibition using a chemical inhibitor SP600125 confers neuroprotection in an animal model of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The aim of this study is to investigate whether the protective effects of SP600125 were associated with modulation of tight junction proteins including claudin-5 and ZO-1 and to define which JNK isoforms were involved in the early brain injury after SAH. ⋯ Our data demonstrate that the JNK signaling plays an important role in the regulation of tight junction proteins and BBB integrity, and thus represents a promising target against brain injuries after SAH.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Aug 2012
The effect of centralization of caseload for primary brain tumor surgeries: trends from 2001-2007.
Improved patient outcomes have been associated with high-caseload hospitals for a multitude of conditions. This study analyzed adult patients undergoing surgical resection or biopsy of primary brain tumors. The aim of this study is two-fold: (1) to evaluate whether the trend towards centralization of primary brain tumor care in the US has continued during the period of between 2001 and 2007, and (2) to analyze volume-outcome effects. ⋯ Neurosurgical caseload at the nation's high volume craniotomy centers has continued to rise disproportionately, while low-caseload centers have seen a decrease in overall surgical volume. Over the time period between 2001 and 2007 there was a trend towards improved in-hospital mortality, LOS and discharge disposition for all hospitals; however, the trend is convincingly favorable for high-caseload hospitals.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Aug 2012
Predictors of meningioma consistency: A study in 243 consecutive cases.
Meningioma is a common neoplasm primarily arising in the central nervous system. Its consistency is considered to be one of the critical prognostic factors for determining surgical resectability. The present study endeavored to investigate predictive factors associated with the tumor consistency. ⋯ Signal intensity on T2WI and FLAIR image can be used for insinuating meningioma consistency. Presurgical prediction of the consistency is highly valuable in operative planning, particularly in arduous cases.