Acta neurochirurgica
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Acta neurochirurgica · Jul 2014
Transplantation of neurotrophin-3-expressing bone mesenchymal stem cells improves recovery in a rat model of spinal cord injury.
This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of transplanting neutrophin-3 (NT-3)-expressing bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in a rat model of spinal cord injury (SCI). ⋯ Our findings demonstrate that transplantation of NT-3 gene-modified BMSCs via LP can strengthen the therapeutic benefits of BMSC transplantation. We observed that these modified cells increased locomotor function recovery, promoted nerve regeneration, and improved the injured spinal cord microenvironment, suggesting that it could be a promising treatment for SCI.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Jul 2014
Transsphenoidal surgery for acromegaly: predicting remission with early postoperative growth hormone assays.
Early detection of residual disease may benefit management strategies in patients undergoing transsphenoidal surgery for acromegaly. This requires establishing objective thresholds for early postoperative growth hormone (GH) assays, and incorporating these parameters into a scale for outcome prediction. ⋯ Early postoperative GH assays are highly sensitivity and specific. The scoring system that we propose provided excellent predictive value and requires further validation in larger cohorts and in different populations. The model may help guide the intensity of follow-up and enable early identification of residual disease.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Jul 2014
Multicenter StudyRoutine but risky: a multi-centre analysis of the outcomes of cranioplasty in the Northeast of England.
Cranioplasty is undertaken as a routine secondary operation following craniectomy. At a time when decompressive craniectomy is being evaluated by several large trials, we aimed to evaluate the morbidity associated with cranioplasty and investigate its potential effect on outcome. ⋯ Cranioplasty harbours significant morbidity, a risk that appears to be higher with a bifrontal defect. The complications experienced influence subsequent functional outcome. The timing of cranioplasty, early or late, after the initial operation does not impact on the ultimate outcome. These findings should be considered when making decisions relating to craniectomy and cranioplasty.