Spine
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The aim of the present study was to investigate whether activation of MAPK subtypes ERK and p38 influences integrin expression and promotes nucleus pulposus cell survival in hypoxia. ⋯ Hypoxia activated MAPK signaling pathway activity in nucleus pulposus cells. ERK, but not p38, regulated alpha2 integrin expression and cell survival.
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A retrospective review of all patients with neurologic deficit following gunshot wounds that did not penetrate the spinal canal. ⋯ Neurologic deficit following gunshot wounds is possible even without violation of the spinal canal. It is most probably the result of the kinetic energy emitted by the bullet.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Corticosteroids peroperatively diminishes damage to the C-fibers in microscopic lumbar disc surgery.
A subgroup analysis of patient outcomes from a double-blind randomized controlled study comparing corticosteroid versus saline in microscopic lumbar disc surgery. ⋯ The use of corticosteroids combined with surgery seems to protect some of the damage to the C-fibers in lumbar disc herniation.
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Case report. ⋯ A lumbar hemangioma of the vertebral body, although rare, can cause neurogenic claudication and cauda equina syndrome. Intraoperative vertebroplasty can be an effective method of hemostasis and provide stability of the vertebra following posterior decompression.