Neurosurgery
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Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) stimulation and neural stem cell (NSC) transplantation have been implicated in the treatment of cerebral ischemia because of their crucial roles in neuroprotection, neurogenesis, and angiogenesis. However, effective delivery of VEGF or NSCs remains difficult. This study attempted to explore whether VEGF121 complementary deoxyribonucleic acid could be transferred into the NSCs and, furthermore, whether transplanting these VEGF121-transfected NSCs into the rat brain provides sufficient neuroprotection after transient focal cerebral ischemia. ⋯ We conclude that transplantation of VEGF121-transfected NSCs improved ischemic neurological deficiency. This finding provides a novel approach for the treatment of cerebral ischemia.
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Historical Article
Pioneers in the development of neurological surgery in Auckland, New Zealand: Robertson, Wrightson, and Mackenzie.
To demonstrate the development of neurosurgery in Auckland, New Zealand, which has diverse roots and was influenced by geographical, socioeconomic, and international forces. ⋯ Neurological surgery in Auckland was influenced largely by Great Britain, Australia, and North America, as well as by geographical and socioeconomic factors unique to the South Pacific. The achievements of these earlier pioneers in neurosurgery highlight their tremendous abilities and sheer determination to succeed.
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We describe the case of a 3.3-kg infant who developed an anterior cerebral artery pseudoaneurysm after ventricular catheter placement. The lesion was treated with endovascular vessel sacrifice. ⋯ Arterial injury is uncommon after ventricular catheter placement. When it does occur, however, an unstable pseudoaneurysm may form. Endovascular techniques can be used to remedy this problem, thus at times obviating the need for a standard craniotomy, which can be particularly difficult in a newborn.
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Comparative Study
The anteroinferior cerebellar artery embedded in the subarcuate fossa: a rare anomaly and its clinical significance.
The purpose of this study is to call attention to an anomaly in which a segment of the anteroinferior cerebellar artery (AICA) is embedded in the dura or bone surrounding the subarcuate fossa, a small depression in the bone posterior to the internal acoustic meatus (IAM), through which the subarcuate artery enters the bone. This anomaly places the artery at risk in removing the posterior wall of the IAM. ⋯ Mobilizing the AICA loop that is embedded in the subarcuate fossa posterior to the IAM places the involved AICA at significant risk in exposing the contents of the IAM.
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"Ondine's curse" is a term used to denote a rare neurological condition causing failure of automatic respiration. The patients are no longer capable of breathing spontaneously-they must consciously and voluntarily force themselves to do so. Ondine (also known as "Undine"), a mythological figure of European tradition, was a water nymph or sprite who could become human only when she fell in love with a mortal man. ⋯ It has since become a popular subject for theater productions. Jean Giraudoux, the French playwright, introduced the concept of the loss of automaticity of all functions as the "curse of Ondine." The legend was popularized in the form of the fairy tale "The Little Mermaid" by Hans Christian Andersen and as an animated motion picture by Walt Disney Productions. In this study, we look at the origins of this eponymous term, the personalities intertwined with its popularity, and its misrepresentations in the medical literature.