Neurosurgery
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Ventriculoperitoneal shunting remains the most widely used neurosurgical procedure for the management of hydrocephalus, albeit with many complications. ⋯ The findings of this retrospective study show that the long-term ventriculoperitoneal shunt survival remains low in adult transition patients with pediatric-onset hydrocephalus.
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Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) control multidrug resistance and are upregulated in many cancers, including malignant gliomas. The diazeniumdiolate JS-K generates nitric oxide (NO) on enzymatic activation by glutathione and GST, showing promising NO-based anticancer efficacy. ⋯ Our data show for the first time the potent antiproliferative effect of JS-K in gliomas in vitro and in vivo. These findings warrant further investigation of this novel NO-releasing prodrug in gliomas.
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Tinnitus is predominantly viewed as the consequence of dysfunctional hyperactivity, plastic change, or synchronized oscillations in the central auditory system. An alternative to the current auditory-centric view of auditory phantom perception is the basal ganglia-centric view. Recent electrical stimulation experiments in area LC, a locus of the caudate nucleus positioned at its anterior body, has shown loudness modulation of existing tinnitus percepts. ⋯ Neuromodulation of area LC can trigger temporary gate dysfunction and reversibly release new phantoms for conscious awareness. Restoration of restrictive dorsal striatal gate function to treat problematic phantom percepts may be realized by adopting long-term area LC neuromodulation and choosing optimal stimulation parameters.
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Many studies address diagnosing concussions, but few look at predicting prognosis. A previous discriminant function analysis showed that symptom clusters derived from the Post-Concussion Symptom Scale and Immediate Postconcussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing composite scores used together improved predictions of protracted recovery after a sports-related concussion. ⋯ Specific cutoffs may help to set numerical thresholds for clinicians to predict which concussed athletes will have a protracted recovery.
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Restoration of elbow extension has not been considered of much importance regarding functional outcomes in brachial plexus surgery; however, the flexion of the elbow joint is only fully effective if the motion can be stabilized, what can be achieved solely if the triceps brachii is coactivated. To present a novel nerve transfer of a healthy motor fascicle from the ulnar nerve to the nerve of the long head of the triceps to restore the elbow extension function in brachial plexus injuries involving the upper and middle trunks. ⋯ The attempted nerve transfer was effective for restoration of elbow extension in primary brachial plexus surgery; however, it should be selected only for cases in which other reliable donor nerves were used to restore elbow flexion.