Neurosurgery
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Previous studies comparing hearing outcomes in patients managed with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and a watch-and-wait strategy were limited by small sample sizes that prevented controlling for potential confounders, including initial hearing status, tumor size, and age. ⋯ When controlling for potential confounders, there was no significant difference in loss of class A or serviceable hearing between patients managed with SRS or with observation alone.
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After microvascular decompression (MVD) for hemifacial spasm (HFS), a minority of patients realize little to no relief of spasms. In some patients, the absence of relief of spasms results from incomplete or inadequate decompression of vascular compression of the facial nerve, and these patients represent excellent candidates for repeat MVD. However, in other patients, repeat MVD is not appropriate because adequate decompression and resolution of neurovascular compression, as determined by postoperative high-resolution MRI, was achieved with the initial operation. ⋯ After FNM, durable and, at least, partial relief of spasms with a relatively low complication rate was observed in most patients with HFS with incomplete relief of spasms after technically adequate prior MVD.
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Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant primary brain tumor with a universally poor prognosis. GBMs express elevated levels of hexokinase 2 (HK2), catalyzing the critical step in glycolysis and influencing several oncogenic pathways. Previous preclinical work has suggested a role for repurposed posaconazole (PCZ) in downregulating HK2 activity, reducing lactate and pyruvate production, interfering with tumor cell metabolism, and increasing mouse survival. ⋯ A successful trial will support the decision to proceed to advanced phase trials. Any tumor penetration by PCZ, with concomitant effect on glycolysis, warrants further in-depth analysis, as therapeutic options for these deadly tumors are currently limited.
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Despite formal cardiac clearance, a subset of 3-column osteotomy (3CO) patients still experience cardiac complications (CCs). ⋯ RCRI and MET functional ability are limited risk assessment tools in ASD 3CO patients with formal cardiac clearance. Patients older than 81 years are at high risk for CC. In younger patients, cardiac EF and blood loss are significant components to risk stratify for CC.
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Comment Letter Multicenter Study
Letter: Characteristics of a COVID-19 Cohort With Large Vessel Occlusion: A Multicenter International Study.