Neurosurgery
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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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Literature evaluating frailty in traumatic spinal cord injury (tSCI) is limited. ⋯ Frailty is an independent predictor of clinical outcomes after tSCI, especially among patients of advanced age. Our large-scale analysis contributes novel insights into limited existing literature on this topic.
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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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Treatment of small-caliber vessel lesions using flow diverters remains challenging because of vasculature's narrow luminal diameter and tortuosity. This in turn makes navigation and delivery of conventional devices with standard microcatheters more difficult. The Silk Vista Baby (SVB, Balt) flow diversion device was designed for ease of use in vessels with a smaller diameter, distal lesions, and 0.017 ″ microcatheter delivery systems. ⋯ The SVB device was safely and effectively used in the treatment of PICA aneurysms. The smaller delivery system profile reduces the risk of procedure complications and creates new treatment options for distal lesions.