World Neurosurg
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Intramedullary glial neoplasms affecting the entire spinal cord from the cervicomedullary junction to conus medullaris are termed holocord tumors. Pilocytic astrocytomas are relatively uncommon tumors forming holocord involvement. Hitherto 24 holocord astrocytoma cases were reported in the literature. Here, a case of an adult holocord pilocytic astrocytoma was presented. ⋯ Reported holocord pilocytic astrocytomas in the relevant literature cases were reviewed. When evaluating magnetic resonance imaging scans of adult patients with various neurologic symptoms, i.e., weakness and fecal and urinary incontinence, pilocytic astrocytoma should be considered among differential diagnoses of intramedullary mass lesions.
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Spinal cord and neuron injury result in loss of muscle function, sensation, or autonomic function in the body. Tet1 produces 5-hydroxymethylcytosin. The conversion was proposed as the initial step of deoxyribonucleic acid demethylation in mammals. However, effects of Tet1 expression and hydroxymethylation status on neuron injury remain unclear. Therefore the current study was designed to explore effects of Tet1 expression and hydroxymethylation status on cell survival and gene expression after neuron injury. ⋯ Tet1 overexpression and demethylation caused by azacytidine protect neurons against cell death after injury by increasing expression of genes involved in cell survival.
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Review Meta Analysis
MicroRNA Expression Profiles, Target Genes and Pathways in Intervertebral Disc Degeneration; A Meta-analysis of Three Microarray Studies.
Determining the expression profile and target genes of microRNA (miRNA) would assist in determining the pathophysiologic pathways in intervertebral disk degeneration (IDD). The aim of this study was to determine the expression profile of miRNA in degenerated intervertebral disks compared with normal healthy intervertebral disks. ⋯ We found that the identified miRNAs through meta-analysis are candidate predictive markers for IDDs through different pathways.
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De novo formation of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) is increasingly being reported in the neurosurgical literature, challenging the notion that AVMs are congenital in origin. Most of this literature centers around the pediatric population. After treatment of an AVM or AVF, recurrence, if any, appears to occur locally to the original insult. We present, to the best of our knowledge, the first case of a de novo direct AVF involving an anterior communicating artery aneurysm in a remote site from a prior ruptured AVM in a pediatric patient. ⋯ This case highlights the importance of long-term imaging surveillance in patients with AVMs. Further prospective studies are indicated to evaluate the long-term imaging surveillance necessary to detect early recurrence, thereby allowing doctors to institute earlier definitive treatment. The exact pathophysiology behind these lesions is not fully understood; however, this case lends support to an acquired etiology to vascular malformations.