World Neurosurg
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Meta Analysis
The Effect of Smoking on the Fusion Rate of Spinal Fusion Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing the fusion rate after spinal fusion surgery between smokers and nonsmokers. ⋯ The fusion rate of smokers is significantly lower than that of nonsmokers in spinal fusion surgery. Smokers should be encouraged to quit smoking to improve the outcome of spinal fusion surgery.
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Review Case Reports
"Primary sellar abscesses: a systematic review and two rare observations".
Abscesses of the chiasmatic-sellar region are quite rare and are often a result of surgical intervention, trauma, or tumor growth. Primary abscesses are extremely rare and represent a group of abscesses the occur because of internal microbial seeding. Primary abscesses are rarely reported. We present 2 clinical cases featuring primary abscesses of the chiasmal-sellar region. To put into perspective the rarity of these findings, we performed a systematic review of existing clinical reports regarding this pathology. ⋯ Proper diagnostic procedures can aid in correct treatment strategy and improve overall outcome.
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Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive primary tumor of the central nervous system. Despite aggressive multimodal therapy, it has a dismal prognosis. Over the last 20 years, the approach to GBM research and therapy has involved viewing the pathologic condition as a complex organ system with multiple nonneoplastic cells supporting tumor growth directly or through enhancement of the tumor microenvironment. ⋯ Clinical trials targeting PD-L-1, CTLA-4, and colony stimulating factor-1 receptor in GBM are currently under investigation. Additionally, several phase I/II clinical trials are underway using vaccines, oncolytic viruses, antibodies, and chimeric antigen receptor T cells targeting glioma cells. Co-opting the immune system as a therapeutic partner against GBM is in early stages of investigation, and the potential use of such approaches as treatment adjuncts is indispensable for combating this highly heterogeneous disease.
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The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a surge in the use of telehealth visits across the country to minimize in-person visits and to limit the spread of COVID-19. To date, no standards or outlines for telehealth spine examinations have been detailed and many surgeons simply defer the physical examination when performing telehealth visits. Nevertheless, just as physical examination of the spine is an integral part of live clinical encounters, appropriately modified physical examinations should also be part of virtual visits. ⋯ An effective and efficient spine physical examination can be performed during telehealth visits. Future directions include verifying the findings from our virtual physical examination with in-person examinations.
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Multicenter Study
Endovascular Management of Distal Anterior Cerebral Artery Aneurysms: A Multi-Center Retrospective Review.
Distal anterior cerebral artery aneurysms (DACAA) are a rare and difficult entity to manage. Endovascular treatment has evolved for safe and durable treatment of these lesions. The objective of this study is to report the safety, efficacy, and outcomes of endovascular treatment of DACAA. ⋯ Endovascular treatment, and in particular, flow diversion for DACAA, is safe, feasible, and associated with good long-term angiographic and clinical outcomes.