Journal of neurosurgery
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Journal of neurosurgery · Mar 2020
Annexin A7 induction of neuronal apoptosis via effect on glutamate release in a rat model of subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Glutamate excitotoxicity and neuronal apoptosis are suggested to contribute to early brain injury after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Annexin A7 (ANXA7) has been shown to regulate glutamate release. However, the role of ANXA7 in early brain injury after SAH has not been illustrated. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of ANXA7 knockdown in reducing the severity of early brain injury after SAH, and determine the underlying mechanisms. ⋯ ANXA7 can induce neuronal apoptosis by affecting glutamate release in rats with SAH. Downregulating the expression of ANXA7 can significantly attenuate early brain injury after SAH. Future therapy targeting ANXA7 may be a promising new choice.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Mar 2020
An aligned nanofiber nerve conduit that inhibits painful traumatic neuroma formation through regulation of the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway.
Traumatic neuromas represent a prevalent source of neuropathic pain. As of yet, there has been no single treatment method that can guarantee permanent relief of symptoms. Although nerve-capping techniques have shown promise, their exact mechanisms remain elusive. The authors' aim was to examine the role of the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway in the prevention of neuroma formation after neurectomy utilizing a nerve-capping technique. ⋯ The RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway has emerged as a critical player in the process of traumatic neuroma formation after neurectomy. It is possible that the nerve-capping technique could generate a "regenerative brake" based on the regulation of the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway in this event. These findings may provide concrete evidence that could help develop new strategies for the management of painful neuromas.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Mar 2020
Characteristics and career outcomes of Neurosurgery Research and Education Foundation research fellowship recipients.
The American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) Neurosurgery Research and Education Foundation (NREF) provides ongoing competitive research fellowships for residents and young investigators. The authors sought to determine the characteristics and career tracks of award recipients. ⋯ The majority of AANS/NREF research award recipients enter academics as fellowship-trained neurosurgeons, with approximately one-third obtaining NIH funding. Analysis of this unique cohort allows for identification of characteristics of academic success.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Mar 2020
Detailed standardized protocol to prevent cerebrospinal fluid shunt infection.
While cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt surgery plays an essential role in the treatment of hydrocephalus, postoperative infection due to the implantation of foreign materials is still one of the most common and potentially serious complications of this procedure. Because no previously reported protocol has been proven to prevent postoperative infection after CSF shunt surgeries in adults, the authors investigated the effectiveness of a protocol introduced in their institution. ⋯ The authors' detailed protocol for CSF shunt surgeries was effective in preventing postoperative infection regardless of patient age.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Mar 2020
Nerve capping with a nerve conduit for the treatment of painful neuroma in the rat sciatic nerve
Treatment of painful neuroma remains difficult, despite the availability of numerous surgical procedures. Recently, nerve capping treatment for painful neuroma using artificial nerve conduits has been introduced in clinical and basic research. However, the appropriate length of the nerve conduit and the pain relief mechanism have not been determined. In this study the authors aimed to investigate nerve capping treatment with a bioabsorbable nerve conduit using the rat sciatic nerve amputation model. Using histological analysis, the authors focused on the nerve conduit length and pain relief mechanism. ⋯ In the rat sciatic nerve amputation model, nerve capping treatment with a bioabsorbable nerve conduit provided relief from neuroma-induced neuropathic pain and prevented perineural scar formation and neuroinflammation around the nerve stump. The appropriate nerve conduit length was determined to be more than 4 times the diameter of the original nerve.