Neurosurgery
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Viral gene therapy of malignant brain tumors has been restricted by the limited vector distribution within the tumors. Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and other precursor cells have shown tropism for gliomas, and these cells are currently being explored as potential vehicles for gene delivery in glioma gene therapy. ⋯ The findings point to limitations for the use of MSCs as vectors in glioma gene therapy, although intratumoral MSC implantation provides a dense and tumor-specific vector distribution.
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Review Case Reports
Trigeminal schwannomas: skull base approaches and operative results in 105 patients.
Trigeminal schwannomas make up 0.8% to 8% of all intracranial schwannomas. ⋯ The present series demonstrates acceptable results using microsurgical treatment to remove trigeminal schwannomas. Pain and diplopia may be relieved after surgery; however, hypesthesia frequently remains or may be worsened by surgery.
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Free radicals and lipid peroxidation are thought to be related to the vasospasm generation after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Plasma platelet-activating factor-acetyl hydrolase (PAF-AH) degrades phospholipids with an oxidatively modified fatty acyl chain. ⋯ Oxidized lipids of lipoproteins and blood cell membranes produced by reactive oxygen species in CSF when SAH occurs may be the main source of lipid peroxidation. Plasma PAF-AH can hydrolyze oxidized phospholipids, and may attenuate the spreading of lipid peroxidation and participate in defense mechanisms against vasospasm after SAH.
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Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Comparison of the diagnostic utility of electromyography, ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging in idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome determined by clinical findings.
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common nerve entrapment syndrome. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose, and a late diagnosis may result in permanent nerve damage. Electromyography (EMG), ultrasonography (US), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT) may be performed for the diagnosis. The diagnostic accuracy of these tests is well documented, but most of these studies accept EMG as the gold standard. ⋯ EMG or US could be used as the first-step test in most cases. If they are both available, EMG should be the first choice. They may be performed together when diagnosis is challenging. CT may especially be preferred for bone-related pathological conditions, whereas MRI may be preferred for soft tissue-related pathological conditions. Even though imaging studies have been proven to be powerful diagnostic tools for CTS, no conclusive information currently exists to support replacing EMG with imaging studies.