World Neurosurg
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Familial cerebral cavernous malformations (CCM) are among the most common vascular malformations of the central nervous system (CNS) and are linked to mutations on the specific genes CCM1/KRIT1, CCM2/MGC4607, and CCM3/PDCD10. We present the first report in the literature of a pharmaco-resistant epileptic patient harboring co-occurring pathogenic mutations within CCM2/MGC4607 and CCM1/KRIT1. ⋯ Although the CCM2/MGC460 variant seems to be the major contributor for the patient's CCM phenotype, the mutated CCM1/KRIT1 seems to act as a booster to CCM overall pathogenicity.
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Surgery for lumbar disk herniation (LDH) presents an option for patients when conservative measures fail. The objective of this clinical study is to investigate a novel, objective outcome measure in patients undergoing lumbar microdiscectomy. ⋯ The GPi score is a new, objective descriptor of mobility in spinal surgery which can be used to augment traditional subjective outcome scoring surveys such as the ODI. Significant changes are seen in the GPi and its constituent metrics in patients undergoing surgery for LDH.
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The neurosurgery match is among the most competitive across all specialties. As a result, numerical Step U.S. Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 scores have historically played a major role in selecting applicants for interviews. With the anticipated change in Step 1 scoring to pass/fail will come significant ramifications for how program directors (PDs) screen and select applicants. The present study characterized the responses of PDs to the change in U.S. Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 scoring and its consequences on medical students applying to neurosurgery. ⋯ Binary Step 1 scoring represents a significant change in medical student evaluations, with consequences for the neurosurgery residency application process. The results from the present study might help guide PD practices and prepare medical students for the anticipated changes to the application process.
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Case Reports
Two Cases of Large Filar Cyst Associated with Terminal Lipoma: Relationship with Retained Medullary Cord.
A small, incidental filar cyst associated with terminal lipoma is thought to be caused by failure of secondary neurulation; however, the precise embryologic background is not fully understood. Retained medullary cord (RMC) also originates from late arrest of secondary neurulation. The central feature of RMC histopathology is a central canal-like ependyma-lined lumen with surrounding neuroglial core. ⋯ The present findings support the idea raised by Pang et al that entities such as filar cyst, terminal lipomas, and RMC can all be considered consequences of a continuum of regression failure occurring during late secondary neurulation.
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To identify if there are cultural, medical, educational, economic, nutritional and geographic barriers to the prevention and treatment of spina bifida and hydrocephalus. ⋯ Our study highlights some of the cultural, educational, geographic, nutritional, and economic difficulties in the prevention and management of spina bifida and hydrocephalus in Tanzania.