World Neurosurg
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Although previous studies have reported the expression of JAK1, STAT3, and phosphorylated STAT3 in hypertrophied ligamentum flavum (LF), the role of the Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling pathway in hypertrophied LF has not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to identify the important JAK/STAT gene expression patterns of the 3 main receptors involved in this pathway: interferon (IFN)-γ receptor (IFN-γR), IFN-α receptor (IFNAR), and interleukin (IL)-6 receptor (IL-6R). ⋯ Our data suggest that IFNAR- and IL-6R-dependent JAK/STAT signaling pathways may be significant targets in drug development strategies for the treatment of LF hypertrophy.
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The HOSPITAL score (HS) and LACE index (LI) are 2 validated methods for quantifying the risk of 30-day unplanned readmission after discharge. However, neither score has been validated in the neurosurgical population. This study evaluated the HS and LI in the neurosurgical population as effective predictors for 30-day unplanned readmission. ⋯ A high-risk HS and high-risk LI were predictive of 30-day unplanned readmission. Although neither score is ideal for predicting moderate risk for 30-day unplanned readmission in neurosurgical patients, both have some predictiveness that may be clinically valuable.
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Few studies have used hybrid single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/computed tomography (CT) scan to identify degenerative facet disease. We aimed to determine the incidence of hypermetabolic facets on SPECT/CT imaging in patients with axial neck or back pain to elucidate the value of SPECT/CT scan in identifying pain generators. ⋯ Nearly half of all patients with axial neck or back pain demonstrated ZJH on SPECT/CT imaging, supporting ZJH sites as potential pain generators and targets for treatment. Our results support the role for SPECT/CT imaging in the workup of patients with axial neck or back pain, which may reduce invasive diagnostic procedures and aid in treatment planning.
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Case Reports
Percutaneous balloon compression for trigeminal neuralgia due to a pontine cavernous angioma: case report.
A cavernous malformation (CM) with trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is relatively rare. We report a patient who presented with TN caused by a CM in the cerebellopontine angle. ⋯ CMs can damage the trigeminal nerve and cause TN. PBC of the Gasserian ganglion can be undertaken safely and can relieve pain caused by TN caused by CM in the cerebellopontine angle.
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Few studies have examined the usefulness of intraoperative magnetic resonance spectroscopy (iMRS) for identifying abnormal signals at the resection margin during glioma surgery. The aim of this study was to assess the value of iMRS for detecting proliferative remnants of glioma at the resection margin. ⋯ This study provides evidence that 3-T iMRS can detect proliferative remnants of glioma at the resection margin using the Cho level and Cho/NAA ratio, suggesting that intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging-assisted surgery with iMRS would be practicable in glioma.