World Neurosurg
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Despite common gender disparities in authorship across the vast majority of specialties, the presence of a similar lack of equality in neurosurgery literature is not published yet. Therefore the authors examined the changes in representation of women among the first and senior (last) authors of original articles in high-impact neurosurgical journals between 2003 and 2018. ⋯ Although a rising trend in female authorship of neurosurgical literature has been going on through the last 2 decades, this advancement could not be regarded as satisfactory, as the gender gap in authorship is still excessive. Strikingly, female first authors had a tendency of coauthoring with female senior authors.
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This article presents a retrospective study of patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF); analyzes the characteristics of heart rate variability (HRV) in patients; and explores the role of delayed enhancement magnetic resonance imaging and autonomic nervous system function, changes in autonomic nervous system function, and recurrence of AF after radiofrequency ablation to understand the effect of denervation of the autonomic nervous system on the efficacy of radiofrequency ablation of AF. The study found that there were no significant differences in clinical baseline characteristics, mean heart rate, and HRV indicators between patients without relapse and patients with relapse (P > 0.05). The overall HRV index was significantly reduced after surgery as well as before surgery. ⋯ The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Therefore, sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve function were significantly reduced after radiofrequency ablation of the pulmonary veins in patients with AF. Reducing vagus nerve tension may inhibit early recurrence of paroxysmal AF in patients after left atrial ring pulmonary vein ablation.
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Resection of an anterolateral intramedullary lesion requires an approach that best provides a direct in-line access to the part of the lesion that presents at the pial surface, which enables total removal without injuring the spinal tracts. In Video 1, we show the technique of resection of an anterolateral intramedullary cavernoma. The vertebral level was identified before surgery, with coils placed percutaneously within the pedicle. ⋯ The dura was closed watertight. The wound was closed in layers. The posterolateral approach combined with rotation of the spinal cord by dentate ligament stitch allows direct visualization for lesions that present onto the anterolateral surface of the cord.
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Case Reports
Spontaneous vertebral arteriovenous fistula mimicking brachial radiculo-plexopathy: A case report.
Vertebral arteriovenous fistulas (VAVFs) are uncommon high-flow communications between a vertebral artery and surrounding venous plexus that occur spontaneously or secondary to trauma. ⋯ This is a rare case of VAVF manifesting as a brachial radiculoplexopathy. Although rare, VAVF may be considered as a potential cause in patients presenting with similar symptoms.
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Albeit rarely, different spinal pathologies may require surgical treatment during pregnancy. The management of such cases poses a series of challenges, starting with adequate body positioning. ⋯ Gestational age, surgical comfort and maternofetal safety should be balanced by a multidisciplinary team to tailor an adequate positioning plan for each individual case. The early third trimester is the more limiting period because of the womb hindrance favoring lateral or three-quarters positionings.