World Neurosurg
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This study aims to evaluate the performance of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) trained with resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rfMRI) latency data in the classification of patients with pediatric epilepsy from healthy controls. ⋯ Using rfMRI latency data, we trained a CNN model to classify patients with pediatric epilepsy from healthy controls with good performance. CNN could serve as an adjunct in the diagnosis of pediatric epilepsy. Identification of pediatric epilepsy earlier in the disease course could decrease time to referral to specialized epilepsy centers and thus improve prognosis in this population.
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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic disease with prominent musculoskeletal manifestations that is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing cervical spine surgery; however, few studies have specifically examined postoperative outcomes in patients with RA following lumbar surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether patients with RA who underwent posterior lumbar fusion experienced increased postoperative complications and economic burden compared with patients without RA. ⋯ Preexisting RA may increase risk for short-term postoperative medical complications following posterior lumbar fusion, specifically infectious events. In addition, patients with RA have higher rates of subsequent reoperation following index surgery. Patients with RA be should counseled regarding these risks.
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The Sofia catheter is a new large-bore aspiration catheter that allows easy access and good reperfusion. In this study, we analyzed the efficacy and safety of the Sofia catheter in comparison with stent retrievers as a contact aspiration thrombectomy (CAT) tool for large vessel occlusion. ⋯ The Sofia Plus is a large-bore aspiration catheter with high FPE and good accessibility. Use of this catheter resulted better angiographic outcome compared with the stent retriever, but there was no difference in clinical outcomes in this study. Further studies are needed to compare in new generation aspiration catheters.
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Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is under investigation as a treatment for therapy-refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). As a crucial part of the anxiety circuit, the bed nucleus of stria terminalis (BNST) has been proposed as a target for DBS in OCD. Here, we investigate clinical outcomes and safety of DBS in the BNST in a series of 11 participants with severe therapy-refractory OCD. ⋯ BNST DBS is a promising therapy in severe therapy-refractory OCD. Our results are in line with previous publications regarding effect and safety profile. Nevertheless, DBS for OCD remains an investigational therapy and should therefore be performed in multidisciplinary clinical studies.
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Geographic variations in health care costs have been reported for many surgical specialties. ⋯ Our results show significant geographic cost disparities associated with TPS. Understanding factors behind disparate costs is important for developing cost containment strategies.