World Neurosurg
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The objective of this study was to explore serum microRNA (miRNA) profile characteristic of patients with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), including both sporadic and familial cases, by comprehensive analysis of miRNA expression using next-generation sequencing. ⋯ We were able to identify distinctive miRNA profiles in the serum of patients with NF2, including both sporadic and familial cases, by comprehensive miRNA expression analysis using miRNA sequencing.
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Surgical site infections (SSIs) are the most common and costly of all hospital-acquired infections, occurring in 5 percent of patients and accounting for 20% of all hospital-acquired infections. Preoperatively, we developed a protocol where patients were screened using hemoglobin A 1c (HbA1c) and nasal swabs. If HbA1c was greater than 9, patients were rescheduled for surgery when their HbA1c was less than 9. All patients then underwent nasal swabs to identify methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus/methicillin-resistant S. aureus in addition to standard chlorhexidine gluconate bathing. If positive, mupirocin ointment was used to treat the patients 5 days prior to surgery. We sought to measure the effectiveness of this protocol in reducing SSI in elective neurosurgical patients who were undergoing hardware implantation or had a procedure anticipated to last greater than 2 hours. ⋯ This retrospective review of a presurgical protocol with measuring of HbA1c and nasal swabs revealed a significant decrease in the infection rate of patients undergoing elective neurosurgical procedures. Additional investigations are necessary; however, we recommend its use.
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The National Institutes of Health has developed a new metric, the Relative Citation Ratio (RCR), to assess the impact of research articles and compare academic productivity across different fields. Global surgery, obstetrics, trauma, and anesthesia (SOTA) are young and increasingly popular fields attracting researchers and funding. This study analyzed the RCR of global neurosurgery; compared it with other global SOTA specialties; and discussed the implications for researchers, academic institutions, and aspiring global neurosurgeons. ⋯ We observed strong development of global neurosurgery and SOTA research. Overall, the use of the RCR will facilitate standardized interfield and intrafield academic productivity comparisons. Based on the results presented in this study, global neurosurgery is a promising career route for young and aspiring academic neurosurgeons.
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We sought to investigate the effect of preoperative polypharmacy (PP) on the 90-day all-cause readmission rate in older adults undergoing corrective surgery for adult spinal deformity. ⋯ This study's findings indicate that despite preoperative optimization, older adults exposed to polypharmacy are at a significantly increased risk of hospital readmission within 90 days of surgery.
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Navigation technique facilitates reaching deeply seated masses more precisely with the least sacrifice of normal tissues. There are 2 primary navigation systems: electromagnetic and infrared (optical). The technique is based on recording the head position intraoperatively and merging this image with preoperative magnetic resonance imaging. ⋯ This new technique, if done properly, can replace conventional methods with less time of preparation, and its cost is almost free.