World Neurosurg
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The oculomotor cistern (OMC) is a cerebrospinal fluid space bound by meningeal layers that surrounds the oculomotor nerve as it crosses the oculomotor triangle to reach the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus at the level of the anterior clinoid process. Although several anatomical and radiological studies are available, its anatomy and relationship with pituitary adenomas (PAs) are still matter of discussion. ⋯ Clarifying the OMC features with further systematic studies may not only broaden theoretical knowledge but also have implications on endoscopic transnasal pituitary surgery.
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Virtual mentorship and research programs are becoming increasingly popular to facilitate education and career development for students and residents. We review virtual research initiatives for early trainees in neurosurgery and describe our effort to expand access to resources and shared objective mentorship (SOM) via the novel Neurosurgery Education and Research Virtual Group (NERVE). ⋯ There is a scarcity of virtual neurosurgical resources which facilitate SOM opportunities for trainees. In our systematic review, NERVE is the only multi-institutional virtual initiative aimed at increasing access to neurosurgical education and research opportunities for the purpose of SOM among early trainees from disadvantaged backgrounds. This highlights the group's niche and potential impact on increasing diversity in neurosurgery, improving trainees' career development, and facilitating future resident research productivity.
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The integration of multidisciplinary team meetings (MDTMs) for neurosurgical care has been accepted worldwide. Our objective was to review the literature for the limiting factors to MDTMs that may introduce bias to patient care. ⋯ The continued implementation of MDTMs in neurosurgery should be recommended but cautioned by limiting bias.
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Pedicle screw fixation provides one of the most stable spinal constructs. Their designs together with osseous characteristics have been known to influence the screw-bone interplay during surgical maneuvers and thereafter the fusion process. Various technical modifications to enhance screw performance have been suggested. This study evaluated the pull-out strength and axial stiffness of a novel pedicle screw design with variable thread geometry and pitch. ⋯ Our novel pedicle screw design with variable thread geometry demonstrates greater axial stiffness compared with the standard screws, and therefore is likely to withstand a greater surgical manipulation.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
The efficacy and safety of intraoperative radiotherapy in the treatment of recurrent high-grade glioma: a single-center prospective study.
High-grade gliomas are treated following a standard protocol; however, tumor recurrence is almost inevitable. Recurrent high-grade gliomas have an extremely poor prognosis, and there are no clear treatment guidelines. In this stud, we evaluated the safety and effectiveness of intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) for recurrent high-grade glioma. ⋯ IORT with low-energy radiography at a dose of 30-40 Gy is generally safe and effective for patients with recurrent glioma. However, IORT should not be performed for patients who have received conventional fractionated radiotherapy within 6 months.