World Neurosurg
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This study aims to assess race as an independent risk factor for postoperative complications after surgical fixation of traumatic thoracolumbar fractures for African American and Asian American patients compared with White patients. ⋯ African American and Asian American patients undergoing thoracolumbar fusion surgeries exhibit disproportionate comorbidity burden, longer LOS, and greater postoperative complications compared with White patients. Furthermore, the African American race was associated with an increased rate of 30-day postoperative complications.
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We sought to determine the rate of retaining female neurosurgery graduates in the same states as their medical education and identify medical school and state characteristics associated with high retention rates. ⋯ Retaining female neurosurgery graduates within a state is essential for addressing the physician shortage and gender inequality. To encourage female medical students to practice in the same state, medical schools and states should work collectively to improve the visibility of female neurosurgeons and increase employment opportunities.
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This study analyzed and explored the relationship between isthmic spondylolisthesis and disc degeneration by comparing the degree of disc degeneration in patients with isthmic spondylolisthesis, lumbar disc herniation, and asymptomatic healthy individuals. ⋯ The results showed that the degree of intervertebral disc degeneration in patients with isthmic spondylolisthesis was lighter than that in patients with LDH, and even similar to that in healthy individuals. The occurrence of IS may have slowed down the degeneration of nonaffected segment intervertebral discs through certain factors.
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This study investigated the neurologic symptoms and stimulus intensities in the stimulation of deep structures and subcortical fibers with the depth electrodes. ⋯ The stimulation of depth electrodes can identify the function of deep structures and subcortical fibers with lower intensities than subdural electrodes.
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Nucleus pulposus cells survive in a hypoxic, acidic, nutrient-poor, and hypotonic microenvironment. Consequently, they maintain low proliferation and undergo autophagy to protect themselves from cellular stress. Therefore, we aimed to identify autophagy-related biomarkers involved in intervertebral disc degeneration pathogenesis. ⋯ Nine hub genes were identified and a network of competing endogenous RNA associated with autophagy was established. They can be used as autophagy-related biomarkers of intervertebral disc degeneration and for further exploration.