World Neurosurg
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Neurosurgeons demonstrate some of the highest levels of burnout among surgeons, yet little research has been done to understand the underlying stressors that neurosurgeons and trainees experience and the emotional responses to them. Our goal was to conduct a feasibility study identifying job stressors and emotional responses among neurosurgeons rather than generalize findings across the profession. ⋯ The results of our study provide an understanding of neurosurgical professionals' unique emotional landscape, emphasizing the need for reforms in administrative practices, enhanced, healthy coping strategies, and career stage-specific mental health support.
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Bertolotti syndrome (BS) is characterized by chronic pain and functional impairment associated with lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (LSTVs). The study aimed to investigate the histologic characteristics of the pseudoarticulation between the enlarged transverse process and sacrum seen in Castellvi 2a LSTV and explore the involvement of nervous tissue in pain generation. ⋯ The study findings suggest that nerve tissue is not involved in the nociceptive mechanisms underlying pain in BS. The histologic similarities between the pseudoarticulation and osteoarthritic joints indicate that pseudoarticulation itself may be a significant source of pain in BS. These insights contribute to our understanding of the pathophysiology of BS and support treatment paradigms prioritizing pain control with medications such as NSAIDs before considering surgical intervention. Future studies with larger sample sizes and in vivo models are needed to further validate these findings and explore the changes in joint histology under biomechanical forces in LSTVs.
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To design and evaluate ceramic aneurysm clips with integrated titanium springs, focusing on ergonomic application and precision in neurosurgical procedures. ⋯ Ceramic clips with titanium springs demonstrated satisfactory closing force and superior MRI compatibility, promising enhancements in surgical application and postoperative assessment.
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Medical students are increasingly seeking out research opportunities to build their skills and network with future colleagues. Medical student-led conferences are an excellent endeavor to achieve this goal. ⋯ Regional in-person conferences are an excellent way to foster interest in neurosurgery and neuroscience research, network with like-minded peers, and prepare students for presentations at national meetings.
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Although intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a critical factor in many spine-related diseases and has an extremely high prevalence in the aging population, the potential pathogenesis remains to be clarified entirely. Immune cells have been found to perform an essential function during the onset and progression of IVDD in recent years. Therefore, we explored the association between immune cell characteristics and IVDD through Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis and further delved into the mediating role of potential metabolites. ⋯ The findings of this analysis identified underlying association between immune cell phenotypes, metabolite, and IVDD that may serve as predictive and prognostic clinical biomarkers and benefit IVDD pathogenesis research.