Articles: cations.
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Correction with traditional dual growing rods (TDGR) might not be sufficient for severe and rigid spinal deformity. TDGR combines with apical control techniques (ACT) could theoretically improve curve correction and decrease the incidence of mechanical complications. However, long-term results for TDGR with ACT are limited. The aim of this study was to retrospectively review and compare the outcomes of patients who graduated from TDGR with or without ACT. ⋯ Compared with TDGR, TDGR + ACT can achieve better curve correction and apical control and comparable clinical outcomes while maintaining the growth of the spine and chest. Patients may derive more benefits from treatment with TDGR + ACT, including a lower incidence of mechanical complications and revision surgery, better pulmonary function, and the avoidance of final fusion.
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Existing research exploring predictors of success on American Board of Surgery (ABS) exams focused on either resident or residency program characteristics, but limited studies focus on both. This study examines relationships between both resident and program characteristics and ABS Qualifying (QE) and Certifying Exam (CE) outcomes. ⋯ This study highlights resident and program characteristics that predict success on ABS exams. USMLE scores consistently and strongly related to ABS exam success, providing evidence that USMLE scores relate to future high-stakes consequences like board certification. After controlling for prior performance, gender, IMG, and program %IMG significantly related to ABS exam success, but effects were small.
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The major clinical implication of brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs) is spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage. There is a growing body of experimental evidence proving that inflammation and blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction are involved in both the clinical course of the disease and the risk of bleeding. However, how bAVM treatment affects perilesional BBB disturbances is yet unclear. ⋯ In contrast to CCMs, BBB permeability in patients with bAVM is increased in the perilesional parenchyma, as assessed using DCE-MRI. However, bAVM surgical resection seems to reduce BBB permeability in the perilesional tissue. No evidence of the so-called breakthrough phenomenon was detected in our series. DCE-MRI could become a valuable tool to follow the longitudinal course of BBB damage throughout the natural history and clinical course of bAVMs.