Role of the MyD88 Dependent Pathway in Degenerative Disc Disease.

Aim: To define the substantial role of the TLR4 signaling pathway in the MyD88-dependent pathway, and to evaluate the results of TLR4 activation in nucleus pulposus cells. Moreover, we aim to associate this pathway with intervertebral disc degeneration and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. Additionally, the clinical differences among patients and the effects of their drug use will be evaluated.

Can TRIF/TICAM-1 Dependent Pathway be Target Pathway in Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Degeneration?

Aim: To elucidate the role of the TIR-domain-containing adaptor-inducing interferon-? (TRIF) dependent pathway in intervertebral disc degeneration (IVD).

Material And Methods: A total of adult male patients with low back pain (LBP) (+/- radicular pain) were further evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with surgical indication for microscopic lumbar disc herniation (LDH). Preoperatively, patients were classified according to Modic Changes (MC), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) use, and the presence of radicular pain in addition to the LBP.

Microsurgical anatomy and surgical exposure of the cerebellar peduncles.

A better understanding of the surgical anatomy of the cerebellar peduncles in different surgical approaches and their relationship with other neural structures are delineated through cadaveric dissections. We aimed to revisit the surgical anatomy of the cerebellar peduncles to describe their courses along the brain stem and the cerebellum and revise their segmental classification in surgical areas exposed through different approaches. Stepwise fiber microdissection was performed along the cerebellar tentorial and suboccipital surfaces.

Factors Affecting Seizure Outcomes After Surgery for Cavernoma Related Epilepsy.

Aim: To present one of the largest retrospective cavernoma related epilepsy (CRE) studies which include divergent supratentorial locations operated and followed up at least 2 years. We also investigated the factors affecting the seizure outcome.

Material And Methods: This study includes a total of 56 patients with drug-responsive (n=40) and drug-resistant (n=16) CRE who underwent resective surgery.

A novel insight into differential expression profiles of sporadic cerebral cavernous malformation patients with different symptoms.

Cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) is a vascular lesion of the central nervous system that may lead to distinct symptoms among patients including cerebral hemorrhages, epileptic seizures, focal neurologic deficits, and/or headaches. Disease-related mutations were identified previously in one of the three CCM genes: CCM1, CCM2, and CCM3. However, the rate of these mutations in sporadic cases is relatively low, and new studies report that mutations in CCM genes may not be sufficient to initiate the lesions.

Comparison of two surgical techniques in Chiari Malformation Type 1 Patients: Duraplasty alone vs duraplasty with arachnoid dissection.

Object: Optimal surgical technique to restore the cerebrospinal fluid flow through the foramen magnum remains to be debated in Chiari malformation type 1 (CM-1) patients.

Method: This study included 46 patients with CM-1 who underwent surgical treatment by one of two methods: posterior fossa bone decompression (BD) with arachnoid preserving duraplasty (Group 1) and BD with duraplasty and arachnoid dissection (Group 2). Complaints of the patient population and neurological findings were assessed with Neck Disability Index (NDI) and Europe Quality of Life 5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) in pre- and postoperative periods.

Intraoperative Fluorescein Sodium Videoangiography in Intracranial Aneurysm Surgery.

Objective: Fluorescein sodium (FNa) videoangiography (VA) was performed to evaluate blood flow within vessels and exclusion of the aneurysm after surgical clipping of intracranial aneurysms. The aim of this study was to report results of FNa-VA in a case series, including benefits and limitations of the technique, and compare intraoperative findings with postoperative cerebral angiography to assess reliability of FNa-VA.

Methods: The study included 64 aneurysms in 50 consecutive patients.

An Exceptional Neurosurgical Presentation of a Patient with Osteopetrosis.

Background: Osteopetrosis (OP) is a varied clinical condition caused by malfunction or insufficient development of osteoclasts, or both. Neurologic findings can occur because of osteopetrotic conditions restricting neural foramina through which the spinal cord, cranial nerves, or major vascular structures traverse the skull. Renal tubular acidosis (RTA) is a well-documented condition with OP.

Long-term surgical and seizure outcomes of frontal low-grade gliomas.

Introduction: Low-grade gliomas are infrequent lesions requiring special emphasis because of their relatively long follow-up time, and therefore the need for patients' well-being. Surgery provides not only increased survival but also improved quality of life for these patients. The purpose of this study was to present surgical series of frontal low-grade gliomas that were operated in our clinic and to discuss their epileptic and functional outcomes.

Surgical and anesthesiological considerations of awake craniotomy: Cerrahpasa experience.

Aim: Awake craniotomy (AC) with electrical cortical stimulation has become popular during the last ten years although the basic principles were introduced almost 50 years ago. The aim of this paper is to share with the readers our experience in 25 patients who underwent AC with electrical stimulation.

Material And Methods: Twenty-five patients who underwent AC between 2010 and 2013 are the subjects of this paper.

Decompressive craniectomy in patients with cerebral infarction due to malignant vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Aim: The authors present their experience and the clinical results in decompressive craniectomy (DC) in patients with vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).

Materials And Methods: Between 2002 and 2010, six patients underwent DC due to cerebral infarct and edema secondary to vasospasm after aneurysmal SAH. Four patients were male, and two were female.

Surgical morbidity of invasive monitoring in epilepsy surgery: an experience from a single institution.

Aim: This paper aimed to provide information related to surgical and neurological complications encountered following intracranial electrode placements in patients with medically intractable epilepsy.

Material And Methods: Retrospective review of 70 patients with either subdural grid/strip or depth electrode implanted between 2004 and 2009 at the Epilepsy Unit in Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty.

Results: A total of 276 electrode implantations were performed in 70 patients.

Lateral tethering intraspinal lipoma with scoliosis.

The authors present an unusual case of an intradural lipoma at the thoracolumbar level causing lateral tethering of the spine, with complicated scoliosis. A 6-year-old girl was admitted with progressive change in posture detected by her parents. Thoracolumbar scoliosis was detected by physical examination and X-ray studies.

Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors and gangliogliomas: clinical results of 52 patients.

Purpose: Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors (DNET) and gangliogliomas (GG) are generally associated with epilepsy in young patients. Presurgical work-up and postsurgical results vary from center to center. Seizures are commonly focal with secondary generalization, and surgical treatment is often effective.

Endoscopic endonasal anatomy and approaches to the anterior skull base: a neurosurgeon's viewpoint.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to review the endoscopic anatomy of the anterior skull base, defining the pitfalls of endoscopic endonasal approaches to this region. Recently, these approaches are gaining popularity among neurosurgeons, and the details of the endoscopic anatomy and approaches are highlighted from the neurosurgeons' point of view, correlated with demonstrative cases.

Materials And Methods: Twelve fresh adult cadavers were studied (n = 12).

Endoscopic anatomy and approaches of the cavernous sinus: cadaver study.

Objective: The objectives of this study were to recognize the endoscopic anatomy of the cavernous sinus and to understand the standard, purely endoscopic endonasal approaches to this anatomic structure. This basic information will facilitate our surgical procedures and decrease the rate of surgical complications.

Materials And Methods: Seven fresh adult cadavers were studied bilaterally (n = 14).

Terminal syringomyelia mimicking an intramedullary tumor: case report.

In this report, the authors present a 14-year-old male patient admitted with progressive paraparesis and urinary incontinence that developed in a 3-month period. Thoracolumbar MRI revealed an intramedullary lesion starting from the level of the T10 vertebra and extending to fill the sacral spinal canal. Based on the radiological findings an intramedullary tumor was suspected.

Expressions of some vital molecules: glioblastoma multiforme versus normal tissues.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess plasma and/or tissue levels of adhesion and apoptotic molecules, cytokines, nitric oxide metabolites, levels of lipid peroxidation, myeloperoxidase and superoxide dismutase in patients with glioblastoma multiforme and controls.

Methods: All the molecules were evaluated in 25 tumors and 30 controls: 15 were normal healthy subjects for plasma and 15 were normal brain tissues that were collected during autopsy. Commercially available kits for measurements were used.

Low-profile 1-piece bifrontal craniotomy for anterior skull base approach and reconstruction.

Objective: The anterior skull base is a location of many pathologic lesions. These pathologic lesions are treated by bifrontal craniotomy and anterior skull base approach, either primarily or combined with facial osteotomies. To obtain wide exposure, low-profile craniotomies are preferred.

Extended endoscopic endonasal approach to the anterior cranio-vertebral junction: anatomic study.

Objective: Our aim in this study was to identify the endoscopic anatomy of the anterior cranio-vertebral junction to be able to perform minimal invasive endoscopic surgical procedures to this region (such as dens resection) safely with better postoperative performance of the patients.

Material And Methods: Five fresh adult cadavers were studied (n=5). We used Karl Storz 0 and 30 degree, 4mm, 18 cm and 30 cm rod lens rigid endoscope in our dissections.

Endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach to the sellar region: results of endoscopic dissection on 30 cadavers.

Aim: To recognize the endoscopic anatomy of the surgical corridor along the nasal cavity, sphenoidal sinus and the sellar area to delineate the pure endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach (EETSA) to the region of the pituitary gland.

Material And Methods: The endoscopic anatomy of the nasal cavity, sphenoid sinus and the sellar region was studied in 30 fresh cadavers (mean age 42.1 / range 18-66) and dissections were performed in a stepwise manner to simulate EETSA to the sellar region.

Surgical treatment of lesions involving the supplementary motor area: clinical results of 12 patients.

Aim: Surgical resection of lesions involving the dominant supplementary motor area (SMA) may result in immediate postoperative motor and speech deficits which in most cases are reversible.We report 12 patients with frontal lesions involving the SMA and aim to analyse the clinical data and the correlation of neurological deficit with the extent of SMA resection.

Material And Methods: 12 patients (5M/7F, mean age 30.

Acute traumatic orbital encephalocele related to orbital roof fracture: reconstruction by using porous polyethylene.

A case report of acute traumatic orbital encephalocele related to orbital roof fracture and its management were presented. Acute traumatic encephalocele related to orbital roof fracture is unusual. Early diagnosis and treatment are very important since the raised intraorbital pressure may irreversibly damage the optic nerve.

An experimental model of traumatic nasoethmoidal cerebrospinal fluid fistula.

Cerebrospinal fluid fistula secondary to head trauma is a potentially dangerous problem and precise localization and radical treatment is mandatory. The diagnostic technique is either computed tomography cisternography or MR cisternography. For evaluating the safety of diagnostic modalities and efficacy of treatment especially in terms of surgery, animal studies demonstrating traumatic cerebrospinal fistula model are indispensable not only for neurosurgeons but also for neuroradiologists.