SCOUT: Skull-Corrected Optimization for Ultrasound Transducers.

Transcranial focused ultrasound has been studied for non-invasive and localized treatment of many brain diseases. The biggest challenge for focusing ultrasound onto the brain is the skull, which attenuates ultrasound and changes its propagation direction, leading to pressure drop, focus shift, and defocusing. We presented an optimization algorithm which automatically found the optimal location for placing a single-element focused transducer.

High-Accuracy Neuro-Navigation with Computer Vision for Frameless Registration and Real-Time Tracking.

For the past three decades, neurosurgeons have utilized cranial neuro-navigation systems, bringing millimetric accuracy to operating rooms worldwide. These systems require an operating room team, anesthesia, and, most critically, cranial fixation. As a result, treatments for acute neurosurgical conditions, performed urgently in emergency rooms or intensive care units on awake and non-immobilized patients, have not benefited from traditional neuro-navigation.

From network analysis to experimental validation: identification of regulators of non-muscle myosin II contractility using the folded-gastrulation signaling pathway.

The morphogenetic process of apical constriction, which relies on non-muscle myosin II (NMII) generated constriction of apical domains of epithelial cells, is key to the development of complex cellular patterns. Apical constriction occurs in almost all multicellular organisms, but one of the most well-characterized systems is the Folded-gastrulation (Fog)-induced apical constriction that occurs in Drosophila. The binding of Fog to its cognizant receptors Mist/Smog results in a signaling cascade that leads to the activation of NMII-generated contractility.

External ventricular drains and risk of freehand placement: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: External ventricular drains (EVDs) are used to monitor and treat elevated intracranial pressure. EVDs are often placed blindly without the use of imaging guidance, and successful placement with respect to pass attempts and final catheter location may suffer as a result of this freehand technique.

Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases to identify studies pertaining to freehand EVD placement through March 30, 2022.

Transcranial Doppler and computed tomography angiography for detecting cerebral vasospasm post-aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Cerebral vasospasm is a life-threatening complication following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). While digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is the current gold standard for detection, the diagnostic performance of computed tomography angiography (CTA) and transcranial Doppler (TCD) remains controversial. We aimed to summarize the available evidence and provide recommendations for their use based on GRADE criteria.

Disparities in Decompressive Cranial Surgery Utilization in Severe Traumatic Brain Injury Patients without a Primary Extra-Axial Hematoma: A U.S. Nationwide Study.

Objective: Decompressive craniectomy is recommended to reduce mortality in severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Disparities exist in TBI treatment outcomes; however, data on disparities pertaining to decompressive craniectomy utilization is lacking. We investigated these disparities, focusing on race, insurance, sex, and age.

Stereotactic Neurosurgical Robotics With Real-Time Patient Tracking: A Cadaveric Study.

Background: Robotic neurosurgery may improve the accuracy, speed, and availability of stereotactic procedures. We recently developed a computer vision and artificial intelligence-driven frameless stereotaxy for nonimmobilized patients, creating an opportunity to develop accurate and rapidly deployable robots for bedside cranial intervention.

Objective: To validate a portable stereotactic surgical robot capable of frameless registration, real-time tracking, and accurate bedside catheter placement.

Seizure Outcomes After Interventional Treatment in Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformation-Associated Epilepsy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Seizures are the second most common presenting symptom of cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Evidence supporting different treatment modalities is continuously evolving and it remains unclear which modality offers better seizure outcomes.

Objective: To compare various interventional treatment modalities (i.

Does early childhood education help to improve high school outcomes? Results from Tulsa.

Early childhood education contributes to improved school readiness but impacts on high school remain unclear. This study estimates the effects of Tulsa, Oklahoma's universal pre-K and Head Start programs through the junior year of high school (in 2018/2019; N = 2902; M  = 16.52, SD = .

Venous Thromboembolism Risk and Outcomes Following Decompressive Craniectomy in Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: An Analysis of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample Database.

Objective: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE). The risk of VTE after decompressive craniectomy (DC) and its effects on the outcomes are unknown. We assessed the incidence of VTE, associated risk factors, and effects on the outcomes.

Evaluation of simulation models in neurosurgical training according to face, content, and construct validity: a systematic review.

Background: Neurosurgical training has been traditionally based on an apprenticeship model. However, restrictions on clinical exposure reduce trainees' operative experience. Simulation models may allow for a more efficient, feasible, and time-effective acquisition of skills.

International practice variation in perioperative laboratory testing in glioblastoma patients-a retrospective cohort study.

Purpose: Although standard-of-care has been defined for the treatment of glioblastoma patients, substantial practice variation exists in the day-to-day clinical management. This study aims to compare the use of laboratory tests in the perioperative care of glioblastoma patients between two tertiary academic centers-Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH), Boston, USA, and University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht, the Netherlands.

Methods: All glioblastoma patients treated according to standard-of-care between 2005 and 2013 were included.

Incidence and Outcomes of Registry-Based Acute Myocardial Infarction After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

Background: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is the rarest and least studied cardiac complication of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Precise estimates of the incidence of AMI after aSAH are unavailable. Our goal was to estimate the incidence of registry-based AMI (rb-AMI) after aSAH and determine its association with clinical outcomes.

Ruptured Suprasellar Dermoid Cyst Treated With Lumbar Drain to Prevent Postoperative Hydrocephalus: Case Report and Focused Review of Literature.

Ruptured intracranial dermoid cysts are extremely rare. Standard treatment consists of endonasal decompression or craniotomy with evacuation and copious irrigation of subarachnoid spaces to remove any disseminated cystic contents. Disseminated fat particles in the subarachnoid space may be the cause of further sequalae, including the subsequent development of chemical meningitis and hydrocephalus.

The Impact of Age and Severity on Dementia After Traumatic Brain Injury: A Comparison Study.

Background: Growing evidence associates traumatic brain injury (TBI) with increased risk of dementia, but few studies have evaluated associations in patients younger than 55 yr using non-TBI orthopedic trauma (NTOT) patients as controls to investigate the influence of age and TBI severity, and to identify predictors of dementia after trauma.

Objective: To investigate the relationship between TBI and dementia in an institutional group.

Methods: Retrospective cohort study (2000-2018) of TBI patients aged 45 to 100 yr vs NTOT controls.

Cannabis Use and Increased Nonaneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in the Past Decade.

Objective: Spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage is often due to rupture of an intracranial aneurysm, but some patients present with no identifiable source. Increased incidence of nonaneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (naSAH) has been reported over time.

Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of naSAH from 2008-2017 to determine the rate of naSAH change over time and its association with cannabis use.

Classification of glioblastoma versus primary central nervous system lymphoma using convolutional neural networks.

A subset of primary central nervous system lymphomas (PCNSL) are difficult to distinguish from glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We developed a convolutional neural network (CNN) to distinguish these tumors on contrast-enhanced T-weighted images. Preoperative brain tumor MRIs were retrospectively collected among 320 patients with either GBM (n = 160) and PCNSL (n = 160) from two academic institutions.

Expandable Versus Static Cages in Minimally Invasive Lumbar Interbody Fusion: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Expandable cages for interbody fusion allow for in situ expansion optimizing fit while mitigating endplate damage. Studies comparing outcomes after using expandable or static cages have been conflicting.

Methods: This was a meta-analysis A systematic search was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systemic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines identifying studies reporting outcomes among patients who underwent minimally invasive lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-LIF).

Plasma PrPC and ADAM-10 as novel biomarkers for traumatic brain injury and concussion: a pilot study.

Background: Cellular prion protein (PrPC) is a lipid raft protein abundant within CNS. It is regulated by a disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain containing protein 10 (ADAM10). PrPC has previously been implicated as a biomarker for TBI.

Extra-Axial Fluid Collections After Decompressive Craniectomy: Management, Outcomes, and Treatment Algorithm.

Background: Extra-axial fluid collections (EACs) frequently develop after decompressive craniectomy. Management of EACs remains poorly understood, and information on how to predict their clinical course is inadequate. We aimed to better characterize EACs, understand predictors of their resolution, and delineate the best treatment paradigm for patients.