Colloidal Synthesis, Characterization, and Photoconductivity of Quasi-Layered CuCrS Nanosheets.

The current need to accelerate the adoption of photovoltaic (PV) systems has increased the need to explore new nanomaterials that can harvest and convert solar energy into electricity. Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) are good candidates because of their tunable physical and chemical properties. CuCrS has shown good electrical and thermoelectrical properties; however, its optical and photoconductivity properties remain unexplored.

Invasiveness has no influence on the rate of incidental durotomies in surgery for multisegmental lumbar spinal canal stenosis (≥3 levels) with and without fusion: analysis from the German Spine Registry data (DWG-Register).

Background: Nowadays, perioperative complications as dural tear (DT) with subsequent neurological deficits are documented in independent registers. However, the relationship of these complications with the grade of invasiveness (≥3 levels) is still unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate perioperative complications, particularly DT with subsequent neurological deficits, between patients undergoing laminotomy and decompression and decompression and fusion in ≥3 levels.

Influence of the State of the Subarachnoid Space of the Cranial Base in Hydrocephalus Resolution after Endoscopy.

 To compare the resolution rate of hydrocephalus after endoscopy (predominantly endoscopic third ventriculostomy [ETV]) using flexible endoscopes during a 5-year period in patients with a permeable and a nonpermeable subarachnoid space (SAS).  We conducted a retrospective cohort study of the videos and records of 150 hydrocephalic patients chosen randomly who underwent ETV (and other endoscopic procedures) with a flexible endoscope. The patients were classified into two groups based on the neuroendoscopic findings.

Endoscopic transventricular exploration with biopsy of the basal cisterns and the role of endoscopic third ventriculostomy in patients suffering with basal cistern meningitis and consecutive hydrocephalus.

Objectives: The purpose of this work is to elucidate the efficacy of endoscopic basal cisterns exploration, biopsy, and third ventriculostomy (ETV) in patients with basal cistern meningitis and arachnoiditis.

Materials And Methods: The cases and videos of all patients in whom flexible neuroendoscopy was performed during the period of January 2005-June 2012 at the University Hospital 'Dr. Ignacio Morones Prieto' in San Luis Potosí, México.

Hypocalcaemia as a prognostic factor of early mortality in moderate and severe traumatic brain injury.

Objectives: Our main objective was to evaluate whether serum hypocalcaemia on the third day [defined as < 2.1 mmol/l (8.5 mg/dl)] is a prognostic factor for early mortality after moderate and severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Effect of rosuvastatin on cytokines after traumatic head injury.

Object: The favorable effect of statin treatment after traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been shown in animal studies and is probably true in humans as well. The objective of this study was to determine whether acute statin treatment following TBI could reduce inflammatory cytokines and improve functional outcomes in humans.

Methods: The authors performed a double-blind randomized clinical trial in patients with moderate to severe TBI.

Amoebic toxic colitis: analysis of factors related to mortality.

Background: Toxic or fulminant colitis due to Entamoeba histolytica infrequently presents but is very serious. Unfortunately, there are numerous contradictory factors related to mortality.

Methods: We analyzed several cases of E.

Prognostic indications of the failure to treat amoebic liver abscesses.

Objectives: To identify the variables that predict the failure to treat amoebic liver abscesses.

Methods: We prospectively carried out a case-control study on a cohort of patients who had been diagnosed with amoebic liver abscesses using clinical, ultrasonic, and serologic methods. Patients with pyogenic abscesses, negative ELISA tests for amoebiasis, immunosuppression status, or previous abdominal surgery were excluded.

Endoscopic scoring system for extraparenchymal neurocysticercosis.

Objective: To propose a scoring system using endoscopy for assessment of the inflammatory alterations caused by neurocysticercosis (NCC) inside the ventricular cavities and the basal subarachnoid space.

Methods: Video recordings of the endoscopic procedures in patients with hydrocephalus secondary to NCC were assessed in a two-phase study. In the first phase (n = 10), the assigned score of each patient was correlated with the cerebrospinal fluid values obtained by lumbar and ventricular puncture.

Endoscopic management of hydrocephalus due to neurocysticercosis.

Objective: Hydrocephalus due to neurocysticercosis usually shows poor prognosis and shunt failure is a common complication. Neuroendoscopy has been suggested as treatment, but the indications remain unclear.

Methods: A cohort of patients with clinical/radiological diagnosis of hydrocephalus due to NCC, treated between January 2002 and September 2006, were the subjects of the study.