Publications by authors named "Katherine E Baker"

Prior studies have linked the timing of craniosynostosis surgeries to several postoperative outcomes. However, less is known regarding the influence of sociodemographic factors on surgical timing for this population. This study investigates the influence of social vulnerability index (SVI), race, and urbanicity on the timing of craniosynostosis surgery.

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Background: Mercury, an element with threats of severe toxic insult to humans and no biological function, has a surprisingly extensive record of human exposure. Regardless of hesitancies toward its harmfulness, it has been historically identified with an almost supernatural power to provide protection from evil and sickness, give good fortune, lend aid in athletic undertakings, or even allow one to achieve immortality. Mercury poisoning is an iatrogenic disease even today as people attempt to achieve these effects through volitional injections into their body by practitioners.

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Article Synopsis
  • The authors implemented an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol for patients undergoing cranial vault remodeling for craniosynostosis and aimed to evaluate its effects over a 10-year period.
  • The study included 168 procedures, and results indicated that the ERAS protocol led to significantly reduced morphine usage and a shorter length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU).
  • The conclusion highlights the benefits of ERAS in decreasing narcotic use and ICU stay, suggesting potential improvements in patient outcomes and hospital reimbursement.
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Background: Glioblastoma is a malignant brain tumor requiring careful clinical monitoring even after primary management. Personalized medicine has suggested the use of various molecular biomarkers as predictors of patient prognosis or factors utilized for clinical decision-making. However, the accessibility of such molecular testing poses a constraint for various institutes requiring identification of low-cost predictive biomarkers to ensure equitable care.

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Background: Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States among older adults. However, the impact of demographic and geographic risk factors remains ambiguous. A clear understanding of these associations and updated trends in stroke mortality can influence health policies and interventions.

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Article Synopsis
  • * Various intraoperative imaging tools, like neuronavigation and ultrasound, can aid in surgery by providing real-time feedback, potentially improving the chances of complete tumor removal and reducing recurrences.
  • * This case report highlights a novel side-firing ultrasound probe as a cost-effective and efficient way to assist in the meticulous navigation required for safely resecting large clival chordomas using endoscopic techniques.
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Introduction: Multiple intraoperative navigation and imaging modalities are currently available as an adjunct to endoscopic transsphenoidal resection of pituitary adenomas, including intraoperative CT and MRI, fluorescence guidance, and neuronavigation. However, these imaging techniques have several limitations, including intraoperative tissue shift, lack of availability in some centers, and the increased cost and time associated with their use. The side-firing intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) probe is a relatively new technology in endoscopic endonasal surgery that may help overcome these obstacles.

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