Correlates of prolonged length of stay after endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas: varying definitions and non-clinical factors.

Purpose: Prolonged length of stay (PLOS) can lead to resource misallocation and higher complication risks. However, there is no consensus on defining PLOS for endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery (ETPS). Therefore, we investigated the impact of varying PLOS definitions on factors associated with PLOS in patients undergoing ETPS.

Impact of insurance on outcomes of patients undergoing endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for non-functional pituitary adenomas: a single institution study.

Purpose: Uninsured and underinsured patients face notable healthcare disparities in neurosurgery, but limited literature exists on the impact of insurance on non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs). We investigated how insurance affects outcomes of endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery (ETPS) for NFPAs.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed NFPA patients who underwent ETPS at our institution from 2012 to 2023.

Minimally Invasive Approaches to Spinal Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak Repair: Current Strategies and a Novel Technique.

Spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks can be caused by tears in the dura and are challenging to treat. Traditional methods of treating spinal CSF leakage include nonsurgical management, epidural blood patches (EBP), and direct surgical repair. Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is rapidly progressing within neurosurgery due to its advantages for patient safety and comfort.

Optimizing outpatient neurosurgery: evaluating ambulatory surgery and same-day discharge following intracranial tumor surgery and endoscopic third ventriculostomy.

Objective: Outpatient surgery and same-day discharge are developing fields that align with the evolving needs of modern healthcare, presenting a notable advantage by reducing patient susceptibility to nosocomial infections, thromboembolic complications, and medical errors. When paired with enhanced recovery after surgery protocols, they hold promise in safely transitioning certain patients undergoing cranial surgery to outpatient care. This study aimed to evaluate discharge on the same day of surgery after intracranial tumor resection and endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) and to investigate potential associations with anesthesia methods, complications, and readmission rates.

The Feasibility of Robot-assisted Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT) for Brain Tumors in Octogenarians.

Background: The use of robot-assisted laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) is emerging as a viable treatment option for brain tumors in patients aged 80-90 years (octogenarians). Correspondingly, the aim of this study was to describe the clinical feasibility of octogenarians undergoing LITT procedure for brain tumors at our institution.

Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of all robot-assisted LITT procedures performed at our institution between 2013 and 2023 for octogenarians.

The Impact of Perilesional Heatsink Structures on Ablation Volumes in Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy for Brain Metastases.

Background And Objectives: Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) has demonstrated promise in surgical neuro-oncology because of its effectiveness in delivering precise thermal energy to lesions. The extent of ablation (EOA) is a prognostic factor in improving patient outcomes but is often affected by perilesional heatsink structures, which can lead to asymmetric ablations. The purpose of this study was to quantitatively evaluate the impact of various perilesional heatsink structures on the EOA in LITT for brain metastases.

Timing of surgical intervention in peripheral nerve injuries from gunshot wounds: Management and review of the literature.

Background: Gunshot wounds (GSWs) can result in various peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs), ranging from direct nerve transection to neuropraxia caused by the ballistic shockwave mechanism. PNIs from GSWs can be treated with either early or delayed intervention, with the literature supporting both approaches and sparking a debate between early and delayed intervention for PNIs from GSWs. Here, we present a case that underwent delayed exploration of the right common peroneal nerve after GSW and a literature review comparing early versus delayed intervention for PNIs from GSWs.

Exploring the feasibility of pupillometry training and perceptions of potential use for intracranial pressure monitoring in Uganda: A mixed methods study.

Introduction: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) accounts for the majority of Uganda's neurosurgical disease burden; however, invasive intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring is infrequently used. Noninvasive monitoring could change the care of patients in such a setting through quick detection of elevated ICP.

Purpose: Given the novelty of pupillometry in Uganda, this mixed methods study assessed the feasibility of pupillometry for noninvasive ICP monitoring for patients with TBI.

Evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of 3D contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography versus digital subtraction angiography in spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas.

Objective: Spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (SDAVFs) often go undiagnosed, leading to irreversible spinal cord dysfunction. Although digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is the gold standard for diagnosing SDAVF, DSA is invasive and operator dependent, with associated risks. MR angiography (MRA) is a promising alternative.

Solar roads - a new potential renewable energy for Great Britain.

Global warming has become a much more realised issue and an immediate threat, accelerating due to the anthropogenic carbon release associated with escalating energy demand. Consequently, pressures are building up to reduce anthropogenic carbon footprint by employing renewable energy resources, among which solar energy is the main. Solar roads are a new and innovative concept as they do not require land to be specifically allocated.

The neurosurgery research & education foundation-young neurosurgeons committee webinar series: Providing education and inspiration during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) Young Neurosurgeons Committee (YNC) and Neurosurgery Research & Education Foundation (NREF) launched the YNC-NREF Webinar Series to provide young and aspiring neurosurgeons with timely information, education, and inspiration in the absence of in-person programming.

Design: Five 90-minute Zoom webinars were evaluated, each including 1-2 keynote speakers, a panel discussion, and an audience question-and-answer section. Topics included overviews of neurosurgery, the match, subspecialties, and inspirational career stories.

Clinical course of ventriculoperitoneal shunting for hydrocephalus following glioblastoma surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Surgical resection of glioblastoma (GBM) remains a cornerstone in the current treatment paradigm. The postoperative evolution of hydrocephalus necessitating ventriculoperitoneal shunting (VPS) continues to be defined. Correspondingly the objective of this study was to aggregate pertinent metadata to better define the clinical course of VPS for hydrocephalus following glioblastoma surgery in light of contemporary management.

Assessment of heavy metal accumulation and health risk in three essential edible weeds grown on wastewater irrigated soil.

The main problem facing Egypt recently is the shortage of available water resources. Therefore, farmers resort to use wastewater for irrigation. So, the present work aims to assess the impacts of wastewater irrigation on the productivity of three edible weeds (Cichorium endivia, Sonchus oleraceous and Beta vulgaris) and its effect on the nutritional value of plants and its risk on human health.

A Mixed-Methods Assessment of the Feasibility of Conducting Neurosurgical Clinical Research in Uganda.

Background: Clinical research is necessary to evaluate neurosurgical interventions, yet clinical trials are conducted less frequently in low- and middle-income countries. Because specific barriers, facilitating factors, and strategies for neurosurgical clinical research in Uganda have not been previously identified, this study evaluated neurosurgical providers' perspectives on clinical research and documentation patterns of neurosurgical variables at Mulago National Referral Hospital.

Methods: Retrospective review of 166 neurosurgical patient charts assessed the frequency of documentation of key variables.

An asynchronous web-based intervention for neurosurgery residents to improve education on cost-effective care.

Objective: To gauge resident knowledge in the socioeconomic aspects of neurosurgery and assess the efficacy of an asynchronous, longitudinal, web-based, socioeconomics educational program tailored for neurosurgery residents.

Methods: Trainees completed a 20-question pre- and post-intervention knowledge examination including four educational categories: billing/coding, procedure-specific concepts, material costs, and operating room protocols. Structured data from 12 index cranial neurosurgical operations were organized into 5 online, case-based modules sent to residents within a single training program via weekly e-mail.

Outcomes of two different treatment modalities in mild to moderate keratoconus.

Purpose: To describe visual and refractive outcomes of intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRS) and toric implantable collamer lenses (TICL) implantation in cases of mild and moderate keratoconus.

Methods: A prospective descriptive interventional case series. 40 eyes were allocated into two groups.

Retrospective Review of Surgical Site Infections after Endoscopic Endonasal Sellar and Parasellar Surgery: Multicenter Quality Data from the North American Skull Base Society.

 Transnasal access to the anterior skull base provides a minimally invasive approach for sellar and parasellar masses compared with its open counterparts. The unique microbiome of the sinonasal mucosa provides distinct challenges not encountered with other cranial approaches. The use of antibiotics in these cases has not been standardized, and data remain scarce regarding infectious outcomes.

Patient reported outcomes and treatment satisfaction in patients with cushing syndrome.

Purpose: Cushing Syndrome (CS) is a rare endocrine disorder associated with physical and mental symptoms that can drastically affect quality of life (QoL). This study characterizes QoL in patients with CS, describes their treatment experiences, and identifies patient subsets associated with decreased QoL or shared impressions of treatment.

Methods: A 136-question survey addressing QoL factors and treatment experiences was completed by adult patients with CS from the Cushing Support and Research Foundation.

Assessing the Success and Sustainability of Global Neurosurgery Collaborations: Systematic Review and Adaptation of the Framework for Assessment of InteRNational Surgical Success Criteria.

Background: The high unmet neurosurgical burden in low- and middle-income countries has necessitated multiple global neurosurgical collaborations. We identified these collaborations and their peer-reviewed journal publications and evaluated them using a modified version of the Framework for Assessment of InteRNational Surgical Success (FAIRNeSS).

Methods: A systematic literature review yielded 265 articles describing neurosurgery-focused collaborations.

A consensus definition of supratotal resection for anatomically distinct primary glioblastoma: an AANS/CNS Section on Tumors survey of neurosurgical oncologists.

Introduction: Supratotal resection (SpTR) of glioblastoma may be associated with improved survival, but published results have varied in part from lack of consensus on the definition and appropriate use of SpTR. A previous small survey of neurosurgical oncologists with expertise performing SpTR found resection 1-2 cm beyond contrast enhancement was an acceptable definition and glioblastoma involving the right frontal and bilateral anterior temporal lobes were considered most amenable to SpTR. The general neurosurgical oncology community has not yet confirmed the practicality of this definition.

Predictors and Impact of Postoperative 30-Day Readmission in Glioblastoma.

Background: Postoperative 30-day readmissions have been shown to negatively affect survival and other important outcomes in patients with glioblastoma (GBM).

Objective: To further investigate patient readmission risk factors of primary and recurrent patients with GBM.

Methods: The authors retrospectively reviewed records of 418 adult patients undergoing 575 craniotomies for histologically confirmed GBM at an academic medical center.

Frailty in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Brain Tumors: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Background: Emerging literature suggests that frailty may be an important driver of postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing surgery for brain tumors. We systematically reviewed the literature on frailty in patients with brain tumor with respect to 3 questions: What methods of frailty assessment have been applied to patients with brain tumor? What thresholds have been defined to distinguish between different levels of frailty? What clinical outcomes does frailty predict in patients with brain tumor?

Methods: A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, and ClinicalTrials.gov.

Optimized flow cytometric detection of transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV1) in human hematological malignancies.

The ectopic overexpression of transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV1) has been detected in numerous solid cancers, including breast, prostate, pancreatic, and tongue epithelium cancer. However, the expression of TRPV1 in hematological malignancies remains unknown. Here we show through in silico analysis that elevated TRPV1 mRNA expression occurs in a range of hematological malignancies and presents an optimized flow cytometry method to rapidly assess TRPV1 protein expression for both cell lines and primary patient samples.