Clinical and methylomic features of spinal meningiomas.

Purpose: The objective of our study was to analyze methylomic and clinical features of a cohort of spinal meningiomas (SMs) resected at our institution.

Methods: This is a retrospective study of patients undergoing SM resection at our institution between 2010 and 2023. Clinical and radiographic characteristics were reviewed and analyzed with standard statistical methods.

Frailty indices predict mortality, complications and functional improvements in supratentorial meningioma patients over 80 years of age.

Purpose: To assess whether the Modified 5 (mFI-5) and 11 (mFI-11) Factor Frailty Indices associate with postoperative mortality, complications, and functional benefit in supratentorial meningioma patients aged over 80 years.

Methods: Baseline characteristics were collected from eight centers. Based on the patients' preoperative status and comorbidities, frailty was assessed by the mFI-5 and mFI-11.

Extent of resection and progression-free survival in vestibular schwannoma: a volumetric analysis.

Objective: To preserve facial nerve function in vestibular schwannoma (VS) microsurgery, some have advocated subtotal resection (STR) if the tumor is densely adherent to a thinned facial nerve. The objective of this study was to determine if residual volume is associated with progression and whether there is a threshold residual volume that should be pursued during STR to prevent recurrence. A secondary objective of this study was to determine whether facial nerve function at last follow-up was associated with extent of resection (EOR).

Optimizing the use of Ki-67 proliferative index as a prognostic biomarker in meningiomas using digital analysis.

Objective: Ki-67 immunohistochemistry is widely used as a prognostic marker in meningiomas, but visual estimations tend to be imprecise. Whether the average Ki-67 over an entire slide, a particular block, or areas of high staining (hotspots) is prognostic for recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) is unknown. This study aimed to generate evidence-based recommendations for the optimal use of Ki-67 immunohistochemistry in the workup of meningiomas.

Predictors of salvage therapy for parasagittal meningiomas treated with primary surgery, radiosurgery, or surgery plus adjuvant radiotherapy.

Objective: Parasagittal meningiomas (PM) are treated with primary microsurgery, radiosurgery (SRS), or surgery with adjuvant radiation. We investigated predictors of tumor progression requiring salvage surgery or radiation treatment. We sought to determine whether primary treatment modality, or radiologic, histologic, and clinical variables were associated with tumor progression requiring salvage treatment.

Ultrathin, Transferred Layers of Silicon Oxynitrides as Tunable Biofluid Barriers for Bioresorbable Electronic Systems.

Bio/ecoresorbable electronic systems create unique opportunities in implantable medical devices that serve a need over a finite time period and then disappear naturally to eliminate the need for extraction surgeries. A critical challenge in the development of this type of technology is in materials that can serve as thin, stable barriers to surrounding ground water or biofluids, yet ultimately dissolve completely to benign end products. This paper describes a class of inorganic material (silicon oxynitride, SiON) that can be formed in thin films by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition for this purpose.

Charlson Comorbidity Index and Frailty as Predictors of Resolution Following Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization for Chronic Subdural Hematoma.

Background: Research on variables associated with chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) resolution following middle meningeal artery embolization (MMAE) is limited. This study investigated the clinical utility of age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index (ACCI) and modified 5-item Frailty Index (mFI - 5) for predicting cSDH resolution following MMAE.

Methods: We identified patients who underwent MMAE at our institution between January 2018 and December 2022, with at least 20 days of follow-up and one radiographic follow-up study.

A novel BRAF::PTPRN2 fusion in meningioma: a case report.

Gene fusion events have been linked to oncogenesis in many cancers. However, gene fusions in meningioma are understudied compared to somatic mutations, chromosomal gains/losses, and epigenetic changes. Fusions involving B-raf proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase (BRAF) are subtypes of oncogenic BRAF genetic abnormalities that have been reported in certain cases of brain tumors, such as pilocytic astrocytomas.

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis and Pregnancy.

Objective This study examined the interaction between adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and pregnancy, focusing on pregnancy outcomes, changes in back pain, and anesthesia use. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on adult patients with AIS who gave birth at our institution between 2006 and 2022. Results A total of 163 AIS patients with 263 pregnancies were included.

Repeat Surgery for Vestibular Schwannomas: An Institutional Case Series.

 Vestibular schwannomas (VSs) are treated with microsurgery and/or radiosurgery. Repeat resection is rare, and few studies have reported postoperative outcomes. The objective of this study was to describe clinical characteristics and outcomes in patients undergoing repeat surgery for VS.

Surgical Outcome of Patients With Supratentorial Meningiomas Aged 80 Years or Older-Retrospective International Multicenter Study.

Background And Objectives: Demographic changes will lead to an increase in old patients, a population with significant risk of postoperative morbidity and mortality, requiring neurosurgery for meningiomas. This multicenter study aims to report neurofunctional status after resection of patients with supratentorial meningioma aged 80 years or older, to identify factors associated with outcome, and to validate a previously proposed decision support tool.

Methods: Neurofunctional status was assessed by the Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS).

Radionuclide shuntography for cerebrospinal fluid shunt flow evaluation in adults.

Objective: Radionuclide shuntography (RS) performed using 99mTc-DTPA injected into the reservoir of CSF shunts enables evaluation of CSF flow for suspected shunt malfunctions. The goal of this study was to report the authors' institutional experience with RS and evaluate its utility and associated complications.

Methods: The authors retrospectively reviewed all RS studies performed between November 2003 and June 2022.

Validating the VS-5 Score for Predicting Outcomes After Vestibular Schwannoma Resection in an Institutional Cohort.

Background: The VS-5 index was recently proposed to predict complications, nonroutine discharge, length of stay (LOS), and cost after vestibular schwannoma (VS) resection. The VS-5 ranges from 0-17.86, and a score ≥2 was proposed as being predictive of postoperative adverse events.

Checkpoint: Inspecting the barriers in glioblastoma immunotherapies.

Despite an aggressive standard of care involving radiation therapy, temozolomide-based chemotherapy, and surgical resection, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) continues to exhibit very high recurrence and mortality rates partly due to the highly plastic and heterogenous nature of the tumor. In recent years, activation of the immune system has emerged as a promising strategy in cancer therapies. However, despite recent successes in other fields, immunotherapeutic approaches continue to encounter challenges in GBM.

Spelling Out CICs: A Multi-Organ Examination of the Contributions of Cancer Initiating Cells' Role in Tumor Progression.

Tumor invasion and metastasis remain the leading causes of mortality for patients with cancer despite current treatment strategies. In some cancer types, recurrence is considered inevitable due to the lack of effective anti-metastatic therapies. Recent studies across many cancer types demonstrate a close relationship between cancer-initiating cells (CICs) and metastasis, as well as general cancer progression.

Wireless, implantable catheter-type oximeter designed for cardiac oxygen saturation.

Accurate, real-time monitoring of intravascular oxygen levels is important in tracking the cardiopulmonary health of patients after cardiothoracic surgery. Existing technologies use intravascular placement of glass fiber-optic catheters that pose risks of blood vessel damage, thrombosis, and infection. In addition, physical tethers to power supply systems and data acquisition hardware limit freedom of movement and add clutter to the intensive care unit.

Bioresorbable Multilayer Photonic Cavities as Temporary Implants for Tether-Free Measurements of Regional Tissue Temperatures.

. Real-time monitoring of the temperatures of regional tissue microenvironments can serve as the diagnostic basis for treating various health conditions and diseases. .