A guide to interpreting systematic reviews and meta-analyses in neurosurgery and surgery.

Introduction: Systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses (MAs) are methods of data analysis used to synthesize information presented in multiple publications on the same topic. A thorough understanding of the steps involved in conducting this type of research and approaches to data analysis is critical for appropriate understanding, interpretation, and application of the findings of these reviews.

Methods: We reviewed reference texts in clinical neuroepidemiology, neurostatistics and research methods and other previously related articles on meta-analyses (MAs) in surgery.

Needs, Roles, and Challenges of Young Asian Neurosurgeons.

Background: Asia has a marked shortage of neurosurgical care, with approximately 2.5 million critical cases left untreated. The Young Neurosurgeons Forum of the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies surveyed Asian neurosurgeons to identify research, education, and practice.

The association of systemic inflammation and cognitive functions of pre-school aged children residing in a endemic area in Zimbabwe.

Background: Cognitive function is negatively impacted by schistosomiasis and might be caused by systemic inflammation which has been hypothesized to be one of the mechanisms driving cognitive decline, This study explored the association of systemic inflammatory biomarkers; interleukin (IL)-10, IL-6, IL-17, transforming growth factor (TGF-β), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP) and hematological parameters with cognitive performance of preschool-aged children (PSAC) from an Schistosoma haematobium endemic area.

Methods: The Griffith III tool was used to measure the cognitive performance of 136 PSAC. Whole blood and sera were collected and used to quantify levels of IL-10, TNF-α, IL-6, TGF-β, IL-17 A and CRP using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and hematological parameters using the hematology analyzer.

Biochemical profile of paediatric adamantinomatous craniopharyngiomas: A prospective cohort study.

Introduction: Craniopharyngioma is a rare brain tumour. Despite being histologically benign, it behaves aggressively and is often difficult to manage. Descriptive epidemiological data on the tumour is lacking in sub-Saharan Africa, and there is none for Zimbabwe.

Effect of Schistosoma haematobium infection on the cognitive functions of preschool age children and benefits of treatment from an endemic area in Zimbabwe.

Background: Schistosomiasis is known to affect the cognitive functions of children, however, but there is paucity of information on its impact on early childhood development in developing countries where the disease is endemic. This study aimed at determining the effects of schistosomiasis due to Schistosoma haematobium on early childhood development in children below 5 years old from Murewa District, Zimbabwe, including the benefits of treatment.

Methods: Preschool age children (PSAC) under the age of 5 years were screened at baseline and at 6 months post-treatment for S.

State of African Neurosurgical Education: An Analysis of Publicly Available Curricula.

Background: Africa bears more than 15% of the global burden of neurosurgical disease; however, it has the lowest neurosurgical workforce density worldwide. The past decade has seen an increase in neurosurgery residency programs on the continent. It is unclear how these residency programs are similar or viable.

Observational Studies in Neurosurgery: Structure, Functioning, and Uses.

Introduction: Although randomized interventional studies are the gold standard of clinical study designs, they are not always feasible or necessary. In such cases, observational studies can bring insights into critical questions while minimizing harm and cost. There are numerous observational study designs, each with strengths and demerits.

Identifying Barriers and Facilitators to the Improvement of Healthcare Delivery and Ethics in Two Cameroonian Neurosurgical Centers.

Background: Low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) are disproportionately affected by neurosurgical burden of disease. This health inequity causes constraints in decision-making. Neurosurgical ethics helps us to assess the moral acceptability and effectiveness of clinical decisions.

Vulnerability of African Neurosurgery to Predatory Journals: An Electronic Survey of Aspiring Neurosurgeons, Residents, and Consultants.

Background: Predatory journals (PJs) publish research with little to no rigorous peer review in exchange for money. It is unclear what proportion of researchers is vulnerable to PJs and which factors are associated with vulnerability. The aim of this study was to evaluate the vulnerability of African neurosurgery researchers to PJs and identify their correlates.

Algorithm for diagnosis of early Schistosoma haematobium using prodromal signs and symptoms in pre-school age children in an endemic district in Zimbabwe.

Introduction: Prompt diagnosis of acute schistosomiasis benefits the individual and provides opportunities for early public health intervention. In endemic areas schistosomiasis is usually contracted during the first 5 years of life, thus it is critical to look at how the infection manifests in this age group. The aim of this study was to describe the prodromal signs and symptoms of early schistosomiasis infection, correlate these with early disease progression and risk score to develop an easy to use clinical algorithm to identify early Schistosoma haematobium infection cases in resource limited settings.

Landscape, Presentation, and Characteristics of Brain Gliomas in Zimbabwe.

Introduction: Gliomas are tumors of the supporting cells of the central nervous system. They have great heterogeneity in their clinical and pathological features as well as prognosis. There is paucity of glioma epidemiology data in Zimbabwe.

Needs of Young African Neurosurgeons and Residents: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Africa has many untreated neurosurgical cases due to limited access to safe, affordable, and timely care. In this study, we surveyed young African neurosurgeons and trainees to identify challenges to training and practice. African trainees and residents were surveyed online by the Young Neurosurgeons Forum from April 25th to November 30th, 2018.

Truncal complex regional pain syndrome, myth or reality: Case report.

Introduction: Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is an under diagonised, chronic pain condition commonly described occurring in the extremities. Its occurrence in the trunk is rarely reported and is thought by some to be non existent.

Case Presentation: We report an unusual case of trunkul CRPS post appendectomy which presented with debilitating pain and review relevant literature.

Association of Schistosoma haematobium infection morbidity and severity on co-infections in pre-school age children living in a rural endemic area in Zimbabwe.

Background: Individuals living in Schistosoma haematobium endemic areas are often at risk of having other communicable diseases simultaneously. This usually creates diagnostic difficulties leading to misdiagnosis and overlooking of schistosomiasis infection. In this study we investigated the prevalence and severity of coinfections in pre-school age children and further investigated associations between S.

Antimicrobial effects of craniopharyngioma cystic fluid.

Background: Tumours are known to increase the risk of infections, especially those occurring in the central nervous system where insertion of surgical hardware/shunts such as in craniopharyngiomas may be required. However, infections are surprisingly scarce in craniopharyngioma cases. In this study, we explored the possibility of antimicrobial effects of craniopharyngioma cystic fluid.

Clinical morbidity associated with Schistosoma haematobium infection in pre-school age children from an endemic district in Zimbabwe.

Objective: To investigate Schistosoma haematobium morbidity in infected pre-school age children and establish their disease burden.

Methodology: Pre-school age children (1-5 years) who were lifelong residents of the study area and had no other infections were included in the study. Participants underwent a physical examination with clinicians blinded to their infection status.

Fatal status migrainosus in Chiari 1 malformation.

Background: Headaches are common in Chiari Type 1 malformation (CM-1). The prevalence of migraine headaches in CM-1 is similar to that of the general population. However, when migraine headaches occur with CM-1, they tend to have an earlier age of onset, are more frequent and certainly more severe than when they occur without CM-1 association.

Prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus infection in brain glioma patients: Is the virus protective from gliomas?

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is associated with an increased prevalence of some malignancies. However, some observational studies have revealed an ever-decreasing prevalence of HIV in glioma patients. The relationship between HIV and brain gliomas has not been well established.

Spontaneous chronic subdural hematomas in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients with normal platelet count and no appreciable brain atrophy: Two case reports and review of literature.

Background: Chronic subdural hematomas (CSDHs) usually occur in elderly patients following minor head trauma. Their occurrence is usually linked to cerebral atrophy secondary to alcohol, old age, or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Spontaneous CSDHs have also been documented but are rare.