Blockade of the Platelet-Driven CXCL7-CXCR1/2 Inflammatory Axis Prevents Murine Cerebral Aneurysm Formation and Rupture.

Platelet aggregation is intimately associated with vascular inflammation and is commonly seen on routine histology studies of cerebral aneurysms. Platelets, when activated, have been shown to augment neutrophil response and the pro-inflammatory cascade. Platelet-neutrophil complexes have been found to aggravate atherosclerosis through a positive feedback loop.

Three decades of progress from surgery to medical therapy for isolated neuroaxis V600E-positive Langerhans cell histiocytosis management: illustrative case.

Background: "Langerhans cell histiocytosis" (LCH) is a term that encompasses single-system or multisystem disorders traditionally characterized by a proliferation of clonal CD1a+/CD207+ myeloid-derived histiocytes. In most cases of LCH, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway somatic mutations lead to near universal upregulation of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase expression. The clinical manifestations of LCH are numerous, but bone involvement is common.

Predictors and Outcomes of Ischemic Stroke After Cardiac Surgery.

Background: Stroke is a major complication after cardiac surgery causing increased morbidity and mortality. There are limited data on outcomes of patients with large vessel occlusion after cardiac surgery.

Methods: Patients who underwent index cardiac surgeries as defined by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) from 2010 to 2017 were reviewed from a prospectively maintained database.

Evaluation of a simulation-based mini-elective on medical student interest in cardiac surgery.

Background: Integrated cardiothoracic (CT) surgery training programs are an increasingly popular pathway to train CT surgeons. Identifying and engaging medical students early is important to generate interest and ensure highly qualified applicants are aware of opportunities provided by a career in CT surgery.

Methods: An optional CT surgery "mini-elective" was developed for preclinical medical students consisting of five 2-hour sessions covering major procedures in cardiac surgery.