Harnessing CRISPR interference to resensitize laboratory strains and clinical isolates to last resort antibiotics.

The global race against antimicrobial resistance requires novel antimicrobials that are not only effective in killing specific bacteria, but also minimize the emergence of new resistances. Recently, CRISPR/Cas-based antimicrobials were proposed to address killing specificity with encouraging results. However, the emergence of target sequence mutations triggered by Cas-cleavage was identified as an escape strategy, posing the risk of generating new antibiotic-resistance gene (ARG) variants.

Quantitative Neuroanatomical Measurement on Photogrammetric Model: Validation Study.

Objective: To examine and compare the accuracy of measurements obtained from photogrammetric models versus direct measurements taken on dry skulls, with the aim to verify the feasibility of photogrammetry for quantitative analysis in microsurgical neuroanatomy.

Methods: Two dry human skulls were used. Each was scanned using the dual camera system of a smartphone The selected photos were separately processed using 2 different softwares to create three-dimensional models.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist use and the risk of residual gastric content and aspiration in patients undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy: a systematic review and a meta-analysis.

Background: GLP-1 receptor agonists are used for type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity, but safety concerns have been raised for users undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy, regarding retained food and aspiration events.

Aims: We aim to compare the risk of complications for GLP-1 users and non-users undergoing endoscopy.

Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO Registration: CRD42024556732).

Standing up for representation in undergraduate medical education curricula through medical student, librarian, and faculty collaboration: a case report.

Background: A shortage of images of pathology on diverse skin tones has been recognized for decades in health professions education. Identifying skin manifestations of disease depends on pattern recognition, which is difficult without visual examples. Lack of familiarity with visual diagnosis on skin of color can lead to delayed or missed diagnoses with increased morbidity and mortality.

How I do it: surgical ligation of posteromedial tentorial dural arteriovenous fistulas.

Background: Tentorial dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs) are categorized based on venous drainage and location. Although their angioarchitecture may initially appear intimidating, once "decodified," treatment is straightforward. Posteromedial tentorial dAVFs have an arterialized draining vein that emanates from the inferior tentorium along the posterior third of the straight sinus, just slightly off the midline.

Neuroanatomical photogrammetric models using smartphones: a comparison of apps.

Objectives: A deep knowledge of the surgical anatomy of the target area is mandatory for a successful operative procedure. For this purpose, over the years, many teaching and learning methods have been described, from the most ancient cadaveric dissection to the most recent virtual reality, each with their respective pros and cons. Photogrammetry, an emergent technique, allows for the creation of three-dimensional (3D) models and reconstructions.

A Pilot Phase 2 Randomized Trial to Evaluate the Safety and Potential Efficacy of Etravirine in Friedreich Ataxia Patients.

Background: A drug repositioning effort supported the possible use of the anti-HIV drug etravirine as a disease-modifying drug for Friedreich ataxia (FRDA). Etravirine increases frataxin protein and corrects the biochemical defects in cells derived from FRDA patients. Because of these findings, and since etravirine displays a favorable safety profile, we conducted a pilot open-label phase 2 clinical trial assessing the safety and potential efficacy of etravirine in FRDA patients.

Impact of a Multidisciplinary Service Line and Program for Transcatheter Device Closure of the Neonatal Ductus Arteriosus.

Outline a quality initiative establishing an institutional service line for neonatal transcatheter device closure of the patent ductus arteriosus (TDC-PDA). A retrospective descriptive observational study surrounds programmatic approach to TDC-PDA in premature neonates with process measure spanning education, implementation, referral, and post-procedural care. Metrics tracked pre- and post-program creation with statistical analyses performed.

Mechanism of homology search expansion during recombinational DNA break repair in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Homology search is a central step of DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair by homologous recombination (HR). How it operates in cells remains elusive. We developed a Hi-C-based methodology to map single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) contacts genome-wide in S.

Reducing the percentage of surviving infants with acute symptomatic seizures discharged on anti-seizure medication.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of inclusion of an anti-seizure medication (ASM) weaning protocol in a neonatal seizure pathway on the percent of infants discharged on ASMs.

Study Design: This cohort study included surviving infants with acute symptomatic seizures treated with ASMs across three institutions. We evaluated infants in 2 epochs, pre- and post-implementation of the ASM weaning protocol.

3D Printing for Customized Bone Reconstruction in Spheno-Orbital Meningiomas: A Systematic Literature Review and Institutional Experience.

: The treatment of spheno-orbital meningiomas (SOMs) requires extensive bone resections, creating significant defects in a complex geometrical space. Bone reconstruction represents a fundamental step that optimizes long-term aesthetic and functional outcomes. In recent years, 3D printing technology has also been exploited for complex skull base reconstructions, but reports remain scarce.

Navigating the Intersection Between the Orbit and the Skull Base: The "Mirror" McCarty Keyhole During Transorbital Approach: An Anatomic Study With Surgical Implications.

Background And Objectives: McCarty keyhole (MCK) is the most important entry point during orbitocranial and cranio-orbital approaches; nevertheless, its anatomic coordinates have never been detailedly described from transorbital perspective. To provide the spatial coordinates for intraorbital projection of the "mirror" MCK by using the well-established main anatomic-surgical bony landmarks met along transorbital corridor.

Methods: MCK was identified in 15 adult dry skulls (30 sides) on exocranial surface of pterional region based on the well-defined external bony landmarks: on the frontosphenoid suture, 5 to 6 mm behind the joining point (JP) of frontozygomatic suture (FZS), frontosphenoid suture (FSS), and sphenozygomatic suture (SZS).

3-Dimensional Printed Model of the Temporal Bone for Neurosurgical Training.

Background And Objectives: The development of neurosurgical skills stands out as a paramount objective for neurosurgery residents during their formative years. Mastery of intricate and complex procedures is a time-intensive process marked by a gradually ascending learning curve. Consequently, the study and simulation on surgical models assume significant importance.

[Characterization and risk prediction of cardiovascular surgeries with cardiopulmonary bypass: a cross-sectional study].

Introduction: Cardiovascular surgery risk prediction models are widely applied in medical practice. However, they have been criticized for their low methodological quality and scarce external validation. An additional limitation added in Latin America is that most of these models have been developed in the United States or Europe, which present marked geographical differences.

Radiomics Analysis of Preprocedural CT Imaging for Outcome Prediction after Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Creation.

Purpose: To evaluate the role of radiomics in preoperative outcome prediction in cirrhotic patients who underwent transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) using "controlled expansion covered stents".

Materials And Methods: This retrospective institutional review board-approved study included cirrhotic patients undergoing TIPS with controlled expansion covered stent placement. From preoperative CT images, the whole liver was segmented into Volumes of Interest (VOIs) at the unenhanced and portal venous phase.

Topographic Patterns of Intracranial Meningioma Recurrences-Systematic Review with Clinical Implication.

Background: While several risk factors for recurrences have been defined, the topographic pattern of meningioma recurrences after surgical resection has been scarcely investigated. The possibility of theoretically predicting the site of recurrence not only allows us to better understand the pathogenetic bases of the disease and consequently to drive the development of new targeted therapies, but also guides the decision-making process for treatment strategies and tailored follow-ups to decrease/prevent recurrence.

Methods: The authors performed a comprehensive and detailed systematic literature review of the EMBASE and MEDLINE electronic online databases regarding the topographic pattern of recurrence after surgical treatment for intracranial meningiomas.

Interscapular Pain after Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: Does Zygapophyseal Joints over Distraction Play a Role?

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) for cervical disc herniation (CDH) is commonly performed. Specific post-operative complications include dysphagia, dysphonia, cervicalgia, adjacent segment disorder, cage subsidence, and infections. However, interscapular pain is commonly reported by these patients after surgery, although its mechanisms have not been clarified yet.

Geometry and Symmetry of Willis' Circle and Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysms Development.

: A relationship between the geometry and symmetry of Willis' circle and intracranial aneurysms was reported for anterior communicating and posterior communicating (PCom) aneurysms. A similar association with the middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms instead appeared weaker. : We reviewed 432 patients from six Italian centers with unilateral MCA aneurysms, analyzing the relationship between the caliber and symmetry of Willis' circle and the presence of ruptured and unruptured presentation.

Viral Conjunctivitis Rates Unchanged Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic in an Ophthalmology Clinic.

Background: Millions of acute conjunctivitis cases occur in the United States annually. The impact of COVID-19 mitigation practices on viral conjunctivitis incidence within ophthalmology clinics has not been reported. We hypothesized that viral conjunctivitis rates would decrease with implementation of such practices.

Comparative Efficacy of Transsphenoidal and Transcranial Approaches for Treating Tuberculum Sellae Meningiomas: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

: Tuberculum sellae meningiomas (TSMs) constitute 5-10% of intracranial meningiomas, often causing visual impairment. Traditional microsurgical transcranial approaches (MTAs) have been effective, but the emergence of innovative surgical trajectories, such as endoscopic endonasal approaches (EEAs), has sparked debate. While EEAs offer advantages like reduced brain retraction, they are linked to higher cerebrospinal fluid leak (CSF leak) risk.

Parasagittal Meningiomas: The Impact of Sinus Opening and Grade of Resection on Clinical Outcome and Recurrence in a Consecutive Series of Patients.

Background: Surgical management of parasagittal meningiomas (PMs) remains controversial in the literature. The need to pursue a resection as radical as possible and the high risk of venous injuries contribute to making the sinus opening a widely argued choice. This study aimed to analyze factors affecting the risk of recurrence and to assess clinical outcomes of patients who underwent surgical resection of PMs with conservative or aggressive management of the intrasinusal portion.