Targeted inhibition of the methyltransferase SETD8 synergizes with the Wee1 inhibitor adavosertib in restraining glioblastoma growth.

Despite intense research efforts, glioblastoma remains an incurable brain tumor with a dismal median survival time of 15 months. Thus, identifying new therapeutic targets is an urgent need. Here, we show that the lysine methyltransferase SETD8 is overexpressed in 50% of high-grade gliomas.

Novelties for increased safety in cranio-vertebral surgery: a review.

The cranio-vertebral junction (CVJ) was formerly considered a surgical "no man's land" due to its complex anatomical and biomechanical features. Surgical approaches and hardware instrumentation have had to be tailored in order to achieve successful outcomes. Nowadays, thanks to the ongoing development of new technologies and surgical techniques, CVJ surgery has come to be widely performed in many spine centers.

Topical hemostatic agents in neurosurgery, a comprehensive review: 15 years update.

Hemostasis in neurosurgery is of utmost importance. Bleeding management is one of the crucial steps of each neurosurgical procedure. Several strategies, namely thermal, mechanical, electric, and chemical, have been advocated to face blood loss within the surgical field.

Endoscopic resection of a low-grade ependymoma of the pineal region.

Background: Full endoscopic resection of solid brain tumors represents a challenge for neurosurgeons. This can be achieved with modern technology and advanced surgical tools.

Case Description: A 23-years-old male was referred to our unit with raised intracranial pressure.

Pericranial and scalp rotation flaps for occipitocervical hardware exposure with CSF leak in rheumatoid arthritis patient: A case report and review of the literature.

Background: There are several etiologies of craniocervical junction instability (CCJI); trauma, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), infections, tumors, congenital deformity, and degenerative processes. These conditions often require surgery and craniocervical fixation. In rare cases, breakdown of such CCJI fusions (i.

FLAIRectomy in Supramarginal Resection of Glioblastoma Correlates With Clinical Outcome and Survival Analysis: A Prospective, Single Institution, Case Series.

Background: Extent of tumor resection (EOTR) in glioblastoma surgery plays an important role in improving survival.

Objective: To analyze the efficacy, safety and reliability of fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery (FLAIR) magnetic resonance (MR) images used to guide glioblastoma resection (FLAIRectomy) and to volumetrically measure postoperative EOTR, which was correlated with clinical outcome and survival.

Methods: A total of 68 glioblastoma patients (29 males, mean age 65.

Thoracic aggressive vertebral hemangiomas: multidisciplinary management in a hybrid room.

Purpose: Vertebral hemangiomas (VH) account for 2-3% of all spinal tumors. The majority is incidentally found on radiographic studies: 1% present with pain and/or neurologic deficits. We report our experience with the multidisciplinary management of aggressive symptomatic thoracic VH by concomitant intraoperative sclerotization with sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS), vertebroplasty, posterior decompression (with/without fusion) and surgical resection in a hybrid operating room (HR) equipped with a rotational scanner and a radiolucent operating table.

Tailoring Endoscopic Approach to Colloid Cysts of the Third Ventricle: A Multicenter Experience.

Background: Endoscopic removal of third ventricular colloid cysts has grown in popularity. The biggest issues concern radicality, cure or at least long-term control of the disease, and endoscopic remnants. Technologic advances in instrumentation and introduction of novel tools have greatly improved endoscopic results.

Endoscope-Assisted Extreme-Lateral Interbody Fusion: Preliminary Experience and Technical Note.

Background: The extreme lateral lumbar interbody fusion (XLIF) technique is safe and effective; however, the deep and tight surgical corridor makes visual identification of important landmark structures, as well as sufficient endplate and contralateral preparation, challenging. In the present study, we analyzed the safety and feasibility of endoscope-assisted (EA) XLIF procedures.

Methods: This was a retrospective single-center study on consecutive patients undergoing XLIF procedures between February 2014 and July 2016.

A modern multidisciplinary approach to patients suffering from cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

Background: The traditional approach to patients suffering from cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) consists of mere assessment of radiological standard magnetic resonance (MR) images and evaluation of surgical indication, depending on clinical symptoms and degree of radiological stenosis. Identification of prognostic factors for surgery remains difficult. Surgery is thought to be able to stop the disease progression, while significant improvements of neurological symptoms are not predictable.

Adult idiopatic occlusion of Monro foramina: intraoperative endoscopic reinterpretation of radiological data and review of the literature.

Adult idiopathic occlusion of the foramen of Monro (AIOFM) is a rare condition, with only few cases described in the modern literature. We propose that AIOFM may result from unilateral or bilateral occlusion of Monro foramina, as well as from progression of a monolateral hydrocephalus. Different surgical strategies may be required for effective treatment according to the type of occlusion.

A Serious Exergame for Patients Suffering from Chronic Musculoskeletal Back and Neck Pain: A Pilot Study.

Introduction: Over recent years, the popularity of videogames has gone beyond youth and gamers and is slowly entering the field of professional healthcare. Exergames are an attractive alternative to physical therapy. The primary aim of this pilot study was to explore the user experience (usability, satisfaction, level of motivation, and game experience) of the patient with the "PlayMancer" exergame.

Fibrillary structure is key for hemostasis: a similar effect of collagen fleece and oxidized cellulose on experimental hemorrhagic brain injury.

Background: The choice of the ideal hemostatic agent for intraoperative cerebral bleeding is under continuous debate. Our aim was to assess the influence of such materials on bleeding time in hemorrhagic cerebral contusions. We compared oxidized regenerated cellulose in fibrillar form (ORC) to microfibrillar collagen fleece (CF) in an experimental study.

Long-term resolution of acute, obstructive, triventricular hydrocephalus by endoscopic removal of a third ventricular hematoma without third ventriculostomy. Case report and review of the literature.

The authors describe a new extension of the use of neuroendoscopy beyond that which is ordinarily performed. The authors report on the resolution of acute, obstructive, triventricular hydrocephalus in a 42-year-old woman with hypertensive caudate hemorrhage that migrated into the ventricular system. The patient underwent emergency endoscopic removal of a third ventricular hematoma, which was obstructing the orifice of the aqueduct, and restoration of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow but no third ventriculostomy.

Positioning on surgical table.

Positioning on the surgical table is one of the most important steps in any spinal surgical procedure. The "prone position" has traditionally been and remains the most common position used to access the dorsolumbar-sacral spine. Over the years, several authors have focused their attention on the anatomy and pathophysiology of both the vascular system and ventilation in order to reduce the amount of venous bleeding, as well as to prevent other complications and facilitate safe posterior approaches.

The use of local agents: bone wax, gelatin, collagen, oxidized cellulose.

The use of local agents to achieve hemostasis is an old and complex subject in surgery. Their use is almost mandatory in spinal surgery. The development of new materials in chemical hemostasis is a continuous process that may potentially lead the surgeon to confusion.

Management of benign craniovertebral junction tumors.

Background: We report our surgical experience in the treatment of fifteen consecutive patients with benign craniovertebral junction tumors, observed from 1993 to 2000 at our department.

Method: We treated 7 meningiomas, 3 epidermoids, 3 C1 neurinomas and 2 neurinomas of the lower cranial nerves. Clinical results were evaluated by Karnofsky Performance Scale and all patients underwent preoperative neuroradiological evaluation with CT, MRI and MRA; angiography was not routinely performed and was considered for each individual case.

Regrowth of residual ruptured aneurysms treated by Guglielmi's Detachable Coils which demanded further treatment by surgical clipping: report of 7 cases and review of the literature.

Object: The management of intracranial aneurysms has truly evolved after the introduction of endovascular treatment by Guglielmi Detachable Coils (GDC). In our department, for every case (ruptured or unruptured aneurysm) we discuss in the first place endovascular treatment. When coiling is feasible, it is done as a first choice.