Machine learning prediction of brain metastasis invasion pattern on brain magnetic resonance imaging scans.

Background: Brain metastasis invasion pattern (BMIP) is an emerging biomarker associated with recurrence-free and overall survival in patients, and differential response to therapy in preclinical models. Currently, BMIP can only be determined from the histopathological examination of surgical specimens, precluding its use as a biomarker prior to therapy initiation. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of machine learning (ML) approaches to develop a noninvasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based biomarker for BMIP determination.

Pediatric TBI: Direct admissions vs. secondary referrals to a hospital: A single‑center, retrospective study.

The present retrospective study was conducted in an aim to examine the differences between pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) cases referred to and those admitted directly to the hospital. For this purpose, pediatric patients who presented to a main trauma center with TBI between January, 2015 and December, 2019 were reviewed retrospectively, emphasizing whether they were admitted directly or referred from another center. Data collected included the demographic characteristics of the patients, as well as their presenting complaints and the cause of TBI.

Coexistence of Intracranial Dural Arteriovenous Fistula and Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis: Systematic Review and Outcome Analysis.

A substantial number of patients with intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF) suffer from coexistent cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST), yet this clinical relation is poorly studied. We aim to study the clinical and radiological outcome of patients with coexistent dAVF and CVST based on different treatment modalities and to examine various other parameters in such patients. A search strategy was performed on the following search engines: PubMed, Wiley, Microsoft Academia, and Google Scholar.

Uses of artificial intelligence in glioma: A systematic review.

Glioma is the most prevalent type of primary brain tumor in adults. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in glioma is increasing and has exhibited promising results. The present study performed a systematic review of the applications of AI in glioma as regards diagnosis, grading, prediction of genotype, progression and treatment response using different databases.

Cost of Healthcare Services in Geriatric Neuro-oncology: A descriptive Analysis.

Background: The percentage of brain tumor incidence exceeds 50% in the geriatric population admitted at Khoula Hospital (a tertiary care hospital in Oman) as compared to the younger population, furthermore, geriatric patients impose a higher cost of healthcare in general. Therefore, geriatric tumor care is causing a significant burden on the healthcare service in Oman. For this reason, we have developed this study to identify the cost of care for this group.

Trends in Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Meningioma: the Top 100 Most Cited Articles.

Background: Stereotactic radiosurgery is a well-known and influential management option for meningioma. This article aims to highlight the most cited publications on this topic.

Methods: All Scopus articles published in English under Stereotactic radiosurgery and meningioma were sorted according to the number of citations.

Programs, Origins, and Niches of Immunomodulatory Myeloid Cells in Gliomas.

Gliomas are incurable malignancies notable for an immunosuppressive microenvironment with abundant myeloid cells whose immunomodulatory properties remain poorly defined. Here, utilizing scRNA-seq data for 183,062 myeloid cells from 85 human tumors, we discover that nearly all glioma-associated myeloid cells express at least one of four immunomodulatory activity programs: Scavenger Immunosuppressive, C1Q Immunosuppressive, CXCR4 Inflammatory, and IL1B Inflammatory. All four programs are present in IDH1 mutant and wild-type gliomas and are expressed in macrophages, monocytes, and microglia whether of blood or resident myeloid cell origins.

Cost Associated with Geriatric Traumatic Brain Injury in Developing Countries: An Observational Study.

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the geriatric population is a serious public health problem and has a huge impact on mortality and morbidity.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study including patients aged above 65 admitted to a tertiary specialized trauma center, in the period from January 2016 to 31 December 2019. The data collected include patients' demographics, diagnosis, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) on arrival, length of stay, investigations, and type of surgery done.

Metformin use is associated with longer survival in glioblastoma patients with MGMT gene silencing.

Purpose: New treatments are needed to improve the overall survival of patients with glioblastoma Metformin is known for anti-tumorigenic effects in cancers, including breast and pancreas cancers. In this study, we assessed the association between metformin use and overall survival in glioblastoma patients.

Methods: We retrospectively studied 241 patients who underwent surgery at diagnosis of glioblastoma between 2014 and 2018.

Awake Craniotomy Surgery in Pediatrics: A Systematic Review.

Background: Awake craniotomy is a unique method to prevent motor deficits during the resection of lesions located in or close to functional areas. We sought to study the outcomes of pediatric craniotomy on published studies.

Methods: The search for articles was performed through multiple search engines: PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Wiley.

Review of the Prevalence of Opioid Use Disorder Following Traumatic Brain Injury.

Background: Opioid use disorder is a worldwide economic and health concern. Opioid use seems to be increased in those who sustained traumatic brain injury (TBI). The aim of the current systematic review is to examine the prevalence of opioid use disorders among individuals with TBI.

The Role of Nursing Care in the Management of External Ventricular Drains on the Neurosurgical Ward: A Quality Improvement Project.

Objective: The management of external ventricular drains (EVDs) is a critical aspect of patient care in the intensive care setting. However, nurses on the general floor are not commonly exposed to patients with EVD and therefore lack the necessary knowledge and skills to manage and troubleshoot EVDs effectively. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge, comfort, and impact of EVD management among nurses on the floor after the implementation of a quality improvement (QI) tool.

Characterization of perioperative glycemic status and dexamethasone use with associated postoperative complications in glioblastoma patients.

Purpose: Postoperative morbidity in glioblastoma (GBM) patients can be due to the disease course but can also come from postoperative complications. Our objective was to study the association of dexamethasone use and perioperative hyperglycemia with postoperative complications in GBM patients.

Methods: A single-center, retrospective cohort study was conducted in patients who underwent surgery for primary GBM from 2014-2018.

Selection of Neurosurgical Applicants in the High-Income Developing Country Lacking Local Residency Program: A Cross-Sectional Study.

 Neurosurgery residency became one of the most competitive specialties in the medical field worldwide, which is increasing with time in contrast to the limited positions. Therefore, the requirements for the program have increased. There are different criteria for each program, which are determined by specific factors.

Subtle magnetic resonance imaging differences in tegmental pilocytic astrocytomas as a caution against attempting gross-total resection: illustrative cases.

Background: Although surgery within the tegmentum of the midbrain is challenging, resection of tegmental pilocytic astrocytomas (PAs) is a standard treatment because this has been shown to outperform chemotherapy and radiotherapy in terms of long-term tumor control. Gross total resection (GTR) assisted by intraoperative neuroelectrophysiological monitoring can be achieved with a reasonable risk-to-benefit ratio, especially for well-circumscribed tumors, but careful scrutiny of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is critical to surgical decision making. The authors present two cases of tegmental PAs, which appeared grossly similar on MRI and were operated on via the same surgical approach using the same intraoperative adjuncts.

Pediatric traumatic brain injury in a high-income developing country: experience at a level 1 neuro-trauma center.

Background: Data on the incidence, prevalence and mortality of pediatric traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in developing countries are not readily available or do not exist.

Aim: The aim of this study was to study the epidemiology of pediatric TBI in developing countries.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in a high-volume Neurosurgery Department where we reviewed pediatric cases presenting with TBI between January 2015 and December 2019.

The Top 100 Most Cited Neurosurgical Articles on COVID-19: A Bibliometric Analysis.

Background: The first case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was reported in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. This study uses a bibliometric analysis of the top 100 most cited neurosurgical COVID-19-related articles to date to identify and determine their characteristics.

Methods: The Scopus library was searched for all published articles on neurosurgery and COVID-19.

Neurosurgery Services in the Sultanate of Oman: Evolution, Current State, and Future Development.

During the past 4 decades, the Sultanate of Oman has undergone a remarkable change in all the fields of civilization and modernization, including education, health care, social services, and many other improvements. In the present article, we address the history of neurosurgery in the Sultanate of Oman from the early beginning to the present time. Neurosurgery Departments in the Sultanate of Oman have come a long way to reach their current status.

Anti-Epileptic Drugs in Geriatric Neurosurgery: A Review of 669 Neurosurgical Cases.

Background And Purpose: Patients over the age of 75 are more likely to develop epilepsy than children under the age of 10. Patients of all ages are prescribed anti-epileptic drugs; however, those over the age of 65 are the most typically prescribed group.

Methods: This is a retrospective study of geriatric cases admitted to the Neurosurgery Department in Khoula Hospital from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2019.

Predicting Patients at Risk for Prolonged Hospital Stays Following Pediatrics Traumatic Head Injuries in High-Income Developing Country: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in pediatrics are the most common cause of long-term morbidity and mortality, generating a considerable burden on the health care system. In the current retrospective study, we aimed to identify the predictors that contribute to prolonged hospital stays in pediatric TBI.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study including all pediatric cases (age younger than 14) who presented to Khoula Hospital with TBI and were seen from January 2015 to December 2019.

Intracranial Hemorrhage following Spinal Surgery: A Systematic Review of a Rare Complication.

 Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is a potentially severe complication of spinal surgeries. The occurrence of such complications causes deterioration of the patient's clinical status and delayed discharge from the hospital. Although no specific etiological factors were identified for this complication, but multiple risk factors might play role in its development, they include the use of anticoagulants, presence of uncontrolled hypertension, and perioperative patient positioning.

Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis in Closed Head Injury: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background: Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CSVT) is a rare condition, causing 0.5% of all strokes only, several mechanisms might be involved in forming the thrombosis, including closed head injury.

Methods: Systematic review was done by using the following databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, Microsoft Academic, Clinical Trials, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science.