Anatomic Assessment of L1-S1 Neuroforaminal Dimensions Using Computed Tomography.

Background: Although the radiographic parameters for diagnosing central lumbar canal stenosis are well described, parameters for the diagnosis of neuroforaminal stenosis (NFS) are less well defined. Previous studies have used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and radiography to describe neuroforaminal dimensions (NFDs). Those methods, however, have limitations that may substantially distort measurements.

Preoperative Cannabis Use Associated With an Increased Rate of Reoperation and Postoperative Opioid Use Following Anterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion.

Objectives The objective of this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate the associations among preoperative cannabis use, postoperative opioid use, and postoperative outcomes following elective anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF). Methods Patients who underwent one- or two-level ACDF were characterized preoperatively as active cannabis users, former users, or nonusers. Patients were also classified based on history of preoperative opioid use as chronic users, acute users, or nonusers.

PTEN inhibition enhances neurite outgrowth in human embryonic stem cell-derived neuronal progenitor cells.

We investigated the role of PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10) during neurite outgrowth of human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived neuronal progenitors. PTEN inhibits phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling, a common and central outgrowth and survival pathway downstream of neuronal growth factors. It is known that PTEN inhibition, by either polymorphic mutation or gene deletion, can lead to the development of tumorigenesis (Stambolic et al.

Stem cell-based treatments for spinal cord injury.

Cell replacement strategies hold great promise for the treatment of central nervous system injuries and degenerative diseases. The advancement of stem cell therapies has proven to be a viable therapeutic approach to limit secondary degeneration and restore neuronal circuitry at the site of injury. Cell replacement strategies confer phenotype-specific and neurotrophic benefits to the surrounding tissue; however, the mechanisms of transplant-mediated repair are unique to each transplant population.