Greater Omentum: Multifaceted Interactions in Neurological Recovery and Disease Progression.

The greater omentum, a unique anatomical structure composed of adipocytes, loose connective tissue, and a dense vascular network. Plays a pivotal role beyond its traditional understanding. It houses specialized immunological units known as 'Milky spots,' making it a key player in immune response.

A narrative review of retinal vascular parameters and the applications (Part I): Measuring methods.

The retina is often used to evaluate the vascular health status of eyes and the whole body directly and noninvasively . Retinal vascular parameters included caliber, tortuosity and fractal dimension. These variables represent the density or geometric characteristics of the vascular network apart from reflecting structural changes in the retinal vessel system.

A narrative review of retinal vascular parameters and the applications (Part II): Diagnosis in stroke.

The retina, as an external extension of the diencephalon, can be directly, noninvasively observed by ocular fundus photography. Therefore, it offers a convenient and feasible mode to study nervous system diseases. Caliber, tortuosity, and fractal dimension, as three commonly used retinal vascular parameters, are not only the reflection of structural changes in the retinal microcirculation but also capture the branching pattern or density changes of the retinal microvascular network.

Induced Inflammatory and Oxidative Markers in Cerebral Microvasculature by Mentally Depressive Stress.

Background: Cerebrovascular disease (CVD) is recognized as the leading cause of permanent disability worldwide. Depressive disorders are associated with increased incidence of CVD. The goal of this study was to establish a chronic restraint stress (CRS) model for mice and examine the effect of stress on cerebrovascular inflammation and oxidative stress responses.

Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Multiple Sclerosis and Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder With Brainstem Lesions as Heralding Prodrome.

Objective: The present study sought to differentiate multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder patients at their first attack by describing and distinguishing their clinical features, radiographic characteristics, and immunologic characteristics of serum and cerebrospinal fluid.

Methods: We retrospectively studied 58 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and 52 patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) by referencing brainstem lesions as the prodromal events. Their demographics and presentation at the time of the first attack was evaluated including their gender, age, clinical features of the first attack, the expanded disability status scale (EDSS), brainstem lesion(s) by head MRI, and immunological indices of serum and cerebrospinal fluid.

Prophylactic Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin Versus Unfractionated Heparin in Spine Surgery (PLUSS): A Pilot Matched Cohort Study.

Background: Despite a proven superior efficacy of prophylactic low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) over unfractionated heparin (UFH) in the majority of surgical specialties, chemoprophylactic techniques after spine surgery have not been established because of the fear of epidural hematomas with LMWH.

Objective: To determine the efficacy of LMWH vs UFH in the prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) events, balanced against the risk of epidural hematoma.

Methods: This is the first matched cohort design that directly compares prophylactic LMWH to UFH after spine surgery for degenerative/deformity pathologies at a tertiary academic center.

Neuroplastic Effect of Exercise Through Astrocytes Activation and Cellular Crosstalk.

Physical exercise is an effective therapy for neurorehabilitation. Exercise has been shown to induce remodeling and proliferation of astrocyte. Astrocytes potentially affect the recruitment and function of neurons; they could intensify responses of neurons and bring more neurons for the process of neuroplasticity.

Geographic landscape of foreign medical graduates in US neurosurgery training programs from 2007 to 2017.

Objective: Although foreign medical graduates (FMGs) have been essential to the US physician workforce, the increasing competitiveness has made it progressively challenging for FMGs to match in US neurosurgery programs. We describe geographic origins and characteristics associated with successful match into US neurosurgery training programs.

Methods: Retrospective review of AANS membership data (2007-2017).

Factors influencing the outcome of cardiogenic cerebral embolism: a literature review.

Objective: The onset of cardiogenic cerebral embolism is sudden, dangerous, and often has high morbidity and mortality. Improving understanding of factors contributing to outcomes of cardiogenic cerebral embolism will improve prognostic and therapeutic capabilities.

Methods: Through PubMed and Google Scholar, this paper examined and analyzed the factors implicated in the outcome of patients with cardiogenic cerebral embolism using the key terms 'cardiogenic cerebral embolism', 'atrial fibrillation', 'stroke related diseases', 'collateral circulation', 'emboli profile', 'epigenetic' up to 28 February 2021.

Expandable Cage Technology-Transforaminal, Anterior, and Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion.

This review of the literature will focus on the indications, surgical techniques, and outcomes for expandable transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF), anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF), and lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) operations. The expandable TLIF cage has become a workhorse for common degenerative pathology, whereas expandable ALIF cages carry the promise of greater lordotic correction while evading the diseased posterior elements. Expandable LLIF cages call upon minimally invasive techniques for a retroperitoneal, transpsoas approach to the disc space, obviating the need for an access surgeon and decreasing risk of injury to the critical neurovascular structures.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Acute Stroke Care, Time Metrics, Outcomes, and Racial Disparities in a Southeast Michigan Health System.

Background: COVID-19 has impacted acute stroke care with several reports showing worldwide drops in stroke caseload during the pandemic. We studied the impact of COVID-19 on acute stroke care in our health system serving Southeast Michigan as we rolled out a policy to limit admissions and transfers.

Methods: in this retrospective study conducted at two stroke centers, we included consecutive patients presenting to the ED for whom a stroke alert was activated during the period extending from 3/20/20 to 5/20/20 and a similar period in 2019.

Muscle BDNF improves synaptic and contractile muscle strength in Kennedy's disease mice in a muscle-type specific manner.

Key Points: Muscle-derived neurotrophic factors may offer therapeutic promise for treating neuromuscular diseases. We report that a muscle-derived neurotrophic factor, BDNF, rescues synaptic and muscle function in a muscle-type specific manner in mice modelling Kennedy's disease (KD). We also find that BDNF rescues select molecular mechanisms in slow and fast muscle that may underlie the improved cellular function.