Taurine stimulation of planarian motility: a role for the dopamine receptor pathway.

Taurine, a normal dietary component that is found in many tissues, is considered important for a number of physiological processes. It is thought to play a particular role in eye development and in the maturation of both the muscular and nervous systems, leading to its suggested use as a therapeutic for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Taurine increases metabolism and has also been touted as a weight loss aid.

A Retrospective Analysis of the Underlying Health Status of Patients Treated for Stroke in the Emergency Department of a Community Hospital Situated in a Health Professional Shortage Area.

Background Hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia are known contributors to the incidence of stroke. These and other risk factors such as smoking can be managed with effective primary care, but living in a medically underserved area and racial background can limit access, thereby deleteriously affecting underlying medical conditions and disproportionately contributing to negative stroke outcomes. Our goal is to learn about the on-admission health of 1,731 stroke patients who presented to the Crouse Hospital emergency department (ED) between January 2019 and January 2021 to better understand the circumstances affecting these patients.

Delayed Iatrogenic Direct Carotid Cavernous Fistula Following Flow Diversion for Aneurysm With Spontaneous Healing: A Case Report.

An abnormal connection between the carotid artery and cavernous sinus is referred to as a carotid cavernous fistula (CCF). A direct CCF results when the connection occurs between the intracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) and the cavernous sinus. These events are typically the result of a head injury, but can also be iatrogenic, resulting from various intracranial procedures.

A retrospective analysis of the social determinants of health affecting stroke outcomes in a small hospital situated in a health professional shortage area (HPSA).

Where someone lives is a major determinant of population health. In the United States, people who live in Health Professional Shortage Areas are considered medically underserved and have a higher propensity for conditions such as stroke, hypertension, and diabetes. Our goal was to better understand the diverse needs of patients presenting to the Crouse Hospital emergency department with stroke symptoms.

Clinical and Economic Impact of Time From Admission for CSF Rhinorrhea to Surgical Repair.

Background: If conservative management of CSF leak is unsuccessful, surgical repair is indicated for the prevention of severe complications such as meningitis. This study investigated the influence of surgical timing on clinical and economic outcomes.

Methods: Retrospective review of the National Inpatient Sample (2012) and the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2002-2011) for nonelective admissions with a principal diagnosis of CSF rhinorrhea treated with surgical repair of the meninges.

Hemorrhagic Pilocytic Astrocytomas in Adults: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Pilocytic astrocytomas are histologically benign tumors, generally found in the pediatric population. Onset of symptoms is generally insidious, predominantly stemming from mass effect upon nearby structures. Patients harboring a pilocytic astrocytoma may present with gait disturbance, headaches, cranial nerve deficits, as well as hydrocephalus, depending on the exact location.

Refractory Thoracolumbar Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak after Multiple Spinal Ependymoma Resections Treated with External Ventricular Drainage.

Study Design Case report. Objective Temporary external ventricular drainage for refractory thoracolumbar cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak is not reported in the literature. We describe a recent case that utilized this technique.

Carotid Artery Stenosis with Acute Ischemic Stroke: Stenting versus Angioplasty.

Background: When a patient with carotid artery stenosis presents emergently with acute ischemic stroke, the optimum treatment plan is not clearly defined. If intervention is warranted, and open surgery is prohibitive, endovascular revascularization may be performed. The use of stents places the patient at additional risk due to their thrombogenic potential.

Minimally Invasive Thumb-sized Pterional Craniotomy for Surgical Clip Ligation of Unruptured Anterior Circulation Aneurysms.

Less invasive surgical approaches for intracranial aneurysm clipping may reduce length of hospital stay, surgical morbidity, treatment cost, and improve patient outcomes. We present our experience with a minimally invasive pterional approach for anterior circulation aneurysms performed in a major tertiary cerebrovascular center and compare the results with an aged matched dataset from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS). From August 2008 to December 2012, 22 elective aneurysm clippings on patients ≤55 years of age were performed by the same dual fellowship-trained cerebrovascular/endovascular neurosurgeon.

Trends in mortality following mechanical thrombectomy for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke in the USA.

Background And Purpose: Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke has been growing in popularity while the therapeutic benefit of MT has been increasingly debated. Our objective was to examine national trends in mortality following MT.

Methods: We analyzed the National Inpatient Sample (2012) and the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2008-2011) for patients with a primary diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke that received MT.

Current trends in surgical approach and outcomes following pituitary tumor resection.

Objectives/hypothesis: The goals of pituitary tumor resection include normalizing endocrine function, relieving mass effect, and minimizing risk of recurrence. This study investigated current trends in costs and complications for transfrontal and transsphenoidal pituitary surgery.

Study Design: Retrospective review of the 2008-2011 Nationwide Inpatient Sample for patients undergoing pituitary lesion resection.

Optimum timing of revascularization for emergent admissions of carotid artery stenosis with infarction.

Objective: There is debate concerning the optimum timing of revascularization for emergent admissions of carotid artery stenosis with infarction. Our intent was to stratify clinical and economic outcomes based on the timing of revascularization.

Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 2002 to 2011.