Prediction of serum neuritin and neuron-specific enolase for prognosis in patients with traumatic brain injury combined with spinal cord injury.

Background: Serum neuritin and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) have predictive value for the prognosis of patients with combined traumatic brain injury (TBI) and spinal cord injury (SCI). Studying their predictive effects has positive value for disease control and treatment.

Methods: Sixty patients with combined TBI and SCI were recruited and rolled into three groups according to prognosis: Group I (n=42, favourable prognosis), Group II (n=11, poor prognosis), and Group III (n=7, death).

Insight into the roles of lactylation in macrophages: functions and clinical implications.

Lactylation, a post-translational modification, has been linked to gene transcription regulation through epigenetic modulation in various pathophysiological processes. The lactylation regulatory proteins, known as writers, erasers, and readers, govern their dynamics by adding, removing, and recognizing lactyl groups on proteins. Macrophages, as cells of the immune system, maintain homeostasis, responding dynamically to diverse internal and external stimuli.

A Novel Variant in TUBB4B Causes Progressive Cone-Rod Dystrophy and Early Onset Sensorineural Hearing Loss.

Background: Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is a frequent manifestation of syndromic inherited retinal diseases (IRDs), exemplified by the very rare form of autosomal-dominant Leber congenital amaurosis with early onset deafness (LCAEOD; OMIM #617879). LCAEOD was first described in 2017 in four families segregating heterozygous missense mutations in TUBB4B, a gene encoding a β-tubulin isotype. To date, only eight more families with similar TUBB4B-associated sensorineural disease (SND) have been reported.

A Pilot Trial of Tongue Reconstruction Using the Chimeric Innervated Vastus Lateralis Muscle and Antero-Lateral Thigh Free Flap.

Background: Subtotal and total glossectomies for advanced tongue cancer result in significant speech- and swallow-related morbidity, impairing quality of life. This prospective pilot study compares the safety and functional outcomes associated with using a chimeric innervated muscle and fasciocutaneous flap for soft tissue reconstruction.

Materials And Methods: A prospective, non-randomized controlled pilot study evaluated a standardized technique for tongue reconstruction using a chimeric innervated vastus lateralis muscle and anterolateral thigh fasciocutaneous flap.

Use of immunoglobulin G homeostatic set point and recovery time in plasmapheresis donor safety monitoring: A retrospective observational cohort study.

Background And Objectives: Serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and total protein are used to monitor plasmapheresis donor safety. However, there is a lack of information from large donor cohorts to determine the best use of these measurements.

Materials And Methods: We identified 230,144 plasmapheresis donors making their first donation between 1 July 2020 and 31 March 2024.

Clinicopathological Features of Mixed Connective Tissue Disease-Related Myositis: A Case Series.

Introduction: Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) patients often have myositis, however, myopathological and clinical data for MCTD are limited. Recent reports have shown that the pathology of MCTD myositis resembles that of immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM), whereas earlier reports described perifascicular atrophy or inflammatory infiltrates predominantly in the perivascular region in MCTD myositis. We aim to describe the clinical and myopathological features of MCTD myositis.

Iron-associated lipid peroxidation in Alzheimer's disease is increased in lipid rafts with decreased ferroptosis suppressors, tested by chelation in mice.

Introduction: Iron-mediated cell death (ferroptosis) is a proposed mechanism of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology. While iron is essential for basic biological functions, its reactivity generates oxidants which contribute to cell damage and death.

Methods: To further resolve mechanisms of iron-mediated toxicity in AD, we analyzed post mortem human brain and ApoEFAD mice.

Regional brain iron correlates with transcriptional and cellular signatures in Alzheimer's disease.

Introduction: The link between overload brain iron and transcriptional/cellular signatures in Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains inconclusive.

Methods: Iron deposition in 41 cortical and subcortical regions of 30 AD patients and 26 healthy controls (HCs) was measured using quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM). The expression of 15,633 genes was estimated in the same regions using transcriptomic data from the Allen Human Brain Atlas (AHBA).

Lack of effect of renal function on uptake of 99mTc-sestamibi in renal masses.

Objective: The appropriate clinical management of indeterminate small renal masses can be improved based on accurate risk stratification. This study aimed to investigate the impact of renal function on the uptake of technetium-99m (99mTc)-sestamibi, a widely available imaging agent that can be utilized to identify oncocytomas and other benign/indolent renal masses.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted, involving 100 consecutive patients who underwent 99mTc-sestamibi single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography.

Single-Stage Midline Unifocalization Is Associated With Excellent Outcomes in Infants of All Ages.

Objective: Tetralogy of Fallot, pulmonary atresia, and major aortopulmonary collateral arteries are a complex congenital heart defect. For years, our program has recommended early single-stage midline unifocalization at three to six months of age. However, many patients are referred beyond six months.

In-situ Polymerization Induced Seed-Root Anchoring Structure for Enhancing Stability and Efficiency in Perovskite Solar Modules.

The escape of organic cations over time from defective perovskite interface leads to non-stoichiometric terminals, significantly affecting the stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). How to stabilize the interface composition under environmental stress remains a grand challenge. To address this issue, we utilize thiol-functionalized particles as a "seed" and conduct in situ polymerization of 2,2,3,4,4,4-hexafluorobutyl methacrylate (HFMA) as a "root" at the bottom of the perovskite layer.

Effect of Low-Dose Methylprednisolone in Promoting Neurological Function Recovery after Spinal Cord Injury: Clinical and Animal Studies.

Study Design: Subgroup analysis of a retrospective clinical and animal trial [Study of different doses of methylprednisolone on functional recovery of spinal cord injury].

Objective: The aimed to investigate the efficacy of low-dose methylprednisolone regimens in promoting neural repair after SCI.

Summary Of Background Data: Spinal cord injury (SCI) can result in sensory, motor, and autonomic nerve dysfunction, often leading to disability or death.

Knowledge and understanding of information after taking decision to participate or not in a randomized trial of surgery vs radiotherapy among patients with locally advanced prostate cancer - an observational study.

Background And Purpose: Informed consent from trial participants is mandatory. In a randomized clinical trial, we investigated (1) differences in knowledge and understanding of trial information between patients who participated and those who refrained, (2) differences in perceptions of information, and (3) differences in satisfaction with the information.

Patients: After the decision about participation in the randomized study, 'Surgery versus radiotherapy for locally advanced prostate cancer' (SPCG-15), patients were sent questionnaires ('Quality of Informed Consent', EORTC QLQ-INFO25).

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on time to treatment in head and neck cancer management: a systematic review.

Background And Purpose: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused a need for reorganization in the healthcare systems. First, we aimed to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on time to treatment in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients. Second, we aimed to determine the impact of COVID-19 on tumor stage and changes in treatment regimens used.

Germline BRCA testing in Denmark following invasive breast cancer: Progress since 2000.

Background And Purpose: Despite advancements in genetic testing and expanded eligibility criteria, underutilisation of germline testing for pathogenic variants in BRCA1 and BRCA2 (BRCA) remains evident among breast cancer (BC) patients. This observational cohort study presents real-world data on BRCA testing within the context of clinical practice challenges, including incomplete family history and under-referral.

Material And Methods: From the Danish Breast Cancer Group (DBCG) clinical database, we included 65,117 females with unilateral stage I-III BC diagnosed in 2000-2017, of whom 9,125 (14%) were BRCA tested.

Pembrolizumab as first-line treatment for recurrent and metastatic head and neck cancer - real-world single-centre data.

Background And Purpose: The randomised clinical trial KEYNOTE-048 has demonstrated a significant increase in survival for patients with head and neck cancer treated with pembrolizumab with or without chemotherapy. The purpose of the present retrospective study was to investigate whether survival in a group of consecutive patients treated at our department was comparable to the results from KEYNOTE-048.

Patients/material And Methods: Seventy-six patients initiated treatment with pembrolizumab ± platinum/5-FU between July 2020 and May 2022.

Prostate Artery Embolization in the Setting of Prostate Cancer: Review and Opinion.

Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) is a novel minimally invasive angiographic technique that has been used effectively to treat men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). However, applications of PAE for men with prostate cancer have been minimally studied. This review serves as an update on the status of PAE in men with prostate cancer, as well as a discussion of emerging indications.

Linking American Spine Registry (ASR) and Medicare Data:an analysis of 8,755 Lumbar Fusion Cases.

Study Design: Retrospective observational study.

Objective: To evaluate whether the combined American Spine Registry and Medicare (ASR/CMS) data yields substantially different findings versus ASR data alone with regard to key parameters such as risk stratification, complication rates and readmission rates in lumbar surgery investigated through an analysis of 8,755 spondylolisthesis cases.

Summary Of Background Data: Medicare data correlation has been effective for determining revision rates for other procedures such as total hip replacement.

Left Atrial Markers in Diagnosing and Prognosticating Non-Ischemic Cardiomyopathies: Ready for Prime Time?

The left atrium (LA) is pivotal in cardiac hemodynamics, serving as a dynamic indicator of left ventricular (LV) compliance and diastolic function. The LA undergoes structural and functional adaptations in response to hemodynamic stress, infiltrative processes, myocardial injury, and arrhythmic triggers. Remodeling of the LA in response to these stressors directly impacts pulmonary circulation, eventually leading to pulmonary capillary involvement, pulmonary artery hypertension, and eventually right ventricular failure.

Anatomical Location of the Bowel in Different Surgical Positions: Implications for Lateral Access in Prone Single-Position Surgery.

Study Design: Radiographic analysis.

Objective: Evaluate the anatomical relationships of the bowel to the lateral surgical corridor and the spine in various surgical positions.

Summary Of Background Data: Retroperitoneal transpsoas lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) may be performed with patients in the prone position, allowing for lateral and posterior approaches to the spine without repositioning the patient.

Diagnosis, Classifications and Treatment of Os Odontoideum: WFNS Spine Committee Recommendations.

Study Design: A systematic literature review and consensus using Delphi method.

Objective: The aim was to formulate consensus recommendations regarding the natural history, diagnosis, classification and optimal treatment of Os Odontoideum with global applicability.

Summary Of Background: Os odontoideum (OO) is a rare anomaly of the cranio-vertebral junction (CVJ).

The Association of Race, Rurality, and Neighborhood Disadvantage with Disease Severity at Initial Presentation in Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: A Cohort Study.

Study Design: Retrospective Cohort Study.

Objectives: To examine the impact of neighborhood-level socioeconomic factors on the delay of care and severity of disease among DCM patients at initial presentation.

Summary Of Background Data: Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy (DCM) is the most common etiology for spinal cord dysfunction among adults worldwide.

Cervical Disc Arthroplasty for the Treatment of Adjacent Segment Disease After Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion.

Study Design: A retrospective chart review was conducted at a single institution.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical outcomes of cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) used for the treatment of symptomatic adjacent segment disease (ASD) developed after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).

Background: A major clinical concern following ACDF is the development of ASD.