Intracranial-intracranial bypass strategies for the treatment of complex intracranial aneurysms: anatomical characteristics and surgical intervention.

OBJECTIVE: The effectiveness of revascularization for complex aneurysms is well-established. This study aimed to describe the technical characteristics and clinical efficacy of intracranial-to-intracranial (IC-IC) bypass for the treatment of complex intracranial aneurysms. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all patients with aneurysms who underwent a preplanned combination of surgical or endovascular treatment and IC-IC bypass at our institution between January 2006 and September 2023. IC-IC bypass techniques included four strategies: type A (end-to-end reanastomosis), type B (end-to-side reimplantation), type C (in situ side-to-side anastomosis), and type D (IC-IC bypass with a graft vessel). RESULTS: During the study period, ten patients with aneurysms each underwent IC-IC bypass surgery. Aneurysms were located in the middle cerebral artery (60.0%), anterior temporal artery (10.0%), anterior cerebral artery (20.0%), and vertebral artery (10.0%). There were three saccular aneurysms (30.0%), two fusiform aneurysms (20.0%), one dissecting aneurysm (10.0%), and four pseudoaneurysms (40.0%). We performed the type A strategy on five patients (50.0%), type B on one (10.0%), type C on one (10.0%), and type D on three (30.0%). During a mean period of 68.3 months, good clinical outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score, 0-2) were observed in all patients. Follow-up angiography demonstrated complete aneurysmal obliteration in all patients and good bypass patency in nine of ten patients (90.0%). CONCLUSION: The treatment of complex aneurysms remains a challenge with conventional surgical or endovascular treatments. IC-IC bypass surgery is a useful technique, associated with favorable clinical outcomes, for treating complex aneurysms.

Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles and Molecular Characteristics of Salmonella enterica Serovar Agona Isolated from Food-Producing Animals During 2010-2020 in South Korea.

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella enterica serovar Agona infections affect public health globally. This investigation aimed to ascertain the antimicrobial resistance profiles and molecular characteristics of Salmonella Agona isolates obtained from food-producing animals. A total of 209 Salmonella Agona isolates were recovered from mostly chickens (139 isolates), pigs (56 isolates), cattle (11 isolates), and ducks (3 isolates) between 2010 and 2020 in South Korea. In addition, these Salmonella Agona isolates were obtained from 25 slaughterhouses nationwide. Furthermore, this serotype suddenly increased in chickens in 2020. Salmonella Agona from chickens showed high resistance (69-83%) to ampicillin, streptomycin, tetracycline, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, and chloramphenicol. Moreover, chicken/duck isolates (83.1%) showed significantly higher levels of MDR than cattle/pig isolates (1.5%). For molecular analysis by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, infrared spectroscopy biotyping, and multilocus sequence typing in combination, a total of 23 types were observed. Especially two major types, P1-III-2-13 and P1-IV-2-13, comprised 59.3% of the total isolates spreading in most farms. Moreover, Salmonella Agona sequence type (ST)13 was predominant (96.7%) among three different STs (ST13, ST11, and ST292) widely detected in chickens (94.3%) in most farms located nationwide. Taken together, MDR Salmonella Agona in chickens might pose a potential risk to public health through direct contact or the food chain.

Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles and Molecular Characteristics of Extended-Spectrum ß-Lactamase-Producing Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Isolates from Food Animals During 2010-2021 in South Korea.

Extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Salmonella is emerging as a worldwide public health concern. In this study, we aimed to investigate the antimicrobial resistance profiles and molecular characteristics of ESBL-producing Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium). We obtained a total of 995 S. Typhimurium isolates from the feces and carcasses of pigs (n = 678), chickens (n = 202), and cattle (n = 115) during 2010-2021 in Korea. We found that 35 S. Typhimurium isolates (3.5%) showed resistance to ceftiofur: pigs (51.4%, 18/35) and cattle (42.9%, 15/35). All of the ceftiofur-resistant S. Typhimurium isolates demonstrated multidrug resistance. Moreover, ceftiofur-resistant S. Typhimurium isolates displayed significantly higher rates of resistance to chloramphenicol and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole than ceftiofur-susceptible S. Typhimurium isolates (p < 0.05). The ceftiofur-resistant S. Typhimurium isolates produced four different CTX-M-type ß-lactamase, comprising blaCTX-M-55 in the majority (51.4%, 18/35), followed by blaCTX-M-65 (28.6%, 10/35), blaCTX-M-14 (17.1%, 6/35), and blaCTX-M-1 (2.9%, 1/35). Among the 35 ceftiofur-resistant S. Typhimurium isolates, 16 blaCTX-M-55-positive isolates and one blaCTX-M-1-positive isolate were transferred to recipient Escherichia coli RG488 by conjugation. The predominantly found transposable units were blaCTX-M-55-orf477 (45.7%, 16/35), followed by blaCTX-M-65-IS903 (28.6%, 10/35) and blaCTX-M-14-IS903 (17.1%, 6/35). Ceftiofur-resistant S. Typhimurium represented 19 types, with types P1-19 (22.9%, 8/35) and P12-34 (22.9%, 8/35) making up the majority and being found in most farms nationwide. Sequence types (STs) were different by animal species: ST19 (48.6%, 17/35) and ST34 (42.9%, 15/35) were mostly found STs in pigs and cattle, respectively. These findings showed that food animals, especially pigs and cattle, act as reservoirs of blaCTX-M-harboring S. Typhimurium that can potentially be spread to humans.

Low RAI2 expression is a marker of poor prognosis in breast cancer.

PURPOSE: Retinoic acid-induced 2 (RAI2) has been shown to be a putative suppressor of the early hematogenous dissemination of tumor cells to the bone marrow in breast cancer. Here, we investigated the associations of RAI2 mRNA and protein expression with clinicopathological factors and prognosis in breast cancer patients with long-term follow-up. METHODS: Invasive breast cancer tissues (n = 604) were analyzed for RAI2 mRNA expression. We examined the associations of clinicopathological factors with the expression levels of RAI2 mRNA in these samples. We also analyzed RAI2 protein expression by immunohistochemistry in invasive breast cancer tissues (n = 422). RESULTS: We identified significant positive associations between low expression of RAI2 mRNA and shorter disease-free survival (DFS), breast-cancer-specific survival (BCSS), and overall survival (OS) in breast cancer patients. We also identified significant positive associations between negative for RAI2 protein expression and shorter DFS, BCSS, and OS in breast cancer patients. Low RAI2 mRNA and negative for RAI2 protein expression were positively associated with larger tumor size, higher tumor grade, and ERα-negativity. Multivariate analyses indicated that not only RAI2 mRNA but also RAI2 protein expression were independent risk factors for both DFS and BCSS in breast cancer patients. The median follow-up periods were 10.3 and 9.3 years for the RAI2 mRNA and protein expression analyses, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that RAI2 has a role in the metastasis of breast cancer, and that RAI2 expression could be a promising candidate biomarker of prognosis in breast cancer patients.

Outcomes of Stenting versus Endarterectomy for Symptomatic Extracranial Carotid Stenosis: A Retrospective Multicenter Study in Korea.

BACKGROUND: The present multicenter retrospective study aimed to compare the outcome of carotid artery stenting (CAS) versus carotid endarterectomy (CEA) among Korean patients with symptomatic extracranial carotid stenosis. METHODS: Between January 2008 and December 2011, 677 patients underwent either CAS (346, 51.1%) or CEA (331, 48.9%). The primary end point included the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), defined as fatal or nonfatal stroke and myocardial infarction, and all-cause mortality during the periprocedural period and within 4 years after CAS or CEA. RESULTS: Although patients undergoing CAS and CEA did not differ significantly in MACE incidence within 4 years (15.3% vs. 11.5%, P = 0.14), CEA showed lower periprocedural MACE incidence than CAS with clinical significance (6.1% vs. 3.0%, P = 0.06). During the periprocedural period, the incidence of any stroke was significantly higher in patients undergoing CAS (5.5% vs. 2.4%, P = 0.04) but not the incidence of myocardial infarction (0.6% vs. 0.3%, P > 0.99). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed similar MACE-free (P = 0.16), stroke-free (P = 0.24), and overall survival (P = 0.25) rates in both groups. On subgroup analysis, patients older than 70 years undergoing CAS had a significantly higher incidence of MACE at 4 years (22.7% vs. 13.7%, P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Although the risk of MACE did not differ significantly within 4 years in this Korean population undergoing CAS and CEA, there was a higher risk of stroke with CAS during the periprocedural period.

Pericranial Flap Anterior Skull Base Reconstruction With Gelfoam Intradural Compression.

Anterior cranial base reconstruction is occasionally necessary following severe trauma. Several methods for reconstruction have been described and some authors have described their experiences regarding the use of a pericranial flap for anterior skull base reconstruction after trauma. A 26-year-old woman was admitted to our department with multiple facial bone fractures identified using facial bone computed tomography. Plastic surgeons performed surgery under general anesthesia for the patient's nasal bone fractures. On the seventh day after admission, the patient's brain computed tomography showed an abscess in the frontal lobe. Antibiotic treatment was started, but the lesion deteriorated. Anterior skull base reconstruction was then performed using a pericranial flap with gelfoam compression. No complications, including leakage of cerebrospinal fluid, cerebral hemorrhage, necrosis of the pericranial flap, or frontal lobe herniation, were observed 1 year following surgery. In our case, the authors performed a simple and effective treatment with reconstruction using pericranial flap and gelfoam compression without complications. This technique is useful for reconstructing defects in the base of the frontal bone resulting from various causes, as well as for fracture of the anterior skull base following trauma.

A diagnostic marker for superficial urothelial bladder carcinoma: lack of nuclear ATBF1 (ZFHX3) by immunohistochemistry suggests malignant progression.

BACKGROUND: Pathological stage and grade have limited ability to predict the outcomes of superficial urothelial bladder carcinoma at initial transurethral resection (TUR). AT-motif binding factor 1 (ATBF1) is a tumor suppressive transcription factor that is normally localized to the nucleus but has been detected in the cytoplasm in several cancers. Here, we examined the diagnostic value of the intracellular localization of ATBF1 as a marker for the identification of high risk urothelial bladder carcinoma. METHODS: Seven anti-ATBF1 antibodies were generated to cover the entire ATBF1 sequence. Four human influenza hemagglutinin-derived amino acid sequence-tagged expression vectors with truncated ATBF1 cDNA were constructed to map the functional domains of nuclear localization signals (NLSs) with the consensus sequence KR[X10-12]K. A total of 117 samples from initial TUR of human bladder carcinomas were analyzed. None of the patients had received chemotherapy or radiotherapy before pathological evaluation. RESULTS: ATBF1 nuclear localization was regulated synergistically by three NLSs on ATBF1. The cytoplasmic fragments of ATBF1 lacked NLSs. Patients were divided into two groups according to positive nuclear staining of ATBF1, and significant differences in overall survival (P = 0.021) and intravesical recurrence-free survival (P = 0.013) were detected between ATBF1+ (n = 110) and ATBF1- (n = 7) cases. Multivariate analysis revealed that ATBF1 staining was an independent prognostic factor for intravesical recurrence-free survival after adjusting for cellular grading and pathological staging (P = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Cleavage of ATBF1 leads to the cytoplasmic localization of ATBF1 fragments and downregulates nuclear ATBF1. Alterations in the subcellular localization of ATBF1 due to fragmentation of the protein are related to the malignant character of urothelial carcinoma. Pathological evaluation using anti-ATBF1 antibodies enabled the identification of highly malignant cases that had been overlooked at initial TUR. Nuclear localization of ATBF1 indicates better prognosis of urothelial carcinoma.

Does the Pharyngeal Airway Recover After Sagittal Split Ramus Osteotomy for Mandibular Prognathism?

PURPOSE: Mandibular setback surgery can adversely affect the pharyngeal airway. The aim of this study was to investigate changes of the pharyngeal airway at specific intervals during a 12-month period after bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (BSSO) for correction of mandibular prognathism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included patients with mandibular prognathism who underwent BSSO. The pharyngeal airway was measured at 3 different levels on lateral cephalograms: the uvula tip, the most inferior-anterior point on the body of the second cervical vertebra (low-C II), and a midanterior point on the body of the third cervical vertebra (mid-C III). The pharyngeal airway was measured preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. The measurements at each level were compared. Multivariable analysis of variance was used to measure the changes in pharyngeal airway space over time. RESULTS: The study sample was composed of 30 patients (14 men and 16 women) who were diagnosed with mandibular prognathism. The pharyngeal airway at the uvular tip level was significantly reduced by 39% (P < .001) after surgery and was significantly improved by 26% (P < .01) from baseline at 1 month postoperatively. The pharyngeal airway at the low-C II level was significantly reduced by 27% (P < .001) after surgery and was significantly improved by 24% (P < .01) from baseline at 1 month postoperatively. The pharyngeal airway at the mid-C III level was significantly reduced by 23% (P < .001) after surgery and was improved by only 13% from baseline at 1 month postoperatively. Additional statistical changes were not noted on 3 and 6 months postoperative radiographs at all levels. The pharyngeal airway was decreased by 16, 19, and 8% from baseline at 12 months postoperatively, respectively. The upper airway length was significantly increased immediately after surgery (P < .001), but was incompletely recovered at 12 months postoperatively. CONCLUSION: The outcomes of this study indicate that the pharyngeal airway gradually recovers over time. An immediate postoperative reduction in pharyngeal airway space can induce or exacerbate obstructive sleep apnea symptoms; thus, any pre-existing symptoms should be screened and considered for surgical treatment planning.

Sunken Eye Induced by Superior Orbital Wall Defect After Craniofacial Surgery.

Enophthalmos after a ventriculo-peritoneal (V-P) shunt placement is very rare. Previous defects of the orbital wall with intracranial hypotension can cause enophthalmos after V-P shunting. The authors present 2 patients of enophthalmos with orbital wall defects resulting from anterior clinoidectomy that was performed during previous aneurysmal surgery. Both patients received a V-P shunt for hydrocephalus after subarachnoid hemorrhage. Although the hydrocephalus was improved by V-P shunts in both patients, sunken eyes were observed. The patients received reconstructive surgery of the superior orbital wall using titanium mesh and recovered after surgery without any neurological deficits. Here, the authors present 2 patients of enophthalmos with orbital wall defects treated by orbital wall reconstruction.

Specific and helpful intraoperative indocyanine green videoangiography finding of blood blister-like aneurysm of internal carotid artery.

BACKGROUND: Blood blister-like aneurysms (BBAs) account for 0.5-2.0 % of ruptured intracranial aneurysms. Because of their rarity, the natural history and pathophysiology of such aneurysms are not fully understood. We present two patients with BBAs treated with Bemsheets-covered clipping and discuss their pathophysiological characteristics, through the intraoperative and specific indocyanine green (ICG) video angiography (VA) findings. CASE REPORT: A 34-year-old male and a 53-year-old female were admitted to our emergency room with suddenly reduced levels of consciousness. Brain imaging studies demonstrated a blood blister-like aneurysm of the supraclinoid segment of the right ICA. Craniotomy and an attempt of surgical clipping were performed. ICG-VA showed the filling defect of dye in aneurysm in the operative field. The BBAs were clipped after being covered by Bemsheets (Kawamoto Corporation, Osaka, Japan) and then confirmed by the ICG-VA. Postoperatively, both patients showed transient neurological deficit due to vasospasms and recovered to their normal statuses within a few months after their respective operations. CONCLUSIONS: ICG-VA showed the filling defect of dye in BBAs, which supported that BBAs have been a pseudoaneurysm. In addition, although not routinely recommended in the treatment of BBAs, we believe that Bemsheet-covered clipping is a safe and effective treatment option for BBAs.

SUMOylation of the ING1b tumor suppressor regulates gene transcription.

The INhibitor of Growth (ING) proteins are encoded as multiple isoforms in five ING genes (ING1 -5) and act as type II tumor suppressors. They are growth inhibitory when overexpressed and are frequently mislocalized or downregulated in several forms of cancer. ING1 and ING2 are stoichiometric members of histone deacetylase complexes, whereas ING3-5 are stoichiometric components of different histone acetyltransferase complexes. The INGs target these complexes to histone marks, thus acting as epigenetic regulators. ING proteins affect angiogenesis, apoptosis, DNA repair, metastasis and senescence, but how the proteins themselves are regulated is not yet clear. Here, we find a small ubiquitin-like modification (SUMOylation) of the ING1b protein and identify lysine 193 (K193) as the preferred ING1b SUMO acceptor site. We also show that PIAS4 is the E3 SUMO ligase responsible for ING1b SUMOylation on K193. Sequence alignment reveals that the SUMO consensus site on ING1b contains a phosphorylation-dependent SUMOylation motif (PDSM) and our data indicate that the SUMOylation on K193 is enhanced by the S199D phosphomimic mutant. Using an ING1b protein mutated at the major SUMOylation site (ING1b E195A), we further demonstrate that ING1b SUMOylation regulates the binding of ING1b to the ISG15 and DGCR8 promoters, consequently regulating ISG15 and DGCR8 transcription. These results suggest a role for ING1b SUMOylation in the regulation of gene transcription.

Is it feasible to treat unstable hangman's fracture via the primary standard anterior retropharyngeal approach?

PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to evaluate the results and feasibility of primary anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) with plating for unstable traumatic spondylolisthesis of the axis, the so-called hangman's fracture, via the standard anterior retropharyngeal approach. METHODS: The clinical and radiological records of 17 patients (14 males and 3 females, mean age: 51 years, range 17-73 years) with unstable hangman's fracture who were treated between January 1996 and June 2012 were reviewed retrospectively. ACDF with plating at C2-3 level was performed in all patients (type II fracture: 12 patients, type IIA fracture: 3 patients and type III fracture: 2 patients, based on the Levine and Edwards classification). Combined morbidity, complications, neurological improvement and fusion rate were assessed. RESULTS: Seventeen patients underwent fusion surgery via the standard anterior retropharyngeal approach. Four patients required an additional posterior arthrodesis to augment the anterior procedure. Patients wore a Philadelphia collar for 4-6 weeks and fusion at C2-3 was achieved in all patients. Two cases of complications were observed during treatment, comprising of one case of non-union and one case of transient dysphagia that resolved after 3 months. However, none of the patients experienced worsening of the neurological function post-operatively. There were no cases of permanent nerve injury or infection. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of the hangman's fracture is dependent on the stability of the injury. Although the treatment for unstable hangman's fracture is still controversial, we carefully suggest that primary ACDF with plating via the standard anterior retropharyngeal approach may be a feasible treatment option. It provides immediate stability and allows for early ambulation while promoting a stable bone union with minimal morbidity.

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension presenting with bilateral subdural hematoma: Decision-making and treatment strategies.

BACKGROUND: The timing and decision to drain subdural hematoma (SDH) in spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) remains a dilemma. We reviewed our experience of bilateral SDH secondary to SIH, focusing on decision making and treatment strategies. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed bilateral SDH secondary to SIH between March 2010 and September 2021. Baseline characteristics of patients, diagnosis, radiologic findings, treatments, and clinical outcome were investigated. RESULTS: Fifteen patients (7 men, 8 women) with bilateral SDH secondary to SIH were included in this study. Initially, patients were treated conservatively (4 patients, 26.7 %), with an epidural blood patch (EBP, 3 patients, 20.0 %), and SDH drainage followed by the Trendelenburg position (8 patients, 53.3 %). All 3 patients that were initially treated with EBP required SDH drainage. Of the 8 patients initially treated with SDH drainage via burr hole followed by Trendelenburg position, 7 patients showed sustained improvements without EBP; however, 1 patient needed EBP. Deterioration to coma occurred in 6 out of 15 patients (40.0 %). All 6 deteriorated patients immediately recovered after SDH drainage with Trendelenburg position; 5 achieved sustained improvement without EBP and 1 required EBP. During the follow-up period, 14 out of 15 patients (93.3 %) showed good recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Evacuation of SDH is not always necessary in SIH; however, we did not hesitate to perform hematoma drainage, in deteriorated patients or those with thick hematoma that is associated with significant sagging and cistern effacement. This can prevent irreversible neurologic complications. Moreover, the Trendelenburg position may help to achieve sustained improvement without additional treatment.

Thermal characteristics of fire extinguishing agents in compartment fire suppression.

Water and foam have different fire-extinguishing mechanisms. Traditional foam and compressed air foam (CAF) have different bubble structures. These differences result in different thermal characteristics, which affect the extinguishing abilities during a fire. In this study, the differences in the thermal characteristics of three different extinguishing agents (water, traditional foam, and CAF) were investigated by suppressing a compartment fire. With an ignition source in the compartment (6 m × 3 m × 3 m), the agent was preferentially applied to the outside wall of the compartment. The effects of internal cooling and burnback resistance generated from the outer wall were evaluated. The performance of each agent in shielding firefighters from radiant heat while suppressing the fire inside the compartment was evaluated. When the outside wall of the compartment was covered with each of the agents, all agents were found to reduce the room temperature. When CAF was applied, the delay time until temperature re-rise was approximately 1.76-4.5 times longer than that when water was used. In addition, foaming agents exhibited a higher heat-shielding effect than water during the initial suppression. Thus, considering the thermal characteristics of these agents, fire suppression can be more effective if foam agents are used.

Surgical Results with Low-Grade Arteriovenous Malformations : A Single Center 14-Year Experience.

Objective: Advancements in surgical techniques for cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM) underscore its efficacy. Our research aims to showcase the positive outcomes of treating low-grade AVMs surgically, focusing on safety and effectiveness. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 55 patients (36 males, 19 females, and average age 37.4 years) with Spetzler-Martin (S-M) grade 1 and 2 AVMs who underwent surgical resection between January 2009 and December 2022. Results: In our study, 55 patients with S-M grade 1 and 2 AVMs underwent surgical resection, evenly divided between grades 1 (50.9%) and 2 (49.1%). Intracranial hemorrhage was the primary symptom in 74.5% of cases. Pre-operative Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores revealed 69.1% of patients scored above 13, with 18% below 8. Successful resection was achieved in 87.3%. Postoperatively, 95.5% of ruptured and 90.9% of unruptured AVM patients showed lower or same modified Rankin Scale scores. Poorer outcomes were significantly linked to lower GCS scores and intranidal/flow-related aneurysms through multivariate logistic regression. Postoperative seizures noted in 9 patients, were exclusive to the ruptured AVM group. Conclusion: Our findings indicate surgical resection as a beneficial treatment for low-grade AVMs, yielding high cure rates and positive functional outcomes in both ruptured and unruptured cases. Preoperative GCS scores and the presence of associated aneurysms are predictive of postoperative functional status. Additionally, managing postoperative seizures effectively is key to enhancing prognosis.

Percutaneous short-segment pedicle screw placement without fusion in the treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures: is it effective?: comparative study with open short-segment pedicle screw fixation with posterolateral fusion.

BACKGROUND: Since introduction of the pedicle screw-rod system, short-segment pedicle screw fixation has been widely adopted for thoracolumbar burst fractures (TLBF). Recently, the percutaneous pedicle screw fixation (PPSF) systems have been introduced in spinal surgery; and it has become a popularly used method for the treatment of degenerative spinal disease. However, there are few clinical reports concerning the efficacy of PPSF without fusion in treatment of TLBF. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of short-segment PPSF without fusion in comparison to open short-segment pedicle screw fixation with bony fusion in treatment of TLBF. METHODS: This study included 59 patients, who underwent either percutaneous (n = 32) or open (n = 27) short-segment pedicle screw fixation for stabilization of TLBF between December 2003 and October 2009. Radiographs were obtained before surgery, immediately after surgery, and at the final follow-up for assessment of the restoration of the spinal column. For radiologic parameters, Cobb angle, vertebral wedge angle, and vertebral body compression ratio were assessed on a lateral thoracolumbar radiograph. For patient's pain and functional assessment, the visual analogue scale (VAS), the Frankel grading system, and Low Back Outcome Score (LBOS) were measured. Operation time, and the amount of intraoperative bleeding loss were also evaluated. FINDINGS: In both groups, regional kyphosis (Cobb angle) showed significant improvement immediately after surgery, which was maintained until the last follow up, compared with preoperative regional kyphosis. Postoperative correction loss showed no significant difference between the two groups at the final follow-up. In the percutaneous surgery group, there were significant declines of intraoperative blood loss, and operation time compared with the open surgery group. Clinical results showed that the percutaneous surgery group had a lower VAS score and a better LBOS at three months and six months after surgery; however, the outcomes were similar in the last follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Both open and percutaneous short-segment pedicle fixation were safe and effective for treatment of TLBF. Although both groups showed favorable clinical and radiologic outcomes at the final follow-up, PPSF without bone graft provided earlier pain relief and functional improvement, compared with open TPSF with posterolateral bony fusion. Despite several shortcomings in this study, the result suggests that ongoing use of PPSF is recommended for the treatment of TLBF.

Transmission and persistence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in milk, environment, and workers in dairy cattle farms.

The aim of this study was to determine the presence and persistence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in milk, farm environment, and farmers on 22 dairy cattle farms in Korea during 2008-2009. Genetic relatedness among the MRSA isolates was also investigated. Of 1146 samples examined, 35 of 559 (6.3%) quarter milk samples from 371 cows, four of 86 (4.7%) hand and nose samples from 43 farmers, and 6 of 501 (1.2%) farm environment samples were MRSA positive. Except for three isolates, all MRSA were classified into ST72-spa t324-SCCmec IV with PVL negative, the most predominant clonal type among community-associated MRSA in South Korea. All 35 MRSA-positive milk samples from 19 cows were obtained from a single farm (Farm G) out of 22 (4.5%) farms tested. The farm G was revisited 1 year later and milk samples were collected for examination of MRSA again. Two of six previous MRSA-positive cattle that had been kept on the farm still harbored MRSA genetically identical to MRSA strains, which were isolated from the same farm a year ago. The results of this study provide the evidence of transmission of MRSA among cattle, farm environment, and farmers and also long-term persistence of MRSA in animals.

Differences in gross appearance and histopathology of the outer membrane of the subdural hematoma envelope over time: A respective case series and literature review.

RATIONALE: Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a common disorder among elderly males. The most common theory of its cause is a minor brain injury resulting in the rupture of a bridging vein. The outer membrane of subdural hematoma (SDH) evolves like cutaneous wound healing with different phases. This report aims to use a surgical microscope and an electron microscope to show the pathophysiological differences in the temporal flow of the outer membrane of SDH. PATIENT CONCERNS: This study retrospectively reviewed the cases of 6 patients who underwent craniotomy from 2016 to 2021 at the single center of Chonnam National University Hospital. DIAGNOSES: These patients had a history of intracranial hematoma (ICH) at the surgical site on brain computed tomography (CT) before craniotomy. This study aimed to observe the morphological changes over time in the outer membrane of SDH and analyzed them through macroscopic and pathological findings. INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOMES: The outer membrane of SDH was confirmed in all six patients who underwent surgery, and macroscopic analysis was performed using an operating microscope. Three patients underwent pathological analysis through histological examination, and through this, the difference according to ICH occurrence and detection time was analyzed. LESSONS: This study suggests that the outer membrane of SDH contains inflammatory and collagen cells in the early stages and thickens over time. This healing response is similar to cutaneous wound healing.

Microsurgical strategies for small unruptured dorsal internal carotid artery aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop microsurgical strategies based on the anatomical relationship between dorsal internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms, the falciform ligament (FL), and the anterior clinoid process (ACP). METHODS: Between 2017 and 2022, 25 patients with unruptured dorsal ICA aneurysms (less than 4 mm in diameter) underwent microsurgical direct clipping. These cases involved the left ICA (n=17) and the right ICA (n=8), with a mean aneurysm size of 3.3 mm (range, 2.5 to 4 mm). We used computed tomography angiography (CTA) and digital subtraction angiography to elucidate the anatomical relationship between dorsal ICA aneurysms and other structures. All procedures involved an ipsilateral pterional approach with securement of the ipsilateral cervical ICA for proximal control. RESULTS: Among the 25 dorsal ICA aneurysms, 8 (32%) were clipped without the FL being incised. Another 5 (20%) were clipped solely after the FL was cut. For the remaining 12 cases, the aneurysms were successfully clipped following FL incision and partial ACP removal. Patients exhibited favorable postoperative recoveries with good outcomes, and postoperative CTA revealed complete aneurysm clipping without any residual remnants. Conclusions: We were able to perform clipping without removing the ACP in 13 patients (52%), and in 8 of these (32%), the clipping was carried out directly without cutting the FL. Microsurgery, coupled with proximal control of the cervical ICA, can serve as a viable alternative for patients with small dorsal ICA aneurysms, especially when endovascular treatment options are limited, and 3D CTA confirms a clear anatomical relationship with the ACP.

Occipital artery bypass importance in unsuitable superficial temporal artery: Two case reports.

BACKGROUND: Superficial temporal artery-middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) bypass helps treat cerebral ischemia. However, the STA is not available for bypass in some conditions. Therefore, with some technical tips, the authors introduced a bypass technique using the occipital artery (OA). CASE SUMMARY: Two female patients complained of hemiparesis. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) indicated contralateral infarction from the MCA steno-occlusion. On Diamox single photon emission computed tomography or perfusion MRI, the contralateral front parietotemporal reserve was diminished. On transfemoral cerebral angiography, the STA was thin with a weak flow; however, the OA was prominent. Direct OA-MCA end-to-side extracranial-intracranial bypass surgery was implemented instead of STA because the caliber was too narrow. The postoperative course was uneventful in both cases, with well-maintained bypass patency and neurological stability during follow-up. CONCLUSION: OA might be an acceptable alternative for MCA cerebral ischemic cases with an unsuitable STA.