Exploring the current landscape of single-cell RNA sequencing applications in gastric cancer research.

Gastric cancer (GC) represents a major global health burden and is responsible for a significant number of cancer-related fatalities. Its complex nature, characterized by heterogeneity and aggressive behaviour, poses considerable challenges for effective diagnosis and treatment. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has emerged as an important technique, offering unprecedented precision and depth in gene expression profiling at the cellular level. By facilitating the identification of distinct cell populations, rare cells and dynamic transcriptional changes within GC, scRNA-seq has yielded valuable insights into tumour progression and potential therapeutic targets. Moreover, this technology has significantly improved our comprehension of the tumour microenvironment (TME) and its intricate interplay with immune cells, thereby opening avenues for targeted therapeutic strategies. Nonetheless, certain obstacles, including tumour heterogeneity and technical limitations, persist in the field. Current endeavours are dedicated to refining protocols and computational tools to surmount these challenges. In this narrative review, we explore the significance of scRNA-seq in GC, emphasizing its advantages, challenges and potential applications in unravelling tumour heterogeneity and identifying promising therapeutic targets. Additionally, we discuss recent developments, ongoing efforts to overcome these challenges, and future prospects. Although further enhancements are required, scRNA-seq has already provided valuable insights into GC and holds promise for advancing biomedical research and clinical practice.

The neurosurgeon's familiarity with the vein of Rolando.

The vein of Rolando, also known as the central sulcal vein, is a critical superficial cerebral vein located in the central sulcus, playing a pivotal role in the venous drainage of the motor and sensory cortices. Named after the Italian anatomist Luigi Rolando, this vein serves as a crucial anatomical landmark in neurosurgery, guiding surgeons to approach critical brain structures with minimal damage. This article explores the anatomy and clinical significance of the vein of Rolando, emphasizing its role in neurosurgery and neuroimaging. Advanced imaging techniques such as functional MRI (fMRI), Magnetic Resonance Venography (MRV), and CT Angiography have enhanced the ability to diagnose and preserve this vein, reducing surgical risks. The article also discusses the interconnectedness of the vein of Rolando with other cerebral veins like the vein of Trolard and underscores the importance of understanding venous variations and drainage patterns for successful surgical outcomes. Preventive measures to protect the vein during neurosurgery are essential to prevent complications such as venous congestion and intracranial pressure. This overview highlights the necessity for precise anatomical knowledge and advanced diagnostic tools in optimizing neurosurgical procedures and patient care.

Analyzing the relationship between cerebral aneurysms and Non-oculomotor cranial nerve palsies: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the association between intracerebral aneurysms and cranial nerve (CN) palsies, focusing on nerves other than the oculomotor nerve. It sought to determine the prevalence, risk factors, and clinical outcomes of these nerve palsies and compare the effectiveness of microsurgical clipping versus endovascular coiling in restoring nerve function. METHODOLOGY: Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted using databases like PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, covering studies from 1975 to April 2024. The inclusion criteria targeted patients with non-oculomotor nerve palsies diagnosed with cerebral aneurysms. Studies published before 1975 and non-English studies were excluded. Data extraction included study design, patient characteristics, and intervention outcomes. The Joanna Briggs Institute and Newcastle-Ottawa scales were used to assess study quality. Data were synthesized narratively and statistically analysed using SPSS v27. RESULTS: The analysis included 47 patients (53.2% female, mean age 44.8 years). The internal carotid artery (ICA) was the most common aneurysm site (44.7%), and the abducent nerve (CN VI) was most frequently affected. Ruptured aneurysms had better recovery outcomes (88.9%) than unruptured ones (66.7%). Hypertension was present in 9.2%. Unilateral aneurysms were seen in 80.9%, with 76.6% having a single nerve palsy. Non-ruptured aneurysms accounted for 58.1%, and ruptured for 41.9% of associated cranial nerve palsies. Treatment included microsurgical approaches (42.6%), endovascular approaches (34%), combined approaches (6.4%), and conservative management (17%). Recovery of the palsy was observed in 75.6%, with endovascular procedures showing higher recovery (93.3%) compared to conservative treatment (28.6%). CONCLUSION: Intracerebral aneurysms are significantly associated with non-oculomotor CN palsies. Endovascular procedures yield higher recovery rates than conservative management, particularly in ruptured aneurysms. Timely and appropriate treatment is crucial for improving nerve function recovery in these patients.

A descriptive analysis of skin-only closure and Bogota bag techniques for achieving complete fascial closure in damage control abdominal surgery.

BACKGROUND: Temporary abdominal closure (TAC) techniques are essential in managing open abdomen cases, particularly in damage control surgery. Skin-only closure (SC) and Bogota bag closure (BBC) are commonly used methods for TAC, but their comparative effectiveness in achieving primary fascial closure (PFC) remains unclear. The objective of this study was to evaluate the rates of PFC between patients undergoing SC and BBC techniques for TAC in peritonitis or abdominal trauma cases at a tertiary care hospital. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the Surgical A Unit of Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, from January 2022 to July 2023. Approval was obtained from the institutional review board, and patient consent was secured for data use. Patients undergoing temporary abdominal closure using either skin-only or Bogota bag techniques were included. Exclusions comprised patients younger than 15 or older than 75 years, those with multiple abdominal wall incisions, and those with prior abdominal surgeries. Data analysis utilized SPSS version 25. The study aimed to assess outcomes following damage control surgery, focusing on primary fascial closure rates and associated factors. Closure techniques (skin-only and Bogota bag) were chosen based on institutional protocols and clinical context. Indications for damage control surgery (DCS) included traumatic and non-traumatic emergencies. Intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) was measured using standardized methods. Patients were divided into SC and BBC groups for comparison. Criteria for reoperation and primary fascial closure were established, with timing and technique determined based on clinical assessment and multidisciplinary team collaboration. The decision to leave patients open during the index operation followed damage control surgery principles. RESULTS: A total of 193 patients were included in this study, with 59.0% undergoing skin-only closure (SC) and 41.0% receiving Bogota bag closure (BBC). Patients exhibited similar demographic characteristics across cohorts, with a majority being male (73.1%) and experiencing acute abdomen of non-traumatic origin (58.0%). Among the reasons for leaving the abdomen open, severe intra-abdominal sepsis affected 51.3% of patients, while 42.0% experienced hemodynamic instability. Patients who received SC had significantly higher rates of primary fascial closure (PFC) compared to BBC (85.1% vs. 65.8%, p = 0.04), with lower rates of fascial dehiscence (1.7% vs. 7.6%, p = 0.052) and wound infections (p = 0.010). Multivariate regression analysis showed SC was associated with a higher likelihood of achieving PFC compared to BBC (adjusted OR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.3-3.8, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In patients with peritonitis or abdominal trauma, SC demonstrated higher rates of PFC compared to BBC for TAC in our study population. However, further studies are warranted to validate these results and explore the long-term outcomes associated with different TAC techniques.

The current landscape of intracranial aneurysms in Africa: management outcomes, challenges, and strategies-a narrative review.

Intracranial aneurysms (IAs) pose complex and potentially life-threatening challenges in Africa, where limited resources, restricted access to specialised healthcare facilities, and disparities in healthcare provision amplify the difficulties of management. Timely diagnosis and treatment are pivotal in preventing complications, including subarachnoid haemorrhage. Treatment options encompass observation, surgical clipping, endovascular coiling, and flow diversion. Positive outcomes observed in IA management in Africa include high survival rates, favourable functional outcomes, successful treatment techniques, and the absence of complications in some cases. However, negative outcomes such as postoperative complications, reduced quality of life, perioperative mortality, and the risk of recurrence persist. Challenges in IA management encompass limited access to diagnostic tools, a scarcity of specialised healthcare professionals, and an unequal distribution of services. Addressing these challenges requires interventions focused on improving access to diagnostic tools, expanding the number of trained professionals, and establishing specialised IA treatment centres. Collaboration, research, and capacity-building efforts hold significant importance in improving patient outcomes and reducing disparities in IA management across Africa.

The current state of neuropalliative care in developing countries. Where are we now?

The need for improved palliative care in developing countries is great. Of 58 million people who die every year, 45 million die in developing countries. An estimated 60% (27 million) of these people in poor nations would benefit from palliative care, and this number is growing as chronic diseases such as cancer rise rapidly. Yet a combination of highly restrictive policies on opioid prescription and a lack of awareness within the medical profession conspire to deprive patients of palliative care. Human rights advocates argue that this neglect is a breach of human rights that is tantamount to torture. This editorial explores the neuropalliative approach and addresses the current state of neuropalliative care in developing countries.

From adversity to advancement: leveraging war-tested approaches for the post-conflict reformation of the Ukrainian healthcare landscape.

The Russo-Ukrainian Conflict has had significant repercussions on Ukraine's healthcare system, resulting in civilian casualties and damage to healthcare institutions. The disruption of personnel, medical supplies, and patient transportation has created considerable challenges for healthcare services. However, there are successful approaches from comparable contexts that can serve as a catalyst for post-conflict healthcare reformation in Ukraine. Key strategies include improving healthcare accessibility for marginalized populations through standardized essential health and surgical care packages, rehabilitating damaged facilities, strengthening primary care provisions, and supporting war survivors with disabilities. By adopting these proven practices, Ukraine can strengthen its healthcare system and facilitate a sustainable recovery, contributing to the country's resilience and ensuring essential healthcare services for its population.

NeuroVerse: neurosurgery in the era of Metaverse and other technological breakthroughs.

The tremendous evolution in modern technology has led to a paradigm shift in neurosurgery. The latest advancements such as augmented reality, virtual reality, and mobile applications have been incorporated into neurosurgical practice. NeuroVerse, representing the application of the metaverse in neurosurgery, brings enormous potential to neurology and neurosurgery. Implementation of NeuroVerse could potentially elevate neurosurgical and interventional procedures, enhance medical visits and patient care, and reshape neurosurgical training. However, it is also vital to consider the challenges that may be associated with its implementation, such as privacy issues, cybersecurity breaches, ethical concerns, and widening of existing healthcare inequalities. NeuroVerse adds phenomenal dimensions to the neurosurgical environment for patients, doctors, and trainees, and represents an incomparable advancement in the delivery of medicine. Therefore, more research is needed to encourage widespread use of the metaverse in healthcare, particularly focusing on the areas of morality and credibility. Although the metaverse is expected to expand rapidly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, it remains to be seen whether it represents an emerging technology that will revolutionize our society and healthcare or simply an immature condition of the future.

The African cancer burden: what is the potential role of modern oncology innovation in reducing the continent's rapidly rising mortality?

With increasing prevalence and an expected rise in disease burden, cancer is a cause of concern for African healthcare. The cancer burden in Africa is expected to rise to 2.1 million new cases per year and 1.4 million deaths annually by the year 2040. Even though efforts are being made to improve the standard of oncology service delivery in Africa, the current state of cancer care is not yet on par with the rise in the cancer burden. Cutting-edge technologies and innovations are being developed across the globe to augment the battle against cancer; however, many of them are beyond the reach of African countries. Modern oncology innovations targeted to ward Africa would be promising to address the high cancer mortality rates. The innovations should be cost-effective and widely accessible to tackle the rapidly rising mortality rate on the African continent. Though it may seem promising, a multidisciplinary approach is required to overcome the challenges associated with the development and implementation of modern oncology innovations in Africa.

Is simultaneous occurrence of meningioma and glioblastoma a mere coincidence?

BACKGROUND: It is extremely unusual for multiple tumors to arise from different cell types and occur at the same time inside the brain. It is still unknown whether or not the coexistence of meningioma and glioblastoma is connected in any way or if their simultaneous appearance is merely a coincidence. OBJECTIVE: We conduct a comprehensive literature review on cases of concurrent meningioma and glioblastoma occurrence to elucidate the underlying concepts that may constitute this coexistence. METHODS: We searched for articles on the topic of glioblastoma coexisting with meningioma in Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus. First, the initial literature searches were conducted for study selection and the data collection processes. After evaluating the title and abstract, the papers were selected. RESULTS: We analyzed 21 studies describing 23 patients who had both glioblastoma and meningioma. There were ten male patients (47.6 %) and thirteen female patients (61.9 %). The mean age of patients at diagnosis was 61 years old (the range 30 to 86). In 17 cases, both tumors were in the same hemisphere (80.9 %). In 5 cases, they were in the other hemisphere (23.8 %), and in one case, the glioblastoma was in the left hemisphere and the olfactory meningioma was In 5 cases, they were in the other hemisphere (23.8 %), and in one case, the glioblastoma was in the left hemisphere and the olfactory meningioma was in the anterior cranial fossa. In 61.9 % of cases, headache was the predominant symptom. CONCLUSION: Understanding the unique challenges posed by the coexistence of glioblastoma and meningioma is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies. Further investigation into the underlying molecular mechanisms and genetic factors involved in this rare occurrence could pave the way for personalized therapies tailored to each patient's specific needs.

Sir William Macewen (1848-1924): Pioneering the Field of Neurosurgery with Early Breakthroughs in Tumor Resection.

Sir William Macewen, a Scottish surgeon, made significant contributions to neurosurgery, beginning with his successful brain tumor resection in 1879. Born in 1848, Macewen's upbringing in a maritime family fostered a practical approach to learning. Macewen's pivotal brain tumor surgery demonstrated his adherence to antiseptic practices and precise localization techniques. Controversy arose regarding his precedence in neurosurgery, which he addressed through meticulous documentation and public presentations. His diagnostic prowess extended to cases of cerebral abscesses and intracranial conditions, relying on clinical observations rather than imaging technology. His 1893 monograph on brain infections remains influential in neurosurgery. Beyond neurosurgery, Macewen was innovative in asepsis, hernia repair, and bone surgery. His legacy as a clinical educator and advocate for surgical advancements earned him widespread recognition. This historical review aimed to explore and evaluate the published literature regarding Macewen's early brain tumor surgeries, seeking to establish his precedence over later surgeons including Godlee and Bennett.

Terrorism's impact on low and middle-income countries' healthcare services: A perspective.

Terrorism has emerged as an increasingly pressing global issue, giving rise to escalating casualties and devastating implications for peace and security. The low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), already grappling with inadequate healthcare services and an estimated annual mortality toll ranging from 5.7 to 8.4 million, face further setbacks as terrorism exacerbates their prevailing healthcare deficiencies. Among the aspects of how terrorism affects healthcare in LMICs are high morbidity, mortality, and treatment wait times. The four principal areas of reverberation encompass amplified vulnerabilities in healthcare systems, financial shortfalls in LMIC healthcare systems, worsened personnel shortages in healthcare, and the devastating impact on healthcare facilities. In response to these challenges, international organizations and countries have played a pivotal role in mitigating the impact of terrorism on healthcare systems. Additionally, to improve healthcare in these regions, investing in infrastructure, supporting healthcare workers, and ensuring safety are paramount. Implementing mobile health interventions, traditional medicine, and mobile laboratories may enhance healthcare accessibility. Further, employing blockchain technology for data security and supply chain management may strengthen healthcare systems in these areas.