Current state of intraoperative neuromonitoring of the facial nerve during skull base surgery: A systematic review.

Intraoperative neuromonitoring of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) is critical during skull base surgery due to the nerve's proximity to surgical pathologies and the significant morbidity associated with a facial nerve injury. Objective: This systematic review aims to summarize and describe the numerous intraoperative neuromonitoring techniques available to the skull base surgeon for identification, preservation, and prognostication of facial nerve function during skull base surgery. A systematic review was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) checklist.

Perspectives on treatment decision-making across racial groups in adults with degenerative lumbar disease - A pilot study.

Introduction: Degenerative lumbar spine disease significantly impairs quality of life, yet racial and socioeconomic disparities in surgical treatment persist, particularly among BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color) patients, who often experience worse outcomes and are less likely to undergo surgery despite similar or higher pain levels.

Objectives: This study explored factors that influence treatment decisions among BIPOC and Non-Hispanic White (NHW) patients with degenerative lumbar spine disease, with a focus on understanding how these factors may contribute to disparities in surgical care utilization.

Methods: An explorative qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 20 patients (10 BIPOC, 10 NHW) considering lumbar spine surgery for spinal stenosis or disc herniation at three major academic institutions in Massachusetts.

Under Pressure: Emotional Reactions to Stress of Neurosurgeons and Neurosurgical Trainees.

Objective: Neurosurgeons demonstrate some of the highest levels of burnout among surgeons, yet little research has been done to understand the underlying stressors that neurosurgeons and trainees experience and the emotional responses to them. Our goal was to conduct a feasibility study identifying job stressors and emotional responses among neurosurgeons rather than generalize findings across the profession.

Methods: Emphasizing a qualitative approach in this feasibility and descriptive study, we strategically selected a small sample of neurosurgical attendings, residents, and fellows at 2 United States academic neurosurgical departments to ensure an in-depth analysis laying the groundwork for future extensive research.

Social Vulnerability, COVID-19, Racial Violence, and Depressive Symptoms: a Cross-sectional Study in the Southern United States.

Background: In March 2020, the novel 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was declared a pandemic. In May 2020, George Floyd was murdered, catalyzing a national racial reckoning. In the Southern United States, these events occurred in the context of a history of racism and high rates of poverty and discrimination, especially among racially and ethnically minoritized populations.

Family Strengthening in the Context of COVID-19: Adapting a Community-Based Intervention from Kenya to the United States.

COVID-19 led to widespread disruption of services that promote family well-being. Families impacted most were those already experiencing disparities due to structural and systemic barriers. Existing support systems faded into the background as families became more isolated.