Assessment of Flexion-Extension Motion After Occipitocervical and Atlantoaxial Fusion in Children.

Background And Objectives: Adult biomechanical studies suggest a significant reduction in flexion-extension motion after occipitocervical and atlantoaxial fusion. Anecdotal experience in children suggests a lower magnitude of reduction in motion after these procedures, but high-quality quantitative assessments of this motion have not yet been performed. As such, the aim of this study was to determine the magnitude of reduction in cervical spine flexion-extension after O-C2 and C1-2 fusion in pediatric patients.

Medical large language models are vulnerable to data-poisoning attacks.

The adoption of large language models (LLMs) in healthcare demands a careful analysis of their potential to spread false medical knowledge. Because LLMs ingest massive volumes of data from the open Internet during training, they are potentially exposed to unverified medical knowledge that may include deliberately planted misinformation. Here, we perform a threat assessment that simulates a data-poisoning attack against The Pile, a popular dataset used for LLM development.

The therapeutic potential of isosakuranetin against perfluorooctane sulfonate instigated cardiac toxicity via modulating Nrf-2/Keap-1 pathway, inflammatory, apoptotic, and histological profile.

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is a pervasive organic toxicant that damages body organs, including heart. Isosakuranetin (ISN) is a plant-based flavonoid that exhibits a broad range of pharmacological potentials. The current investigation was conducted to evaluate the potential role of ISN to counteract PFOS-induced cardiac damage in rats.

Exploration of nonlinear optical properties of 4-methyl-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)thio)-N-phenylpropanamide based derivatives: experimental and DFT approach.

Triazoles, nitrogen-containing heterocycles, have gained attention for their applications in medicinal chemistry, drug discovery, agrochemicals, and material sciences. In the current study, we synthesized novel derivatives of N-substituted 2-((5-(3-bromophenyl)-4-methyl-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)thio)-N-phenylpropanamide and conducted a comprehensive investigation using density functional theory (DFT). These novel structural hybrids of 1,2,4-triazole were synthesized through the multi-step chemical modifications of 3-bromobenzoic acid (1).

Development and implementation of an Enhanced Recovery After Cranial Surgery pathway following supratentorial tumor resection at a tertiary care center.

Objective: Controlling length of stay (LOS) reduces rates of nosocomial infections and falls, facilitates earlier return to daily activities, and decreases strain on the healthcare system. Complications following supratentorial tumor resection present early in the postoperative period, thereby enhancing the prospect of safe, early discharge. Here, the authors describe their initial experience with the development and implementation of an Enhanced Recovery After Cranial Surgery (ERACS) pathway following resection of supratentorial tumors in select patients.

Evaluation of possible attenuative role of chrysoeriol against polyethylene microplastics instigated testicular damage: A biochemical, spermatogenic and histological study.

The current study was designed to evaluate the protective role of chrysoeriol against polyethylene microplastics (PE-MP) induced testicular damage. Forty eight male rats were distributed into 4 equal groups: vehicle control, PE-MP administrated, PE-MP + chrysoeriol co-administrated and only chrysoeriol supplemented group. The administration of PE-MP significantly reduced the activities of anti-oxidant enzymes, i.

Carbon fiber-reinforced PEEK spinal implants for primary and metastatic spine tumors: a systematic review on implant complications and radiotherapy benefits.

Objective: By minimizing imaging artifact and particle scatter, carbon fiber-reinforced polyetheretherketone (CF-PEEK) spinal implants are hypothesized to enhance radiotherapy (RT) planning/dosing and improve oncological outcomes. However, robust clinical studies comparing tumor surgery outcomes between CF-PEEK and traditional metallic implants are lacking. In this paper, the authors performed a systematic review of the literature with the aim to describe clinical outcomes in patients with spine tumors who received CF-PEEK implants, focusing on implant-related complications and oncological outcomes.

Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals molecular regulation of salt tolerance in two contrasting chickpea genotypes.

Salinity is a major abiotic stress that causes substantial agricultural losses worldwide. Chickpea ( L.) is an important legume crop but is salt-sensitive.

Metastatic Breast Cancer to the Spine: Incidence of Somatic Gene Alterations and Association of Targeted Therapies With Overall Survival.

Background: The increase in use of targeted systemic therapies in cancer treatments has catalyzed the importance of identifying patient- and tumor-specific somatic mutations, especially regarding metastatic disease. Mutations found to be most prevalent in patients with metastatic breast cancer include TP53, PI3K, and CDH1.

Objective: To determine the incidence of somatic mutations in patients with metastatic breast cancer to the spine (MBCS).

Predictors of In-Hospital Mortality and Home Discharge in Patients with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A 4-Year Retrospective Analysis.

Background: Factors associated with discharge disposition and mortality following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) are not well-characterized. We used a national all-payer database to identify factors associated with home discharge and in-hospital mortality.

Methods: The National Inpatient Sample was queried for patients with aSAH within a 4-year range.

Grain-Filling Rate Improves Physical Grain Quality in Barley Under Heat Stress Conditions During the Grain-Filling Period.

Heat stress is a primary constraint to Australia's barley production. In addition to impacting grain yield, it adversely affects physical grain quality (weight and plumpness) and market value. The incidence of heat stress during grain filling is rising with global warming.

Management and surgical outcomes of dystrophic scoliosis in neurofibromatosis type 1: a systematic review.

Objective: Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) dystrophic scoliosis is an early-onset, rapidly progressive multiplanar deformity. There are few studies on the surgical management of this patient population. Specifically, perioperative morbidity, instrument-related complications, and quality-of-life outcomes associated with surgical management have not been systematically evaluated.

Biological control potential of entomopathogenic fungal strains against peach Fruit fly, (Saunders) (Diptera: Tephritidae).

The peachfruit fly, (Saunders) is a polyphagous pest in nature, belonging to order, and their respective family is . It mostly feeds on different crops, vegetables and fruits. Different traditional chemical insecticides have been used to control this notorious pest.

Price Transparency in Neurosurgery: Challenges and Opportunities in the Online Publishing of Treatment Prices to Enable Cost-Conscious and Value-Based Practice.

Objective: There is a paucity of evidence describing the price information that is publicly available to patients wishing to undergo neurosurgical procedures. We sought to investigate the public availability and usefulness of price estimates for non-emergent, elective neurosurgical interventions.

Methods: Google was used to search for price information related to 15 procedures in 8 major U.

Predictors of Nonelective Surgery for Spinal Metastases: Insights from a National Database.

Study Design: Secondary analysis of a national all-payer database.

Objective: Our objectives were to identify patient- and hospital-level factors independently associated with the receipt of nonelective surgery and determine whether nonelective surgery portends differences in perioperative outcomes compared to elective surgery for spinal metastases.

Summary Of Background Data: Spinal metastases may progress to symptomatic epidural spinal cord compression that warrants urgent surgical intervention.

Exploring physiotherapy practice within hospital-based interprofessional chronic pain clinics in Ontario.

: Chronic pain affects one in five persons and is a leading contributor to years lived with disability and high health care costs. In 2016, the government of Ontario increased public funding for pediatric and adult hospital-based interprofessional chronic pain clinics (HICPCs) in Ontario, Canada, expanding the role of physiotherapy in chronic pain management in the province. This role has yet to be described in the literature.

Factors associated with adjacent-level tumor progression in patients receiving surgery followed by radiosurgery for metastatic epidural spinal cord compression.

Objective: Separation surgery followed by spine stereotactic radiosurgery (SSRS) has been shown to achieve favorable rates of local tumor control and patient-reported outcomes in patients with metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC). However, rates and factors associated with adjacent-level tumor progression (ALTP) in this population have not yet been characterized. The present study aimed to identify factors associated with ALTP and examine its association with overall survival (OS) in patients receiving surgery followed by radiosurgery for MESCC.

Predictors of Operative Duration and Complications in Single-Level Posterior Interbody Fusions for Degenerative Spondylolisthesis.

Background: The goal of this study was to identify predictors of prolonged operative time (OT) in patients receiving posterior/transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (P/TLIF) and examine the relationship between prolonged OT and perioperative outcomes in this population.

Methods: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried for patients undergoing single-level P/TLIF (Common Procedural Terminology code) between 2012 and 2018. Multivariable linear regression models were constructed to identify factors independently associated with changes in OT and examine the relationship between prolonged OT and perioperative outcomes (overall complications, surgical complications, medical complications, 30-day readmission, 30-day reoperation, and length of stay).

Key drivers of patient satisfaction with spine surgeons in the outpatient setting.

Objective: The Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems Clinician & Group Survey (CG-CAHPS) was developed as a result of the value-based purchasing initiative by the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services. It allows patients to rate their experience with their provider in the outpatient setting. These ratings are then reported in aggregate and made publicly available, allowing patients to make informed choices during physician selection.

The Impact of Preoperative Depression on Patient Satisfaction With Spine Surgeons in the Outpatient Setting.

Study Design: Retrospective review.

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the association between preoperative depression and patient satisfaction in the outpatient spine clinic after lumbar surgery.

Summary Of Background Data: The Clinician and Group Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CG-CAHPS) survey is used to measure patient experience in the outpatient setting.

The association between patient rating of their spine surgeon and quality of postoperative outcome.

Objective: The Clinician and Group Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CG-CAHPS) survey was developed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services as a result of their value-based purchasing initiative. It allows patients to rate their experience with their provider in the outpatient setting. This presents a unique situation in healthcare in which the patient experience drives the marketplace, and since its creation, providers have sought to improve patient satisfaction.

Effect of leaf temperature on the estimation of photosynthetic and other traits of wheat leaves from hyperspectral reflectance.

A growing number of leaf traits can be estimated from hyperspectral reflectance data. These include structural and compositional traits, such as leaf mass per area (LMA) and nitrogen and chlorophyll content, but also physiological traits such a Rubisco carboxylation activity, electron transport rate, and respiration rate. Since physiological traits vary with leaf temperature, how does this impact on predictions made from reflectance measurements? We investigated this with two wheat varieties, by repeatedly measuring each leaf through a sequence of temperatures imposed by varying the air temperature in a growth room.

Direct incremental healthcare costs associated with mood disorders in the United States, 2007-2017.

Background: This study provides nationally representative estimates of the direct incremental economic burden of mood disorders in the United States between 2007-2017, and examines trends in spending on mood disorders by healthcare setting over time.

Methods: The Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) was used to analyze nationally-representative data related to healthcare expenditures between 2007-2017. A two-part regression model was used to estimate healthcare expenditures for patients with mood disorders compared to those without, adjusting for several sociodemographic and health-related factors.

Are There Nationwide Socioeconomic and Demographic Disparities in the Use of Outpatient Orthopaedic Services?

Background: Although disparities in the use of healthcare services in the United States have been well-documented, information examining sociodemographic disparities in the use of healthcare services (for example, office-based and emergency department [ED] care) for nonemergent musculoskeletal conditions is limited.

Questions/purposes: This study was designed to answer two important questions: (1) Are there identifiable nationwide sociodemographic disparities in the use of either office-based orthopaedic care or ED care for common, nonemergent musculoskeletal conditions? (2) Is there a meaningful difference in expenditures associated with these same conditions when care is provided in the office rather than the ED?

Methods: This study analyzed data from the 2007 to 2015 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). The MEPS is a nationally representative database administered by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality that tracks patient interactions with the healthcare system and expenditures associated with each visit, making it an ideal data source for our study.