Next-generation sequencing study of inflammatory spindle cell lesions focused on receptor tyrosine kinase gene rearrangements most frequently occurring in inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor.

Background: A group of inflammatory spindle cell lesions (ISCLs) includes many nosological entities with a common histological image consisting of spindle-shaped cells and inflammatory infiltrate. Diverse diseases indicate different prognoses that can be difficult to predict. The most well-known neoplasm from the group is an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) that harbors tyrosine kinase gene rearrangement frequently affecting ALK, ROS1, RET, PDGFRB, NTRK, and IGF1R genes.

Comprehensive multi-omics analysis of glioma tissues via LC-MS and GC-MS reveals novel pathway alterations and biomarkers.

Gliomas are highly heterogeneous brain tumors with metabolic and molecular alterations that drive their progression and aggressiveness. While genomic classifications have improved glioma diagnosis and prognosis prediction, the functional consequences of tumor progression at the protein and metabolite levels remain not fully explored. This study represents an advancement in glioma research by, for the first time, integrating LC-MS-based proteomics and metabolomics with GC-MS-based metabolomics to comprehensively characterize the molecular landscape of glioma tissues.

Proteomic profiling reveals dynamic regulation of vesicle trafficking across glioma grades.

Purpose: Gliomas are highly heterogeneous central nervous system tumors that evolve through progressive molecular reprogramming. While cell proliferation and adhesion mechanisms are well-characterized, the contribution of vesicle trafficking to glioma progression remains underexplored. This study aimed to characterize proteomic changes across glioma grades.

Elevated Expression of in PBMCs Is Associated with Intracranial Aneurysm Formation, but Expression Implicated Rupture.

The transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling pathway plays a critical role in cellular processes, including maintaining vascular integrity and regulating vascular remodeling. Aneurysm rupture is associated with pathological changes in the arterial wall. We aimed to investigate the gene expression of transforming growth factors (, , ) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from the blood of patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) and ruptured intracranial aneurysms (RIAs), and from a control group.

Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Techniques for the Treatment of Cervical Disc Herniation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

: In recent decades, the adoption of minimally invasive (non-endoscopic) cervical techniques has grown significantly. Advancements in surgical instrumentation have broadened the spectrum of available percutaneous interventions, thus providing viable alternative treatment options for patients with prolonged, conservative treatment-resistant ailments due to contained cervical disc herniation. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis in order to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of minimally invasive percutaneous (non-endoscopic) cervical techniques.

Targeting the kynurenine pathway in gliomas: Insights into pathogenesis, therapeutic targets, and clinical advances.

Gliomas, the most prevalent primary brain tumors, continue to present significant challenges in oncology due to poor patient prognosis despite advances in treatment such as immunotherapy and cancer vaccines. Recent research highlights the potential of targeting tryptophan metabolism, particularly the kynurenine pathway (KP) and combinatorial approaches with immunotherapies, as a promising strategy in cancer research. The key enzymes of the kynurenine pathway, such as IDO1, IDO2, and TDO, and metabolites like kynurenine, kynurenic acid, and quinolinic acid, are implicated in fostering an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and promoting glioma cell survival.

Standardized Endoscopic Optic Nerve Decompression: A Comprehensive Radiological and Anatomical Study.

Introduction: Despite expanding indications for endoscopic optic nerve decompression (EOND), uniform guidelines are lacking, resulting in variability in nerve exposure and hindering comparisons of treatment effectiveness. Aim: This study aims to propose a standardized approach for planning and performing EOND based on radiological and anatomical studies. Materials and methods: EOND was performed on fifteen freshly frozen cadaver heads using non-standard oblique reconstruction planes from computed tomography (CT) studies to trace the optic canal's circumference.

Metabolomic profiling of plasma from glioma and meningioma patients based on two complementary mass spectrometry techniques.

Introduction: Extracranial and intracranial tumors are a diverse group of malignant and benign neoplasms, influenced by multiple factors. Given the complex nature of these tumors and usually late or accidental diagnosis, minimally invasive, rapid, early, and accurate diagnostic methods are urgently required. Metabolomics offers promising insights into central nervous system tumors by uncovering distinctive metabolic changes linked to tumor development.

Lateral optico-carotid recess as an anatomical landmark for optimal endoscopic optic nerve decompression.

Background: Transnasal endoscopic decompression of the optic nerve is increasingly gaining acceptance among ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgeons, however neither strict indications for the procedure nor the precise extent of effective decompression have been firmly established to date. This study aimed to determine the distance between endoscopically visible, anatomical structures within the sphenoid sinus and the posterior (i.e.

Effectiveness of optic nerve sheath fenestration in preserving vision in idiopathic intracranial hypertension: an updated meta-analysis and systematic review.

Background: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Optic Nerve Sheath Fenestration (ONSF) in improving visual outcomes in patients with Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH).

Methods: A meta-analysis was conducted using data from 19 studies, totaling 1159 observations. The main assessed outcomes after ONSF surgery were: the improvement in visual acuity, the improvement in visual fields and reduction in papilledema.

Circulating serum miR-362-3p and miR-6721-5p as potential biomarkers for classification patients with adult-type diffuse glioma.

According to the fifth edition of the WHO Classification of Tumours of the Central Nervous System (CNS) published in 2021, grade 4 gliomas classification includes IDH-mutant astrocytomas and wild-type IDH glioblastomas. Unfortunately, despite precision oncology development, the prognosis for patients with grade 4 glioma remains poor, indicating an urgent need for better diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Circulating miRNAs besides being important regulators of cancer development could serve as promising diagnostic biomarkers for patients with grade 4 glioma.

The preliminary study suggests an association between NF-ĸB pathway activation and increased plasma 20S proteasome activity in intracranial aneurysm patients.

The significant role of increased activation of 20S proteasomes in the development of abdominal aortic aneurysms has been well-established in a mouse model. The available literature lacks similar studies concerning brain aneurysms. The aim of the study was to verify the hypothesis that patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIA) have increased 20S proteasome ChT-L activity compared to the control group of individuals without vascular lesions in the brain.

Proline Metabolism in WHO G4 Gliomas Is Altered as Compared to Unaffected Brain Tissue.

Proline metabolism has been identified as a significant player in several neoplasms, but knowledge of its role in gliomas is limited despite it providing a promising line of pursuit. Data on proline metabolism in the brain are somewhat historical. This study aims to investigate alterations of proline metabolism in gliomas of WHO grade 4 (GG4) in the context of the brain.

A comparison of different machine-learning techniques for the selection of a panel of metabolites allowing early detection of brain tumors.

Metabolomics combined with machine learning methods (MLMs), is a powerful tool for searching novel diagnostic panels. This study was intended to use targeted plasma metabolomics and advanced MLMs to develop strategies for diagnosing brain tumors. Measurement of 188 metabolites was performed on plasma samples collected from 95 patients with gliomas (grade I-IV), 70 with meningioma, and 71 healthy individuals as a control group.

External validation of the Ruptured Arteriovenous Malformation Grading Scale (RAGS) in a multicenter adult cohort.

Purpose: While Ruptured Arteriovenous Malformation Grading Scale (RAGS) has recently been validated in children, the literature lacks validation on adults exclusively. Therefore, we aimed to determine the validity of RAGS on the external multicenter adult cohort and compare its accuracy with other scales.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed in five neurosurgical departments to extract patients who presented with the first episode of acute brain arteriovenous malformation (bAVM) rupture between 2012 and 2019.

Relationship between Selected Micronutrient Concentrations, Total Antioxidant Status, Pain Severity, and the Image of H MR Spectroscopy in Degenerative Spine Disease: A Case-Control Study.

Osteoarthritis of the spine is a common disease and constitutes a significant problem in highly developed countries. Due to the aging of the population, the number of patients with advanced degenerative changes continues to grow. Trace elements and antioxidant status may play an active role in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis of the spine.

Plasma concentration of Bisphenol A and leptin in patients with meningioma and glioma: A pilot study.

Purpose: Recent increase in incidence of meningiomas suggests the need to search for new risk factors. Leptin, a potentially pro-angiogenic and proliferative agent, could be a candidate for this role, as its expression correlates with body mass index (BMI). Because development of meningioma has also been linked to sex hormones, bisphenol A (BPA), a known xenoestrogen, can also be taken into consideration as a potential risk factor.

Proline Metabolism in Malignant Gliomas: A Systematic Literature Review.

Background: Proline has attracted growing interest because of its diverse influence on tumor metabolism and the discovery of the regulatory mechanisms that appear to be involved. In contrast to general oncology, data on proline metabolism in central nervous system malignancies are limited.

Materials And Methods: We performed a systematic literature review of the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases according to PRISMA guidelines, searching for articles concerning proline metabolism in malignant glial tumors.

Endoscopic transconjunctival optic nerve sheath fenestration for progressive idiopathic visual field deficit: a case report.

Intra-orbital optic nerve sheath fenestration (ONSF) is an effective option in patients with progressive vision loss due to idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Most proposed techniques involve surgical trauma and require disinsertion of the medial rectus muscle; thus, less invasive surgical procedures are needed. Here, a feasible and effective technique of endoscopic intra-orbital ONSF through a conjunctival incision is presented, in a patient with a progressively compromised visual field, papilloedema, and distended subarachnoid space around the optic nerves.

Change in Blood Flow Velocity Pulse Waveform during Plateau Waves of Intracranial Pressure.

A reliable method for non-invasive detection of dangerous intracranial pressure (ICP) elevations is still unavailable. In this preliminary study, we investigate quantitatively our observation that superimposing waveforms of transcranial Doppler blood flow velocity (FV) and arterial blood pressure (ABP) may help in non-invasive identification of ICP plateau waves. Recordings of FV, ABP and ICP in 160 patients with severe head injury (treated in the Neurocritical Care Unit at Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, UK) were reviewed retrospectively.

Transnasal endoscopic skull base surgery in the COVID-19 era: Recommendations for increasing the safety of the method.

Transnasal endoscopic skull base surgery (eSBS) has been adopted in recent years, in great part to replace the extended procedures required by external approaches. Though sometimes perceived as "minimally invasive", eSBS still necessitates extensive manipulations within the nose/paranasal sinuses. Furthermore, exposure of susceptible cerebral structures to light and heat emanated by the telescope should be considered to comprehensively evaluate the safety of the method.

Assessment of Lacrimal Duct Patency in Patients Undergoing Endoscopic Medial Maxillectomy.

Purpose: The risk of epiphora after medial maxillectomy with lacrimal duct transection is difficult to assess. The data available in the literature are inconclusive due to various operating techniques used by the authors of medical publications, different additional procedures aimed at improving tear drainage after maxillectomy, and a variety of lacrimal duct patency assessment techniques. The aim of our work was to assess the anatomical and functional patency of lacrimal ducts after medial maxillectomy without performing additional procedures to improve tear drainage as well as comparison of the results obtained with different assessment tests.

Nanomechanics and Histopathology as Diagnostic Tools to Characterize Freshly Removed Human Brain Tumors.

Background: The tissue-mechanics environment plays a crucial role in human brain physiological development and the pathogenesis of different diseases, especially cancer. Assessment of alterations in brain mechanical  properties during cancer progression might provide important information about possible tissue abnormalities with clinical relevance.

Methods: With atomic force microscopy (AFM), the stiffness of freshly removed human brain tumor tissue was determined on various regions of the sample and compared to the stiffness of healthy human brain tissue that was removed during neurosurgery to gain access to tumor mass.

Ratio of IL-8 in CSF versus Serum Is Elevated in Patients with Unruptured Brain Aneurysm.

Only scarce data pertaining to interleukin 8 (IL-8) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) chemokines in human aneurysm can be found in the current literature. Therefore, the aim of this study was the evaluation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum IL-8 and MCP-1 concentration in unruptured intracranial aneurysm (UIA) patients (n = 25) compared to the control group (n = 20). IL-8 and MCP-1 concentrations were measured with ELISA method.