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Interdisciplinary teams have many potential and proven benefits, including decreased burnout, decreased medical errors, increased quality, and leveraging of competing values and skills. Pituitary Tumor Centers of Excellence must have adequate volumes and high-functioning teams in order to provide exceptional, high-value care. Organizational logistics, attentive operations management, facilitated collaboration, and clear communication are key teamwork tools in delivering that care.

Between one to two-thirds of HIV infections among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men are from primary partners, and there has been increased research attention focused on strategies to increase PrEP adoption among male couples. While there is evidence that partner support is a strong correlate of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) adoption, there has been a lack of attention on PrEP communication dynamics among male couples. In this paper, we build upon this literature through analysis of dyadic data from a large cross-sectional survey of 543 concordant sero-negative and serodiscordant male couples to examine individual and relationship factors associated with reports of partner communication around PrEP, comfort in discussing PrEP, and perceived partner-level support for PrEP use. PrEP use was relatively low (16.2%), and although 87.5% of men reported their partners would support their PrEP use, only 26.3% had talked to their partner recently about PrEP. PrEP communication and perceived support for PrEP were significantly negatively associated with PrEP stigma and stigma based on sexuality (i.e., internalized homophobia and enacted external stigma based on sexuality), while men with sexual agreements were more comfortable talking about PrEP with their partner. There is a need to adapt current interventions, or develop new dyadic interventions, that provide opportunities for male couples to talk and learn about PrEP together, as a potential pathway to engage them toward PrEP use.

In addition to the growing morbidity and mortality related to the 2019 novel coronavirus (SAR-CoV-2) pandemic, social distancing measures during the pandemic may result in increased intimate partner violence (IPV). However, it is yet unknown if gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM)’s IPV risk has increased during this time. This article describes and analyzes IPV experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic in a sample of coupled-GBMSM in the United States. We hypothesized that pandemic-driven stressors would be associated with increased IPV prevalence and severity. A sample of 214 coupled men living in the US who had previously participated in HIV-related couple studies was surveyed in July-September 2020. Respondents reported demographic, sexual and substance use behaviors, and relationship characteristics. Surveys also collected data on pandemic-related life-changes (employment, substance use, COVID-19 illness). IPV victimization and perpetration were measured with the Gay and Bisexual Men Intimate Partner Violence scale and measured individually experienced or perpetrated violence, sexual, emotional, monitoring, or controlling behaviors, and if a given behavior was new and/or had changed in frequency during the pandemic. Reported prevalence and pandemic-related changes in victimization and perpetration were described. New or more frequent IPV victimization was modeled against employment, substance use changes, COVID-19 illness, and outside sexual partners (modified by a couple’s sexual agreement). IPV perpetration prevalence was 15.17%, 34.44% of which was new or more frequent. Victimization prevalence was 14.95%, of which 46.88% was new or more frequent. After adjustment, outside sexual partners were associated with IPV among those with nonmonogamous sexual agreements; each outside sexual partner increased the odds of new or more frequent victimization by 70% ( OR = 1.70; 95% CI [1.16, 2.51]). Given this study’s documented rise in IPV among a sample of coupled men, additional research into IPV predictors, interventions, and support strategies in GBMSM populations are warranted.

Sexual agreements are an important element of HIV prevention for many partnered gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM). This study describes sexual agreement and sexual behavior changes during the 2020 pandemic among a sample of 215 coupled US GBMSM. Overall, reported behavior shifted towards monogamy. Fifteen percent of respondents developed/ended/changed their agreement during the pandemic; the pandemic factored into 85% of reported changes. Individuals reported fewer outside sexual partners compared to the 3 months pre-pandemic. More research is needed to investigate shifting behavior and associated risk in order to adapt HIV services during the pandemic.

The after-hours effect on postoperative complications has been poorly studied in the neurosurgical literature. A recent retrospective analysis showed that patients with a surgical start time (SST) between 09:01 pm and 07:00 am had a greater risk of complications. This study used a prospective registry to examine the relationship between SST and postoperative complications in a large neurosurgical population.We performed a prospective longitudinal cohort analysis of all consecutive adult patients admitted to our neurosurgery service between October 1, 2018 and May 1, 2019. Complications were prospectively recorded and classified as surgical or medical. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to analyze these data.Eighty-five surgical complications (6.6%) and 110 medical complications (8.6%) resulted from 1285 operations on 1145 patients. Later SST was predictive of complications in the emergent population (odds ratio [OR], 2.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-5.15; P = 0.048) but not in the elective population. Extubation in the neurosurgical intensive care unit (NICU) versus the operating room strongly predicted medical complications (OR, 6.91; 95% CI, 3.33-14.34; P0.0001). Patients with a later SST were significantly more likely to be extubated in the NICU (P0.0001).Patients undergoing emergent operations with a later SST were significantly more likely to have a postoperative complication. Patients who were extubated in the NICU versus the operating room were significantly more likely to have a medical complication. Patients were more likely to be extubated in the NICU if they had a later SST; therefore, SST may indirectly be associated with an increase in medical complications.

Intraoperative diagnosis is essential for providing safe and effective care during cancer surgery1. The existing workflow for intraoperative diagnosis based on hematoxylin and eosin staining of processed tissue is time, resource and labor intensive2,3. Moreover, interpretation of intraoperative histologic images is dependent on a contracting, unevenly distributed, pathology workforce4. In the present study, we report a parallel workflow that combines stimulated Raman histology (SRH)5-7, a label-free optical imaging method and deep convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to predict diagnosis at the bedside in near real-time in an automated fashion. Specifically, our CNNs, trained on over 2.5 million SRH images, predict brain tumor diagnosis in the operating room in under 150 s, an order of magnitude faster than conventional techniques (for example, 20-30 min)2. In a multicenter, prospective clinical trial (n = 278), we demonstrated that CNN-based diagnosis of SRH images was noninferior to pathologist-based interpretation of conventional histologic images (overall accuracy, 94.6% versus 93.9%). Our CNNs learned a hierarchy of recognizable histologic feature representations to classify the major histopathologic classes of brain tumors. In addition, we implemented a semantic segmentation method to identify tumor-infiltrated diagnostic regions within SRH images. These results demonstrate how intraoperative cancer diagnosis can be streamlined, creating a complementary pathway for tissue diagnosis that is independent of a traditional pathology laboratory.

Background Synovial cysts are cystic masses lined with pseudostratified columnar cells and containing clear or xanthochromic fluid. Although they are commonly encountered in the lumbar spine, synovial cysts infrequently occur in the cervical spine and rarely involve the odontoid process. The causes of synovial cysts of the odontoid process are unknown, but growth of synovial rests, proliferation of multipotent mesenchymal cells, atlantoaxial instability, and trauma are thought to play a role. Case Description We present 3 cases of atlantoaxial cysts with the associated radiographic features, surgical management, and clinical outcomes. No patient had rheumatoid arthritis. In all cases, preoperative differential diagnosis included neoplastic pathologic changes. Two patients underwent odontoidectomy through either an endonasal or a transoral approach, followed by posterior occipitocervical fusion. The third patient underwent an endoscopic transsphenoidal approach for cyst decompression. Conclusions Tissue diagnosis is important in confirming pathologic analysis because synovial cysts have radiographic characteristics similar to those of a wide variety of neoplasms of the craniovertebral junction.

Partnered men who have sex with men are not immune to the risk of HIV. Analyzing dyadic data from 360 male couples recruited from April 2016 to June 2017, we examined how relationship characteristics might influence HIV testing behavior and perceptions of partners' HIV testing. Increasing levels of mutual trust were associated with lower odds of both partners (versus neither) having been tested in the past year (aOR = 0.91, 95% CI 0.83-0.99), but increasing levels of communal coping were associated with higher odds (aOR = 1.06, 95% CI 1.02-1.10). Only one partner was more likely to be correct about whether or not his partner had been tested in the past year (versus both) if someone had broken their sexual agreement (aOR = 2.60, 95% CI 1.17-5.76). Increasing differences in trust (aOR = 1.10, 95% CI 1.01-1.20) were also associated with higher odds of only one partner being correct. Dyadic HIV prevention efforts should incorporate skills building around negotiating sexual agreements and constructive communication.

There is growing evidence that sexual behaviors among male couples are strongly shaped by emotional and quality characteristics of the relationship, and that the labels that men attach to their relationships may indicate how men perceive and engage in risk taking. There has been a lack of attention to how male couples label their relationships, and how discordant understandings of relationship labels may shape HIV risk behavior. Using data from a sample of 804 partnered men who have sex with men, this analysis examines associations between discordant relationship labeling and participation in HIV testing and sexual behavior. Men who labeled their relationship differently from their partners were less likely to have been recently tested for HIV and more likely to engage in sexual risk. The results underscore the need to develop interventions that provide spaces and skills for men to learn how to effectively navigate HIV risks in their relationships.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak is a complication of endoscopic endonasal pituitary adenoma resection. Previous studies examining complications of pituitary adenoma resection have not examined associations of an exhaustive list of clinical and financial variables with CSF leak. We designed a retrospective analysis of 334 consecutive patients that underwent endoscopic endonasal pituitary adenoma resection at a single institution over 5 years, analyzing associations between CSF leak and demographic data, operative data, comorbidities, clinical complications and outcomes, costs, charges, and payments. Of the 20 preoperative variables studied, none were positively associated with CSF leak in between-groups comparison, although multivariate analysis revealed an association with a history of radiation to the skull base (odds ratio [OR], 8.67; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.94–57.03; p

Accurate, reliable self-reports of sexual behavior are a crucial component of valid HIV risk-estimation and behavioral intervention evaluation, yet this data's reliability remains understudied. The goal of this study was to describe interpartner agreement on recent receptive anal intercourse (AI) and condomless receptive AI frequencies, among a sample of male couples. We quantified interpartner agreement on self-reported receptive AI and condomless receptive AI (absolute and relative to AI frequency), and position and condom use during a couple's most recent AI, using cross-sectional data from male partners (US, 2016-2017; N = 718 individuals). Proportional and statistical agreement (intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), kappa (k)) were assessed. Observed agreement for receptive AI frequency was 49.44% (ICC (95% CI): 0.82(0.79, 0.84)) and for relative receptive frequency, 59.05% (ICC: 0.96 (0.85, 0.96). Agreement on condomless receptive AI was 90.21% (ICC: 0.78 (0.75, 0.82), and for relative condomless receptive AI, 91.15% (ICC: 0.80 (0.77, 0.83). Most recent AI position agreement was 89.42% (k (95% CI): 0.84 (0.80, 0.88)), and condom use, 98.89% (k: 0.82 (0.87, 0.98)). Observed agreement was higher among those who reported consistent positioning and condom use. Further research on self-reported sexual behavior data is needed to improve research validity and intervention effectiveness.

Background Intracranial meningiomas that arise from the medial sphenoid ridge, anterior clinoid process, tuberculum sellae, or planum sphenoidale often impair vision by compressing the optic nerves and optic chiasm. Although many studies have reported visual outcome following surgery for these tumors, documentation has often been incomplete and not validated by patient self-report. Methods Retrospective study of 40 patients drawn from a single, academic, medical center. We used a unique method of assessing visual outcome based on whether the change in visual function affected the preoperatively better-sighted or worse-sighted eye in the belief that this method would correlate with effects on activities of daily living (ADL). To elicit patient self-reports of those effects, we conducted telephone interviews of 25 patients with a standard questionnaire. We also assessed putative ophthalmic, imaging, and surgical predictors of visual outcome. Results Visual improvement occurred in 61% of patients with preoperative monocular visual dysfunction, but only 22% of patients reported improvement in their ability to conduct ADL, and 17% lost vision. Visual outcomes were better in patients with preoperative binocular visual dysfunction, where visual improvement occurred in 73% and no patient lost vision in the preoperatively better-sighted eye. However, only 27% of patients with preoperative binocular visual dysfunction reported improvement in their ability to conduct ADL. Long duration of vision impairment, presence of optic disc pallor, large tumor size, and imaging-based preoperative optic canal involvement did not preclude a favorable visual outcome. Aggressive surgical reduction in displacement of the optic nerves was not necessary to obtain a favorable visual outcome and sometimes led to an unfavorable visual outcome. Conclusions In this study, surgery often improved vision, especially in patients with preoperative binocular visual dysfunction. But patients indicated that the effect on their ability to perform ADL was more modest. Moreover, 17% of patients with preoperative monocular visual dysfunction lost vision in the only affected eye, often to a considerable degree. In those patients, surgery would be justified primarily to relieve the concern of having a large brain tumor and to prevent tumor growth. Preoperative ophthalmic and imaging features poorly predicted visual outcomes. Favorable visual outcomes occurred without aggressive surgical debulking of the tumors.

Background: Accurate diagnosis of skull base tumors is essential for providing personalized surgical treatment strategies. Intraoperative diagnosis can be challenging due to tumor diversity and lack of intraoperative pathology resources. Objective: To develop an independent and parallel intraoperative pathology workflow that can provide rapid and accurate skull base tumor diagnoses using label-free optical imaging and artificial intelligence. Method: We used a fiber laser-based, label-free, non-consumptive, high-resolution microscopy method ($, Published as journal article

INTRODUCTION: Use of Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention by men who have sex with men (MSM) may be impacted by relationship dynamics. We assessed perceived partner support of PrEP use and benefit of PrEP by relationship characteristics among male couples. METHODS: Baseline data from a randomized control trial of video-based HIV counseling and testing among male couples in the U.S. were used in adjusted multilevel regression models to assess individual and dyadic characteristics. RESULTS: Among 659 participants, 73.3% thought their partner would be supportive of their PrEP use; 26.7% reported their partner would not support PrEP use, which was significantly associated with intimate partner violence (IPV) (p=0.008). Most (57.7%) did not believe PrEP would be beneficial to them or their partner. Couples with a sexual agreement allowing outside partners were significantly associated with higher perceived support of partners for PrEP (p

Background Although there are a number of advantages to using the internet to recruit and enroll participants into Web-based research studies, these advantages hinge on data validity. In response to this concern, researchers have provided recommendations for how best to screen for fraudulent survey entries and to handle potentially invalid responses. Yet, the majority of this previous work focuses on screening (ie, verification that individual met the inclusion criteria) and validating data from 1 individual, and not from 2 people who are in a dyadic relationship with one another (eg, same-sex male couple; mother and daughter). Although many of the same data validation and screening recommendations for Web-based studies with individual participants can be used with dyads, there are differences and challenges that need to be considered. Objective This paper aimed to describe the methods used to verify and validate couples’ relationships and data from a Web-based research study, as well as the associated lessons learned for application toward future Web-based studies involving the screening and enrollment of couples with dyadic data collection. Methods We conducted a descriptive evaluation of the procedures and associated benchmarks (ie, decision rules) used to verify couples’ relationships and validate whether data uniquely came from each partner of the couple. Data came from a large convenience sample of same-sex male couples in the United States, who were recruited through social media venues for a Web-based, mixed methods HIV prevention research study. Results Among the 3815 individuals who initiated eligibility screening, 1536 paired individuals (ie, data from both partners of a dyad) were assessed for relationship verification; all passed this benchmark. For data validation, 450 paired individuals (225 dyads) were identified as fraudulent and failed this benchmark, resulting in a total sample size of 1086 paired participants representing 543 same-sex male couples who were enrolled. The lessons learned from the procedures used to screen couples for this Web-based research study have led us to identify and describe four areas that warrant careful attention: (1) creation of new and replacement of certain relationship verification items, (2) identification of resources needed relative to using a manual or electronic approach for screening, (3) examination of approaches to link and identify both partners of the couple, and (4) handling of bots. Conclusions The screening items and associated rules used to verify and validate couples’ relationships and data worked yet required extensive resources to implement. New or updating some items to verify a couple’s relationship may be beneficial for future studies. The procedures used to link and identify whether both partners were coupled also worked, yet they call into question whether new approaches are possible to help increase linkage, suggesting the need for further inquiry.

Hypopituitary patients are assumed to have decreased QoL due to GHD. However, in placebo controlled trials, the effects of GH replacement are no different from placebo. Hydrocortisone dose > 20 mg/day and pituitary radiation are independently associated with poorer QoL. We assessed QoL in panhypopituitary GH- deficient patients never treated with GH. Study group was divided into: (a) surgery followed by radiation (n = 21) and (b) surgery alone (n = 32). Mean duration of GHD was 71.4 ± 7.8 months and mean daily hydrocortisone dose was 15 ± 0.7 mg. Control group had transnasal surgery for benign sinus conditions (n = 54). AGHDA scores were significantly worse in the entire study group compared to controls (8.1 ± 1.0 vs. 5.1 ± 0.9, p = 0.03). In patients with history of radiation therapy AGHDA scores were significantly worse than in controls (9.1 ± 1.5, p = 0.02) and SNOT-22 (Sino-Nasal Outcome Test) scores were also significantly worse (15.8 ± 2.0 vs. 23.2 ± 3.5, p = 0.04). However, AGHDA scores in patients without history of radiation and on “physiological” dose of hydrocortisone were similar to those in controls (5.1 ± 0.9 vs. 7.3 ± 1.3, p = 0.17). Replacement with hydrocortisone doses not exceeding 20 mg/day and avoidance of radiation therapy was accompanied by normal QoL in patients not replaced with GH. Thus, we suggest that the decreased QoL in hypopituitary patients may not be due to GH deficiency per se, but rather to high hydrocortisone doses and to aftereffects of cranial radiation.

BACKGROUND Attempted gross-total resection for the management of cystic retrochiasmatic craniopharyngiomas can cause severe hypothalamic dysfunction and decrease overall survival. Ventriculoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive alternative; however, potential indications and technique have not been well defined. OBJECTIVE To present our indications and technique for the ventriculoscopic treatment of cystic retrochiasmatic craniopharyngiomas. METHODS We evaluated all patients with retrochiasmatic craniopharyngiomas for ventriculoscopic surgery. Indications and operative technique were developed to minimize operative morbidity, relieve mass effect, and optimize functional outcome. Cyst size and functional outcomes were statistically evaluated to determine radiographic and short-term clinical outcome. RESULTS Indications for ventriculoscopic surgery included (1) radiographic evidence of hypothalamic involvement and (2) major cystic component. Ten patients met indications, and mean follow-up was 2.5 ± 1.6 yr. The surgical technique included wide cyst fenestration at the foramen of Monro, and fenestration of inferior cyst wall/third ventriculostomy ("through-and-through" technique). Preoperative Karnofsky performance status was 70 ± 15 and was inversely correlated with preoperative cyst size (13 ± 13 cm3). A statistically significant reduction in cyst size was found on early postoperative imaging (2.1 ± 4.3 cm3). Seven patients received postoperative radiotherapy. Postoperative performance scores (81 ± 8.3) had improved; no patient suffered functional decline. Pre- and postoperative body mass indices were similar. No patient had short-term hypothalamic obesity. CONCLUSION Ventriculoscopic surgery, with or without adjuvant treatments, can reduce early postoperative tumor volume and improve short-term functional status in cystic retrochiasmatic craniopharyngiomas with hypothalamic involvement; it should be considered a minimally invasive option in the multimodal treatment of craniopharyngiomas. Further studies are needed to determine long-term efficacy.

BACKGROUND Frontotemporal craniotomies are commonly performed for a variety of neurosurgical pathologies. Infections related to craniotomies cause significant morbidity. We hypothesized that the risk of cranial surgical site infections (SSIs) may be increased in patients whose frontal sinuses are breached during craniotomy. OBJECTIVE To compare the rate of cranial SSIs in patients undergoing frontotemporal craniotomies with and without frontal sinus breach (FSB). METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing frontotemporal craniotomies for the management of cerebral aneurysms from 2005 to 2014. This study included 862 patients undergoing 910 craniotomies. Primary outcome of interest was occurrence of a cranial SSI. Standard statistical methods were utilized to explore associations between a variety of variables including FSB, cranial SSI, and infections requiring reoperation. RESULTS Of the 910 craniotomies, 141 (15.5%) involved FSB. Of those involving FSB, 22 (15.6%) developed a cranial SSI, compared to only 56 of the 769 without FSB (7.3%; P = .001). Cranial SSI requiring reoperation was much more likely in patients with FSB compared to those without a breach (7.8% vs 1.6%; P < .001). In those presenting with cranial SSIs, epidural abscess formation was more common with FSB compared to no FSB (27.3% vs 5.4%; P = .006). In multivariate analysis, breach of the frontal sinus was significantly associated with cranial SSI (OR 2.16; 95% CI 1.24-3.78; P = .01) and reoperation (OR 4.20; 95% CI 1.66-10.65; P = .003). CONCLUSION Patients undergoing frontotemporal craniotomies are at significantly greater risk of serious cranial SSIs if the frontal sinus has been breached.

Prior research with male couples has focused on how sexual agreements can influence relationship dynamics, sexual risk taking, and health promoting behaviors. Little is known about the association between sexual agreements and the experience or perpetration of intimate partner violence (IPV) in this population. Our study sought to evaluate these associations using dyadic data from a sample of 386 male couples residing in the U.S. Both partners independently reported on their relationship characteristics, sexual agreements, and specific acts reflecting physical, emotional, controlling, and monitoring IPV in separate surveys. Participants were more likely to have experienced IPV in the past year if they were in a relationship for ≥ 3 years versus

Background The recognition of the role of primary partners in HIV transmission has led to a growth in dyadic-focused HIV prevention efforts. The increasing focus on male couples in HIV research has been paralleled by an increase in the development of interventions aimed at reducing HIV risk behaviors among male couples. The ability to accurately assess the efficacy of these interventions rests on the ability to successfully enroll couples into HIV prevention research. Objective This study aimed to explore factors associated with successful dyadic engagement in Web-based HIV prevention research using recruitment and enrollment data from a large sample of same-sex male couples recruited online from the United States. Methods Data came from a large convenience sample of same-sex male couples in the United States, who were recruited through social media venues for a Web-based, mixed method HIV prevention research study. The analysis examined the demographic factors associated with successful dyadic engagement in research, measured as both members of the dyad meeting eligibility criteria, consenting for the study, and completing all study processes. Results Advertisements generated 221,258 impressions, resulting in 4589 clicks. Of the 4589 clicks, 3826 individuals were assessed for eligibility, of which 1076 individuals (538/1913, 28.12% couples) met eligibility criteria and were included in the study. Of the remaining 2740 ineligible participants, 1293/3826 (33.80%) were unlinked because their partner did not screen for eligibility, 48/2740 (1.75%) had incomplete partner data because at least one partner did not finish the survey, 22/2740 (0.80%) were ineligible because of 1 partner not meeting the eligibility criteria. Furthermore, 492/3826 (12.86%) individuals were fraudulent. The likelihood of being in a matched couple varied significantly by race and ethnicity, region, and relationship type. Men from the Midwest were less likely to have a partner who did not complete the survey. Men with college education and those who labeled their relationships as husband or other (vs boyfriend) were more likely to have a partner who did not complete the survey. Conclusions The processes used allowed couples to independently progress through the stages necessary to enroll in the research study, while limiting opportunities for coercion, and resulted in a large sample with relative diversity in demographic characteristics. The results underscore the need for additional considerations when recruiting and enrolling, relative to improving the methods associated with these research processes.

Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) experience greater health disparities, and concern about other health conditions may decrease engagement in HIV prevention. This study assessed perceived threat and impact of HIV relative to other health concerns among GBMSM. Data were from a national online survey of GBMSM conducted between August and September 2015. Participants ranked concern about contracting HIV and impact of HIV on their health compared with other health conditions. The association of HIV threat and impact with recent condomless anal sex (CAS) and HIV testing were assessed using regression models. Among 466 participants, threat and impact of HIV were ranked lower compared to cancer, Alzheimer's and heart disease. Concern about getting HIV was associated with greater odds of recent HIV testing (adjOR 1.1, 95%CI 1.02-1.18) and lower CAS (adjOR 0.86, 95%CI 0.78-0.94). Among GBMSM, other health conditions may be perceived as a greater threat and higher impact on health compared with HIV. Integrating complex health care concerns with HIV prevention strategies may increase engagement in prevention.

The Multi-component HIV Intervention Packages for Chinese MSM (China MP3) project sought to facilitate engagement in care and initiation of antiretroviral therapy among newly HIV-diagnosed men who have sex with men in Beijing, China through the implementation of a 12-month multicomponent intervention. In addition to 5 patient-focused, face-to-face peer-counseling (PC) sessions delivered over the first 9 months of participation, participants also received a short message service (SMS)-based check-in text (want to talk?) with as-needed PC follow-up during, sent weekly for the first 6-months and every two-weeks for the last 6-months. Implementation of the interactive text-based intervention used a ‘ticket system’ to monitor and document responses to texted check-ins and PC follow-up. Using this tracking system, we characterized the 1521 tickets generated during the China-MP3 intervention across 184 intervention participants. These distributed as 23% generated because of a “yes” response to wanting to talk, and 77% due to no reply from a participant received within 24-hours. On follow-up, a wide variety of topics were discussed with PCs, although most appeared to focus on issues related to ART and CD4 and viral load. Almost all participants engaged in at least one SMS-related discussion over their participation in the intervention, suggesting participants did use this additional component to the peer-counseling intervention. Sending regular check-ins may offer unique opportunities for newly diagnosed MSM to ask questions or gather support between face-to-face visits.

Background Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) are at elevated risk for acquiring sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the United States, especially chlamydia and gonorrhea. While research has indicated main partners over casual partners may play a central role in STI risk, the frequency of STI screening among MSM couples is particularly low. Self-sample collection for chlamydia and gonorrhea screening has been shown to be highly accurate, and at-home STI testing has been shown to be highly acceptable among diverse populations. However, there is little research exploring the feasibility and acceptability of at-home chlamydia and gonorrhea screening among MSM couples. Our pilot study aims to help evaluate the viability of this screening modality as an intervention tool for MSM couples Objective The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of an at-home chlamydia and gonorrhea sample collection and remote lab testing program among a sample of 50 MSM couples living in the United States. Methods This pilot study enrolled 50 MSM couples, ranging from 18-40 years old and living in the United States, who participated in a larger at-home HIV testing randomized controlled trial. Participating couples completed a pretest instructional video call and then had the option of completing at-home sample collection across three bodily sites (rectal swab, pharyngeal swab, and urine sample) for remote chlamydia and gonorrhea lab testing. For participants who completed any sample collection, they received their results via a posttest video call. All participants completed an online survey examining satisfaction and acceptability of the home testing process, experience with logistics, willingness to test at home in the future, recent sexual risk behavior, STI testing history, and linkage to care. A subset of 10 couples completed an in-depth interview about their attitudes towards the sample collection process, different decisions they made while collecting their samples, and their experience accessing treatment (for those who received a positive result). Results Recruitment began in September 2017, and as of March 2019 a total of 50 couples have been enrolled. Overall, 49/50 couples have returned their samples and completed the posttest delivery call, and 10 in-depth interviews have been completed and transcribed. Conclusions Screening MSM couples at home for chlamydia and gonorrhea and providing video-facilitated results delivery may offer a tailored approach to address the increasing prevalence of these STIs. By collecting data on how MSM couples experience at-home STI screening, this project will provide valuable insight into the utility of such a service delivery program to public health interventionists and researchers alike. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/14481

Objective Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins regulate key cellular fate decisions including proliferation and apoptosis. STAT3 overexpression induces tumor growth in multiple neoplasms. STAT3 is constitutively activated in chordoma, a tumor with a high recurrence rate despite maximal surgical and radiation treatment. We hypothesized that a novel small molecule inhibitor of STAT3 (FLLL32) would induce significant cytotoxicity in sacral and clival chordoma cells. Methods Sacral (UCh1) and clival (UM-CHOR-1) chordoma cell lines were grown in culture (the latter derived from primary tumor explants). FLLL32 dosing parameters were optimized using cell viability assays. Antitumor potential of FLLL32 was assessed using clonal proliferation assays. Potential mechanisms underlying observed cytotoxicity were examined using immunofluorescence assays. Results FLLL32 induced significant cytotoxicity in UCh1 and UM-CHOR-1 chordoma cells, essentially eliminating all viable cells, correlating with observed downregulation in activated, phosphorylated STAT3 upon administration of FLLL32. Mechanisms underlying the observed cytotoxicity included increased apoptosis and reduced cellular proliferation through inhibition of mitosis. Conclusion As a monotherapy, FLLL32 induces potent tumor kill in vitro in chordoma cell lines derived from skull base and sacrum. This effect is mediated through inhibition of STAT3 phosphorylation, increased susceptibility to apoptosis, and suppression of cell proliferation.

Introduction. Pituitary apoplexy (PA) is a rare and potentially life-threatening clinical syndrome resulting from pituitary gland hemorrhage and/or infarction. Anticoagulation is a risk factor for triggering PA. Isolated oculomotor nerve palsy is an atypical presentation of PA. Case Presentation. A 65-year-old African American female with no past medical history of pituitary disease presented to the emergency department (ED) with nonspecific abdominal pain that was thought to be secondary to fecal stasis and subsequently improved with laxatives. She also reported atypical chest pain that was concerning for unstable angina. She was started on aspirin, clopidogrel, and intravenous (IV) heparin. Later, coronary catheterization showed no significant coronary artery disease (CAD). Twelve hours after the procedure, the patient developed acute complete left oculomotor nerve palsy with a severe headache. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head showed a large pituitary mass. Pituitary apoplexy was suspected and the patient eventually underwent a successful trans-sphenoidal pituitary resection. Discussion. We report a case of PA manifesting as isolated left oculomotor nerve palsy without visual field defects in the setting of using dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) and IV heparin for acute coronary syndrome. To the best of our knowledge, this unique combination has not been previously reported.

Background Management of anterior cranial base malignancies requires multidisciplinary care. Radiation therapy remains a mainstay of definitive or adjuvant treatment. Apart from primary hypothyroidism, the effects of radiation on the hypothalamic–pituitary axis after high-dose treatment of head and neck malignancies remain poorly described. We describe a comprehensive screening protocol for surveillance and characterize the incidence of pituitary dysfunction after radiation for anterior cranial base malignancies. Methods A review of patients prospectively enrolled in a skull base registry at an academic center was performed. Included patients had a history of anterior skull base malignancy and external beam radiation to the primary site, with comprehensive post-treatment pituitary serologies and at least 1 year of post-radiation follow-up. Routine hormonal screening was initiated during the study period for all patients with anterior skull base irradiation. Results Eighty-one patients met inclusion. Fifty-eight patients (71%) demonstrated some laboratory abnormality. Thirty patients (37%) demonstrated evidence of hypopituitarism. Twenty-four (29%) demonstrated central hypogonadism, and 16% of patients showed central hypothyroidism. Ten patients (12%) displayed central adrenal insufficiency with six patients demonstrating panhypopituitarism. Primary tumor location and maximum dose of radiation to the gland appeared to correlate with incidence of hypopituitarism. Conclusion Radiation for malignancies of the anterior skull base resulted in a 37% incidence of hypopituitarism in our study. Given the potential morbidity of hypopituitarism, we recommend annual post-treatment screening in these patients. We describe a comprehensive set of serologies that can be utilized, and recommend updating clinical guidelines to reflect the necessity of this screening.

OBJECTIVEPituitary adenomas occur in a heterogeneous patient population with diverse perioperative risk factors, endocrinopathies, and other tumor-related comorbidities. This heterogeneity makes predicting postoperative outcomes challenging when using traditional scoring systems. Modern machine learning algorithms can automatically identify the most predictive risk factors and learn complex risk-factor interactions using training data to build a robust predictive model that can generalize to new patient cohorts. The authors sought to build a predictive model using supervised machine learning to accurately predict early outcomes of pituitary adenoma surgery.METHODSA retrospective cohort of 400 consecutive pituitary adenoma patients was used. Patient variables/predictive features were limited to common patient characteristics to improve model implementation. Univariate and multivariate odds ratio analysis was performed to identify individual risk factors for common postoperative complications and to compare risk factors with model predictors. The study population was split into 300 training/validation patients and 100 testing patients to train and evaluate four machine learning models using binary classification accuracy for predicting early outcomes.RESULTSThe study included a total of 400 patients. The mean ± SD patient age was 53.9 ± 16.3 years, 59.8% of patients had nonfunctioning adenomas and 84.7% had macroadenomas, and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 32.6 ± 7.8 (58.0% obesity rate). Multivariate odds ratio analysis demonstrated that age < 40 years was associated with a 2.86 greater odds of postoperative diabetes insipidus and that nonobese patients (BMI < 30) were 2.2 times more likely to develop postoperative hyponatremia. Using broad criteria for a poor early postoperative outcome—major medical and early surgical complications, extended length of stay, emergency department admission, inpatient readmission, and death—31.0% of patients met criteria for a poor early outcome. After model training, a logistic regression model with elastic net (LR-EN) regularization best predicted early postoperative outcomes of pituitary adenoma surgery on the 100-patient testing set—sensitivity 68.0%, specificity 93.3%, overall accuracy 87.0%. The receiver operating characteristic and precision-recall curves for the LR-EN model had areas under the curve of 82.7 and 69.5, respectively. The most important predictive variables were lowest perioperative sodium, age, BMI, highest perioperative sodium, and Cushing’s disease.CONCLUSIONSEarly postoperative outcomes of pituitary adenoma surgery can be predicted with 87% accuracy using a machine learning approach. These results provide insight into how predictive modeling using machine learning can be used to improve the perioperative management of pituitary adenoma patients.

Background: Awareness of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention is increasing, but little is known about the functional knowledge of PrEP and its impact on willingness to use PrEP. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the functional knowledge of PrEP among a sample of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) participating in a Web-based survey of sexually active MSM. Methods: Men at least 18 years old, residing in the United States, and reporting sex with a man in the previous 6 months were recruited through social networking websites. PrEP functional knowledge included the following 4 questions (1) efficacy of consistent PrEP use, (2) inconsistent PrEP use and effectiveness, (3) PrEP and condom use, and (4) effectiveness at reducing sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Ordinal logistic regression was used to identify respondent characteristics associated with PrEP functional knowledge. In a subsample of participants responding to HIV prevention questions, we compared willingness to use PrEP by response to PrEP functional knowledge using logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, race and ethnicity, and education level. Results: Among 573 respondents, PrEP knowledge was high regarding adherence (488/573, 85.2%), condom use (532/573, 92.8%), and STIs (480/573, 83.8%), but only 252/573 (44.0%) identified the correct efficacy. Lower functional PrEP knowledge was associated with minority race/ethnicity (P=.005), lower education (P=.01), and not having an HIV test in the past year (P=.02). Higher PrEP knowledge was associated with willingness to use PrEP (P=.009). Younger age was not associated with higher PrEP functional knowledge or willingness to use PrEP. Conclusions: PrEP knowledge was generally high in our study, including condom use and consistent use but may be lacking in higher risk MSM. The majority of respondents did not correctly identify PrEP efficacy with consistent use, which could impact motivation to seek out PrEP for HIV prevention. Targeted messaging to increase PrEP knowledge may increase PrEP use. [JMIR Public Health Surveill 2018;4(1):e13]

Objective We aimed to compare major complication rates in patients undergoing open versus endoscopic resection of olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) and to determine the prognostic utility of the Kadish staging and Hyams grading systems with respect to progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Methods It is a retrospective review of experience in treating ONB at a single tertiary care hospital from 1987 through 2015. Major complications were defined as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, meningitis, osteomyelitis, tracheostomy, and severe neurologic injury. Results Forty-one patients were included. An open approach was used in 34 (83%), endoscopic in 6 (15%), and combined in 1 (2%) case. Rates of major complications by surgical approach were 17% after endoscopic versus 31% after open (p = 0.65). There was no significant difference in PFS or OS based on Kadish B versus C (PFS, p = 0.28; OS, p = 0.11) or Hyams grade 1 and 2 versus Hyams grade 3 and 4 (PFS, p = 0.53; OS, p = 0.38). Conclusions There was no significant difference in major complications between open and endoscopic approaches for the treatment of ONB. Patient stratification using the Kadish staging and Hyams grading systems did not show significant differences in PFS or OS. Further research is needed to determine if a different staging system would better predict patient outcomes.

Background: Transgender and gender nonconforming people experience some of the highest human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) rates in the United States, and experience many structural and behavioral barriers that may limit their engagement in HIV testing, prevention, and care. Evidence suggests that transgender and gender nonconforming youth (TY) are especially vulnerable to acquiring HIV, yet there is little research on TY and few services are targeted towards HIV testing, prevention, and care for this population. Telehealth presents an opportunity to mitigate some structural barriers that TY experience in accessing HIV testing, allowing TY to engage in HIV testing and counseling in a safe and nonjudgmental space of their choosing. Project Moxie is an HIV prevention intervention that pairs the use of HIV self-testing with remote video-based counseling and support from a trained, gender-affirming counselor. This study aims to offer a more positive HIV testing and counseling experience, with the goal of improving HIV testing frequency. Objective: Project Moxie involves a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) of 200 TY aged 15-24 years, who are randomized on a 1:1 basis to control or intervention arms. The aim is to examine whether the addition of counseling provided via telehealth, coupled with home-based HIV testing, can create gains in routine HIV testing among TY over a six-month follow-up period. Methods: This study implements a prospective pilot RCT of 200 TY recruited online. Participants in the control arm will receive one HIV self-testing kit and will be asked to report their results via the study’s website. Participants in the experimental arm will receive one HIV self-testing kit and will test with a remotely-located counselor during a prescheduled video-counseling session. Participants are assessed at baseline, and at three and six months posttesting. Results: Project Moxie was launched in June 2017 and recruitment is ongoing. As of August 21, 2017, the study had enrolled 130 eligible participants. Conclusions: Combining home-based HIV testing and video-based counseling allows TY, an often stigmatized and marginalized population, to test for HIV in a safe and nonjudgmental setting of their choosing. This approach creates an opportunity to reduce the high rate of HIV among TY through engagement in care, support, and linkage to the HIV treatment cascade for those who test positive. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03185975; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03185975 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6vIjHJ93s)

OBJECTIVEChordomas are rare malignant tumors thought to arise from remnants of the notochord. They can be located anywhere along the axial skeleton but are most commonly found in the clival and sacrococcygeal regions, where the notochord regresses during fetal development. Chordomas are resistant to many current therapies, leaving surgery as the primary method of treatment. Cancer cell lines have been useful for developing new cancer treatments in a laboratory setting that can then be transferred to the clinic, but there are only 4 validated chordoma cell lines available. The objective of this work was to establish chordoma cell lines from surgical tissue in order to expand the library of lines available for laboratory research.METHODSChordoma tissue from the clivus was processed and sorted by flow cytometry to obtain an isolated population of chordoma cells. These cells were grown in culture and expanded until enough doublings to consider the line established. Identification of a chordoma cell line was made with known markers for chordoma, and the line was observed for ALDH (aldehyde dehydrogenase) subpopulations and tested in serum-free growth conditions as well as in vivo.RESULTSA fifth chordoma cell line, UM-Chor1, was successfully established. This is the first chordoma cell line originating from the clivus. Validation was confirmed by phenotype and positivity for the chordoma markers CD24 and brachyury. The authors also attempted to identify an ALDHhigh cell population in UM-Chor1, UCH1, and UCH2 but did not detect a distinct population. UM-Chor1 cells were able to form spheroids in serum-free culture, were successfully transduced with luciferase, and could be injected parasacrally and grown in NOD/SCID mice.CONCLUSIONSThe availability of this novel clival chordoma cell line for in vitro and in vivo research provides an opportunity for developments in treatment against the disease.

Use of an external ventricular drain (EVD) is essential for managing patients with hydrocephalus or intracranial hypertension. While this procedure is safe and efficacious, ventriculostomy-associated infections (VAI) continue to cause significant morbidity. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of antibiotic-coated EVD (AC-EVD) in reducing the occurrence of VAI. Between July 2007 and July 2009, 203 patients underwent placement of an EVD. A total of 145 of these patients met the inclusion criteria, with 76 patients (52.4%) receiving AC-EVD and 69 patients (47.6%) receiving uncoated EVD. Ten patients (6.9%) developed VAI, of whom three were in the AC-EVD group and seven were in the uncoated EVD group (p = 0.19). The mean duration between catheter insertion and positive cerebrospinal fluid culture was significantly greater in the AC-EVD group versus the uncoated EVD group (15 ± 4 days versus 4 ± 2 days, respectively; p = 0.001). In the uncoated EVD group, 17 of 69 patients (24.6%) were dead at 3 years versus 12 of 76 (15.8%) patients in the AC-EVD group (p = 0.21). The overall VAI rate was 6.9% with a trend toward lower infection rates in the AC-EVD group compared to the uncoated EVD group (3.9% versus 10.1%, respectively; p > 0.05).

Objective High-speed drilling generates heat in small cavities and may pose a risk for neurovascular tissues. We hypothesize that a continuous pressurized cold mist could be an alternative approach for better cooling during drilling of bone to access cranial lesions. This study aims to examine this idea experimentally. Design Ex-vivo drilling tests with controlled speed, feed, and depth were performed on cortical bone samples. Thermocouples were embedded underneath the drilling path to compare the temperature rises under mist cooling (at 3°C, 300 mL/h) and flood irrigation (at 22°C, 800 mL/h). Results A significant difference exists between these two systems (p value 0.05). The measured temperature was ∼ 4°C lower for mist cooling than for flood irrigation, even with less than a third of the flow rate. Conclusion Experimental data indicate the capability of mist cooling to reduce heat generation while simultaneously enabling flow reduction and targeted cooling. An improved field of view in an extremely narrow access corridor may be achieved with this technology.

Purpose To report our experience with intraoperative complications involving the internal carotid artery (ICA) during trans-sphenoidal surgery and their outcome with reconstructive endovascular management. Methods A retrospective review was conducted of patients with an ICA injury related to trans-sphenoidal surgery from 2000 to 2012. Demographic data, clinical charts, indications for treatment, radiographic images, lesion characteristics, operative notes, endovascular procedure notes and post-procedure hospital course were reviewed. Results Three men and one woman of mean age of 52 years (range 33–74) were identified. The lesions included two macroadenomas, one meningioma and one chondrosarcoma. Risk factors for ICA rupture included two patients with carotid dehiscence, one with sphenoid septal attachment to the ICA, two with revision surgery, one with prior radiation to the tumor, one with bromocriptine treatment and two with acromegaly. In three patients, covered stent placement achieved hemostasis at the site of injury within the ICA. One patient developed delayed bleeding 6 h after covered stent placement and underwent successful endovascular occlusion of the ICA but died 6 days after the injury. The fourth patient had an intraoperative ICA stroke requiring suction thrombectomy, thrombolysis, stent placement and evacuation of an epidural hematoma. At 1-year follow-up, two patients had a modified Rankin score (mRS) and National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of 0; in the patient who had a stroke the mRS score was 1 and the NIHSS score 2. Conclusions Endovascular management with arterial reconstruction is helpful in the treatment of ICA injuries during trans-sphenoidal surgery.

This study develops a thermal model utilizing the inverse heat transfer method (IHTM) to investigate the bone grinding temperature created by a spherical diamond tool used for skull base neurosurgery. Bone grinding is a critical procedure in the expanded endonasal approach to remove the cranial bone and access to the skull base tumor via nasal corridor. The heat is generated during grinding and could damage the nerve or coagulate the blood in the carotid artery adjacent to the bone. The finite element analysis is adopted to investigate the grinding-induced bone temperature rise. The heat source distribution is defined by the thermal model, and the temperature distribution is solved using the IHTM with experimental inputs. Grinding experiments were conducted on a bovine cortical bone with embedded thermocouples. Results show significant temperature rise in bone grinding. Using 50 °C as the threshold, the thermal injury can propagate about 3 mm in the traverse direction, and 3 mm below the ground surface under the dry grinding condition. The presented methodology demonstrated the capability of being a thermal analysis tool for bone grinding study.

Object The objective of this study was to compare the accuracy of 3 methods of ventricular catheter placement during CSF shunt operations: the freehand technique using surface anatomy, ultrasonic guidance, and stereotactic neuronavigation. Methods This retrospective cohort study included all patients from a single institution who underwent a ventricular CSF shunting procedure in which a new ventricular catheter was placed between January 2005 and March 2010. Data abstracted for each patient included age, sex, diagnosis, method of ventricular catheter placement, site and side of ventricular catheter placement, Evans ratio, and bifrontal ventricular span. Postoperative radiographic studies were reviewed for accuracy of ventricular catheter placement. Medical records were also reviewed for evidence of shunt failure requiring revision through December 2011. Statistical analysis was then performed comparing the 3 methods of ventricular catheter placement and to determine risk factors for inaccurate placement. Results There were 249 patients included in the study; 170 ventricular catheters were freehand passed, 51 were placed using stereotactic neuronavigation, and 28 were placed under intraoperative ultrasonic guidance. There was a statistically significant difference between freehand catheters and stereotactic-guided catheters (p < 0.001), as well as between freehand catheters and ultrasound-guided catheters (p < 0.001). The only risk factor for inaccurate placement identified in this study was use of the freehand technique. The use of stereotactic neuronavigation and ultrasonic guidance reduced proximal shunt failure rates (p < 0.05) in comparison with a freehand technique. Conclusions Stereotactic- and ultrasound-guided ventricular catheter placements are significantly more accurate than freehand placement, and the use of these intraoperative guidance techniques reduced proximal shunt failure in this study.

Object The authors conducted a study to review outcomes and management in patients in whom intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) develops during left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy. Methods This retrospective cohort study included all adult patients (18 years of age or older) at a single institution who underwent placement of an LVAD between January 1, 2003, and March 1, 2012. The authors conducted a detailed medical chart review, and data were abstracted to assess outcomes in patients in whom ICH developed compared to those in patients in whom ICH did not develop; to compare management of antiplatelet agents and anticoagulation with outcomes; to describe surgical management employed and outcomes achieved; to compare subtypes of ICH (intraparenchymal, subdural, and subarachnoid hemorrhage) and their outcomes; and to determine any predictors of outcome. Results During the study period, 330 LVADs were placed and 36 patients developed an ICH (traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage in 10, traumatic subdural hematoma in 8, spontaneous intraventricular hemorrhage in 1, and spontaneous intraparenchymal hemorrhage in 17). All patients were treated with aspirin and warfarin at the time of presentation. With suspension of these agents, no thromboembolic events or pump failures were seen and no delayed rehemorrhages occurred after resuming these medications. Intraparenchymal hemorrhages had the worst outcomes, with a 30-day mortality rate in 59% compared with a 30-day mortality rate of 0% in patients with traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhages and 13% in those with traumatic subdural hematomas. Five patients with intraparenchymal hemorrhages were managed with surgical intervention, 4 of whom died within 60 days. The only factor found to be predictive of outcome was initial Glasgow Coma Scale score. No patients with a Glasgow Coma Scale score less than 11 survived beyond 30 days. Overall, the development of an ICH significantly reduced survival compared with the natural history of patients on LVAD therapy. Conclusions The authors' data suggest that withholding aspirin for 1 week and warfarin for 10 days is sufficient to reduce the risk of hemorrhage expansion or rehemorrhage while minimizing the risk of thromboembolic events and pump failure. Patients with intraparenchymal hemorrhage have poor outcomes, whereas patients with traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage or subdural hematoma have better outcomes.

Study Design. Retrospective case series. Objective. To compare perioperative end points and outcomes of single-level versus multilevel corpectomy performed using a modified costotransversectomy approach. Summary of Background Data. Single-level corpectomy via posterolateral approach has been shown to be an effective alternative to the traditional anterior thoracotomy approach. However, there is a paucity of studies that have examined multilevel thoracic corpectomy via posterolateral approach. Methods. Using electronic medical records, we identified a consecutive population of adult patients who underwent modified costotransversectomy corpectomy in the thoracic region between 2006 and 2009. Patients were stratified by number of corpectomies performed into either a single-level or multilevel group. With the use of baseline descriptive statistics and multivariate analysis, perioperative parameters and follow-up outcomes were assessed between the 2 groups. Results. A total of 40 patients were included in the final analysis, with 25 patients in the single-level group and 15 patients in the multilevel group. Mean follow-up was 16.1 months. Overall complication rate was 37.5%. Between the 2 groups, there were no significant differences in operative time, blood loss, transfusion rate, quantity of blood transfused, length of hospital stay, or complication rates. Also, there were no significant differences in repeat surgery rate, Medical Research Council strength, Nurick score, or pain at most recent follow-up, and all groups gained a comparable magnitude of benefit from surgery. Conclusion. Multilevel corpectomy via modified costotransversectomy approach in the thoracic region is a feasible and effective option that does not seem to be associated with significantly increased morbidity. The degree of clinical improvement also seems comparable with single-level corpectomy.

This paper presents a method to monitor temperature in neurosurgical bone grinding procedure using the motor electrical power as input. Bone grinding is a critical procedure in the skull base neurosurgery to remove the cranial bone and approach the tumor through the sphenoid sinus. Heat generated during grinding could damage the optic nerve or coagulate the blood in the carotid artery, while direct temperature measurement is difficult. The temperature estimation is realized using a heat conversion model and the thermal model based on finite element analysis (FEA). The heat conversion model determines heat generation based on its linear correlation to the motor electrical power. The FEA thermal model calculates the temperature on the bone surface using the obtained heat. Bone grinding experiments are conducted, and results demonstrate the feasibility and accuracy of proposed model for monitoring local temperature in endonasal bone grinding.

Objective Sinonasal teratocarcinosarcomas are rare, aggressive tumors of the skull base. Treatment options are limited and outcomes are poor. Little is known in regard to the genetic factors regulating these tumors. Characterization of actionable molecular alterations in these tumors could provide potentially successful therapeutic options. Methods We performed targeted exome sequencing on an index sinonasal teratocarcinosarcoma specimen to identify potential driver mutations. We performed immunohistochemical stains for β-catenin on paraffin-embedded tissue on the index tumor and a subsequent teratocarcinosarcoma. Online databases of cancer mutations (Catalogue of Somatic Mutations in Cancer and The Cancer Genome Atlas) were accessed. Results We identified an activating p.S45F mutation in β-catenin in our index sinonasal teratocarcinosarcoma. This mutation results in constitutive signaling in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. We confirmed β-catenin overexpression and nuclear localization via immunohistochemistry in the index tumor and a second patient. The p.S45F activating mutation was found in a variety of solid tumors, and accounts for 3.3 to 10.4% of all known β-catenin mutations. Conclusion We identified a potential driver mutation in β-catenin in a sinonasal teratocarcinosarcoma, resulting in β-catenin overexpression. These findings suggest a role for the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in sinonasal teratocarcinosarcoma tumorigenesis and a role for anti-β-catenin targeted therapy.

Approximately 25 % of cases of clinically active acromegaly cases treated in our academic center between 1996 and 2000, were diagnosed in patients who had elevated plasma IGF-1 levels, but apparently "normal" 24-h mean plasma GH levels. The current study served to update the data for patients with acromegaly referred to our facility, after increasing awareness of this "normal" GH subpopulation throughout the medical community.A retrospective chart review was conducted on 157 patients with acromegaly who underwent resection of a confirmed somatotroph pituitary adenoma at the University of Michigan Health System between the dates of 1 Jan 2001 to 23 Sept 2015.Overall prevalence of acromegalic patients with "normal" GH levels, defined as GH4.7 ng/mL, was 31 %. Over time, the percentage of patients with "normal" GH at diagnosis did not decline: 26 % from 2001 to 2005, 19 % from 2006 to 2010, and 47 % from 2011 to 2015. Mean pituitary tumor size was 1.8 ± 0.1 cm for the group with elevated GH, and 1.2 ± 0.1 cm for the group with "normal" GH (p 0.001). Percent microadenomas was higher in a group with "normal" GH as compared to those with elevated GH (48 vs. 12 %, p 0.001), and tumors2 cm in the maximal diameter were encountered more frequently in the group with elevated GH (43 vs. 14 %, p 0.001).Our data show that a substantial percentage of patients with clinical acromegaly have "normal" GH, and therefore strengthens the growing body of evidence which supports the leading role of IGF-1 levels in diagnostic evaluation. At the present time, questions about the natural course of "micromegaly" and treatment benefits compared to the subpopulation with elevated GH levels remain unanswered, but research continues to build on our understanding of the heterogeneous population of individuals.