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A systematic review and meta-analysis on the efficacy of postoperative radiotherapy after gross total resection of intracranial solitary fibrous tumors

2026-03-04T01:53:04Z

Title: A systematic review and meta-analysis on the efficacy of postoperative radiotherapy after gross total resection of intracranial solitary fibrous tumors Author(s): Min Kyun Na; Kyu-Sun Choi; Tae Ho Lim; Hyungoo Shin; Juncheol Lee; Heekyung Lee; Wonhee Kim; Jae Guk Kim; Youngsuk Cho; Chiwon Ahn; Jae Hwan Kim; Bo-Hyoung Jang; Myeong Namgung; Sae Min Kwon Abstract: The efficacy of postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) after gross total resection (GTR) for intracranial solitary fibrous tumors (SFT) remains unclear due to the inconsistent results of previous studies, with some studies suggesting improved outcomes in progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), while others report no significant benefit. Therefore, by evaluating and synthesizing data from relevant studies, we aimed to investigate the role of PORT, as compared with surgery alone, in survival outcomes after GTR of intracranial SFT. A systematic literature search, adhering to PRISMA guidelines and using Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library to identify relevant literature. The outcomes of interest included progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and metastasis-free survival (MFS) at 3, 5, and 10 years, respectively. Differences between the two cohorts (GTR + PORT vs. GTR only) were estimated by calculating the hazard ratios. Twelve studies, including data from 419 patients (GTR + PORT, n = 225 vs. GTR, n = 194), were selected for meta-analysis. Pooled hazard ratios revealed that the PORT cohort showed sustained superiority in both PFS and OS compared with the surgery-only cohort after GTR of the tumor. These results were consistent with those of a subgroup analysis that focused on grade 2 and 3 intracranial SFT. However, no significant improvement was observed in MFS with PORT addition. This study underscores the importance of PORT in enhancing the PFS and OS of patients with intracranial SFT after GTR. These findings suggest that PORT should be considered an effective treatment strategy for all patients with intracranial SFT, irrespective of the extent of resection.

Rapidly Dissolving Microneedles Incorporating Lidocaine Hydrochloride: A PVP/PVA-Based Approach for Local Anesthesia

2026-03-04T01:53:02Z

Title: Rapidly Dissolving Microneedles Incorporating Lidocaine Hydrochloride: A PVP/PVA-Based Approach for Local Anesthesia Author(s): Su Young Jin; Eugene Jae-Jin Park; Sae Min Kwon; Hyoung-Seok Jung; Dong Wuk Kim Abstract: Background/Objectives: Lidocaine is a widely used local anesthetic, but injections and topical creams are often painful or slow in onset. This study aimed to develop dissolving microneedles incorporating lidocaine hydrochloride for rapid and convenient local anesthesia. Methods: Six formulations were prepared with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and evaluated for mechanical strength, skin insertion, drug release, and transdermal permeability. Results: Sharp pyramidal microneedles were successfully fabricated, with PVP–PVA mixtures producing stronger needles than single polymers. The optimized F5 formulation showed high strength (>32 N), efficient skin insertion (four parafilm layers), and rapid release (>80% within 15 min). In ex vivo studies, F5 delivered >600 µg/mL lidocaine in 15 min, over three times the therapeutic level and much faster than Emla cream (5%). Conclusions: PVP–PVA microneedles represent a promising platform for painless, rapid local anesthesia, combining the benefits of injections and topical creams while minimizing their drawbacks.

Perceived benefits of endoscope holder use in neuroendoscopic procedures: A multi-institutional survey study

2026-01-26T05:43:11Z

Title: Perceived benefits of endoscope holder use in neuroendoscopic procedures: A multi-institutional survey study Author(s): Sae Min Kwon; Chang-Ki Hong Abstract: Background: Manual endoscope control during neuroendoscopic surgery may compromise visualization, ergonomics, and surgical workflow. Mechanical endoscope holders have been introduced to address these limitations, but their practical impact remains underexplored in neurosurgical field. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at nine neurosurgical centers between April and June 2025. Twenty-seven participants (9 each of surgeons, assistants, and scrub nurses) with experience using a floor-mounted pneumatic endoscope holder (UniARM) completed a structured, role-specific questionnaire comprising usage patterns and 5-point Likert scale assessments of perceived benefits. Results: Most surgeons had 5–10 years of experience and performed 20–40 endoscopic procedures annually. Endonasal and transorbital approaches were the most common indications for both endoscope and holder use. Holder use was preferred over manual holding in most procedures, except intraventricular cases. Surgeons reported high satisfaction, particularly for stable visualization (4.78 ± 0.44) and enhanced surgical focus (4.67 ± 0.50). Assistants gave consistently high scores across domains, particularly for reduced physical fatigue and improved task concentration (both 4.89 ± 0.33). Scrub nurses highlighted improvements in procedural flow and team communication (4.44 ± 0.53), while ergonomic benefits were less pronounced (2.78 ± 0.44). Conclusions: Mechanical endoscope holders were positively evaluated by all surgical team members, offering clear benefits in visual stability and workflow efficiency. While device limitations remain, their broader use may improve efficiency and team coordination in neuroendoscopic surgery.

Role of serum magnesium in post-aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhagic hydrocephalus

2026-01-26T05:43:02Z

Title: Role of serum magnesium in post-aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhagic hydrocephalus Author(s): Moinay Kim; Hyunchul Jung; Seung Bin Kim; Jun Ha Hwang; Hanwool Jeon; Yeongu Chung; Youngbo Shim; Jae Hyun Kim; Joonho Byun; Aiden Cousins; Wonhyoung Park; Jung Cheol Park; Jae Sung Ahn; Seungjoo Lee Abstract: Background: Post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH) is a frequent complication of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), yet the relationship between serum magnesium (Mg) level and PHH remains unclear. To our knowledge, this is the first prospective study to specifically examine the association between admission serum Mg level and PHH in aSAH patients. Methods: In this prospective, multicenter study (October 2019–October 2024), 131 patients with confirmed aSAH were enrolled from four neuro-intensive care units. Patients were stratified by admission serum Mg level as <2.2 mg/dl or ≥2.2 mg/dl. The primary outcome was PHH incidence; secondary outcomes were cerebral vasospasm (CV), delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI), and 30-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score. Results: Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Serum Mg ≥2.2 mg/dl was not significantly associated with reduced vasospasm, DCI, or poor functional outcome. However, serum Mg >2.5 mg/dl correlated with lower PHH incidence in univariate analysis (odds ratio, 0.36; P=0.027) but not in multivariate analysis (P=0.136). Independent predictors of PHH were posterior circulation aneurysm, high Fisher grade, and high Hunt and Hess grade. Poor 30-day mRS was independently associated with high Fisher and Hunt and Hess grades. Conclusions: Admission serum Mg level was not independently associated with PHH, although a potential protective trend was noted at higher levels (>2.5 mg/dl). These findings suggest a possible role of Mg in PHH prevention. Further prospective trials are warranted to clarify the therapeutic potential of Mg and to establish optimal monitoring and correction strategies in aSAH management.