Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Merav Antman-Passig, Jonathan Giron, Moshe Karni, Menachem Motiei, Hadas Schori, Orit Shefi
Summary: Nerve growth conduits play a crucial role in supporting and promoting axon regeneration following nerve injuries. A biomimetic regenerative gel enriched with magnetic nanoparticles coated with nerve growth factor has been developed, showing promising effects on enhancing nerve regeneration in in vivo rat models. The magnet-based therapeutic conduits demonstrate oriented and directed axonal growth, providing a novel therapeutic approach to overcoming current medical obstacles for nerve injuries.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ying Ma, Hao Wang, Qiqi Wang, Xiaodong Cao, Huichang Gao
Summary: This study developed a multi-channel nerve guidance conduit (NGC) with dual electrical activity of piezoelectricity and conductivity to enhance peripheral nerve regeneration. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that the electroactive NGC promoted cell proliferation, differentiation, axonal regeneration, and functional recovery of peripheral nerves, indicating its great potential in repairing peripheral nerve injuries.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Yi-jun Liu, Xiao-feng Chen, Li-ping Zhou, Feng Rao, Dian-ying Zhang, Yan-hua Wang
Summary: This study aimed to analyze the effect and mechanism of Wnt5a-loaded fibrin hydrogel on a 10-mm rat sciatic nerve defect. Results showed that Wnt5a could promote Schwann cell proliferation and the expression of various neurotrophic factors, and the Wnt5a/Fn group outperformed the control groups in terms of nerve regeneration and functional recovery 12 weeks after the operation. The Wnt5a/Fn nerve conduit may promote peripheral nerve defect regeneration by facilitating multiple neurotrophin secretion, combining vascularization and neurotrophic growth cues.
CNS NEUROSCIENCE & THERAPEUTICS
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chaoying Zhang, Jiaxing Gong, Jingyu Zhang, Ziyu Zhu, Ying Qian, Kejie Lu, Siyi Zhou, Tianyi Gu, Huiming Wang, Yong He, Mengfei Yu
Summary: The replacement of autograft with a nerve guidance conduit (NGC) in peripheral nerve injury is challenging due to the limited conductivity and biocompatibility of current NGCs in vivo. In this review, the authors explore the superior factors for nerve conduction, the construction of a more conductive regenerative scaffold, and the next steps in nerve regeneration for NGCs. The analysis of NGC-related references suggests that conductive materials, manufacturing technologies of neural scaffolds, and electrical stimulation (ES) play essential roles in accelerating nerve conduction.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Hui Zhang, Han Zhang, Huan Wang, Yuanjin Zhao, Renjie Chai
Summary: A novel silk fibroin-derived nerve guidance conduit (NGC) with internal-facing inverse opal structures is developed for local neurotrophic factor delivery and effective nerve regeneration. The NGC demonstrates excellent biocompatibility, suitable biodegradability, and spatial control over the distribution of loading factors, leading to enhanced therapeutic efficacy.
APPLIED MATERIALS TODAY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhi Yao, Weihao Yuan, Jiankun Xu, Wenxue Tong, Jie Mi, Pak-Cheong Ho, Dick Ho Kiu Chow, Ye Li, Hao Yao, Xu Li, Shunxiang Xu, Jiaxin Guo, Qingtang Zhu, Liming Bian, Ling Qin
Summary: In this study, an injectable hydrogel based on bisphosphonate was developed to sustainably release magnesium ions for peripheral nerve regeneration. The experimental results showed that magnesium ions promoted neurite outgrowth in a concentration-dependent manner by activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and Sema5b. In a rat nerve defect model, filling the polycaprolactone conduit with magnesium-releasing hydrogel significantly enhanced axon regeneration and remyelination, leading to improved functional recovery.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yongcong Fang, Chengjin Wang, Zibo Liu, Jeonghoon Ko, Li Chen, Ting Zhang, Zhuo Xiong, Lei Zhang, Wei Sun
Summary: In this study, a conductive multiscale filled NGC (MF-NGC) is developed, which significantly enhances peripheral nerve regeneration. The printed MF-NGCs possess good permeability, mechanical stability, and electrical conductivity, promoting the elongation and growth of Schwann cells and neurite outgrowth. Animal studies demonstrate that the MF-NGCs promote neovascularization and M2 transition, leading to improved peripheral nerve regeneration. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using 3D-printed conductive MF-NGCs with hierarchically oriented fibers as functional conduits.
Article
Neurosciences
Feixiang Chen, Weihuang Liu, Qiang Zhang, Ping Wu, Ao Xiao, Yanan Zhao, Ying Zhou, Qiaona Wang, Yun Chen, Zan Tong
Summary: The study demonstrated that modulating the immune microenvironment by IL-17F could enhance peripheral nerve repair mediated by chitosan conduits. IL-17F knockout mice showed improved functional recovery and axonal regeneration, along with enhanced anti-inflammatory macrophages in the NGC repairing microenvironment. These findings suggest a promising approach to improve peripheral nerve regeneration.
ACTA NEUROPATHOLOGICA COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Yaowei Xuan, Lin Li, Xuelai Yin, Dongming He, Siyao Li, Chenping Zhang, Yuan Yin, Wanlin Xu, Zhen Zhang
Summary: This study developed a nerve guidance conduit (NGC) based on bredigite (BRT) bioceramic, which could promote the repair of peripheral nerve injury. BRT bioceramic showed good biocompatibility and sustained release of beneficial ions for nerve repair. The experiments demonstrated that BRT-incorporating NGC could promote cell proliferation, myelination, and vascular formation, as well as improve electrophysiological performance and muscle atrophy in a rat sciatic nerve defect model.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Xiaolan Li, Xiang Zhang, Ming Hao, Dongxu Wang, Ziping Jiang, Liqun Sun, Yongjian Gao, Ye Jin, Peng Lei, Yue Zhuo
Summary: This review summarizes the importance of collagen in peripheral nerve regeneration, focusing on its characteristics, role, and optimization methods. Collagen, as a biomaterial, plays a crucial role in peripheral nerve repair and can be further optimized by adjusting its structure and physical properties, as well as combining it with bioactive components.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Arne Boecker, Martin Aman, Ulrich Kneser, Leila Harhaus, Frank Siemers, Felix Stang
Summary: The efficacy of chitosan-based nerve conduits in regenerating sensory nerves in the hand was evaluated in this study. The results showed that this type of nerve conduit had similar functional outcomes and patient satisfaction to autologous nerve grafts in treating small nerve defects.
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Yizhou Xu, Jianing Liu, Peng Zhang, Xiang Ao, Yunlun Li, Ye Tian, Xiaozhong Qiu, Jiasong Guo, Xiaofang Hu
Summary: In this study, a zwitterionic hydrogel was developed to mimic the continuous ion-based signal transmission in biological systems for efficient peripheral nerve regeneration. The hydrogel exhibited excellent mechanical stability, suitable electrical conductivity, and good cytocompatibility, which promoted cell proliferation and neurite growth.
ACS BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elena Stocco, Silvia Barbon, Aron Emmi, Cesare Tiengo, Veronica Macchi, Raffaele De Caro, Andrea Porzionato
Summary: In peripheral nerve injuries with substance loss, graft positioning is required. The available options include autografts, allografts, and hollow nerve conduits. However, none of the current alternatives fully satisfy the anatomical and functional nerve regeneration requirements, and future research should focus on wall and/or inner lumen organization/functionalization. This review aims to describe common alternatives for severe peripheral nerve injury recovery, highlighting future conduits.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Enxing Yu, Zhiwu Chen, Yuye Huang, Yibing Wu, Zonghuan Wang, Fangfang Wang, Miaoben Wu, Kailei Xu, Wei Peng
Summary: Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) is a common and severe clinical disease with poor prognosis. Autologous nerve grafting is limited in availability and size, leading to the development of artificial nerve conduits. In this study, a novel composite neural conduit containing decellularized tissues and a grooved PLGA conduit was found to significantly promote nerve regeneration. This artificial nerve conduit could potentially be used in clinical practice.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE-MATERIALS IN MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Zheng Yang, Yang Yang, Yichi Xu, Weiqian Jiang, Yan Shao, Jiahua Xing, Youbai Chen, Yan Han
Summary: In this study, engineered exosomes were used as carriers to efficiently deliver NT-3 mRNA to recipient cells and promote nerve regeneration in a rat sciatic nerve defect model, demonstrating the potential for improving nerve regeneration.
STEM CELL RESEARCH & THERAPY
(2021)
Article
Surgery
T. M. Saffari, F. Mathot, R. Thaler, A. J. van Wijnen, A. T. Bishop, A. Y. Shin
Summary: The study demonstrates that the combination of undifferentiated mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with surgical angiogenesis in nerve allografts results in significantly increased vascular volume and vessel formation, enhancing the distribution of vessels within the nerve grafts.
JOURNAL OF PLASTIC RECONSTRUCTIVE AND AESTHETIC SURGERY
(2021)
Article
Surgery
Akira Ikumi, Anne Gingery, Yoichi Toyoshima, Chunfeng Zhao, Steven L. Moran, Christopher Livia, Tyler Rolland, Timothy Peterson, Michael S. Sabbah, Soulmaz Boroumand, Tiam M. Saffari, Atta Behfar, Alexander Y. Shin, Peter C. Amadio
Summary: The study demonstrated improved functional motor recovery and nerve regeneration profiles in a rat sciatic nerve reverse autograft model with the local administration of purified exosome product. This suggests beneficial effects on nerve regeneration, gene profiles, and motor outcomes.
PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY
(2021)
Article
Surgery
Femke Mathot, Tiam M. Saffari, Nadia Rbia, Tim H. J. Nijhuis, Allen T. Bishop, Steven E. R. Hovius, Alexander Y. Shin
Summary: Both undifferentiated and differentiated mesenchymal stem cells significantly improved the functional outcomes of decellularized nerve allografts, especially at 12 weeks, showing results similar to autografts. However, by 16 weeks, the outcomes normalized. Although the differences between undifferentiated and differentiated stem cells were not significant, undifferentiated cells showed practical benefits in clinical translation by reducing preparation time and costs.
PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY
(2021)
Article
Surgery
Tiam M. Saffari, Femke Mathot, Patricia F. Friedrich, Allen T. Bishop, Alexander Y. Shin
Summary: This study investigated the application of surgical angiogenesis in a rat sciatic nerve defect model, showing that surgical angiogenesis to decellularized nerve allografts can improve functional recovery and increase vascularity in the nerve graft, leading to comparable muscle force recovery to autografts.
PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Meiwand Bedar, Tiam M. Saffari, Patricia F. Friedrich, Guilherme Giusti, Allen T. Bishop, Alexander Y. Shin
Summary: This article discusses the focus of research in nerve regeneration and the experimental methods used to assess functional recovery in a rat sciatic nerve model. The technique of isometric force measurement of tetanic muscle contraction is crucial for evaluating motor recovery after nerve injury or repair.
JOVE-JOURNAL OF VISUALIZED EXPERIMENTS
(2021)
Article
Surgery
Meiwand Bedar, Tiam M. Saffari, Aaron J. Johnson, Alexander Y. Shin
Summary: In a rat model, acellular nerve allografts (ANA) treated with stem cell delivery and surgical angiogenesis demonstrated early favorable immune responses and improved vascularity at longer follow-up.
JOURNAL OF PLASTIC RECONSTRUCTIVE AND AESTHETIC SURGERY
(2022)
Review
Physiology
Andrew L. O'Brien, Julie M. West, Tiam M. Saffari, Minh Nguyen, Amy M. Moore
Summary: Peripheral nerve injuries can result in life-altering functional deficits, even with the ability of peripheral nerves to regenerate axons after injury. Advances in nerve regeneration and repair, such as electrical stimulation, gene therapy, and surgical technique advancements, are crucial for overcoming the physiological shortcomings of axonal regeneration.
Article
Orthopedics
Tiam M. Saffari, Maria T. Huayllani, Amy M. Moore
Summary: Diverse leadership is present in Hand Surgery, and we understand the challenges as well as the different perspectives of those who have succeeded in breaking barriers. We are making strong efforts to diversify Hand Surgery because diversity brings excellence by incorporating a wide range of thoughts, backgrounds, and perspectives. We have confidence that these efforts will lead to an increase in the number of diverse leaders and a redefinition of success.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Luke Juckett, Tiam Mana Saffari, Benjamin Ormseth, Jenna-Lynn Senger, Amy M. M. Moore
Summary: Peripheral nerve injuries (PNI) often result in lifelong disability with rare complete functional recovery. Intraoperative electrical stimulation (ES) is a promising surgical adjunct that can augment the intrinsic molecular pathways of nerve regeneration. Clinical trials have shown that ES can be an efficacious therapy to improve patient outcomes following PNIs.
Article
Orthopedics
Tiam M. Saffari, Amy M. Moore, Ryan W. Schmucker
Article
Education, Scientific Disciplines
Bhagat Manku, Tiam Mana Saffari, Vinesh Sandhu, Ankur Khajuria
Summary: This study aimed to assess students' and junior doctors' attitudes on their current knowledge, confidence, and preparedness of appraising and conducting systematic reviews and meta-analysis internationally. The results showed that the majority of participants were from lower middle-income countries and were unfamiliar with the PRISMA checklist. They had also not received any formal training in preparing systematic reviews. These findings highlight the need to address the knowledge gaps in medical students and junior doctors in performing systematic reviews and meta-analyses.
ADVANCES IN MEDICAL EDUCATION AND PRACTICE
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Tiam M. Saffari, Kaitlin Kavanagh, Benjamin Ormseth, Marilly Palettas, Jeffrey E. Janis
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between migraine severity, metabolic syndrome, and estrogen-associated variables. The findings showed that severe obesity (BMI > 40) is associated with increased migraine severity and frequency. Post-menopausal patients were also found to have increased migraine frequency.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Surgery
Jun-Li Tham, Avnish Sood, Tiam Mana Saffari, Ankur Khajuria
Summary: This systematic review evaluates the efficacy of targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) on pain reduction and functional outcomes in amputees. The analysis of 10 studies shows that TMR can significantly reduce phantom limb pain and residual limb pain, improve quality of life, and have positive effects on limb function for amputees.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PLASTIC SURGERY
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Tiam M. Saffari, Sara Saffari, Krishna S. Vyas, Samir Mardini, Alexander Y. Shin
Summary: Autologous fat grafting is commonly used in reconstructive surgery to improve functional form. Fat tissue enrichment with adipose-derived stem cells can increase the long-term stability of grafts. Basic science research suggests that adipose-derived stem cells can enhance nerve regeneration and revascularization, and reduce nerve fibrosis. Clinical studies show promising results in secondary carpal tunnel release revisions using autologous lipofilling.
NEURAL REGENERATION RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Sara Saffari, Tiam M. Saffari, Dietmar J. O. Ulrich, Steven E. R. Hovius, Alexander Y. Shin
Summary: The microenvironment at the site of injury plays a crucial role in altering the degree of nerve regeneration after peripheral nerve injury. Stem cells and vascularity are proposed to be important factors in enhancing peripheral nerve regeneration, with stem cells secreting various angiogenic factors and regulating angiogenesis to promote nerve regeneration and vascular expansion.
NEURAL REGENERATION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Guilu He, Jianhao Lin, Jing Ye, Fobao Huang, Changzhi Yan, Zesi Liu, Xiuming Zhou, Qiao Li, Liang Zhang
Summary: This article introduces long tunneled external ventricular drain (LTEVD), which effectively avoids multiple surgeries by connecting an external shunt valve. It allows visual control of drainage flow, prolongs catheter indwelling time, and eliminates the need for multiple surgeries.
WORLD NEUROSURGERY
(2024)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Vinay Suresh, H. S. Suresh, Bharath Raju, Himanshu Jindal, Ahmad Ozair
Summary: This study investigated the outcomes of postoperative discitis treated with debridement and a novel technique focused on reducing outpatient antibiotic requirement in a low- and middle-income country (LMIC) setting. The results showed that patients with medically refractory postoperative discitis potentially have good outcomes after debridement plus 2-week local antibiotic instillation in LMICs.
WORLD NEUROSURGERY
(2024)
Editorial Material
Clinical Neurology
Beatrice C. Bono, Davide Milani, Fabio Ferreli, Simone Olei, Luca Raspagliesi, Maria Pia Tropeano, Giovanni B. Lasio, Federico Pessina
WORLD NEUROSURGERY
(2024)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Avi A. Gajjar, Shrey Patel, Raj Swaroop Lavadi, Rida Mitha, Rohit Prem Kumar, Tavis Taylor, Galal A. Elsayed, D. Kojo Hamilton, Nitin Agarwal
Summary: Art in neurosurgery has played a crucial role in the discipline for centuries. Medical illustrations help visualize anatomy and surgical procedures, contributing to education, surgical planning, and navigation.
WORLD NEUROSURGERY
(2024)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Joaquin Perez Zabala, Yamila Basilotta Marquez, Romina Arganaraz, Beatriz Mantese
Summary: We present a low-cost and easily accessible adaptation system for stereotactic procedures in infants. By using a headband cast technique, a stereotactic biopsy was successfully performed in a 5-month-old patient, achieving precise targeting, histopathological diagnosis, and no associated complications.
WORLD NEUROSURGERY
(2024)
Editorial Material
Clinical Neurology
Muhammad Kusdiansah, Arnau Benet, Yosuke Suzuki, Kenichi Haraguchi, Nakao Ota, Kosumo Noda, Rokuya Tanikawa
Summary: Fusiform vertebral artery aneurysms are difficult to treat, and endovascular and open microsurgical treatments are used for different situations. This report presents a case with complex anatomy and branch involvement and describes the treatment strategy used.
WORLD NEUROSURGERY
(2024)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Victor M. Lu
Summary: This review emphasizes four essential domains that should be considered when interpreting pediatric neurosurgical SRMAs and provides examples to ensure accurate and effective interpretation of findings in this niche.
WORLD NEUROSURGERY
(2024)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Lapo Bonosi, Angelo Torrente, Filippo Brighina, Cateno Concetto Tito Petralia, Pietro Merlino, Chiara Avallone, Vincenzo Gulino, Roberta Costanzo, Lara Brunasso, Domenico Gerardo Iacopino, Rosario Maugeri
Summary: Corticocortical evoked potentials (CCEPs) have emerged as a valuable intraoperative monitoring technique in eloquent brain tumor surgery, aiding in preserving critical functional areas. Current research shows the potential of CCEPs in guiding surgical decision making, reducing the risk of postoperative neurological deficits, and mapping functional connectivity, but further research and standardization are needed.
WORLD NEUROSURGERY
(2024)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Yuchen Duan, Dagang Feng, Min Zhu, Heng Qiu, Tong Li, Zhen Chen, Leiming Jiang, Yong Huang
Summary: This study aimed to compare the effect of different Modic changes (MC) grades on the cage subsidence rate after spinal interbody fusion surgery. A meta-analysis was conducted on relevant randomized controlled trials and cohort studies. The results showed that MC may be associated with a higher cage subsidence rate. With the increase in MC grades, the incidence of subsidence decreased gradually, but it was always higher than that in the non-Modic changes (NMC). Oblique lumbar interbody fusion may be a better treatment choice for lumbar degenerative disease with MC.
WORLD NEUROSURGERY
(2024)
Editorial Material
Clinical Neurology
Brian F. Saway, Conor M. Cunningham, Mustafa Ismail, Alejandro M. Spiotta
WORLD NEUROSURGERY
(2024)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Joanna M. Roy, Michael M. Covell, Carmelo Venero Jr, Christian A. Bowers
Summary: Early exposure to neurosurgery during medical school is critical for improving recruitment into the specialty. However, about 30% of medical schools in the U.S. lack a neurosurgery program, limiting students' exposure to the field. Virtual education, facilitated by webinars during the pandemic, has advantages such as global outreach and accessibility for international medical students. This review identifies and describes 16 educational resources, serving as a guide for medical students interested in neurosurgery.
WORLD NEUROSURGERY
(2024)