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BACKGROUND Low back pain (LBP) affects most people at least once in their lives. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound therapy (UD) in patients with LBP receiving two different treatment dosages. METHODS The study design was a randomized prospective study. Patients were subjected to UD for two weeks. All persons in the study were evaluated at the Outpatient Rehabilitation Clinic at the Antoni Jurasz University Hospital in Bydgoszcz, Poland. Inclusion criteria were lumbosacral pain lasting more than 8 weeks, signs of osteoarthritis on imaging studies, and ages30-65 years. Exclusion criteria were radicular pain, nonmechanical causes of pain, contraindications for UD, or the patient received other LBP therapy during the study. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RM), and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were used to evaluate the results. RESULTS For both groups, the ODI scores were significantly reduced by 13.7% and 8.84%, the RM scores decreased by 3.37 points and 3.59 points, and pain remissions on the VAS scale were 20.28 mm and 16.31 mm (p< 0.05). CONCLUSION UD decreased patients' disability levels and pain intensity. However, effective ultrasound parameters must be determined because of the wide dosage variations.

Background Hydrogel embolic system (HES) for endovascular treatment of cerebral aneurysms was developed to reduce the risk of aneurysm recurrence and the rate of retreatment. The aim of this systematic review was to verify the efficacy of HES, also in comparison to bare platinum coils (BPC). Material and methods A systematic literature search was performed by two independent reviewers for articles published until January 31st, 2013 on the follow-up recurrence rate of intracranial aneurysm embolization with hydrogel-coated coils. Results Thirteen articles on the use of HES for embolization of cerebral aneurysms were included in this study, for a total of 1683 embolized aneurysms. Significant heterogeneity was found regarding patient populations, methods of aneurysm coiling, follow-up schedules, and recurrence definitions. The pooled rate of initial complete aneurysm occlusion was 55% (95%CI, 38–70%); 59% (95%CI, 43–74%) in the subgroup of aneurysms treated with the use of HES. The pooled total recurrence rate was 19% (95%CI, 15–24%); 17% (95%CI, 14–22%) in the HES-treated subgroup. The pooled major recurrence rate was 12% (95%CI, 8–18%); 11% (95%CI, 7–16%) in the HES-treated subgroup. Comparing both types of coils, the pooled odds ratio for total recurrence was 0.63 (95%CI, 0.45–0.88; p = 0.008) in favor of HES. Conclusions Embolization of cerebral aneurysms using HES seems to result in a lower rate of recurrence than that obtained using BPC, which is in line with the only randomized controlled trial. High-quality prospective studies are needed to define specific indications for the use of hydrogel-coated coils.

Research into outcomes of endovascular intervention for cerebral blood vessel malformations has previously focused on the clinical picture of the disease, death rate, comparison of surgical methods, and the most common postoperative and postbleeding complications. From the nursing standpoint, the crucial elements in assessing postoperative patients are functional outcome defining patients' ability to function in life and recognition of impairments in which patients will be dependent on the nursing staff. The aim of the study was to assess functional capacity of patients before and after the embolization of cerebral blood vessel malformations in the aspect of nursing care. The study included 38 patients after embolization of cerebral blood vessels. The assessment of their condition using the Functional Capacity Scale was performed twice: before and after the surgical procedure. The research shows that on the day of admission to hospital, patients had greatest difficulty performing hygienic activities (p < .0001), satisfying physiological needs (p < .0001), and consuming their meals (p < .004). Headache (p < .002) and poor psychological state (p < .0001) manifesting itself through mild depression constituted other serious problems. After the surgery, vast majority of patients were independent in terms of self-care (p ≤ .03). Headache occurred in the case of 21% of patients, and psychological state improved in 34% of patients, which shows that there is a major demand for care in this sphere.

The main aim of the work was to estimate the influence of selected demographic factors and wound location on the concentration of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) in patients after neurosurgical operations. The study included 20 adult patients who received a surgical treatment because of degenerative spine changes. Measurements of the concentration of the VEGF-A in the patients' blood serum were taken three times (the first time--before the operation; the second time--during the first 24 hours after surgery; and the third time--between the fifth and the seventh day after the operation). No statistically significant correlation between the concentration of VEGF-A in the patients' blood serum before and after the operation was noted. A statistically significant correlation between the concentration of VEGF-A in the individual measurements was found. It can be concluded that people with a higher concentration of VEGF-A before surgery obtained a higher concentration of VEGF-A in the measurements taken after the operation. There is a statistically significant link between the patient's age and the concentration of VEGF-A during the immediate postoperative period (the older the patient, the higher the level of VEGF-A is observed).

Summary Introduction Craniofacial resection is a treatment of choice for paranasal malignant and benign tumors invading the skull base. The aim of the study In this article the authors present the experience in craniofacial resection for malignant tumors invading the anterior skull base. Material and methods The material consisted of four patients operated in the Department of Otolaryngology and Laryngological Oncology CM UMK between 2007 and 2010. The patients were treated for malignant neoplasms of the paranasal sinuses with anterior skull base involvement. The age range of the group were between 60 and 75 years. Of these patients three were females and one male. Results We performed a lateral rhinotomy for laryngological acces for the tumor. The neurosurgeon performed anterior skull base osteotomy at an appropriate site above. The patients recovered uneventfully. The follow up period ranged between 13 and 42 months. The overall 3-year survival for all patients in our series was 66,6%. Conclusions Combined craniofacial resection of tumors of the anterior skull base is an effective approach for the management of these pathologies. This type of approach in elderly patients over 70 years old could be associated with increased mortality and complications leading to poorer outcome.

Summary Background Functional assessment of a patient focuses on the assessment of independence in activities of daily living. The aim of the study was to verify the usefulness of a new tool (Functional Capacity Scale – FCS) for early functional assessment of patients after surgical treatment of an intracranial aneurysm. Material/Methods The study was conducted in the Neurosurgical Department and Clinic, CM in Bydgoszcz, NCU, within a group of 128 patients after surgical treatment of an intracranial aneurysm. Direct observation and measurement were used in the study. In clinical assessment, the Hunt and Hess Scale was applied. For the final functional assessment, the Functional Capacity Scale (FCS), the Glasgow Outcome Scale, the Functional Index “Repty”, the Barthel Index, and the Rankin Scale were used. Results The study shows that on the day of discharge almost 60% of patients are independent or slightly dependent on others for functional capability, and 15% are significantly or totally dependent. FCS significantly correlates with FIR (0.93, p

Summary Background The use of contrast media and the time-resolved imaging of contrast kinetics (TRICKS) technique have some theoretical advantages over time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (TOF-MRA) in the follow-up of intracranial aneurysms after endovascular treatment. We prospectively compared the diagnostic performance of TRICKS and TOF-MRA with digital subtracted angiography (DSA) in the assessment of occlusion of embolized aneurysms. Material/Methods Seventy-two consecutive patients with 72 aneurysms were examined 3 months after embolization. Test characteristics of TOF-MRA and TRICKS were calculated for the detection of residual flow. The results of quantification of flow were compared with weighted kappa. Intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility was determined. Results The sensitivity of TOF-MRA was 85% (95% CI, 65–96%) and of TRICKS, 89% (95% CI, 70–97%). The specificity of both methods was 91% (95% CI, 79–98%). The accuracy of the flow quantification ranged from 0.76 (TOF-MRA) to 0.83 (TRICKS). There was no significant difference between the methods in the area under the ROC curve regarding both the detection and the quantification of flow. Intraobserver reproducibility was very good with both techniques (kappa, 0.86–0.89). The interobserver reproducibility was moderate for TOF-MRA and very good for TRICKS (kappa, 0.74–0.80). Conclusions In this study, TOF-MRA and TRICKS presented similar diagnostic performance; therefore, the use of time-resolved contrast-enhanced MRA is not justified in the follow-up of embolized aneurysms.

To review the diagnostic value of angiographic methods and the optimal timetable for follow-up imaging of patients after endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms.A comprehensive computer-aided search for relevant primary papers was performed using the MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Collaboration database from January 1991 to March 2011. Original papers were included that reported either diagnostic value of angiographic modalities for follow-up vs. digital subtracted angiography (DSA) or comparison of aneurysm occlusion rate in delayed vs. early follow-up.The systematic review identified 35 relevant studies: 3 on the diagnostic value of three-dimensional (3D) DSA, 30 on the performance of magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), and 3 on time schedules for follow-up. 3D DSA had sensitivity of 100%, and specificity of 58.3-94.7%. Magnetic resonance angiography had sensitivity of 28.4-100%, and specificity of 50.0-100%. The proportion of aneurysms that recanalized between the early follow-up examination at 6 months and the delayed imaging at 1.5-6.0 years was 0-2.5%.Magnetic resonance angiography seems to be the best imaging method for the follow-up. In selected cases, when invasive angiography is necessary, 3D DSA should be considered to improve the diagnostic accuracy. Most patients who present with stable and adequate aneurysm occlusion at 6 months after coiling may not require further follow-up. Key words: intracranial aneurysm, embolization, coils, digital subtracted angiography, magnetic resonance, computed tomography.

Research into outcomes from surgical intervention for intracranial aneurysms have focused on the clinical picture of the disease entity and death rate, comparison of different surgical methods, as well as the most common postoperative and postbleeding complications. From the nursing standpoint, the crucial element in assessing postoperative patients is the broadly understood functional outcome defining patients' ability to function in life, while at the same time recognising the impairments, in which patients will be dependent on the nursing staff. The aim of the study was to assess the functional outcomes of patients in the days following the surgical treatment. The research was carried out in Neurosurgical Department and Clinic, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Poland. A longitudinal study was carried out with 128 patients having undergone removal of an intracranial aneurysm. In the research both the observation and measuring scores were used. Also Hunt and Hess Grades, the Glasgow Coma Score and the Glasgow Outcome Score were used. To assess functional outcomes of patients, the Functional Capacity Scale was used. The research shows that the functional outcome improves with time, see Statistical analysis (p < 0.001). In the majority of patients some functional outcome deficit was observed mainly in the areas such as relieving oneself and maintaining personal hygiene. The conclusions from the research are as follows: (1) following the surgical treatment of the intracranial aneurysm (day 1, 3, 6 and 9) the majority of patients displayed considerable lack of functional outcome, and were therefore dependent on the nursing staff and relatives (family and friends); (2) on discharge (final measurement) patients were largely self-dependent and displayed negligible impairments of functional outcome.

Background: The possibility of recanalization and the need for retreatment are the most important drawbacks of intracranial aneurysm embolization. The purpose of the study was to prospectively analyze the results of early follow-up angiography of embolized ruptured aneurysms in an attempt to determine factors predicting the presence of residual flow. Material and Methods: Evaluation included 72 patients with 72 aneurysms, which were followed-up 3 months after the treatment. Analysis of residual flow predictors included: age and gender, clinical state in Hunt-Hess scale, aneurysm localization, aneurysm three dimensions and volume, neck width, sac-to-neck ratio, initial result of embolization, number of coils used and the use of hydrogel coils and stents. Results: Mean sac diameter was 6.5±3.9 mm, and mean neck width was 2.9±1.4 mm. Follow-up angiography presented residual flow in 26 aneurysms (36.1%): class 2 in 8 aneurysms (11.1%), and class 3 in 18 cases (25.0%). Stable aneurysm filling was observed in 45 cases (62.5%), progression of residual flow in 25 cases (34.7%), and regression in 2 cases (2.8%). According to ROC analysis independent predictors of residual flow were aneurysm neck diameter (AUC 0.857, 95% CI: 0.755-0.928, p

The main aim of the work was to estimate the influence of selected demographic factors and wound location on the concentration of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) in patients after neurosurgical operations. The study included 20 adult patients who received a surgical treatment because of degenerative spine changes. Measurements of the concentration of the VEGF-A in the patients' blood serum were taken three times (the first time--before the operation; the second time--during the first 24 hours after surgery; and the third time--between the fifth and the seventh day after the operation). No statistically significant correlation between the concentration of VEGF-A in the patients' blood serum before and after the operation was noted. A statistically significant correlation between the concentration of VEGF-A in the individual measurements was found. It can be concluded that people with a higher concentration of VEGF-A before surgery obtained a higher concentration of VEGF-A in the measurements taken after the operation. There is a statistically significant link between the patient's age and the concentration of VEGF-A during the immediate postoperative period (the older the patient, the higher the level of VEGF-A is observed).

Introduction The possibility of recanalization and the need for retreatment are the most important limitations of intracranial aneurysm embolization. The purpose of the study was to compare the size of aneurysm remnants measured at follow-up with three-dimensional digital subtracted angiography (3D-DSA) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). Methods Twenty-six aneurysms were found incompletely occluded in 72 consecutively examined patients at a follow-up after 3 months. The diameters and volume of aneurysm remnants were compared between 3D-DSA, time-of-flight MRA (TOF-MRA), contrast-enhanced TOF-MRA (CE-TOF-MRA), and contrast-enhanced MRA (CE-MRA) at 1.5 T. Results There was a significant correlation between remnant volumes calculated based on 3D-DSA and all MRA modalities. The intraobserver variability of the measurements ranged from 3.4 to 4.1 % and the interobserver variability from 5.8 to 7.3 %. There were no significant differences in the variability between the techniques. The mean residual filling volume ranged from 16.3 ± 19.0 mm3 in TOF-MRA to 30.5 ± 44.6 mm3 in 3D-DSA (P

Craniofacial resection is a treatment of choice for paranasal malignant and benign tumors invading the skull base.In this article the authors present the experience in craniofacial resection for malignant tumors invading the anterior skull base.The material consisted of four patients operated in the Department of Otolaryngology and Laryngology Oncology CM UMK between 2007 and 2010. The patients were treated for malignant neoplasms of the paranasal sinuses with anterior skull base involvement. THe age range of the group were between 60 and 75 years. Of these patients three were females and one male.We performed a lateral rhinotomy for laryngological acces for the tumor. The neurosurgeon performed anterior skull base osteotomy at and appropriate site above. The patients recovered uneventfully. The follow up period ranged between 13 and 42 months. The overall 3-year survival for all patients in our series was 66,6%.Combined craniofacial resection of tumors of the anterior skull base is an effective approach for the management of these pathologies. This type of approach in elderly patients over 70 years old could be associated with increased mortality and complications leading to poorer outcome.

A novel, spatially selective method to stimulate cranial nerves has been proposed: contact free stimulation with optical radiation. The radiation source is an infrared pulsed laser. The Case Report is the first report ever that shows that optical stimulation of the auditory nerve is possible in the human. The ethical approach to conduct any measurements or tests in humans requires efficacy and safety studies in animals, which have been conducted in gerbils. This report represents the first step in a translational research project to initiate a paradigm shift in neural interfaces. A patient was selected who required surgical removal of a large meningioma angiomatum WHO I by a planned transcochlear approach. Prior to cochlear ablation by drilling and subsequent tumor resection, the cochlear nerve was stimulated with a pulsed infrared laser at low radiation energies. Stimulation with optical radiation evoked compound action potentials from the human auditory nerve. Stimulation of the auditory nerve with infrared laser pulses is possible in the human inner ear. The finding is an important step for translating results from animal experiments to human and furthers the development of a novel interface that uses optical radiation to stimulate neurons. Additional measurements are required to optimize the stimulation parameters.

Background. Many authors believe that the functional capacity of patients in the early period following intracranial aneurysm surgery influences their long-term capacity and quality of life. The purpose of our study was to estimate whether selected factors such as gender, age, aneurysm location, clinical manifestation, type of surgery, length of hospitalization and clinical condition prior to surgery have an effect on the functional capacity of patients in the early period following intracranial aneurysm surgery. Material and methods. The study was conducted in the Neurosurgery and Neurotraumatology Department of the Jurasz Clinical Hospital in Bydgoszcz. We examined 97 patients after intracranial aneurysm surgery, using direct observation and measurement. The patients' condition was assessed using standard neurosurgical scales (Hunt.

Introduction To prospectively compare of the diagnostic value of digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (TOF-MRA) in the follow-up of intracranial aneurysms after endovascular treatment. Methods Seventy-two consecutive patients were examined 3 months after the embolization. The index tests included: two-dimensional DSA (2D-DSA), three-dimensional DSA (3D-DSA), and TOF-MRA. The reference test was a retrospective consensus between 2D-DSA images, 3D-DSA images, and source rotational DSA images. The evaluation included: detection of the residual flow, quantification of the flow, and validity of the decision regarding retreatment. Intraobserver agreement and interobserver agreement were determined. Results The sensitivity and specificity of residual flow detection ranged from 84.6 % (2D-DSA and TOF-MRA) to 92.3 % (3D-DSA) and from 91.3 % (TOF-MRA) to 97.8 % (3D-DSA), respectively. The accuracy of occlusion degree evaluation ranged from 0.78 (2D-DSA) to 0.92 (3D-DSA, Cohen’s kappa). The 2D-DSA method presented lower performance in the decision on retreatment than 3D-DSA (P