Global and Gender Equity in Oligodendroglioma Research: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis Following the COVID-19 Pandemic

Oligodendrogliomas are rare brain tumors arising from oligodendrocytes; there is a limited understanding of their pathogenesis, which leads to challenges in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the oligodendroglioma literature to assess the current state of research, identify research trends, and elucidate implications for future research. The Lens® database was used to retrieve journal articles related to "oligodendroglioma" without geographic or temporal restrictions. Year-on-year trends in publication and funding were analyzed. Global and gender equity were assessed using the Namsor® Application programming interface. Collaboration patterns were explored using network visualizations. Keyword analysis revealed the most prominent themes in oligodendroglioma research. Out of 9701 articles initially retrieved, 8381 scholarly journal articles were included in the final analysis. Publication trends showed a consistent increase until 2020, followed by a sharp decline likely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Global representation revealed researchers from 86 countries, with limited participation from low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Gender inequity was evident, with 78.7% of researchers being male. Collaboration analysis revealed a highly interconnected research community. Prognosis, genetic aberrations (particularly "IDH" mutations), and therapeutic options (including chemotherapy and radiotherapy) emerged as dominant research themes. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted oligodendroglioma research funding and publication trends, highlighting the importance of robust funding mechanisms. Global and gender inequities in research participation underscore the need for fostering inclusive collaboration, especially in LMICs. The interconnected research community presents opportunities for knowledge exchange and innovation. Keyword analysis highlights current research trends and a shift to genetic and molecular understanding.

Ten-step minimally invasive slalom unilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression (sULBD) with navigation

BACKGROUND

Unilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression (ULBD) is a MIS surgical technique that offers safe and effective decompression of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) with a long-term resolution of symptoms. Advantages over conventional open laminectomy include reduced expected blood loss, muscle damage, mechanical instability, and less postoperative pain. The slalom technique combined with navigation is used in multi-segmental LSS to improve the workflow and effectiveness of the procedure.

METHODS

We outline ten technical steps to achieve a slalom unilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression (sULBD) with navigation. In a retrospective case series, we included patients with multi-segmental LSS operated in our institution using the sULBD between 2020 and 2022. The primary outcome was a reduction in pain measured by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for back pain and leg pain and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI).

RESULTS

In our case series (N = 7), all patients reported resolution of initial symptoms on an average follow-up of 20.71 ± 9 months. The average operative time and length of hospital stay were 196.14 min and 1.67 days, respectively. On average, VAS (back pain) was 4.71 pre-operatively and 1.50 on long-term follow-up of an average of 19.05 months. VAS (leg pain) decreased from 4.33 to 1.21. ODI was reported as 33% pre-operatively and 12% on long-term follow-up.

CONCLUSION

The sULBD with navigation is a safe and effective MIS surgical procedure and achieves the resolution of symptoms in patients presenting with multi-segmental LSS. Herein, we demonstrate the ten key steps required to perform the sULBD technique. Compared to the standard sULBD technique, the incorporation of navigation provides anatomic localization without exposure to radiation to staff for a higher safety profile along with a fast and efficient workflow.

Endoscopic fenestration of an enlarging giant occipital arachnoid cyst

This case demonstrates an endoscopic fenestration of an enlarging giant occipital arachnoid cyst. The patient is a 42-year-old woman presenting with headache, progressive vision loss, and nausea and vomiting. MRI demonstrates a large, nonenhancing cystic lesion in the right occipital lobe measuring up to 8.3 cm, consistent with an arachnoid cyst. This surgical video illustrates the technique for an endoscopic fenestration into the native ventricular system utilizing stereotactic MRI-guided stealth navigation. Postoperatively, the patient had full recovery with improvement of headaches and vision and was discharged on postoperative day 1 without complications.

The video can be found here: https://stream.cadmore.media/r10.3171/2023.1.FOCVID22129

Parkinson's Pals: A Student-Led Program to Facilitate Intergenerational Connections and Promote Psychosocial Well-Being Among Persons with Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) causes unique motor and non-motor symptoms. Despite symptomatic treatment with pharmacotherapies, many persons with PD report feelings of loneliness and demoralization as their disease progresses. These symptoms greatly interfere with quality of life, necessitating novel treatment strategies. In this report, we introduce a new student-led program to improve psychosocial well-being among persons with PD by pairing them with college students. Through weekly one-on-one meetings, students gain a deeper understanding of PD, while patients gain a new social outlet and purpose. Based on the program's initial successes, we advocate for the adoption of similar programs at universities worldwide.

Screening for Type 2 diabetes mellitus in the UK Indo-Asian population

AIMS

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) has a high prevalence in Asian subjects. A simple method of screening using self-testing for postprandial glycosuria achieved a good response rate and a sensitivity which compared favourably to more expensive and invasive methods in a semirural Caucasian population. We examined its effectiveness in Asian subjects.

METHODS

Caucasian and Indo-Asian subjects aged 35-70 years in two general practices in Leicester (n=9896 (6198=Asian subjects, 3698=Caucasian)) were screened. Those known to have diabetes were excluded. Subjects were asked to self-test for glycosuria 1 h after their main meal. Instruction and response cards were translated in Punjabi and Gujarati and sent to the Asian subjects, depending on age and surname.

RESULTS

Response rate was 34.4% in Asian subjects compared to 54.0% in Caucasian subjects. Prevalence of glycosuria was 8.2% in Asian subjects and 3.2% in Caucasian subjects. Two hundred and thirty-nine subjects recorded glycosuria and 202 (84.5% of the total, 86.9% of Asian subjects, 78.1% of Caucasian) attended for oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Sixty-three (31.2%) were found to have diabetes (46, 73% Asian), 29 (14.4%) impaired glucose tolerance (24, 82.8% Asian) and 110 (54.4%) normal glucose tolerance (82, 74.6% Asian). Thus 30% of Asian subjects and 34% of Caucasian subjects had diabetes on OGTT. The prevalence of diabetes in 35-70 years in the total population after screening was 5.6% (6.8% in Asian subjects, 3.6% in Caucasian) and in the screened population was 12.7% (17.9% in Asian subjects, 6.3% in Caucasian).

CONCLUSIONS

Screening for diabetes using this method, in terms of response rate, is not as effective in a large city setting, particularly in the Asian population. However, the yield of diabetes in the age group 35-64 years compares well to much more expensive and labour intensive approaches and its use in this population in a primary care setting is justified.