Wang et al from Beijing report on a survey of 124 hospitals in the Beijing area for their ability to provide acute stroke care, including the use of rt-PA or urokinase. Table 2 has all the data you need to understand the challenges they face. As in every country, there are hospitals without neurosurgeons and without the ability to use rt-PA or urokinase. This is an excellent study and must be understood in the context of the beginning organization of neurosurgeons in China. Neurosurgery has developed rapidly in China to the point of producing valuable studies such as this for reporting molecular research—as seen in the following article. This report is a terrific, cooperative accomplishment in any country.
Yu et al from Beijing have produced an extremely sophisticated article on the molecular biology of cancer. They targeted the messenger RNA associated with the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 Alpha gene. This messenger RNA leads to the formation of a protein made on the ribosome in the cytoplasm that influences the promotion of angiogenesis, glycolysis, and tumor growth. This gene is induced under conditions of hypoxia. By inhibiting the messenger RNA specific to this gene, the investigators found in vitro and in vivo that tumor growth can be inhibited. They suggest using the messenger RNA as a target for inhibition of tumor growth. This is a superb article indicative of the high level of research in Chinese neurosurgical departments. It is also multidisciplinary.
Lei et al from Lanzhou describe their surgical strategies in the treatment of various extents of fibrous dysplasia of the skull in 12 patients. This is a worthwhile experience for those facing this problem.
Tang et al from Beijing describe a very rare case of a giant intracranial AV fistula. Look at the images and decide how you would approach this lesion, which cannot be easily embolized. Then read what the authors did to resect this malformation.
Hong et al from Nanchang add to the literature their experience using a unilateral pterional approach to clip bilateral aneurysms. De Souza comments on his experience with 200 cases and provides some additional insight into this technique.
Zhang et al from Jinan use a percutaneous introducer to cannulate the internal jugular vein in the neck. This pathway is used to insert the arterial end of a ventriculoatrial shunt in patients whose ventriculoperitoneal shunts do not work at the distal end. This is a neat technique.
The views and opinions expressed in this editorial are those of the editors, and the views expressed herein are not necessarily those of the Publisher.
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