Root coverage with platelet-rich fibrin or connective tissue graft: a split-mouth randomized trial.

This study aimed to compare the use of connective tissue grafts (CTG) and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) associated with the tunnel technique (TT) for the treatment of multiple gingival recessions (GR). Fourteen patients with multiple bilateral GR [type 1 recession (RT 1)] in the maxillary incisors, canines, and/or premolars were included. The TT was performed on both sides (split-mouth model); CTG (36 GR) was used on one side, and on the other, PRF (36 GR) was used. Clinical parameters, including recession depth (RD), probing depth, clinical attachment level (CAL), and keratinized gingiva thickness/width (GT/KTW), were obtained at baseline and after 1, 3, 6, and 16 months. Lower RD (0.81 ± 0.68 vs. 1.23 ± 0.71 mm) and CAL (2.54 ± 0.63 vs. 2.73 ± 0.82 mm) were observed for CTG compared to PRF after 16 months. Higher GT was obtained for CTG compared to PRF after 3 (1.81 ± 0.56 vs 1.43 ± 0.47 mm) and 6 months (1.67 ± 0.61 vs. 1.38 ± 0.55 mm, p < 0.05). The recession coverage (RC) was higher for CTG (55.42% ± 37.14) in comparison to PRF (29.53% ± 34.08) after 16 months (p < 0.05). Similarly, CTG presented a more complete coverage of the recession (15; 41.66%) than PRF (9; 24.32%). There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of surgery time, postoperative pain, or healing patterns. Greater esthetic satisfaction was obtained with CTG. It was concluded that CTG combined with TT showed clinical and esthetic results superior to those of PRF in multiple GR treatments.

Liquid biopsy and tumor DNA/RNA detection in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients diagnosed with central nervous system glioma - A review article.

Background: Gliomas are the most common primary malignant neoplasms of the central nervous system and their characteristic genetic heterogeneity implies in a prominent complexity in their management. The definition of the genetic/molecular profile of gliomas is currently essential for the classification of the disease, prognosis, choice of treatment, and it is still dependent on surgical biopsies, which in many cases become unfeasible. Liquid biopsy with detection and analysis of biomarkers such as deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA) from the tumor and circulating in the bloodstream or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has emerged as a minimally invasive alternative to aid in diagnosis, follow-up, and response to treatment of gliomas. Methods: Through a systematic search in the PubMed MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases, we reviewed the evidence on the use of liquid biopsy to detect tumor DNA/RNA in the CSF of patients diagnosed with central nervous system gliomas. Results: After a systematic review applying all inclusion and exclusion criteria, as well as a double review by independent authors, 14 studies specifically addressing the detection of tumor DNA/RNA in the CSF of patients diagnosed with central nervous system glioma were selected in the final analysis. Conclusion: Sensitivity and specificity of liquid biopsy in CSF are still very variable depending on factors such as the diagnostic method, collection timing, biomarker (DNA and RNA), tumor type, extension and volume of the tumor, collection method, and contiguity from neoplasm to CSF. Despite the technical limitations that still exist and prevent the routine and validated use of liquid biopsy in CSF, the growing number of studies around the world is increasingly improving this technic, resulting in promising prospects for its use in diagnosis, evolutionary follow-up, and response to the treatment of complex diseases such as central nervous system gliomas.

Root coverage with platelet-rich fibrin or connective tissue graft: a split-mouth randomized trial

Abstract: This study aimed to compare the use of connective tissue grafts (CTG) and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) associated with the tunnel technique (TT) for the treatment of multiple gingival recessions (GR). Fourteen patients with multiple bilateral GR [type 1 recession (RT 1)] in the maxillary incisors, canines, and/or premolars were included. The TT was performed on both sides (split-mouth model); CTG (36 GR) was used on one side, and on the other, PRF (36 GR) was used. Clinical parameters, including recession depth (RD), probing depth, clinical attachment level (CAL), and keratinized gingiva thickness/width (GT/KTW), were obtained at baseline and after 1, 3, 6, and 16 months. Lower RD (0.81 ± 0.68 vs. 1.23 ± 0.71 mm) and CAL (2.54 ± 0.63 vs. 2.73 ± 0.82 mm) were observed for CTG compared to PRF after 16 months. Higher GT was obtained for CTG compared to PRF after 3 (1.81 ± 0.56 vs 1.43 ± 0.47 mm) and 6 months (1.67 ± 0.61 vs. 1.38 ± 0.55 mm, p < 0.05). The recession coverage (RC) was higher for CTG (55.42% ± 37.14) in comparison to PRF (29.53% ± 34.08) after 16 months (p < 0.05). Similarly, CTG presented a more complete coverage of the recession (15; 41.66%) than PRF (9; 24.32%). There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of surgery time, postoperative pain, or healing patterns. Greater esthetic satisfaction was obtained with CTG. It was concluded that CTG combined with TT showed clinical and esthetic results superior to those of PRF in multiple GR treatments.

Drug resistant epilepsy of the insular lobe: A review and update article.

Background: Epilepsy is a chronic disease that affects millions of people around the world generating great expenses and psychosocial problems burdening the public health in different ways. A considerable number of patients are refractory to the drug treatment requiring a more detailed and specialized investigation to establish the most appropriate therapeutic option. Insular epilepsy is a rare form of focal epilepsy commonly drug resistant and has much of its investigation and treatment involved with the surgical management at some point. The insula or the insular lobe is a portion of the cerebral cortex located in the depth of the lateral sulcus of the brain; its triangular in shape and connects with the other adjacent lobes. The insular lobe is a very interesting and complex portion of the brain related with different functions. Insula in Latin means Island and was initially described in the 18th century but its relation with epilepsy was first reported in the 1940-1950s. Insular lobe epilepsy is generally difficult to identify and confirm due to its depth and interconnections. Initial non-invasive studies generally demonstrate frustrating or incoherent information about the origin of the ictal event. Technological evolution made this pathology to be progressively better recognized and understood enabling professionals to perform the correct diagnosis and choose the ideal treatment for the affected population. Methods: A literature review was performed using MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. The terms epilepsy/epileptic seizure of the insula and surgical treatment was used in various combinations. We included studies that were published in English, French, or Portuguese; performed in humans with insular epilepsy who underwent some surgical treatment (microsurgery, laser ablation, or radiofrequency thermocoagulation). Results: Initial search results in 1267 articles. After removing the duplicates 710 remaining articles were analyzed for titles and abstracts applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. 70 studies met all inclusion criteria and were selected. Conclusion: At present, the main interests and efforts are in the attempt to achieve and standardize the adequate management of the patient with refractory epilepsy of the insular lobe and for that purpose several forms of investigation and treatment were developed. In this paper, we will discuss the characteristics and information regarding the pathology and gather data to identify and choose the best therapeutic option for each case.

Proteomics pinpoints alterations in grade I meningiomas of male versus female patients.

Meningiomas are among the most common primary tumors of the central nervous system (CNS) and originate from the arachnoid or meningothelial cells of the meninges. Surgery is the first option of treatment, but depending on the location and invasion patterns, complete removal of the tumor is not always feasible. Reports indicate many differences in meningiomas from male versus female patients; for example, incidence is higher in females, whereas males usually develop the malignant and more aggressive type. With this as motivation, we used shotgun proteomics to compare the proteomic profile of grade I meningioma biopsies of male and female patients. Our results listed several differentially abundant proteins between the two groups; some examples are S100-A4 and proteins involved in RNA splicing events. For males, we identified enriched pathways for cell-matrix organization and for females, pathways related to RNA transporting and processing. We believe our findings contribute to the understanding of the molecular differences between grade I meningiomas of female and male patients.

History and Evolution of Epilepsy Surgery

The surgical treatment for epilepsy has a worldwide historical relevance for centuries. There are archaeological reports that date it back to ancient Egypt; however, the year 1886 is considered a landmark in the surgical treatment for epilepsy in theModern Age, when the first surgery for the treatment of focal epileptic events was performed successfully. Since then, innumerable related articles have been published evoluonarily. Over the last centuries, new techniques and technologies provided better understanding, diagnosis and management for this disease. Thus, historical and evolutionary knowledge becomes important to let us better understand the current position of the surgery for epilepsy treatment and control.

Microsurgical Resection of Cerebellopontine Angle Meningioma.

Meningiomas of the cerebellopontine angle (CPA) are the second most frequent lesions related to this region (around 10-15%), 1 being the vestibular schwannomas the first (around 85%). This lesions arise from the dura of the petrosal surface of the temporal bone, lateral to the trigeminal nerve ( Fig. 1 ). Variable attachment sites and directions of growth make different clinical presentations and operative challenges. This pathologies can be classified accordingly to they're extension related to the internal acoustic meatus in: postmeatal, premeatal, and large meningiomas with pre- and postmeatal extension ( Fig. 2 ). We present an operative video performed by the senior author (L.A.B.B.). A 64-year-old woman with 3 months of complaint of left facial pain on the V2 territory of the trigeminal nerve and diplopia secondary to VI nerve paresis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans demonstrated a large homogeneous enhancing lesion at the left CPA, extending pre- and postmeatal and from the tentorium cerebeli to the jugular foramen region, highly suggestive of CPA meningioma. Surgery was offered to the patient as a first option. In our point of view, neurophysiological monitoring with somatosensory and motor evoked potentials is mandatory while dealing with such large tumors around the CPA. The surgery was performed after a standard retrosigmoid craniotomy, with careful dissection and debulking while devascularizing the tumor from its petrosal attachment. Near-total resection was achieved and the patient had a remarkable postoperative outcome with improvement of the diplopia and facial pain with preservation of VII and VIII nerves function. The pathology demonstrated a grade 1 meningioma. The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/UVVyEhq8Fu0 .

Combined Presigmoid and Retrosigmoid Approach to Petroclival Meningiomas.

Introduction The management of petroclival meningiomas is among the most intimidating in neurosurgery, due to its difficult accessibility and close relationship with vital structures; therefore, an appropriate exposure is mandatory. We present a surgical video demonstrating a presigmoid transtentorial approach, associated with the opening of the retrosigmoid dura to a petroclival meningioma, performed by the senior surgeon (L.A.B.B.), along with its indications and pitfalls. Approach Decision The patient's clinical history is summed to the tumor's radiological features as its extension, vascularization, and venous drainage, when selecting the appropriate approach. The presigmoid transtentorial approach offers a wide exposure of the petroclival area along with the tumor's attachment. Its association with the retrosigmoid route allows the surgeon to freely work through multiple paths, and parallel to the skull base, reducing the traction in the temporal lobe. Clinical Case This is a 39-year-old female presenting with trigeminal neuralgia. Imaging depicted a petroclival meningioma, extending from the posterior aspect of the cavernous sinus to the cerebellopontine angle, extending inferiorly to the jugular bulb. A Simpson II resection was achieved through a combined presigmoid and retrosigmoid approach, and the patient was discharged with no complications or new deficits. Conclusion Petroclival meningiomas are a formidable and surgically treatable disease. The appropriate approach is design to each patient and should not be the limiting factor for total tumor removal, which is truly given by the absence of a dissection plane between the tumor and the brainstem, nerves and vascular structures of the skull base. The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/MFjqZvElBSo .