Intraoperative Neuromonitoring for the Lower-Extremity Region Using Motor-Evoked Potential With Direct Cortical Stimulation in Brain Tumor Surgeries.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the motor function of the lower extremity (LE), we used direct cortical stimulation motor-evoked potential (D-MEP) monitoring with a single six-contact subdural strip electrode placed in the interhemispheric fissure. METHODS: Intraoperative neuromonitoring using D-MEPs in the LE was performed in 18 cases (16 patients) for brain tumor surgery from December 2018 to April 2023 with a follow-up period of at least 3 months. After dural opening, a single six-contact subdural strip electrode was placed inside the interhemispheric fissure. To identify the central sulcus, phase reversal was recorded using somatosensory evoked potentials. Next, direct cortical stimulation was applied to the primary motor cortex. The baseline waveform was defined as a reproducible waveform of 30 µV or higher, and a significant decrease of ≥50% in the amplitude resulted in a warning during surgery. RESULTS: The success rate of central sulcus identification in the LE was 66.7% (12/18 cases). Direct cortical stimulation motor-evoked potential monitoring could record stable contralateral motor-evoked potentials of the tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius, and abductor hallucis in 16 of 18 cases (88.9%). The mean intensity of stimulation for D-MEPs was 20.5 ± 9.9 mA, and the 16 cases showed no significant reduction in amplitude. Seventeen cases showed no deterioration of motor function of the LE at 1 and 3 months postoperatively. In the remaining case with unsuccessful D-MEP, paralysis of the LE worsened at 1 and 3 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: The placement of electrodes in the interhemispheric fissure on the primary motor cortex of the LE enabled motor-function monitoring in the LE with D-MEPs, suggesting that D-MEP-based monitoring may be a reliable approach.

Tissue distribution of renadirsen sodium, a dystrophin exon-skipping antisense oligonucleotide, in heart and diaphragm after subcutaneous administration to cynomolgus monkeys.

The pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of renadirsen sodium, a dystrophin exon-skipping phosphorothioate-modified antisense oligonucleotide with 2'-O,4'-C-ethylene-bridged nucleic acid (ENA), after subcutaneous or intravenous administration to cynomolgus monkeys were investigated. The plasma concentration of renadirsen after subcutaneous administration at 1, 3, and 10 mg/kg increased with the dose. The absolute bioavailability at 3 mg/kg after subcutaneous administration was calculated as 88.6%, and the time to reach maximum plasma concentration of renadirsen was within 4 h, indicating the efficient and rapid absorption following subcutaneous administration. The exposure of muscle tissues to renadirsen was found to increase with repeated dosing at 6 mg/kg, and higher exposure was observed in the diaphragm and heart than in the quadriceps femoris and anterior tibialis muscles. Renadirsen achieved more exon 45-skipped dystrophin mRNA in the diaphragm and heart than in the quadriceps femoris and anterior tibialis muscles. Renadirsen also showed a cumulative skipping effect in a repeated-dose study. The findings on exon 45-skipped dystrophin mRNA in these muscle tissues were consistent with the concentration of renadirsen in these tissues. Because it is not feasible to directly evaluate drug concentration and exon skipping in the heart and diaphragm in humans, the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of renadirsen in these tissues in monkeys are crucial for the design and interpretation of clinical settings.

Effect of Intraoperative Ventricular Opening on Recurrence Patterns Following Bis-Chloroethyl-Nitrosourea Wafer Implantation for Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of ventricular opening (VO) on recurrence patterns in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma (GBM) treated with bis-chloroethyl-nitrosourea (BCNU) wafer implantation. Methods: This single-center retrospective study included 40 patients with newly diagnosed GBM who received BCNU wafer implantation after tumor resection between March 2013 and February 2022. The patients were categorized into two groups based on whether VO occurred during the GBM resection. While 18 patients had VO, 22 did not have VO. In cases with VO, the ventricular wall defect is closed with gelatin or oxidized regenerated cellulose and fibrin glue before BCNU wafer implantation. Recurrence patterns-classified as local, diffuse, distant, or multifocal-and time to recurrence were compared between patients with and without VO. Results: The median follow-up period for the entire cohort was 32.2 months (interquartile range, 16.7-38 months). Median survival time was comparable between patients with VO and patients without VO (38 vs. 26 months, p=0.53). Recurrence occurred in 31/40 patients (77.5%) in entire cohort. The incidence of recurrence was comparable between patients with VO and patients without VO (14 [77.8%] vs. 17 [77.3%], p=1.0). No significant differences were seen between the two groups in time to recurrence (p=0.59) or recurrence patterns (p=0.35). Conclusion: Ventricular opening during surgery with BCNU wafer implantation does not seem to influence the recurrence patterns. Ventricular opening does not induce distant recurrence if appropriate ventricular closure is performed.

Exposure to ambient fine particulate matter components during pregnancy and early childhood and its association with asthma, allergies, and sensitization in school-age children.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has been associated with allergic diseases, including asthma. However, information about the effects of specific PM2.5 components is limited. This study aimed to investigate the relationship of exposure to chemical components of PM2.5 during pregnancy and early childhood with the development of asthma, allergies, and sensitization in school-age children. METHODS: This study included 2,408 children in the second grade of elementary school. Questionnaire surveys of respiratory/allergic symptoms and measurements of serum total IgE and specific IgE levels to house dust mite (HDM) and animal proteins were conducted. Exposures to ambient PM2.5 mass, sulfate (SO42-), nitrate (NO3-), ammonium (NH4+), elemental carbon (EC), and organic carbon (OC) of PM2.5 in participants' residences from conception to age six were estimated using predictive models. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the association of respiratory/allergic symptoms and allergen sensitization with estimated exposure concentrations, after adjustment for survey year, sex, season of birth, feeding method during infancy, presence of siblings, history of lower respiratory tract infection, use of childcare facilities, passive smoking, presence of pets, mother's age, history of allergic diseases, smoking during pregnancy, and annual household income. RESULTS: No significant association was found between PM2.5 and its component concentrations and asthma. However, wheezing significantly increased with mean NO3- concentrations during pregnancy (odds ratio of 1.64 [95% confidence interval: 1.10, 2.47] for an interquartile range increase). Significant associations were also found between EC in the second trimester of pregnancy and PM2.5, NO3-, EC, and OC concentrations in early childhood. Higher PM2.5, SO4-, and NH4+ concentrations during the second trimester increased the risk of rhinitis. Sensitizations to HDM and animal proteins were significantly associated with exposure to components such as SO42- and NH4+ during pregnancy but not with postnatal exposure. CONCLUSIONS: Exposures to NO3-, EC, and OC during pregnancy and early childhood were associated with wheezing. SO42- and NH4+ exposures during pregnancy were associated with sensitization to HDM and animal proteins. Asthma was not associated with exposure to PM2.5 and its main components at any period.

Association between general anesthesia in early childhood and neurodevelopment up to 4 years of age: the Japan Environment and Children's Study.

PURPOSE: The effects of general anesthesia on neurodevelopment in children remain controversial. We explored the relationship between general anesthesia and neurodevelopment in children participating in the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS). METHODS: This study enrolled children born between 37 and 41 weeks of pregnancy via single-vaginal delivery to pregnant women registered in the JECS between January 2011 and March 2014. Data were collected from mother-completed questionnaires and medical transcripts. Neurodevelopment in five domains was assessed every 6 months between 12 and 48 months of age, using the Ages and Stages Questionnaires. The associations between general anesthesia exposure during early childhood and neurodevelopment in children were evaluated at each time point. Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated after covariate adjustment using logistic regression models. RESULTS: Children who received general anesthesia before age 1 year had higher risks of neurodevelopmental delay in all five domains throughout the observational period. The largest risk was for gross motor delay at 18 months (adjusted odds ratio: 3.51; 95% confidence interval: 2.75-4.49). The effects on the incidence of neurodevelopmental delays after age 3 were not observed except for problem solving at 48 months. The risk of neurodevelopmental delay in children who first received general anesthesia after age 1 was considerably small. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that general anesthesia administration before age 1 is associated with neurodevelopmental delay during 1-4 years of age. The risk of general anesthesia after age 1 may be small.

Management Approaches and Patient Outcomes for Giant Pituitary Neuroendocrine Tumors Classified as Knosp Grade 3 and 4.

Background Treatment of patients with a giant pituitary neuroendocrine tumor (GPitNET) is challenging. Here, we present the methods used for the clinical management of patients who underwent GPitNET resection mainly via endoscopic endonasal surgery along with multimodal support to avoid surgical complications, which can affect the outcomes. Methodology The medical records of 25 patients with a GPitNET who underwent endonasal endoscopic surgery were retrospectively reviewed. Complications were analyzed and factors affecting the extent of resection were evaluated. Results Gross total resection was achieved in six (24%), near-total resection (>90%) in nine (36%), and partial resection in 10 (40%) patients. Multivariate analyses revealed that tumors invading the middle fossa had negative effects on the extent of resection (odds ratio = 0.092, p = 0.047). Postoperative vision improved or normalized in 16 (64%), remained stable in eight (32%), and worsened in one (4%), while a new hormonal deficit was noted in seven (28%) patients. Complications included permanent oculomotor nerve palsy in one (4%) and transient oculomotor palsy in one (4%), apoplexy of the residual tumor resulting in ischemic stroke in one (4%), postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage in one (4%), and permanent diabetes insipidus in six (24%) patients. Conclusions For GPitNETs that extend into the middle fossa, our study underscored the difficulties in surgical extraction and the necessity for tailored treatment approaches. To ensure the safest and most complete removal possible, the surgical strategy must be specifically adapted to each case. Additionally, employing a comprehensive support approach is essential to reduce the chance of complications in patients impacted by this condition.

Clinical Characteristics and Treatment of Juvenile Myasthenia Gravis-A Single-Center Experience.

Juvenile myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare autoimmune neuromuscular disease, often treated with anticholinesterases, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressants. However, optimal treatment durations remain unclear. This study investigated the clinical characteristics and treatment of juvenile MG, including medication duration. The administration period for all drugs, immunosuppressants, and prednisolone at doses greater than 0.35 mg/kg daily was extracted retrospectively from medical records. Nineteen participants (8 boys, 11 girls) aged 8 months to 14 years (median, 2.5 years) at onset were identified. Fourteen patients (73.7%) had ocular MG and five (26.3%) had generalized MG. Drug treatment was conducted in 18 cases; however, 7 patients did not complete the treatment. Among the patients who completed drug treatment, the duration of treatment ranged from 11 to 100 months (median, 47 months). In the six patients treated with continuous administration of prednisolone or immunosuppressants, the treatment duration ranged from 33 to 99 months (median, 56 months). No severe adverse effects requiring hospitalization were reported. The patients treated with prednisolone or immunosuppressants required at least 33 months of treatment. These results will help develop protocols for juvenile MG treatment.

Intraoperative monitoring of trigeminal neuralgia: a technical note.

Trigeminal neuralgia causes excruciating pain in patients. Microvascular decompression is indicated for drug-resistant s trigeminal neuralgia. Unlike facial spasms, any part of the nerve can be the culprit, not only the root entry zone. Intraoperative monitoring does not yet exist for trigeminal neuralgia. We successfully used intermittent stimulation of the superior cerebellar artery during surgery and confirmed the disappearance of the trigeminal nerve motor branch reaction after the release of the compression. Intermittent direct stimulation of the culprit blood vessel using the motor branch of the trigeminal nerve may assist in intraoperative monitoring of decompression during trigeminal nerve vascular decompression surgery.

The Association Between Physical Activity/Heart Rate Variability Data Obtained Using a Wearable Device and Timed Motor Functional Tests in Patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A Pilot Study.

Background: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a devastating X-linked muscle disease. Clinical evaluation of DMD uses patient-intensive motor function tests, and the recent development of wearable devices allows the collection of a variety of biometric information, including physical activity. Objective: In this study, we examined differences in physical activity and heart rate variability (HRV) between patients with DMD and healthy subjects using a wearable device, and investigated any association between these parameters and motor function in patients with DMD. Methods: Participants were 7 patients with DMD and 8 healthy males, whose physical activity and HRV were provided by a wearable device. These data were used to investigate the relationship between both physical activity and HRV parameters and timed motor functional tests [Time to stand from supine, 10-meter walking time (10MWT), North Star Ambulatory Assessment (NSAA), and 6-minute walking test (6MWT)] in patients with DMD. Results: Results of 24-hours physical activity, fat burning, total number of steps and active distance, average step rate, average exercise intensity during walking, exercise, degree of forward lean during walking, maximum heart rate, normalized low frequency power (LF norm), and maximum exercise intensity in patients with DMD were lower than those in control subjects. Physical activity and HRV parameters did not correlate with the time to stand from supine. The 10MWT positively correlated with average heart rate, while NSAA negatively correlated with average heart rate, total frequency power (TF), and very low frequency power (VLF) during arousal. The 6MWT negatively correlated with ratio LF/high frequency power (HF). CONCLUSIONS: Physical activity and HRV indices that differ from those of normal children and that correlate with motor function assessment may serve as digital biomarkers.

Unilateral abnormality of initial motor-evoked potential in the upper limb detected during lumbar spine surgery: a case report.

BACKGROUND: We present a case with abnormal findings of initial motor-evoked potential (MEP) in the left upper limb after prone positioning during lumbar spine surgery. CASE PRESENTATION: A 71-year-old man with bilateral lower extremity numbness without a history of preexisting motor weakness underwent L3-5 spinal fenestration. Initial MEP monitoring after prone positioning revealed markedly prolonged latency and lower amplitude in the left abductor pollicis brevis (APB). Because the left upper limb somatosensory-evoked potentials had normal values, a position-related impending peripheral nerve injury located between the neck and the forearm was excluded. Postoperative examination revealed that MEP abnormality in the left APB was caused by carpal tunnel syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: Abnormal initial MEP from the upper limb was unexpectedly detected after prone positioning during lumbar spine surgery. The condition was caused by preexisting carpal tunnel syndrome.

Preoperative Blood Counts Predict Overall Survival in Patients Undergoing Surgical Removal of Brain Metastasis.

OBJECTIVE: The prognosis for patients with cancer with brain metastasis (BM) requiring surgical removal is quite limited. Preoperative prognostic factors can provide meaningful information to surgeons, oncologists, and patients. This study evaluated the preoperative blood counts in patients with BM who were treated with surgical removal. METHODS: Between January 2011 and November 2021, 221 consecutive surgeries were conducted on 198 patients with BM. Among the 198 patients, 188 patients with sufficient blood test data and follow-up were analyzed in this study. The tumors originated from the lungs (n = 102, 54.3%), colon (n = 26, 13.3%), breast (n = 13, 6.9%), kidney (n = 8, 4.3%), stomach (n = 6, 3.2%), and others (n = 33, 17.6%). The blood test data included neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils, red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and albumin. RESULTS: The median follow-up and median survival times were both 11 months (range: 0-139 months). Higher neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio ≥ 3.17, platelet-lymphocyte ratio ≥112.7, systemic immune-inflammation index ≥594.4, systemic inflammation response index ≥1.25 were unfavorable predictors of prognosis for the patients treated with surgical removal for BM (P < 0.001). Furthermore, lower lymphocyte-monocyte ratio < 2.33 and prognostic nutritional index < 48.5 were unfavorable predictors. CONCLUSIONS: Simple, less expensive, routinely ordered preoperative blood count assessments, such as the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-lymphocyte ratio, lymphocyte-monocyte ratio, systemic immune-inflammation index, systemic inflammation response index, and prognostic nutritional index, can predict the overall survival of patients treated with surgical removal for BM.

Pre-treatment systemic inflammation response index and systemic immune inflammation in patients with primary central nerve system lymphoma as a useful prognostic indicator.

PURPOSE: The systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) are based on neutrophil, monocyte, platelet, and lymphocyte counts. The SIRI and SII are used to predict the survival of patients with malignant tumors. It is well known that the inflammatory immune response is closely related to cancer occurrence and progression. In the present study, we evaluated the potential prognostic significance of SIRI and SII in patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). METHODS: Fifty-eight consecutive patients were enrolled in this study between November 2006 and May 2022. Among the 58 patients, 47 patients with sufficient blood test data and follow-up were analyzed. The patients with steroid intake at the time point of the blood test and higher C-reactive protein were excluded. RESULTS: The median follow-up and survival times were 31 and 36 months, respectively. The optimal cutoff SIRI value was based on the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) for overall survival (OS) and stratified patients into low (< 1.43 × 109/L, n = 22) and high (≥ 1.43 × 109/L, n = 25) SIRI groups. The optimal cutoff SII value based on the ROC for OS stratified patients into low (< 694.9, n = 28) and high (≥ 694.9, n = 19) SII groups. A low SIRI value was associated with longer OS (p = 0.006). Furthermore, a low SII value was associated with longer OS (p = 0.044). The prognostic factors associated with prolonged survival in univariate analysis using the Cox proportional hazard model were age < 65 years, low SIRI, and low SII. The multivariate analysis demonstrated that age < 65 years and low SIRI independently predicted longer OS. CONCLUSION: Simple, less expensive, and routinely ordered preoperative blood count assessments such as SIRI and SII predict the OS of patients with PCNSL. This study demonstrated that PCNSL is associated with pre-treatment systemic immune-inflammation states.

Longitudinal data of serum creatine kinase levels and motor, pulmonary, and cardiac functions in 337 patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

INTRODUCTION/AIMS: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) presents with skeletal muscle weakness, followed by cardiorespiratory involvement. The need for longitudinal data regarding DMD that could serve as a control for determining treatment efficacy in clinical trials has increased notably. The present study examined the longitudinal data of Japanese DMD patients collectively and assessed individual patients with pathogenic variants eligible for exon-skipping therapy. METHODS: Patients with DMD who visited Kobe University Hospital between March 1991 and March 2019 were enrolled. Data between the patients' first visit until age 20 years were examined. RESULTS: Three hundred thirty-seven patients were included. Serum creatine kinase levels showed extremely high values until the age of 6 years and a rapid decline from ages 7-12 years. Both the median 10-m run/walk velocity and rise-from-floor velocity peaked at the age of 4 years and declined with age. The values for respiratory function declined from the age of 11 years. The median left ventricular ejection fraction was >60% until the age of 12 years and rapidly declined from ages 13-15 years. Examination of the relationship between pathogenic variants eligible for exon-skipping therapy and longitudinal data revealed no characteristic findings. DISCUSSION: We found that creatine kinase levels and motor, respiratory, and cardiac functions each exhibited various changes over time. These findings provide useful information about the longitudinal data of several outcome measures for patients with DMD not receiving corticosteroids. These data may serve as historical controls in comparing the natural history of DMD patients not on regular steroid use in appropriate clinical trials.

Corrigendum to "Relationship between growth and food avoidance with food allergy at age 3 years: The Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS)" [World Allergy Organ J (2023) 100826].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.waojou.2023.100826.].

Long-term outcomes and potential predictive recurrence factors after endonasal endoscopic surgical treatment of symptomatic Rathke's cleft cysts.

Although patients with symptomatic Rathke's cleft cysts (RCCs) receive surgical treatment, recurrence sometimes occurs after surgery. However, the mechanism underlying recurrence remains unclear. We evaluated the outcomes of RCC decompression over a long-term follow-up period. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 35 patients with symptomatic RCC who underwent endonasal endoscopic surgery (EES) at our institution between 2008 and 2023. Patients' characteristics, intraoperative findings, and postoperative follow-up outcomes were evaluated. A univariate regression model was used to identify the predictors of recurrence. The median patient age was 48.0 years, and 74.2% of the patients were female. The mean follow-up duration was 94.7 ± 47.6 months. Cyst content recurrence was observed in 15 patients (42.8%). Five patients (14.2%) with symptomatic recurrence underwent reoperation. Postoperative vision improved in all 23 patients (100%); headaches improved in 20 patients (90.9%). A new hormonal deficit occurred in two patients (5.7%). Complications included intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak in 10 patients (28.5%), postoperative CSF leak in two patients (5.7%), permanent diabetes insipidus in two patients (5.7%), and postoperative infection in three patients (8.5%). Univariate analyses revealed that the position of the anterior pituitary lobe (p = 0.019) and preoperative visual disturbances (p = 0.008) significantly affected recurrence after surgery. Although EES was efficient, the recurrence rate was relatively high over a long-term period. The anterior pituitary lobe position and preoperative visual disturbances were significantly associated with recurrence. The anterior-inferior position can predict a high risk of recurrence before surgery.

A novel DLG4 variant causes DLG4-related synaptopathy with intellectual regression.

DLG4-related synaptopathy is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a DLG4 variant. We identified a novel de novo heterozygous frameshift variant, NM_001321075.3(DLG4):c.554_563del, in a Japanese girl. Intellectual regression without motor delay was observed at 2 years of age, and she was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Recognizing the possibility of DLG4-related synaptopathy in patients with intellectual regression is important for ensuring an accurate diagnosis.

Giant skull base periosteal chondroma treated with endonasal endoscopic surgery: illustrative case.

BACKGROUND: Intracranial chondroma is an extremely rare type of tumor composed of mature hyaline cartilaginous tissues. No previous cases of skull base periosteal chondroma have been presented. OBSERVATIONS: A 31-year-old male had progressive memory loss and diminished motivation for the previous 1.5 years. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a giant tumor with partial calcification arising from the upper clivus and extending to the prepontine cistern. Compression of the brainstem and hypothalamus was significant. Surgery was performed and intentionally limited to an intracapsular resection with endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES), and the brainstem and hypothalamus were successfully decompressed. Pathological examination findings showed a composition of hyaline cartilage with chondrocyte clusters. Genetic testing with next-generation sequencing indicated alternations in IDH1 R132C, KDR Q472H, IDH2 I142L, and TP53 P72R. On the basis of these findings, a diagnosis of periosteal chondroma was made. Postoperatively, complete relief from all symptoms was noted, and MRI one year later showed no evidence of tumor regrowth. LESSONS: This is the first known report of skull base periosteal chondroma. Genetic testing was useful for confirming the diagnosis, and EES was effective for treatment. Should such a tumor show adhesion to an important structure, an intracapsular excision can be beneficial for avoiding complications.

Newborn Screening for Spinal Muscular Atrophy: A 2.5-Year Experience in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan.

Newborn screening (NBS) for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is necessary, as favorable outcomes can be achieved by treatment with disease-modifying drugs in early infancy. Although SMA-NBS has been initiated in Japan, its clinical results have not been fully reported. We report the findings of the initial 2.5 years of a pilot SMA-NBS of approximately 16,000 infants conducted from February 2021 in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. Clinical data of 17 infants who tested positive were retrospectively obtained from the NBS follow-up centers participating in this multicenter cohort observational study. Genetic testing revealed 14 false positives, and three infants were diagnosed with SMA. Case 1 had two copies of survival motor neuron (SMN) 2 and showed SMA-related symptoms at diagnosis. Case 2 was asymptomatic, with two copies of SMN2. Asymptomatic case 3 had four copies of SMN2 exon 7, including the SMN1/2 hybrid gene. Cases 1 and 2 were treated within 1 month and case 3 at 8 months. All the patients showed improved motor function scores and did not require respiratory support. The identification of infants with SMA via NBS and early treatment improved their motor and respiratory outcomes. Thus, implementation of SMA-NBS at a nationwide scale should be considered.

Effect of Sevoflurane Anesthesia on Intraoperative Spikes, High-Frequency Oscillations, and Phase-Amplitude Coupling in MRI-Normal Hippocampus.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of sevoflurane anesthesia on spikes, high-frequency oscillations (HFOs), and phase-amplitude coupling using a modulation index in MRI-normal hippocampus, with the aim of evaluating the utility of intraoperative electrocorticography in identifying the epileptogenic hippocampus during sevoflurane administration. METHODS: Eleven patients with intractable temporal lobe epilepsy with a normal hippocampus on MRI underwent extra-operative electrocorticography evaluation. Patients were assigned to the Ictal (+) or Ictal (-) group depending on whether the parahippocampal gyrus was included in the seizure onset zone. Intraoperative electrocorticography was performed under 0.5 and 1.5 minimum alveolar concentration of sevoflurane. The rates of spikes, ripples, fast ripples (FRs), ripples on spikes, FRs on spikes, and MI HFO(3-4 Hz) were evaluated. RESULTS: During the intraoperative electrocorticography procedure, sevoflurane administration was found to significantly increase the rate of spikes, ripples on spikes, fast ripples on spikes, and MI HFO(3-4 Hz) in the Ictal (+) group (P < 0.01). By contrast, the Ictal (-) group exhibited a paradoxical increase in the rate of ripples and fast ripple (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that the administration of sevoflurane during intraoperative electrocorticography in patients with MRI-normal hippocampus can lead to a dose-dependent enhancement of epileptic biomarkers (spikes, ripples on spikes, fast ripples on spikes, and MI (HFO 3-4)) in the epileptogenic hippocampus, while paradoxically increasing the rate of ripples and fast ripple in the nonepileptogenic hippocampus. These results have significant implications for the identification of the MRI-normal hippocampus that requires surgical intervention and preservation of the nonepileptogenic hippocampus.

Relationship between growth and food avoidance with food allergy at age 3 years: The Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS).

Background: Basic management for food allergy (FA) is eliminating causative food from the diet, which can impact normal growth. This study examined the association between food avoidance and growth failure among children with FA aged 0-3 years using the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS) data. Methods: Data on height, weight, and FA history registered were collected using self-administered questionnaires at age 1, 1.5, 2, and 3 years. A general linear model was used to examine whether dietary restriction affected body size. Height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) were adjusted for age in months using standard deviation (SD) scores for each age group by month of measurement. Presence of FA or dietary restriction was used as a binary variable. Results: Of the 38 477 participants included in this analysis, 4070 with FAs had significantly lower SD scores for height and weight at age 3 years. With milk avoidance, significantly lower SD scores for height (male: ß = -0.097 [95%CI: 0.175, -0.019], female: ß = -0.103 [95%CI: 0.204, -0.002]), a significantly lower SD score for weight (male: ß = -0.115[95%CI: 0.187, -0.043], female ß = -0.114[95%CI: 0.203, -0.026]) were observed. Soy avoidance in males marked a lower SD score for height (ß = -0.307 [95%CI: 0.474, -0.140]). Continued food avoidance until age 3 resulted in significantly lower SD score for height and weight regardless of gender. Conclusion: Growth impairment was observed with food avoidance at age 3 years. Growth impairment were more obvious in males than in females. With regards food items, the impact of milk and soy was more significant.