Prediction of Meningioma Grade Using Hematological Parameters.

OBJECTIVE: Predicting the aggressiveness of meningiomas may influence the surgical strategy timing. Because of the paucity of robust markers, the systemic immune-inflammation (SII) index is a novel biomarker to be an independent predictor of poor prognosis in various cancers including gliomas. We aimed to investigate the value of SII as well as neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) indices in predicting prognosis. METHODS: Records including demographic, clinical, and laboratory data of patients operated on due to intracranial meningioma in 2017-2023 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 234 patients were included in this study. All of SII index, NLR, and PLR values at presentation were significantly higher in grade ≥2 meningiomas. A positive correlation was observed between SII index and Ki67 index (r=0.313; P<0.001); between NLR and Ki67 index (r=0.330; P<0.001); and between PLR and Ki67 index (r=0.223; P<0.01). SII index (optimal cutoff level >618), NLR (optimal cutoff level >3.53), and PLR (optimal cutoff level >121.2) showed significant predictive values. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to assess the prognostic value of the SII index in patients with intracranial meningiomas. Increased SII index, NLR and PLR were correlated with higher grade and higher Ki-67 index. They also harbor the potential to screen patients that may need more aggressive treatments or more frequent follow-up examinations.

Navigating the calvaria with mobile mixed reality-based neurosurgical planning: how feasible are smartphone applications as a craniotomy guide?

OBJECTIVE: Virtual simulation and imaging systems have evolved as advanced products of computing technology over the years. With advancements in mobile technology, smartphones, and tablets, the quality of display and processing speed have gradually improved, thanks to faster central processing units with higher capacity. Integrating these two technologies into the fields of healthcare and medical education has had a positive impact on surgical training. However, contemporary neurosurgical planning units are expensive and integrated neuronavigation systems in operating rooms require additional accessories. The aim of this study was to investigate the compatibility of smartphone applications in augmented reality (AR)-based craniotomy planning, which can be available even in disadvantaged workplaces with insufficient facilities. METHODS: Thirty patients diagnosed with supratentorial glial tumor and who underwent operations between January 2022 and March 2023 were included in the study. The entire stages of the surgical procedures and the surgical plans were executed with neuronavigation systems. The patient CT scans were reconstructed using software and exported as a 3D figure to an AR-enhanced smartphone application. The evaluation of the application's success was based on the spatial relationship of the AR-based artificial craniotomy to the neuronavigation-based craniotomy, with each AR-based craniotomy scaled from 0 to 3. RESULTS: In the comparison between neuronavigation-based and AR fusion-based craniotomies, 8 of 30 (26.6%) patients scored 0 and were considered failed, 6 (20%) scored 1 and were considered ineffective, 7 (23.3%) scored 2 and were considered acceptable, and 9 (30%) scored 3 and were considered favorable. CONCLUSIONS: AR technology has great potential to be a revolutionary milestone of neurosurgical planning, training, and education in the near future. In the authors' opinion, with the necessary legal permissions, there is no obstacle to the integration of surgical technological systems with mobile technology devices such as smartphones and tablets that benefit from their low-budget requirements, wide-range availability, and built-in operating systems.

Evaluation of Neurosurgical Emergencies in the Pediatric Emergency Department: Clinical Warning Signs.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to evaluate the patients who underwent neuroimaging with suspicion of neurosurgery pathology and identify the clinical warning signs for the early recognition of neurosurgical emergencies. METHODS: Patients aged one month to 18 years who underwent neuroimaging with a preliminary diagnosis of intracranial pathology requiring emergency surgery and symptom duration less than one month were included in the study. Patients were divided into three groups according to their definitive diagnosis as neurosurgical emergencies, neurological emergencies, and nonurgents. RESULTS: A total of 140 patients were included in the study (the median age was 8 [interquartile range IQR 3 to 13] years and 52.8% were male). Neurosurgery emergency group and neurological emergency group were significantly younger than the nonurgent group (P < 0.001). Vomiting, meningeal irritation findings, and papilledema (grade 2 and above) were more common in the neurosurgical emergency group (P 0.029, 0.023, and < 0.001, respectively). For neurosurgical emergencies, in the presence of papilledema (grade 2 and above) and focal neurological deficit, the specificity was 99.2%, positive predictive value (PPV) 83.3%, negative predictive value (NPV) 88.1%, and odds ratio (OR) 36.8 (P < 0.001, confidence interval [CI] 4.04 to 336.0); in the presence of altered consciousness and focal neurological deficit, the specificity was 97.5%, PPV 50%, NPV 86.6%, and OR 6.4 (P = 0.014, CI 1.20 to 34.4). CONCLUSIONS: Younger age, presence of vomiting, signs of meningeal irritation, papilledema grade 2 and above, and altered consciousness are the crucial "warning signs" of a potential neurosurgical emergency.

Does the Extent of Rod Bending and Actual Lumbar Lordosis Mismatch Affect Quality of Life?

BACKGROUND: To evaluate any mismatch between rod bending and actual lordosis during posterior lumbar instrumentation and its effects on the quality of life (QOL) of patients. METHODS: Patient records for posterior lumbar fusion in 2018-2023 were retrospectively reviewed. The radiologic parameters consisted of pelvic incidence, sacral slope, L1S1 lumbar lordosis, lumbosacral angle, the distance between the posterior wall of the vertebra and the rod, lordosis of the rod. The postoperative QOL of patients was assessed using Oswestry Disability Index. The patients were grouped postoperative into Group-1 (minimal/moderate disability) and Group-2 (severe disability/crippled/bed bound). RESULTS: Total of 133 patients were included; 99 women, 34 men. The difference was significant for patients with diabetes to be presented in the more disabled Group-2. The distance between the posterior vertebral wall and the rod was found to be short in Group-2. Preoperative and postoperative sagittal lumbar Cobb angles were significantly higher in Group-2. The changing degree of pain was found to score high in Group-2. The postoperative visual analog scale was high in Group-2. The difference between the preoperative and postoperative lumbar sagittal Cobb and rod Cobb-angles was found to be high in Group-2. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study confirm the importance of considering the preoperative actual lumbar lordosis during bending and maintaining it as much as possible. To our knowledge, this is the first study that evaluated the effect of rod bending on quality of life (QOL) and supports that this might be affected in case of any mismatches.

Investigating the Effects of Trigeminal Impression and Internal Acoustic Opening Morphology Differences for Possible Surgical Applications.

PURPOSE: The exhaustive information regarding the types of trigeminal pore (TP) or trigeminal impression (TI), internal acoustic opening (IAO), and related surgical approaches is lacking in the literature. Therefore, this study is performed to further elucidate the types of TP or TI, IAO, and the relationships with critical surgical landmarks in the skull base. METHODS: Trigeminal impression (TI) and internal acoustic opening (IAO) found in 11 dry skulls, 24 right temporal bones, and 25 left temporal bones were examined on both sides to define their relationship to each other and nearby structures. The age and sex of these bones were not identified. Besides these, 77 skulls were examined by radiologic imaging methods. These skulls were identified by gender. RESULTS: According to test results, there was a significant difference between the left and right internal acoustic opening in the case of horizontal dimension (HD). The left HD-IAO is bigger than the right one. In addition, right HD-IAO, vertical dimension (VD) of right internal acoustic opening, left HD-IAO, and left VD-IAO values differed significantly in male and female patients. CONCLUSIONS: Investigating the relationship of TI and IAO with relevant structures suggests that surgical approaches involving the TP and IAO indicated that surgical approaches considering the TI and IAO variations may be used in the development of surgical processes and primary surgical interventions.

A new surgical path planning framework for neurosurgery.

BACKGROUND: Despite using a variety of path-finding algorithms that use tracts, the most significant advancement in this study is considering the values of all brain areas by doing atlas-based segmentation for a more precise search. Our motivation comes from the literature's shortcomings in designing and implementing path-planning methods. Since planning paths with curvatures is a complex problem that requires considering many surgical and physiological constraints, most path-planning strategies focus on straight paths. There is also a lack of studies that focus on the complete structure of the brain with the tracks, veins, and segmented areas. Instrument dependence is another inadequacy of the methods proposed in the literature. AIMS: The aim of this study is to design a new surgical path planning framework that helps to plan the surgical path independently of the instrument, considers the entire structure of the brain, and allows curvilinear surgical paths. Thus, neurosurgeons can generate patient-specific possible optimal surgical pathways before the neurosurgical procedure. MATERIALS & METHODS: The proposed framework includes different path-finding algorithms (Dijkstra, A*, and their aggressive variants) that find optimal paths by taking the risk scores (surgeons assessed all the segmented regions, considering the extent of damage. In this evaluation, scores ranged from "0 to 10," with the most critical areas receiving a score of "10," while the least possible affected areas were assigned a score of "0") for sensitive brain areas into consideration. For the tract image processing the framework includes fractional anisotropy (FA), relative anisotropy (RA), spherical measure (SM), and linear measure (LM) methods. RESULTS: This is the first paper to handle tracts and atlas-based segmentation of the human brain altogether under a framework for surgical path planning. The framework has a dynamic structure that gives the flexibility to add different path-finding algorithms and generate different widths of surgical pathways. Moreover, surgeons can update the score table to guarantee minimally invasive surgery. The output file format of all the extracted surgical paths is NRRD, so it can be easily visualised, analysed, or processed over the third part software tools. DISCUSSION: In this study, we generated many possible surgical pathways then these pathways were evaluated by the surgeons the results were impressive because the framework could identify surgical pathways used in real-world surgery that correspond to the standard pathways such as anterior transsylvian, trans sulcal, transgyral, and sub-temporal. CONCLUSION: This study proposes a new surgical path planning framework for neurosurgery. Moreover, in the future by adding/adopting different parameters (such as operation time, and short and long-term complications after surgery) to the proposed framework, it would be possible to find new surgical pathways for difficult surgical conditions.

Transcallosal and endoscopic hybrid approach to a rare entity of pediatric intraventricular tumors-cribriform neuroepithelial tumor: a case report and literature review.

PURPOSE: Cribriform neuroepithelial tumor (CRINET) is a provisional category of intraventricular tumors, sharing similarities with AT/RTs, and there is a lack of data about its pathology, prognosis, and surgical approaches in the literature. We have been challenged to describe the surgical approach to a rare case of CRINET and describe the intraoperative features since none has been described before. Surgical resection and chemotherapy hold a great importance of favorable prognosis. METHODS: Twenty-month-old male with intraventricular tumor underwent transcallosal intraventricular tumor resection and endoscopic intraventricular second look stages. The tumor was initially considered choroid plexus carcinoma and histopathological results pointed CRINET. The patient also received Ommaya reservoir for intrathecal chemotherapy employment. The patient's preoperative and postoperative MRI scans and tumor's pathological features are described with a brief history of the disease in the literature. RESULTS: Lack of SMARCB1 gene immunoreactivity and presence of cribriform non-rhabdoid trabecular neuroepithelial cells led to the CRINET diagnosis. The surgical technique helped us to approach directly into the third ventricle and perform total resection and intraventricular lavage. The patient recovered without any perioperative complications and is consulted pediatric oncology for further treatment planning. CONCLUSION: With our limited knowledge on the matter, our presentation may provide an inside to the course and progress of the CRINET as a very rare tumor and may help to set a basis for future investigations focused on its clinical and pathological features. Long courses of follow-up periods are required for establishing treatment modules and assessing the responses to surgical resection techniques and chemotherapy protocols.

Single-institution comparative analysis for odontoid resection: posterior transaxis versus anterior transnasal approach.

OBJECTIVE: The resection of an upwardly migrated odontoid is most widely performed via an anterior endoscopic endonasal approach after the addition of posterior occipitocervical instrumentation. In patients with craniovertebral junction (CVJ) anomalies like basilar invagination (BI), surgery is usually achieved in two separate stages. However, the authors have recently introduced a novel posterior transaxis approach in which all the therapeutic goals of the surgery can be safely and effectively accomplished in a single-stage procedure. The aim of the current study was to compare the widely used anterior and the recently introduced posterior approaches on the basis of objective clinical results in patients who underwent odontoid resection for BI. METHODS: Patients with BI who had undergone odontoid resection were retrospectively reviewed in two groups. The first group (n = 7) consisted of patients who underwent anterior odontoidectomy via the standard anterior transnasal route, and the second group (n = 6) included patients in whom the novel transaxis approach was performed. Patient characteristics, neurological conditions, and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores at admission were evaluated. Operative time, changes in intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring, blood loss during surgery, odontoid resection rate, postoperative complications, and mortality were compared between the patient groups. RESULTS: Data were retrospectively reviewed for 13 patients who underwent odontoid resection, posterior CVJ decompression, and occipitocervical instrumentation at the Ankara University School of Medicine Department of Neurosurgery between 2009 and 2022. In the first group (n = 7), patients who underwent anterior odontoidectomy via the standard endonasal route, two serious complications were observed, pneumocephaly and basilar artery injury. In the second group (n = 6), patients in whom the novel transaxis approach was performed, only one complication was observed, occipital plate malposition. CONCLUSIONS: This study represents the results of what is to the authors' knowledge the first comparison of a novel approach with a widely used surgical approach to odontoid resection in patients with BI. The preliminary data support the successful utility of the transaxis approach for odontoid resection that meets all the operative therapeutic demands in a single-stage operation. Considering the diminished surgical risks and operative time, the transaxis approach may be regarded as a primary approach for the treatment of BI.

Transcranial endoscopic treatment of thalamic neuroepithelial cyst: case report and review of the literature.

Thalamic neuroepithelial cysts are rare, benign lesions. Thirteen cases have been published in eight articles. The most frequent symptoms are headache, hemiparesis, tremor and related signs of hydrocephalus such as gait disturbance, confusion, and Paranaud's syndrome. Surgical interventions include endoscopic fenestration, open surgery and stereotaxic biopsy or aspiration. We report a case of a 63-year-old woman who had headache and right hemiparesis for 1 week, but no hydrocephalus. We treated her with transcranial neuronavigation-guided endoscopic complete resection. The patient recovered completely after cyst removal.

Posterior midline approach to odontoidectomy: A novel method to treat basilar invagination.

Background: Basilar invagination (BI) is a common malformation of the craniocervical region where the odontoid process protrudes into the foramen magnum. Surgery in this region is difficult because of the complex anatomy of the craniocervical junction. Serious life-threatening complications have been observed with previously described approaches. Therefore, we conceived a novel surgical approach that can be implemented by neurosurgeons with different skill levels to facilitate better outcomes. Methods: We describe a new surgical technique for the treatment of BI that we used in two patients in whom cervical myelopathy and direct ventral compression of the cervicomedullary junction were confirmed through clinical and radiological findings. We present the technique of posterior odontoidectomy in a step-by-step, didactic, and practical manner with surgical tips and tricks. Results: The resection was completed without intraoperative or postoperative complications in both cases. The patients experienced substantial neurological improvements, and full recovery was observed during the 9-month and 12-month follow-up visits after discharge. Compared with the transoral approach, our technique provides a larger decompression area. Conclusions: We describe a novel method for the treatment of BI that was applied in two patients and suggest that the posterior approach might be a safe and effective method for ventral decompression of the craniocervical junction. Posterior odontoidectomy followed by craniocervical fixation helped achieve complete cervicomedullary decompression.

Machine Learning-Based Surgical Planning for Neurosurgery: Artificial Intelligent Approaches to the Cranium.

Objectives: Artificial intelligence (AI) applications in neurosurgery have an increasing momentum as well as the growing number of implementations in the medical literature. In recent years, AI research define a link between neuroscience and AI. It is a connection between knowing and understanding the brain and how to simulate the brain. The machine learning algorithms, as a subset of AI, are able to learn with experiences, perform big data analysis, and fulfill human-like tasks. Intracranial surgical approaches that have been defined, disciplined, and developed in the last century have become more effective with technological developments. We aimed to define individual-safe, intracranial approaches by introducing functional anatomical structures and pathological areas to artificial intelligence. Methods: Preoperative MR images of patients with deeply located brain tumors were used for planning. Intracranial arteries, veins, and neural tracts are listed and numbered. Voxel values of these selected regions in cranial MR sequences were extracted and labeled. Tumor tissue was segmented as the target. Q-learning algorithm which is a model-free reinforcement learning algorithm was run on labeled voxel values (on optimal paths extracted from the new heuristic-based path planning algorithm), then the algorithm was assigned to list the cortico-tumoral pathways that aim to remove the maximum tumor tissue and in the meantime that functional anatomical tissues will be least affected. Results: The most suitable cranial entry areas were found with the artificial intelligence algorithm. Cortico-tumoral pathways were revealed using Q-learning from these optimal points. Conclusions: AI will make a significant contribution to the positive outcomes as its use in both preoperative surgical planning and intraoperative technique equipment assisted neurosurgery, its use increased.

Posterior fossa epidermoid tumors: a single-center study and proposed classification system.

BACKGROUND: Epidermoid tumors of the cerebellopontine angle and posterior fossa account for approximately 1% of all intracranial tumors. Classifications that may guide surgical planning in the current neurosurgical practice are lacking. This study aimed to focus on the surgical outcome and suggest a classification system that may aid neurosurgeons in determining the goal of resection to minimize morbidity and mortality rates. METHODS: The study population comprised patients who underwent surgery and follow-up for tissue-proven epidermoid tumors between 2015 and 2020. Patients' data, including demographic features, clinical symptomatology, the extent of surgical resection, and postoperative outcomes, were retrospectively evaluated. A new classification system was designed based on the anatomical-radiological findings and was evaluated in terms of clinical symptomatology, radiological features, surgical approach, and postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: The patient population comprised 22 women (57.9%) and 16 men (42.1%), with a mean age of 34.9 years. A practical classification system based on the radiological-anatomical vertical (1, 2, and 3) and horizontal (a, b, and c) tumor extensions was designed. No significant differences were found in the patients in terms of sex/age. The most commonly observed symptom was gait disturbance (34.2%). The preoperative tumor diameter was significantly larger in the subtotal resection (STR) group than in the gross total resection (GTR) and near-total resection (NTR) groups. Significantly more cistern involvement was observed in the STR group than in the GTR group. The GTR, NTR, and STR rates were higher in grade 1, 3, and 2 cases, respectively. The subgroup 'a' was correlated with higher resection rates (GTR and NTR), whereas the subgroup 'b' was correlated with STR. CONCLUSIONS: Our suggested classification system represents a simple and practical model that may guide neurosurgeons in predicting the goal of resection during surgical planning and in minimizing potential morbidity.

Changes in Callosal Angle and Evans' Index After Placing a Lumboperitoneal Shunt in Patients with Idiopathic-Normal- Pressure Hydrocephalus.

AIM: To evaluate changes in the Evans? index (EI) and callosal angle (CA) in patients who underwent lumboperitoneal (LP) shunting for idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (INPH) and whose symptoms improved post-operatively. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively analysed patients who were clinically and radiologically diagnosed with INPH and treated with an LP shunt between 2010 and 2020. In all patients, we performed radiological imaging with EI and CA measurements and completed clinical assessments, including Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and cognitive, urinary continence, balance and 10-m walking tests, preoperatively and post-operatively (less than 1 year later). Results were compared by statistical analyses. RESULTS: We evaluated 42 patients who received an LP shunt for INPH and had cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed within the first 2 months after surgery. When the pre-operative and post-operative MRIs of the patients were compared, a statistically significant decrease was found in EI and CA measurements (p < .001, for each). A statistically significant improvement was found in clinical tests. Post-op early radiological images predicted recovery of the gait-balance function and urinary incontinence (p < .001) but did not predict recovery of dementia (p=.06). CONCLUSION: Radiological and clinical improvements are expected after the placement of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) or LP shunts in patients with INPH. Radiological measurements after an LP shunt in patients with INPH have not been reported in the literature. In the current study, radiological measurements after LP shunt placement were evaluated for the first time in patients with INPH. Significant changes in EI and CA after LP shunt placement may indicate whether patients will benefit clinically from an LP shunt during follow-up. A significant decrease in CA and EI measurements in the early period may be a marker for whether patients with INPH will show signs of clinical improvement and benefit from an LP shunt.

Intraventricular Hematoma Removal with Combined Drainage Techniques in Patients with High-Grade Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Surgical Technique.

AIM: To describe a surgical technique for removal of hematomas in the third ventricle in patients with high-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and report our intraoperative observations and surgical and clinical outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ninety-four patients with high-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhagic were included in the study. Prior to Sylvian dissection, a ventricular catheter was inserted as soon as possible. After surgical corridor opening and aneurysm clipping, the lamina terminalis (LT) was fenestrated. The free flow of isotonic solution from the back-side open syringe to the distal end of the catheter inside the third ventricle was allowed under gravitational force. The blood clot trapped in the third ventricle was removed through the aperture of the LT by propulsion of blood through the anterior movement of the solution. The procedure was continued until the clearance of solution was observed. RESULTS: The study population consisted of two groups, the combined surgical technique group and the control group, which included patients who underwent operation before the planned study, with 47 patients in each group. The Glasgow Coma, Hunt and Hess, and Fisher scales were used to determine the clinical and radiological severities of the cases. The Modified Rankin Scale was used to evaluate the surgical outcomes at presentation and the 6 < sup > th < /sup > and 12 < sup > th < /sup > postoperative months. CONCLUSION: Our reported surgical technique, which combines ventricular drainage and opening of the LT, will be useful for removing blood clots and blood breakdown products, and recirculating cerebrospinal fluid as much and as soon as possible in high-grade SAH patients with ventricular hemorrhage. Although combining these two well-known procedures as a novel technique does not have any reducing effect on mortality, it may have a significant reducing effect on hydrocephalus and shunt dependency.

First technical report of a pediatric case with thoracic Langerhans cell histiocytosis: Gross total tumor removal, corpectomy, and 360° stabilization via posterolateral approach at a single stage.

BACKGROUND: Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare nonmalignant disease characterized by a clonal proliferation of mononuclear cells called Langerhans histiocytes and infiltrates surrounding tissues, mostly self-limiting and usually occurring in the first two decades of life. Vertebral involvement is rare, mostly seen in the thoracic region, and involves the anterior elements of the corpus. In the literature, several treatment options and surgical approaches have been reported concerning the treatment of this disease and surgery. CASE PRESENTATION: We report an 18-month-old male with thoracic LCH who underwent surgery due to progressive neurological deficit. Gross total removal of the tumor with one level corpectomy in this patient was achieved via a posterolateral approach with postoperative functional improvement. The surgical cavity was supported by corpectomy cage and unilateral screw-rod fixation system at the same stage. CONCLUSION: Gross total tumor removal, corpectomy, and 360° stabilization via posterolateral approach at a single stage are safe, effective, and definite neurosurgical methods in terms of providing neurological recovery, long-term tumor-free survival, and spinal stability.

Cranial and Spinal Oligodendrogliomatosis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Secondary leptomeningeal gliomatosis is a condition known as a result of invasion of the subarachnoid space or the ventricular system of primary intraparenchymal glioma. In this article, we present a 7-year-old boy presented with neck and back deformity and deterioration of gait. Cranial and spinal magnetic resonance imaging revealed lesions in the supratentorial and infratentorial areas, in the brainstem downward the spinal cord. Disseminated oligodendrogliomatosis is extremely rare and our case we present is the 24th in the literature.

Is Placing Prophylactic Dural Tenting Sutures a Dogma?

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we investigated if and when dural tenting sutures are necessary during craniotomy. METHODS: Results from 437 patients 18-91 years of age (average, 43.5 years) who underwent supratentorial craniotomy between 2014 and 2019 were evaluated. The patients were categorized into 1 of 3 groups: patients who had at least 3 prophylactic dural tenting sutures placed before opening of the dura (group 1); patients who had at least 3 dural tenting sutures placed after surgery was completed, during closure (group 2); or patients who had no dural tenting sutures (group 3 [control]). All such sutures in groups 1 and 2 were placed in the circumference of the craniotomy and dural junction. No central dural tenting sutures were placed in any of the patients. RESULTS: Among the 437 patients, 344 underwent surgery for the first time and 93 were undergoing a second surgery. Cranial computed tomography imaging was performed for each patient 1 hour, 3 days, and 1 month after surgery. In group 1, 3 patients had a cerebral cortex contusion and 2 patients had acute subdural hematoma after the sutures were placed. In groups 2 and 3, none of the patients had a cerebral cortex contusion or acute subdural hematoma. Fewer complications were observed when dural tenting sutures were placed during postsurgical closure. CONCLUSIONS: Placing dural tenting sutures is an important technique for ensuring hemostasis. However, when not needed, they seem to cause inadvertent complications. As our results suggest, knowing when and where to use them is equally important.

Ruptured Tentorium Originating Masson Tumor.

Intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia (IPEH) also known as Masson's tumor, is a benign, slow growing, vascular lesion which is seen very rarely and only a few cases have been reported intracranially in the literature. It has been reported at many sites, but the posterior fossa involvement is very rare. The preoperative diagnosis is very difficult, as there is no enough cases to achieve a clear understanding about the details of its radiological findings. Differential diagnosis have to be made especially from angiosarcoma and meningioma. It is curable by total surgical removal. In this article we presented the characteristic clinical, radiological, perioperative and pathological findings in a case of IPEH in an unusual location, origin and behavior. To best of our knowledge, we presented the first case of IPEH originating from tentorium.

Neuroactive Peptide Nanofibers for Regeneration of Spinal Cord after Injury.

The highly complex nature of spinal cord injuries (SCIs) requires design of novel biomaterials that can stimulate cellular regeneration and functional recovery. Promising SCI treatments use biomaterial scaffolds, which provide bioactive cues to the cells in order to trigger neural regeneration in the spinal cord. In this work, the use of peptide nanofibers is demonstrated, presenting protein binding and cellular adhesion epitopes in a rat model of SCI. The self-assembling peptide molecules are designed to form nanofibers, which display heparan sulfate mimetic and laminin mimetic epitopes to the cells in the spinal cord. These neuroactive nanofibers are found to support adhesion and viability of dorsal root ganglion neurons as well as neurite outgrowth in vitro and enhance tissue integrity after 6 weeks of injury in vivo. Treatment with the peptide nanofiber scaffolds also show significant behavioral improvement. These results demonstrate that it is possible to facilitate regeneration especially in the white matter of the spinal cord, which is usually damaged during the accidents using bioactive 3D nanostructures displaying high densities of laminin and heparan sulfate-mimetic epitopes on their surfaces.

Prospective Randomized Study on the Effects of Improved Sleep Quality After Craniotomy on Melatonin Concentrations and Inflammatory Response in Neurosurgical Intensive Care Patients.

OBJECTIVE: Sleep disorders in intensive care units after a craniotomy can decrease melatonin secretion and increase the inflammatory stress response. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of improving sleep quality via eye patches and earplugs on melatonin secretion and inflammatory mediator release. METHODS: The study enrolled 41 patients who underwent craniotomy. Patients were randomized into 2 groups. "Group Intervention" received a sleep-promoting intervention with eye patches and earplugs to provide light and noise isolation, while "Group Control" received standard care. Blood levels of C-reactive protein and interleukin 1 and interleukin 6 along with urine levels of 6-sulphatoxymelatonin (aMT6) were measured preoperatively (baseline) and on postoperative days 1 and 3. Sleep quality was assessed with the Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire. RESULTS: Sleep quality was higher in the intervention group (Richards-Campbell score:80.61 ± 11.96 vs. 33.50 ± 16.32; P < 0.001). Urine aMT6 levels increased significantly in the intervention group in spot urine samples from 10.15 (5.38-14.40) ng/mL at baseline to 14.52 (6.24-29.11) and 11.51 (7.88-29.05) ng/mL on postoperative days 1 and 3. They also increased in 24-hour urine samples from 25.73 (8.24-52.73) ng/mL at baseline to 35.38 (11.48-95.65) and 39.18 (2.36-125.23) ng/mL on postoperative days 1 and 3 (P = 0.001 and P = 0.005, respectively). The aMT6 concentration did not change significantly in the control group. The C-reactive protein concentrations increased postoperatively compared with baseline concentrations in both groups (P = 0.001 and P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Melatonin secretion significantly increased as a result of improving postoperative sleep quality by noise and light isolation in neurosurgical intensive care unit patients after craniotomy.