Neuropsychology of epilepsy surgery and theory-based practice: an opinion review / Neuropsicologia da cirurgia de epilepsia e prática teórica: uma revisão de opinião

Abstract The present review attempts to discuss how some of the central concepts from the Lurian corpus of theories are relevant to the modern neuropsychology of epilepsy and epilepsy surgery. Through the lenses of the main Lurian concepts (such as the qualitative syndrome analysis), we discuss the barriers to clinical reasoning imposed by quadrant-based views of the brain, or even atheoretical, statistically-based and data-driven approaches. We further advice towards a systemic view inspired by Luria's clinical work and theorizing, given their importance towards our clinical practice, by contrasting it to the modular views when appropriate. Luria provided theory-guided methods of assessment and rehabilitation of higher cortical functions. Although his work did not specifically address epilepsy, his theory and clinical approaches actually apply to the whole neuropathology spectrum and accounting for the whole panorama of neurocognition. This holistic and systemic approach to the brain is consistent with the network approach of the neuroimaging era. As to epilepsy, the logic of cognitive functions organized into complex functional systems, contrary to modular views of the brain, heralds current knowledge of epilepsy as a network disease, as well as the concept of the functional deficit zone.

Resumo A presente revisão tenta discutir como alguns dos conceitos centrais do corpus de teorias lurianas são relevantes para a moderna neuropsicologia da epilepsia e cirurgia da epilepsia. Através das lentes dos principais conceitos lurianos (como a análise qualitativa de síndromes), discutimos as barreiras ao raciocínio clínico impostas por visões do cérebro baseadas em quadrantes, ou mesmo abordagens ateóricas, baseadas em estatísticas e orientadas por dados. Aconselhamos ainda uma visão sistêmica inspirada na clínica e na teorização de Luria, dada sua importância para nossa prática clínica, contrastando-a com as visões modulares quando apropriado. Luria forneceu métodos teóricos de avaliação e reabilitação de funções corticais superiores. Embora seu trabalho não abordasse especificamente a epilepsia, sua teoria e abordagens clínicas na verdade se aplicam a todo o espectro da neuropatologia e respondem por todo o panorama da neurocognição. Essa abordagem holística e sistêmica do cérebro é consistente com a abordagem de rede da era da neuroimagem. Quanto à epilepsia, a lógica das funções cognitivas organizadas em sistemas funcionais complexos, ao contrário das visões modulares do cérebro, anuncia o conhecimento atual da epilepsia como uma doença em rede, bem como o conceito de zona de déficit funcional.

Caracterización de pacientes operados de craneosinostosis no sindrómica. Villa Clara, 2018-2022

Fundamento la craneosinostosis es una de las patologías neuroquirúrgicas más frecuentes en la edad pediátrica. Los conocimientos sobre su manejo son de vital importancia para intervenir con el tratamiento de manera oportuna. Objetivo caracterizar los pacientes operados de craneosinostosis no sindrómica. Métodos se realizó un estudio descriptivo y de corte transversal, en el período enero/2018- diciembre/2022, con la totalidad de pacientes intervenidos de craneosinostosis en el Hospital Pediátrico José Luis Miranda, de Villa Clara (N=28). Las variables analizadas fueron: sexo, color de la piel, clasificación de la malformación según sutura afectada, síntomas y signos asociados a la malformación, edad al realizar la intervención quirúrgica, técnica quirúrgica y complicaciones. Resultados se observó predominio del sexo masculino y de pacientes con color blanco de la piel. La forma de presentación más frecuente fue la escafocefalia, y se asoció a síntomas como el retardo en el desarrollo psicomotor y estrabismo. Las técnicas quirúrgicas realizadas fueron de remodelado total de la bóveda craneal, que en la mayoría de los niños se realizó antes de los 23 meses. La complicación más frecuente fue la infección de la herida quirúrgica. Conclusiones la craneosinostosis es una patología neuroquirúrgica frecuente en el sexo masculino. La forma de presentación más frecuente es la escafocefalia y se puede asociar a síntomas y signos neurológicos. Las técnicas quirúrgicas realizadas para remodelado de la bóveda craneal se deben realizar antes del primer año de vida, con vistas a disminuir el índice de complicaciones.

Background craniosynostosis is one of the most frequent neurosurgical pathologies in the pediatric age. Knowledge about its management is of vital importance to intervene with treatment in a timely manner. Objective to characterize the patients operated on for non-syndromic craniosynostosis. Methods a descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out, from January/2018 to December/2022, with all the patients operated on for craniosynostosis at the José Luis Miranda Pediatric Hospital, in Villa Clara (N=28). The analyzed variables were: sex, skin color, classification of the malformation according to the affected suture, symptoms and signs associated with the malformation, age at surgery, surgical technique, and complications. Results a predominance of the male sex and patients with white skin color was observed. The most frequent form of presentation was scaphocephaly, and it was associated with symptoms such as delayed psychomotor development and strabismus. The surgical techniques performed were total remodeling of the cranial vault, which in most children was performed before 23 months old. The most frequent complication was infection of the surgical wound. Conclusions craniosynostosis is a frequent neurosurgical pathology in the male sex. The most frequent form of presentation is scaphocephaly and it can be associated with neurological symptoms and signs. Surgical techniques performed for remodeling of the cranial vault must be performed before the first year of life, in order to reduce the complications rate.

Research on the status quo and influencing factors of decision-making regret of surrogate decision makers in neurocritically ill patients / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective:To investigate the status quo and influencing factors of decision-making regret of surrogate decision makers (SDMs) in neurocritically ill patients.Methods:This study was a cross-sectional survey. A total of 110 critically ill patients admitted to Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from August 2021 to April 2022 were selected as the research objects by convenient sampling method. Different methods were adopted in the research including general information questionnaire, Chinese Version of Decision-Making Regret Assessment Scale, Disease-Related Knowledge Awareness Questionnaire, General Self-Efficacy Scale, Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, Self-Rating Depression Scale to conduct a questionnaire survey on SDMs in neurocritically ill patients. Multiple linear stepwise regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of decision-making regret in SDMs in neurocritically ill patients.Results:Among the 110 patients with severe neurological diseases, 50.0% (55/110) had no regret, 30.9% (34/110) had mild regret, and 19.1 (21/110) had moderate and severe regret. The results of univariate analysis showed that gender had a statistically significant effect on the score of SDMs decision regret in neurocritical patients ( t=6.57, P<0.05). The age, relationship with patients, education level, decision-making style, place of residence, and monthly income of the family had no effect on the score of regret in decision-making ( t=0.09-1.01, all P>0.05). The results of correlation analysis showed that the score of decision-making regret of SDMs in neurocritically ill patients was negatively correlated with the scores of disease-related knowledge and self-efficacy ( r=-0.342, -0.252, both P<0.05), and positively correlated with the scores of anxiety and depression ( r=0.403, 0.360, both P<0.05). The results of multiple linear regression showed that gender, disease-related knowledge, self-efficacy, anxiety and depression were important factors affecting the decision-making regret of SDMs in neurocritically ill patients ( t values were -3.37-4.31, all P<0.05). Conclusions:SDMs in neurocritically ill patients have a higher degree of decision-making regret, and gender, disease-related knowledge, self-efficacy, anxiety, depression are important influencing factors, suggesting that medical staff can alleviate the decision-making regret of SDMs through decision-making assistance interventions.

Protocolo de recuperación intensificada durante la cirugía del plexo braquial (RIPLEX) / ntensified Recovery Protocol during Brachial Plexus Surgery (RIPLEX)

La restauración de la función del miembro superior en los pacientes que sufren lesiones del plexo braquial para favorecer la mejoría en su calidad de vida. Así como su reinserción social y laboral, se puede optimizar mediante la implementación de programas de recuperación intensificada o mejorada, multimodales, multidisciplinarios, y de elevados estándares cualitativos, denominados protocolos ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery), se recomienda la utilización de métodos fundamentados en la mejor evidencia científica disponible. El protocolo que se expone, aplicado en el Complejo Científico Ortopédico Internacional "Frank Paísˮ, derivado de una investigación institucional en curso. Objetivos: Contribuir en el desarrollo del conocimiento científico imprescindible para favorecer la introducción y sistematización de los cuidados perioperatorios multimodales durante las intervenciones quirúrgicas del plexo braquial.

Introduction: Restoration of upper limb function in patients suffering from brachial plexus injuries, in view of favoring improvement in their quality of life or their social and labor reinsertion, can be optimized by means of implementing multimodal, multidisciplinary, intensified or enhanced recovery programs with high qualitative standards, called ERAS (enhanced recovery after surgery) protocols. The use of methods based on the best available scientific evidence is recommended. The protocol presented here is applied at Complejo Científico Ortopédico Internacional "Frank Paísˮ and derived from an ongoing institutional research. Objective: To contribute to the development of scientific knowledge essential to favor the introduction and systematization of multimodal perioperative care during brachial plexus surgical interventions.

É possível prever a mortalidade molecular em meduloblastomas pela análise dos receptores de membrana CD114? / Is it possible to predict molecular mortality in meduloblastomas by analysis of CD114 membrane receptors?

Introdução: Os meduloblastomas são os tumores sólidos mais comuns da infância e classificados em 4 subgrupos moleculares: WNT, SHH, grupo 3 e grupo 4. Muitos estudos buscam desenvolvimento de novos quimioterápicos para os meduloblastomas através da identificação de genes cuja expressão sejam novos alvos moleculares para drogas, como receptores de membrana associados a replicação celular. Objetivo: Avaliar a associação da expressão de CD114 com a mortalidade de pacientes portadores de meduloblastoma. Métodos: Revisão feita colhendo informações publicadas em plataformas virtuais em português e inglês. Inicialmente foi realizada busca por descritores relacionados ao tema - neurocirurgia, oncologia cirúrgica, terapia de alvo molecular e meduloblastoma - e seus equivalentes em inglês - neurosurgery, surgical oncology, molecular targeted therapy e medulloblastoma - com busca AND ou OR, considerando o título e/ou resumo. Após, foram incluídos somente os que tinham maior relação ao tema, e realizada a leitura da íntegra dos textos. Finalmente foram referidos 2 artigos. Resultados: Há diferença na expressão do receptor de membrana CD114 entre o Grupo 3 e os demais grupos moleculares, além de diferença entre o subtipo molecular SHH γ e os subtipos moleculares Grupo 3 α e Grupo 3 ß. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os demais grupos e subtipos. Em relação à mortalidade, esta revisão não demonstrou significância estatística na relação entre expressões baixas e elevadas desse gene e a mortalidade. Conclusão: Não há relação direta entre a expressão do receptor de membrana CD114 e a mortalidade em pacientes portadores de meduloblastoma. Entretanto, são necessários estudos adicionais sobre as vias de sinalização intracelulares associadas a esse receptor e ao seu gene, o CSF3R.

Introduction: Medulloblastomas are the most common solid tumors of childhood and classified into 4 molecular subgroups: WNT, SHH, Group 3 and Group 4. Many studies seek to develop new chemotherapy drugs for medulloblastomas by identifying genes whose expression is new molecular targets for drugs, such as membrane receptors associated with cell replication. Objective: To evaluate the association of CD114 expression with mortality in patients with medulloblastoma. Methods: Review carried out collecting information published on virtual platforms in Portuguese and English. Initially, a search was carried out for descriptors related to the topic - neurosurgery, surgical oncology, molecular targeted therapy and medulloblastoma, with AND or OR search, considering the title and/or summary. Afterwards, only those that were most related to the topic were included, and the texts read in full. Finally, 23 articles were referred. Results: There is a difference in the expression of the CD114 membrane receptor between Group 3 and the other molecular groups, in addition to a difference between the SHH γ molecular subtype and the Group 3 α and Group 3 ß molecular subtypes. There was no statistically significant difference between the other groups and subtypes. Regarding mortality, this review did not demonstrate statistical significance in the relationship between low and high expressions of this gene and mortality. Conclusion: There is no direct relationship between the expression of the CD114 membrane receptor and mortality in patients with medulloblastoma. However, additional studies are needed on the intracellular signaling pathways associated with this receptor and its gene, CSF3R.

Cerebral oxygenation assessed by near-infrared spectroscopy in the sitting and prone positions during posterior fossa surgery: a prospective, randomized clinical study

Abstract Objectives: Sitting position (SP) or prone position (PP) are used for posterior fossa surgery. The SP induced reduction in cerebral blood flow and cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) has been shown in shoulder surgeries, but there is not enough data in intracranial tumor surgery. Studies showed that PP is safe in terms of cerebral oxygen saturation in patients undergoing spinal surgery. Our hypothesis is that the SP may improve cerebral oxygenation in the patients with intracranial pathologies due to reduction in intracranial pressure. Therefore, we compared the effects of the SP and PP on rSO2 in patients undergoing posterior fossa tumor surgery. Methods: Data were collected patients undergoing posterior fossa surgery, 20 patients in SP compared to 21 patients in PP. The rSO2 was assessed using INVOS monitor. Heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), EtCO2, BIS, and bilateral rSO2 were recorded preoperatively, and at 5, 8, and 11 minutes after the intubation and every 3 minutes after patient positioning until the initial surgical incision. Results: Cerebral oxygenation slowly reduced in both the sitting and prone position patients following the positioning (p < 0.002), without any difference between the groups. The HR and MAP were lower in the sitting SP after positioning compared to the PP. Conclusion: Neurosurgery in the SP and PP is associated with slight reduction in cerebral oxygenation. We speculate that if we rise the lower limit of MAP, we might have showed the beneficial effect of the SP on rSO2.

Aspects épidémiologiques et thérapeutiques des pathologies neurochirurgicales chez l'enfant de moins de 5 ans à Libreville (Gabon) de 2019 à 2021 / Epidemiology and management of neurosurgical diseases of children aged 5 years or less in Libreville (Gabon) from 2019 to 2021

Introduction. Les pathologies neurochirurgicales sont un ensemble d'affections qui touche le cerveau, la moelle épinière, et les paires crâniennes nécessitant une prise en charge médico-chirurgicale. Leur incidence en Afrique sub-saharienne et plus particulièrement au Gabon est mal connue. Objectif. Décrire les aspects épidémiologiques et évolutifs des pathologies neurochirurgicales chez l'enfant de moins 5 ans à Libreville. Patients et méthodes. Il s'agit d'une étude rétrospective descriptive et analytique, multicentrique portant sur des patients de moins de 5ans pris en charge pour une affection neurochirurgicale de Janvier 2019 à Décembre 2021 à Libreville. Résultats. Sur 4811 enfants hospitalisés, 130 répondaient aux critères d'inclusion (prévalence : 2,7%). L'âge moyen était de 13,1 mois. Le sex-ratio était de 1,3. Les grossesses étaient mal suivies dans 72,2% des cas. Les pathologies neurochirurgicales malformatives représentaient 63,5%. L'hydrocéphalie était la plus observée dans 71,2%. Sur les 115 enfants, 71 ont bénéficié d'un traitement chirurgical, soit un taux de 61,7% et le taux de mortalité globale était de 6,1%. Dans le groupe des enfants présentant une malformation congénitale, 8,2% n'avaient pas été traités, le taux de mortalité était de 8,2%. Les complications à court termes étaient dominées par les infections. Conclusion. Les pathologies neurochirurgicales sont en fréquentes dans notre contexte. Une prise en charge immédiate reste de mise, nécessitant donc un plateau technique de pointe pour améliorer l'évolution à court terme voire à moyen et long terme de ces affections.

Introduction. Neurosurgical pathologies are a set of conditions that affect the brain, spinal cord, and cranial pairs requiring medical and surgical management. Their incidence in subSaharan Africa and more particularly in Gabon is poorly known. Objective. To describe the epidemiological and evolutionary aspects of neurosurgical pathologies in children under 5 years old in Libreville. Patients and methods. This is a retrospective descriptive and analytical, multicenter study of patients under 5 years of age treated for a neurosurgical condition from January 2019 to December 2021 in Libreville. Results. Of the 4811 hospitalized children, 130 met the inclusion criteria (prevalence of 2.7%) and 15 were excluded for incomplete records. The average age was 13.1 months. The age group of 28 days-1 year was the most observed. The sex ratio was 1.3. Pregnancies were poorly followed in 72.2% of cases. Malformative neurosurgical pathologies accounted for 63.5% of cases. Hydrocephalus was the most observed in 71.2%. Of the 115 children, 71 received surgical treatment, a rate of 61.7% and the overall mortality rate was 6.1%. In the group of children with congenital malformation, 8.2% had not been treated, the mortality rate was 8.2%. Short-term complications were dominated by infections. Conclusion. Neurosurgical pathologies are frequent in our context. Immediate care remains essential, therefore requiring a cutting-edge technical platform to improve the short-term or even medium- and long-term evolution of these conditions.

Intensive care unit deaths among neurosurgery patients in a tertiary hospital in South Western Nigeria

Neurosurgical patients are the most critical ICU admissions. While advancements in neurosurgical ICUs (NICU) have improved outcomes of care globally, ICU mortality remains a major clinical issue in developing nations. This study evaluates ICU mortalities of neurosurgical patients in a general ICU setting at the UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, Nigeria. Method: Case records of neurosurgery patients who died in the ICU of UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, South-Western, Nigeria from June 2012 to May 2022 were reviewed. Simple descriptive statistics of data on demographics, clinical diagnoses, management and outcome were done. Results: Mortality rate was 38.9% (84 of 216 admissions). Males were 67(79.8%) and the mean age was 41.5years (Range: 2-85years). The average duration of ICU stay was 3.5days (Range: 30minutes-20days). Most patients had severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) (62, 73.8%). This was followed by cerebrovascular diseases (12, 14.3%) and brain tumours (6, 7.1%). Two had brain abscess. One patient each had mixed subacute/chronic subdural haematoma and severe cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Of the 69 whose case files were found, 7(10.1%) had a diagnosis of brainstem death before eventual 'final' death after an average of 13.5 additional hours on mechanical life support. The identified secondary causes of death included raised ICP, sepsis, primary surgical haemorrhage, seizures, acute kidney injury, malignant hypertension, poor glycaemic control and aggressive blood pressure lowering. Only 1 patient had autopsy. Conclusion: Most ICU mortalities among neurosurgical patients were from severe TBI. The establishment of NICU is necessary to improve outcome of care of neurosurgical patients

Application of progressive case teaching method based on core competency in standardized nursing training / 中华医学教育探索杂志

Objective:To explore the application effect of progressive case teaching method based on core competency in standardized nursing training.Methods:A total of 63 nursing students rotated in department of neurosurgery from June 2020 to June 2022 were selected as the research objects and randomized into experimental group ( n=31) and control group ( n=32). The experimental group adopted the progressive case teaching method based on core competency, and the control group adopted the conventional teaching mode. The data was analyzed using SPSS 26.0 to conduct t-test or non-parametric test based on the data normality for comparing the theory results, objective structure clinical examination (OSCE) scores, core competency, self-directed learning ability scores, teaching satisfaction and nursing satisfaction of patients in two wards between the two groups. Results:The theoretical results ( t=4.74, P<0.001) and OSCE scores ( t=3.81, P<0.001) of the experimental group were better than those of the control group. The scores of core competency and autonomous learning ability ( t=4.32, P<0.001) of the experimental group were better than those of the control group. The teaching satisfaction score ( t=2.21, P=0.044) and patient satisfaction score ( t=2.92, P=0.011) of the observation group were better than those of the control group. Conclusion:The progressive case teaching method based on core competency can improve the post competency of nurses, and also improve the teaching satisfaction rate and patient satisfaction rate, which is worthy of being carried out in the subsequent teaching activities.

Exploration and thinking of standardized residency training education for the residents in the intensive care unit of neurosurgery department / 中华医学教育探索杂志

Critical neurosurgery is one of the difficulties and key points in the standardized residency training of neurosurgery. Through the systematic and standardized training of the residents of the Intensive Care Unit of Neurosurgery Department in The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, consisting of first aid skills training, multi-modal case analysis with complementary theory and practice, expansion of neuroimaging and electrophysiological knowledge, specialized knowledge training in surgical operation and perioperative management, and regular case discussion, their clinical thinking becomes more mature, the time to master the management methods of neurosurgical intensive care patients is significantly shortened, the initiative to participate in clinical practice is also significantly increased, and the perioperative management methods of neurosurgical patients are more deeply understood. These trainings have effectively improved the teaching effect of neurosurgery intensive care unit.

Application of mind mapping combined with interactive communication mode in clinical teaching of Neurosurgery / 中华医学教育探索杂志

Objective:To observe the application effect of mind mapping combined with interactive communication mode in clinical teaching of neurosurgery.Methods:A total of 40 students who practiced in the Department of Neurosurgery in the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University from September 2019 to September 2020 were included in the control group, and traditional teaching was adopted; another 40 students who practiced from October 2020 to October 2021 were included in the observation group, and mind mapping combined with interactive communication mode was adopted for teaching. The two groups of students were taught for 2 weeks, and after the teaching, the teaching effect was compared between the two groups. SPSS 25.0 software was used to conduct t-test and Chi-square test. Results:After 2 weeks of teaching, the scores of theoretical knowledge (90.38±4.03) and practical operation skills (93.37±3.48) in the two groups were higher than those before teaching [(85.52±5.26) and (87.25±4.48)], with statistically significant differences ( t=4.63, 6.83, P<0.001). The case analysis score of the two groups was higher than that before teaching, and that of the observation group (86.03±6.07) was higher than that of the control group (79.13±5.57), with statistically significant differences ( t=5.30, P<0.001). The scores of interpersonal communication ability and cooperation ability of the two groups were higher than those before teaching. The scores of interpersonal communication ability (82.53±4.74), cooperation ability (169.73±7.55) of the observation group were higher than those of the control group [(77.93±4.45) and (158.42±8.01)], with statistically significant differences ( t=4.48, 6.49, P<0.001). Conclusion:Mind mapping combined with interactive communication mode can effectively improve the clinical basic knowledge and clinical practice ability of interns in the Department of Neurosurgery, and improve their communication and cooperation ability.

Practice and reflection of glioma subspecialist training in Neurosurgery / 中华医学教育探索杂志

The standardized training system for physicians has been implemented for many years in China. Based on the current situation of neurosurgery specialist training and the sub-professional development, the study discusses the specific plan and direction of glioma sub-professional physicians training from the aspects of glioma sub-professional physicians training outline, training content, requirements of glioma sub-professional training base, training assessment methods and training management. It provided reference for the training of neurosurgical glioma professionals in China, so as to make glioma receive comprehensive and standardized treatment.

Application of neurosurgical microscopic technology training in medical undergraduate teaching / 中华医学教育探索杂志

There are still many existing problems in the training of medical undergraduates and microsurgery talents in China, such as lack of scientific research ability and scientific literacy of medical undergraduates, insufficient practical ability, short of scientific research opportunities for medical undergraduates, and inadequate talent reserve in microsurgery. In view of the above shortcomings, Wannan Medical College has established a training course on microneurosurgery technology for medical undergraduates, and made a preliminary exploration to solve the above problems. Through the training, undergraduates not only improve their practical ability, but also stimulate their interest in microsurgery, which will help them adapt to clinical and scientific research work at an early stage. Neurosurgical microscopic technology training with emphasis on extracurricular expansion as main content, plays an important role in the cultivation of undergraduate microscopic skills, the establishment of basic theories of neurosurgery, the improvement of scientific research accomplishment and the expansion of extracurricular vision.

Condiciones neuropsiquiátricas y probable causa de muerte de Maurice Ravel

El músico francés Maurice Ravel (1875-1937) presentó deterioro neurológico progresivo caracterizado por amnesia, afasia, apraxia, amusia y alexia que se inició a los 57 años, cinco antes de su muerte. Se le practicó lo que se conocía entonces como craneotomía exploratoria y falleció como consecuencia de ello. Hay múltiples publicaciones en las cuales su condición neurológica ha sido evaluada para intentar dilucidar qué enfermedad presentó. Se han considerado demencia tipo Alzheimer, enfermedad de Pick, afasia primaria progresiva, degeneración corticobasal o secuelas de trauma craneoencefálico, ya que tuvo un accidente automovilístico en 1932. Dado que no se practicó autopsia, no se ha podido confirmar el diagnóstico exacto. Se hace una revisión de la literatura y aportes originales sobre la condición neurológica y el impacto psicológico que tuvo en este gran genio musical.

Summary The renowned French composer and musician, Maurice Ravel (18751937) exhibited a perplexing case of progressive degenerative neurological symptoms, namely amnesia, aphasia, apraxia, amusia, and alexia. The symptoms started when Ravel was only fairly young, at 57, five years prior to his death in 1937. He was surgically intervened in what was known then as an exploratory craniotomy and passed away. There are a number of publications in which his life and known medical history were dissected and analyzed in an attempt to diagnose the ailment that Ravel suffered. Many diagnoses have been considered, among them Alzheimer's disease, Pick Disease, primary progressive aphasia, corticobasal degeneration, and complications of head injury following a car crash in 1932. Since an autopsy was not performed, an exact diagnosis is rather unlikely, and no one has been able to confirm or deny any of the aforementioned hypotheses. The authors conducted an extensive revision of existent literature and propose some original ideas regarding Ravel's neurological condition, mainly the psychological impact of Ravel's life and experiences and the way they may have influenced his musical genius.

Comparación del rendimiento de pruebas cognitivas en pacientes con Enfermedad de Parkinson con y sin estimulación cerebral profunda / Comparison of the performance of cognitive tests in Parkinson Disease patients with and without Deep Brain Stimulation

Resumen Los pacientes diagnosticados con Enfermedad de Parkinson (EP) presentan alteraciones motoras concomitantes a otras alteraciones de tipo cognitivo, conductual o emocional. Una de las alternativas al tratamiento farmacológico es la estimulación cerebral profunda (ECP). Existen reportes de alteraciones en el rendimiento de tareas cognitivas tras procedimiento de ECP, lo que podría sugerir que el procedimiento es responsable de estos cambios cognitivos. El objetivo del estudio fue comparar los resultados del rendimiento en pruebas cognitivas de pacientes con EP de dos grupos (con ECP y sin ECP). Se recolectaron los resultados de 47 pacientes (n = 16 ECP; n = 31 sin ECP) durante los años de 2011 hasta 2015. Dentro de las funciones y variables evaluadas se encuentran: categorización visual, flexibilidad cognitiva, solución de problemas, atención selectiva, velocidad de procesamiento, inhibición conductual y calidad de vida. En general, no se encontraron diferencias significativas entre los grupos en las funciones evaluadas. En el grupo de participantes con ECP, se encontró mayor cantidad de correlaciones entre las pruebas de semejanzas y las de dígitos inversos, listas de palabras, búsqueda de símbolos y las subpruebas del Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. Así mismo, en los pacientes con ECP se presentó una percepción menor de calidad de vida asociada al tiempo de la enfermedad en comparación con el grupo sin ECP. En conclusión, estos resultados son congruentes con estudios similares de evaluación neuropsicológica y se discute el papel del tratamiento de estimulación en los pacientes, los cuales no siempre tienen un impacto positivo sobre la calidad de vida percibida.

Abstract Patients diagnosed with Parkinson's disease show motor alterations together to cognitive, behavioral, and emotional disturbances. An alternative treatment to the exclusive pharmacological medication is the Deep Brain Stimulation procedure (DBS). Some studies have shown altered behavioral patterns after DBS device implantation, suggesting a relationship between a particular performance in cognitive tests derived from the DBS procedure. Our study aimed to compare the performance of cognitive tests in Parkinson's disease patients with and without DBS. Results were analyzed from 47 patients (n = 16 DBS; n = 31 without DBS) in a range since 2011 to 2015. Functions tested were visual categorization, cognitive flexibility, problem solutions, selective attention, cognitive processing speed, behavioral inhibition, and quality of life. In general, there are non-significative differences between groups in functions tested. However, correlations were found depending on the group (DBS or without DBS patients), with more positive correlations inside the DBS group between the similarity test and inversed digits, list of words, symbol search and the sub-test of the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. In addition, the DBS group showed a low perception of the quality of life associated with the disorder´s time compared to the without DBS group. In conclusion, these results are congruent with similar studies of neuropsychological evaluation, and the role of treatment is discussed below the perception of the quality of life.

Fatores de risco nas neurocirurgias: um estudo de coorte no norte do Brasil / Risk factors in neurosurgery: a cohort study in northern Brazil

Introdução: Pacientes neurocirúrgicos apresentam elevado risco de complicações locais e sistêmicas que podem aumentar o tempo de internação e o risco de morte. Este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar a incidência de infecções relacionadas à assistência à saúde e os fatores de risco associados em pacientes submetidos às neurocirurgias. Materiais e métodos: Estudo de coorte prospectiva, realizado em um Hospital de grande porte do estado de Rondônia, no período de 2018 a 2019, incluindo 36 pacientes. Resultados: A incidência de infecções relacionada à assistência à saúde foi 19,4 a cada 100 pacientes (IC95%: 8,19 ­ 36,02). Ter utilizado sonda nasoenteral aumentou em 6,5 vezes o risco de IRAS (IC 95%: 1,26 ­ 33,5), a ventilação mecânica aumentou 5,52 vezes o risco (IC95%: 1,23 ­ 24,6), a presença de traqueostomia aumentou seis vezes (IC95%: 1,34 ­ 26,8) e realização de exame invasivo aumentou o risco em 6,79 para ter infecção (IC95%: 1,31 ­ 35,05). Na análise ajustada as variáveis não apresentaram significância estatística. Discussão: A incidência de infecções foi maior do que em regiões com melhores condições socioeconômicas o que pode estar relacionado à menor adesão de boas práticas na assistência. Conclusão: Nas neurocirurgias além das infecções de sítio cirúrgico outras topografias também devem ser consideradas para investigação de infecção. O uso de dispositivos invasivos foi associado à ocorrência de infecções relacionadas à assistência à saúde, portanto as boas práticas no seu uso são essenciais no momento da indicação e uso destes dispositivos.

Introduction: Neurosurgical patients are at high risk of local and systemic complications that can increase the length of hospital stay and the risk of death. This study aims to assess the incidence of healthcare-associated infections and associated risk factors in patients undergoing neurosurgery. y. Materials and Methods:: Prospective cohort study, carried out in a large hospital in the state of Rondônia, from 2018 to 2019, including 36 patients. Results:The incidence of healthcare-associated infections was 19.4 per 100 patients (95%CI: 8.19 ­ 36.02). Having used a nasoenteral tube increased the risk of HAI by 6.5 times (95% CI: 1.26 ­ 33.5), mechanical ventilation increased the risk by 5.52 times (95% CI: 1.23 ­ 24.6) , the presence of tracheostomy increased six-fold (95%CI: 1.34 ­ 26.8) and performing an invasive examination increased the risk of infection by 6.79 (95%CI: 1.31 ­ 35.05). In the adjusted analysis, the variables did not show statistical significance. Discussion:The incidence of infections was higher than in regions with better socioeconomic conditions, which may be related to lower adherence to good care practices. Conclusions: : In neurosurgery, in addition to surgical site infections, other topographies should also be considered for the investigation of infection. The use of invasive devices was associated with the occurrence of infections related to health care, so good practices in their use are essential when indicating and using these devices.

Introducción:Los pacientes neuroquirúrgicos tienen un alto riesgo de complicaciones locales y sistémicas que pueden aumentar la estancia hospitalaria y el riesgo de muerte. Este estudio tiene como objetivo evaluar la incidencia de infecciones asociadas a la atención médica y los factores de riesgo asociados en pacientes sometidos a neurocirugía. Materiales y métodos: : Estudio de cohorte prospectivo, realizado en un gran hospital del estado de Rondônia, de 2018 a 2019, con 36 pacientes. Resultados: La incidencia de infecciones asociadas a la asistencia sanitaria fue de 19,4 por 100 pacientes (IC95%: 8,19 ­ 36,02). Haber utilizado una sonda nasoenteral aumentó el riesgo de IRAS en 6,5 veces (IC 95%: 1,26 ­ 33,5), la ventilación mecánica aumentó el riesgo en 5,52 veces (IC 95%: 1,23 ­ 24,6), la presencia de traqueotomía aumentó seis veces (IC95%: 1,34 ­ 26,8) y realizar un examen invasivo aumentó el riesgo de infección en 6,79 (IC95%: 1,31 ­ 35,05). En el análisis ajustado, las variables no presentaron significación estadística. Discusión: La incidencia de infecciones fue mayor que en las regiones con mejores condiciones socioeconómicas, lo que puede estar relacionado con una menor adherencia a las buenas prácticas de cuidado. Conclusión: En neurocirugía, además de las infecciones del sitio quirúrgico, también se deben considerar otras topografías para la investigación de la infección. El uso de dispositivos invasivos se asoció con la ocurrencia de infecciones relacionadas con el cuidado de la salud, por lo que las buenas prácticas en su uso son fundamentales a la hora de indicar y utilizar estos dispositivos

Epidemiología y características de las patologías neuroquirúrgicas en un hospital peruano nivel III-1 de alta complejidad. Periodo 2008-2020 / Epidemiology and characteristics of neurosurgical pathologies in a high complexity Peruvian hospital. Period 2008-2020

Introducción: existe una alta carga de enfermedad neuroquirúrgica en el mundo. La información sobre patología neuroquirúrgica en Perú es limitada. Objetivo. El objetivo del estudio es describir las características epidemiológicas y la distribución temporal de la patología neuroquirúrgica en un centro de alta complejidad. Material y Métodos: se realizó un estudio transversal analítico usando el registro de cirugías del servicio de neurocirugía del Hospital Nacional María Auxiliadora, en Lima-Perú entre 2008 y 2020. Se categorizó a los diagnósticos según la patología primaria en 10 categorías; y los diagnósticos específicos correspondientes a cada patología primaria. Se describieron frecuencias absolutas y relativas según patología. La distribución temporal se describió mediante un mapa de calor. Se usó la prueba de chi cuadrado para evaluar asociación entre los diagnósticos y el sexo. Resultados: se realizaron 2948 procedimientos quirúrgicos. La mediana de la edad fue de 38 años; y el 66,7% fue del sexo masculino. Los diagnósticos de traumatismo encefalocraneano, hidrocefalia y patología vascular representan el 60,0% de la carga de enfermedad neuroquirúrgica en el centro de estudio. El 20,2% de los TECs fueron hematomas subdurales crónicos y el 19,4% fueron hematomas epidurales. El 7,4% de todos los procedimientos fueron reintervenciones. Se encontró asociación entre el sexo y el diagnóstico primario (p < 0.001). Conclusiones: Los diagnósticos primarios más frecuentes fueron el traumatismo encefalocraneano, la hidrocefalia y los eventos vasculares. Es necesario comprender mejor el perfil de carga de enfermedad neuroquirúrgica en Perú.

Background: the neurosurgical burden of disease is high worldwide. Information regarding this in Peru is limited. We aim to describe epidemiological characteristics and temporal distribution of the neurosurgical burden of disease in a high complexity center in Peru. Material and Methods: we carried a cross-sectional analytical study using the surgery registry from the neurosurgical department of Hospital Nacional María Auxiliadora in Lima-Peru, which contains registers from 2008 to 2020. Diagnoses were classified into main diagnosis, a variable with 10 levels, each a broad category; and specific diagnosis, defining the etiology. Absolute and relative frequencies were described on a diagnosis basis. Temporal distribution was described using a heatmap. Chi-squared test was used to evaluate association between variables and sex. Results: there were 2948 surgeries in the studied period. The median age was 38, and 66,7% were male. Head trauma, hydrocephalus and vascular pathology represent 60,0% of neurosurgical burden of disease in our center. The most frequent specific diagnoses of head trauma were chronic subdural hematoma (20,2%) and epidural hematoma (19,4%). Reinterventions were 7,4% of all procedures. Sex and principal diagnosis were associated (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The most frequent diagnoses were head trauma, hydrocephalus and vascular pathology. We describe an association between principal diagnosis and sex. There is need for further understanding of the neurosurgical burden of disease in Peru.

Nasal Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma after Radiotherapy: Case Report

Introduction Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is a tumor originated from the epitheliumof the glandular excretory ducts and has highly variable biological potential. It is the most prevalent cancer of the salivary glands. The present report aims to describe a case of nasal mucoepidermoid carcinoma that developed after adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) treatment of a recurrent pituitary macroadenoma. Case Report Male patient, 62 years old, presented with recurrent nasal epistaxis on the right, associated with intense pulsatile headache, visual analogical scale (VAS) 10/10, with improvement only with the use of opioids andmorphine. After undergoing oncological screening and study by imaging exams, the presence of an expansive seal lesion with suprasellar extension was seen, involving the medial wall of the cavernous segment of the right carotid artery and the anterior cerebral artery, as well as the presence of a new expansive lesion in the right nasal cavity, with ethmoid bone invasion superiorly and medial orbit wall invasion laterally, compressing the ipsilateral optic nerve canal. Discussion Sinonasal neoplasms represent a small portion of all malignancies of the upper aerodigestive tract, accounting for<5% of these neoplasms. The development of MEC involves risk factors such as occupational issues, history of trauma and surgery involving the nasal area, and radiation exposure, as in previous RT. Conclusion Mucoepidermoid carcinoma is an uncommon neoplasia and can be associated with RT treatment, as used in cases of recurrent pituitary macroadenoma. In general, surgical resection to obtain free margins of neoplastic tissue is the aimed treatment, seeking better prognosis.

Analysis of pathogenic bacteria and influencing factors of death in patients with severe neurological pulmonary infection / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To investigate the distribution of respiratory pathogens and risk factors of death in patients with pulmonary infection in neurosurgical intensive care unit (NICU).Methods:A total of 87 patients with pulmonary infection in the NICU of the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2018 to December 2019 were collected, and the pathogens of their respiratory tract were analyzed to understand the types and distribution of bacteria in the lung infection. Univariate statistical analysis was used to analyze the relationship between the patient′s clinical outcome with age, diabetes, hypertension, renal insufficiency, hypoproteinemia, anemia, chronic respiratory disease, surgery, tracheotomy, and bacterial multi-resistance. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the influencing factors of death in NICU patients with pulmonary infection.Results:A total of 112 pathogenic bacteria were isolated in this research group, including 83 Gram-negative bacteria (74.11%), 22 Gram-positive bacteria (19.64%), and 7 Fungi (5.25%). Imipenem was highly sensitive to Gram-negative bacteria, vancomycin was highly sensitive to Gram-positive bacteria, and other drugs were highly resistant. 41 patients died (47.13%). Age≥60 ( OR=3.501, 95% CI: 1.152-10.638), renal insufficiency ( OR=3.872, 95% CI: 1.336-11.224), tracheotomy ( OR=0.317, 95% CI: 0.114-0.882), bacteria multi-drug resistance ( OR=3.480, 95% CI: 1.162-10.422) were independent risk factors for death in NICU patients with pulmonary infection. Conclusions:Patients with severe neurological diseases are in critical condition, and there are many patients with pulmonary infection, with poor prognosis and high mortality. Gram-negative bacteria are the most common respiratory pathogens. Carbapenems account for the highest proportion of antibiotics in clinic. Advanced age, renal insufficiency and bacterial multidrug resistance increase the mortality of patients, while early tracheotomy can reduce the mortality of patients.

Analysis of risk factors of hyperpyrexia suffered by post neurosurgical patients after removal of drainage tube / 中华危重病急救医学

Objective:To analyze the risk factors of hyperthermia after removal of drainage tubes in patients after neurosurgery.Methods:The clinical data of 146 patients after neurosurgery with indwelling drainage tubes admitted to the department of critical care medicine of Pecking University Third Hospital from January 2019 to July 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were divided into hyperthermia group (body temperature≥39 ℃) and non-hyperthermia group (body temperature < 39 ℃) according to whether their body temperatures within 24 hours after removal of drainage tubes. General clinical data and outcomes of the two groups were collected, and different tendentious scores were matched with the hyperthermia group and non-hyperthermia group based on Glasgow coma score (GCS), respectively. After such matching, the clinical baseline characteristics [age, gender, admission diagnosis, major complications, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ (APACHE Ⅱ) at admission, GCS], number of days of drainage tubes retention, location of drainage tubes, microbial culture results before removal of drainage tubes, white blood cell (WBC) and neutrophil ratio (NEU%) before and after removal of drainage tubes as well as clinical outcomes of the cohort patients were analyzed. The primarily outcome was in-hospital mortality, and then the length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay.Results:A total of 146 patients after neurosurgery were included, 28 of which developed hyperthermia after removal of drainage tubes. The GCS scores at admission in the hyperthermia group were significantly lower than that in the non-hyperthermia group, while the proportion of hypertension and diabetes in the hyperthermia group was significantly higher than that in the non-hyperthermia group. Based on GCS scores, the two groups, each of which included 28 patients, were matched with tendentious scores, and there was no significant difference in gender, age, GCS scores and the proportion of hypertension and diabetes between the two groups. The main disease for patients upon admission was cerebral hemorrhage (53.6%, 30/56). The proportion of indwelling ventricular drainage tube retention in the hyperthermia group was significantly higher than that in the non-hyperthermia group [32.1% (9/28) vs. 7.1% (2/28), P < 0.05], but there was no significant difference in the location of other drainage tubes between the two groups. The proportion of lumbar puncture in the hyperthermia group was also significantly higher than that in the non-hyperthermia group [25.0% (7/28) vs. 0 (0/28), P < 0.05]. Compared with the non-hyperthermia group, WBC [×10 9/L: 13.0 (9.5, 15.2) vs. 11.5 (8.8, 13.3)] of 1 day before removal of drainage tubes, NEU% [0.892 (0.826, 0.922) vs. 0.843 (0.809, 0.909)] after removal of drainage tubes and positive rate of drainage-fluid culture or drainage-tube-tip culture [7.1% (2/28) vs. 0% (0/28)] in the hyperthermia group increased, but there were not significant differences. There was no significant difference in the proportion of pulmonary, urinary system and blood flow infection before removal of drainage tubes in the two groups. In terms of primary outcomes, compared with the non-hyperthermia group, the length of ICU stay [days: 17.0 (8.0, 32.3) vs. 8.5 (1.0, 16.8), P < 0.05] in the hyperthermia group was significantly prolonged, and the in-hospital mortality [35.7% (10/28) vs. 10.7% (3/28), P < 0.05] in the hyperthermia group was obviously increased. The positive rate of carbapenem-resistant bacteria culture [32.1% (9/28) vs. 3.6% (1/28), P < 0.05] in the hyperthermia group during hospitalization was significantly higher than that in the non-hyperthermia group. Conclusions:Hyperthermia after removal of drainage tubes for patients after neurosurgery can significantly prolong the length of ICU stay and increase the in-hospital mortality, which may be related to the secondary infection caused by indwelling intracranial drainage tubes and the intracranial spread of bacteria caused by removal of drainage tubes, as well as the intracranial multidrug-resistant bacterial infection caused by the drainage tubes.