Preoperative Cortical Mapping for Brain Tumor Surgery Using Navigated Transcranial Stimulation: Analysis of Accuracy.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) represents a distinctive technique for non-invasive brain stimulation. Recent advancements in image processing have enabled the enhancement of TMS by integrating magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) modalities with TMS via a neuronavigation system. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of navigated TMS for cortical mapping in comparison to surgical mapping using direct electrical stimulation (DES).

Quantification of tumor induced motor cortical plasticity using navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation in patients with adult-type diffuse gliomas.

Introduction: The evaluation of brain plasticity can provide relevant information for the surgical planning of patients with brain tumors, especially when it comes to intrinsic lesions such as gliomas. Neuronavigated transcranial magnetic stimulation (nTMS) is a non-invasive tool capable of providing information about the functional map of the cerebral cortex. Although nTMS presents a good correlation with invasive intraoperative techniques, the measurement of plasticity still needs standardization.

Evaluation of Accuracy and Reliability of a Smartphone Stereotactic Coordinates Checking Application.

Background: Surgical assistance applications for smartphones have the potential to be used in daily practice; however, regular reviews of these tools are required. StereoCheck (Mevis, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil) is a mobile application (app) designed to compute stereotactic coordinates as a checking tool. The present study evaluated the accuracy and reliability of the StereoCheck app.

The Utility of Routine Intensive Care Admission for Patients Undergoing Intracranial Neurosurgical Procedures: A Systematic Review.

Background: Patients who have undergone intracranial neurosurgical procedures have traditionally been admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) for close postoperative neurological observation. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the evidence for routine ICU admission in patients undergoing intracranial neurosurgical procedures and to evaluate the safety of alternative postoperative pathways.

Methods: We were interested in identifying studies that examined selected patients who presented for elective, non-emergent intracranial surgery whose postoperative outcomes were compared as a function of ICU versus non-ICU admission.

Hepatitis C among blood donors: cascade of care and predictors of loss to follow-up.

Objective: To investigate the HCV cascade of care and to identify the factors associated with loss or absence to follow-up of patients identified as infected with hepatitis C through blood donation.

Methods: Blood donors from 1994 to 2012, identified with positive anti- HCV by enzyme immunoassay and immunoblot tests were invited to participate in the study, through letters or phone calls. Patients who agreed to participate were interviewed and their blood samples were collected for further testing.

Surgical variation of microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia: A technical note and anatomical study.

Background: In this article, the authors described their experience in microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia.

Methods: The microvascular decompression technique used in the authors' institution is described in a step by step manner with some illustrative cases as well as a cadaver dissection to highlight the differences with other previously described techniques.

Results: Since 2013, 107 patients were operated in the Neurosurgery Division of the University of São Paulo using the described technique, with a shorter operative time and avoiding cerebellar retractor compared with classic techniques.

How safe is your motorcycle helmet?

Purpose: Motorcycle crash helmets do not totally prevent head and facial trauma. The aim of this study was to investigate if protection offered by helmets differs according to helmet type.

Materials And Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, outpatient records of motorcyclists were analyzed for the Facial Injury Severity Scale (FISS), traumatic brain injury (TBI), facial fractures, and helmet use.

Dural sinus and internal jugular vein thrombosis complicating a blunt head injury in a pediatric patient.

Introduction: Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) following a blunt head trauma is a rare condition, described in the literature along with the lack of consensus regarding diagnosis and management. We present a case of a pediatric patient with a blunt head injury and epidural hematoma, who developed dural sinus and internal jugular vein thrombosis with fatal outcome.

Discussion: Most of reports show good outcome and recovery, but CVST might be related to poor recovery and even lead to death.

Changing oral health status of 6- and 12-year-old schoolchildren in Portugal.

Aims: To assess the actual oral health status of Portuguese schoolchildren aged 6 and 12 years according to gender and urbanisation, to highlight the trend over time in dental caries prevalence of children, to assess the dental care habits and the provision of preventive services to children, and to analyse the effect of dental care habits on caries experience.

Basic Research Design: Clinical examinations of oral health status were carried out in 1999 according to WHO criteria and included dental caries, enamel lesions, oral hygiene status (OHI-S) and Community Periodontal Index (CPI). Structured questionnaires for interviewing children on dental care habits and participation in preventive programmes at school were used.