Recording of single-unit activities with flexible micro-electrocorticographic array in rats for decoding of whole-body navigation.

Micro-electrocorticographic (ECoG) arrays are able to record neural activities from the cortical surface, without the need to penetrate the brain parenchyma. Owing in part to small electrode sizes, previous studies have demonstrated that single-unit spikes could be detected from the cortical surface, and likely from Layer I neurons of the neocortex. Here we tested the ability to useECoG arrays to decode, in rats, body position during open field navigation, through isolated single-unit activities.

Neural Interface-Based Motor Neuroprosthesis in Poststroke Upper Limb Neurorehabilitation: An Individual Patient Data Meta-analysis.

Objective: To determine the efficacy of neural interface-based neurorehabilitation, including brain-computer interface, through conventional and individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis and to assess clinical parameters associated with positive response to neural interface-based neurorehabilitation.

Data Sources: PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases up to February 2022 were reviewed.

Study Selection: Studies using neural interface-controlled physical effectors (functional electrical stimulation and/or powered exoskeletons) and reported Fugl-Meyer Assessment-upper-extremity (FMA-UE) scores were identified.

Impact of Intraoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging on Short-Term and Long-Term Outcomes After Transsphenoidal Resection of Pituitary Adenoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) allows for greater tumor visualization and extent of resection. It is increasingly used in transsphenoidal surgeries but its role is not yet established.

Objective: We aimed to clarify the usefulness of iMRI in transsphenoidal surgery using direct statistical comparisons, with additional subgroup and regression analyses to investigate which patients benefit the most from iMRI use.

The National Neuroscience Institute External Ventricular Drain Study: A Pragmatic Multisite Risk-Stratification Pathway to Reduce Ventriculostomy-Related Infection.

Objective: Ventriculostomy-related infection (VRI) is associated with potential serious morbidity, extended hospitalization duration, increased health care costs, and mortality. We assessed the effectiveness of a pragmatic risk-stratification pathway for external ventricular drain (EVD) management, allowing for surgical decision making, in reducing the rate of VRIs.

Methods: Two studies were performed concurrently.

Investigation of the usefulness of fluorescein sodium fluorescence in stereotactic brain biopsy.

Background: Intraoperative frozen section assessment, to confirm acquisition of pathological tissues, is used in stereotactic brain biopsy to minimise sampling errors. Limitations include the dependence on dedicated neuro-oncology pathologists and an increase in operative duration. We investigated the use of intraoperative fluorescein sodium, and compared it to frozen section assessment, for confirming pathological tissue samples in the stereotactic biopsy of gadolinium-contrast-enhancing brain lesions.

Characterization of Pyramidal Tract Shift in High-Grade Glioma Resection.

Objective: This study aimed to characterize pyramidal tract shift in different regions of the brain during glioma resection and its association with head position and tumor location.

Methods: From 2008-2013, 14 patients presenting at the National Neuroscience Institute with high-grade glioma (World Health Organization III or IV) underwent preoperative and intraoperative diffusion tensor imaging. A novel method of placing landmarks along the preoperative and intraoperative tracts, with anterior commissure as the origin, was used to determine pyramidal tract shift.

The Fluoropen: a simple low-cost device to detect intraoperative fluorescein fluorescence in stereotactic needle biopsy of brain tumors.

Background: The use of fluorescein fluorescence-guided stereotactic needle biopsy has been shown to improve diagnostic accuracy and to expedite operative procedure in the stereotactic needle biopsy of high-grade gliomas. We developed a device (Fluoropen) for detecting fluorescence in brain tumor tissues obtained by fluorescein fluorescence-guided stereotactic needle biopsy.

Methods: The Fluoropen is a device consisting of a light source fitted with color filters to create the required emission and visualization wavelengths.

Treatment of severe, disabling spasticity with continuous intrathecal baclofen therapy following acquired brain injury: the experience of a tertiary institution in Singapore.

Introduction: Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) therapy is a proven, effective treatment for disabling cortical spasticity. We describe the first local series of five patients with acquired brain injury (ABI) who received ITB and were followed up for 63.8 months.