High Expression of GABA Receptor β Subunit Genes Is Associated with Longer Overall Survival in Medulloblastoma.

Most of the rapid inhibitory neurotransmission in the brain is mediated through activation of the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) type A (GABA) receptor, which is a ligand-gated ion channel. GABA receptor activation via GABA binding allows for an intracellular influx of Cl ions, thus inducing cellular hyperpolarization. Each GABA receptor consists of a combination of five subunits, and several subunits have been proposed as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in cancer.

Effectiveness of Hypoglossal-Facial Anastomosis in the Rehabilitation of Facial Paralysis Following Vestibular Schwannoma Surgery: A Systematic Review.

The facial nerve plays a crucial role in facial expression and sensory functions, with irreversible injuries often demanding rehabilitation therapies, with hypoglossal-facial nerve anastomosis (HFA) being one of the treatment options. This systematic review assessed different HFA techniques for facial paralysis, particularly post vestibular schwannoma resection, focusing on effectiveness and associated morbidities. Fifteen studies, comprising a case series and a retrospective cohort, were analyzed.

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Mimicking Vestibular Schwannoma.

Progressive unilateral hearing loss and an MRI are usually enough to diagnose vestibular schwannoma (VS). We were consulted by a 45-year-old man with otalgia and left-sided hearing loss as well as ipsilateral facial paralysis that had begun two weeks prior. Due to a possible atypical presentation of VS, an MRI was ordered, which revealed an intracanalicular lesion occupying the left cerebellopontine angle cistern.

The Hook Effect: A Case Study of a Giant Invasive Prolactinoma With Falsely Low Serum Prolactin.

Prolactinomas are benign pituitary tumors also known as prolactin-secreting adenomas (PSA). These tumors cause excessive secretion of prolactin (hyperprolactinemia), a hormone responsible for lactation. Diagnosing hyperprolactinemia relies on measuring prolactin levels in the blood, and elevated serum levels of prolactin are typically indicative of prolactinoma.

The Nervous System Development Regulator Neuropilin-1 as a Potential Prognostic Marker and Therapeutic Target in Brain Cancer.

Neuropilins are transmembrane glycoproteins that regulate developmental processes in the nervous system and other tissues. Overexpression of neuropilin-1 (NRP1) occurs in many solid tumor types and, in several instances, may predict patient outcome in terms of overall survival. Experimental inhibition of NRP1 activity can display antitumor effects in different cancer models.

Low Expression of the Gene Is Associated with Shorter Overall Survival in Patients with Sonic Hedgehog and Group 3 Medulloblastoma.

Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common type of malignant pediatric brain tumor. Neuropilin-1 (NRP1), encoded by the NRP1 gene, is a transmembrane glycoprotein overexpressed in several types of cancer. Previous studies indicate that NRP1 inhibition displays antitumor effects in MB models and higher NRP1 levels are associated with poorer prognosis in MB patients.

Facial Nerve Hemangioma of the Lateral Portion of the Internal Acoustic Canal: A Case Report and a Review of Literature.

 Facial nerve hemangiomas (FNH) are rare tumors. Although it can occur in any portion of the nerve, it predominantly appears near the geniculate ganglion. We present a case of facial nerve hemangioma of an unusual location.

Neurosurgical Management of Skull Base Epidermoid Tumors in Children.

Epidermoid tumors (ET) are congenital and benign tumors that develop from de ectoderm during neurogenesis. In the skull base, these lesions can insinuate themselves into several intracranial compartments by filling the subarachnoid space, and possibly affecting some important structures, like the brainstem, cerebellopontine angle, the pituitary in the middle fossa, and others. In the pediatrics skull base tumors, the ET represents 7-9%, being very rare.

Avoiding vascular complications in insular glioma surgery - A microsurgical anatomy study and critical reflections regarding intraoperative findings.

Introduction: Vascular lesions in insular glioma surgery can severely impact patients' quality of life. This study aims to present the results of our dissections and authors' reflections on the insular vascular anatomy.

Matherials And Methods: The insular vascularization was examined using ×3 to ×40 magnification in 20 cadaveric cerebral hemispheres in which the arteries and veins had been perfused with colored silicone.

Receptor Tyrosine Kinases as Candidate Prognostic Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets in Meningioma.

Meningioma (MGM) is the most common type of intracranial tumor in adults. The validation of novel prognostic biomarkers to better inform tumor stratification and clinical prognosis is urgently needed. Many molecular and cellular alterations have been described in MGM tumors over the past few years, providing a rational basis for the identification of biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Neuroinflammation and immunoregulation in glioblastoma and brain metastases: Recent developments in imaging approaches.

Brain tumors and brain metastases induce changes in brain tissue remodeling that lead to immunosuppression and trigger an inflammatory response within the tumor microenvironment. These immune and inflammatory changes can influence invasion and metastasis. Other neuroinflammatory and necrotic lesions may occur in patients with brain cancer or brain metastases as sequelae from treatment with radiotherapy.

Hippocampal vascularization: Proposal for a new classification.

Background: Anatomy of the hippocampal arterial supply is key to successful surgeries in this area. The goal of the current study is to present the results we obtained from our microsurgical dissections of the temporal lobe and to propose a new classification for the hippocampal arteries (HAs).

Methods: Fifty-six brain hemispheres were analyzed.