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Background: The prevalence of persistent primitive trigeminal artery (PPTA) has been reported to be 0.1–0.6%. We report the successful recanalization of internal carotid artery (ICA) without embolization to new vascular territory (ENT) using a combined technique in a case of ICA occlusion with PPTA. Case Description: A 65-year-old female presented with sudden consciousness disorder. The Glasgow Coma Scale score was 7 (E1, V1, M5) and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 28. Magnetic resonance diffusion-weighted imaging showed areas of high signal intensity in the left frontal lobe, parietal lobe, insular cortex, and corona radiata. Magnetic resonance angiography showed occlusion of the left ICA distal to a PPTA. We performed mechanical thrombectomy (MT) using a combined technique with a balloon guide catheter (BGC), aspiration catheter, and stent retriever and achieved complete recanalization without ENT. The patient experienced a good postoperative recovery course. At 6 months, her Modified Rankin Scale score was 2. Conclusion: MT using a combined technique with BGC would be useful to prevent embolization to the posterior circulation through the PPTA in cases of ICA occlusion with PPTA.

Background Borderline personality disorder (BPD) has a pervasive pattern of instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and emotions. BPD may be linked to an abnormal brain anatomy, but little is known about possible impairments of the white matter microstructure in BPD or their relationship with impulsivity or risky behaviors. The aims of the present study were to explore the relationship between BPD and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) parameters and psychological tests. Methods We evaluated 35 un-medicated BPD patients in a medication-free state and 50 healthy controls (HCs). We performed DTI tractography in BPD patients and HCs. The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), Profile of Mood State (POMS), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Social Adaptation Self-Evaluation Scale (SASS), and Depression and Anxiety Cognition Scale (DACS) were administered to BPD patients and HCs. Results A tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) revealed that the BPD group had three clusters with a significantly lower axial diffusivity (AD) than the HC group: one located mainly in the cingulum and the other mainly in the inferior front-occipital fasciculus and inferior longitudinal fasciculus. Regarding the AD values, one cluster correlated negatively and significantly with POMS (Depression) and it was located in the cingulum, while another cluster correlated positively and significantly with DACS (Future Denial) and it was located in the inferior front-occipital fasciculus (IFOF). Limitations The small sample size of this study prevents us from forming any definitive conclusions, meaning that more studies are needed to confirm our findings. We are unable to generalize our findings to include other ethnic groups. Conclusions Our results suggested that hypo-metabolism in a front-limbic network dysfunction is characterized by the cingulum and a front-occipital network dysfunction characterized by the occipital lobe, while an occipital-temporal network dysfunction characterized by the inferior longitudinal fasciculus.

[Purpose] To clarify the relationship between white matter fiber damage and the Ability for Basic Movement Scale (ABMS) II in patients with stroke in a diffusion tensor tract-based spatial statistic study. [Subjects and Methods] Twelve patients with stroke (seven men and five women, mean age ± SD: 61.6 ± 8.5 years) were evaluated using the ABMS II. The patients were divided into the ABMS II good group and the ABMS II poor group. Tract-based spatial statistical analysis was performed using diffusion tensor images in both groups. [Results] Patients in the ABMS II good group had significantly higher fractional anisotropy values of the anterior thalamic radiation (ATR), superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF), inferior occipitofrontal fasciculus (IOF), and uncinate fasciculus (UF) of the lesion-containing hemisphere than patients in the ABMS II poor group. [Conclusion] ATR, SLF, and IOF damage may affect ABMS II scores in patients with stroke.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the importance of pre- and post-operative volumetric measurement of the cerebellopontine angle (CPA) using 3 Tesla (3T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Between April 2012 and December 2015, a total of 87 consecutive patients underwent microvascular decompression (MVD) for trigeminal neuralgia (TN), of whom 51 with primary TN caused by arterial compression were enrolled in this study. Bilateral CPA cistern volume was evaluated using 3T MRI before and after surgery; the Cistern Deviation Index was used to represent the degree of deviation of the CPA cistern. The relationships between CPA cistern volume and the etiology of TN were assessed, and post-operative changes in anatomical parameters were examined to determine differences between recurrent and non-recurrent patients with TN. The mean volume of the CPA cistern on the affected side was significantly smaller than the unaffected side (P < 0.001). Five of 51 (10%) patients experienced TN recurrence. The recurrent cases demonstrated significantly lower pre-operative Cistern Deviation Index scores than non-recurrent cases (P = 0.035). On the unaffected side—but not the affected side—post-operative volume reduction was significantly greater in the recurrence group than in the non-recurrence group (P = 0.004). The pre-operative Cistern Deviation Index was a useful parameter to predict the recurrence of TN. In recurrent patients, post-operative inflammatory reaction may extend to not only the operated side but also the healthy side and reduce the volume of the CPA cistern.

The present study was to investigate the effects of 6 FK506 binding protein 51 (FKBP5) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on brain structure using voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and the psychological tests to psychological stress. We genotyped 112 healthy controls with respect to 6 SNPs (rs) of FKBP5. We examined the Beck Depression Inventory and the State (STAI-S) and Trait (STAI-T) versions of the Spielberger Anxiety Inventory and the Profile of Mood States (POMS) to evaluate mood. The right amygdala was larger in subjects with the minor allele (C) of rs3800373 and rs992105 and the minor allele (T) of rs1360780. The right middle orbitofrontal region in those with the minor allele (C) of rs3800373 and the right inferior orbitofrontal region in those with the minor allele (T) of rs9470080 was larger. Both the amygdala volumes were associated significantly with FKBP5 SNPs. We found significant relationships between factors in POMS and the right and left amygdala and left insula. Our results suggest that FKBP5 SNPs are associated with the alternations of volumes in right amygdala and the right middle and inferior orbitofrontal region. Genetic variants of FKBP5 may be associated with depressive and anxiety state via differential effects on amygdala and orbitofrontal region.

Autothermal thermophilic aerobic digestion (ATAD) is conducted for stabilization of sludge waste and is driven by the action of various microorganisms under aerobic conditions. However, the mechanism controlling bacterial community changes during ATAD via three (initial, middle and final) phases is currently unclear. To investigate this mechanism, activity analysis and a microcosm assay with shaking were performed on a bacterial community during the initial, middle, and final phases of incubation. Cell lysis activities toward gram-negative bacteria, but not gram-positive bacteria, were detected in the ATAD samples in the middle and final phases. During shaking incubation in initial-phase samples at 30 °C, major operational taxonomic units (OTUs) related to Acinetobacter indicus and Arcobacter cibarius dramatically increased along with decreases in several major OTUs. In middle-phase samples at 45 °C, we observed a major alteration of OTUs related to Caldicellulosiruptor bescii and Aciditerrimonas ferrireducens, together with distinct decreases in several other OTUs. Final-phase samples maintained a stable bacterial community with major OTUs showing limited similarities to Heliorestis baculata, Caldicellulosiruptor bescii, and Ornatilinea apprima. In conclusion, the changes in the bacterial community observed during ATAD could be partially attributed to the cell lysis activity toward gram-negative bacteria in the middle and final phases. The microcosm assay suggested that certain physical factors, such as a high oxygen supply and shearing forces, also might contribute to bacterial community changes in the initial and middle phases, and to the stable bacterial community in the final phase of ATAD.

Objective Third nerve palsy (TNP) caused by a posterior communicating artery (PCoA) aneurysm is a well-known symptom of the condition, but the characteristics of unruptured PCoA aneurysm-associated third nerve palsy have not been fully evaluated. The aim of this study was to analyze the anatomical features of PCoA aneurysms that caused TNP from the viewpoint of the relationship between the ICA and the skull base. Methods Forty-eight unruptured PCoA aneurysms were treated surgically between January 2008 and September 2013. The characteristics of the aneurysms were evaluated. Results Thirteen of the 48 patients (27%) had a history of TNP. The distance between the ICA and the anterior–posterior clinoid process (ICA–APC distance) was significantly shorter in the TNP group ( p p = 0.534). Conclusion Relatively small unruptured PCoA aneurysms can cause third nerve palsy if the ICA runs close to the skull base.

Objective The study aimed to assess the usefulness of skull base surgery for large juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) with lateral extension to the infratemporal fossa. Materials and methods Eleven cases were enrolled for this study, and the mean age was 17.7 years old (range: 8–32). Six out of 11 cases underwent surgery as an initial treatment, and the other five underwent secondary surgery after initial surgery or radiotherapy in other institutions. The range of extension of tumor, feeding arteries, surgical approach, and treatment outcome were estimated. Results All tumors originated from the sphenopalatine foramen. Based on the imaging study, there was extension to the cavernous sinus observed in eight cases, as well as to the middle cranial fossa (8), orbit (4), and anterior cranial fossa (1). These tumors were diagnosed as Andrews’ Stage IVa (3) and IVb (8). However, infiltration into the cavernous sinus was observed in one case only during surgery. Ten tumors were separated carefully from the cavernous sinus or dura and were accurately diagnosed as Stage IIIb. In all cases, the main arterial feeders of the JNAs were branches of the external carotid artery, which were embolized prior to surgery. However, 10 cases were also fed by branches of the internal carotid artery (branches of the ophthalmic artery), in which these arteries could not be embolized. Coronal skin incision (1) and a facial dismasking flap (9) were used, and in one case, wide lateral skin incision with temporary incision of the facial nerve was applied. The orbito-zygomatic approach and its modification was applied to all the cases. Fronto-lateral craniotomy was applied in four cases and lateral craniotomy in seven cases. Total resection was achieved in 10 cases and subtotal resection in one case. No mortality was noted in this series. Temporal trismus was observed in all cases which subsided gradually. Cheek numbness and facial palsy were observed in three and two cases, respectively. Conclusion Coupled with craniotomy, tumor removal was successfully carried out in 11 patients with JNAs, which showed large lateral extension. Our surgical strategy is a safe and effective approach for the removal of JNAs with infratemporal fossa extension.

The aim of this study was to analyze the prognostic factors of trigeminal neuralgia (TN) after microvascular decompression (MVD), and to evaluate the volumetric parameters of the cerebellopontine angle (CPA) cistern as a pathogenic factor and imaging predictor. This retrospective study included 70 patients with primary TN treated with pure MVD, followed up for at least 1 year and evaluated by high-resolution MR imaging. The volume of the CPA cistern was calculated bilaterally, and the “Cistern Deviation Index” was defined to represent degree of deviation of the CPA cistern. Clinical data and volumetric parameters were compared between patients with TN and age- and sex-matched controls without TN, and between the recurrent and non-recurrent patients. The transposition procedure had a better outcome than the interposition procedure (P

Antidepressant discontinuation syndrome (ADS) occurs after abrupt discontinuation of an antidepressant medication. A 23-year-old man with right hippocampal agenesis demonstrated sexual crime (hypersexuality) since the age of eight and had been successfully treated with carbamazepine since the age of 13. He had required increased doses of paroxetine and carbamazepine owing to the development of an unstable affect after quitting his job. He abruptly stopped taking his medication for 3 days and his criminal behaviors re-emerged. We examined changes in brain structure and activity before and after medication cessation, using MRI and functional MRI (fMRI). The image of a girl in a swimsuit increased activity in the thalamus only after medication discontinuation. The alteration in thalamic activity might induce hypersexuality. We conclude that a primary hypersexuality had been suppressed with carbamazepine and paroxetine treatment, and the discontinuation of the medication caused the hypersexuality.

We present a rare case of a large juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) in an 8-year-old boy. Preoperative imaging revealed that the tumor had widely extended to the sphenoid sinus, infratemporal fossa, and cavernous sinus. Following embolization of the feeding vessels, the tumor was successfully removed by a combination of an orbitozygomatic approach and Le Fort I osteotomy under frontolateral craniotomy. An endoscope assisted in the surgery. At 15 months follow-up, the patient was free of the disease with no facial palsy, scars, or malocclusion. JNA is a benign tumor that typically affects adolescent males and is rarely observed during prepuberty. Complete removal of JNA by surgery, the initial therapy, is generally required. However, as in the present case, a large JNA with wide extension requires extended surgery, and such a surgery is more invasive for prepubertal patients. Using an appropriate combination of surgical approaches, a large JNA developed during prepuberty can be safely removed with reduced morbidity.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the association of transmembrane protein 132D (TMEM132D), catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor alpha 6 subunit (GABRA6) genotypes with cingulate, frontal cortex and hippocampal emotional processing in panic disorder (PD) and major depressive disorder (MDD).The single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in TMEM132D, COMT, and GABRA6 were examined in patients with MDD, PD, and healthy controls. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was performed in patients with MDD, PD, and healthy controls.rs4680 in COMT and rs3219151 in GABRA6 showed positive associations with PD and MDD. A dynamic fearful face was shown to the participants during fMRI scanning. In PD patients, responses in the bilateral anterior cingulate were stronger in carriers of the AA genotype of SNP rs11060369 in TMEM132D compared with carriers of the AC + CC genotype, and stronger in CT + TT genotype carriers of SNP rs3219151 in GABRA6 compared with carriers of the CC genotype. The response in the medial orbital frontal cortex was stronger in carriers of the CT + TT genotypes of SNP rs3219151 in PD. In MDD patients, the response in the right parahippocampus of carriers of the GG genotype of rs4680 in COMT was stronger than that of carriers of the AA + AG genotype.These results suggest that TMEM132D, GABRA6, and COMT variants may increase vulnerability to panic.

OBJECT The majority of sinonasal malignancies present with advanced disease, and cure rates are generally poor. Surgical extirpation remains the mainstay of treatment. In cases of sinonasal malignancy with orbital apex extension, gross-total tumor resection requires orbital exenteration and bony skull base resection around the orbital apex to provide sufficient margins. In this retrospective study, the authors describe their surgical strategy in and technique for orbital exenteration with orbital apex resection in patients at Tokyo Medical and Dental University who had sinonasal malignancy with orbital apex extension. They also analyzed the clinical features of and the results in these patients. METHODS Between February 2001 and August 2012 at the authors' institution, sinonasal malignancy with orbital apex extension was treated using craniofacial tumor resection with orbital exenteration including skull base bone around the orbital apex. The authors describe this technique and analyze the surgical indications, extent of resection, primary tumor location, outcome, pathological findings, and neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies of the patients who underwent the technique. RESULTS The patients consisted of 12 men and 3 women with a mean age of 47.7 years (range 14–79 years). The longest postoperative follow-up was 9.5 years, and the shortest was 0.67 year (mean 3.0 years). Tumor originated at the ethmoid sinus in 6 patients (40%), maxillary sinus in 5 (33%), nasal cavity in 2 (13%), and orbital cavity and maxillary bone in 1 patient each (7%). Histological analysis of tumor specimens revealed squamous cell carcinoma in 9 patients (60%), rhabdomyosarcoma in 2 (13%), and small cell carcinoma, mucoepidermoid carcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, and Ewing sarcoma in 1 patient each (7%). Two patients experienced recurrences at 1 and 5 months after treatment; these patients died at 5 and 10 months after surgery, respectively. Estimated 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) was 86.7%, and estimated 5-year overall survival (OS) was 86.2%; there was no perioperative mortality. None of the patients had new neurological deficits as a result of the surgery, but 5 patients suffered infectious complications from the graft transplanted into the cavity after resection. There were no other perioperative complications. CONCLUSIONS These authors are the first to describe a technique for extended orbital exenteration with orbital apex skull base resection. The technique provided sufficient margins for gross-total resection of the sinonasal malignancy with orbital apex extension. The estimated 5-year OS and RFS rates were high, and the perioperative complication rate was acceptably low, demonstrating the safety and efficacy of this technique.

A 78-year-old female presented with coexisting primary angiitis of the central nervous system (CNS) and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) manifesting as motor aphasia caused by a left frontal lobe lesion. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an enhanced lesion with moderate surrounding edema.Technetium-99m propylene amine oxime single-photon emission computed tomography showed decreased cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the lesions, and high serum soluble-interleukin-2 level was detected, suggesting intravascular lymphoma of the CNS. Cerebral biopsy revealed CAA with secondary florid vasculitic appearance. The CBF and neurological symptoms, such as aphasia and dementia, recovered following steroid treatment. Cerebral vasculitis associated with CAA should be included in the differential diagnosis of an unusually enhanced lesion, because timely diagnosis and aggressive treatment are critical to successful recovery in such elderly patients.

Central skull base lesions in the interpeduncular fossa and the upper clival regions can be challenging to access because of their location anterior to the brainstem. We have modified the anterior transpetrosal approach by combination with the extradural subtemporal route to increase the surgical corridor.Thirty-seven patients underwent surgical treatment via the anterior transpetrosal approach from 2002 to 2012. The combined surgical approach was primarily applied when the tumors arose from the upper clival portion and extended to the interpeduncular fossa. The combined approach was used in seven of these patients, comprising four patients with petroclival meningiomas, one patient with sphenoclival meningiomas, one patient with trigeminal schwannoma, and one patient with an epidermoid cyst extending from the interpeduncular fossa to the prepontine cistern.The combined approach permitted excellent visualization of the interpeduncular fossa in addition to the upper clivus and the lateral aspect of the brain stem. Mobilization of the temporal lobe by the entire epidural dissection of the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus facilitates access via the subtemporal route. The transient symptom of the temporal lobe in the dominant site may be the only drawback for this combined approach, although it may disappear immediately after the surgery.The present approach combines Dolenc's approach and Kawase's approach, providing a wide exposure to lesions of the interpeduncular fossa and the clivus.

Using phosphorus nuclear magnetic resonance (31P NMR) we studied the biochemical changes that accompany high-K+ depolarization in cerebral tissue in vitro. Rat brain slices (wet weight 4–6 g) were placed in a glass NMR sample tube which was superfused with well-oxygenated Krebs solution at 25° C. The broad signal seen in the spectrum of brain slices almost disappeared after phospholipids were extracted by using chloroform and methanol. Phospholipids in the extracts were identified as phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine. In high-K+ Krebs solution tissue phosphocreatine (PCr) was decreased while inorganic phosphate (Pi) was increased, and in normal solution PCr and Pi recovered to control levels within about 20 min. The extent of changes in PCr and Pi depended on the concentrations of K+. Ouabain or tetrodotoxin did not influence these changes significantly. In calcium-free solution, where Ca2+ was replaced by Mg2+, the changes caused by high K+ were decreased to 40% of that in normal high-K+ solution. When ouabain was further added to the calcium-free solution, the changes were decreased to 10%. This suggested that the increased metabolism in high K+ was caused mainly by calcium-dependent mechanisms and partly by the Na+-K+ pump.