The left temporal lobe is an integral part of the language system and its cortical structure and function associate with general intelligence. However, whether cortical laminar architecture and cellular properties of this brain area relate to verbal intelligence is unknown. Here, we addressed this using histological analysis and cellular recordings of neurosurgically resected temporal cortex in combination with presurgical IQ scores. We find that subjects with higher general and verbal IQ scores have thicker left (but not right) temporal cortex (Brodmann area 21, BA21). The increased thickness is due to the selective increase in layers 2 and 3 thickness, accompanied by lower neuron densities, and larger dendrites and cell body size of pyramidal neurons in these layers. Furthermore, these neurons sustain faster action potential kinetics, which improves information processing. Our results indicate that verbal mental ability associates with selective adaptations of supragranular layers and their cellular micro-architecture and function in left, but not right temporal cortex.

The practical management of cavernous angioma located within eloquent brain area before, during and after surgical resection is poorly documented. We assessed the practical pre-operative, intra-operative, and postoperative management of cavernous angioma located within eloquent brain area. Method: An online survey composed of 61 items was sent to 26 centers to establish a multicenter international

Ultrasonography has become an essential adjunct to clinical examination when assessing patients with suspected rotator cuff pathology. [1][2][3][4][5][6] The advantages of portable shoulder ultrasonography are that the surgeon can evaluate the integrity of the rotator cuff immediately in a one-stop clinic. This allows an efficient and effective treatment plan to be initiated. Shoulder ultrasonography is non-invasive, has virtually no side effects and allows the rotator cuff to be visualised dynamically during rotation and elevation of the shoulder. It is cost effective and time efficient and allows patients to see their own pathology, leading to better understanding of the disease process and a constructive discussion on the merits of treatment.It has shown previously that a surgeon using portable ultrasonography in a one-stop clinic can accurately demonstrate whether there is a full thickness tear of the rotator cuff with a sensitivity of 96.2% and a specificity of 95.4%. 1 This is as accurate as any series performed by a sonographically trained radiologist. This study set out to determine if there is any benefit in time efficiency and cost effectiveness from a one-stop clinic. MethodsPatients attending the same shoulder clinic between November 2007 and July 2008 were allocated to one of two clinicians with a specialist interest in the shoulder. This process occurred as part of the standard outpatient allocation but did not involve patient pre-selection by either clinician. The clinicians had worked adjacent to each other in the same clinic for over eight years. As part of his standard initial assessment, one clinician performed his own ultrasonography examination of the shoulder in a one-stop clinic. Patients at this clinic formed Group A. The second clinician made a clinical diagnosis based on objective clinical findings and referred patients for departmental ultrasonography were appropriate. These patients formed Group B.

Introduction People with gliomas need specialized neurosurgical, neuro-oncological, psycho-oncological, and neuropsychological care. The role of language and cognitive recovery and rehabilitation in patients’ well-being and resumption of work is crucial, but there are no clear guidelines for the ideal timing and character of assessments and interventions. The goal of the present work was to describe representative (neuro)psychological practices implemented after brain surgery in Europe. Methods An online survey was addressed to professionals working with individuals after brain surgery. We inquired about the assessments and interventions and the involvement of caregivers. Additionally, we asked about recommendations for an ideal assessment and intervention plan. Results Thirty-eight European centres completed the survey. Thirty of them offered at least one post-surgical (neuro)psychological assessment, mainly for language and cognition, especially during the early recovery stage and at long-term. Twenty-eight of the participating centres offered post-surgical therapies. Patients who stand the highest chances of being included in evaluation and therapy post-surgically are those who underwent awake brain surgery, harboured a low-grade glioma, or showed poor recovery. Nearly half of the respondents offer support programs to caregivers, and all teams recommend them. Treatments differed between these offered to individuals with low-grade glioma versus those with high-grade glioma. The figure of caregiver is not yet fully recognized in the recovery phase. Conclusion We stress the need for more complete rehabilitation plans, including the emotional and health-related aspects of recovery. In respondents´ opinions, assessment and rehabilitation plans should also be individually tailored and goal-directed (e.g., professional reinsertion).