Maximum limit of sensible heat dissipation in Japanese quail.

Surface temperature can be used as a tool for calculating sensible heat transfer. However, it needs to be associated with air temperature to identify the direction of heat flow (gain or loss). This study quantified sensible heat transfer in Japanese quail as a function of operative temperature. The meteorological variables were air temperature, relative humidity, and black globe temperature. Quail surface temperature was measured on 50 adult Coturnix coturnix japonica individuals 270 days old during 8 days by using a thermographic camera. The data were analyzed by the least-squares method to assess the effects of sex (male and female), period of the day (morning and afternoon), and body region (head, body, and feet). Quail surface temperature was strongly correlated with operative temperature. The total sensible heat flow was 64.02 W m-2. The morning period had a mean operative temperature of 22.48 °C, providing a higher gradient between air and quail temperature and thereby producing a higher heat flow (82.19 W m-2). In the afternoon, the heat transfer was lower (45.70 W m-2) because the operative temperature was higher (30.84 °C). Comparison between sexes showed that heat transfer was higher in females (67.37 W m-2) than in males (60.53 W m-2). The head served as an important thermal window, with a heat transfer of 78.24 W m-2, whereas the body and feet had a transfer of 56.80 W m-2. Heat transfer by sensible mechanisms was quantified in Japanese quail. Heat transfer depended greatly on ambient temperature. When the operative temperature was below 28 °C, sensible mechanisms were efficient in dissipating heat to the environment. When the ambient temperature exceeded 29 °C, quail could not effectively dissipate heat to the environment through sensible mechanisms. At 30 °C and above, heat loss shifted to heat gain, causing thermal stress in Japanese quail.

Emilia fosbergii Nicolson, a novel and effective accumulator for phytoremediation of mercury-contaminated soils.

Soil contamination by toxic metals threatens global public health, highlighting the need for cost-effective and ecologically sound site remediation. In this study, we assessed phytoremediation of Hg-contaminated soils by Emilia fosbergii Nicolson (Asteraceae). Pot experiment was conducted using a substrate of sand and vermiculite (1:1 volume ratio), treatments consisted of five Hg concentrations (0, 1, 3, 5, and 7 mg kg-1). Metal transfer rates were calculated, including accumulation (BAF), translocation (TF) and bioconcentration (BCF) factors. E. fosbergii roots exhibited greater Hg accumulation than other tissues, but biomass production and plant health were not significantly affected at the concentrations tested, as indicated by elongation factors and tolerance index. The results revealed BAF values between 2.18 and 7.14, TF values ranged between 0.15 and 0.52, and the BCF index varied between 8.97 and 26.58. Treatments with Hg content of 5 mg kg-1 and 7 mg kg-1 recorded the highest total Hg concentrations of 66 mg kg-1 and 65.53 mg kg-1 (roots), and 9.18 mg kg-1 and 33.88 mg kg-1 (aerial), respectively. E. fosbergii demonstrated promise for Hg phytoremediation due to its high accumulation capacity, indicated by regular TF and high BCF and BAF indexes, thus classifying it as a high Hg accumulator.

Phytoextractor and phytostabilizer plant, high accumulator of Hg.Weed with great capacity for proliferation and adaptability.E. fosbergii showed tolerance to Hg in the substrate.Promising plant for phytoremediation of soils contaminated by Hg.Novel species for recovery of soils degraded by Hg exposure.

Thermal comfort provided by different shading structures in free-range systems in Brazilian savanna.

This work aimed to evaluate the thermal comfort provided by shading structures in free-range systems under a tropical environment, based on microclimate variables of nets with different materials. During the experiment, the unshading area; the natural shading of a native tree species to the Brazilian Savanna; and the artificial 80% shadings nets: black polypropylene, heat-reflective aluminized, and association of both were evaluated. The shading structures were analyzed in paddocks at the Água Limpa Farm from the University of Brasília, where dry-bulb, wet-bulb, black globe temperatures, and wind speed were collected for the micrometeorological characterization from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. From the temperatures, the vapor pressures and the humidities were calculated. The shortwave radiation was calculated through the sum of direct, diffuse, and reflected radiations. The mean radiant temperature, radiant heat load, and black globe temperature and humidity index were calculated. The internal and external surface temperatures of the nets and the soil temperature were measured every 30 min. The data were analyzed with aid of the statistical analysis system. The air temperature varied according to the shortwave radiation, from 25.6 °C at 8:00 am to 29.6 °C at 1:00 pm, with a decrease over the hours. Despite the air temperature of the trees showed the lowest average, the nets association structure was the most reduced all the thermal comfort indexes. The heat-reflective net presented the lowest soil temperature at all hours (under 26.1 °C). In general, the shadings proved to be efficient in promoting thermal comfort in free-range systems.

Solar radiation limits the use of paddocks by laying hens raised in the free-range system.

Laying hens on the free-range systems are susceptible to challenging situations in relation to the rearing environment. Therefore, this work evaluated how solar radiation influences the behavior of laying hens raised in a free-range system, in the Brazilian Savanna. The activities included data collection of meteorological variables and behavioral analysis of 300 commercial laying hens in relation to the frequency of use of indoor and outdoor areas of rearing housing. The solar radiation is the main factor that directly affects the heat gain of production animals, in this experiment had a high amplitude during all day, going from 33.42 to 756.98 W m-2. It was observed that the highest frequency of 79% and 91% use of the barn areas by the hens was at 8 am and 4 pm, respectively. The internal area of the housing was more used by hens 87% and 68% at 12 h and 14 h, respectively. Hens were not observed in the paddocks at noon and 2 pm. Hens spend more than 6 h of the day inside the housing to provide shelter from solar radiation. Which the conclusion the solar radiation influences the behavior of laying hens, at times of the day of the higher incidence of radiation, and high air and global temperatures, it was not observed the presence of hens in the external areas of the housing, especially with the use of the paddocks; at these times the hens seek shelter inside the housing to get away from the incidence of direct solar radiation.

Temporal lobe structural evaluation after transsylvian selective amygdalohippocampectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) is the most common type of focal epilepsy in adolescents and adults, and in 65% of cases, it is related to hippocampal sclerosis (HS). Selective surgical approaches to the treatment of MTLE have as their main goal resection of the amygdala and hippocampus with minimal damage to the neocortex, temporal stem, and optic radiations (ORs). The object of this study was to evaluate late postoperative imaging findings on the temporal lobe from a structural point of view. METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective evaluation of all patients with refractory MTLE who had undergone transsylvian selective amygdalohippocampectomy (SAH) in the period from 2002 to 2015. A surgical group was compared to a control group (i.e., adults with refractory MTLE with an indication for surgical treatment of epilepsy but who did not undergo the surgical procedure). The inferior frontooccipital fasciculus (IFOF), uncinate fasciculus (UF), and ORs were evaluated on diffusion tensor imaging analysis. The temporal pole neocortex was evaluated using T2 relaxometry. RESULTS: For the IFOF and UF, there was a decrease in anisotropy, voxels, and fibers in the surgical group compared with those in the control group (p < 0.001). An increase in relaxometry time in the surgical group compared to that in the control group (p < 0.001) was documented, suggesting gliosis and neuronal loss in the temporal pole. CONCLUSIONS: SAH techniques do not seem to totally preserve the temporal stem or even spare the neocortex of the temporal pole. Therefore, although the transsylvian approaches have been considered to be anatomically selective, there is evidence that the temporal pole neocortex suffers structural damage and potentially functional damage with these approaches.

Thermal comfort of sows in free-range system in Brazilian Savanna.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the thermal comfort of sows in a free-range system in the Brazilian Savanna, based on behavior observation, availability of shading resources, meteorological and physiological variables. The sows were analyzed in the gestation sector at Água Limpa Farm from University of Brasília; the sows were housed in paddocks of 1000 m2 each containing artificial and natural shading structures, where air temperature (Tair, °C), wind speed, relative humidity (RH, %) and black globe temperatures (TG, °C) were collected for the environment characterization in 20-min-intervals. From the black globe temperature, the Mean Radiant Temperature (TMR, °C) and the Radiant Heat Load (RHL, W m-2) were calculated in the sun and under the shade structures. The total short-wave irradiance was calculated through the sum of direct, diffuse and reflected radiations. For the behavioral evaluation, an ethogram was elaborated, taking in consideration where the animals were in the paddocks, body posture, and the activity performed. The physiological variables such as respiratory rate (breaths.min-1), surface and rectal temperatures (°C) were measured during the experiment. The data was statistically analyzed through analysis of variance and frequency analysis. There was a difference at 11a.m., 2 and 3p.m., with values above 40 °C under the shade and above 70 °C in the sun for the TMR. The preferential choice was for natural shading by the sows, due to the lower TMR and RHL throughout the day and resting activity had been predominated. The rectal temperature did not differ between the animals and the days evaluated, respiratory rate varied according to air temperature, and surface temperature only among the evaluated animals. It was concluded that even when there is a greater radiation incidence and meteorological variables above the condition of comfort for sows, they did not express any abnormal behavior that could indicate discomfort.

Clinical and radiographic evaluation of the Periodontium with biologic width invasion.

BACKGROUND: The biologic width is defined as the coronal dimension to the alveolar bone that is occupied by healthy gingival tissue. The objective of the present study was to correlate radiographic findings of biologic width invasion with the periodontium status. METHODS: It were included 14 patients with restored teeth with biological width invasion, on the proximal sites, observed clinically and radiographically. 122 proximal sites were evaluated, 61 in the test group (biological width invasion) and 61 in the control group (adequate biological width). Smokers and patients presenting periodontal disease or restorations with contact in eccentric movements, horizontal over-contour or secondary caries were excluded from the sample. The invasion of the biologic width was diagnosed when the distance from the gingival margin of restoration to the bony crest was less than 3 mm. Intrabony defect and bone crest level, as well as, their vertical and horizontal components were radiographically evaluated when present. Plaque index, bleeding on probing, probing depth, gingival recession height, keratinized gingival height and thickness, and clinical attachment level were clinically evaluated. Data were subjected to Spearman's Correlation and Wilcoxon's test. RESULT: The most prevalent tooth with biological width invasion was the first molar. There was a statistically significant correlation between the bone crest (p < 0.001), vertical (p < 0.001) and horizontal (p = 0.001) components. In the test group, there was a statistically significant correlation between bleeding on probing (p < 0.001; r = 0.618) and width of gingival recession (p = 0.030; r = - 0.602) with the intraosseous component; and between keratinized gingival height and bone level (p = 0.037; r = - 0.267). In the control group, there was a correlation between plaque index (p = 0.027; r = - 0.283) with bone level and correlation between keratinized gingival thickness and bone level (p = 0.034; r = - 0.273) and intrabony component (p = 0.042; r = 0.226). CONCLUSION: A statistically significant relationship was found between bleeding on probing and gingival recession in patients who presented intrabony defects due to the invasion of biological width, which may be also related to the thickness of the keratinized gingiva.

The history of Rhoton's Lab.

The work performed in Dr. Rhoton's Lab, represented by over 500 publications on microneurosurgical anatomy, greatly contributed to improving the level of neurosurgical treatment throughout the world. The authors reviewed the development and activities of the Lab over 40 years. Dr. Albert L. Rhoton Jr., the founder of, and leader in, this field, displayed great creativity and ingenuity during his life. He devoted himself to perfecting his study methodology, employing high-definition photos and slides to enhance the quality of his published papers. He dedicated his life to the education of neurosurgeons. His "lab team," which included microneuroanatomy research fellows, medical illustrators, lab directors, and secretaries, worked together under his leadership to develop the methods and techniques of anatomical study to complete over 160 microneurosurgical anatomy projects. The medical illustrators adapted computer technologies and integrated art and science in the field of microneurosurgical anatomy. Dr. Rhoton's fellows established methods of injecting colors and pursued a series of projects to innovate surgical approaches and instruments over a 40-year period. They also continued to help Dr. Rhoton to conduct international educational activities after returning to their home countries. Rhoton's Lab became a world-renowned anatomical lab as well as a microsurgical training center and generated the knowledge necessary to perform accurate, gentle, and safe surgery for the sake of patients.

Long-term postoperative atrophy of contralateral hippocampus and cognitive function in unilateral refractory MTLE with unilateral hippocampal sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate long-term atrophy in contralateral hippocampal volume after surgery for unilateral MTLE, as well as the cognitive outcome for patients submitted to either selective transsylvian amygdalohippocampectomy (SelAH) or anterior temporal lobe resection (ATL). METHODS: We performed a longitudinal study of 47 patients with MRI signs of unilateral hippocampal sclerosis (23 patients with right-sided hippocampal sclerosis) who underwent surgical treatment for MTLE. They underwent preoperative/postoperative high-resolution MRI as well as neuropsychological assessment for memory and estimated IQ. To investigate possible changes in the contralateral hippocampus of patients, we included 28 controls who underwent two MRIs at long-term intervals. RESULTS: The volumetry using preoperative MRI showed significant hippocampal atrophy ipsilateral to the side of surgery when compared with controls (p<0.0001) but no differences in contralateral hippocampal volumes. The mean postoperative follow-up was 8.7 years (± 2.5 SD; median=8.0). Our patients were classified as Engel I (80%), Engel II (18.2%), and Engel III (1.8%). We observed a small but significant reduction in the contralateral hippocampus of patients but no volume changes in controls. Most of the patients presented small declines in both estimated IQ and memory, which were more pronounced in patients with left TLE and in those with persistent seizures. Different surgical approaches did not impose differences in seizure control or in cognitive outcome. CONCLUSIONS: We observed small declines in cognitive scores with most of these patients, which were worse in patients with left-sided resection and in those who continued to suffer from postoperative seizures. We also demonstrated that manual volumetry can reveal a reduction in volume in the contralateral hippocampus, although this change was mild and could not be detected by visual analysis. These new findings suggest that dynamic processes continue to act after the removal of the hippocampus, and further studies with larger groups may help in understanding the underlying mechanisms.

Hippocampal gene expression dysregulation of Klotho, nuclear factor kappa B and tumor necrosis factor in temporal lobe epilepsy patients.

BACKGROUND: Previous research in animal seizure models indicates that the pleiotropic cytokine TNF is an important effector/mediator of neuroinflammation and cell death. Recently, it has been demonstrated that TNF downregulates Klotho (KL) through the nuclear factor kappa B (NFkB) system in animal models of chronic kidney disease and colitis. KL function in the brain is unclear, although Klotho knockout (Kl-/-) mice exhibit neural degeneration and a reduction of hippocampal synapses. Our aim was to verify if the triad KL-NFKB1-TNF is also dysregulated in temporal lobe epilepsy associated with hippocampal sclerosis (TLE(HS)) patients. FINDINGS: We evaluated TNF, NFKB1 and KL relative mRNA expression levels by reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) in resected hippocampal tissue samples from 14 TLE(HS) patients and compared them to five post mortem controls. Four reference genes were used: GAPDH, HPRT1, ENO2 and TBP. We found that TNF expression was dramatically upregulated in TLE(HS) patients (P <0.005). NFKB1 expression was also increased (P <0.03) while KL was significantly downregulated (P <0.03) in TLE(HS) patients. Hippocampal KL expression had an inverse correlation with NFKB1 and TNF. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that, similar to other inflammatory diseases, TNF downregulates KL through NFkB in TLE(HS) patients. The remarkable TNF upregulation in patients is a strong indication of hippocampal chronic inflammation. Our finding of hippocampal KL downregulation has wide implications not only for TLE(HS) but also for other neuronal disorders related to neurodegeneration associated with inflammation.

3-Step didactic white matter dissection of human cerebellum: Micro-neuroanatomical training.

OBJECTIVES: A thorough understanding of cerebellum anatomy is essential in 4th ventricle approaches (more frequent in pediatric neurosurgery), avoiding relevant complications such as cerebellar mutism. The aim of the present work is to show the feasibility of a didactic dissection of human cerebellum focusing on cerebellar peduncles and dentate nucleus (DN), which are structures at high risk during these surgical procedures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The cerebellum was dissected according to the Klingler method for white matter, using standard and specific microsurgery tools. Surgical microscope magnification (×6-×40) provided by a D.F. Vasconcellos M900 was required. A Canon EOS T7 18-55 mm digital camera was used and Adobe Lightroom Classic CC and Keynote were selected as photo enhancing software. Special methods such as LED light endoscopic transillumination were used for photographical reasons. RESULTS: DN dissection was successfully achieved and the relations between these nucleus and the cerebellar peduncles, inferior vermis and medullary velums were described. Through this three steps dissection guide (1. tentorial surface; 2. suboccipital surface; 3. 4th ventricle structures), the most relevant anatomical structures were shown and its implications in different 4th ventricle approaches were characterised. CONCLUSION: 3 D perspective provided by real specimen anatomical dissection is critical for learning neuroanatomy. LED transillumination was shown as a useful technique for the 4th ventricle structures photographic documentation which improves spatial recognition. This benefit can be applied for the study of the relations between the medullary velums and the rhomboid fossa foramina, which are permeable to light. The proposed three-steps dissection guide helps to a better understanding of human cerebellum and to gain self-confidence, allowing safer practice for neurosurgeons in all stages of their career.

The potential of natural shade provided by Brazilian savanna trees for thermal comfort and carbon sink.

This study looked at the potential of thermal comfort provided to animals by four different Brazilian savanna (Cerrado) native trees, as well as their potential for carbon sink. The evaluations were carried out during the summer of 2020, which consisted of the collection of microclimate variables. The Mean Radiant Temperature (TMR, °C) was derived from the shaded and unshaded areas under the trees, and from that, the Radiant Heat Load (RHL, W m-2) was calculated as an index of thermal comfort. Solar radiation was estimated considering the sum of the direct, diffuse, and reflected components (W m-2), and carbon stock from trees biomass for CO2 sequestration was estimated from an allometric model applied to the native Cerrado tree species. The shade of the native trees reduced the meteorological variables such as dry bulb and black globe temperatures, to values considered adequate for the thermal comfort of animals, with an average reduction respectively equal to 1.3 °C and 6.4 °C. This represents a significant difference compared to the unshaded area as well as among tree species (P < 0.05), reflecting in lower values of TMR and RHL in the shaded area provided by each species. Carbon sequestration individually estimated by each native tree species was on average 8.85 Mg per tree. These results demonstrate the great potential for native tree species in the Cerrado biome to be used in agroforestry systems to provide higher levels of thermal comfort to animals and to combat climate change through their aptitude of CO2 sink.

3-Step didactic white matter dissection of human cerebellum: Micro-neuroanatomical training. / Disección didáctica de fibra blanca en cerebelo humano en tres pasos: entrenamiento microneuroanatómico.

OBJECTIVES: A thorough understanding of cerebellum anatomy is essential in 4th ventricle approaches (more frequent in pediatric neurosurgery), avoiding relevant complications such as cerebellar mutism. The aim of the present work is to show the feasibility of a didactic dissection of human cerebellum focusing on cerebellar peduncles and dentate nucleus (DN), which are structures at high risk during these surgical procedures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The cerebellum was dissected according to the Klingler method for white matter, using standard and specific microsurgery tools. Surgical microscope magnification (x6-x40) provided by a D.F. Vasconcellos M900 was required. A Canon EOS T7 18-55 mm digital camera was used and Adobe Lightroom Classic CC and Keynote were selected as photo enhancing software. Special methods such as LED light endoscopic transillumination were used for photographical reasons. RESULTS: DN dissection was successfully achieved and the relations between these nucleus and the cerebellar peduncles, inferior vermis and medullary velums were described. Through this three steps dissection guide (1. tentorial surface; 2. suboccipital surface; 3. 4th ventricle structures), the most relevant anatomical structures were shown and its implications in different 4th ventricle approaches were characterised. CONCLUSION: 3 D perspective provided by real specimen anatomical dissection is critical for learning neuroanatomy. LED transillumination was shown as a useful technique for the 4th ventricle structures photographic documentation which improves spatial recognition. This benefit can be applied for the study of the relations between the medullary velums and the rhomboid fossa foramina, which are permeable to light. The proposed three-steps dissection guide helps to a better understanding of human cerebellum and to gain self-confidence, allowing safer practice for neurosurgeons in all stages of their career.

Photo-selective shading screens as a cover for production of purple lettuce.

Photo-selective shading screens are emerging practices that aim to combine crop physical protection with different solar radiation filtration to achieve desired physiological responses. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of photo-selective shading screens on the growth and physiology of purple lettuce for two transplanting seasons in tropical climate in Brazil. A 2 × 4 factorial arrangement was used, being considered the first factor, the transplanting season (spring and fall), and the second factor is the three 35% shading photo-selective shading screens (red, black and silver) and full sun control. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with four replications. The variables studied were: total fresh matter, total dry matter, leaf number, stem diameter, stem length, leaf area, SPAD chlorophyll index, nitrogen balance indexes, chlorophyll, flavonoids and anthocyanins. The photo-selective shading screens influenced the microclimate and the growth variables of purple lettuce, mainly when these plants were sown in the fall. Planting lettuce during spring may result in lower yields due to the higher investment of plants in secondary metabolites to defend against abiotic stress. According to the results, photo-selective shading screens are an appropriate agronomic technique to reduce phenolic compounds and improve lettuce cultivation conditions and can be implemented within protected cultivation practices to improve crop performance.

Dynamic changes in white and gray matter volume are associated with outcome of surgical treatment in temporal lobe epilepsy.

BACKGROUND: The reasons for surgical failure in 30% of patients with unilateral mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) are still unclear. We investigated if different outcomes could be associated to different patterns of subtle gray matter atrophy (GMA) and white matter atrophy (WMA), and searched for postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes. METHODS: We studied 69 controls and 67 operated patients with refractory unilateral MTLE. Patients were grouped as seizure-free (SF) group (34 patients Engel's IA), worthwhile improvement group (23 patients, Engel's IB-IIA) and failure group (10 patients Engel's IIB-IV). We created a voxel-based morphometry/MATLAB code to mask the surgical lacuna, and performed t-test and paired t-test to evaluate preoperative and postoperative MRI scans. RESULTS: Failure group showed a widespread pattern of preoperative GMA. On SF and improvement groups we identified a more restricted pattern of GMA. The three groups presented a widespread, bilateral pattern of WMA. In contrast, postoperative analyses showed bilateral hemispheric recovery (a relative increase of WM concentration) on SF and improvement groups, but few changes on failure group. We also identified areas with relative postoperative increase of GM on both SF and improvement groups, more widespread on SF group. CONCLUSION: Areas of subtle GMA may be related to poorer surgical outcome. In addition, we demonstrated a postoperative relative increase of WM and GM concentration associated with seizure control. These changes may represent neuroplasticity related to improvement of brain function after seizure control. Further studies with a multimodal approach may help to predict surgical outcome and improve selection of patients for surgical treatment of MTLE.

iASPP: a novel protein involved in pituitary tumorigenesis?

Pituitary tumors can be morphologically classified as microadenomas (diameter<1 cm) or macroadenomas (>1 cm), which can be enclosed, invasive and/or expansive. Functionally, they are classified as secreting tumors and clinically non-secreting or 'non-functioning' tumors. Several molecular mechanisms have been studied acting in uncontrolled cell proliferation and the acquisition of resistance to apoptosis. A potential mechanism related to apoptosis control has been found following the isolation and characterization of the ASPP proteins family. All these proteins share sequence similarities in their C-termini, which contains their signature sequences of Ankyrin repeats, SH3 domain and proline-rich region. Recent investigations reported that the expression of iASPP mRNA and protein was increased in non-transformed cells induced to undergo apoptosis and inhibition of iASPP expression in these cells by siRNA reduced apoptosis. Thus, modulation of iASPP expression seems to be an integral part of the apoptotic response. The ASPP proteins family binds to proteins that are key players in controlling apoptosis (P53 and NFkappaB p65 subunit). It has been speculated that the iASPP protein product induces apoptosis by blocking NFkappaB or inhibits apoptosis by blocking P53. By either mechanism, the gene could influence the survival of precancerous lesions.

Postcraniotomy temporalis muscle atrophy: a clinical, magnetic resonance imaging volumetry and electromyographic investigation.

AIMS: To evaluate both cosmetic and functional effects of temporalis muscle atrophy, by means of clinical examination, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and electromyographic (EMG) activity in patients who underwent craniotomy in order to treat refractory mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE). METHODS: A total of 18 controls and 18 patients who underwent surgery for MTLE were investigated. The temporalis muscle volume of the patients was assessed by a 3D reconstruction. The image analysis software (ITK-SNAP) was used for the 3D reconstruction. In addition, the amplitude of the EMG signal during a maximum voluntary clench was recorded from both temporalis muscles by surface electrodes. The presence of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) signs was assessed by clinical examination that was performed only after surgery. Data were analyzed statistically by means of the Mann-Whitney U test, paired t-test, Pearson χ² and linear regression. RESULTS: The volume of the temporalis muscle of the operated side was significantly reduced (P = .004). The EMG results confirmed the presence of muscle atrophy, the amplitude of the EMG signal being significantly decreased on the operated side (P < .05). Also the patients' maximum mouth opening after surgery was significantly reduced compared to that of the controls (P < .0001). Patients presented facial asymmetry, signs of TMD (pain, disc displacement, and joint sounds), and masticatory abnormalities. CONCLUSION: These preliminary results showed that, despite the good control of seizures, some patients may experience cosmetic and functional abnormalities of temporalis muscle secondary to atrophy and fibrosis.

Surgical nuances of giant paraclinoid aneurysms.

Paraclinoid aneurysms constitute formidable surgical challenge. The complex surgical anatomy and several factors such as size and projection of the lesion, choice of the surgical approach, relationships between the aneurysm and perforator vessels, site of proximal control, and potential improvement or worsening of visual symptoms account for these difficulties. In such complex cases, surgical nuances frequently determine the final outcome. In this paper, the authors present a comprehensive review of the tricky regional anatomy and describe the operative nuances one of the senior authors (E. dO.) has used to operate on these complex lesions.

Nuances and technique of the pretemporal transcavernous approach to treat low-lying basilar artery aneurysms.

Basilar artery bifurcation aneurysms (BAAs) constitute a major surgical challenge, due to the depth of the target anatomy and narrowness of field, the close relationship with thalamoperforating arteries, and difficulty in obtaining proximal control. Moreover, to treat these aneurysms may be especially technically demanding when situated in a low-lying basilar apex configuration. The most used approaches to treat BAA are the subtemporal approach and the pterional approach. The advantages and disadvantages of these techniques are very well known. Variations of these approaches were created attempting to overcome the limitations imposed by the limited deep operative area. They have not been able to improve the working space in the depths of the interpeduncular and prepontine cisterns. The transcavernous approach was devised as a means of enlarging the area of exposure around the interpeduncular and prepontine cisterns. It involves the removal of the anterior clinoid process, cutting distal and proximal dural rings, opening the cavernous sinus, and drilling varied extension of dorsum sellae and clivus. The senior author (EdO) has used a pretemporal approach to deal with BAAs. The authors have added a transcavernous approach in a pretemporal perspective to treat low-lying, complex, or giant basilar artery aneurysms. In this paper, the authors detail its anatomical principles and technical nuances and present the clinical experience with using this technique.

Microsurgical Anatomy Review of Bifrontal Limited Transbasal Approach - Quantitative and Anatomy Study.

INTRODUCTION: The bifrontal transbasal approach is an anterior midline skull base approach to anterior skull base, sellae region and, if needed, to posterior skull base in the midline, often used for tumoral lesions but also useful for vascular or infectious pathologies. METHODS: Descriptive anatomic study, 5 formalin-fixed human cadaveric heads were used injected with colored silicone. The dissection was made step-by-step to describe every anatomic structure encountered. The working distance was obtained from the posterior wall of the frontal sinus with and without orbital rim to the pituitary stalk, the sellae, the pontomedullary sulcus, and the anterior margin of the foramen magnum. RESULTS: Stepwise anatomic dissection was performed dividing the surgical technique into 6 stages: soft-tissue stage, bone stage, sinus stage, clival stage, intradural, and measurements. The objective of making the supraorbital osteotomy was to improve the vision over the neural structures without brain retraction and limited to the midline supraorbital rim to avoid aggressive manipulation and injury to the orbit. The working distances measured with the orbital rim were on average: to the pituitary stalk, 70.5 mm; to the sellae, 81.3 mm; to the pontomedullary sulcus, 97 mm; and the foramen magnum, 99.5 mm. Without the orbital rim measures were: to the pituitary stalk, 57 mm; to the sellae, 62.5 mm; to the pontomedullary sulcus, 96 mm; and the foramen magnum, 98.5 mm. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of osteotomies including removing of the orbital rim improves the access to the central skull base with special benefits on the working distances to the sellae region.