Paratrigonal choroid plexus papilloma presenting with satellite multiple supra- and infratentorial hemorrhages. Neuroanatomical basis and pathological hypothesis.

INTRODUCTION: Choroid plexus papillomas (CPP) are rare tumors arising from the neuroepithelium of the choroid plexus. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report a case of a patient operated for a paratrigonal hemorrhagic WHO class I CPP presenting with multiple satellite supra- and infratentorial hemorrhages. Clinical presentation was characterized by sudden hemiparesis, speech impairment and consciousness deterioration; neuroradiological imaging showed a huge contrast-enhanced solid hemorrhagic left paratrigonal lesion along with others multifocal right occipital and vermian hemorrhages. The patient underwent urgent intervention for excision of the paratrigonal lesion, whose histological analysis led to the diagnosis of CPP. A few days later due to failure of conservative treatment of the satellite hemorrhages the patient underwent a second-time surgery for their evacuation; interestingly histological examination of the tissue probe did not reveal any neoplastic features confirming their sole hemorrhagic nature. Patient's conditions slowly improved despite severe neurological deficits, without any further tumor recurrence. DISCUSSION: A thorough revision of the literature is provided including previous reported cases of spontaneous bleeding CPPs and other underlying causes that could lead to multifocal hemorrhages. CONCLUSION: Due to the rarity of these events, this case remains still open to speculative hypotheses drawn to explain the neuroanatomical and pathogenetic basis behind this case report.

Microbial community dynamics during assays of harbour oil spill bioremediation: a microscale simulation study.

AIMS: Microcosm experiments simulating an oil spill event were performed to evaluate the response of the natural microbial community structure of Messina harbour seawater following the accidental load of petroleum. METHODS AND RESULTS: An experimental harbour seawater microcosm, supplemented with nutrients and crude oil, was monitored above 15 days in comparison with unpolluted ones (control microcosms). Bacterial cells were counted with a Live/Dead BacLight viability kit; leucine aminopeptidase, beta-glucosidase, alkaline phosphatase, lipase and esterase enzymes were measured using fluorogenic substrates. The microbial community dynamic was monitored by isolation of total RNA, RT-PCR amplification of 16S rRNA, cloning and sequencing. Oil addition stimulated an increase of the total bacterial abundance, leucine aminopeptidase and phosphatase activity rates, as well as a change in the community structure. This suggested a prompt response of micro-organisms to the load of petroleum hydrocarbons. CONCLUSIONS: The present study on the viability, specific composition and metabolic characteristics of the microbial community allows a more precise assessment of oil pollution. Both structural and functional parameters offer interesting perspectives as indicators to monitor changes caused by petroleum hydrocarbons. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: A better knowledge of microbial structural successions at oil-polluted sites is essential for environmental bioremediation. Data obtained in microcosm studies improve our understanding of natural processes occurring during oil spills.