A procedure in mice to obtain intact pituitary-infundibulum-hypothalamus preparations: a method to evaluate the reconstruction of hypothalamohypophyseal system.

PURPOSE: The histopathological study of brain tissue is a common method in neuroscience. However, efficient procedures to preserve the intact hypothalamic-pituitary brain specimens are not available in mice for histopathological study. METHOD: We describe a detailed procedure for obtaining mouse brain with pituitary-hypothalamus continuity. Unlike the traditional methods, we collect the brain via a ventral approach. We cut the intraoccipital synchondrosis, transection the endocranium of pituitary, broke the spheno-occipital synchondrosis, expose the posterior edge of pituitary, separate the trigeminal nerve, then the intact pituitary gland was preserved. RESULT: We report an more effective and practical method to obtain continuous hypothalamus -pituitary preparations based on the preserve of leptomeninges. COMPARED WITH THE EXISTING METHODS: Our procedure effectively protects the integrity of the fragile infundibulum preventing the pituitary from separating from the hypothalamus. This procedure is more convenient and efficient. CONCLUSION: We present a convenient and practical procedure to obtain intact hypothalamic-pituitary brain specimens for subsequent histopathological evaluation in mice.

Adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma cyst fluid can trigger inflammatory activation of microglia to damage the hypothalamic neurons by inducing the production of ß-amyloid.

INTRODUCTION: The mechanism by which adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma (ACP) damages the hypothalamus is still unclear. Cyst fluid rich in lipids and inflammatory factors is a characteristic pathological manifestation of ACP and may play a very important role in hypothalamic injury caused by tumors. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to construct a reliable animal model of ACP cyst fluid-induced hypothalamic injury and explore the specific mechanism of hypothalamic injury caused by cyst fluid. METHODS: An animal model was established by injecting human ACP cyst fluid into the bilateral hypothalamus of mice. ScRNA-seq was performed on the mice hypothalamus and on an ACP sample to obtain a complete gene expression profile for analysis. Data verification was performed through pathological means. RESULTS: ACP cystic fluid caused growth retardation and an increased obesity index in mice, affected the expression of the Npy, Fgfr2, Rnpc3, Sst, and Pcsk1n genes that regulate growth and energy metabolism in hypothalamic neurons, and enhanced the cellular interaction of Agrp-Mc3r. ACP cystic fluid significantly caused inflammatory activation of hypothalamic microglia. The cellular interaction of CD74-APP is significantly strengthened between inflammatory activated microglia and hypothalamic neurons. Beta-amyloid, a marker of neurodegenerative diseases, was deposited in the ACP tumor tissues and in the hypothalamus of mice injected with ACP cyst fluid. CONCLUSION: In this study, a novel animal model of ACP cystic fluid-hypothalamic injury was established. For the first time, it was found that ACP cystic fluid can trigger inflammatory activation of microglia to damage the hypothalamus, which may be related to the upregulation of the CD74-APP interaction and deposition of ß-amyloid, implying that there may be a similar mechanism between ACP cystic fluid damage to the hypothalamus and neurodegenerative diseases.

CD47 promotes the proliferation and migration of adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma cells by activating the MAPK/ERK pathway, and CD47 blockade facilitates microglia-mediated phagocytosis.

AIMS: CD47 is overexpressed in multiple tumours and plays an important role in immune escape and other biological processes of tumours. However, its role in adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma (ACP) remains unclear. Therefore, we explored the functions of CD47 in ACP. METHODS: In this study, the expression of CD47 and the infiltration of immune cells in ACP was determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) or immunofluorescence. Microglia-mediated phagocytosis was analysed using an in vitro phagocytosis assay. Using lentivirus transfection, CD47 was either silenced or overexpressed in primary ACP cells and the biological effects of CD47 on these cells were evaluated in vitro using cell viability, flow cytometry, wound healing, Transwell migration and 3D hydrogel assays. The protein expression levels were analysed by western blotting. RESULTS: Finger-like protrusions, which may be the key factor in the recurrence of ACP, were primarily found in the region of hypothalamic involvement. The expression of CD47 was higher in palisading epithelium compared with stellate reticulum and epithelial whorls. An in vitro phagocytosis assay showed that CD47 blockade could promote microglia-mediated phagocytosis. Functional assays revealed that CD47 promoted the growth, migration and invasion of ACP cells in vitro. Our mechanistic investigations showed that CD47 activated the MAPK/ERK pathway, thereby facilitating the biological behaviour of ACP cells. CONCLUSIONS: Here, we demonstrated that CD47 plays an important role in ACP cells, suggesting that CD47 could be a new potential therapeutic target for ACP, and adding to the body of literature a role for the inhibition of MAPK/ERK in ACP.

Expression of Insulin-Like Growth Factor Type 1 Receptor Is Linked to Inflammation in Adamantinomatous Craniopharyngioma.

INTRODUCTION: Insulin-like growth factor type 1 receptor (IGF1R) is overexpressed in various malignant tumors, which relates to their transformation and recurrence. Craniopharyngioma is a benign tumor with malignant results, often accompanied by a severe inflammatory reaction. However, the relationship between IGF1R expression and the inflammatory response of craniopharyngioma is unclear. METHODS: We enrolled 85 patients with adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma (ACP) in a study to explore the relationship between IGF1R expression and clinical features of this disease. RESULTS: Patients in the IGF1R high-expression group had a significantly higher incidence of hypopituitarism, higher recurrence rate, and lower progression-free survival. ß-Catenin can further regulate expression of the stem cell marker, CD44, by regulating IGF1R. Using immunofluorescence, we found that tumor stem cell-like cells did not express phosphorylated (p)-ERK, although p-ERK activation was evident in the surrounding cells. Picropodophyllin, a specific inhibitor of IGF1R, increased the expression of p-ERK protein and decreased the transcription level of interleukin-6. CONCLUSIONS: High expression of IGF1R might promote inflammation of ACP, which might be an unfavorable factor for pituitary function and prognosis. The high expression of IGF1R in tumor stem cell-like cells might inhibit the expression of p-ERK and promote the generation of inflammatory factors. IGF1R plays a stemness maintenance role in ACP and regulates the production of inflammatory factors through a p-ERK pathway, which suggests that targeting IGF1R and p-ERK might provide a new direction for alleviating tumor inflammation.

Effective treatment of a BRAF V600E-mutant epithelioid glioblastoma patient by vemurafenib: a case report.

Epithelioid glioblastoma (E-GBM) is a recently described variant of glioblastoma (GBM) which is associated with short survival and now added as a provisional entity to WHO 2016 classification of central nervous system tumors. About half of these tumors show the BRAF mutant. Therefore, this is a target of special interest for this group of patients. Meanwhile, unlike conventional glioblastoma, E-GBM lacks specific prognostic markers. We described a case of a long-term surviving 37-years-old men patient diagnosed with a BRAF V600E and TERT mutated E-GBM with wild-type in the isocitrate dehydrogenase gene (IDH wild-type). The tumor displayed atypical exophytic growth, an obvious proliferation of vascular endothelial cells, especially tumor tissue can be seen under subarachnoid space. Notably, tumor tissue was found under subarachnoid space. After postoperative conventional treatment options were exhausted, vemurafenib treatment was initiated. The patient remained clinically stable, and follow-up magnetic resonance images were consistent with stable disease for the following fifteen months up to now. Whole-exome sequencing analysis and RNA-seq results of formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue revealed nine mutant genes (AHNAK2, BFSP1, BRAF, CNTNAP3, DNHD1, MTOR, NFATC3, NOM1). For E-GBM patients, the use of BRAF inhibitors combined with inhibitors of these seven genes may be a useful remedial treatment option.

Clinical features and prognosis of pediatric infradiaphragmatic craniopharyngioma relative to the tumor inflammatory response.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between clinical responses in pediatric infradiaphragmatic craniopharyngioma (Q-CP) and inflammatory response is still unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical significance of tumor inflammatory response in pediatric Q-CPs. METHODS: The inflammatory response was evaluated by measuring the number of inflammatory cells in the tumor near adenohypophysis junction. The specimens were classified as mild, moderate, or severe based on the number of inflammatory cells. In addition, the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the specimens were measured using a cytokine antibody array. Clinical outcomes were analyzed and compared to the markers of inflammatory response. RESULTS: IL-6 and IL-8 were highly expressed in pediatric Q-CPs, and the transcription level of IL-6 was the highest in the severe group. Most patients (87.3%) had hypopituitarism; the severe inflammation group had an increased incidence of hypopituitarism, which correlated with significantly lower probability of recurrence-free survival and worsened functional status. CONCLUSIONS: Inflammatory response is common in craniopharyngiomas and is closely related to their biological behavior and the patients' clinical prognosis. Further studies of the relationship between craniopharyngiomas and the inflammatory response will enable the discovery of potential therapeutic targets, which will reduce morbidity and result in better outcomes for pediatric Q-CP patients. IMPACT: Pediatric infradiaphragmatic craniopharyngiomas are histologically benign brain tumors that often follow an aggressive clinical course. The inflammatory response in craniopharyngioma is common, which is closely related to the biological behavior and clinical prognosis. Several inflammatory and immune markers have been identified in CP; inflammation is an important role in the pathogenesis of hypopituitarism. The aim was to study the relationship between craniopharyngioma and inflammatory response and find potential therapeutic targets can reduce morbidity and result in better outcomes.

Establishing a papillary craniopharyngioma cell line by SV40LT-mediated immortalization.

BACKGROUND: Craniopharyngioma represents a troublesome tumor of the intracranial sellar region. There are currently no available well-characterized craniopharyngioma cell lines. This lack of reliable, immortal cell lines is a major reason for the slow progress in fundamental research related to craniopharyngioma. METHODS: We describe the development of an immortal papillary craniopharyngioma (PCP) cell line by transfecting primary PCP cells with the pLenti-simian virus 40 large T antigen(SV40LT). RESULTS: Three clones have been cultured for more than 14 months so far, while non-transfected cells ceased proliferation within three months of isolation. The established immortal PCP cell lines were identified to have BRAFV600E mutations, while no mutations in tumor suppressor genes were found in primary cells or immortal cells. Immortal cells had higher proliferation rates and formed tumors when implanted in the bran of nude mice. BRAF inhibition in immortal PCP cells altered cell morphology, inhibited cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis. CONCLUSION: We successfully developed PCP cell lines by SV40LT-mediated immortalization. These cell lines represent a powerful tool for fundamental and therapeutical studies on craniopharyngioma.

Calcium Ions Turn on the Fluorescence of Oxytetracycline for Sensitive and Selective Detection.

Herein, we report an interesting finding about the new application of oxytetracycline (OTC), as a fluorescent probe for the detection of calcium ion (Ca2+), which proved that it can offer an expeditious, highly sensitive, and selective detection method for Ca2+. Upon the addition of Ca2+, the fluorescence of OTC could be significantly enhanced with rapid response and high sensitivity, and achieved a good limit of detection as low as 125 nM in aqueous solution. The complex formed via Ca2+ coordinating to the hydroxyl group of OTC contributes to the fluorescence enhancement, which has been proved by several characterization methods including UV-vis analysis, binding constant determination, and fluorescence titration. The method avoided complexity for EDTA measurement of Ca2+ in running water as proposed previously. Taking advantage of good availability, stability and operability, the OTC was further successfully applied to the detection of Ca2+ in a real environment. Graphical Abstract.

Risk score for the prediction of severe obesity in pediatric craniopharyngiomas: relative to tumor origin.

BackgroundWe aimed to develop a risk score to improve the prediction of severe obesity in pediatric craniopharyngiomas (PCs).MethodsOverall, 612 consecutive PCs were prospectively enrolled from six hospitals. Data from 404 participants were analyzed. Participants from three of the six hospitals (n=290) were used to develop a risk score. External validation of the developed risk score was conducted using the participants from the other three hospitals (n=114). Sequential logistic regression was used to develop and validate the risk score. The c statistic and a calibration plot were used to assess the discrimination and calibration of the proposed risk score.ResultsThe overall frequency of severe obesity was 16.1% (65/404). The risk score employed a scale of 0-16 and demonstrated good discriminative power, with an optimism-corrected c statistic of 0.820. Similar results were obtained from external validation, with a c statistic of 0.821. The risk score showed good calibration, with no apparent over- or under-prediction observed in the calibration plots.ConclusionsThis novel risk score is a simple tool that can help clinicians assess the risk of severe obesity in PCs, thereby helping to plan and initiate the most appropriate disease management for these patients in time.

Low concordance between surgical and radiological assessment of degree of resection and treatment-related hypothalamic damage: results of KRANIOPHARYNGEOM 2007.

BACKGROUND: Assessment of presurgical hypothalamic involvement (psHI) and treatment-related hypothalamic damage (trHD) is relevant for the decision on risk-adapted treatment and rehabilitation strategies in craniopharyngioma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 129 surgical reports of childhood-onset craniopharyngioma patients recruited 2007-2014 in KRANIOPHARYNGEOM 2007 were analyzed. Data on psHI were available based on surgeon's (63%), reference neuroradiologist's (95%), and local radiologist's (23%) assessment. The surgical degree of resection (DoR) was assessed by neurosurgeon (95%), reference neuroradiologist (73%), and local radiologist (61%). TrHD was assessed by neurosurgeon (33%), by reference neuroradiologist (95%), and by local radiologist (2%). Neurosurgical center size was categorized based on patient load. RESULTS: Surgical assessments on psHI (n = 78), DoR (n = 89) and trHD (n = 42) as documented in surgical reports could be compared with the assessment of respective parameters by reference neuroradiologist. Differences with regard to DoR (p = 0.0001) and trHD (p < 0.0001) were detectable between surgeon's and reference neuroradiologist's assessment, whereas psHI was assessed similarly. Concordance for DoR and trHD was observed in 48 and 62%, respectively. Surgeons estimated a higher rate of complete resections and a lower rate of trHD. Neuroradiological reference assessment of trHD had higher predictive value for hypothalamic sequelae then surgical assessment. Observed differences were not related to neurosurgical center size. CONCLUSIONS: Observed differences between surgical and neuroradiological estimation of risk factors in craniopharyngioma support the necessity of neuroradiological reference review to assure standards of quality. This could be established by central internet-based neuroradiological review in KRANIOPHARYNGEOM 2007. Standardization of surgical reports including specific assessment of tumor/damage location is recommended.

Influence of previous treatments on repeat surgery for recurrent craniopharyngiomas in children.

PURPOSE: Craniopharyngioma is a common pediatric brain tumor, with a high rate of recurrence after primary treatment. This retrospective study investigated the effect of various primary treatments on surgical strategies and outcomes for recurrent craniopharyngiomas. METHODS: The study population comprised 35 children (mean age 8.77 years, range 1-16 years) with recurrent craniopharyngioma re-operated from January 1990 to January 2009. The recurrent craniopharyngiomas were excised whenever possible. For analysis, the patients were divided into four groups according to the primary treatment: radical tumor resection (A), incomplete tumor resection (B), radiotherapy + incomplete tumor resection (C), and Ommaya reservoir placement + incomplete tumor resection (D). RESULTS: Group B had a significantly shorter recurrence-free interval than groups A, C, or D. Outcomes were significantly different among the four groups. The hypothalamic status scores of groups A (2.38 ± 0.27) and C (2.28 ± 0.42) were significantly higher than that of group B (1.64 ± 0.20). There were no statistical differences between any two other groups. CONCLUSIONS: In children, the primary treatments for craniopharyngioma should be considered when choosing the surgical strategy for recurrence. Radiotherapy before repeated surgery can result in a worse functional outcome and hypothalamic-pituitary function.

Preliminary Study on Composition and Microstructure of Calcification in Craniopharyngiomas.

To analyze the element composition and microstructure of calcification in craniopharyngiomas and to explore the differences among differing degrees of calcification, 50 consecutive patients with craniopharyngioma were selected. X-ray diffraction analysis and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis were performed on the calcified plaques isolated from the tumor specimens. All calcified plaques were constituted of hydroxyapatite crystals and some amorphous materials. The main elements for the analysis were calcium, phosphate, carbon, and oxygen. There were significant differences among groups of differing degrees of calcification in the percentage composition of calcium, phosphorus, and carbon (P < 0.05), in which the element content of calcium and phosphorus had a positive correlation with the extent of calcification (rp = 0.745 and 0.778, respectively, P < 0.01), while the element content of carbon had a negative correlation with the extent of calcification (rp =-0.526, P <0.01). The calcium, phosphorus, and carbon content are different in calcified plaques with different extents of calcification. The element content of calcium, phosphorus, and carbon influences the degree of calcification.

Screening and validation of reference genes in Dracaena cochinchinensis using quantitative real-time PCR.

Dragon's blood, the red resin derived from the wounded Dracaena, is a precious traditional medicine used by different culture. Dracaena cochinchinensis is one of the main species of Dracaena, and is the endangered medicinal plants in China. The vulnerable status severely limits the medicinal value and wide application of dragon's blood. Therefore, it's essential to analyze the mechanisms that form dragon's blood in order to increase artificial production. To clarify the mechanisms forming dragon's blood, understanding gene expression in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway is the foundation. However, reference genes of D. cochinchinensis haven't been analyzed. In this study, expression profiles of seven commonly used housekeeping genes (Actin, α-EF, UBC, ß-tubulin, 18S, GAPDH, His) were evaluated by using quantitative real-time PCR combined with the algorithms geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and RefFinder. On the basis of overall stability ranking, the best reference genes were the combinations ß-tubulin +UBC for wounded stems and α-EF +18S + Actin for different organs. Reliability of the recommended reference genes was validated by normalizing relative expression of two key enzyme genes PAL1 and CHI1 in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway. The results provide a foundation to study gene expression in future research on D. cochinchinensis or other Dracaena.

Growth hormone promotes the reconstruction of injured axons in the hypothalamo-neurohypophyseal system.

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202410000-00026/figure1/v/2024-02-06T055622Z/r/image-tiff Previous studies have shown that growth hormone can regulate hypothalamic energy metabolism, stress, and hormone release. Therefore, growth hormone has great potential for treating hypothalamic injury. In this study, we established a specific hypothalamic axon injury model by inducing hypothalamic pituitary stalk electric lesions in male mice. We then treated mice by intraperitoneal administration of growth hormone. Our results showed that growth hormone increased the expression of insulin-like growth factor 1 and its receptors, and promoted the survival of hypothalamic neurons, axonal regeneration, and vascular reconstruction from the median eminence through the posterior pituitary. Altogether, this alleviated hypothalamic injury-caused central diabetes insipidus and anxiety. These results suggest that growth hormone can promote axonal reconstruction after hypothalamic injury by regulating the growth hormone-insulin-like growth factor 1 axis.

Using crop intercepted solar radiation and vegetation index to estimate dry matter yield of Choy Sum.

An accurate assessment of vegetable yield is essential for agricultural production and management. One approach to estimate yield with remote sensing is via vegetation indices, which are selected in a statistical and empirical approach, rather than a mechanistic way. This study aimed to estimate the dry matter of Choy Sum by both a causality-guided intercepted radiation-based model and a spectral reflectance-based model and compare their performance. Moreover, the effect of nitrogen (N) rates on the radiation use efficiency (RUE) of Choy Sum was also evaluated. A 2-year field experiment was conducted with different N rate treatments (0 kg/ha, 25 kg/ha, 50 kg/ha, 100 kg/ha, 150 kg/ha, and 200 kg/ha). At different growth stages, canopy spectra, photosynthetic active radiation, and canopy coverage were measured by RapidScan CS-45, light quantum sensor, and camera, respectively. The results reveal that exponential models best match the connection between dry matter and vegetation indices, with coefficients of determination (R2) all below 0.80 for normalized difference red edge (NDRE), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), red edge ratio vegetation index (RERVI), and ratio vegetation index (RVI). In contrast, accumulated intercepted photosynthetic active radiation (Aipar) showed a significant linear correlation with the dry matter of Choy Sum, with root mean square error (RMSE) of 9.4 and R2 values of 0.82, implying that the Aipar-based estimation model performed better than that of spectral-based ones. Moreover, the RUE of Choy Sum was significantly affected by the N rate, with 100 kg N/ha, 150 kg N/ha, and 200 kg N/ha having the highest RUE values. The study demonstrated the potential of Aipar-based models for precisely estimating the dry matter yield of vegetable crops and understanding the effect of N application on dry matter accumulation of Choy Sum.

Inhibition of integrated stress response protects against lipid-induced senescence in hypothalamic neural stem cells in adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma.

BACKGROUND: Adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma (ACP) is a benign tumor with malignant clinical manifestations. ACP adjacent to the hypothalamus often presents with more severe symptoms and higher incidence of hypothalamic dysfunction. However, the mechanism underlying hypothalamic dysfunction remains unclear. METHODS: Immunostaining was performed to determine the nerve damage to the floor of the third ventricle (3VF) adjacent to ACP and to examine the recruitment and senescence of hypothalamic neural stem cells (htNSCs). The accumulation of lipid droplets (LDs) in htNSCs was evaluated via BODIPY staining, oil red O staining, and transmission electron microscopy. In vitro and in vivo assays were used to evaluate the effect of cystic fluid or oxidized low-density lipoprotein and that of oxytocin (OXT) on htNSC senescence and the hypothalamic function. The protein expression levels were analyzed using western blotting. RESULTS: htNSCs with massive LD accumulation were recruited to the damaged 3VF adjacent to ACP. The LDs in htNSCs induced senescence and reduced neuronal differentiation; however, htNSC senescence was effectively prevented by inhibiting either CD36 or integrated stress response (ISR) signaling. Furthermore, OXT pretreatment reduced lipotoxicity via the inhibition of ISR signaling and the repair of the blood-brain barrier. CONCLUSIONS: Reduced LD aggregation or ISR signaling inhibition prevented senescence in htNSCs and identified molecular pathways and potential therapeutic targets that may improve hypothalamic dysfunction in ACP patients.

The impact of the site of origin and rate of tumour growth on clinical outcome in children with craniopharyngiomas.

OBJECTIVES: Data on many predictors of hypothalamic-pituitary axis dysfunction associated with childhood craniopharyngioma (CP) are rather inconsistent, probably reflecting the variable but as yet unclarified growth pattern of these tumours. The aim of this study was to define the determinative role of tumour growth pattern on hypothalamic-pituitary axis function and outcomes for childhood CPs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The authors retrospectively analysed the records of 81 consecutive children with primary CP who underwent a uniform treatment paradigm of attempted radical resection performed by a single surgeon. The patients were divided into two subgroups based on tumour location and growth patterns: group A (infra-diaphragmatic sellar tumours: 34 cases) and group B [third ventricular floor (3rd VF) tumours: 47 cases]. The children's pre- and postsurgical endocrinological and hypothalamic disturbances were compared. Pituitary function and hypothalamic statues were quantitatively assessed using classification systems proposed in the previous studies. RESULTS: Preoperative pituitary function was more severely compromised in patients in group A than those in group B and deteriorated significantly following resection in both groups. (Average pituitary function scores increased from 2·19 ± 0·83 to 3·31 ± 0·74, P < 0·001). At the last follow-up, children with 3rd VF tumours had more prevalent weight gain (median body mass index: 23·1 kg/m(2) in group B vs 19·7 kg/m(2) in group A, P < 0·001) and increased hypothalamic dysfunction (average hypothalamic status scores: 2·04 ± 0·97 in group B vs 1·29 ± 0·57 in group A, P < 0·001). Children with 3rd VF tumours had a significantly lower probability of recurrence-free survival than those with sellar tumours (at 5 years: 74%vs 49%, respectively; at 10 years: 66%vs 32%, respectively; P = 0·02). CONCLUSIONS: Substantial differences in the outcome of childhood CP with different tumour growth patterns and locations were found, which suggested that diverse therapeutic considerations, especially endocrinological substitution, might be emphasized.

Anatomical and histological study of Liliequist's membrane: with emphasis on its nature and lateral attachments.

PURPOSE: In previous studies, some disagreements regarding the nature (inner or outer arachnoid membrane) and lateral boundaries (temporal uncus or tentorial edge) of Liliequist's membrane remain. The aim was to clarify whether Liliequist's membrane is an inner or outer arachnoid membrane, and the distribution of Liliequist's membrane with emphasis on its lateral attachments. METHODS: Liliequist's membrane was investigated by microsurgical dissection in 24 formalin-fixed adult cadaver heads and by histological sections of sellar-suprasellar specimens from another four formalin-fixed adult cadaver heads. RESULTS: The results obtained in the present study indicated that 1) Liliequist's membrane arises from the basal arachnoid membrane and has two components: a basal part comprising a folding inner layer of the arachnoid mater and an attaching part consisting of accumulated arachnoid trabeculae; 2) similar histological features are also present in other inner arachnoid membranes with attachments on basal arachnoid membrane, demonstrating Liliequist's membrane is an inner arachnoid membrane; 3) laterally, Liliequist's membrane attaches to the anterior tentorial edge constantly and to the mesial temporal uncus in more than half; 4) the oculomotor nerve courses above Liliequist's membrane and is fixed on Liliequist's membrane by the oculomotor membrane, which can also attach on temporal uncus and should be differentiated from the true temporal attachments of Liliequist's membrane. CONCLUSION: Liliequist's membrane is an inner rather than outer arachnoid membrane. Understanding of its individual variation and topographic relationships with surrounding neurovascular and arachnoid structures is important for neurosurgical practice.

The distribution of arachnoid membrane within the velum interpositum.

BACKGROUND: There is as yet little knowledge as to the arachnoid architecture within the velum interpositum. The aim of this study was to clarify the distribution of the arachnoid membrane within the velum interpositum and its relationship with the arachnoid envelope over the pineal region. METHODS: In seven adult cadaver heads, histological sections of the third ventricle roof, stained with Masson's trichrome stains, were studied under light microscopy. RESULTS: Within the velum interpositum, there are two arachnoid layers. The dorsal layer of arachnoid membrane envelops the internal cerebral veins and fixes them to the surrounding tela choroidea as well as the ventral arachnoid layer. The ventral layer of arachnoid membrane is a direct anterior extension of the arachnoid envelope over the pineal region and covers the midline inferior layer of tela choroidea. Both arachnoid layers end near the foramen of Monro. CONCLUSIONS: The membranous roof of the third ventricle comprises two layers of the tela choroidea and two arachnoid layers. These two arachnoid layers are derived from the arachnoid envelope over the pineal region.

A reusable ratiometric fluorescent probe for the detection and removal of doxycycline antibiotic demonstrated by environmental sample investigations.

Tetracycline antibiotic residues have attracted worldwide attention due to the serious damage to human health and the environment. However, most of the reported fluorescent probes were based on a single fluorescence channel-based response, which often suffered from signal fluctuation-induced poor reproducibility. Herein, by taking advantage of the unique properties of zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs), a novel europium-doped ZIF nanocomposite (ZIF-Eu) was reported for the detection of doxycycline (DOX) in a ratiometric fluorescence manner. The synthesized probe only showed blue fluorescence at 420 nm since the fluorescence of Eu was quenched by the coordinated water molecules. However, due to the strong coordination ability of DOX to Eu atoms, the probe solution demonstrated an obvious fluorescence enhancement at 615 nm in the presence of DOX, while the blue fluorescence signal remained unchanged, realizing a ratiometric fluorescence response to DOX with a good linear range from 1 to 9 µM and a detection limit of 49 nM. Interestingly, it is found that DOX could be discriminated from other tetracycline antibiotics using this ratiometric fluorescent probe. In addition, direct detection of DOX in soil samples, the DOX removal efficiency and the reusability of the proposed ZIF-Eu nanocomposite were demonstrated to evaluate its potential in environmental remediation application.