Discovery of the first hydrothermal field along the 500-km-long Knipovich Ridge offshore Svalbard (the Jøtul field).

Oceanic spreading centers north of Iceland are characterized by ultraslow spreading rates, and related hydrothermal activity has been detected in the water column and at the seafloor along nearly all ridge segments. An exception is the 500-km-long Knipovich Ridge, from where, until now, no hydrothermal vents were known. Here we report the investigation of the first hydrothermal vent field of the Knipovich Ridge, which was discovered in July 2022 during expedition MSM109. The newly discovered hydrothermal field, named Jøtul hydrothermal field, is associated with the eastern bounding fault of the rift valley rather than with an axial volcanic ridge. Guided by physico-chemical anomalies in the water column, ROV investigations on the seafloor showed a wide variety of fluid escape sites, inactive and active mounds with abundant hydrothermal precipitates, and chemosynthetic organisms. Fluids with temperatures between 8 and 316 °C as well as precipitates were sampled at four vent sites. High methane, carbon dioxide, and ammonium concentrations, as well as high 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratios of the vent fluids indicate strong interaction between magma and sediments from the Svalbard continental margin. Such interactions are important for carbon mobilization at the seafloor and the carbon cycle in the ocean.

Feasibility, safety, and efficacy of endovascular treatment of anterior cranial fossa dural arteriovenous fistulas: a systematic review and meta-analysis with a subanalysis for Onyx.

Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas (dAVFs) of the anterior cranial fossa (ACF) are uncommon but carry a high risk of hemorrhage and pose substantial treatment challenges. Recent advancements in endovascular treatment (EVT), including the introduction of novel liquid embolic agents, have markedly bolstered EVT's role in managing ACF-dAVFs, with notable series published in the last five years. We aimed to assess the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of EVT for ACF-dAVFs. We searched Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases following PRISMA guidelines. Eligible studies included those with ≥ 5 patients undergoing embolization of ACF-dAVFs, detailing both angiographic and clinical outcomes. We used single proportion analysis with 95% confidence intervals under a random-effects model, I2 to assess heterogeneity, and Baujat and sensitivity analysis to address high heterogeneity. Publication bias was assessed by funnel-plot analysis and Egger's test. Outcomes included complete occlusion following embolization, unsuccessful endovascular embolization attempts, incomplete occlusion following embolization, symptom resolution or clinical improvement following embolization, recurrence; procedure-related complications, morbidity, and mortality. Additionally, a subanalysis for studies exclusively utilizing Onyx™ embolic system was done. Eighteen studies comprising 231 ACF-dAVF were included. Unsuccessful endovascular embolization attempts rate was 2%. Complete occlusion rate was 85%, with 4% of complications. Incomplete occlusion rate was 10%. Successfully embolized patients experienced either symptom resolution or clinical improvement in 94% of cases. Morbidity and mortality rates were 1% and 0%, respectively. Onyx subanalyses showed an overall rate of 0% for unsuccessful attempts, 95% for complete occlusion, and 5% for incomplete occlusion. Symptom resolution or clinical improvement was 98% and recurrence rate was 0%. EVT for ACF-dAVF is highly feasible, effective, and safe, with a low rate of complications, morbidity, and mortality. The subanalyses focusing on Onyx embolizations revealed superior efficacy and safety outcomes compared to the findings of the primary analyses involving all included studies.

Treatment of an Intracranial Fusiform Vertebral Aneurysm Using the MVP® Micro Vascular Plug System as an Adjunct to Pipeline(TM) Embolization: Technical Case Instruction.

Fusiform and dolichoectatic aneurysms pose unique challenges in treatment, often requiring alternative approaches compared to saccular aneurysms. Microsurgical options like clipping or a bypass can be difficult, leading to the advancement of endovascular techniques. Flow-diverting stents and vessel sacrifice with detachable coils have shown efficacy in reconstruction. The MVP® Micro Vascular Plug System (Medtronic, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA) offers a resheathable plug for vessel occlusion through electrolytic detachment. This case report illustrates the supplementary application of MVP® subsequent to flow diverter (FD) stenting, resulting in the effective endovascular management of a fusiform aneurysm affecting both vertebral arteries (VA), following unsuccessful coil vessel sacrifice treatment. A 61-year-old female presented with an unruptured fusiform aneurysm in the bilateral vertebral arteries (VAs). Treatment included a flow diverter in the right VA and vessel sacrifice in the left VA using Onyx-18 and coils. Despite initial success, left V4 segment recanalization occurred. Endovascular treatment, deploying two devices and additional coils using the MVP®, halted the flow. Follow-up showed left VA occlusion and reconstruction of the treated right VA, with the patient being discharged without deficits. This case demonstrates a unique approach using MVP® alongside a flow diverter (a PipelineTM Embolization Device (PED), Medtronic) for the treatment of a V4 segment fusiform aneurysm. This innovative technique is an alternative when conventional coil embolization for vessel sacrifice fails. The MVP®'s ease of use and precise delivery render it a feasible and efficacious alternative for treating complex aneurysms.

Clopidogrel versus newer P2Y12 inhibitors in the dual antiplatelet therapy for stent-assisted coil embolization of intracranial aneurysms: A meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Stent-assisted coil embolization (SACE) for cerebral aneurysms requires dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT), commonly clopidogrel plus aspirin is preferable to ticagrelor or prasugrel plus aspirin. However, there are few studies assessing the safety of the association of ticagrelor or prasugrel plus aspirin. OBJECTIVES: Compare the safety of newer P2Y12 inhibitors with clopidogrel in patients that underwent a SACE for cerebral aneurysms. METHODS: In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines, we searched PubMed and Embase for studies comparing newer P2Y12 inhibitors with clopidogrel in patients undergoing DAPT for SACE. Outcomes were total number of complications, number of hemorrhagic complications, and number of thromboembolic complications both intraoperative and follow-up. A random effects model was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: We included 1026 patients from six studies. Newer P2Y12 inhibitors were used in 562 (54,77%) patients. There were no significant differences between groups in total number of complications (OR 0.80; 95% CI 0.32, 1.99; p < 0.01; I2 = 78%), in intraoperative hemorrhagic complications (OR 0.66; 95% CI 0.09, 4.71; p = 0.68; I2 = 0%), follow-up hemorrhagic complications (OR 1.23; 95% CI 0.70, 2.15; p = 0.49; I2 = 0%), intraoperative thromboembolic complications (OR 0.43; 95% CI 0.14, 1.35; p = 0.25; I2 = 24%), and in follow-up thromboembolic complications (OR 0.89; 95% CI 0.33, 2.39; p = 0.03; I2 = 59%). CONCLUSION: In patients who underwent a SACE, newer P2Y12 inhibitors showed no differences in intraoperative and follow-up complications compared with clopidogrel.

Ultrasound-Guided Resection of High-Grade Gliomas: A Single-Arm Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: High-grade gliomas (HGGs) present a challenge in neuro-oncology, often necessitating surgical resection for optimal management. Ultrasound holds promise in achieving better gross total resection (GTR) and improving outcomes. This meta-analysis systematically evaluates literature providing robust evidence on the use of intraoperative ultrasonography (iUSG) in HGG resection. METHODS: Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines a comprehensive search was made across PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science utilized terms related to iUSG for HGG resection. The meta-analysis examined randomized trials and observational cohort studies on iUSG-guided HGG resection. GTR, subtotal resection, and postresection complications were assessed. Statistical analysis, employing R software for a single proportion analysis with confidence intervals of 95%, I2 statistics for heterogeneity, and the instrumental variables method with restricted maximum likelihood for a random effects model. RESULTS: A total of 178 patients were included in our study. The GTR overall rate in patients with iUSG-guided resection was found to be 64% (95% confidence interval: 46%-81%). Two-dimensional ultrasound remains dominant at 80% against other options of ultrasound. Complications were reported at a 15% rate (95% confidence interval: 7%-23%). CONCLUSIONS: Our study provided robust data on the utilization of iUSG-guided resection regarding the attainment of GTR and the complications related to resection. However, challenges such as outcome heterogeneity and limited complication reporting highlight the need for further research to optimize iUSG in HGG treatment. Long-term follow-up studies on patient survival and postsurgery quality of life will complement existing literature, guiding clinical practices in managing HGG.

Curcumin and melphalan cotreatment induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells.

Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer worldwide and the leading cause of cancer death in women. Dietary bioactive compounds may act at different stages of carcinogenesis, including tumor initiation, promotion, and progression. Spices have been used for thousands of years and have many bioactive compounds with chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic properties. Curcumin has a multitude of beneficial biological properties, including anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. This study investigated the effects of cotreatment with curcumin and the chemotherapeutic drug melphalan in cultured MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. When used alone, both curcumin and melphalan had a cytotoxic effect on breast cancer cells. Combined treatment with 11.65 µM of curcumin and 93.95 µM of melphalan (CURC/MEL) reduced cell viability by 28.64% and 72.43% after 24 h and 48 h, respectively. CURC/MEL reduced the number of colony-forming units and increased ROS levels by 1.36-fold. CURC/MEL alter cell cycle progression, induce apoptosis, and upregulate caspases-3, -7, and -9, in MDA-MB-231 cells. Cotreatment with curcumin and melphalan have anti-breast cancer cells effects and represent a promising candidate for clinical testing.

Pro-Oxidant Effect of Resveratrol on Human Breast Cancer MCF-7 Cells is Associated with CK2 Inhibition.

Casein kinase 2 (CK2) plays a critical role in the proliferation and apoptosis of cancer cells. Resveratrol is a bioactive compound with anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects. This study investigated the pro-oxidant cytotoxic effects of resveratrol in association with the inhibition of CK2 activity on human breast carcinoma cells MCF-7. We showed that resveratrol and TBB, an inhibitor of CK2, decreased cell viability in a concentration dependent manner with an IC50 value of 238 µM and 106 µM after 24 h, of treatment, respectively. Resveratrol and TBB decreased CK2 activity by 1.6 and 1.4-fold, respectively, and both significantly decreased mitochondrial membrane potential. However, only resveratrol increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels by 1.7-fold as opposed to TBB, which did not affect ROS levels. Indeed, incubating MCF-7 cells with the antioxidant polyethylene glycol-catalase (PEG-CAT) preserved cell viability from the cytotoxic effects of resveratrol, but not from TBB toxicity. This effect seemed to be related to PEG-CAT ability to prevent CK2 inhibition induced by resveratrol incubation. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the cytotoxic effect of resveratrol on MCF-7 cells might be associated with its pro-oxidant action, which inhibited CK2 activity, affecting cell viability and mitochondrial function.

Anti-Leishmania amazonensis activity of the terpenoid fraction from Eugenia pruniformis leaves.

Leishmaniasis is caused by protozoan parasites belonging to the genus Leishmania and includes cutaneous, mucocutaneous and visceral clinical forms. Drugs currently available for leishmaniasis treatment present high toxicity, and development of parasite resistance. Plants constitute an important source of compounds with leishmanicidal potential. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-Leishmania amazonensis activity of the terpenoid fraction of Eugenia pruniformis leaves (TF-EpL). TF-EpL was active against the promastigote and intracellular amastigote forms of L. amazonensis with IC50(24h) value of 43.60µg/mL and 44.77µg/mL, respectively. TF-EpL altered the cell cycle of the parasite, increasing 2.32-fold the cells in the Sub-G0/G1 phase. TF-EpL also changed the ΔΨm and increased ROS and the number of annexin-V-PI positive promastigotes, which suggests incidental death. ß-sitosterol, ursolic acid, corosolic acid and asiatic acid were isolated from TF-EpL. The results showed the antileishmanial activity of E. pruniformis terpenoids and its potential for further studies as a source of new drugs for leishmaniasis.

Resveratrol, Curcumin and Piperine Alter Human Glyoxalase 1 in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality in women worldwide. Conventional cancer treatment is costly and results in many side effects. Dietary bioactive compounds may be a potential source for breast cancer prevention and treatment. In this scenario, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the bioactive compounds resveratrol, curcumin and piperine (R-C-P) on MCF-7 breast cancer cells and to associate them to Glyoxalase 1 (GLO1) activity. The findings indicate that R-C-P exhibits cytotoxicity towards MCF-7 cells. R-C-P decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) by 1.93-, 2.04- and 1.17-fold, respectively. Glutathione and N-acetylcysteine were able to reverse the cytotoxicity of the assessed bioactive compounds in MCF-7 cells. R-C-P reduced GLO1 activity by 1.36-, 1.92- and 1.31-fold, respectively. R-C-P in the presence of antimycin A led to 1.98-, 1.65- and 2.16-fold decreases in D-lactate levels after 2 h of treatment, respectively. Glyoxal and methylglyoxal presented cytotoxic effects on MCF-7 cells, with IC50 values of 2.8 and 2.7 mM and of 1.5 and 1.4 mM after 24 and 48 h of treatment, respectively. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that R-C-P results in cytotoxic effects in MCF-7 cells and that this outcome is associated with decreasing GLO1 activity and mitochondrial dysfunction.

Increase in fatty acids and flotillins upon resveratrol treatment of human breast cancer cells.

Flotillin-1 and flotillin-2 are highly conserved proteins that localize into cholesterol-rich microdomains in cellular membranes. Flotillins are closely related to the occurrence and development of various types of human cancers. Flotillin-1 is highly expressed in breast cancer, and the high expression level of flotillin-1 is significantly correlated with poorer patient survival. Here we studied the relationship between the formation of lipid rafts and the expression of flotillins and lipids in human breast cancer cells. We used the polyphenol compound resveratrol to alter the structure and function of the plasma membrane. Our data revealed an increase in fatty acids in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells upon resveratrol treatment. Interestingly, we also found an increase in the expression of both flotillin-1 and flotillin-2 in breast tumor cells after treatment. Resveratrol also induced changes in the pattern of flotillin distribution among detergent-resistant lipid rafts fractions in both cell lines and induced the nuclear translocation of flotillin-2. Since resveratrol has been pointed out as a putative cancer therapy agent, our results could have an impact on the understanding of the effects of resveratrol in tumor cells.

Oral Manifestation of Lymphomatoid Granulomatosis.

Lymphomatoid granulomatosis (LYG) is a rare B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder driven by Esptein-Barr virus (EBV) that most commonly affects the lungs, although extra pulmonary sites like the central nervous system, skin, liver and kidney can also be involved. It is microscopically characterized by an angiocentric and angiodestructive growth pattern, predominantly composed by small T-cells, although a smaller population of atypical large B-cells is considered the true neoplastic component. Oral cavity involvement of LYG has rarely been described and the diagnosis of this neoplasm is very difficult. The aim of this report is to present a rare case of LYG affecting an 86-year-old female patient that was diagnosed due to an extensive, ulcerated and painful oral lesion affecting the hard palate. Detailed microscopic evaluation together with a large immunohistochemical study were necessary to achieve the correct diagnosis of LYG.

Major advance of South Georgia glaciers during the Antarctic Cold Reversal following extensive sub-Antarctic glaciation.

The history of glaciations on Southern Hemisphere sub-polar islands is unclear. Debate surrounds the extent and timing of the last glacial advance and termination on sub-Antarctic South Georgia in particular. Here, using sea-floor geophysical data and marine sediment cores, we resolve the record of glaciation offshore of South Georgia through the transition from the Last Glacial Maximum to Holocene. We show a sea-bed landform imprint of a shelf-wide last glacial advance and progressive deglaciation. Renewed glacier resurgence in the fjords between c. 15,170 and 13,340 yr ago coincided with a period of cooler, wetter climate known as the Antarctic Cold Reversal, revealing a cryospheric response to an Antarctic climate pattern extending into the Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean. We conclude that the last glaciation of South Georgia was extensive, and the sensitivity of its glaciers to climate variability during the last termination more significant than implied by previous studies.

Anti-Leishmania amazonensis activity of Serjania lethalis A. St.-Hil.

Extracts of Serjania lethalis A. St.-Hil leaves and stems were tested in order to identify potential agents against Leishmania amazonensis. The hexane fraction (HF) and dichloromethane subfractions (DDF and MDF) showed leishmanicidal effect. The anti-promastigote IC50 values were 10.29 (HF), 11.41 (DDF) and 28.33µg/mL (MDF); whereas those against amastigote were 7.2 (HF), 8.1 (DDF) and 6.5µg/mL (MDF). Among the fractions and subfractions assayed, only HF altered the cell cycle of the parasite, increasing 3-fold the number of cells in the sub-G0/G1 phase. HF also changed the parasite mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and the percentage of annexin-V-propidium iodide positive promastigotes. Our evaluations of the IC50 values showed that HF, DDF and MDF decreased NO production in infected macrophages stimulated with IFN-γ and LPS. Moreover, HF increased the production of TNF-α in Leishmania infected macrophages. This paper reports for the first time the leishmanicidal activity of extracts and fractions of Serjania lethalis leaves and also characterizes its leishmanicidal and immunomodulatory properties.

Surgical outcomes of the endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach for large and giant pituitary adenomas: institutional experience with special attention to approach-related complications.

Objective In this study, we investigate our institutional experience of patients who underwent endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach for treatment of large and giant pituitary adenomas emphasizing the surgical results and approach-related complications. Method The authors reviewed 28 consecutive patients who underwent surgery between March, 2010 and March, 2014. Results The mean preoperative tumor diameter was 4.6 cm. Gross-total resection was achieved in 14.3%, near-total in 10.7%, subtotal in 39.3%, and partial in 35.7%. Nine patients experienced improvement in visual acuity, while one patient worsened. The most common complications were transient diabetes insipidus (53%), new pituitary deficit (35.7%), endonasal adhesions (21.4%), and cerebrospinal fluid leak (17.8%). Surgical mortality was 7.1%. Conclusions Endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery is a valuable treatment option for large or giant pituitary adenomas, which results in high rates of surgical decompression of cerebrovascular structures.

Surgical outcomes of the endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach for large and giant pituitary adenomas: institutional experience with special attention to approach-related complications / Resultados cirúrgicos do acesso endonasal endoscópico transesfenoidal para adenomas hipofisários grandes e gigantes: experiência institucional com ênfase às complicações relacionadas ao acesso cirúrgico

ABSTRACT Objective In this study, we investigate our institutional experience of patients who underwent endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach for treatment of large and giant pituitary adenomas emphasizing the surgical results and approach-related complications. Method The authors reviewed 28 consecutive patients who underwent surgery between March, 2010 and March, 2014. Results The mean preoperative tumor diameter was 4.6 cm. Gross-total resection was achieved in 14.3%, near-total in 10.7%, subtotal in 39.3%, and partial in 35.7%. Nine patients experienced improvement in visual acuity, while one patient worsened. The most common complications were transient diabetes insipidus (53%), new pituitary deficit (35.7%), endonasal adhesions (21.4%), and cerebrospinal fluid leak (17.8%). Surgical mortality was 7.1%. Conclusions Endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery is a valuable treatment option for large or giant pituitary adenomas, which results in high rates of surgical decompression of cerebrovascular structures.

RESUMO Objetivo Neste manuscrito investigamos a experiência institucional com o acesso endonasal endoscópico transesfenoidal no tratamento de adenomas hipofisários grandes e gigantes com ênfase às complicações relacionadas ao acesso cirúrgico. Método Foram incluídos neste estudo 28 pacientes consecutivos submetidos à cirurgia entre Março de 2010 e Março de 2014. Resultados O diâmetro médio pré-operatório dos tumores era 4,6 cm. Uma ressecção total foi obtida em 14,3%; quase total, em 10,7%; subtotal, em 39,3% e parcial, em 35,7%. Nove pacientes evoluíram com melhora na acuidade visual, enquanto um paciente apresentou piora da função visual. As complicações mais comuns foram diabetes insipidus transitório (53%), novo défice hipofisário (35,7%), sinéquias endonasais (21,4%) e fistula liquórica (17,8%). A mortalidade cirúrgica foi 7,1%. Conclusões A cirurgia por via endonasal endoscópica transesfenoidal é uma opção terapêutica extremamente útil para adenomas hipofisários grandes e gigantes, a resultar numa significativa descompressão das estruturas cerebrovasculares.

Oleanolic acid (OA) as an antileishmanial agent: Biological evaluation and in silico mechanistic insights.

Although a worldwide health problem, leishmaniasis is considered a highly neglected disease, lacking efficient and low toxic treatment. The efforts for new drug development are based on alternatives such as new uses for well-known drugs, in silico and synthetic studies and naturally derived compounds. Oleanolic acid (OA) is a pentacyclic triterpenoid widely distributed throughout the Plantae kingdom that displays several pharmacological activities. OA showed potent leishmancidal effects in different Leishmania species, both against promastigotes (IC(50 L. braziliensis) 30.47 ± 6.35 µM; IC(50 L. amazonensis) 40.46 ± 14.21 µM; IC(50 L. infantum) 65.93 ± 15.12 µM) and amastigotes (IC(50 L. braziliensis) 68.75 ± 16.55 µM; IC(50 L. amazonensis) 38.45 ± 12.05 µM; IC(50 L. infantum) 64.08 ± 23.52 µM), with low cytotoxicity against mouse peritoneal macrophages (CC(50) 235.80 ± 36.95 µM). Moreover, in silico studies performed to evaluate OA molecular properties and to elucidate the possible mechanism of action over the Leishmania enzyme sterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51) suggested that OA interacts efficiently with CYP51 and could inhibit the ergosterol synthesis pathway. Collectively, these data indicate that OA is a good candidate as leading compound for the development of a new leishmaniasis treatment.

Periprocedural safety of aneurysm embolization with the Medina Coil System: the early human experience.

INTRODUCTION: Intracranial saccular aneurysms, if untreated, carry a high risk of morbidity and mortality from intracranial bleeding. Embolization coils are the most common treatment. We describe the periprocedural safety and performance of the initial human experience with the next generation Medina Coil System. METHODS: The Medina Coil System is a layered three-dimensional coil made from a radiopaque, shape set core wire, and shape memory alloy outer coil filaments. Nine aneurysms in five patients were selected for treatment with the Medina Coil System. RESULTS: Nine aneurysms in five patients, ranging from 5 to 17 mm in size in various locations, were treated with the Medina Coil System. No procedural or periprocedural complications were encountered. Procedure times, number of coils used to treat the aneurysm, and use of adjunctive devices were much less than anticipated if conventional coil technology had been used. CONCLUSIONS: The Medina Coil System is a next generation coil that combines all of the familiar and expected procedural safety and technique concepts associated with conventional coils. We found improved circumferential aneurysm filling, which may lead to improved long term outcomes, with fewer devices and faster operating times.

Leishmanicidal Effect of Synthetic trans-Resveratrol Analogs.

BACKGROUND: Stilbene-based compounds show antitumoral, antioxidant, antihistaminic, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities. Here, we evaluated the effect of the trans-resveratrol analogs, pterostilbene, piceatannol, polydatin and oxyresveratrol, against Leishmania amazonensis. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Our results demonstrated a low murine macrophage cytotoxicity of all four analogs. Moreover, pterostilbene, piceatannol, polydatin and oxyresveratrol showed an anti-L. amazonensis activity with IC50 values of 18 µM, 65 µM, 95 µM and 65 µM for promastigotes, respectively. For intracellular amastigotes, the IC50 values of the analogs were 33.2 µM, 45 µM, 29 µM and 30.5 µM, respectively. Among the analogs assayed only piceatannol altered the cell cycle of the parasite, increasing 5-fold the cells in the Sub-G0 phase and decreasing 1.7-fold the cells in the G0-G1 phase. Piceatannol also changed the parasite mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and increased the number of annexin-V positive promastigotes, which suggests incidental death. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Among the analogs tested, piceatannol, which is a metabolite of resveratrol, was the more promising candidate for future studies regarding treatment of leishmaniasis.

Modelo anatômico de ventriculomegalia para treinamento neuroendoscópico / Ventriculomegaly anatomical models for neuroendoscopy training

OBJETIVO: Desenvolver peças anatômicas que simulem uma condição real de ventriculomegalia para serem utilizadas como uma ferramenta no treinamento dos neurocirurgiões nas técnicas de neuroendoscopia e viabilizar estudo anatômico dos ventrículos. MÉTODO: Foram utilizadas vinte peças anatômicas de encéfalo de cadáveres de indigentes, com a aprovação do Comitê de Ética em pesquisa da FMUSP sob o número 046/10. As peças foram retiradas da base do crânio com a persistência da superfície óssea (parte da calvária) para serem submetidas aos seguintes procedimentos: canulação do IV ventrículo por meio da abertura mediana do IV ventrículo (forame de Magendie); tomografias pré-experimento e injeção de água destilada no sistema ventricular. A água injetada estava à temperatura ambiente e os cérebros foram resfriados até 4º C e, após 12 horas, foram congelados a uma temperatura de 0º C (no estado sólido) por 24 horas. Esses procedimentos foram realizados na frequência de três vezes. Após o experimento, foram realizadas tomografias pós-experimento e procedimentos neuroendoscópicos ventriculares. Foram excluídos encéfalos com lesões traumáticas ou antecedentes de enfermidades transmissíveis. Não foram critérios de exclusão o sexo e a idade. Foram avaliadas, nas imagens tomográficas, a variação pré e pós-experimento dos seguintes parâmetros: coeficiente corno frontal/diâmetro interno; índice de Evan; e tamanho do corno temporal. As análises estatísticas foram realizadas no programa SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) versão 13, para ambos os grupos. RESULTADOS: A avaliação da relação Corno frontal/Diâmetro interno, antes e pós-experimento apresentou média de 11,98% e 19,46%, respectivamente. Estudo estatístico (t Student) mostrou diferença estatística (t= -5142, gl =19; p < 0,01). O Índice de Evan também apresentou diferença significativa (t = -5,172, gl = 9; p < 0,01) entre os resultados antes (média de 10,86%) e após experimento (média de 18,35%). A análise...

PURPOSE: To develop anatomical models which simulate real conditions of ventriculomegaly and to use them as tools to train neuroendoscopic techniques and allow the study of the ventricles. METHODS: A total of twenty brains, with the approval of the Ethics in Research Committee from FMUSP (046/10) were used to perform this research. The brains were separated from the skull base, but keeping part of the calvaria, and then underwent the following procedures: cannulation of the fourth ventricle through the median open of the fourth ventricle (foramen of Magendie); CT scans performed before the experiment; and then injection of distilled water into the ventricular system. The water was injected at room temperature, and then the brains were cooled to 4ºC. After 12 hours, they were then frozen at 0ºC for 24 hours.These procedures were repeated three times. After the experiment,CT scans were performed after the injections and neuroendoscopic procedures. Brains, which had traumatic injuries or history of infectious diseases, were excluded. Gender and age were not exclusion criteria. The statistical analysis was performed with the SPSS program (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) version 13, for both groups. To assess the variation of the frontal horn (FH)/internal diameter (ID) coefficient, such as Evan's index's variation, and to analyze the temporal horn (TH) size, thet-Student test was used. RESULTS: The results of the t-Student test showed that the FH/ID, with an average of 11.98% before the experiment, had significant difference (t = -5.142, gl = 19; p < 0.01) after the experiment, with an average of19.46%. The Evan's index also showed a significant difference (t = -5.172, gl = 9; p < 0,01) with an initial average of 10.86% and a final average of 18.35%. The analysis of the temporal horn size showed a significant difference between the size before and after the experiment (t = -2.297, gl = 9; p < 0.01), indicating the significant increase of the temporal...