CHOLESTEATOMA OF THE PETROSAL APEX: A RARE TUMOR / COLESTEATOMA DO ÁPEX PETROSO: UM RARO TUMOR

Introduction: Cholesteatoma, although relatively rare, presents significant challenges in clinical practice. Despite decades of research, its cause remains complex and elusive. Objective: This review aimed to summarize key findings on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and surgical management of cholesteatoma, highlighting current knowledge gaps and emerging trends in the field. Method: Narrative review carried out in the PubMed and Scielo databases. The search used the following keywords: "cholesteatoma, petros apex, minimally invasive surgical procedures". The inclusion criteria comprised review articles, pre-clinical and clinical research published, written in Portuguese and English and available in complete text. The selected articles were analyzed based on the technologies covered, future perspectives, challenges, diseases mentioned and the central idea of the article. Result: 36 articles were included. Conclusion: Cholesteatoma is important in medical practice, despite being relatively uncommon in the general population. However, there are still doubts about its cause, but its diagnosis has been expanded through imaging tests in an attempt to reduce "second-look" operations and avoid them. Another field with constant growth is surgical treatment, since the complex anatomy requires that new techniques be managed to reduce injuries to important and vital structures in the region.

Introdução: O colesteatoma, embora relativamente raro, apresenta desafios significativos na prática clínica. Apesar de décadas de pesquisa, sua causa permanece complexa e evasiva. Objetivo: Esta revisão pretendeu resumir as principais descobertas sobre a epidemiologia, fisiopatologia, diagnóstico e manejo cirúrgico do colesteatoma, destacando lacunas de conhecimento atuais e tendências emergentes no campo. Método: Revisão narrativa realizada nas bases PubMed e Scielo. A busca utilizou as seguintes palavras-chave: "colesteatoma, ápice petros, procedimentos cirúrgicos minimamente invasivos" e suas versões ao inglês Os critérios de inclusão compreenderam artigos de revisão, pesquisas pré-clínicas e clínicas publicados, escritos em português e inglês e disponíveis em texto completo. Os artigos selecionados foram analisados com base nas tecnologias abordadas, perspectivas futuras, desafios, doenças referidas e ideia central do artigo. Resultado: Foram incluídos 36 artigos. Conclusão: O colesteatoma tem importância na prática médica, apesar de ser relativamente pouco frequente na população em geral. No entanto, ainda existem dúvidas sobre sua causa, mas seu diagnóstico tem sido ampliado atavés de exames de imagem na tentativa de redução das operações de "segundo-olhar", evitando-as. Outro campo com crescimento constante é o tratamento cirúrgico, uma vez que a anatomia complexa exige que novas técnicas sejam manejadas para diminuir lesões de estruturas importantes e vitais da região.

Effectiveness of Hypoglossal-Facial Anastomosis in the Rehabilitation of Facial Paralysis Following Vestibular Schwannoma Surgery: A Systematic Review.

The facial nerve plays a crucial role in facial expression and sensory functions, with irreversible injuries often demanding rehabilitation therapies, with hypoglossal-facial nerve anastomosis (HFA) being one of the treatment options. This systematic review assessed different HFA techniques for facial paralysis, particularly post vestibular schwannoma resection, focusing on effectiveness and associated morbidities. Fifteen studies, comprising a case series and a retrospective cohort, were analyzed. Techniques included end-to-end, split, side-to-side, end-to-side, and jump interpositional graft hypoglossal-facial anastomosis (JIGHFA). Positive outcomes were observed with end-to-end and side-to-side techniques, while the split technique and JIGHFA showed promise. Comparative analyses favored the 'end-to-side' approach. Shorter intervals between surgery and HFA correlated with improved outcomes. Methodological variations highlight the need for prospective studies with standardized methodologies for robust evidence and informed decision-making on optimal HFA techniques.

Gene Expression of GABAA Receptor Subunits and Association with Patient Survival in Glioma.

Rapid neuronal inhibition in the brain is mediated by γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) activation of GABAA receptors. The GABRA5 gene, which encodes the α5 subunit of the GABAA receptor, has been implicated in an aggressive subgroup of medulloblastoma (MB), a type of pediatric brain tumor. However, the possible role of GABAA receptor subunits in glioma remains poorly understood. Here, we examined the expression of genes encoding GABAA receptor subunits in different types of glioma, and its possible association with patient prognosis assessed by overall survival (OS). Data were obtained from the French and The Cancer Genome Atlas Brain Lower Grade Glioma (TCGA-LGG) datasets and analyzed for expression of GABAA receptor subunit genes. OS was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier estimate. We found that genes GABRA2, GABRA3, GABRB3, GABRG1, and GABRG2 showed a significant association with OS, with higher gene expression indicating better prognosis. In patients with GBM, high expression of GABRA2 was associated with shorter OS, whereas, in contrast, higher levels of GABRB3 were associated with better prognosis indicated by longer OS. In patients with lower grade gliomas, GABRA3, GABRB3, GABRG1, and GABRG2, were associated with longer OS. High GABRB3 expression was related to longer survival when low grade glioma types were analyzed separately. Our results suggest an overall association between higher expression of most genes encoding GABAA receptor subunits and better prognosis in different types of glioma. Our findings support the possibility that down-regulation of GABAA receptors in glioma contributes to promoting tumor progression by reducing negative inhibition. These findings might contribute to further evaluation of GABAA receptors as a therapeutic target in glioma.

Gene Expression of CSF3R/CD114 Is Associated with Poorer Patient Survival in Glioma.

Gliomas comprise most cases of central nervous system (CNS) tumors. Gliomas afflict both adults and children, and glioblastoma (GBM) in adults represents the clinically most important type of malignant brain cancer, with a very poor prognosis. The cell surface glycoprotein CD114, which is encoded by the CSF3R gene, acts as the receptor for the granulocyte colony stimulating factor (GCSF), and is thus also called GCSFR or CSFR. CD114 is a marker of cancer stem cells (CSCs), and its expression has been reported in several cancer types. In addition, CD114 may represent one among various cases where brain tumors hijack molecular mechanisms involved in neuronal survival and synaptic plasticity. Here, we describe CSF3R mRNA expression in human gliomas and their association with patient prognosis as assessed by overall survival (OS). We found that the levels of CSF3R/CD114 transcripts are higher in a few different types of gliomas, namely astrocytoma, pilocytic astrocytoma, and GBM, in comparison to non-tumoral neural tissue. We also observed that higher expression of CSF3R/CD114 in gliomas is associated with poorer outcome as measured by a shorter OS. Our findings provide early evidence suggesting that CSF3R/CD114 shows a potential role as a prognosis marker of OS in patients with GBM.

ARE GABRA5 MEMBRANE RECEPTORS MOLECULAR TARGETS IN THE IDENTIFICATION OF GLIOMAS? / RECEPTORES DE MEMBRANA GABRA5 SÃO ALVOS MOLECULARES NA IDENTIFICAÇÃO DE GLIOMAS?

Introduction: Gliomas are the most common primary tumors of the central nervous system. The majority are formed by glioblastomas, with high degrees of proliferation and invasion, with biological heterogeneity and little response to current treatments. Immunotherapy and genetherapy have not shown efficacy and, therefore, it is necessary to seek knowledge of new molecules and genes involved in their carcinogenesis. Objectives: To evaluate whether the alpha 5 gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor (GABRA5) is a potential therapeutic target or biomarker for gliomas of different subgroups, and the correlation between GABRA5 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) levels and overall survival. Methods: Integrative review carried out on virtual platforms in Portuguese and English, carried out using descriptors related to the topic, described in DeCS as "glioma, central nervous system, glioblastoma, GABA, GABRA5" with AND or OR search, initially considering the title and/or summary. Afterwards, in those that were most related to the topic, the texts were read in full. Results: 36 articles were included. Conclusion: GABRA5 mRNA levels in glioma samples from all histological subgroups are lower compared to control. No correlation was observed between GABRA5 mRNA levels and overall survival in the evaluated subgroups.

Introdução: Gliomas são os tumores primários mais comuns do sistema nervoso central e a maioria é formada por glioblastomas, com graus elevados de proliferação e invasão, com heterogeneidade biológica e pouca resposta aos tratamentos atuais. Imunoterapia e geneterapia não têm mostrado eficácia e, por isso, é necessário buscar conhecimento de novas moléculas e genes envolvidos na sua carcinogênese. Objetivos: Avaliar se o receptor do ácido gama-aminobutírico alfa 5 (GABRA5) é potencial alvo terapêutico ou biomarcador para gliomas de diferentes subgrupos, e a correlação entre os níveis de ácido ribonucleico mensageiro (mRNA) de GABRA5 com a sobrevida global. Métodos: Revisão integrativa feita em plataformas virtuais, em português e inglês, realizada por descritores relacionados ao tema, descritos no DeCS como "glioma, sistema nervoso central, glioblastoma" com busca AND ou OR, considerando-se inicialmente o título e/ou resumo. Após, naqueles que tinham maior relação ao tema, foi realizada a leitura na íntegra dos textos. Resultados: Foram incluídos 36 artigos. Conclusão: Os níveis de mRNA de GABRA5 em amostras de gliomas de todos os subgrupos histológicos são menores, em comparação ao controle. Não foi observada correlação entre os níveis de mRNA de GABRA5 com a sobrevida global dos subgrupos avaliados.

Asymmetry of the anterior ethmoidal artery in relation to the anterior skull base: a population-based study of 500 arteries.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze variability in the distance between the Anterior Ethmoidal Artery (AEA) and the anterior Skull Base (SB), as well as the frequency of lateral asymmetry in a Latin American population using computed tomography. METHODS: A total of 250 computed tomography scans of paranasal sinuses in coronal reconstruction (500 AEAs) were analyzed. After determining the image with the best anatomical view of the artery, the distance between its midpoint and the ethmoidal roof was measured, and the images were independently interpreted by 2 physicians. RESULTS: Of the 500 AEAs, 279 (55.8%) adhered to or passed through the SB at a distance of 0mm. A total of 221 AEAs (44.2%) were at some distance from the SB, of which 107 (48.4%) were on the right side, ranging from 1.18 to 6.75mm, and 114 (51.5%) were on the left side, ranging from 1.15 to 6.04mm. The overall mean distance between the AEA and SB was 1.22 (SD=1.57) mm, increasing to 2.77 (SD=1.14) when the arteries adhered to the SB were excluded. Seventy-six individuals (30.4%) had a lateral distance variation > 1mm. CONCLUSION: Our study includes the largest sample of AEA analyzed with computed tomography scans of paranasal sinuses. There was some distance between the AEA and SB in almost half the patients, and we found a high rate of lateral variability >1mm. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3.

Anatomical Organization of the Amygdala: A Brief Visual Review.

The amygdala consists of a collection of nuclei that are deep within the medial temporal lobe. Despite its small size, the amygdala is one of the most densely connected structures in the brain, and it plays a role in many superior neural functions, including neurovegetative control, motor control, memory processing, and neuromodulation. Advances in neuroimaging technology for examining brain activity have opened up new ways of understanding the functional contribution of this structure to emotions, learning, and related memories. Many studies have shown that the amygdala plays a key role in the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders, such as anxiety disorders, depression, aggression, and temporal epilepsy. This article reviews the anatomical structure of the amygdaloid complex and the connectivity among its subdivisions and with other brain structures, which will serve as a basis for understanding the clinical correlations.

CD114 MEMBRANE RECEPTORS CAN HELP IN THE ASSESSMENT OF MOLECULAR MORTALITY IN MEDULOBLASTOMAS? / RECEPTORES DE MEMBRANA CD114 PODEM AUXILIAR NA AVALIAÇÃO DA MORTALIDADE MOLECULAR EM MEDULOBLASTOMAS?

Introduction: Medulloblastomas are the most common solid tumors of childhood and many studies seek to develop new chemotherapy drugs by identifying genes whose expression is new molecular targets for drugs, such as membrane receptors associated with cell replication. Objective: To review existing knowledge about the association of CD114 expression with mortality in medulloblastoma. Method: Narrative review collecting information with material for reading and analysis selected from research on virtual platforms (SciELO, Pubmed and Scopus). Initially, a search was carried out for descriptors related to the topic, which were identified through MESH using the following terms: "neurosurgery, surgical oncology, molecular targeted therapy, medulloblastoma" with AND or OR search, considering the title and/or abstract. After, the search was carried out, the title and abstract were analyzed and those that could be included were read in full. Results: 23 articles were included. Conclusion: There is no direct relationship between the expression of the CD114 membrane receptor and mortality in patients with medulloblastoma, and additional studies should be carried out on the intracellular signaling pathways associated with this receptor and its gene, CSF3R

Introdução: Meduloblastomas são os tumores sólidos mais comuns da infância e muitos estudos buscam desenvolvimento de novos quimioterápicos com a identificação de genes cuja expressão sejam novos alvos moleculares para drogas, como receptores de membrana associados à replicação celular. Objetivo: Revisar o cohecimento existente sobre a associação da expressão de CD114 com a mortalidade no meduloblastoma. Método: Revisão narrativa colhendo informações com o material para leitura e análise selecionado a partir de pesquisa em plataformas virtuais (SciELO, Pubmed e Scopus). Inicialmente foi realizada busca por descritores relacionados ao tema, os quais foram identificados por meio do DeCS utilizando os seguintes termos: "neurocirurgia, oncologia cirúrgica, terapia de alvo molecular, meduloblastoma" " e seus equivalentes em inglês  "neurosurgery, surgical oncology, molecular targeted therapy, medulloblastoma" com busca AND ou OR, considerando o título e/ou resumo. Feita a busca, foi realizada análise do título, resumo e lidos na íntegra aqueles que poderiam ser incluídos.  Resultados: Foram incluídos 23 artigos. Conclusão: Não há relação direta entre a expressão do receptor de membrana CD114 e a mortalidade em pacientes portadores de meduloblastoma e estudos adicionais devem ser feitos sobre as vias de sinalização intracelulares associadas a esse receptor e ao seu gene, o CSF3R.

CAN TELEMEDICINE BE AS RELIABLE AS CONVENTIONAL MEDICINE WHEN USED IN UNIFIED HEALTH SYSTEM - SUS? / A TELEMEDICINA PODE SER TÃO CONFIÁVEL QUANTO A MEDICINA CONVENCIONAL QUANDO USADA NO SISTEMA ÚNICO DE SAÚDE - SUS?

Introduction: Telemedicine, when applied to neurology, allows for better diagnosis and more specific and appropriate procedures, as well as an outcome with a great reduction in costs due to the absence of the need for unnecessary referrals. Objective: To present the tactical and technical evolution of the implementation of the information age in remote care in neurology, that is, teleneurology. Method: Collection of information and data existing in Brazilian legislation on the subject, in virtual bookstores and publishers, and on virtual platforms searched for related descriptors, which were identified through Mesh using the following terms: "Referrals. Unified Health System. SUS. Telemedicine. Teleneurology" with AND or OR search, considering the title and/or abstract. Results: The search included laws and 58 articles, which, after analyzing the title, summary and considering their suitability, were read in full by 2 of the authors. Conclusion: The potential of teleneurology is promising, acting in reducing healthcare costs, hospitalization services and expanding multidisciplinary communication between different providers, as it can include virtual consultations through videoconferencing, the transmission of exams and medical images, monitoring vital signs and other clinical data giving healthcare professionals the opportunity to assess and treat patients remotely.

Introdução: A telemedicina quando aplicada à neurologia, possibilita melhor diagnóstico e condutas mais específicas e adequadas, bem como desfecho com grande diminuição de custos pela não necessidade de encaminhamentos desnecessários. Objetivos: Apresentar a evolução tática e técnica da implantação da era da informação no atendimento à distância em neurologia, ou seja, a teleneurologia. Método: Coleta de informações e dados existentes na legislação brasileira sobre o tema, em livrarias e editoras virtuais, e em plataformas virtuais buscada por descritores relacionados, os quais foram identificados por meio do DeCS utilizando os seguintes termos: "Encaminhamentos. Sistema Único de Saúde. SUS. Telemedicina. Teleneurologia" e seus equivalentes em inglês "Brazilian Unified Health System. SUS. Referrals. Telemedicine. Teleneurology" com busca AND ou OR, considerando o título e/ou resumo. Resultados: A busca incluiu 58 artigos, que após análise do título, resumo e vista sua adequação foram lidos na íntegra por 2 dos autores. Conclusão: O potencial da teleneurologia é promissor, atuando na redução de custos de saúde, serviços de hospitalização e ampliação da comunicação multidisciplinar entre diferentes provedores, uma vez que pode incluir as consultas virtuais por meio de videoconferência, a transmissão de exames e imagens médicas, a monitorização de sinais vitais e outros dados clínicos dando aos profissionais de saúde oportunidade de avaliar e tratar os pacientes de maneira remota.

IMPACT OF USING TELENEUROLOGY ON REDUCING REFERRALS IN THE SINGLE HEALTH SYSTEM / IMPACTO DA UTILIZAÇÃO DA TELENEUROLOGIA NA REDUÇÃO DE ENCAMINHAMENTOS NO SISTEMA ÚNICO DE SAÚDE

Introdução : A telemedicina, quando aplicada à neurologia, permite melhores diagnósticos e procedimentos mais específicos e adequados, além de resultado altamente econômico pela redução de encaminhamentos desnecessários. Objetivos : Analisar o impacto do uso da teleneurologia na redução de encaminhamentos no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) e verificar as variáveis ​​associadas que impactaram nos encaminhamentos. Método : Pesquisa documental, quantitativa, descritiva e transversal, realizada a partir de informações contidas em um banco de dados, construído a partir de serviços incluídos em uma plataforma que presta serviços de teleneurologia no Brasil. A análise foi realizada para examinar a relação entre a variável dependente binária (encaminhamento de emergência) e um conjunto de cinco variáveis ​​independentes (idade, sexo, unidade de tratamento, história clínica e resultados tomográficos). Resultados : O estudo compreendeu 2.165 prontuários de pacientes que necessitaram de atendimento neurológico via telemedicina entre abril de 2019 e outubro de 2022. Após análise, observou-se que o modelo de regressão logística foi estatisticamente significativo (p<0,05) para a unidade de saúde. tratamento, história clínica e resultados tomográficos, indicando que essas variáveis ​​estavam relacionadas à probabilidade de encaminhamento de emergência. Ao examinar os coeficientes estimados nas unidades assistenciais, a chance de ser encaminhado via emergência foi 0,59 vezes maior quando internado do que no SAMU, ou seja, quem está internado tem 41,01% menos chances de ser encaminhado via emergência. Porém, quem está na UPA tem 39,17% menos probabilidade de ser encaminhado via urgência do que no SAMU. Conclusão : A abordagem inovadora do atendimento proporcionou maior eficiência diagnóstica e orientação terapêutica, resultando em economia substancial para o SUS.

Introdução : A telemedicina quando aplicada à neurologia possibilita melhor diagnóstico e condutas mais específicas e específicas, bem como avançado com grande economicidade devido à diminuição de encaminhamentos desnecessários. Objetivos : Analisar o impacto do uso da teleneurologia na redução de encaminhamentos no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) e verificar as variáveis ​​associadas que impactaram no encaminhamento. Método : Pesquisa documental, quantitativa, descritiva e transversal, que foi realizada a partir da utilização de informações contidas em banco de dados, construído de atendimentos incluídos na plataforma que presta serviços de teleneurologia no Brasil. Foi realizada análise para examinar a relação entre a variável dependente binária (encaminhamento via emergência) e um conjunto de cinco variáveis ​​independentes (idade, sexo, unidade de tratamento, história clínica e resultado da tomografia). Resultados : O estudo compreendeu 2.165 prontuários de pacientes que demandaram atendimento neurológico via telemedicina entre abril de 2019 e outubro de 2022. Após a análise, observou-se que o modelo de regressão logística foi estatisticamente significativo (p<0,05) para unidade de tratamento, história clínica e resultado da tomografia, diminuíram que essas variáveis ​​estavam relacionadas à probabilidade de encaminhamento emergencial. Ao examinar os coeficientes estimados nas unidades de atendimento, a chance de ter encaminhamento via emergencial foi 0,59 vezes maior estando no hospital do que no SAMU, ou seja, quem está no hospital tem 41,01% menos chances de ser encaminhado via emergencial . Porém, quem está na UPA tem 39,17% menos chances de ser encaminhado via emergencial do que no SAMU. Conclusão : Uma abordagem inovadora de atendimento proporcionou maior eficiência diagnóstica e orientação terapêutica, resultando em economia substancial ao SUS.

The Hook Effect: A Case Study of a Giant Invasive Prolactinoma With Falsely Low Serum Prolactin.

Prolactinomas are benign pituitary tumors also known as prolactin-secreting adenomas (PSA). These tumors cause excessive secretion of prolactin (hyperprolactinemia), a hormone responsible for lactation. Diagnosing hyperprolactinemia relies on measuring prolactin levels in the blood, and elevated serum levels of prolactin are typically indicative of prolactinoma. The hook effect occurs in immunological tests such as the prolactin level test. When the amount of prolactin present in the sample is too high and exceeds the binding capacity of the antibodies being used, the test result may indicate falsely low levels of prolactin, which is the hook effect. The present study describes the case of a male patient who presented with neck pain and difficulty swallowing. MRI revealed a giant (>40mm) extradural tumor affecting the clivus, anterior fossa, pterygopalatine, and bilateral infratemporal fossae as well as the petrous apex and bilateral cavernous sinuses. Endocrinological investigation yielded no specific abnormalities. An occipitocervical fixation (arthrodesis) was proposed with simultaneous extended endoscopic endonasal resection. Surgery succeeded in resecting a portion of the clival tumor and the anterior fossa. Measurement of prolactin levels several weeks post-surgery found them to be extremely high, confirming the hook effect.

The Nervous System Development Regulator Neuropilin-1 as a Potential Prognostic Marker and Therapeutic Target in Brain Cancer.

Neuropilins are transmembrane glycoproteins that regulate developmental processes in the nervous system and other tissues. Overexpression of neuropilin-1 (NRP1) occurs in many solid tumor types and, in several instances, may predict patient outcome in terms of overall survival. Experimental inhibition of NRP1 activity can display antitumor effects in different cancer models. Here, we review NRP1 expression and function in adult and pediatric brain cancers, particularly glioblastomas (GBMs) and medulloblastomas, and present analyses of NRP1 transcript levels and their association with patient survival in GBMs. The case of NRP1 highlights the potential of regulators of neurodevelopment as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in brain cancer.

Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome as a Consequence of Hyperemesis Gravidarum: A Case Report.

Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS) is caused by severe thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency and can lead to chronic deficits. In this case, a 22-year-old pregnant patient at 10 1/7 weeks of gestation presented to the emergency department with malaise, asthenia, headache, weakness, vomiting, and weight loss of 12 kg. Pancreatitis and hepatic steatosis were considered but ruled out, and cholecystolithiasis was confirmed by ultrasound. After significant neurological deterioration, the patient underwent a cranial MRI that revealed suggestive findings in the thalamus consistent with WKS. WKS is a rare complication of hyperemesis gravidarum and should be included in the differential diagnosis of persistent vomiting in order to initiate early and appropriate treatment.

Low Expression of the NRP1 Gene Is Associated with Shorter Overall Survival in Patients with Sonic Hedgehog and Group 3 Medulloblastoma.

Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common type of malignant pediatric brain tumor. Neuropilin-1 (NRP1), encoded by the NRP1 gene, is a transmembrane glycoprotein overexpressed in several types of cancer. Previous studies indicate that NRP1 inhibition displays antitumor effects in MB models and higher NRP1 levels are associated with poorer prognosis in MB patients. Here, we used a large MB tumor dataset to examine NRP1 gene expression in different molecular subgroups and subtypes of MB. We found overall widespread NRP1 expression across MB samples. Tumors in the sonic hedgehog (SHH) subgroup showed significantly higher NRP1 transcript levels in comparison with Group 3 and Group 4 tumors, with SHH samples belonging to the α, ß, Δ, and γ subtypes. When all MB subgroups were combined, lower NRP1 expression was associated with significantly shorter patient overall survival (OS). Further analysis showed that low NRP1 was related to poorer OS, specifically in MB subgroups SHH and Group 3 MB. Our findings indicate that patients with SHH and Group 3 tumors that show lower expression of NRP1 in MB have a worse prognosis, which highlights the need for subgroup-specific investigation of the NRP1 role in MB.

Prolong intermittent injection of human parathyroid hormone in rats modulates the expression of several proteins in the neuropil of the cerebellar cortex.

INTRODUCTION: The intermittent use of recombinant human parathyroid hormone (iPTH) alters calcium metabolism and induces osteogenesis in experimental models. However, the real effects of iPTH in excitable cells and neurons that require membrane receptors to undergo membrane depolarization/repolarization (Na+K+ATPase) to generate ATP, voltage-gated calcium channel (calcium-IP3R-calponin) as well as GABAergic (GABAA) signaling remains unclear. OBJECTIVES: In this study, the expression of IP3R, Na+K+-ATPase, GABAA and calmodulin proteins were evaluated in histological sections of the cerebellum of rats following prolonged injection of iPTH. METHODS: Twenty Wistar rats were used in this study and randomly assigned as either or control group. The test group were subcutaneously injected with 20 µg/kg of iPTH, 3×/week for 8 weeks, while the control group received 1 ml/kg of 0.9% saline solution. The rats were euthanized on the 60th day after the first administration, and their cerebellar vermis was removed and submitted to histological and immunohistochemical evaluation for detection of IP3R, Na+K+-ATPase, GABAA and calmodulin proteins. The expression of proteins was evaluated in the areas corresponding to the Purkinje cells as well as in neuropil of molecular layer of cerebellum. All results were transformed into a percentage for each area analyzed to verify significance between groups. RESULTS: Rats that received iPTH demonstrated significant reduction of IP3R, calmodulin and GABAA in Purkinje cells and neuropil of molecular layer while the expression of Na+K+-ATPase was similar. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that iPTH decreased the expression of IP3R and calmodulin while it did not alter the expression of Na+K+-ATPase. These changes insinuate the ionic activity of calcium and sodium/potassium. Yet, the iPTH alters GABAergic signaling in Purkinje cells, suggesting neurotransmission activity changes in the cerebellum.

Identification of CD114 Membrane Receptors as a Molecular Target in Medulloblastomas.

Medulloblastomas are the most common solid tumors in children, accounting for 8-30% of pediatric brain cancers. It is a high-grade tumor with aggressive behavior and a typically b poor prognosis. Its treatment includes surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, and presents high morbidity. Significant clinical, genetic, and prognostic differences exist between its four molecular subgroups: WNT, SHH, Group 3, and Group 4. Many studies seek to develop new chemotherapeutic agents for medulloblastomas through the identification of genes whose expressions are new molecular targets for drugs, such as membrane receptors associated with cell replication. This study aimed to assess the association of CD114 expression with mortality in patients with medulloblastoma. Databases from the Medulloblastoma Advanced Genomics International Consortium (MAGIC) were analyzed, focusing on the expression of the CD114 membrane receptor in different molecular types and its possible association with mortality. Our findings showed different CD114 expressions between Group 3 and other molecular groups, as well as between the molecular subtypes SHH γ and Group 3 α and Group 3 ß. There was no statistically significant difference between the other groups and subtypes. Regarding mortality, this study did not find statistical significance in the association between low and high CD114 expressions and mortality. Medulloblastoma is a heterogeneous disease with many subtype variations of its genetic and intracellular signaling pathways. Similarly to this study, which could not demonstrate different CD114 membrane receptor expression patterns between groups, others who sought to associate CD114 expression with mortality in other types of cancer failed to establish a direct association. Since many indications point to the relation of this gene with cancer stem cells (CSCs), it may be part of a more extensive cellular signaling pathway with an eventual association with tumor recurrence. This study found no direct relationship between CD114 expression and mortality in patients with medulloblastoma. Further studies are needed on the intracellular signaling pathways associated with this receptor and its gene (the CSF3R).

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Mimicking Vestibular Schwannoma.

Progressive unilateral hearing loss and an MRI are usually enough to diagnose vestibular schwannoma (VS). We were consulted by a 45-year-old man with otalgia and left-sided hearing loss as well as ipsilateral facial paralysis that had begun two weeks prior. Due to a possible atypical presentation of VS, an MRI was ordered, which revealed an intracanalicular lesion occupying the left cerebellopontine angle cistern. With no signs of systemic disease and considering the total left ear deafness, the patient underwent retrolabyrinthine mastoidectomy. During the procedure, a mass incompatible with VS was found and a biopsy was performed, which led to a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). The patient was referred to an oncologist for treatment and, in time, achieved complete remission of the lesion. This case shows us that symptoms of VS may vary in tumor size and location and that atypical presentations warrant investigation. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), although not among the most common differential diagnoses, should be remembered due to its varied clinical presentation broadly dependent on its subtype and dissemination.

As artérias lenticuloestriadas podem interferir na extensão da ressecção tumoral e sobrevida nos gliomas da ínsula? / Can lenticulostriated arteries interfere with the extent of tumor resection and survival in insula gliomas?

Introdução: Os gliomas são tumores encefálicos e da medula espinhal que se originam nas células gliais e cuja progressão invade o tecido cerebral adjacentee e dentre eles um dos mais desafiadores são localizados no lobo cerebral da ínsula. Estas artérias irrigam estruturas nobres e sua lesão pode produzir danos sensitivos, motores e de linguagem. Objetivo: Descrever o impacto da extensão da ressecção, sobrevida global e dos resultados funcionais após a cirurgia dos gliomas insulares, quando estes tumores estejam ou não envolvidos pelas artérias lenticuloestriadas. Métodos: Revisão integrativa nas plataformas virtuais em português e inglês, buscando AND ou OR dados através dos seguintes descritores "Gliomas da ínsula, Mapeamento cerebral, Artérias lenticuloestriadas". A busca inicial foi baseada no título e/ou resumo. Decididos os trabalhos incluíveis foi realizada a leitura na íntegra dos textos. Ao total foram estudados 55 artigos. Resultados: O lobo da ínsula fica "escondido" pela sobreposição dos lobos frontal, parietal e temporal. Para alcançá-lo pode-se realizar as abordagens transsilviana ou transcortical. Ocorre que ao chegar na ínsula visualiza-se significativa ramificação constituída pelas artérias lenticuloestriadas, cuja manipulação pode determinar déficit neurológico e, ao se aprofundar no córtex insular, depara-se com outras estruturas tão importantes quanto a própria ínsula. O conhecimento anatômico das artérias lenticuloestriadas e suas relações é de fundamental importância para a ressecção de glioma insular, pois o comprometimento delas e da artéria cerebral média podem determinar a isquemia dos núcleos da base e da cápsula interna. Conclusão: O tratamento dos gliomas insulares permanece como grande desafio. Devido à sua localização e possibilidade de desenvolvimento de déficits neurológicos na manipulação cirúrgica é necessário não somente conhecer sua localização topográfica, mas também a íntima relação vascular com as artérias lenticuloestriadas. O envolvimento delas pelo tumor possui implicações na sobrevida e na preservação da função neurológica. O conhecimento detalhado da anatomia da região é fundamental para diminuir complicações que afetem grandemente a qualidade de vida dos pacientes.

Introduction: Gliomas are brain and spinal cord tumors that originate in glial cells and whose progression invades the adjacent brain tissue and among them one of the most challenging are located in the cerebral lobe of the insula. These arteries supply noble structures and their damage can cause sensory, motor and language damage. Objective: To describe the impact of the extent of resection, overall survival and functional results after surgery for insular gliomas, when these tumors are or are not involved by lenticulostriate arteries. Methods: Integrative review on virtual platforms in Portuguese and English, searching for AND or OR data using the following descriptors "Insula gliomas, Brain mapping, Lenticulostriate arteries". The initial search was based on the title and/or abstract. Once the included works were decided, the texts were read in full. In total, 55 articles were studied. Results: The insula lobe is "hidden" by the overlap of the frontal, parietal and temporal lobes. To achieve this, transsylvian or transcortical approaches can be performed. It turns out that when arriving at the insula, a significant branch made up of lenticulostriate arteries is seen, the manipulation of which can cause neurological deficits and, when going deeper into the insular cortex, one comes across other structures as important as the insula itself. Anatomical knowledge of the lenticulostriate arteries and their relationships is of fundamental importance for the resection of insular glioma, as their involvement and that of the middle cerebral artery can determine ischemia of the basal ganglia and internal capsule. Conclusion: The treatment of insular gliomas remains a major challenge. Due to its location and the possibility of developing neurological deficits during surgical manipulation, it is necessary not only to know its topographic location, but also the intimate vascular relationship with the lenticulostriate arteries. Their involvement by the tumor has implications for survival and preservation of neurological function. Detailed knowledge of the region's anatomy is essential to reduce complications that greatly affect patients' quality of life.

É possível prever a mortalidade molecular em meduloblastomas pela análise dos receptores de membrana CD114? / Is it possible to predict molecular mortality in meduloblastomas by analysis of CD114 membrane receptors?

Introdução: Os meduloblastomas são os tumores sólidos mais comuns da infância e classificados em 4 subgrupos moleculares: WNT, SHH, grupo 3 e grupo 4. Muitos estudos buscam desenvolvimento de novos quimioterápicos para os meduloblastomas através da identificação de genes cuja expressão sejam novos alvos moleculares para drogas, como receptores de membrana associados a replicação celular. Objetivo: Avaliar a associação da expressão de CD114 com a mortalidade de pacientes portadores de meduloblastoma. Métodos: Revisão feita colhendo informações publicadas em plataformas virtuais em português e inglês. Inicialmente foi realizada busca por descritores relacionados ao tema - neurocirurgia, oncologia cirúrgica, terapia de alvo molecular e meduloblastoma - e seus equivalentes em inglês - neurosurgery, surgical oncology, molecular targeted therapy e medulloblastoma - com busca AND ou OR, considerando o título e/ou resumo. Após, foram incluídos somente os que tinham maior relação ao tema, e realizada a leitura da íntegra dos textos. Finalmente foram referidos 2 artigos. Resultados: Há diferença na expressão do receptor de membrana CD114 entre o Grupo 3 e os demais grupos moleculares, além de diferença entre o subtipo molecular SHH γ e os subtipos moleculares Grupo 3 α e Grupo 3 ß. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os demais grupos e subtipos. Em relação à mortalidade, esta revisão não demonstrou significância estatística na relação entre expressões baixas e elevadas desse gene e a mortalidade. Conclusão: Não há relação direta entre a expressão do receptor de membrana CD114 e a mortalidade em pacientes portadores de meduloblastoma. Entretanto, são necessários estudos adicionais sobre as vias de sinalização intracelulares associadas a esse receptor e ao seu gene, o CSF3R.

Introduction: Medulloblastomas are the most common solid tumors of childhood and classified into 4 molecular subgroups: WNT, SHH, Group 3 and Group 4. Many studies seek to develop new chemotherapy drugs for medulloblastomas by identifying genes whose expression is new molecular targets for drugs, such as membrane receptors associated with cell replication. Objective: To evaluate the association of CD114 expression with mortality in patients with medulloblastoma. Methods: Review carried out collecting information published on virtual platforms in Portuguese and English. Initially, a search was carried out for descriptors related to the topic - neurosurgery, surgical oncology, molecular targeted therapy and medulloblastoma, with AND or OR search, considering the title and/or summary. Afterwards, only those that were most related to the topic were included, and the texts read in full. Finally, 23 articles were referred. Results: There is a difference in the expression of the CD114 membrane receptor between Group 3 and the other molecular groups, in addition to a difference between the SHH γ molecular subtype and the Group 3 α and Group 3 ß molecular subtypes. There was no statistically significant difference between the other groups and subtypes. Regarding mortality, this review did not demonstrate statistical significance in the relationship between low and high expressions of this gene and mortality. Conclusion: There is no direct relationship between the expression of the CD114 membrane receptor and mortality in patients with medulloblastoma. However, additional studies are needed on the intracellular signaling pathways associated with this receptor and its gene, CSF3R.

[Surgical approaches to petroclival meningiomas Part 2: narrative review of what we learned with 30 cases]. / Abordajes quirúrgicos de los meningiomas petroclivales Parte 2: revisión narrativa y lo que aprendimos con 30 casos.

Background: The surgical ressection of petroclival meningiomas is challenging due to its deep location and relationship with vital neurovascular structures. Usually they are benign injuries, but they can involve or infiltrate skull base bones, dura mater and brainstem. This makes the total removing very difficult or impossible without causing neurological deficits. The objective of this study is to review the surgical approaches used on the treatment of petroclival meningiomas and the knowledge which we achieved upon the surgical management of 30 cases. Methods: Series of 30 petroclival meningioma-cases. In the beginning of our series we used petrous approach for all the cases, however, with the acquiring of experience, we are indicating the retrosigmoid approach, leaving the petrous and skull-orbito-zigomatics approaches for selected cases. Results: Owing to the difficulty of the access, the petroclival meningiomas usually require different surgical approaches and have distint surgical difficulties. There are three main approaches: fronto-orbito-zigomatics and variants; petrous and variants and retrosigmoid, and they can be combined. The choice for a surgical approach is usually on the location and size of the tumor, on the skull shape, the involvement of venous structures and according to the surgeon´s experience. Conclusion: Petroclival meningiomas are rare and complex on the skull base. The adequate choice is crucial to achieve the good surgical result.