Global benchmarks in primary robotic bariatric surgery redefine quality standards for Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Whether the benefits of the robotic platform in bariatric surgery translate into superior surgical outcomes remains unclear. The aim of this retrospective study was to establish the 'best possible' outcomes for robotic bariatric surgery and compare them with the established laparoscopic benchmarks. METHODS: Benchmark cut-offs were established for consecutive primary robotic bariatric surgery patients of 17 centres across four continents (13 expert centres and 4 learning phase centres) using the 75th percentile of the median outcome values until 90 days after surgery. The benchmark patients had no previous laparotomy, diabetes, sleep apnoea, cardiopathy, renal insufficiency, inflammatory bowel disease, immunosuppression, history of thromboembolic events, BMI greater than 50 kg/m2, or age greater than 65 years. RESULTS: A total of 9097 patients were included, who were mainly female (75.5%) and who had a mean(s.d.) age of 44.7(11.5) years and a mean(s.d.) baseline BMI of 44.6(7.7) kg/m2. In expert centres, 13.74% of the 3020 patients who underwent primary robotic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and 5.9% of the 4078 patients who underwent primary robotic sleeve gastrectomy presented with greater than or equal to one complication within 90 postoperative days. No patient died and 1.1% of patients had adverse events related to the robotic platform. When compared with laparoscopic benchmarks, robotic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass had lower benchmark cut-offs for hospital stay, postoperative bleeding, and marginal ulceration, but the duration of the operation was 42 min longer. For most surgical outcomes, robotic sleeve gastrectomy outperformed laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with a comparable duration of the operation. In robotic learning phase centres, outcomes were within the established benchmarks only for low-risk robotic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. CONCLUSION: The newly established benchmarks suggest that robotic bariatric surgery may enhance surgical safety compared with laparoscopic bariatric surgery; however, the duration of the operation for robotic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is longer.

The impact of methylene blue in colon cancer: a retrospective multicentric study.

INTRODUCTION: Discussions about the optimal lymph node (LN) count and its therapeutic consequences have persisted over time. The final LN count in colorectal tissues is affected by a variety of variables (patient, tumor, operation, pathologist, immune response). Methylene blue (MB) intra-arterial injection is a simple and inexpensive procedure that can be used to enhance lymph node count. AIM: Analyze whether there is a statistically significant difference between intra-arterial methylene blue injection and conventional dissection for the quantification of lymph nodes and determine if there is a variation in the quality of lymph node acquisition. METHODS AND RESULTS: Between 2015 and 2022, we conducted a retrospective analysis of colon cancer specimens. Data on the tumor's features, the number of lymph nodes, the number of lymph nodes that were positive, and other factors had been collected. The number of identified lymph nodes was highly significantly improved in the study group (P < 0.05). There is not a significant statistical difference between groups regarding the metastatic lymph node harvest. The group with injection of intra-arterial methylene blue shows a significantly decreased (P < 0.05) of the of cases with less than 12 lymph nodes recovered comparing with the control group. CONCLUSION: Colon cancer specimens can be easily evaluated concerning lymph nodes using the methylene blue method. Therefore, we strongly advise this approach as a standard procedure in the histological evaluation of colon cancer specimens in order to maximize the identification of lymph nodes. However, the detection of metastatic lymph nodes was unaffected significantly.

Physical exercise alters the activation of downstream proteins related to BDNF-TrkB signaling in male Wistar rats with epilepsy.

There are a considerable number of studies concerning the behavioral effects of physical exercise on the epileptic brain; however, the intracellular signaling mechanisms involved remain unclear. We investigated the effects of aerobic exercise on hippocampal levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), expression of its receptor tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB), and activation of intracellular proteins related to BDNF-TrkB signaling in male Wistar rats with pilocarpine-induced epilepsy. Thirty days after the first spontaneous seizure, rats from the exercise group undertook a 30-day physical exercise program on the treadmill. Thereafter, BDNF levels, expression of TrkB, and activation of intracellular proteins were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Western blotting, and multiplex assay, respectively. Statistical analyses were conducted using nonparametric tests. Rats with epilepsy presented decreased BDNF levels compared with control rats. BDNF levels increased significantly in the exercise group compared with the epileptic and control groups. Expression of full-length and truncated TrkB was increased in rats with epilepsy, and physical exercise restored its expression to control levels. RAC-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase, mammalian target of rapamycin, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation were reduced in rats with epilepsy, and exercise increased activation compared with control and epilepsy groups. Increased cAMP response element binding protein activation was observed in the exercise group compared with the epilepsy group. Our findings indicate that the beneficial effects of exercise in the epileptic brain can be in part related to alterations in the activation of proteins related to the BDNF-TrkB signaling pathway.

Aerobic exercise reduces hippocampal ERK and p38 activation and improves memory of middle-aged rats.

Aging is often accompanied by cognitive decline, memory impairment, and an increased susceptibility to neurodegenerative disorders. Although the physiological processes of aging are not fully understood, these age-related changes have been interpreted by means of various cellular and molecular theories. Among these theories, alterations in the intracellular signaling pathways associated with cell growth, proliferation, and survival have been highlighted. Based on these observations and on recent evidence showing the beneficial effects of exercise on cognitive function in the elderly, we investigated the cell signaling pathways in the hippocampal formation of middle-aged rats (18 months old) submitted to treadmill exercise over 10 days. To do this, we evaluated the hippocampal activation of intracellular signaling proteins linked to cell growth, proliferation, and survival, such as Akt, mTOR, p70S6K, ERK, CREB, and p38. We also explored the cognitive performance (inhibitory avoidance) of middle-aged rats. It was found that physical exercise reduces ERK and p38 activation in the hippocampal formation of aged rats, when compared to the control group. The hippocampal activation and expression of Akt, mTOR, p70S6K, and CREB were not statistically different between the groups. It was also observed that aged rats from the exercise group exhibited better cognitive performance in the inhibitory avoidance task (aversive memory) than aged rats from the control group. Our results indicate that physical exercise reduces intracellular signaling pathways linked to inflammation and cell death (i.e., ERK and p38) and improves memory in middle-aged rats.

Resistance Exercise Reduces Seizure Occurrence, Attenuates Memory Deficits and Restores BDNF Signaling in Rats with Chronic Epilepsy.

Epilepsy is a disease characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. Cognitive impairment is an important comorbidity of chronic epilepsy. Human and animal model studies of epilepsy have shown that aerobic exercise induces beneficial structural and functional changes and reduces the number of seizures. However, little is yet understood about the effects of resistance exercise on epilepsy. We evaluated the effects of a resistance exercise program on the number of seizures, long-term memory and expression/activation of signaling proteins in rats with epilepsy. The number of seizures was quantified by video-monitoring and long-term memory was assessed by an inhibitory avoidance test. Using western blotting, multiplex and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, we determined the effects of a 4-week resistance exercise program on IGF-1 and BDNF levels and ERK, CREB, mTOR activation in the hippocampus of rats with epilepsy. Rats with epilepsy submitted to resistance exercise showed a decrease in the number of seizures compared to non-exercised epileptic rats. Memory deficits were attenuated by resistance exercise. Rats with epilepsy showed an increase in IGF-1 levels which were restored to control levels by resistance exercise. BDNF levels and ERK and mTOR activation were decreased in rats with epilepsy and resistance exercise restored these to control levels. In conclusion, resistance exercise reduced seizure occurrence and mitigated memory deficits in rats with epilepsy. These resistance exercise-induced beneficial effects can be related to changes in IGF-1 and BDNF levels and its signaling protein activation. Our findings indicate that the resistance exercise might be included as complementary therapeutic strategy for epilepsy treatment.

Parvalbumin expression and distribution in the hippocampal formation of Cebus apella.

New World primates play an important role in biomedical research. However, the literature still lacks information on many structural features of the brain in these species, particularly structures of the hippocampal formation that are related to long-term memory storage. This study was designed to provide information, for the first time, about the distribution and number of neurons expressing parvalbumin-immunoreactivity (PV-I) in the subregions of the hippocampal formation in Cebus apella, a New World primate species commonly used in biomedical research. Our results revealed that for several morphometric variables, PV-I cells differ significantly among the subregions CA1, CA2, CA3, and the hilus. Based upon our findings and those of other studies, we hypothesize that the proportional increase from monkeys to humans in PV-I cell density within CA1 is a factor contributing to the evolution of increased memory formation and storage.

Colorectal cancer mortality in Brazil: predictions until the year 2025 and cancer control implications.

BACKGROUND: Although data exist on the number of deaths by colorectal cancer in Brazil, there is no information detailed by geographic regions and age groups regarding the future impact of this disease. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to carry out predictions for colorectal cancer mortality in Brazil and its geographic regions until the year 2025. DESIGN: This was an ecological study. SETTINGS: The study was conducted in the geographic regions of Brazil. PATIENTS: Data were obtained from the Brazilian Health Ministry and from population-based data of the Brazilian Statistics and Geography Institute. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcome measures were the predictions of the number of deaths and mortality rates for 2011-2025 based on the mortality incidence of colorectal cancer during 1996-2010. RESULTS: Significant increases were verified in Brazilian rates between 1996 and 2006, followed by stable rates until 2010. For men, predictions indicate increasing rates both at a national level and by geographic regions, except for the South region (where a decrease is expected). In women, increasing rates are expected for the overall country and for the North, Northeast, and Central West regions, whereas decreasing rates are expected for the Southeast and South regions. At a national level, the predicted increase in deaths by colorectal cancer is 75.8% in men and 67.5% in women: 55.8% and 60.6% can be attributed to population changes and 20.0% and 7.0% because of risk increases. LIMITATIONS: It is highlighted that the observational period for projections is short, at 15 years. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing mortality rates for colorectal cancer are expected in Brazil until the year 2025, mostly because of the aging process of the population. The results presented herein show that the disease burden will be higher in the North, Northeast, and Central West regions of the country, which also correspond with the least developed regions.

Malnutrition in infancy as a susceptibility factor for temporal lobe epilepsy in adulthood induced by the pilocarpine experimental model.

Malnutrition during the earliest stages of life may result in innumerable brain problems. Moreover, this condition could increase the chances of developing neurological diseases, such as epilepsy. We analyzed the effects of early-life malnutrition on susceptibility to epileptic seizures induced by the pilocarpine model of epilepsy. Wistar rat pups were kept on a starvation regimen from day 1 to day 21 after birth. At day 60, 16 animals (8 = well-nourished; 8 = malnourished) were exposed to the pilocarpine experimental model of epilepsy. Age-matched well-nourished (n = 8) and malnourished (n = 8) rats were used as controls. Animals were video-monitored over 9 weeks. The following behavioral parameters were evaluated: first seizure threshold (acute period of the pilocarpine model); status epilepticus (SE) latency; first spontaneous seizure latency (silent period), and spontaneous seizure frequency during the chronic phase. The cell and mossy fiber sprouting (MFS) density were evaluated in the hippocampal formation. Our results showed that the malnourished animals required a lower pilocarpine dose in order to develop SE (200 mg/kg), lower latency to reach SE, less time for the first spontaneous seizure and higher seizure frequency, when compared to well-nourished pilocarpine rats. Histopathological findings revealed a significant cell density reduction in the CA1 region and intense MFS among the malnourished animals. Our data indicate that early malnutrition greatly influences susceptibility to seizures and behavioral manifestations in adult life. These findings suggest that malnutrition in infancy reduces the threshold for epilepsy and promotes alterations in the brain that persist into adult life.

Melatonin administration after pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus: a new way to prevent or attenuate postlesion epilepsy?

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to verify the effects of treatment with melatonin and N-acetylserotonin on the pilocarpine-induced epilepsy model. METHODS: The animals were divided into four groups: (1) animals treated with saline (Saline); (2) animals that received pilocarpine and exhibited SE (SE); (3) animals that exhibited SE and were treated with N-acetylserotonin (30 minutes and 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours) after SE onset (SE+NAS); (4) animals that exhibited SE and were treated with melatonin at the same time the SE+NAS group (SE+MEL). Behavioral (latency to first seizure, frequency of seizures, and mortality) and histological (Nissl and neo-Timm) parameters were analyzed. RESULTS: The animals treated with melatonin (SE+MEL) had a decreased number of spontaneous seizures during the chronic period (P<0.05), a reduction in mossy fiber sprouting, and less cell damage than the SE group. Animals treated with N-acetylserotonin did not exhibit any kind of significant change. CONCLUSION: Melatonin exerts an important neuroprotective effect by attenuating SE-induced postlesion and promoting a decrease in the number of seizures in epileptic rats. This suggests, for the first time, that melatonin could be used co-therapeutically in treatment of patients exhibiting SE to minimize associated injuries in these situations.

Do Emotional Cues Influence the Performance of Domestic Dogs in an Observational Learning Task?

Using social information is not indiscriminate and being able to choose what to copy and from whom to copy is critical. Dogs are able to learn socially, to recognize, and respond to dog as well as human emotional expressions, and to make reputation-like inferences based on how people behave towards their owner. Yet, the mechanisms dogs use for obtaining and utilizing social information are still to be fully understood, especially concerning whether emotional cues influence dogs' social learning. Therefore, our main aim was to test the hypothesis that an emotionally charged (negative, positive, or neutral) interaction with the demonstrator of a "V" detour task prior to testing would affect subjects' performance, by: (i) changing the value of the information provided by the demonstrator or (ii) changing the valence of the learning environment. Our experimental design consisted of three phases: pre-test (subjects were allowed to solve the task alone); emotional display (dogs watched the unfamiliar human behaving in either a positive, negative or neutral way towards their owner); test (demonstrator showed the task and subjects were allowed to move freely). Only dogs that failed in pre-test were considered for analysis (n = 46). We analyzed four dependent variables: success, time to solve the task, latency to reach the fence and matching the side of demonstration. For each, we used four models (GEEs and GLMMs) to investigate the effect of (1) demographic factors; (2) experimental design factors (including emotional group); (3) behavior of the dog; and (4) side chosen and matching. All models took into account all trials (random effect included) and the first trials only. Our findings corroborate previous studies of social learning, but present no evidence to sustain our hypothesis. We discuss the possibility of our stimuli not being salient enough in a task that involves highly motivating food and relies on long and highly distracting interval between phases. Nevertheless, these results represent an important contribution to the study of dog behavior and social cognition and pave the way for further investigations.

Impact of perioperative chemotherapy on postoperative morbidity after gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

INTRODUCTION: The use of perioperative chemotherapy (CT) in patients with advanced gastric carcinoma increases their overall survival. This therapy may also increase the number of patients with R0 resection. Potential drawbacks of this therapy, besides its toxicity, include increased surgical morbidity. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the records of patients undergoing gastrectomy with curative intent, for carcinoma, at our institution between January 2009 and August 2018. They were divided into two groups: direct surgery (SURG) and perioperative CT (CHEMO). Patients with other neoadjuvant therapies and cardia Siewert I and II carcinomas were excluded. The primary objective was to evaluate the impact of perioperative CT on surgical morbidity. As secondary objectives, resection radicality and total lymph node count were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: A total of 307 patients (97 direct surgery and 210 perioperative CT) were evaluated. Median age was 67 years old. The overall major surgical morbidity (Clavien-Dindo 3-5) was 10.6% in the CHEMO group and 12.4 in the SURG group (p=0.643). There was no statistically significant difference between the surgical radicality (R0 98% in the SURG group vs 97.5% CHEMO group (p=0.865). There was an increase in the total number of lymph nodes retrieved in the specimen in the CHEMO group (25 vs 22, p=0.001), a difference that was not maintained in the subgroup analysis as a function of the surgery performed. CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative CT in gastric carcinoma does not increase surgical morbidity, surgical radicality and total lymph node count.

Seizures during pregnancy modify the development of hippocampal interneurons of the offspring.

We investigated the effect of epileptic seizures during pregnancy on hippocampal expression of calcium-binding proteins in the offspring. Female Wistar rats were submitted to the pilocarpine model and mated during the chronic period. Seizure frequency was monitored over the entire pregnancy. Pups were perfused at postnatal days 6 and 13, and the brains processed for Nissl staining and immunohistochemistry for NeuN, calbindin, calretinin, and parvalbumin. Number of stained cells in the hippocampus was estimated through stereological methods. Our results showed a decrease in epileptic seizure frequency during pregnancy. No differences were observed in NeuN-positive, CR-positive cells, and Nissl-stained hippocampal neurons between the groups. However, there was a significant decrease in calbindin-positive cells (P=0.005) and a significant increase in parvalbumin-positive cells (P=0.02) in the experimental group when compared with the control group. These results suggest that seizures during pregnancy affect the development of specific hippocampal interneurons of the offspring.

The use of new world primates for biomedical research: an overview of the last four decades.

Animal experimentation contributes significantly to the progression of science. Nonhuman primates play a particularly important role in biomedical research not only because of their anatomical, physiological, biochemical, and behavioral similarities with humans but also because of their close phylogenetic affinities. In order to investigate the use of New World primates (NWP) in biomedical research over the last four decades (1966-2005), we performed a quantitative study of the literature listed in bibliographic databases from the Health Sciences. The survey was performed for each genus of NWP that has been bred in the National Center of Primates in Brazil. The number of articles published was determined for each genus and sorted according to the country from which the studies originated and the general scientific field. The data obtained suggests that Brazil is a leader in generating knowledge with NWP models for translational medicine.

Radiochemical and biological properties of peptides designed to interact with EGF receptor: Relevance for glioblastoma.

Radiolabeled peptides with high specificity to receptors expressed on tumor cells hold a great promise as diagnostic and therapeutic tracers. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the radiochemical and biological properties of two [131I]I-peptides, as well as their interaction with the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), overexpressed in a wide variety of tumors, including glioblastoma. The EEEEYFELV peptide and its analogue DEDEYFELV, both designed to interact with EGFR, were chemically synthesized, purified and radiolabeled with iodine-131 ([131I]NaI). The radioiodination was evaluated and optimized using the chloramine-T methodology. The stability, serum proteins binding and partition coefficient were assessed for both radioconjugates. Moreover, the binding and internalization of synthesized radiopeptides with rat glioblastoma cells (C6) and with rat brain homogenates from a glioblastoma induced model were evaluated and ex vivo biodistribution studies were performed. Under optimized radiolabeling conditions, the peptides showed an average radiochemical yield of 90-95%. The stability studies showed that both peptides were stable up to 24 h in reaction medium, saline, and human serum. Furthermore, [131I]I-peptides have hydrophilic features and showed binding percentage to serum proteins of around 50%, which is highly compatible with clinical applications. Moreover, the radiopeptides presented capacity for binding and internalization in both tumor cells (C6) and rat brain tissues after tumor induction. Biodistribution studies corroborated the cell culture studies and confirmed the different binding characteristics derived from a simple change of two amino acids (Glu ➔ Asp1,3) in their sequences. The results obtained are consistent enough to motivate further studies. Thereby, these radiolabeled peptides might be useful for diagnostic applications.

Melatonin treatment decreases c-fos expression in a headache model induced by capsaicin.

The aim of the present work was to analyze c-fos response within the trigeminal nucleus caudalis (TNC) of pinealectomized rats and animals that received intraperitoneal melatonin, after intracisternal infusion of capsaicin, used to induce intracranial trigeminovascular stimulation. Experimental groups consisted of animals that received vehicle solution (saline-ethanol-Tween 80, 8:1:1, diluted 1:50) only (VEI, n=5); animals that received capsaicin solution (200 nM) only (CAP, n=6); animals submitted to pinealectomy (PX, n=5); sham-operated animals (SH, n=5); animals submitted to pinealectomy followed by capsaicin stimulation (200 nM) after 15 days (PX + CAP, n=7); and animals that received capsaicin solution (200 nM) and intraperitoneal melatonin (10 mg/kg) (CAP + MEL, n=5). Control rats, receiving vehicle in the cisterna magna, showed a small number of c-fos-positive cells in the TNC (layer I/II) as well as the sham-operated and pinealectomized rats, when compared to animals stimulated by capsaicin. On the other hand, pinealectomized rats, which received capsaicin, presented the highest number of c-fos-positive cells. Animals receiving capsaicin and melatonin treatment had similar expression of the vehicle group. Our data provide experimental evidence to support the role of melatonin and pineal gland in the pathophysiology of neurovascular headaches.

O estudo do comportamento, a dicotomia inato vs. aprendido e sua (possível) superação / Behavior studies, the nature vs. nurture dichotomy and its (possible) overcoming / El estudio del comportamiento, la dicotomía innato vs. aprendido y su (posible) superación / Les études du comportement, la dichotomie inné vs. appris et son (possible) dépassement

Resumo: O debate inato vs. aprendido continua presente na Academia, bem como na sociedade. Considerando tal cenário, este artigo apresenta o desdobrar das discussões que giram em torno das influências ambientais e genéticas, na gênese dos comportamentos. Para isso, primeiramente é apresentada uma reflexão acerca da definição de comportamento com a finalidade de apresentar o objeto da discussão, bem como a imprecisão em sua caracterização. Posteriormente, são destacadas as principais diferenças entre o pensamento behaviorista e o etológico, e em como essas diferenças impactaram a condução de pesquisas, além de sustentar discursos eugenistas e/ou discriminatórios. Por último, disserta-se sobre uma abordagem não-dicotômica ao tema, na forma dos Sistemas em Desenvolvimento, como uma proposta de superação do debate em questão.

Abstract: Given the remaining prominence of nature vs. nurture debate in academia and society, this article discusses environmental and genetic influences on the genesis of behavior. For this purpose, we first present the definition of behavior and discuss the imprecision in its characterization. Next, we examine the main differences between behaviorist and ethological thinking and their impact on research and on the support of eugenic discourses. To conclude, the article discusses a non-dichotomous approach to behavior based on the Developmental Systems Theory framework to overcome such dualism.

Resumen: El debate innato vs. aprendido permanece presente tanto en la academia como en la sociedad. Considerando este escenario, este artículo presenta el desarrollo de discusiones que giran en torno a las influencias ambientales y genéticas en la génesis del comportamiento. Para ello, en primer lugar, se presenta una reflexión sobre la definición de comportamiento con el fin de presentar el objeto de discusión, así como la imprecisión en su caracterización. Posteriormente, se destacan las principales diferencias entre el pensamiento behaviorista y el etológico, y su impacto en la realización de algunas investigaciones, además de fundamentarse en los discursos eugenésicos y/o discriminatorios. Para finalizar, este artículo discute un enfoque no dicotómico del tema, en la modalidad de Sistemas en Desarrollo, como propuesta para superar el debate en cuestión.

Résumé : Le débat inné vs. savant reste toujours présent dans l'Académie ainsi que dans la société. Au vu ce scénario, cet article discute des influences environnementales et génétiques sur la genèse du comportement. Pour ce faire, on reflète sur la définition du comportement et les imprécisions dans sa caractérisation pour ensuite explorer les principales différences entre la pensée béhavioriste et éthologique et leur impact sur certaines recherches et sur le soutien des discours eugéniques. L'article conclu par présentant une approche non dichotomique fondée sur la Developmental Systems Theory pour surmonter le débat en question.

New therapeutic target for pediatric anaplastic ependymoma control: study of anti-tumor activity by a Kunitz-type molecule, Amblyomin-X.

EPNs comprise a heterogeneous group of neuroepithelial tumors, accounting for about 10% of all intracranial tumors in children and up to 30% of brain tumors in those younger than 3 years. Actually, the pattern therapy for low-grade EPNs includes complete surgical resection followed by radiation therapy. Total surgical excision is often not possible due to tumor location. The aim of this study was to evaluate, for the first time, the anti-tumor activity of Amblyomin-X in 4 primary cultures derived from pediatric anaplastic posterior fossa EPN, Group A (anaplastic, WHO grade III) and one primary culture of a high grade neuroepithelial tumor with MN1 alteration, which was initially misdiagnosed as EPN: i) by in vitro assays: comparisons of temozolomide and cisplatin; ii) by intracranial xenograft model. Amblyomin-X was able to induce cell death in EPN cells in a more significant percentage compared to cisplatin. The cytotoxic effects of Amblyomin-X were not detected on hFSCs used as control, as opposed to cisplatin-treatment, which promoted a substantial effect in the hAFSCs viability. TEM analysis showed ultrastructural alterations related to the process of cell death: mitochondrial degeneration, autophagosomes and aggregate-like structures. MRI and histopathological analyzes demonstrated significant tumor mass regression. Our results suggest that Amblyomin-X has a selective effect on tumor cells by inducing apoptotic cell death and may be a therapeutic option for Group AEPNs.

Intravenous Grafts of Human Amniotic Fluid-Derived Stem Cells Reduce Behavioral Deficits in Experimental Ischemic Stroke.

Amniotic fluid has been investigated as new cell source for stem cells in the development of future cell-based transplantation. This study reports isolation of viable human amniotic fluid-derived stem cells, labeled with multimodal iron oxide nanoparticles, and its effect on focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in Wistar rats. Middle cerebral artery occlusion of 60 min followed by reperfusion for 1 h, 6 h, and 24 h was employed in the present study to produce ischemia and reperfusion-induced cerebral injury in rats. Tests were employed to assess the functional outcome of the sensorimotor center activity in the brain, through a set of modified neurological severity scores used to assess motor and exploratory capacity 24 h, 14, and 28 days after receiving cellular therapy via tail vein. In our animal model of stroke, transplanted cells migrated to the ischemic focus, infarct volume decreased, and motor deficits improved. Therefore, we concluded that these cells appear to have beneficial effects on the ischemic brain, possibly based on their ability to enhance endogenous repair mechanisms.

Bilateral breast fibromatosis after silicone prosthetics in a patient with classic familial adenomatous polyposis: A case report.

Breast fibromatosis is a benign fibroblastic proliferation accounting for less than 0.2% of breast tumors. It presents sporadically or as a manifestation of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Fibromatosis in FAP may develop in patients with adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene mutations at any location through the gene. Notably, there is an increased risk if mutation is downstream codon 1400. The present case report described a 33-year-old woman with recurrent bilateral breast fibromatosis after breast implants in a context of classic FAP. APC mutation (codon-935) was detected at the age of 16. In the same year, a thyroidectomy for a cribriform-morular papillary thyroid carcinoma (pT1) was performed. Seven years later, a prophylactic total colectomy with >100 adenomas without invasive carcinoma was performed and the patient was kept under surveillance. At the age of 30 years old, she underwent breast silicone implantation for cosmetic reasons. One year later, bilateral breast tumors were diagnosed in core biopsy as fibromatosis (nuclear ß-catenin+, estrogen receptors-). After no success with medical treatment with tamoxifen, bilateral mastectomy was performed. The patient relapsed one year later and a fibromatosis lesion in the right thoracic wall was excised again. The patient demonstrated no signs of relapse 24 months after the surgery. This rare case illustrates that the increased risk of developing fibromatosis in patients with FAP, even in the classic form, should be considered before deciding to place breast implants.