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The activity of mitochondrial enzymes (succinic dehydrogenase and cytochrome oxidase) and enzymes associated with blood-brain barrier function (butyrylcholinesterase and alkaline phosphatase) in the CNS of rats was studied from 5 minutes to 62 hours after cerebral concussion. There was a transient increase in succinic dehydrogenase activity during the first hour after concussion in the neurons of the structures close to the impact. The alkaline phosphatase activity, strongly positive in the walls of normal blood vessels, decreased within five minutes after concussion; it virtually disappeared in 15 minutes but returned to normal level after 62 hours. These findings are in good correlation with previous electron microscopic observations. Their significance is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The clinical symptoms of thirty patients with surgically treated posterior fossa meningiomas were reviewed. These included 16 cerebellopontine (CPA), 7 cerebellar, 4 carrefour-falco-tentorial (CFT), 2 foramen magnum, and 1 clivus meningiomas. Careful attention to clinical findings is necessary in diagnosing these tumors. With rare exception they have an insidious onset and even after having reached considerable size, the ensuing neurological abnormalities might not be revealing. On occasion there are false localizing neurological findings. Neuroradiological localization is essential to obtain accurate diagnosis and to plan the best operative approach. Radioactive brain scanning offers the best screening method. Although air studies remain useful, angiography of vessels of the posterior fossa is assuming a dominant role in diagnosis and surgical planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The clinical features of 25 cases of olfactory groove meningiomas operated between 1950 and 1970 are presented, discussed and compared with earlier series. Particular attention is focused on early symptoms and diagnostic studies that might lead to earlier recognition of these tumors. The surgical mortality rate was 12 per cent. However, this improvement of operative results over some of the previously reported series does not seem to be related to earlier recognition of the tumors; most of them were very large at the time of operation and the average patients complaints extended over a long period of time before the correct diagnosis was established. Although radioactive brain scanning and carotid angiography are very helpful in outlining these tumors, early surgical treatment is still prevented by the lack of careful and timely evaluation of patients who present the initial symptoms of anosmia, mental abnormalities or visual deterioration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A peculiar abnormality of the precentral cerebellar vein seen only in cystic astrocytoma of the vermis is reported. Implications of this angiographic finding are discussed. The importance of posterior fossa angiography (especially venography) in the diagnosis of posterior fossa mass lesions is emphasized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salvia sclarea essential oil (SSEO) has a long tradition in the food, cosmetic, and perfume industries. The present study aimed to analyze the chemical composition of SSEO, its antioxidant activity, antimicrobial activity in vitro and in situ, antibiofilm, and insecticidal activity. Besides that, in this study, we have evaluated the antimicrobial activity of SSEO constituent ( E )-caryophyllene and standard antibiotic meropenem. Identification of volatile constituents was performed by using gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) techniques. Results obtained indicated that the main constituents of SSEO were linalool acetate (49.1%) and linalool (20.6%), followed by ( E )-caryophyllene (5.1%), p -cimene (4.9%), a-terpineol (4.9%), and geranyl acetate (4.4%). Antioxidant activity was determined as low by the means of neutralization of the DDPH radical and ABTS radical cation. The SSEO was able to neutralize the DPPH radical to an extent of 11.76 ± 1.34%, while its ability to decolorize the ABTS radical cation was determined at 29.70 ± 1.45%. Preliminary results of antimicrobial activity were obtained with the disc diffusion method, while further results were obtained by broth microdilution and the vapor phase method. Overall, the results of antimicrobial testing of SSEO, ( E )-caryophyllene, and meropenem, were moderate. However, the lowest MIC values, determined in the range of 0.22-0.75 µg/mL for MIC50 and 0.39-0.89 µg/mL for MIC90, were observed for ( E )-caryophyllene. The antimicrobial activity of the vapor phase of SSEO (towards microorganisms growing on potato) was significantly stronger than that of the contact application. Biofilm analysis using the MALDI TOF MS Biotyper showed changes in the protein profile of Pseudomonas fluorescens that showed the efficiency of SSEO in inhibiting biofilm formation on stainless-steel and plastic surfaces. The insecticidal potential of SSEO against Oxycarenus lavatera was also demonstrated, and results show that the highest concentration was the most effective, showing insecticidal activity of 66.66%. The results obtained in this study indicate the potential application of SSEO as a biofilm control agent, in the shelf-life extension and storage of potatoes, and as an insecticidal agent.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant, antibiofilm, antimicrobial (in situ and in vitro), insecticidal, and antiproliferative activity of Cupressus sempervirens essential oil (CSEO) obtained from the plant leaf. The identification of the constituents contained in CSEO was also intended by using GC and GC/MS analysis. The chemical composition revealed that this sample was dominated by monoterpene hydrocarbons α-pinene, and δ-3-carene. Free radical scavenging ability, performed by using DPPH and ABTS assays, was evaluated as strong. Higher antibacterial efficacy was demonstrated for the agar diffusion method compared to the disk diffusion method. The antifungal activity of CSEO was moderate. When the minimum inhibitory concentrations of filamentous microscopic fungi were determined, we observed the efficacy depending on the concentration used, except for B. cinerea where the efficacy of lower concentration was more pronounced. The vapor phase effect was more pronounced at lower concentrations in most cases. Antibiofilm effect against Salmonella enterica was demonstrated. The relatively strong insecticidal activity was demonstrated with an LC50 value of 21.07% and an LC90 value of 78.21%, making CSEO potentially adequate in the control of agricultural insect pests. Results of cell viability testing showed no effects on the normal MRC-5 cell line, and antiproliferative effects towards MDA-MB-231, HCT-116, JEG-3, and K562 cells, whereas K562 cells were the most sensitive. Based on our results, CSEO could be a suitable alternative against different types of microorganisms as well as suitable for the control of biofilms. Due to its insecticidal properties, it could be used in the control of agricultural insect pests.

Eucalyptus globulus essential oil (EGEO) is considered as a potential source of bioactive compounds with significant biological activity. The aim of this study was to analyze the chemical composition of EGEO, in vitro and in situ antimicrobial activity, antibiofilm activity, antioxidant activity, and insecticidal activity. The chemical composition was identified using gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The main components of EGEO were 1,8-cineole (63.1%), p -cimene (7.7%), a-pinene (7.3%), and a-limonene (6.9%). Up to 99.2% of monoterpenes were present. The antioxidant potential of essential oil and results indicate that 10 μL of this sample can neutralize 55.44 ± 0.99% of ABTS •+ , which is equivalent to 3.22 ± 0.01 TEAC. Antimicrobial activity was determined via two methods: disk diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration. The best antimicrobial activity was shown against C. albicans (14.00 ± 1.00 mm) and microscopic fungi (11.00 ± 0.00 mm-12.33 ± 0.58 mm). The minimum inhibitory concentration showed the best results against C. tropicalis (MIC 50 2.93 µL/mL, MIC 90 3.17 µL/mL). The antibiofilm activity of EGEO against biofilm-forming P. flourescens was also confirmed in this study. The antimicrobial activity in situ, i.e., in the vapor phase, was significantly stronger than in the contact application. Insecticidal activity was also tested and at concentrations of 100%, 50%, and 25%; the EGEO killed 100% of O. lavaterae individuals. EGEO was comprehensively investigated in this study and information regarding the biological activities and chemical composition of the essential oil of Eucalyptus globulus was expanded.

The essential oil from Litsea cubeba (LCEO) has good antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-insect properties, which gives it the potential for use as a natural additive to food resources and food products in order to prevent spoilage and extend shelf life. In this study the biological activity related to food preservation was observed. The main volatile organic compounds were geranial (39.4%), neral (29.5%), and limonene (14.3%). Antioxidant activity was 30.9%, which was equal to 167.94 µg of Trolox per mL of sample. Antimicrobial activity showed the strongest inhibition against Serratia marcescens by disk diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentrations MIC 50 and MIC 90 were the lowest for Micrococcus luteus with values 1.46 and 3.52 µL/mL, respectively. Antimicrobial activity of the LCEO vapor phase showed strong inhibition of microorganisms on apples, pears, potatoes, and kohlrabies. Over 50% of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and yeasts were inhibited by a concentration of 500 µL/mL. The inhibition of microorganisms was concentration dependent. Anti-insect activity was also strong, with 100% lethality of Pyrrhocoris apterus at a concentration of 25%. These results suggest that LCEO could be potentially used as a food preservative.

Basil ( Ocimum basilicum ) is a commonly used herb; it also contains essential oils and other valuable compounds. The basil oil obtained has a pleasant aroma, but also a broad spectrum of biological activity. This work reports on the chemical composition, antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-insect activity in vitro and in situ of Ocimum basilicum essential oil (OBEO) obtained by steam distillation of fresh flowering plants. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, DPPH, agar and disc diffusion and vapor phase methods were used to analyze the OBEO properties. The analysis of the chemical composition of OBEO showed that its main components were methyl chavicol (88.6%), 1,8-cineole (4.2%) and α-trans-bergamotene (1.7%). A strong antioxidant effect was demonstrated at the level of 77.3%. The analysis of antimicrobial properties showed that OBEO exerts variable strength of inhibiting activity against various groups of microorganisms. The growth inhibition zones ranged from 9.67 to 15.33 mm in Gram-positive (G + ) and Gram-negative (G - ) bacteria and from 5.33 to 7.33 mm in yeast. The lowest measured minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) was 3.21 µL/mL against Gram-negative Azotobacter chrococcum and Gram-positive Micrococcus luteus . The antimicrobial activity of in situ vapor phase of OBEO was also confirmed on apples, pears, potatoes and kohlrabi. The highest insecticidal activity against Pyrrhocoris apterus , observed at the concentration of 100%, caused the death of 80% of individuals. Due to its broad spectrum of activity, OBEO seems an ideal candidate for preserving fruit and vegetables.

The goal of the study was to quantify and identify patterns in circadian movements of small-leaved lime ( Tillia cordata ) saplings with the help of terrestrial laser scanning (TLS). The movements were monitored every 60 min 24 h a day and every 30 min in the hour of sunrise and sunset. In order to exclude wind effects the monitored saplings were indoors. The resulting point clouds were used in creating a time series of branch and foliage movements with high precision. The circadian vertical movement of saplings was evaluated through target points, which has a potential of capturing the point-wise movement more accurately. Our results clearly show that small saplings move their branches and leaves during 24 h in complex ways and that is difficult to identify general patterns. Since we worked with small saplings and our movement threshold was 5 mm, we detected random fluctuation-oscillation as the most common movement in monitored saplings. The results highlight the potential of TLS measurements in support of chronobiology and the possibilities to analyze circadian movements of saplings in controlled environment., (Copyright © 2020 Bakay and Moravčík.)

The history of the arachnoid membrane from antiquity to the present time is presented, including its anatomy, histology, and role in the absorption of cerebrospinal fluid. Special regard is given to the pioneering work of Key and Retzius.

Olfactory meningiomas are benign, slow-growing intracranial tumors arising from the dura along the cribriform plate. The first clinical symptom is anosmia followed, usually after several years, by dementia and visual deterioration. A series of 36 patients are presented; in all cases but one, their conditions were diagnosed late and not until the tumor had reached a very large size. By the time the proper diagnosis was made and the tumors were surgically removed, mental or visual disability was often irreversible. Conditions of patients initially seen with anosmia should be investigated by presently available noninvasive diagnostic methods including computed tomographic scanning.

The life and contributions to neurosurgery of Francois Quesnay, a French surgeon who was active during the mid-18th century, are presented. Quesnay, still famous as economist and as the founder of one of the earliest systems of economics, is largely forgotten as a surgeon, although he was the first to advocate cortical incision and exploration of the brain for abscesses and tumors.

Cerebral concussion was produced in rats by an iron pendulum hitting the external occipital protuberance. This resulted in loss of consciousness lasting from 3 to 10 minutes with prompt recovery and no focal neurological signs. The energy absorbed by the head at the impact was calculated to be about 1450 gm/cm. Light microscopic survey showed only minor pathological changes. However, electron microscopic observation revealed considerable alteration which began at 30 minutes, reached a peak at 1 hour, and disappeared at 24 hours after concussion. The salient changes included severe swelling of the neuronal mitochondria at the point of impact (occipital cortex), and extracellular edema at the site of contre coup (frontal lobe). Topographically, the most severe alteration was seen in structures at the craniospinal junction (medulla oblongata and upper cervical cord), consisting of both mitochondrial and edematous changes. Although there was no visible opening of the capillary interendothelial junctions, extravasated ferritin particles were accumulated in the edematous regions, indicating a transient increase in the permeability of the blood-brain barrier.

The distribution of relaxation rates of water in "normal" (autopsy) samples of canine and human brain shows considerable overlap with that for brain tumor samples. The following ranges of values for the spin-spin relaxation rates were observed: for normal brain gray matter, 8.6 to 11.3 sec(-1) (mean, 9.5 sec(-1)); for normal brain white matter, 13.3 to 15.7 sec(-1) (mean, 15.5 sec(-1)); for six types of malignant tumor, 4.8 to 13.4 sec(-1) (mean, 9.3 sec(-1)); for five types of benign tumor, 7.1 to 16.4 sec(-1) (mean, 11.5 sec(-1)). Spin-lattice relaxation rates showed a similar pattern. At least two nonexchanging water components with different relaxation rates were indicated by the analysis of the spin-spin relaxation measurements for the white matter samples.

The contribution to the treatment of head injuries from Richard Wiseman, a Royalist surgeon during the English Civil War culminating in the battle of Worcester (1651), is presented. Wiseman's surgical surgical skill and vast experience was expressed in his book based on 600 personally treated patients.

The early contribution of various authors to the pathologic anatomy and clinical symptoms of meningiomas is presented with special regard to the work of Jean Cruveilhier.