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Pediatric brain tumors, particularly those affecting the brainstem, present a significant challenge due to their intricate anatomical location and diverse classification. This review explores the classification, anatomical considerations, and surgical approaches for pediatric brainstem tumors, focusing on recent updates from the World Health Organization (WHO) classification. Brainstem tumors encompass a spectrum from diffuse gliomas to focal intrinsic and exophytic types, each presenting unique clinical and surgical challenges. Surgical strategies have evolved with advancements in neuroimaging and surgical techniques, emphasizing approaches such as neuroendoscopy and tailored incisions to minimize damage to critical structures. Despite the complexities involved, recent developments offer promising outcomes in tumor resection and patient management, highlighting ongoing advancements in neurosurgical care for pediatric brain tumors., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

This study aimed to investigate the association between vitamin D (VitD) levels, polymorphisms in VDR gene (ApaI, BsmI, FokI, and TaqI) and the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in a group of Brazilian women. A total of 100 patients with PCOS and 100 control women were included. The quantification of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) was performed in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Polymorphisms on VDR gene were performed by PCR-RFLP. The BsmI AG genotype was more frequent in PCOS group, while the GG genotype was more frequent in the control group (p = .007). The frequency of the Taql CC genotype was higher in PCOS group, while the CT genotype was the most frequent in the control group (p = .021). Mean serum VitD levels were similar between the groups. However, there was a negative correlation between VitD levels and Ferriman-Gallwey score (p = .031, r = -.260) in the PCOS group. The TaqI and BsmI polymorphisms were associated with PCOS. Moreover, VitD levels are associated with the clinical hyperandrogenism. The data suggest the role of VitD in PCOS development and its complications.

Dyslipidemia is one of the common metabolic disorders in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a new component of lipid metabolism and correlated to the development of dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis. This protein acts by preventing the recycling of LDL receptors (LDL-r) back to the cell surface and thus generates higher levels of LDLc. The objective of this study was to evaluate the PCSK9 polymorphisms rs505151 (c.2009A>G), rs562556 (c.1420A>G) and rs11206510 (T>C) and plasma PCSK9 levels in PCOS. A group of women with PCOS (n=97), and a group of healthy women (control, n=99) were selected. Biochemical parameters were determined by using Vitros system and polymorphisms were assessed by TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays. Plasma PCSK9 levels or PCSK9 polymorphisms were not associated with PCOS. The genotype rs11206510TT was associated with higher levels of PCSK9 in both groups. The population investigated (PCOS+control groups) with the rs505151AA genotype presented higher HDLc levels. The GG genotype regarding rs562556 polymorphism was associated with higher HDLc in PCOS group, while the AA genotype carriers had higher plasma testosterone levels when evaluated all women in a same group. The results were the same by comparing recessive and dominant model despite PCOS or both groups altogether. Our results suggest that PCSK9 is not altered specifically in PCOS, but it could be associated with in lipid and androgen metabolism in Brazilian women., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Proteomic studies suggest an association between haptoglobin (Hp) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Hp is a classic inflammatory marker and binds to the intravascular hemoglobin, avoiding the oxidative damages that can be caused by free hemoglobin. Inflammation and oxidative stress are important in the pathogenesis of the PCOS, one of the most frequent metabolic diseases in women., Methods: To validate these proteomic studies, we developed a controlled cross-sectional study that aimed to evaluate the Hp levels and allelic and genotypic frequencies of Hp1-Hp2 polymorphism in Brazilian women with PCOS. We also investigated the correlation between Hp levels and several important parameters in PCOS as follows: body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), fasting glucose, post-prandial glucose, homeostatic model assessment (HOMA), lipid accumulation product (LAP), C-reactive protein (CRP), and metabolization test of tetrazolium salts (MTTs-serum antioxidant capacity)., Results: Plasma Hp levels were higher in the PCOS group than in controls [8.20 (4.04) g/L; 7.98 (3.31) g/L; p = 0.018]. No significant difference was observed in the frequency of Hp1-Hp2 genotypes under additive, recessive, or dominant model of inheritance between the PCOS and the control groups. Plasma Hp levels did not differ according to the genotype. However, plasma Hp showed a negative correlation with MTT (r = - 0.383; p = 0.028), as well as a positive correlation with CRP (r = 0.361; p = 0.014) in the PCOS group., Conclusion: Hp1-Hp2 polymorphism is not associated with PCOS but plasma Hp could be a potential biomarker for PCOS and its complications.

Despite a strong increase in research on seamounts and oceanic islands ecology and biogeography, many basic aspects of their biodiversity are still unknown. In the southwestern Atlantic, the Vitória-Trindade Seamount Chain (VTC) extends ca. 1,200 km offshore the Brazilian continental shelf, from the Vitória seamount to the oceanic islands of Trindade and Martin Vaz. For a long time, most of the biological information available regarded its islands. Our study presents and analyzes an extensive database on the VTC fish biodiversity, built on data compiled from literature and recent scientific expeditions that assessed both shallow to mesophotic environments. A total of 273 species were recorded, 211 of which occur on seamounts and 173 at the islands. New records for seamounts or islands include 191 reef fish species and 64 depth range extensions. The structure of fish assemblages was similar between islands and seamounts, not differing in species geographic distribution, trophic composition, or spawning strategies. Main differences were related to endemism, higher at the islands, and to the number of endangered species, higher at the seamounts. Since unregulated fishing activities are common in the region, and mining activities are expected to drastically increase in the near future (carbonates on seamount summits and metals on slopes), this unique biodiversity needs urgent attention and management.