Evolutionary and anthropological perspectives on the sella turcica: from vertebrate origins to neurosurgical relevance.

The sella turcica, a saddle-shaped depression of the sphenoid bone, serves as a critical anatomical structure housing the pituitary gland and holds significant evolutionary, clinical, and anthropological importance. This review traces the evolutionary origins of the sella turcica from early vertebrates through mammalian and primate evolution, emphasizing its role in the stabilization and protection of neuroendocrine functions. Morphological stability of the sella turcica across hominin evolution highlights strong selective pressures on cranial base anatomy, despite broader craniofacial diversification.

Advanced MRI, Radiomics and Radiogenomics in Unravelling Incidental Glioma Grading and Genetic Status: Where Are We?

The 2021 WHO classification of brain tumours revolutionised the oncological field by emphasising the role of molecular, genetic and pathogenetic advances in classifying brain tumours. In this context, incidental gliomas have been increasingly identified due to the widespread performance of standard and advanced MRI sequences and represent a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. The impactful decision to perform a surgical procedure deeply relies on the non-invasive identification of features or parameters that may correlate with brain tumour genetic profile and grading.

Ultrasonic Surgical Aspirator in Intramedullary Spinal Cord Tumours Treatment: A Simulation Study of Vibration and Temperature Field.

The aim of this work is to analyse the effectiveness of the medical use of the Cavitron Ultrasonic Surgical Aspirator (CUSA) in microsurgical treatment of Intramedullary Spinal Cord Tumors (IMSCTs), with a focus on the thermo-mechanical effects on neighbouring tissues to assess any potential damage. Indeed, CUSA emerges as an innovative solution, minimally invasive tumor excision technique, enabling controlled and focused operations. This study employs a Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to simulate the vibratory and thermal interactions occurring during CUSA application.

Ecotoxicological assessment of the environmental risks of a glyphosate-based herbicide recently introduced in the Brazilian market: a perspective from plant-based bioassays.

This study determined the phytotoxic and cytogenetic effects of two glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs): XEQUE MATE HT IHARA® (restricted agricultural use - GBHn) and CITROMAX MAX 20 (used for gardening, sold for the general public - GBHg). Phytotoxicity bioassays were conducted using four non-target species (, , , and ) and one target species (). Both GBHs significantly reduced germination rate (G%), germination speed index (GSI), fresh mass (FM), and seedling growth (SG) in a dose-dependent manner.

Evaluation of Oligo-Fucoidan as a potentially beneficial adjunct to BNCT in a novel oral cancer and precancer experimental model.

The high mortality and morbidity of Head and Neck cancer patients and the toxicity associated to oncological treatments suggest the need for more selective and non-toxic therapies. BNCT (Boron Neutron Capture Therapy) is based on the capture reaction between boron-10, selectively targeted to tumor tissue, and a thermal neutron. In this study, an oral cancer and precancer model was used to study the therapeutic effect and radiotoxicity of BNCT mediated by BPA (boronphenylalanine) [BPA-BNCT] at short and medium-term follow-up.