Exposure to 2.45 GHz radiofrequency modulates calcitonin-dependent activity and HSP-90 protein in parafollicular cells of rat thyroid gland.

In this study we analyzed the response of parafollicular cells in rat thyroid gland after exposure to radiofrequency at 2.45 GHz using a subthermal experimental diathermy model. Forty-two Sprague Dawley rats, divided into two groups of 21 rats each, were individually exposed at 0 (control), 3 or 12 W in a Gigahertz Transverse Electro-Magnetic (GTEM) chamber for 30 min. After radiation, we used simple or fluorescence immunohistochemistry to measure calcitonin cells or cellular stress levels, indicated by the presence hyperplasia of parafollicular cells, heat shock protein (HSP) 90. Immunomarking of calcitonin-positive cells was statistically significant higher in the thyroid tissue of rats exposed to 2.45 GHz radiofrequency and cell hyperplasia appeared 90 min after radiation at the SAR levels studied. At the same time, co-localized expression of HSP-90 and calcitonin in parafollicular cells was statistically significant attenuated 90 min after radiation and remained statistically significantly low 24 h after radiation, even though parafollicular cell levels normalized. These facts indicate that subthermal radiofrequency (RF) at 2.45 GHz constitutes a negative external stress stimulus that alters the activity and homeostasis of parafollicular cells in the rat thyroid gland. However, further research is needed to determine if there is toxic action in human C cells.

Molecular detection and identification of spotted fever group rickettsiae in ticks collected from horses in Cuba.

Spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae are obligatory intracellular bacteria that cause disease in humans and other animals. Ixodid ticks are the principal vectors of SFG rickettsiae. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence and species identity of SFG rickettsiae in ticks and horses from urban and rural areas of western Cuba using PCR assays. Tick samples, collected from 79 horses, consisted of 14 Amblyomma mixtum adults, 111 Dermacentor nitens adults and 19 pools of D. nitens nymphs (2-5 individuals/pool). The PCR results revealed the presence of Rickettsia spp. in 64% of the A. mixtum adults, 16% of the D. nitens adults, and 11% of the pooled samples of D. nitens nymphs. In contrast, Rickettsia spp. was not detected in any of the 200 horse blood samples included in this study. DNA sequence data of the rickettsial 17 kDa antigen gene showed that Rickettsia amblyommatis was present in A. mixtum; and Rickettsia felis in D. nitens. This is the first report of R. felis in D. nitens in Cuba. The present study extends our knowledge of the potential vector spectrum and distribution of SFG rickettsiae pathogens in western Cuba.

Experimental datasets of networks of nonlinear oscillators: Structure and dynamics during the path to synchronization.

The analysis of the interplay between structural and functional networks require experiments where both the specific structure of the connections between nodes and the time series of the underlying dynamical units are known at the same time. However, real datasets typically contain only one of the two ways (structural or functional) a network can be observed. Here, we provide experimental recordings of the dynamics of 28 nonlinear electronic circuits coupled in 20 different network configurations. For each network, we modify the coupling strength between circuits, going from an incoherent state of the system to a complete synchronization scenario. Time series containing 30000 points are recorded using a data-acquisition card capturing the analogic output of each circuit. The experiment is repeated three times for each network structure allowing to track the path to the synchronized state both at the level of the nodes (with its direct neighbours) and at the whole network. These datasets can be useful to test new metrics to evaluate the coordination between dynamical systems and to investigate to what extent the coupling strength is related to the correlation between functional and structural networks.

Comparative study between Plate-Graff, Plate-Cage and peek cage in cervical spine fusion.

OBJECTIVE: To compare results of Plate-Graff, Plate-Cage and PEEK cage in patients with cervical stenosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective, with before and after intervention and comparative study. From January 2005 to October 2011 we included 37 patients (male: 48.6%, female: 51.4%) post-surgery by anterior approach; 3 groups via: Group I, arthrodesis with Plate-Graff n = 12 (M 41.7%, F 58.3%) with 22 levels, group II, Plate-Cage n = 11 (M 63.6% 36.4% F) 19 levels, group III, PEEK cage, n = 14 (M 0% F 50%) with 25 levels. Functional assessment pre- and postoperative with neck disability index (NDI) and visual analogue scale for pain (VAS). The radiological assessment with X-rays only. Descriptive statistics were obtained. Wilcoxon method use according to data distribution, non parametric tests of ranges with sign of Kruskal-Wallis for comparison between more than two groups, and significance level with p 0.05. We used the statistical package SPSS version 15. RESULTS: The majority of patients was found between the sixth and eighth decade of life. At one year of follow up the NDI and pain with VAS shown improvement with statistical difference in three groups (p = 0.001). However, the radiographic measurements per year of follow-up showed a significant improvement of segmental lordosis (p = 0.02) only in patients with Plate-Graff. CONCLUSIONS: Using the graft offers best clinical and radiographic results compared with the Plate Cage and box peek to one year of follow-up.

OBJETIVO: Comparar resultados de placa-injerto, caja-placa y caja-PEEK, en pacientes con conducto cervical estrecho. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio prospectivo, en panel antes y después, de intervención y comparativo. De Enero de 2005 a Octubre de 2011, muestra de 37 pacientes (masculino: 48.6%, femenino: 51.4%) postoperados por vía anterior; formando tres grupos: grupo I, artrodesis con placa-injerto n = 12 (M 41.7%, F 58.3%) con 22 niveles; grupo II, caja-placa n = 11 (M 63.6%, F 36.4%) con 19 niveles; grupo III, caja-PEEK, n = 14 (M 50%, F 50%) con 25 niveles. La evaluación funcional pre- y postoperatoria mediante la escala de discapacidad cervical y escala visual análoga de dolor. La evaluación radiológica con radiografías de columna cervical. Se obtuvo estadística descriptiva. De acuerdo con la distribución de los datos se usaron pruebas no paramétricas de rangos con signo de Wilcoxon, y Kruskal-Wallis para comparación entre más de dos grupos. Con nivel de significancia de p0.05. Se utilizó el paquete estadístico SPSS versión 15. RESULTADOS: La mayoría de los pacientes se encontró entre la sexta y octava década de la vida. Al año de postoperados el índice de discapacidad cervical y mejoría del dolor con EVA mostraron mejoría con diferencia estadística en los tres grupos (p = 0.001). Sin embargo, las mediciones radiográficas al año de seguimiento mostraron una mejoría significativa de la lordosis segmentaria (p = 0.02) sólo en pacientes operados con placa-injerto. CONCLUSIONES: El uso de la placa-injerto ofrece mejores resultados clínicos y radiográficos en comparación con la caja-placa y caja-PEEK, al año de seguimiento.

A new technique of pedicle screw placement with the use of sequential multilevel navigation templates based on patient-specific 3D CT reconstruction model: applicability in spine deformity.

INTRODUCTION: The technique of placement of pedicle screws has gradually improved, but even misplacement observed in 1.2 to 20% of cases, have appeared techniques fluoroscopic, tomographic and electromagnetic navigation, which led it to 1.3 to 4.3%, but nevertheless they are expensive and complex technologies. Present technique pedicle screw placement by using templates with a modification in the art, performing tomography and reconstruction in the same surgical position and with the templates of 3 or more levels. METHODS: Five cases of idiopathic scoliosis were performed, with correction and instrumentation with pedicular screws, where a three-dimensional model of the spine was performed with a tomography in a surgical position, whose images were exported to a 3D printer to reconstruct the desired trajectory of the screws in a template using cylinders resting on the inverse surface of the vertebrae. The direction of the screw was planned in the center of the pedicle and parallel to the upper platform of the vertebra. Each template was of several levels and transoperative X-rays were not used. RESULTS: Under electrophysiologic monitoring transoperative «red alerts¼ were not reported, the placement of the screws in postoperative CT scan was evaluated, showing a standard deviation in placement of 1.9 and 2.2 mm on the right and left respectively pedicles, with respect to their planning. DISCUSSION: This technique is simple and safe, besides not requiring great technology, its use is suggested in beginner spine surgeons and in severe deformities, it can be performed in any hospital where spinal surgery is performed.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La técnica de colocación de tornillos transpediculares ha mejorado paulatinamente, a pesar de ello, la mala colocación oscila entre 1.2 al 20% de los casos; han surgido técnicas de navegación asistidas por flouroscopía, tomografía y resonancia magnética mejorando el índice de falla al 1.3-4.3%. La presente técnica de colocación utiliza plantillas con la modificación de que la tomografía y la reconstrucción son realizadas con el paciente en la posición quirúrgica, además que las plantillas abarcan tres o más niveles. MÉTODOS: Se presentan cinco casos de escoliosis idiopática tratados con instrumentación y colocación de tornillos transpediculares donde se generó un modelo tridimensional de la columna en posición quirúrgica; las imágenes fueron exportadas a una impresora 3-D para reconstruir la trayectoria apropiada de los tornillos, la dirección de éstos fue planeada tomando de referencia el centro del pedículo y paralela a la plataforma superior de la vértebra. Cada plantilla consta de diferentes niveles y no se requirió del uso de rayos X trans­operatorios. RESULTADOS: Bajo monitoreo electrofisiológico transquirúrgico no se reportó ninguna «alerta roja¼; la evaluación postoperatoria por tomografía de la colocación de los tornillos mostró una desviación estándar de 1.9 y 2.2 mm tanto a la derecha y a la izquierda, respectivamente, de acuerdo con lo planeado. DISCUSIÓN: La técnica es simple y segura, no requiere de mucho despliegue tecnológico, se sugiere su uso para los cirujanos de columna con poca experiencia y para deformidades severas; consideramos que puede desarrollarse en cualquier hospital donde se realice cirugía de columna.

EMF radiation at 2450 MHz triggers changes in the morphology and expression of heat shock proteins and glucocorticoid receptors in rat thymus.

AIMS: Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) can act as inducers or mediators of stress response through the production of heat shock proteins (HSPs) that modulate immune response and thymus functions. In this study, we analyzed cellular stress levels in rat thymus after exposure of the rats to a 2.45 GHz radio frequency (RF) using an experimental diathermic model in a Gigahertz Transverse Electromagnetic (GTEM) chamber. MAIN METHODS: In this experiment, we used H&E staining, the ELISA test and immunohistochemistry to examine Hsp70 and Hsp90 expression in the thymus and glucocorticoid receptors (GR) of 64 female Sprague­Dawley rats exposed individually to 2.45 GHz (at 0, 1.5, 3.0 or 12.0 W power). The 1 g averaged peak and mean SAR values in the thymus and whole body of each rat to ensure that sub-thermal levels of radiation were being reached. KEY FINDINGS: The thymus tissue presented several morphological changes, including increased distribution of blood vessels along with the appearance of red blood cells and hemorrhagic reticuloepithelial cells. Levels of Hsp90 decreased in the thymus when animals were exposed to the highest power level (12 W), but only one group did not show recovery after 24 h. Hsp70 presented no significant modifications in any of the groups. The glucocorticoid receptors presented greater immunomarking on the thymic cortex in exposed animals. SIGNIFICANCE: Our results indicate that non-ionizing sub-thermal radiation causes changes in the endothelial permeability and vascularization of the thymus, and is a tissue-modulating agent for Hsp90 and GR.

[Comparative study between plate-graft, cage-plate and peek cage in cervical arthrodesis for cervical stenosis]. / Estudio comparativo entre placa-injerto, caja-placa y caja de PEEK en artrodesis de la columna cervical con conducto cervical estrecho.

INTRODUCTION: A variety of systems have been developed to fix and perform arthrodesis of the cervical spine, with the advantages of reducing the risk of pseudoarthrosis, extrusion and graft collapse and achieving a more precise sagittal alignment. We therefore need to compare the results of the following approaches to patients with cervical stenosis: plate-graft, cage-plate and PEEK cage. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective, interventional, comparative trial involving three groups: group I, arthrodesis with plate-graft; group II, cage-plate, and group III, PEEK cage. The pre- and postoperative assessments included the cervical disability scale, the pain visual analog scale (VAS), and cervical spine X-rays. The results were analyzed with non-parametric tests such as the Wilcoxon sign test and the Kruskal-Wallis test for the comparison of more than two groups. Significance level was 0.05. RESULTS: The sample included a total of 37 patients: n = 12 in group I, with 22 levels; n = 11 in group II, with 19 levels, and n = 14 in group III, with 25 levels. Patient age ranged between 60 and 80. One year after surgery there was an improvement in cervical disability and the pain VAS score, with a statistically significant difference among the three groups (p = 0.001). However, radiographic measurements at that time showed a significant improvement in segmental lordosis (p = 0.02) only in plate-graft patients. CONCLUSIONS: The plate-graft approach provides better clinical and radiographic results compared to the cage-plate and PEEK cage techniques, at the one-year follow- up.

[Degenerative adult scoliosis]. / Escoliosis degenerativa del adulto.

Adult scoliosis is a complex three-dimensional rotational deformity of the spine, resulting from the progressive degeneration of the vertebral elements in middle age, in a previously straight spine; a Cobb angle greater than 10° in the coronal plane, which also alters the sagittal and axial planes. It originates an asymmetrical degenerative disc and facet joint, creating asymmetrical loads and subsequently deformity. The main symptom is axial, radicular pain and neurological deficit. Conservative treatment includes drugs and physical therapy. The epidural injections and facet for selectively blocking nerve roots improves short-term pain. Surgical treatment is reserved for patients with intractable pain, radiculopathy and/ or neurological deficits. There is no consensus for surgical indications, however, it must have a clear understanding of the symptoms and clinical signs. The goal of surgery is to decompress neural elements with restoration, modification of the three-dimensional shape deformity and stabilize the coronal and sagittal balance.

Frequency of tooth brushing and associated factors in Mexican schoolchildren six to nine years of age.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of daily tooth brushing and evaluate some variables associated. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out in 320 schoolchildren six to nine years old in Campeche, Mexico. Information on sociodemographic and socio-economic variables, oral hygiene practices and attitudes were collected through a questionnaire. The frequency of tooth brushing was categorized as "0" = fewer than seven times/week, "1" = at least once a day. In the analysis, nonparametric tests were used. RESULTS: Mean age was 6.99 +/- 1.00 years, 52.5% were boys. The prevalence of daily tooth brushing was 81.6%. In bivariate analysis, the prevalence of tooth brushing was higher (p < 0.05) among the children of mothers with higher schooling (9.80 years vs 8.47 years, p < 0.05), and in younger children (84.6% in 6-7-year olds vs 71.2% in 8-9-year olds, p < 0.05). A slight, non-significant association (p < 0.10) was noted between the current frequency of tooth brushing and an earlier age when the child first started brushing with toothpaste. There were no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) in the frequency of tooth brushing by gender or by the mother's attitude toward the oral health of her child. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of daily tooth brushing was high compared to other studies. Mother's maximum level of schooling (as an indicator of socio-economic position) was associated with higher frequency of tooth brushing. Maternal characteristics are associated with the oral health behaviour of their children.

[Functional results of surgery for cervical stenosis]. / Resultados funcionales de la cirugía del conducto cervical estrecho.

INTRODUCTION: Cervical stenosis refers to the narrowing of the spinal canal or the intervertebral foramina at different anatomic levels, secondary to pathologic processes of the vertebral elements. Surgical management is used when conservative management fails. The anterior and posterior approaches are the most frequently used ones, and the surgical options resulting from these approaches are: anterior cervical diskectomy plus fusion, anterior corporectomy plus fusion, laminoplasty, laminectomy and arthroplasty. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This is an ambispective study conducted in 195 patients with a diagnosis of cervical stenosis who required surgical treatment at our hospital from January 1995 to January 2007. The neck disability index questionnaire was applied, as well as the Nurick scale. Descriptive statistics was used with frequency and percentage measures. RESULTS: The review of the National Rehabilitation Institute electronic records from January 1st 1995 to December 31st 2007 showed that 195 patients underwent surgery for cervical stenosis. Females were predominant. The most affected age group was 46-55 years. The most frequently affected level was C5-C6. A significant improvement was seen in the neck disability index due to pain and the Nurick scale. CONCLUSION: According to world literature, mean age of patients with cervical stenosis is 57.2 years, and the most compromised levels were C4-C5 and C5-C6. Improvement was evident according to the neck disability index and the Nurick scale.

[Utility of ligamentoplasty for the prevention of adjacent segment disease above 360 degree arthrodesis in degenerative lumbar spondylosis. Preliminary report]. / Utilidad de la ligamentoplastía para la prevención de la artrodesis en espondilolistesis lumbar degenerativa. Reporte preliminar.

BACKGROUND: Ligamentoplasty is a dynamic stabilization method used to treat lumbar stenosis and resect lumbar herniated discs with good results. The objective of this paper is to report preliminary results of the utility of ligamentoplasty to prevent adjacent segment disease above the arthrodesis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two groups of patients with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis who underwent circumferential arthrodesis. In 23 patients a dynamic stabilization system was placed in the segment above (group L), while this system was not used in 35 patients (group S). Degeneration and disease of the segment above were assessed. The statistical analysis was done with the SPSS 15.0 software. RESULTS: At the one-year follow-up, the incidence rate of adjacent segment degeneration was 11% for group L and 0% for group S; at the two-year follow-up it was 13% in both groups; at three years, 0% for group L and 19% for group S; at four years, 25% for group L and 0% for group S. At five years, 50% for group L and 0% for group S. Clinically significant radiculopathy occurred in two patients five years after surgery, one of whom also had adjacent segment disease. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the follow-up, at this moment it is not possible to show the utility of dynamic stabilization through ligamentoplasty to avoid adjacent segment disease above the arthrodesis.

Maternal characteristics and treatment needs as predictors of dental health services utilisation among Mexican school children.

AIM: To determine whether maternal characteristics and treatment needs are associated with dental health services utilization (DHSU) in school children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study in 1373 school children aged 6- 12 years in elementary schools in Campeche, Mexico collected family and sociodemographic characteristics; an oral examination was conducted. The dependent variable was DHSU in the year preceding the study. RESULTS: DHSU prevalence was 65.5%. The variables associated (p<0.05) with DHSU in the final multivariate model were age (OR=1.27), maternal schooling (OR=1.07), mother's attitude toward oral health (OR=1.39), frequency of tooth brushing (OR=1.83), enamel defects (OR=1.55), and unmet oral health needs (moderate: OR=1.42 and high: OR=2.30). CONCLUSION: Specific sociodemographic and maternal variables were associated with DHSU. Strategies are needed to increase appropriate and timely use of services to improve health status.

Association between developmental enamel defects in the primary and permanent dentitions.

AIM: To determine if the presence of developmental enamel defects (DED) in the primary dentition is a risk indicator for the presence of DED in the permanent dentition in children with mixed dentition, as well as others factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was undertaken in 1296 school children ages six to 72 years. The DED [FDI; 1982] in both dentitions were identified by means of an oral exam scoring enamel opacities [classified as demarcated or diffused], and enamel hypoplasia. Sociodemographic and socioeconomic variables were collected through a questionnaire. Socioeconomic status (SES) was determined based on the occupation and maximum level of education of parents. Statistical analysis included logistic regression. RESULTS: Mean age of participants was 8.40 +/- 1.68; 51.6% were boys. DED prevalence was 7.5% in the permanent dentition and 10.0% in the primary dentition. The logistic regression model, adjusting for sociodemographic and socioeconomic variables, showed that for each primary tooth with DED, the odds of observing DED in the permanent dentition increased 7.38 times [95% CI = 1.17-1.64; p < 0.001]. CONCLUSION: An association between DED presence in both permanent and primary dentitions was observed. Further studies are necessary to fully characterise such relationship.

Flora alergógena urbana y polen atmosférico de Diamante (Argentina) / Allergenic urban flora and airborne pollen in the air of Diamante (Argentina)

El polen del aire produce rinitis, conjuntivitis y asma, lo que lleva a una disminución en la calidad de vida. Las especies más abundantes de la vegetación son en general, las que aportan mayoritariamente al registro atmosférico de polen. Sin embargo, esta relación puede variar dependiendo de la cercanía de las fuentes y de la estrategia reproductiva de las plantas emisoras. En este trabajo realizado en la ciudad de Diamante (Entre Ríos, Argentina), se analizó la vegetación arbórea en cuanto a abundancia, diversidad, distribución territorial, tipo de polinización y potencialidad alergénica, para luego evaluar su relación con el polen que se registró en la atmósfera durante un ciclo anual, utilizando un método aerobiológico volumétrico y continuo bajo estándares internacionales. Se observó que la vegetación analizada presenta una gran diversidad. Los representantes de las familias más abundantes en la vegetación tienen polinización entomófila, como Tabebuia impetiginosa y Tecoma stans. Por otra parte, el 34% de los árboles correspondió a familias de polinización anemófila. Los árboles cercanos al muestreador aerobiológico (dentro de las áreas local y extralocal) son las principales fuentes de polen que contribuyen al espectro atmosférico, especialmente los árboles anemófilos. Entre ellos cabe mencionar: Fraxinus pennsylvanica, Ulmus procera y Broussonetia papyrifera. El polen de especies anemófilas en su mayoría tiene características alergénicas y son potencialmente perjudiciales para la salud. Los resultados obtenidos no sólo son importantes para ajustar el modelo aerobiológico de la ciudad, sino que sirven de fundamento para planificar el arbolado urbano.(AU)

Airborne pollen produces rhinitis, conjunctivitis and asthma, leading to a decreased quality of life. In general, the most abundant vegetation species are also present in greater amounts in the pollen spectrum. However, this relationship can vary depending on the proximity of the sources and the plant reproductive strategy. This work was carried out in Diamante city (Entre Ríos, Argentina). Abundance, diversity, territorial distribution, type of pollination, and allergenic potential of vegetation were analyzed to finally assess the relationship with the pollen recorded in the atmosphere during one annual cycle. A volumetric and continuous aerobiological method under international protocols was used to sample the airborne pollen. It was observed that urban vegetation is diverse. Families more abundant in vegetation have insect-pollinated species as representatives: Tabebuia impetiginosa and Tecoma stans. On the other hand, 34% of the trees corresponded to wind-pollinated families. The trees near the aerobiological sampler (within local and extralocal areas) were the main pollen sources contributing to the atmospheric pollen spectrum, especially those wind-pollinated tree species as Fraxinus pennsylvanica, Ulmus procera and Broussonetia papyrifera. Pollen from wind-pollinated species is most likely to be allergenic and so, potentially harmful to health. The results are important not only to adjust the aerobiological model of the city, but also as a basis to plan urban forest(AU)

Recurrent dislocation after total hip arthroplasty: treatment with an Achilles tendon allograft.

Surgical treatment of recurrent dislocation after total hip arthroplasty (THA) is challenging with often disappointing results. Among possible causes of dislocation, the influence of the static soft tissue restraint provided by the hip capsule is important, and restoration of its integrity and function is a major goal of treatment. We describe a new technique in which an Achilles tendon allograft is employed as a checkrein to limit hip internal rotation and to prevent posterior instability. Ten unstable THAs were treated using this technique, eliminating instability in 6. At an average follow-up of 3 years, Achilles tendon allograft augmentation has proved to be a useful adjunct for the treatment of recurrent posterior dislocation after THA in selected patients.

Pediatric chordoid glioma with chondroid metaplasia.

Chordoid gliomas are uncommon primary brain tumors that arise in the region of the third ventricle. Reports of this entity to date have been limited to adults. We present a case of a chordoid glioma arising in the hypothalamic/third ventricle region of a 12-year-old male who presented with visual symptoms. The neoplasm consisted of cords and clusters of well-differentiated, spindled-to-rounded cells containing abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm within a prominent mucinous matrix. Unlike other chordoid gliomas, this lesion contained islands and sheets showing cartilaginous differentiation intermixed with the glial component. A graded transition between neoplastic glial and chondroid regions was evident, and cells in both regions were strongly immunoreactive for GFAP and S-100. Cartilaginous metaplasia is infrequent in gliomas, but occurs most often in pediatric neoplasms of the midline such as this chordoid glioma. Thus, chondroid metaplasia represents an unusual histopathologic feature of chordoid glioma-in this case, presenting in a child.

Extensive leptomeningeal and intraparenchymatous spinal cord neurosarcoidosis.

This case of neurosarcoidosis of the spinal cord involved several meningeal areas and spinal cord levels. It appears to be the tenth autopsy-documented case of neurosarcoidosis of the spinal cord, though the patient had more extensive spinal cord disease than has been previously reported.

Chordoid glioma: a novel tumor of the third ventricle.

Chordoid glioma of the third ventricle is a recently characterized primary neoplasm of the central nervous system. We present a case and discuss the pathologic and radiologic features. We are aware of only 16 other cases documented in the world literature. This radiologic-pathologic correlation alerts pathologists and radiologists to recognize chordoid glioma as a distinct clinicopathologic entity restricted to the third ventricular area of adult patients.