Free neuropathology最新文献

Across neurodegenerative diseases, the shape and spatial organization of pathology carry rich mechanistic information. Vacuoles, spongiosis, oligodendroglial coiled bodies, dendritic dystrophic neurites, amyloid plaque compactness, and phase-separated droplets each reflect distinct cellular identities, subcellular compartments, trafficking pathways, and biophysical material states. Here, I synthesize morphological signatures across neurodegenerative diseases to propose a framework that links morphology to mechanism. Morphology is neither incidental nor merely descriptive. Rather, it is a readout of the basic mechanisms that govern self-assembly of proteins into aggregates, the cell's attempts at proteostasis (clearance, sequestration, and transport), and the failure that ensues.

This meditation with apologies by a psychiatrist who is not a neuropathologist but attends CPCs of movement disorder patients speculates about how microscopic mechanical processes produce the variety of cellular neuropathological forms, which differ with diagnoses, and wonders what may be revealed by the shapes of these traces by future neuropathologists. New discoveries about tiny machines, nanotubules and the like only increase the intrigue and possibilities of revelations, likened to a crime scene investigation.

Introduction: Neuropathology is important in the diagnosis of neurologic and neuro-oncologic diseases. But despite its immense importance, it remains underrepresented in medical training across different parts of Sub-Saharan Africa. Training in this region is limited by a low number of specialists (e.g., a ratio of 1.7 million inhabitants per an unspecialized pathologist), fragmented data, poor infrastructure, and minimal exposure. Most times, neuropathology is embedded in general pathology curricula with limited mentorship, specialized facilities, and tailored subspecialty pathways (e.g., Nigeria, Tanzania). But despite these prevailing challenges, digital tools like telepathology and virtual microscopy may help bridge those gaps. Aim: This scoping review aims to understand the structure of existing neuropathology training and identify important gaps in structure and resources across Sub-Saharan Africa. It also seeks to explore how regional and global collaborations and digital innovations can be integrated to bridge these gaps. Methodology: Using PRISMA-ScR guidelines, we searched literature published between 2000 and 2025 across major databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, AJOL, and grey sources. We included and thematically analyzed studies that focused on training in neuropathology, workforce, and digital tools in Sub-Saharan Africa. We mapped out data to capture country, program type, curriculum content, resource availability, and digital tool integration. Quantitative synthesis summarized the frequency and geographic distribution of programs, while qualitative thematic analysis identified recurring patterns in training gaps, infrastructural limitations, and the application of virtual microscopy and telepathology. Result: We reviewed eleven studies that indicate limited neuropathology programs, an extremely low number of neuropathologists (e.g., 0.4-0.6 per million in many Sub-Saharan Africa nations), inadequate mentorship, and limited training resources. However, telepathology and virtual microscopy show improved accuracy in diagnosis and quality training (e.g., Tanzania recorded a 35 % increment in accuracy by specialized pathologists using telepathology over general pathologists). Strengthening international collaborations also demonstrates feasibility and enhanced quality training. Conclusion: Neuropathology in Sub-Saharan Africa is underdeveloped and fragmented; however, the increasing access to newer digital solutions presents low-cost options as practical alternatives for overcoming diagnostic and training obstacles. To narrow these gaps, the track toward becoming a subspecialist in neuropathology should be formed, accessible digital libraries of learning materials must be developed, and regional and international telepathology networks should be strengthened.

We report a central nervous system schwannoma, VGLL-fused in a young man's frontal lobe. Somatic abnormalities included an EWSR1::VGLL1 fusion, which incorporated the entire translated region of VGLL1, but excluded most domains of EWSR1. The tumor histologically merged with the brain, and showed both schwannoma-like and neuroblastoma-like areas. A germline LZTR1 mutation was subsequently identified, implying the patient suffered from schwannomatosis.

The mechanical perfusion of solutions through the cerebrovascular system is critical for several types of postmortem research. However, achieving consistently high-quality perfusion in this setting is challenging. Several previous studies have reported that longer postmortem intervals are associated with decreased perfusion quality, but the mechanisms and temporal progression of perfusion impairment are poorly understood. In this study, we describe our experience in developing a protocol for in situ perfusion of the postmortem brain in human whole-body donors (n = 77). Through the evaluation of different approaches, we found that cannulation of the internal carotid arteries combined with clamping of the vertebral arteries allows targeted perfusion of the brain. We evaluated perfusion quality through three complementary methods: gross anatomical appearance, CT imaging, and histology. These quality assessment measures were partially correlated across donors, indicating that they offer complementary perspectives on perfusion quality. Correlational analysis of our cohort of banked brains confirms that perfusion quality decreases as the postmortem interval increases, with a heterogenous pattern across brain regions. Our findings provide data for optimizing brain banking protocols and suggest future directions for investigating the mechanisms of postmortem perfusion impairment.