Carotenogénesis y pigmentos en Cucurbita spp

Los carotenoides son pigmentos orgánicos que el organismo no puede sintetizar y deben ser suministrados en la dieta humana. Este artículo de revisión tiene por objetivo abordar la ruta carotenogénica y los pigmentos predominantes en la pulpa de cucurbitáceas, siendo una de las hortalizas con mayor contenido de carotenoides, de tonalidades amarillo y naranja. Se recopiló literatura relevante sobre la temática proveniente de libros y de artículos científicos, identificando que el género Cucurbita, por ser de naturaleza alógama, expresa alta variabilidad fenotípica y genotípica, que es afectada por el ambiente y, ello, supone alta variabilidad en la composición de carotenoides del fruto, tanto cuantitativa como cualitativamente. Los carotenoides son los responsables de dar color característico a las flores y a los frutos; los apocarotenoides son conocidos por dar aromas, fragancias y sabores. El almacenamiento y la biosíntesis de los carotenoides se genera en los plastidios, estos pigmentos se pueden sintetizar por la ruta del metileritritol difosfato (MEP) hasta licopeno, donde se bifurca a α-caroteno y ß-caroteno y, posteriormente, mediante hidroxilaciones, se generan las xantofilas. Su importancia en la acumulación de carotenoides en frutos radica en las múltiples funciones y beneficios en plantas, animales y humanos, como fotoreceptores y fotoprotectores de luz, colorantes agroindustriales, antioxidantes, reducción de enfermedades crónicas, precursores de vitamina A, entre otros beneficios, cabe destacar el alto contenido de carotenos totales en cucurbitáceas encontrándose en Cucurbita moschata más de 600 µg/g en genotipos mejorados.

Carotenoids are organic pigments that the body cannot synthesize and must be supplied in the human diet. This review article aims to approach the carotenogenic route and the predominant pigments in the fruits of Cucurbits, as this is one of the vegetables with the highest content of carotenoids of yellow and orange tones. Relevant literature on the subject was collected from scientific books and articles, identifying that the genus Cucurbita, being cross-pollinated in nature, expresses high phenotypic and genotypic variability, which is affected by the environment and, this implies high variability in the carotenoid composition of the fruit, both quantitatively and qualitatively. Carotenoids are responsible for giving characteristic color to flowers and fruits, apocarotenoids are known to give aromas, fragrances, and flavors. The biosynthesis and storage of carotenoids are generated in the plastids, the pathway of methylerythritol diphosphate (MEP) to lycopene can synthesize these pigments where it bifurcates to α-carotene and ß-carotene and later, by hydroxylations, xanthophylls are generated. Its importance in the accumulation of carotenoids in fruits lies in the multiple functions and benefits in plants, animals, and humans as photoreceptors and photoprotectors of light, agroindustrial colorants, antioxidants, reduction of chronic diseases, precursors of vitamin A, among other benefits. Highlighting the high content of total carotenes in Cucurbits, with more than 600 µg / g in Cucurbita moschata found in improved genotypes.

Prototipo de alimento deshidratado con base en harina de auyama enriquecido con fuentes proteicas no convencionales / Prototype of dehydrated food based on butternut squash flour enriched with non-conventional protein sources

RESUMEN Debido al contenido de macronutrientes, micronutrientes y antioxidantes, la ingesta de hortalizas y de legumbres en la dieta puede reducir el riesgo de enfermedades, por tanto, el objetivo de esta investigación fue desarrollar un prototipo de alimento deshidratado con base en harina de auyama (Cucurbita moschata Duchense), enriquecido con fuentes proteicas, provenientes de granos. Se establecieron seis tratamientos empleando nueve materias primas, variando el porcentaje de cada una de ellas, donde la mayor proporción correspondió a la harina de auyama, se realizó un análisis bromatológico para cada materia prima y tratamiento. Posteriormente, se adelantó el análisis de carotenos totales, carbohidratos y calorías; para las variables materia seca (MS), cenizas, grasa, proteína cruda (PC), fibra detergente ácida (FDA) y fibra detergente neutra (FDN), se empleó un análisis de varianza y para la prueba sensorial, se aplicó la prueba Friedman, con 60 jueces. Al emplear los factores de conversión Atwater, los resultados indicaron que los materiales seleccionados para formular un prototipo de alimento deshidratado presentan bajo contenido de fibra detergente neutra (FDN) y fibra detergente ácida (FDA). La prueba de Friedman estableció que el mejor tratamiento para los 60 evaluadores fue el 6 seguido del 1, con la inclusión de harina de auyama del 15 y 20 %, respectivamente. Se concluye que, a partir de la inclusión de harina de hortaliza y de leguminosas es posible obtener un producto deshidratado con alto contenido de macronutrientes.

ABSTRACT Due to the content of macronutrients, micronutrients, and antioxidants, the intake of vegetables and legumes in the diet can reduce the risk of diseases, therefore, the objective of this research was to develop a prototype of dehydrated food based on butternut squash (Cucurbita moschata Duchense) enriched with protein sources from grains. six treatments were established using nine raw materials, varying the percentage of each of them, where the highest proportion corresponded to butternut squash, a bromatological analysis was carried out for each raw material and treatment. Subsequently, the analysis of total carotenoids, carbohydrates, and calories was carried out; for the variables dry matter (DM), ashes, fat, crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF), an analysis of variance was used and for the sensory test the Friedman test was performed with 60 judges. When using the Atwater conversion factors, the results indicated that the materials selected to formulate a dehydrated food prototype have a low content of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF). The Friedman test established that the best treatment for the 60 evaluators was 6 followed by 1, with the inclusion of butternut squash at 15 and 20 %, respectively. It is concluded that, from the inclusion of vegetable and legume flour, it is possible to obtain a dehydrated product with a high content of macronutrients.

Diversity and foraging patterns of bees on flowers of Cucurbita pepo (Cucurbitaceae) in Costa Rica

Abstract Introduction: The species and functional diversity of pollinators are important components for the reproduction of cultivated plants. More information is necessary about this diversity and its geographical variation in crops such as Cucurbita pepo, an important crop in global agriculture. Objective: To describe the taxonomic diversity, geographic variation and foraging patterns of the community of bees that visit C. pepo crops in Costa Rica. Methods: Squash fields were visited at 11 locations within three geographic regions of the country, where the groups of bees and their relative frequency were determined. Through video recordings, information was obtained on their behavior at two locations. Results: A minimum of 27 species belonging to 19 genera and 2 families of bees were found. Three species were dominant in 10 localities (Eucera limitaris, Apis mellifera and Trigona corvina). Altitude reduces bee diversity due to the dominance of Bombus ephipiatus in high regions. Two genera of halictids (Megalopta and Caenaugochlora) that are rarely reported in this crop were frequently observed. Trigona bees dominated among the flowers later in the morning, lacerating nectary holes to facilitate nectar collection. Conclusions: Squash fields in Costa Rica are visited by a highly diverse bee community, which may ensure pollination via complementarity in the face of spatial or seasonal changes in environmental conditions.

Resumen Introducción: Dada la importancia del componente diversidad para la polinización de plantas cultivadas, es necesario obtener más información de esta diversidad y su variación geográfica en cultivos como Cucurbita pepo, uno de los cultivos más importantes de la agricultura centroamericana. Objetivo: Describir la diversidad y la variación geográfica de la comunidad de abejas que visitan este cultivo en Costa Rica, y algunos aspectos de sus patrones de búsqueda de alimento. Métodos: Se visitaron cultivos de C. pepo en 11 localidades dentro de tres regiones geográficas de Costa Rica, donde se determinó los grupos de abejas y su frecuencia relativa. Por medio de grabaciones de video se registró el comportamiento de cada grupo en dos localidades. Resultados: Fueron encontradas un mínimo de 27 especies pertenecientes a 19 géneros y 2 familias de abejas. Tres especies son dominantes en 10 localidades (Eucera limitaris, Apis mellifera y Trigona corvina). La altitud reduce la diversidad de abejas debido a la dominancia de Bombus ephipiatus en regiones altas. Se observaron dos géneros de halíctidos (Megalopta y Caenaugochlora) no previamente reportados en este cultivo. Abejas Trigona dominan las flores en horarios más tardíos de la mañana, donde algunas veces muerden los orificios de los nectarios para facilitar la recolecta de néctar. Conclusiones: La diversidad de abejas que visitan C. pepo en Costa Rica parece asegurar su polinización ante cambios espaciales o estacionales en condiciones ambientales.

Analysis of the sports career of brazilian international elite squash athletes / Análise da carreira esportiva de atletas brasileiros de squash com nível internacional

ABSTRACT The sports career is a process through which the athletes voluntarily seek to achieve high levels of sport performance, however, how the development of international elite squash athletes has occurred in different periods of their sports career is not known. This study aimed at describing and assessing the sport trajectory of Brazilian international elite squash athletes at different periods of their career, in light of dynamic elements, that is, personal engagement, quality relationships and appropriate settings. Semi-structured interviews were carried out based on the Personal Assets Framework (PAF). The interviews were applied to six athletes (three males and three females) and evaluated according to the Thematic Analysis (TA) method. The results showed that personality traits, interpersonal relationships and the sport practice settings enabled the squash players to develop their sports career. In conclusion, these three aspects when acting concurrently can favor the development of international elite squash athletes.

RESUMO A carreira esportiva é um processo onde o atleta, de forma voluntária, busca atingir níveis elevados de desempenho esportivo, entretanto não se conhece sobre como ocorreu o desenvolvimento da carreira esportiva em atletas de squash. O objetivo foi analisar a trajetória esportiva de atletas brasileiros de squash de nível internacional em diferentes momentos da carreira esportiva. Utilizando o Quadro de Desenvolvimento de Valores Pessoais no Esporte como base, realizamos entrevista semi-estruturada com seis atletas (três do sexo masculino e três do sexo feminino), e empregamos para a análise das entrevistas a Análise Temática. Os resultados encontrados foram que os temas características pessoais, relações interpessoais e o contexto de prática esportiva são temas que possibilitam o desenvolvimento da carreira esportiva de atletas de squash. De modo conclusivo os três aspectos, atuando de forma concomitante, possam ofertar, de modo favorável, o desenvolvimento de atletas de squash de nível internacional.

Genetic parameters and line selection of Cucurbita pepo based on selection indices / Parâmetros genéticos e seleção de linhagens de Cucurbita pepo com base em índices de seleção

In the improvement of pumpkins, the selection based on one or a few characters of interest tends to be less efficient, leading to a superior product only compared to the few characters selected. To maximize the simultaneous selection of multiple characteristics of interest, selection indexes are used to obtain a numerical value resulting from the combination of the characters on which the simultaneous selection is to be practiced. The objective of this study was to determine genetic parameters and the most appropriate selection indexes in strains of Summer squash (C. pepo). Statistical analyzes were performed based on 65 genotypes belonging to the vegetable germplasm bank of the Federal University of Uberlândia. The variables analyzed were: leaf area index, precocity, SPAD index, productivity. plant-1, number of fruits. Plant-1, leaf temperature, NDVI index and NDRE index. The indexes were used: Smith (1936) and Hazel (1943), the sum of "Ranks" by Mulamba and Mock (1978), and Willians (1962). The selection methodologies selected ten individuals (15% of the genotypes). The values found for h² (%) ranged from 36.92% (SPAD) to 59.65% (cycle). The values obtained in the CVg / CVe quotient were below 1, varying from 0.18 for leaf temperature to 0.70 for the cycle, with the other variables close to 0.5. The CVg genetic variation coefficient (%) was also low, ranging from 1.84% for leaf temperature to 30.94% for productivity. The greatest gains obtained with direct and indirect selection were for the characters productivity (35.92%), NDRE (33.04%), number of fruits (28.93%) and leaf area index (22.72%). The Mulamba and Mock (1978) index showed the highest total selection gain value, providing a balanced distribution of selection gains, choosing the genotypes: 8, 31, 34, 38, 42, 64, 65, 66, 67 and 68.

No melhoramento de abóboras, a seleção baseada em um ou alguns caracteres de interesse tende a ser pouco eficiente, levando a um produto superior apenas em comparação com os poucos caracteres selecionados. Para maximizar a seleção simultânea de múltiplas características de interesse, os índices de seleção são utilizados visando obter um valor numérico resultante da combinação dos caracteres sobre os quais será praticada. O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar parâmetros genéticos e os índices de seleção mais adequados em linhagens de abóbora (C. pepo). As análises estatísticas foram realizadas com base em 65 genótipos pertencentes ao banco de germoplasma de hortaliças da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia. As variáveis analisadas foram: índice de área foliar, precocidade, índice SPAD, produtividade. planta-1, número de frutos. Planta-1, temperatura foliar, índice NDVI e índice NDRE. Foram utilizados os índices: Smith (1936) e Hazel (1943), a soma de "Ranks" de Mulamba e Mock (1978) e Willians (1962). As metodologias de seleção selecionaram dez indivíduos (15% dos genótipos). Os valores encontrados para h² (%) variaram de 36,92% (SPAD) a 59,65% (ciclo). Os valores obtidos no quociente CVg / CVe foram inferiores a 1, variando de 0,18 para a temperatura foliar a 0,70 para o ciclo, com as demais variáveis próximas de 0,5. O coeficiente de variação genética CVg (%) também foi baixo, variando de 1,84% para temperatura foliar a 30,94% para produtividade. Os maiores ganhos obtidos com a seleção direta e indireta foram para os caracteres produtividade (35,92%), NDRE (33,04%), número de frutos (28,93%) e índice de área foliar (22,72%). O índice de Mulamba e Mock (1978) apresentou o maior valor de ganho de seleção total, proporcionando uma distribuição balanceada de ganhos de seleção, escolhendo os genótipos: 8, 31, 34, 38, 42, 64, 65, 66, 67 e 68.

Rearing Frankliniella zucchini Nakahara & Monteiro (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) on zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L. 'Caserta') fruits

Abstract Frankliniella zucchini transmits zucchini lethal chlorosis virus, causal agent of lethal chlorosis of zucchini squash. The characteristics of relationship between this virus with its vector have not been studied, one of the reasons being the lack of a method for rearing the thrips for laboratory studies. This work proposes a system for the rearing of F. zucchini on fresh virus free zucchini 'Caserta' fruits, offering a practical and efficient alternative for the supply of a large number of insects for later study of virus/vector relationship. In addition, to aid in the identification of this species of thrips, the immature and adult forms obtained from the colony were described.

Utility Of Squash Cytology In Diagnosing Cns Lesions

BACKGROUND: The different modalities used for intraoperative consultation of CNS lesions are squash smear cytology, frozen sections & fluid cytology. The intraoperative diagnosis of squash cytology enables the surgeon to take decision regarding treatment. Squash technique requires small sample size, needs minimal technical equipment, is less expensive and gives better morphological detail. The present study was taken to assess the diagnostic accuracy of intraoperative squash cytology of CNS lesions. MATERIALAND METHODS: It is a prospective study conducted for one and half year in the department of Pathology. All lesions of brain and spinal tract comprised the study group. The stain used for squash cytology was rapid haematoxylin and eosin. The squash diagnosis was compared with gold standard histopathology. RESULTS: Total 96 cases were studied. Male to female ratio was 1.13:1. The overall concordance rate was 89.13% (including both complete and partial agreement cases). Good correlation was noted in diffuse astrocytoma (100%) and least correlation was noted in anaplastic oligodendroglioma (28.5%). CONCLUSION: Squash cytology is a rapid and simple technique for intraoperative diagnosis with high overall accuracy.

Accuracy and utility of intraoperative squash smear cytology in neurosurgical practice

Background: Intraoperative squash smear cytology (ISSC) is a rapid and reliable diagnostic tool that provides guidance to the neurosurgeon for precise targeting of the lesion and its surgical resection. It also helps the surgeon to modify the approach at surgery at times based on the preliminary impression of the lesion on cytology. Objectives: The present study was undertaken to assess the utility of ISSC for cytomorphological diagnosis in a resource-limited setting. The accuracy of the method was assessed by correlating cytological diagnosis with histopathological diagnosis. Materials and Methods: A total of 106 cases of central nervous system (CNS) tumors were examined by squash smear technique for cytological diagnosis which were then compared with histopathological diagnosis provided on paraffin-embedded sections. Results: Cytohistological correlation was available in all the 106 cases included in the study. Of these 106 cases, 96 were concordant with the final histopathological diagnosis, while 10 were discordant. Thus, complete correlation with final histopathological diagnosis was observed in 90.56% of cases. Conclusion: Intraoperative squash smear cytology proved to be a simple, rapid, and inexpensive technique for intraoperative consultation of CNS tumors in the absence of frozen section facility.

Utility Of Squash Smear Cytology In Intraoperative Diagnosis Of Central Nervous System Lesions

INTRODUCTION- The accurate diagnosis of disease tissue is elementary to the precise diagnosis and proper management of central nervous system lesions. Although histopathology is gold standard, in neurosurgical practice intraoperative cytological diagnosis is now well established and emerge as a dependable standalone diagnostic tool. The rapidity at which sufficient preliminary information for optimal surgery is provided to neurosurgeons, help him take crucial decision regarding patients management. Overall soft nature of CNS lesions ,best suited for smear cytology, which in fact is the major restriction while performing intraoperative Frozen section consultation. So the present study was done to assess the utility of squash cytology in intraoperative diagnosis of CNS lesions. MATERIALAND METHODS-In this prospective study 142 patients with clinical diagnosis of CNS lesions were studied. Patients clinical and radio imaging findings were taken into account while evaluating squash smear preparation. Squash diagnosis was latter correlated with final histopathological diagnosis . RESULTS– Out of 142 cases, cytological diagnosis was offered in 136 cases. In 6 cases no opinion was possible on cytology. Cyto-histological correlation was seen in 127 out of 136 cases, 9 cases remained discordant. Thus overall diagnostic accuracy of squash cytology in intraoperative diagnosis of CNS lesions in our study was 93.38%. CONCLUSION- Intraoperative squash cytology is easy ,rapid, reliable and cost-effective technique for neurosurgical consultation with fairly high accuracy. Knowledge of clinicoradiological details help to further improve the diagnostic accuracy

Diagnostic accuracy of central nervous system tumors by squash cytology

Background: Squash cytology has shown to be of great value in intraoperative consultations of central nervous system lesions. Intraoperative smear cytology provide a rapid and reliable diagnosis and guidance to the neurosurgeon during surgical resection and lesion targeting. Squash smear technique saves time and amount of tissue needed. Aim: To study the validity of rapid intraoperative diagnosis of central nervous system lesions by examining the squash cytologic smears of central nervous system lesions. Materials and methods: A total of 111 cases of intracranial space occupying lesions were studied. This squash smears were prepared from the intraoperative biopsy samples and remaining tissue fixed in formalin and sent for histopathological examination. Squash smears were stained with toluidine blue and rapid haematoxylin and eosin. Squash smear cytological diagnosis was correlated with histopathological findings. Results: Out of 111 cases, in 11 (9.9%) cases showing discordance was observed between squash smear diagnosis and histological diagnosis. In 100 (90.1%) cases, squash smear diagnosis was in accordance with the final histologic diagnosis. Thus the value of squash smear technique in rapid intraoperative diagnosis of neurosurgical biopsies was corroborated by above study and the accuracy of this study match with other studies done in the past on squash smear technique. Conclusion: Squash smear cytology should be used regularly for rapid intraoperative diagnosis of central nervous system lesions, as squash smear technique is economical, reliable, feasible intraoperative rapid diagnostic method and has a place in determining the immediate management.

A 2 year study of meningiomas in correlation with squash cytology and histopathological examination

Background: Meningiomas are common CNS tumors arising from the meningothelial cells and usual sites are intracranial, followed by intra spinal. WHO 2007 has categorised meningiomas into 3 grades. This grading helps in predicting their behaviour and treatment. Aim and objectives: To study the frequency, clinical details, histological typing of meningiomas in comparison with squash cytology (intra operative diagnosis) and Histopathological examination post operatively. Materials and methods: The present study was a prospective study conducted from May 2015 to April 2017 in the Department of Pathology, Gandhi Hospital. We received 50 clinically as well as radiologically diagnosed cases of meningiomas, which were compared with squash cytology and Histopathological examination. Results: In our study, meningiomas constituted 15% of all CNS tumors received from the Neurosurgery Department in a period of 2 years. In the present study, the number of Meningiomas was 50. Females outnumbered males (36 out of 50). Common site was intracranial (45), followed by intra spinal-thoracic (5). The commonest sub type was meningothelial variant of meningioma (12), followed by transitional variant (11). Squash cytology matched with the Histopathological examination in 91.15% cases. Conclusion: Meningiomas are predominantly occur intra cranially with female preponderance, majority were of benign grade I neoplasms. Squash cytology plays a major role in their intra operative diagnosis.

Study of intraoperative squash cytology of intracranial and spinal cord tumors.

Background: The aim was to study the cytomorphology of neoplastic lesions of brain and spinal cord by intraoperative squash cytology, compare it with the histopathological diagnosis on excision biopsy/surgical specimen and establish a correlation. The causes of erroneous diagnoses achieved at squash cytology of intracranial and spinal cord tumors were ascertained. Tumor types having the advantage of diagnostic certainty by squash cytology of intracranial and spinal cord lesions was also determined. Methods: Squash preparations of 70 patients suspected to have neoplasia were made and stained with rapid hematoxylin and eosin stain and rapid Papanicolaou stain. A few squash smears were also dry fixed and stained with Giemsa stain. The smears were typed according to the cytomorphological criteria and the cytodiagnoses was compared with the histopathological diagnoses and a correlation was established. Results: A positive predictive value for intraoperative squash cytology for diagnosis of intracranial and spinal cord tumors was seen to be 100% and a negative predictive value of 97.22% were established by this study. The sensitivity was found to be 97.22% and the specificity was 100%. Thus, the accuracy of the study was 98.57%. Conclusions: Squash smear cytology of the brain and spinal cord tumors performed intraoperatively for diagnostic consultation fulfills all the determinants of an excellent diagnostic modality.

Motivação competitiva de "squashistas" juvenis federados / The competitive motivation of youth federated squash players: an exploratory and comparative study

A Motivação Competitiva (MC) é uma característica de personalidade fundamental no contexto dos esportes. Recentemente foi proposto um modelo de avaliação da MC chamado Modelo Tridimensional de Avaliação da Motivação Competitiva (MTAMC). Esse modelo supõe que a MC possui três orientações competitivas distintas: Orientação à Vitória (OV), Orientação à Performance (OP) e Orientação ao Status (OS). O objetivo da presente pesquisa foi explorar e comparar o perfil motivacional competitivo de 35 "squashistas" juvenis federados, de ambos os sexos e com idades entre 13 e 18 anos. Para tanto, essa amostra respondeu a Escala Balbinotti de Motivos à Competividade no Esporte (EBMCE-18). Os dois principais resultados foram: 1) as orientações foram OP, OV e OS, nessa ordem, sendo que OP e OV é o único dos três pares analisados que não se diferencia estatisticamente; 2) a variável sexo não influenciou a intensidade das respostas em qualquer das três orientações testadas. Novos estudos devem explorar se na diferença não significativa encontrada entre OP e OV houve a influência do tamanho da amostra

The Competitive Motivation (MC) is a fundamental personality trait in the context of sports. Recently, a new model for assessing the MC called Three-dimensional Model of Competitive Motivation Assessment (TMCMA) was proposed. This model assumes that the MC has three distinct competitive orientations: to win (OV), to perform (OP), and to obtain status (OS). The purpose of this research is to explore and compare the competitive motivational profile of 35 youth federated squash players, of both genders, and aged between 13 to 18 years old. Therefore, this sample answered to the Balbinotti's Scale of Competitive Motivation in Sport (BSCMS-18). The two main results were: 1) the orientations emerged as OP, OV, and OS, in this order, being OP and OV the only one of three analyzed pairs that is statistically non-significant; 2) the gender variable does not significantly influence the intensity of the answers in any of the three orientations tested. Further studies should explore whether the statistically non-significant mean difference found between OP and OV was influenced by the sample size

Diagnosis of intraoperative squash cytology in brain tumors / Монголын Анагаах Ухаан

Background: The intraoperative smear cytology (squash preparation) is fairly accurate, simple, reliabletool for rapid intraoperative diagnosis of neurosurgical biopsies [1]. In the early 1930s, Dr Eisenhardtand Cushing introduced intraoperative cytological investigations for rapid examination of neurosurgicalspecimens and guidance of surgical treatment [2]. Besides rapid decision making during neurosurgicalprocedures, it is also to be ensured that minimum injury is caused to the normal brain structuressurrounding the intracranial neoplasm. It has become necessary for pathologists to train themselves inthe interpretation of cytomorphological features of various central nervous system lesion and used inmany neurosurgical units of all over the world [3]. Thus, to begin doing intraoperative squash cytology inour practice is the aim of this study.Aim: To study the diagnostic accuracy of squash cytology in the intraoperative diagnosis of centralnervous system tumorsMaterials and Methods: The material for this study was obtained from 30 cases of nervous systemneoplasms sent for intraoperative consultation from State Third Central Hospital, Shashtin to the thirdsection of National Center for Pathology between 7th of November 2013 to 28th of March 2014. Squashpreparation was performed on all cases and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. The diagnosis given onsquash cytology was then compared with final diagnosis given on paraffin-embedded sections.Results: Of total 30 cases of primary central nervous system tumors, neuroepithelial tumors are thelargest category of tumors (50%). The accuracy of squash cytology was 82.1%.Conclusion: This is the first study in our country where intra-operative squash cytology in brain tumorwas done and diagnostic accuracy was 82.1% as very good category. There were 4 cases had diagnosticdiscrepancy.

Role of squash smear technique in intraoperative diagnosis of CNS tunmors.

Background: Neurosurgical practice frequently requires intraoperative consultation to optimize surgical procedure. Frozen section and Squash smear cytology can offer the same. As brain tissue is friable & predisposed to show ice crystal artefacts, frozen section is often difficult to interpret. Squash smear examination provides good cytological details to offer diagnosis in most cases except where anatomical correlation is needed. Present study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of Squash smear in absence of frozen section facility. Aims & Objective: To evaluate the value of Squash smear cytology for rapid intraoperative diagnosis in CNS lesions and its correlation with final histomorphological diagnosis. Material and Methods: Total 35 case of CNS tumours were examined by squash smear technique for cytomorphological analysis followed by histomorphological correlation on paraffin section. Results: Complete correlation with histomorphological findings was observed in 82.35% of cases. Complete correlation was observed more with glial neoplasm. Conclusion: Squash smear preparation proved to be a simple, inexpensive and rapid technique for intraoperative consultation of CNS tumours and can be effectively utilized as a diagnostic tool for intraoperative diagnosis in absence of frozen section facility.

Caracterização molecular e divergência genética de Bemisia tabaci (Genn. ) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) em diferentes culturas e locais de cultivo / Molecular characterization and genetic divergence of Bemisia tabaci (Genn. ) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) on different crops and growing areas

Knowledge on the genetic variation of populations of Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) can improve the understanding of genetic diversity found in their biotypes and, consequently, offer guidelines for its management. In this study, the molecular characterization was performed and genetic diversity data were obtained for this insect from three regions of Brazil on different crops [cotton and soybean (Mato Grosso - MT); cabbage (Distrito Federal - DF); soybean and potato (São Paulo - SP)], using RAPD markers. RAPD analysis indicated 80.6 percent polymorphic loci and the average genetic similarity obtained by the Jaccard coefficient was 0.67. The whitefly populations collected on potato (SP) and soybean (MT) had higher genetic diversity values (0.75 and 0.72, respectively). Shannon's index (Ho) showed higher values for potato and soybean (SP e MT), and a smaller value for cabbage (DF). A high genetic divergence within and among the collected populations occurred, structured according to the regions of collection. Moreover, the great genetic similarity observed between potato (SP) and soybean (SP) populations suggested that both belong to the same biotype B and reinforces the polyphagous behavior of the species.

Citopatologia intraoperatória: análise comparativa entre os achados citopatológicos e histopatológicos

O exame por congelação (EC) é muito importante como diagnóstico intraoperatório, porém não é o único método capaz de informar sobre a natureza da lesão. A citopatologia intraoperatória (CI) também pode ser utilizada na consulta intraoperatória, porém ainda não alcançou o espaço que merece como um eficiente método diagnóstico. Demonstrar que a CI é um método diagnóstico tão eficiente quanto o EC. Investigar o uso da CI entre os patologistas; construir um banco de dados; estabelecer o perfil da amostra: dados epidemiológicos, técnicas de coleta e métodos diagnósticos; avaliar a sensibilidade e a especificidade da CI e do EC, considerando o exame histopatológico (EH) comopadrão-ouro (p-o); avaliar a sensibilidade e a especificidade da CI, considerando o EC como p-o; avaliar a concordância diagnóstica entre: CI e EC; CI e EH; EC e EH; CI, EC e EH, simultaneamente; relatar os casos onde houve discordância diagnóstica entre a CI e o EH (maligno versus benignos). Entre 1993 e 2006 foram obtidos esfregaços citopatológicos de 2.000 espécimes cirúrgicos não-fixados, de diferentes órgãos de pacientes do Instituto Nacional do Câncer e do Laboratório Diagnose de Patologia Cirúrgica e Citopatologia. Métodos de coleta: raspado, esfregaço, citoimpressão, punção aspirativa por agulha fina e rolamento.Concordância diagnóstica avaliada pela concordância exata e pelo coeficiente kappa de Cohen. Acurácia dos métodos diagnósticos em relação ao p-o evidenciada pelos parâmetros: sensibilidade, especificidade e valores preditivos positivo e negativo. Decisões estatísticas tomadas ao nível de significância de 5%. Devido à baixa adesão (12%) dos patologistas, a investigação sobre o uso da CI foi inconclusiva. Perfil da amostra: 1.262 pacientes do sexo feminino (63%); maioriaentre a 5ª e 8ª décadas; órgãos e/ou sistemas mais estudados: tireoide (27,3%), órgãos linfoides (13,5%), trato respiratório (11,2%), mama (9,6%) e sistema nervosocentral (6,4%); o raspado foi usado em 87,3% dos casos; critérios usados naavaliação da citomorfologia: celularidade, características da célula-alvo, disposição celular, células associadas e fundo do esfregaço; diagnósticos mais freqüentes: bócio nodular, carcinoma papilífero de tireóide (mulheres) e adenocarcinoma primário e metastático (homens). Alta acurácia tanto na CI quanto no EC, em relação ao EH (p-o): sensibilidade 98,2% e especificidade 98,5%; sensibilidade 97,7% eespecificidade 98,8%, respectivamente. Alta acurácia entre CI e EC (p-o): sensibilidade 99,3% e especificidade 99,1%. Concordância diagnóstica: entre CI e EC 88,8%; entre CI e EH 89,2%; entre EC e EH 87,6% e concordância simultânea entre os três métodos 77,3%. A CI foi inconclusiva em 9% dos casos e o EC, em 10,7%. Diagnósticos discordantes entre CI e EH: linfoma não Hodgkin versus hiperplasia reacional; microcarcinoma papilífero de tireóide versus lesão benigna e adenocarcinoma versus lesão benigna. A CI é um método diagnóstico tão eficiente quanto o EC. As altas acurácias da CI em relação ao EH e ao EC, associadas aos altos índices de concordância entre CI e EC, CI e EH, EC e EH e os três métodos simultaneamente, informam que os três métodos diagnósticos se equivalem

Description and analysis of genetic diversity among squash accessions

In this work, the part of the squash core collection, maintained in the Greek Gene Bank, was assessed using the morphological and molecular data. Sixteen incompletely classified accessions of the squash were characterized along with an evaluation of their resistance against two isolates of Fusarium oxysporum. A molecular analysis using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers was also performed, revealing high level of polymorphism. To study the genetic diversity among the squash accessions, a clustering procedure using Unweighed Pair Group Method and Arithmetic Average (UPGMA) algorithm was also adopted. Two independent dendrograms, one for the morphophysiological and one for molecular data were obtained, classifying the accessions into two and three main clusters, respectively. Despite the different number of the clusters there were many similarities between these two dendrograms, and a third dendrogram resulting from their combination was also produced, based on Gower's distance and UPGMA clustering algorithm. In order to determine the optimal number of clusters, the upper tail approach was applied. The more reliable clustering of the accessions was accomplished using RAPD markers as well as the combination of the two different data sets, classifying the accessions into three significantly different groups. These groups corresponded to the three different cultivated species of C. maxima Duch., C. moschata Duch., and C. pepo L. The same results were also obtained using Principal Component Analysis.

A abobrinha de inverno compõe um cultivo agrícola com valor econômico determinado exercendo, no entanto, um papel importante em zonas caracterizadas por um cultivo menos intensivo. Na Grécia, o cultivo da abobrinha se baseia, principalmente, em variedades locais conservadas a muitos anos por agricultores locais. Uma parte do cultivo nuclear da abobrinha, que é conservada pelo Banco Grego de Genes, foi melhorada utilizando-se dados morfológicos e moleculares, especialmente dezesseis cultivos de abobrinha classificados incompletamente, que foram diferenciados apenas com base em características morfológicas, em relação a uma avaliação à resistência contra o Fusarium Oxysporum, em dois isolamentos. Foi realizada uma análise molecular utilizando DNA Polimórficos Casual Amplificados índices (RAPDs), revelando um alto nível de polimorfismo. Para estudar a diversidade genética entre a coleção de abobrinhas, um procedimento de agrupamento foi realizado usando-se o algoritmo U.P.G.M.A. Dois dendrogramas independentes, um morfofisiológico e outro para dados moleculares, foram coletados, classificando as coleções em dois e três grupos básicos, respectivamente. Apesar do número diferente dos grupos, foram introduzidas muitas semelhanças entre os dois dendrogramas e um terceiro dendrograma foi produzido como resultado da combinação dos dois primeiros, baseado na distância de Gower e no algoritmo de agrupamento U.P.G.M.A. Para determinar o número ótimo dos grupos, a aproximação "upper tail" foi aplicada. O grupo mais aceitável das coleções foi conseguido usando-se índices RAPD, assim como a combinação dos dois grupos de dados diferentes, classificando as coleções em três grupos consideravelmente diferentes. Os grupos que correspondem às três espécies cultivadas diferentemente, que correspondem às três espécies cultivadas diferentemente por C.máxima Duch., C.moschata Duch. e C. pepo L. além disso, os mesmos resultados foram conseguidos usando-se a "Principal...

Diagnóstico intraoperatório de esquistossomose mansônica cerebelar pseudotumoral / Intraoperative diagnosis of pseudotumoral cerebellar neuroschistosomiasis

A esquistossomose é uma doença parasitária causada por vermes trematódios do gênero Schistosoma. Esses vermes habitam ramos da veia mesentérica inferior e, por meio da ovoposição, disseminam seus ovos por várias regiões do organismo humano. O sistema nervoso central (SNC) pode ser afetado no decorrer de qualquer forma clínica da infecção, principalmente pela embolização dos ovos ocorrida após a migração anômala dos vermes adultos para locais próximos ao tecido cerebral. No SNC, os ovos induzem reação granulomatosa periovular intensa, respondendo pela produção do efeito de massa com sinais neurológicos de aumento de pressão intracraniana. É relatado o caso de um homem de 27 anos cujo diagnóstico de esquistossomose mansônica cerebelar foi obtido pelo método de esmagamento linear (squash), durante o ato cirúrgico. Uma biópsia retal realizada posteriormente confirmou a presença de ovos viáveis de S. mansoni. No conhecimento dos autores, este é o primeiro relato de neuroesquistossomose diagnosticado por esta técnica.

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic infection caused by trematode platyhelminths of the genus Schistosoma. These worms live in branches of the inferior mesenteric vein and disseminate its eggs to several regions of the human organism through circulation. Central nervous system (CNS) involvement may occur in the development of any clinical infection, mainly by in-situ egg deposition following anomalous migration of adult worms to sites near the cerebral tissue. The presence of eggs in the CNS induces a severe periovular granulomatous reaction, which is responsible for the mass effect and the increased intracranial pressure. A case of cerebellar schistosomiasis caused by S. mansoni in a 27-year-old man is diagnosed by squash (smear) technique. A rectal biopsy performed later showed viable S. mansoni eggs. This is, probably, the first report of neuroschistosomiasis diagnosed by the squash (smear) technique.

The Cytology of a Cellular Variant of Cerebellar Hemangioblastoma in Squash Preparation : Pitfalls in Diagnosis / 대한세포병리학회지

Due to its nuclear pleomorphism, knowledge regarding the cytological findings of cerebellar hemangioblastoma can lead to misdiagnosis when using squash specimens, which in other circumstances serves as a useful adjunct in the diagnosis of brain tumors on frozen section. We recently experienced the cytological findings of a cellular variant of cerebellar hemangioblastoma in a 51-year-old man. Squash specimens revealed scattered single tumor cells, with pleomorphic nuclei and cytoplasmic vacuoles, on a hemorrhagic background. The cellular clusters were composed of spindle-shaped endothelial cellsin addition to densely clustered stromal cells. Intranuclear inclusions were frequently seen. The nuclear pleomorphism, bubbly cytoplasmic vacuoles and presence of intranuclear inclusions, seen in the squash specimen, may increase the difficulty of frozen section diagnosis of cerebellar hemangioblastoma. Awareness of the cytologicalfindings of hemangioblastoma is needed to avoid the pitfalls in the intraoperative diagnosis of cerebellar hemangioblastomas.