Thielaviopsis paradoxa and cultivable mycobiota associated with carapace of Rhynchophorus palmarum L. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in the state of Alagoas, Brazil.

Rhynchophorus palmarum (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a significant agricultural pest in palm plantations across tropical America, playing a critical role as a vector of the fungus Thielaviopsis paradoxa, which is the causative agent of stem bleeding disease in coconut palms. This disease has raised concerns due to its rapid spread and subsequent reduction in coconut production in northeastern Brazil. Additionally, this insect can establish mutualistic interactions with various fungi, including saprophytic, phytopathogenic, and entomopathogenic fungi, underscoring the importance of identifying its external mycobiota. The aim of this study was to assess the presence of T. paradoxa in the digestive tract and identify the cultivable mycobiota associated with the carapace of R. palmarum. To achieve this, a mycological study was conducted by culturing the external surface and digestive tract of field-caught adult insects (10 males and 10 females) on potato dextrose agar (PDA) in Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil. Fungal identification was performed by correlating microscopic features with the macroscopic characteristics of the obtained colonies. The results showed that T. paradoxa was detected in 15.0% of carapace isolates but was not found in the insects' intestinal tract. Additionally, nine fungal genera frequently associated with saprophytic or phytopathogenic behaviors were identified on the carapace. Eight of these genera belong to the Ascomycota phylum, while one is classified in the Basidiomycota phylum. The ubiquitous presence of Paecilomyces spp. and the occurrence of Trichosporon spp. in 95% of the assessed insects stand out. Furthermore, other potentially phytopathogenic fungi such as Penicillium spp., Fusarium spp., and Aspergillus spp., as well as fungi with entomopathogenic potential like Paecilomyces spp., Trichoderma spp., Metarhizium spp., and Beauveria bassiana, were detected. These findings enhance the understanding of the complex interactions between R. palmarum and its fungal hosts, providing insights for integrated pest management strategies.

Childhood stunting and the metabolic syndrome components in young adults from a Brazilian birth cohort study.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between stunting in the second year of life and metabolic syndrome components in early adulthood among subjects who have been prospectively followed-up since birth, in a city in Southern Brazil. SUBJECTS/METHODS: In 1984, we attempted to follow-up the entire cohort; the subjects were examined and their mothers interviewed. Stunting was defined by a length-for-age Z-score 2 s.d. or more below the mean, in accordance with the World Health Organization reference. Between 2004 and 2005, we again tried to follow the entire cohort; during this period the subjects were evaluated for the following metabolic syndrome components: high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, random blood glucose, waist circumference and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Family income at the time of the baby's birth, asset index, mother's education, mother's smoking during pregnancy and duration of breastfeeding were considered possible confounders. Linear regression was used in the unadjusted and adjusted analyses. RESULTS: Among men, stunting was inversely associated with triglycerides (ß=-11.90, confidence interval (CI)=-22.33 to -1.48) and waist circumference (ß=-4.29, CI=-5.62 to -2.97), whereas for women stunting was negatively related to HDL-cholesterol (ß=-4.50, CI=-6.47 to -2.52), triglycerides (ß=-9.61, CI=-17.66 to -1.56) and waist circumference (ß=-1.14, CI=-4.22 to -1.02). However, after controlling for confounding variables, these associations vanished. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that stunting in childhood is not associated with metabolic syndrome components in young adults.

A peculiar VNTR in the cystathionine ß-synthase gene is a risk factor for Down Syndrome.

In the present study, we analysed a 31bp variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) of the cystathionine ß-synthase (CBS) gene in 427 subjects: 127 patients with Down syndrome (DS) and in 60 of their mothers; 172 age-and sex-matched controls and in 68 of their mothers. A significant statistical difference in the distribution of the 21 repeat allele was found comparing mothers of subjects with DS versus mothers of children without DS (χ2= 4.166; P = 0.0413; Table 2). Since CBS 21 repeats allele carriers show a decrease of CBS enzyme activity possibly leading to lower intracellular glutathione concentration, these results could be explained by a higher not disjunction probability of chromosome 21 in oocytes, due to poor antioxidative protection against reactive oxygen species (ROS) toxic activity.

Surgical treatment of the pancreatic stump: preventive strategies of pancreatic fistula after pancreatoduodenectomy for cancer.

BACKGROUND: The institutions with high volume of pancreatic surgery report morbidity rate from 30% to 50% and mortality less than 5% after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). At the present, the most significant cause of morbidity and mortality is pancreatic fistula (PF). AIM: The purpose of the study is to identify the most important clinical factors which may predict PF development and eventually suggest alternative approaches to the pancreatic stump management. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of a clinical data base of a tertiary care Hospital was performed. From 2002 to 2012 a single Surgeon prospectively performed 150 pancreaticoduodenectomies for cancer. Four different techniques were used: end to end pancreaticojejunostomy, end to side pancreaticojejunostomy, pancreatic duct occlusion and duct to mucosa anastomosis. The intraoperative gland texture was classified as soft, firm and hard. The duct size was preoperatively (CT scan) and intraoperatively recorded and classified: < 3 mm small, 3-6 mm medium, > 6 mm large. The histopathological characteristic of the gland fibrosis was graduate as low 1, moderate 2, high 3. CONCLUSION: Relationships between pre and intraoperative duct size measurement, pancreatic texture and pancreatic fibrosis grading were highly significant. Small duct and soft pancreas with low grade fibrosis are the most important risk factors for pancreatic fistula development. The proper selection of pancreatic stump management or the decision to refer the high risk patients to high volume Center can be suggested by the elevated correspondence of pre and intraoperative duct diameter with the related pancreatic fibrosis grade and gland consistency. Preoperative assessment of the pancreatic duct makes possible to predict the risk of pancreatic fistula.

Familial 1.1 Mb deletion in chromosome Xq22.1 associated with mental retardation and behavioural disorders in female patients.

We report on a 7-year-old girl with severe mental retardation (MR), autism, micro-brachycephaly, generalized muscle hypotonia with distal hypotrophy of lower limbs, scoliosis and facial dysmorphisms. Array-CGH analysis identified a 1.1 Mb deletion of chromosome Xq22.1. Further analysis demonstrated that the deletion was inherited from her mother who showed mild MR, short stature, brachycephaly, epilepsy and a Borderline Personality Disorder. Microsatellite segregation analysis revealed that the rearrangement arose de novo in the mother on the paternal X chromosome. The deleted Xq22.1 region contains part of the NXF gene cluster which is involved in mRNA nuclear export and metabolism. Among them, the NXF5 gene has already been linked to mental retardation whereas NXF2 protein has been recently found to be partner of FMRP in regulating Nxf1 mRNA stability in neuronal cells. The dosage imbalance of NXF5 and NXF2 genes may explain the severe phenotype in our patient.

Lipophorin interaction with the midgut of Rhodnius prolixus: characterization and changes in binding capacity.

Several classes of lipids are transported in insect hemolymph by lipophorin, a major hemolymphatic lipoprotein. The binding of lipophorin to the midgut of the hematophagous insect Rhodnius prolixus was characterized in a midgut membrane preparation, using purified lipophorin radiolabelled in protein moiety ((125)I-HDLp). Lipophorin specific binding to membranes achieved equilibrium after 30-40 min, was sensitive to pH, and was maximal at pH 7.0. In the presence of increasing concentrations of membrane protein, corresponding increases in lipophorin binding were observed. The specific binding of lipophorin to the membrane preparation was a saturable process, with K(d)=0.9+/-0.06 x 10(-7) M and a maximal binding capacity of 70+/-11 ng lipophorin/microg of membrane protein. Lipophorin binding did not depend on calcium, but it was affected by ionic strength and was inhibited in the presence of increasing salt concentrations. Suramin interfered with lipophorin binding to the midgut receptor, and it was abolished in the presence of 2 mM suramin, but at concentrations between 0.05 and 0.2 mM it was slightly increased. Condroitin 4-sulfate also affected lipophorin binding, which was reduced to 56% of control. Pre-incubation of the midgut membrane preparation with trypsin or at high temperature inhibited binding. Midgut capacity to bind lipophorin varied at different days after blood meal. It was highest at second day after feeding, and then gradually decreased.

[The significance of "atypical metaplasia" in the follow-up of patients operated for bladder cancer]. / Il significasto della "metaplasia atipica" nel follow-up dei pazienti operati per carcinoma vescicale.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical usefulness of urinary cytology in the follow-up of patients who under-went surgery for bladder cancer. Particularly, the positive predictive value of urinary cytology and time elapsed between a positive test and the diagnosis of a cystoscopically confirmed bladder tumor are analyzed. METHODS: This study was carried out at the Cytological Laboratory Department of Experimental Medicine and Pathology, University La Sapienza, Rome. Among 230 cases studied since 1996, 30 male patients over 50 were examined (25 with a previous bladder cancer and 5 with a previous prostate cancer) with long time follow-up, who underwent more than two cytological examinations on voided urine (2-12) at pre-fixed intervals. RESULTS: Nine (30%) of the patients suffered from recurrent disease. The cytological examinations was positive in 8 out of the 9 positive cases and negative in 17 out of the 21 negative cases. Absence of disease was confirmed in all the latter cases both by cystoscopic examination and clinical follow-up. One negative case showed clearly malignant cells in more than one specimen taken at different time intervals. This patient is actually under strict control. In 5 cases atypical metaplasia was present in the cytological specimen. In two of those cases cystoscopic examination 5 and 8 months later confirmed progressive disease. In the other three cases cystoscopy showed no evidence of disease. Two of the patients are well and alive after 2 and 14 months respectively. One is dead of prostatic cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the cases of atypical metaplasi as positive the cytological examinations showed 100% sensibility, 81% specificity, a predictive negative value of 1 and a predictive positive value of 0.66.

Implication of laminin and collagen type IV expression in the progression of breast carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The prognostic variability in breast cancer patients prompted the authors to investigate specific biological markers for the identification of high-risk breast cancer groups. In the present study, attention was focused on the interaction between tumor cells and the extracellular matrix, an important requisite in the metastatic process. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-six primary breast carcinoma specimens obtained by mastectomy or quadrantectomy plus axillary dissection were examined with immunohistochemistry, for the determination of laminin, collagen type IV and hormone receptor expression and with static cytometry, for the determination of the DNA content. RESULTS: Laminin and collagen type IV expression was observed on the membrane and in the cytoplasm of neoplastic cells. Laminin and collagen type IV were present, respectively, in 85.4% and 73.8% of the cases which showed recurrence. CONCLUSION: The results of this study have shown that high expression of laminin and collagen type IV may have a value in the prognosis of disease free survival and may be linked to other classical clinical, histological and biological parameters in the evaluation of breast cancer patients.

The success rate of identification of the sentinel lymph node in breast cancer: our training series.

A new phase of breast conserving surgery has started very recently, aimed at eliminating axillary dissection in node-negative patients by using the sentinel lymph node (SN) technique. Between November 1998 and January 2000 we performed 151 operations for breast cancer on 145 patients. We performed axillary lymphoscintigraphy using 99Tc-labeled human serum albumin microcolloidal particles injected subdermally in 50 patients who met our selection criteria. In this series we focused on the success rate of scintigraphic and surgical sentinel node identification. The number of scintigraphic identifications of the SN was 44 (88%). Only forty-three cases were evaluable, as in one case mapping showed an internal mammary hot node. All SNs were located at the first level. After removal of the SN complete axillary dissection was performed. Eighteen patients (41.8%) had metastatic disease in the axilla. There were five (11.6%) false negatives: two in T2 tumors, one in a T4 tumor and two in T1c tumors. We consider this series as our training series. Our results are similar to those reported in the literature. We believe that the most reasonable approach to SN biopsy is a two-step procedure: the ideal candidates are patients with T1 cancer who can undergo the operation in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia and sedation. Complete axillary dissection is performed only if paraffin sections and immunohistochemistry show metastatic disease.

[Influence of socioeconomic conditions in the nutritional changes and at rest metabolic rate in school children living in shantytowns of the city of São Paulo, Brazil]. / Influência das condições socioeconômicas nas alterações nutricionais e na taxa de metabolismo de repouso em crianças escolares moradoras em favelas no município de São Paulo.

PURPOSE: A cross-sectional study was carried out to characterize the alterations in the resting metabolic rate (RMR), and socioeconomic conditions of 15 stunted (DP= height/age < 95% and 110% (3) weight/height >90%) and 15 nonstunted (EU= height/age > 95% and 110% (3) weight/height >90%) school girls living in shantytowns of São Paulo. METHODS: Resting metabolic rate was measured using indirect calorimetry. Socioeconomic data was collected during home visits by administration of a questionnaire. RESULTS: The mildly stunted group had a higher RMR when expressed as Kcal/kg body weight (EU= 40,5 Kcal/kg/day; DP=44,4 Kcal/kg/day; p<0.05) and lean body mass (EU= 49, 2 Kcal/kg/day; DP=52,5 Kcal/kg/day; p<0.05). Stunting was associated with maternal illiteracy (EU= 13,3%; DP=57,1%; p<0.05), income per capita (EU=US$107,14; DP=US$54,40; p< 0.05), number of parasites per child (EU=0; DP=1; p<0.05), birth order (EU=2; DP=4; p< 0.05), and number of siblings (EU=4; DP=6; p<0.01). Stunting was best predicted by income per capita and maternal illiteracy by using multiple logistic regression. CONCLUSIONS: Although the two groups had normal weight/height, the group with mild stunting showed socioeconomic and metabolic alterations, typical of a malnourished condition.

Influência das condições socioeconômicas nas alterações nutricionais e na taxa de metabolismo de repouso em crianças escolares moradoras em favelas no município de São Paulo / Influence of socioeconomic conditions in the nutritional changes and rest metabolic rate in school children living in shantytowns of the city of São Paulo, Brazil

OBJETIVOS: Realizou-se um estudo transversal para avaliar a taxa de metabolismo de repouso (TMR) e condições socioeconômicas em 15 crianças escolares do sexo feminino; eutróficas (EU= estatura/idade > ou = 95 por cento e peso/idade entre 90-110por cento) e 15 com desnutrição pregressa (DP= estatura/idade < 95 por cento e peso/estatura entre 90-110 por cento) moradoras em favelas no município de São Paulo. MÉTODOS: Avaliou-se a TMR por calorimetria indireta, e a situação socioeconômica por entrevista domiciliar. RESULTADOS: O grupo DP apresentou TMR mais alta quando expressa por unidade de peso corpóreo (EU= 40,5 Kcal/kg/dia; DP=44,4 Kcal/kg/dia, p<0,05) e por quilograma de massa magra (EU= 49,2 Kcal/kg/dia; DP=52,5 Kcal/kg/dia, p<0,05); e diferenças significantes para renda per capita, analfabetismo materno, número de parasitas por criança, número de ordem entre os filhos e número de irmãos. Em análise multivariada as variáveis associadas à desnutrição foram renda per capita e analfabetismo materno. CONCLUSÕES: Embora os dois grupos tenham peso/estatura normais, a presença de baixa estatura leve foi acompanhada por alterações metabólicas e socioeconômicas típicas de um quadro de desnutrição.

Characterization of ectophosphatase activities in trypanosomatid parasites of plants.

ABSTRACT In the present work ectophosphatase activities of three trypanosomatid parasites of plants were characterized using intact cells. Phytomonas françai, Phytomonas mcgheei, and Herpetomonas sp. hydrolyzed p-nitro-phenylphosphate at a rate of 5.40, 7.28, and 25.58 nmol Pi/mg of protein per min, respectively. Experiments using classical inhibitors of acid phosphatases such as sodium orthovanadate (NaVO(3)) and sodium fluoride (NaF) showed a decrease in phosphatase activities. Lithium fluoride (LiF) and aluminum chloride (AlCl(3)) were also used. Although AlCl3 had no effect, LiF was able to promote a decrease in the phosphatase activities. Interestingly, the inhibition caused by LiF was enhanced by the addition of AlCl3 during the reaction, probably due to the formation of fluoroaluminate complexes. This effect was confirmed by cytochemical analysis. In this assay, electron-dense cerium phosphate deposits were visualized on the external surface of the three parasites.

Primary plasmacytoma of the testis. A case report.

The authors describe a case of multiple myeloma that developed several extraskeletal localizations. They evaluated the relation between the onset of the testicular tumor and the following myeloma characteristics: tumor burden, clinical phase, response to therapy and prognostic significance. The patient presented a rapid and dramatic clinical evolution of the disease with extensive spread also to the soft tissues of the abdominal wall. Chemotherapy did not achieve any effect and the patient died due to progression of the myeloma.

Mild stunting is associated with higher susceptibility to the effects of high fat diets: studies in a shantytown population in São Paulo, Brazil.

Previous studies by our group and others have suggested that nutritional stunting may increase the risk of obesity. To investigate mechanisms that could explain a link between stunting and obesity, a 22-mo follow-up study was conducted in two groups of shantytowns school girls (7-11 y old) in São Paulo, Brazil. One group (n = 15) had mild stunting (defined using a cutoff of -1.4 Z-scores of height-for-age) but normal weight-for-height; the control group (n = 15) had normal weight and height. Similar energy intake, dietary macronutrient composition and energy expenditure were observed in the two groups. Both groups showed comparable levels of IGF-1 that were below the normal range. A significant and positive association between baseline IGF-1 and the change in height-for-age during follow-up was found in all subjects combined (P = 0.044). A significant association was found between the baseline percentage of dietary energy supplied by fat and the gain in weight-for-height during follow-up in girls with mild stunting (P = 0.048), but not in the nonstunted control girls (P = 0.245); however, the slopes of these relationships were not significantly different. This study raises the question of whether a diet high in fat may increase the susceptibility to excess body fat gain in children who are mildly stunted. Further studies are need to explore this issue and to examine the possible etiological role of low levels of IGF-1.

[Comparison of the sensitivity and specificity of the electrocardiography criteria for left ventricular hypertrophy according to the methods of Romhilt-Estes, Sokolow-Lyon, Cornell and Rodríguez Padial]. / Comparación de la sensibilidad y especificidad de los criterios electrocardiográficos para la hipertrofia ventricular izquierda según métodos de Romhilt-Estes, Sokolow-Lyon, Cornell y Rodríguez Padial.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Because left ventricular mass is associated with an increase in the risk of morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular diseases in the general population having the electrocardiogram as an accessible and inexpensive method for the diagnosis of left ventricular hypertrophy, we decided to calculate the sensitivity and specificity of 5 electrocardiographic criteria for the diagnosis of left ventricular hypertrophy and to compare the results of the original authors to ours. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 135 patients were evaluated; 46 patients were excluded by the following criteria: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, complete left or right bundle branch block, cardiovascular ischemic disease or Wolf-Parkinson-White Syndrome. 89 patients remained and had an electrocardiogram performed applying the following criteria: Romhilt-Estes Point-Score system. Sokolow-Lyon (SV1 + RV5 or V6 > 3.5 mV) and (RaVL > 1.1 mV), Cornell and Rodríguez Padial. Left ventricular hypertrophy was defined by the Penn Convention Criteria. RESULTS: In our study we obtained the following results: a) Romhilt-Estes had a sensitivity of 12% and a specificity of 87%; b) Sokolow-Lyon (SV1 + RV5 or V6) had a sensitivity of 22% and a specificity of 79%; c) Sokolow-Lyon (RaVL) has a sensitivity of 18% and a specificity of 92%; d) Cornel had a sensitivity of 31% and a specificity of 87%, and e) Rodríguez Padial had a sensitivity of 82% and a specificity of 8%. There are similarities between our results and the authors's original ones. However, there are significant statistical differences between them (p < or = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Our conclusion is that these criteria have a low diagnostic value in the isolated interpretation of patients with left ventricular hypertrophy, and we need to integrate them with the whole medical history and physical examination.

Polyarticular pigmented villonodular synovitis associated with multiple congenital anomalies. A case of Noonan-like/multiple giant cell lesion syndrome.

A case of polyarticular pigmented villonodular synovitis associated with many congenital phenotypic peculiarities (such as shortness, blue sclerae, flattened nose, low-set ears, hypertelorism, curly hair and pulmonary stenosis) is described. The presence of many of the typical signs of the Noonan syndrome and the histological finding of giant cells on the synovial biopsy led to the diagnosis of Noonan-like/multiple giant cell lesion syndrome.

Working formulation nomenclature of heart transplant pathology: A retrospective evaluation of 1037 endomyocardial biopsies.

Working Formulation (WF) was recently introduced by the International Society for Heart Transplantation to grade acute cellular rejection, as well as additional lesions observed in endomyocardial biopsies (EMBs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the actual advantages of this grading system in terms of feasibility and predictive value. To this purpose, we reclassified 1037 EMBs performed in our heart transplantation units according to the WF. Our results show that multifocal mild rejection (grade IA), when worsening, tends to progress to multifocal moderate (3A), whereas diffuse mild (1B) generally worsens to diffuse moderate (3B), thus following the same focal or diffuse pattern. Unifocal moderate rejection (grade 2) has a peculiar behavior, in that it almost always resolves, though in our units it is treated the same way as is grade 113. Finally, we found a significant relationship between Quilty B effect and chronic rejection. In conclusion, this retrospective study shows that WF is effective in using both qualitative and quantitative criteria and, particularly, in separating focal and diffuse forms of rejection and devoting a distinct grade to unifocal moderate rejection.