ABSTRACT
Infrageneric relations of the genetically diverse milkcap genus Lactifluus (Russulales, Basidiomycota) are poorly known. Currently used classification systems still largely reflect the traditional, mainly morphological, characters used for infrageneric delimitations of milkcaps. Increased sampling, combined with small-scale molecular studies, show that this genus is underexplored and in need of revision. For this study, we assembled an extensive dataset of the genus Lactifluus, comprising 80 % of all known species and 30 % of the type collections. To unravel the infrageneric relationships within this genus, we combined a multi-gene molecular phylogeny, based on nuclear ITS, LSU, RPB2 and RPB1, with a morphological study, focussing on five important characteristics (fruit body type, presence of a secondary velum, colour reaction of the latex/context, pileipellis type and presence of true cystidia). Lactifluus comprises four supported subgenera, each containing several supported clades. With extensive sampling, ten new clades and at least 17 new species were discovered, which highlight the high diversity in this genus. The traditional infrageneric classification is only partly maintained and nomenclatural changes are proposed. Our morphological study shows that the five featured characteristics are important at different evolutionary levels, but further characteristics need to be studied to find morphological support for each clade. This study paves the way for a more detailed investigation of biogeographical history and character evolution within Lactifluus.
ABSTRACT
Neuromuscular choristomas are malformative pseudotumoral masses composed of striated muscle and peripheral nerves. This rare condition almost exclusively affects large nerve trunks of infants and young children, and may cause neurologic deficits of variable severity. We report a case of neuromuscular choristoma identified in the lumbosacral lipoma of a 4-month-old boy. The lesion was characterized by an organoid association of myogenic and neurogenic elements reminiscent of neuromuscular units. Myosin immunophenotyping revealed disordered groups of type-I and type-II extrafusal myofibers. There was no immunoreactivity for smooth muscle specific alpha actin. Most participating axons were of the large myelinated type. Pathogenetic theories of neuromuscular choristoma involve aberrant migration of developing peripheral nerves, dysgenesis of muscle spindles, as well as mesenchymal differentiation of the primitive neuroectoderm. Neuromuscular choristomas arising in connection with congenital lipomas may derive from a dysembryogenic process of stem cells of the caudal neural tube.
Subject(s)
Choristoma/diagnosis , Lipoma/pathology , Muscle Fibers, Skeletal/pathology , Nerve Tissue/pathology , Neuromuscular Diseases/diagnosis , Choristoma/pathology , Humans , Immunophenotyping , Infant , Lipoma/congenital , Lumbosacral Region , Male , Neuromuscular Diseases/pathologyABSTRACT
We present the case of a patient with true hermaphroditism and partial duplication of chromosome 22. Cytogenetic evaluation showed no evidence of a Y chromosome in blood, skin, or gonadal tissue. Additional investigations using molecular probes showed no evidence of SRY. We conclude that there are genes on chromosome 22 that are involved in sex determination.
Subject(s)
Chromosome Aberrations , Chromosomes, Human, Pair 22 , DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics , Disorders of Sex Development/genetics , Nuclear Proteins , Transcription Factors , Base Sequence , DNA Primers , Disorders of Sex Development/pathology , Female , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Male , Sex Determination Processes , Sex-Determining Region Y ProteinABSTRACT
Expressed cDNA encoding a proteolytic enzyme from Schistosoma mansoni has been cloned recently. Circulating antibodies reacting with the recombinant protein have been detected in the blood of mice and humans infected with S. mansoni, S. japonicum, or S. haematobium. S. mansoni and S. haematobium infection can be distinguished by antibody titer.
Subject(s)
Antibodies, Helminth/analysis , Cysteine Endopeptidases/immunology , Helminth Proteins , Schistosoma mansoni/enzymology , Schistosomiasis mansoni/diagnosis , Animals , Antigens, Helminth/genetics , Antigens, Helminth/immunology , Cloning, Molecular , Cross Reactions , Cysteine Endopeptidases/genetics , Humans , Immunoblotting , Mice , Recombinant Proteins/genetics , Recombinant Proteins/immunology , Schistosoma mansoni/genetics , Schistosoma mansoni/immunologyABSTRACT
This paper reports the predictable areas of difficulty-funding issues, management and personal bias issues, theoretical issues-which emerged in the development of five treatment groups composed entirely of depressed and suicidal patients. These groups represent a coordinated effort between the city/county mental health system and the authors' funding agencies. Effective strategies for overcoming these difficulties are discussed.
Subject(s)
Mental Health Services/organization & administration , Psychotherapy, Group/economics , Suicide, Attempted/prevention & control , HumansABSTRACT
This paper reports a number of areas of difficulty--funding issues, management and personal bias issues, theoretical issues--which emerged in the development of five treatment groups comprised entirely of depressed and suicidal patients. These groups reflected a coordinated effort between the city-county mental health system and the specific funding agencies. Strategies for overcoming these difficulties are dicussed.
