Nematode-citrus plant interactions: host preference, damage rate and molecular characterization of Citrus root nematode Tylenchulus semipenetrans.

Citrus plants are host to several plant parasitic nematodes (PPNs), which are microscopic organisms. Among PPNs, the citrus root nematode, T. semipenetrans (Cobb 1913) (Tylenchida: Tylenchulidae), causes significant damage to citrus plantations worldwide. Understanding citrus nematode populations, precise identification, host preference among citrus species, and damage threshold are crucial to control T. semipenetrans. The minutiae of citrus plant-nematode interactions, nematode density and molecular nematode identification are not well understood. In this study, nematode species and density in citrus orchards, host specialization, molecular and morphological characteristics of nematodes were assessed. Molecular and morphological methods, host-nematode interactions, host (citrus species) preference, damage economic threshold (ET), and economic injury level (EIL) were determined using laboratory methods and field sampling. Citrus plantations in different provinces in the Mediterranean region of Turkey were investigated. Nematode species were identified molecularly and morphologically. ITS sequences revealed that samples were infected by citrus root nematode T. semipenetrans. The lowest nematode density was in C. reticulata in Mersin (53 2nd stage juveniles (J2s) 100 g-1 soil), while the highest density was from Hatay in C. sinensis (12173 J2s 100 g-1 soil). Highest citrus nematode population density was on roots of C. reticulata, followed by C. sinensis, C. limon, and C. paradisi. The citrus nematode is more common than was thought and population fluctuations change according to specific citrus species. Environmental conditions, host and ecological factors, such as temperature, soil pH, and soil nutrients, might influence nematode populations in citrus orchards. Investigating nematode density in diverse soil ecologies and the responses of different resistant/tolerant citrus species and cultivars to nematode populations is essential in future studies.

Trial of a new pain assessment tool in patients with low education: the full cup test.

AIMS AND SCOPE: Pain is subjective and pain assessment depends on the patient's self-report. The measurement of pain needs simple tools, especially in patients with low education. There are limited reports about pain assessment in this type of patient. The aims of the present study were to develop a pain scale that is easy for patients with low education to understand and to evaluate its usefulness in these patients. METHODS: A total of 128 adult non-demented patients presenting with headaches or rheumatologic pain were included in this study. The first phase of the study involved 114 patients and aimed to estimate the usefulness of the full cup test (FCT) compared with the visual analogue scale (VAS). The second phase of the study involved 23 patients with headaches selected randomly from the 114 patients and assessed the usefulness of the FCT for detecting changes in pain levels. The third phase of the study involved 14 patients with low education suffering from headaches and examined the usefulness of the FCT in these patients. RESULTS: The mean VAS and FCT scores were statistically correlated and reliable and did not differ significantly. Patients with low education understood the FCT more easily than the VAS. CONCLUSION: We concluded that the FCT is useful for both assessing and differentiating changes in pain, and is suitable for assessing pain in patients with low education.

The effects of raloxifene and tibolone on homocysteine and vascular histopathological changes.

The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of raloxifene (RLX) and tibolone (TBN) on plasma homocysteine (Hcy) levels and their relationship with atherosclerotic changes in the walls of the carotid artery in ovariectomised rats. Thirty surgically ovariectomised Wistar albino rats after a menopausal period of 6 cycles were randomly assigned to receive RLX 0.01 mg/kg/day (n=10), TBN 0.04 mg/kg/day (n=10) and the same dose of placebo (n=10) for 6 cycles. Serum levels of vitamin B12, folate and Hcy were measured and carotid arteries were examined histopathologically following the termination of treatment. Hcy levels were 3.27+/-0.97, 2.57+/-0.32 and 2.28+/-0.12 micromol/l, Vitamin B12 levels were 901.90+/-239.76, 694.70+/-112.20 and 631+/-309.44 pg/ml and folate levels were 73.80+/-12.71, 72.51+/-7.05 and 84.79+/-20.82 ng/ml in receiving RLX, TBN and placebo respectively. Hcy levels were increased by RLX vs. placebo (P=0.006) but not by TBN vs. placebo (P=0.070). Vitamin B12 levels were found to be elevated by TBN vs. the control group (P=0.041) but not by RLX vs. placebo (P=0.059). Histopathological examination of carotid arteries from rats receiving both RLX and TBN revealed no difference vs. placebo. Data obtained from the study support the view that neither RLX nor TBN appears to have a primary protective effect on vascular disease by effecting the metabolism of Hcy at menopause.

The effects of hormone replacement therapy on homocysteine and vascular histopathological changes.

The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of hormone replacement therapy on homocysteine and its relationship with atherosclerotic changes. Twenty Wistar albino rats were deployed in the study. An artificial menopause was created. Rats were randomly assigned to 2 groups. The first group received 6 cycles of 0.01 mg/kg/day conjugated equine oestrogen and the second group received the same dose of placebo. After the treatment, vitamin B12, folate and homocysteine levels were measured. Carotid arteries were removed for histopathological examination of vascular effects. Homocysteine levels were 3.35+/-0.22 and 2.28+/-0.12 micromol/l, vitamin B12 levels were 699+/-87.51 and 631+/-97.85 pg/ml and folate levels were 71.83+/-4.03 and 84.79+/-6.58 ng/ml in Groups 1 and 2, respectively. Statistical analyses revealed no significant differences between Group 1 and Group 2 with regard to vitamin B12 and folate levels. Homocysteine was found to be significantly elevated in Group 1 (P = 0.001). Histopathological examination did not reveal any pathological finding in vascular sections in either group. Even though postmenopausal HRT is not used as a means of cardiovascular protection, it is the only treatment available for vasomotor symptoms and prevention of urogenital atrophy during menopause. Until the relationships between menopause, HRT, homocysteine, folate and vitamin B12 are clearly elucidated with more comprehensive studies, including all the details leading to plasma homocysteine increment in homocysteine metabolism, we recommend that menopausal women should be provided with accurate information and risk/benefit analysis on HRT treatment and the decision should be made by the patient.

Growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1 levels and their relation to survival in children with bacterial sepsis and septic shock.

OBJECTIVES: Despite improved supportive care, the mortality of sepsis and septic shock is still high. Multiple changes in the neuroendocrine systems, at least in part, are responsible for the high morbidity and mortality. A reduced circulating level of insulin-like growth factor and an elevated level of growth hormone are the reported characteristic findings early in the course of sepsis and septic shock in adults. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes of growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor 1 axis in sepsis and septic shock and investigate the relationship between these hormones and survival. METHODS: Fifty-one children with sepsis (S), 21 children with septic shock (SS) and 30 healthy, age- and sex-matched children (C) were enrolled in this study. Growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor 1 and cortisol levels of the sepsis and septic shock groups were obtained before administration of any inotropic agent. RESULTS: Growth hormone levels were 32.3 +/- 1.5 microIU/mL (range 4-56), 15.9 +/- 0.6 microIU/mL (range 11-28) and 55.7 +/- 2.7 microIU/mL (range 20-70) in S, C and SS groups, respectively. The difference between the growth hormone levels of the S and C groups, S and SS groups, and C and SS groups were significant (P < 0.001). Non-survivors (54.7 +/- 1.6 microIU/mL) had significantly higher growth hormone levels than survivors (29.4 +/- 1.5 microIU/mL) (P < 0.001). Insulin-like growth factor 1 levels were 38.1 +/- 2.1 ng/mL (range 19-100), 122.9 +/- 9.6 ng/mL (range 48-250) and 22.2 +/- 1.9 ng/mL (range 10-46) in the S, C and SS groups, respectively, and the difference between the insulin-like growth factor 1 levels of the S and C, S and SS, and C and SS groups were significant (P < 0.001). Non-survivors (8.8 +/- 1.1 micro g/dL) had significantly lower cortisol levels than survivors (40.9 +/- 2.1 microg/dL) (P < 0.001). We detected a significant difference between the levels of cortisol in non-survivors (19.7 +/- 1.8 microg/dL) and survivors (33.9 +/- 0.9 microg/dL) (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: There were elevated levels of growth hormone with decreased levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 in children during sepsis and septic shock compared to healthy subjects. In addition, there were even higher levels of growth hormone and lower levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 in non-survivors than in survivors. We think that both growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1 may have potential prognostic value to serve as a marker in bacterial sepsis and septic shock in children. As there is insufficient data in the paediatric age group, more studies including large numbers of patients and additionally evaluating cytokines and insulin-like growth factor binding proteins are needed.

Urinary N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase activity in type I diabetes mellitus.

We measured urinary albumin excretion rate (AER) and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) activity in relation to disease duration, acetylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), hypertension and puberty in 44 children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus. AER and Urinary NAG activity were significantly higher in the patients compared to controls (AER 19.4 +/-; 35.8 vs 4.7 +/- 4.4, NAG activity 5.6 +/- 0.6U vs. 1.6 +/- 0.2U). Microalbuminuria was present in seven patients (15.9%), all of whom were pubertal. There was no correlation between AER and urinary NAG activity. There was a significant direct correlation between AER and disease duration (P <0.05), HbA1c (P < 0.05), diastolic blood pressure (P <0.05) and puberty (P <0.05). None of the microalbuminuria related variables was significantly correlated with urinary NAG activity. Puberty was an independent factor for elevated urinary NAG activity. This study shows that urinary NAG is elevated in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus, but is not associated with AER related factors except for puberty. Urinary NAG activity does not appear to be a useful marker for early detection of diabetic nephropathy in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Primary hyperparathyroidism in an infant with three parathyroid glands and pulmonary calcinosis.

A 2 month-old male infant presented with severe hypercalcemia due to parathyroid hyperplasia. A total parathyroidectomy and partial heterotopic autotransplantation were carried out. Hypercalcemia recurred two months later. Normocalcemia was re-established after removing one half of the implanted tissue. Despite two separate surgical explorations and several imaging studies, including 99mTc-sestamibi scintigraphy, ultrasonography, and MRI, only three parathyroid glands were found. Severe pulmonary calcinosis has not previously been reported in children with PHPT. In conclusion, developmental variations of the parathyroid glands may be difficult to identify with present imaging techniques. This may pose difficulties in management of PHPT. The present report describes pulmonary calcinosis as a sequela which can cause additional morbidity in these infants.

Coexistence of common variable immunodeficiency and autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 2.

A six year-old boy with common variable immunodeficiency developed insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, autoimmune thyroiditis, and total alopecia leading to the diagnosis of autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 2. Previously unreported co-occurence of these two entities may be explained by strong autoimmunity and HLA association of both conditions.

Bcl-2 proto-oncogene expression in low- and high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of bcl-2 protein expression in low- and high-grade prostatic intra-epithelial neoplasia (PIN) lesions, and to explore the role of bcl-2 in prostatic tumorigenesis. Materials and methods Immunoreactivity for bcl-2 was examined in 10 samples of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), 13 of primary prostatic adenocarcinoma, 15 of high-grade PIN and 18 of low-grade PIN. All immunostaining results were scored for the approximate percentage of positive tumour cells and relative immunostaining intensity (score range 0-12). RESULTS: In all BPH samples, bcl-2 staining was detected consistently in the basal cell layer of the ducts and acini, but no staining was ever apparent in luminal cells. The immunoreactivity for bcl-2 was heterogeneous in the prostatic carcinomas and bcl-2 protein expression was present in six samples. In these six bcl-2-positive tumours, the mean (range) staining score was 1.15 (1-6). There was detectable expression of bcl-2 in low- and high-grade PIN in all cell layers; immunoreactivity was present in 10 of 15 high-grade PIN lesions, with a mean (range) score of 1.14 (1-4), and in 12 of 18 samples of low-grade PIN, with a mean (range) score of 1.77 (1-6). CONCLUSIONS: The high incidence of bcl-2 protein expression in low- and high-grade PIN lesions suggests that bcl-2 protein expression is associated with early prostate tumorigenesis.

Long-term outcome of a patient with intrascrotal extratesticular malignant schwannoma.

We have the opportunity to present a rare case of late local recurrence after treatment of intrascrotal extratesticular malignant schwannoma with rhabdomyoblastic features in an adult man. As our case is the first in the literature, we want to inform the reader about the long-term follow-up of our patient and suggest that these tumors may have a long survival and late recurrences may occur even after 5 years postoperatively.

Failure of ureteral replacement with Gore-Tex tube grafts.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the role of polytetrafluoroethylene (Gore-Tex) as a ureteral substitute in dogs after resection of a 5 to 8-cm-long middle segment. METHODS: Five mongrel dogs underwent resection of the middle segment of the left ureter and segmental replacement of the resected part with segments of Gore-Tex over a double-J catheter. The double-J stents were removed at 21 days and the dogs were evaluated by excretory urography and abdominal ultrasonography 12 weeks after surgery. They were then killed and the ureters and the kidneys examined both grossly and microscopically. RESULTS: There was radiologic evidence of advanced hydronephrosis on the left side in all 5 dogs. Grossly, the left kidneys showed marked pelvic and proximal ureteral dilatation and atrophy of parenchyma. Severe stricture at the anastomotic sites and marked fibrous tissue around the prostheses were found. No cellular lining was found in the Gore-Tex lumen. CONCLUSIONS: There is no potential for ureteral replacement by Gore-Tex tube graft.

A case of ambiguous genitalia with unilateral amelia and unilateral peromelia of the upper limbs.

A 7-year-old patient is reported with a 46,XY karyotype, ambiguous genitalia and unilateral amelia and unilateral peromelia of the upper limbs. The external genitalia had essentially a female configuration with labia majora, large clitoris, and narrow vaginal opening. Gonadal tissue was not palpable on either side. The levels of 17-OH progesterone dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), androstenedione and luteinizing hormone (LH) were normal, but the level of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) was elevated minimally. Abdominal ultrasonography (USG) was normal. On pelvic USG, neither uterus nor ovaries were seen. Genitography showed a blind vagina. Gonads, Müllerian and/or Wolffian structures were not observed at laparotomy. Clitoral recession and cut-back vaginoplasty were performed. The occurrence of these findings suggests embryonic testicular regression syndrome with bilateral transverse defect of the upper limbs. The case has been presented because the pattern of the birth defects, including both ambiguous genitalia and unilateral amelia on one side of the upper limbs and unilateral peromelia on the other, have not been described previously.

Evaluation of urinary glycosaminoglycan excretion in patients with renal cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a possible correlation between the urinary excretion of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and tumor stage and size in renal cell cancer (RCC), a prospective controlled study was performed. METHODS: 34 patients (13 females, 21 males) with clinically and histologically proven RCC were included in the study. Following the staging procedures of RCC in each patient nephrectomy was performed; subsequently the size of the tumor (length and width) was calculated using nephrectomy material. Urinary GAG excretion was determined using a previously described method. RESULTS: Urinary GAG excretion was found to be increased in RCC patients, with a strong relation to the size of the tumor. Patients with relatively larger tumor masses seemed to excrete higher amounts of GAGs in urine (r = 0.8235; p < 0.001). In contrast, we were not able to show any significant difference in urinary GAG excretion with respect to tumor stage (f = 5.92; p = 0.0068). Patients with multiple foci of RCC (n = 3) had relatively higher rates of GAG excretion than patients with same-size single-tumor masses. CONCLUSIONS: Although our results revealed GAG excretion in RCC patients as a possibly useful marker with respect to tumor size, no correlation to the stage of RCC was observed. Further investigation using larger series of patients and other definitive parameters is certainly needed in order to provide more reliable data, before considering urinary GAG excretion as a useful marker.

Preservation of shock-wave-induced renal histologic changes by dermatan sulfate.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the protective effects of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) administration on shock-wave-induced renal histologic alterations, an experimental study using dermatan sulfate administration (DS) in rabbits was performed. METHODS: The study included 45 white New Zealand rabbits; 36 were divided into two groups before shock-wave application. Animals in the first group (n = 18) received no specific medication before or after shock-wave treatment; animals in the second group (n = 18) received subcutaneous DS administration for a period of 2 months, beginning 2 weeks before shock-wave application. Following different numbers of shock-wave application (500, 1000, or 1500 shock waves), histopathologic evaluation of treated kidneys was made under light microscopy after 24 hours and 3 months. Nine animals were used for the control group. RESULTS: During 24-hour examination, most of the kidneys in both groups demonstrated varying degrees of histopathologic alterations, depending on the number of shock waves applied. Among the most prominent pathologic features were protein deposition with free erythrocytes in the tubular lumen, glomerular hemorrhage, tubular dilation and degeneration, protein in Bowman's capsule, hyperemia, and mononuclear cell infiltration at the interstitial level. As opposed to the 24-hour evaluation findings, long-term (3-month) follow-up examination revealed histopathologic alterations that decreased but did not totally disappear in animals receiving no DS. Glomerular basement membrane thickening, mononuclear cell infiltration and limited protein deposition in some tubules, together with cortical interstitial fibrosis, were observed to some extent in these animals. On the other hand, no severe histopathologic alteration with normal glomerular basement membrane appearance was noted in animals receiving DS medication. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicated a long-term favorable protective effect of DS administration on morphologic abnormalities in rabbits undergoing shock-wave treatment. Although tubular alterations persisted to some extent, mononuclear cell infiltration has been limited and the natural appearance of the basement membrane has been well preserved in most of the treated animals.

Stone recurrence after shockwave lithotripsy: possible enhanced crystal deposition in traumatized tissue in rabbit model.

To evaluate the possible traumatizing effect of high-energy shockwaves (HESW) on new stone formation as indicated by crystal deposition in the renal parenchyma, we performed an experimental study in 50 rabbits. During severe oxaluria induced by continuous ethylene glycol (0.75%) administration, animals in the first group (N = 15) received 500 to 1500 shockwaves. Animals in the second group (N = 15) underwent no specific therapy apart from ethylene glycol administration. In a third group of animals (N = 15), only shockwave administration was applied. Sham group animals constituted the last group in our study (N = 5). Three months after shockwave application, tissue sections obtained from treated and untreated kidneys were evaluated histopathologically under light and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for the presence and degree of crystal deposition in the cortical parenchymal region subjected to HESW. Crystal deposition was evident in the intercellular region and intratubular parts of the parenchyma in animals subjected to HESW application, especially in those receiving relatively high (1000 or 1500) numbers of shockwaves. On the other hand, no crystal formation and deposition was detectable in animals undergoing only ethylene glycol therapy or shockwave administration alone. Sham group animals demonstrated no significant renal histopathology. The traumatic effects of HESW should be evaluated as a factor in new stone formation after SWL.

Effects of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy on urinary concentration of epidermal growth factor.

In a prospective study, we tried to determine whether extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) has any effect on urinary epidermal growth factor (EGF) concentrations and to investigate whether EGF can be used as a marker for detecting shockwave-induced impairment of distal tubular cells. A total of 12 patients with renal pelvic or caliceal stones < or = 2 cm undergoing anesthesia-free SWL without ancillary measures and a control group of 10 patients without any urologic symptoms were included in this study. The urinary concentrations of EGF were measured by radioimmunoassay before and 4 hours, 24 hours, and 7 days after SWL. Relative urinary EGF concentrations were expressed as the ratio of EGF to creatinine (ng/mL creatinine). The mean urinary EGF concentration (mean +/- standard error) in control subjects and patients with renal pelvic or caliceal stones before SWL was 23.90 +/- 3.15 ng/mL creatinine and 22.18 +/- 6.85 ng/mL creatinine, respectively (p > 0.05). In patients with stones, we found a decrease in urinary EGF concentration 4 hours, 24 hours, and 7 days after SWL. Indeed, 7 days after SWL, the EGF concentration was on average half of the original value, a biologically significant, although not statistically significant, decrease.

Protective effect of verapamil on renal tissue during shockwave application in rabbit model.

Although extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) is the treatment of choice for symptomatic urinary calculi, it has been shown in number of studies that adverse effects of high-energy shockwaves may be encountered in short- and long-term follow-up. To evaluate the possible protective effect of verapamil administration on renal tissue, both magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histopathologic examination were performed after SWL in rabbits. Thirty-five animals were divided into three groups. The 15 animals in the first group were fed verapamil (0.1 mg/kg) for 3 days. Another 15 animals received no medication but underwent SWL, and the remaining 5 animals received anesthesia alone (sham group). The animals were then subdivided into three groups according to the shockwave number applied (1000, 15,000, or 2000) and the aforementioned evaluations were performed 24 hours and 3 months after the procedure. We found prominent histopathologic alterations in animals not receiving any medication before SWL. Persistence of these pathologic alterations during 3 months of follow-up indicated the importance of preservation of renal architecture during high-energy shockwave application. On the other hand, animals under verapamil medication prior to SWL demonstrated only a limited degree of histopathologic alteration. Demonstration of a normal histologic pattern after 3 months supported the preservation of tissue structure by such medication. No significant histopathologic alteration could be observed in the sham-group animals, as expected. Our study demonstrates that verapamil is protective against shockwave-induced renal tubular damage. Such medications may be useful to avoid the proven histopathologic and functional side effects of high-energy shockwaves.

The efficacy of urinary cytology in the detection of recurrent bladder tumours.

In a prospective study, 71 patients with superficial transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder were given topical immunotherapy with bacillus Calmette-Guerin after transurethral resection and the impact of cystoscopy and bladder wash-out cytology in assessment of recurrent tumours was investigated. Sixteen recurrences were noted histopathologically during the follow-up and 15 of them were also diagnosed properly by wash-out cytology (sensitivity 93.8%). During the follow-up, 10 patients had positive cytology results without evidence of recurrent tumour and 6 of them had recurred cystoscopically in 3 months' time. However, the remaining 4 patients were still tumour-free cystoscopically after a follow-up of 6 months (specificity 92.7%, positive predictive value 78.9%). Although, some false-positive results may be obtained by urine cytology after topical immunotherapy, urine cytology seems to be a reasonable alternative to more invasive and expensive methods during the follow-up of bladder tumours.