Fish-processing effluent discharges influenced physicochemical properties and prokaryotic community structure in arid soils from Patagonia.

Along the Patagonian coast, there are processing factories of marine products in land that produce fish-processing effluents. The aim of the present study was to assess the physicochemical properties and the prokaryotic community composition of soils receiving fish-processing effluent discharges (effluent site-ES), and to compare them with those of unaltered soils (control site-CS) in the arid Patagonian steppe. We analyzed soil prokaryotic communities (using amplicon-based sequencing of 16S rRNA genes), soil physicochemical properties and fish-processing effluent characteristics. Soil moisture, electrical conductivity (EC), total and inorganic C were significantly higher in ES than in CS (p < .05). Effluent discharges induced a decrease in the total number of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) and in the Shannon diversity index (p = .0009 and .01, respectively) of soil prokaryotic community. Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria and Acidobacteria were the dominant phyla in CS, while ES soil showed a more heterogeneous composition of phyla. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size (LEfSe) analysis showed that fish-processing effluent discharges promoted an enrichment of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, which are active contributors to organic matter mineralization, along with a decrease of oligotrophic phyla such as Acidobacteria, Chloroflexi, Armatimonadetes and Nitrospirae, commonly found in nutrient-poor arid soils. The concentrations of inorganic C and ammonium, the EC and the soil moisture explained 73% of the total variation within the community composition. Due to its salinity and nutrients, fish-processing effluents have potential mainly for native salt-tolerant plant irrigation, however the impacts of soil prokaryotic community shifts over plant growth remain to be determined.

The Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) in T Cell and NK Cell Lymphomas: Time for a Reassessment.

While Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) was initially discovered and characterized as an oncogenic virus in B cell neoplasms, it also plays a complex and multifaceted role in T/NK cell lymphomas. In B cell lymphomas, EBV-encoded proteins have been shown to directly promote immortalization and proliferation through stimulation of the NF-κB pathway and increased expression of anti-apoptotic genes. In the context of mature T/NK lymphomas (MTNKL), with the possible exception on extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma (ENKTL), the virus likely plays a more diverse and nuanced role. EBV has been shown to shape the tumor microenvironment by promoting Th2-skewed T cell responses and by increasing the expression of the immune checkpoint ligand PD-L1. The type of cell infected, the amount of plasma EBV DNA, and the degree of viral lytic replication have all been proposed to have prognostic value in T/NK cell lymphomas. Latency patterns of EBV infection have been defined using EBV-infected B cell models and have not been definitively established in T/NK cell lymphomas. Identifying the expression profile of EBV lytic proteins could allow for individualized therapy with the use of antiviral medications. More work needs to be done to determine whether EBV-associated MTNKL have distinct biological and clinical features, which can be leveraged for risk stratification, disease monitoring, and therapeutic purposes.

Loss of TCR-beta F1 and/or EZRIN expression is associated with unfavorable prognosis in nodal peripheral T-cell lymphomas.

Nodal peripheral T-cell lymphoma (nodal PTCL) has an unfavorable prognosis, and specific pathogenic alterations have not been fully identified. The biological and clinical relevance of the expression of CD30/T-cell receptor (TCR) genes is a topic under active investigation. One-hundred and ninety-three consecutive nodal PTCLs (89 angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphomas (AITL) and 104 PTCL-unspecified (PTCL-not otherwise specified (NOS)) cases) were analyzed for the immunohistochemical expression of 19 molecules, involving TCR/CD30 pathways and the associations with standard prognostic indices. Mutually exclusive expression was found between CD3 and TCR-beta F1 with CD30 expression. Taking all PTCL cases together, logistic regression identified a biological score (BS) including TCR molecules (TCR-beta F1 and EZRIN) that separates two subgroups of patients with a median survival of 34.57 and 5.20 months (P<0.001). Multivariate analysis identified BS and the prognostic index for PTCL (PIT) score as independent prognostic factors. This BS maintained its significance in multivariate analysis only for the PTCL-NOS subgroup of tumors. In AITL cases, only a high level of ki67 expression was related to prognosis. A BS including molecules involved in the TCR signaling pathway proved to be an independent prognostic factor of poor outcome in a multivariate analysis, specifically in PTCL-NOS patients. Nevertheless, validation in an independent series of homogeneously treated PTCL patients is required to confirm these data.

Linfoma no hodgkin primario óseo en niños / Primary non-hodgkin lymphoma of bone in children

Objetivo: Conocer las características clínicas, radiológicas y el resultado del tratamiento de los casos de Linfoma No Hodgkin primario óseo que se presentaron en el Departamento de Pediatría Oncológica del Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplásicas (INEN). Métodos: Revisión retrospectiva de las historias clínicas de pacientes menores de 14 años encontradas en el archivo de estadística del INEN desde el 1ro de Enero de 1987 al 31 de Diciembre del 2008. La evaluación retrospectiva incluyó la recopilación de las estadísticas demográficas, clínicas, radiográficas, tratamiento y seguimiento de datos. Se usó la hoja de cálculo MS Excel para los análisis. Resultados: Se identificaron 509 casos de linfoma no Hodgkin de los cuales 5 casos fueron primario óseo. Los pacientes incluyeron 3 niños y 2 niñas con una edad media de 10.2 años. En la mayoría de los pacientes el hallazgo clínico principal fue dolor óseo. Tres niños tenían una lesión ósea solitaria y dos múltiples lesiones óseas. La tibia fue el hueso más frecuentemente afectado. Los cuatro pacientes que sobrevivieron fueron seguidos por un rango de 18 meses a 17 años. Un paciente falleció de shock séptico como complicación relacionada al tratamiento. El tiempo medio desde el diagnóstico hasta el fallecimiento fue de 1 año. Los cinco pacientes recibieron quimioterapia, un paciente recibió quimioterapia y luego cirugía. Conclusiones: La enfermedad localizada y la histología de células grandes se relacionan con un buen pronóstico. La imagen radiológica no permite un diagnóstico sin confirmación histológica. Utilizar criterios clínicos, radiológicos, de microscopía de rutina y un panel incompleto de marcadores de inmunohistoquímica, contribuye al diagnóstico erróneo de estas neoplasias. La inmunohistoquímica es definitiva para un diagnóstico y tratamiento adecuados. Un compromiso óseo clínico y radiológico similar puede presentarse en diferentes patologías tanto benignas como malignas en niños.

Objective: To determine the frequency of primary bone Non Hodgkin´s Lymphoma in children and to know the clinical features, radiological findings and treatment of cases in the Pediatric Oncology Department of the Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplasicas in Lima û Perú. Design: Review of all patients under age 14 diagnosed with primary bone Non Hodgkin´s Lymphoma between January 1, 1987 and December 31, 2008 at the Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplasicas in Lima û Peru. 509 cases of Non Hodgkin Lymphoma were identified during the study period, 5 cases were primary bone. We used the MS Excel spreadsheet for analysis. Results: The patients included three boys and two girls with a mean age of 10.2 years. In most patients the main clinical finding was bone pain. Three children had a solitary bone lesion and two multiple bone lesions. The tibia was most frequently involved. The four surviving patients were followed for a range of 18 months to 17 years. One patient died of septic shock as a complication related to treatment. The average time from diagnosis to death was 1 year. The five patients received chemotherapy, one patient received chemotherapy and then surgery. Conclusions: It appears that localized disease and large cell histology are associated with a good prognosis. The radiographic image does not allow a diagnosis without histological confirmation. Using clinical radiological, histological routine microscopy criteria and an unbalanced panel of immunohistochemical marker contribute to the misdiagnosis of these tumors. Immunohistochemistry is definitive for diagnosis and treatment. A clinical and radiological bone involvement can occur in various benign and malignant diseases in children.

Iodine status and thyroid volume changes during pregnancy: results of a survey in Aran Valley (Catalan Pyrenees).

The Aran Valley (Catalan Pyrenees, Spain) has a long-standing history of iodine deficiency. A survey was performed to determine the prevalence of iodine deficiency (urinary iodine<150 microg/l) in pregnant women from this region during the 1st and 3rd trimesters of gestation and to evaluate the changes in thyroid volume (TV). Of all the registered pregnancies in the area, in the first semester of the year 2000, 35 women (90%) were studied. Urinary iodine (UI) was measured and a thyroid ultrasonography performed during the 1st and 3rd trimester and their iodized salt consumption was recorded. Of the whole group, 77.1% of pregnant women reported regular intake of iodized salt.Median UI in the first trimester was 134.5 microg/l. Iodine deficiency was observed in 57.1%of women in the 1st trimester and in 46.7% in the 3rd trimester (p=0.1). In 10 women supplemented with iodine (150 microg/day) from the 1st trimester, median UI increased from 138.5 microg/l in the 1st trimester to 168 mug/l in the 3rd trimester (p=0.037), and no changes were observed in the rest. TV increased in the whole group during pregnancy (median 7.5 ml in the 1st trimester vs 9.5 ml in the 3rd trimester; p<0.001). The change in TV was significant in those cases with iodine deficiency in the 1st trimester, 3rd trimester or both (median 7.5ml in the 1st trimester vs 10.01 ml in the 3rd trimester; p=0.001) and between multiparous women (8.2 vs 10.9 ml; p=0.005). In 2000, iodine deficiency among pregnant women in the Aran Valley was still very high. Iodine deficiency as well as multiparity contributes to goitrogenesis during pregnancy. Taking this data in account, pre-conceptional supplements with iodine are required for its prevention.

[Rett's syndrome in the Spanish population]. / Estudio del síndrome de Rett en la población española.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Rett syndrome was described in 1966 and became known through the English medical literature in 1983. There are typical and atypical forms. The objective of this study was to record the cases diagnosed in Spain and discover their clinical characteristics in order to describe its phenotype and geographical distribution. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We know of 207 cases and have obtained the records of 168 of these patients. A protocol and data collection programme has been developed giving the criteria for inclusion, and data which support or exclude this. Data collection was by post and the data for identification were the date of birth and the initials of the name and two surnames. With these variables, double-registering of patients was almost impossible. A statistical study with descriptive analysis and a study of continuous and alternating variables was immediately done. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The results gave the main characteristics, the differences between typical and atypical cases and a comparative study of variables. It has given clinical data which may be useful for prognosis of the condition in the future.

[Parry-Romberg syndrome: a form of focal vasculitis]. / El síndrome de Parry-Romberg: una forma de vasculitis focal.

The Parry-Romberg syndrome (PRS), which was described many years ago, is a process of unknown etiology which evolves with invalidating lesions in one half of the face to which different neurologic, cutaneous or analytical abnormalities may be associated. A clinical, analytical and radiologic study of 5 patients in whom intracranial lesions were shown are herein presented. These findings, together with alterations in the cutaneous biopsies reported in the literature lead to the hypothesis that PRS may be due to a neurovascular alteration of immunologic basis, indicating antiinflammatory or immunosuppressive treatment.

Acoustic neurinomas. Diagnosis and treatment.

We present our experience with 83 patients with acoustic neurinomas (January 1988 to November 1996); 81 patients underwent surgery and 2 patients with intracanalicular neurinomas received conservative therapy due to their advanced age (1 case) and patient's option (1 case). The surgical approach was retrosigmoid/transmeatal and the goal was total removal in one procedure with preservation of facial and cochlear nerves. Radical removal of lesion was attempted in 79 cases and it was possible in 77 patients. Subtotal tumor resection was planned in 2 cases. Facial nerve function (grades I to III, House and Brackman) was preserved in 90% and hearing in 58% of those with preoperative hearing. Three patients died due to postoperative complications. Early diagnosis of acoustic neurinomas is the most important factor in the prognosis and is one of the most important conquest of neurophysiology and modern neuroimaging. The management of these patients still present many controversial points. This article presents the diagnostic procedures used for acoustic neurinomas, the advantages and disadvantages of the different surgical approaches and the alternative management of these lesions.

Mitochondrial DNA deletion in a patient with mitochondrial myopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) and Fanconi's syndrome.

Large-scale mitochondrial DNA deletion was found in a 5-year-old girl with mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) and Fanconi's syndrome. Muscle biopsy disclosed ragged-red fibers and cytochrome c oxidase negative fibers. Respiratory chain studies were normal. Southern blot analysis demonstrated a 10.5-Kb heteroplasmic deletion in both muscle and blood. Deleted genomes represented 40% of total mitochondrial DNA in muscle and 63% in blood. There was no evidence of point mutations characteristic of MELAS. We suggest that not only patients with progressive external ophthalmoplegia syndromes, but also those with defined syndromes [e.g., MELAS or myoclonic epilepsy and ragged-red fibers (MERRF)] without characteristic point mutations, be screened for mitochondrial DNA deletions.

[Glomus tumors of the temporal bone: a report of 6 cases]. / Tumores glômicos do osso temporal. Relato de 6 casos.

The authors review the clinical, radiological and pathological features of 6 cases of glomus tumors of the temporal bone. Out of the 6 patients, 5 were female; age was distributed between 22 and 76 years (mean 48 years). The main clinical features were hypoacusia, tinnitus and otoscopic findings suggestive of the diagnosis. In one case was noted the concomitant presence of a neurinoma of the VIII cranial nerve with a ipsilateral glomus tumor, and in another case there was a concomitancy of carotid body tumor with temporal glomus jugularis tumor. Metastases were not observed in any case. Tumoral lesions were successfully ressected employing microsurgical techniques and a multidisciplinary staff involving neurosurgeons, head and neck surgeons and otolaryngologists. Radioteraphy was not employed, neither pre-operative embolization. Some aspects related to the nosology, embriology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of this interesting type of neoplasms are discussed.

Fibrous dysplasia and the temporal bone.

The cause of fibrous dysplasia of the bone is obscure. We reviewed the available literature concerning temporal bone involvement and analyzed temporal bone involvement and analyzed the most common aspects of this fascinating disease, adding three cases of our own. A clinical staging is proposed: stage 1, latent; stage 2, symptomatic; and stage 3, complication. Clinical evolution and follow-up are described and treatment is suggested.