Seed-Specific Stable Expression of the α-AI1 Inhibitor in Coffee Grains and the In Vivo Implications for the Development of the Coffee Berry Borer.

Genetic transformation of coffee (Coffea spp.), the second most traded commodity worldwide, is an alternative approach to introducing features that cannot be introgressed by traditional crossings. The transgenic stability, heritability and quantitative and spatial expression patterns of the seed-specific promoter phytohemagglutinin (PHA-L) from Phaseolus vulgaris were characterized in genetically modified C. arabica expressing the α-amylase inhibitor-1 (α-AI1) gene. The α-AI1 inhibitor shows considerable activity toward digestive enzymes of the coffee berry borer (CBB) Hypothenemus hampei. This insect pest expends its life cycle almost entirely in coffee berries. Transgene containment in the fruit is important to meeting food and environmental safety requirements for releasing genetically modified (GM) crops. PCR analysis of T2 coffee plants showed a Mendelian single-copy segregation pattern. Ectopic transgene expression was only detected in coffee grains, as demonstrated by reverse transcription-PCR analysis of different plant tissues. An intense immunocytochemical signal associated with α-AI1 protein expression was localized to endospermic cells. In addition, a delay in the larval development of CBB was observed after challenging transgenic coffee seeds with the insect. These results indicate that the PHA-L promoter might be a useful tool in coffee for the seed-specific expression of genes related to coffee bean productivity, quality and pest protection. The biotechnological applicability of the α-AI1 gene for controlling CBB is also discussed. This work is the first report showing a seed-specific transgene expression in coffee plants.

Collagenous fibroma (desmoplastic fibroblastoma) of the palate: a case report.

Collagenous fibroma is an uncommon benign soft tissue lesion that has a wide anatomic distribution. We describe a case of a collagenous fibroma that appeared in the left soft and hard palate of a 37-year-old woman as a 5.0-cm solitary, firm nodule. Microscopically, it was composed of stellate or spindle-shaped cells embedded in hypovascular fibrous stroma. Entrapment of fat was focally identified at the edges. Mitotic figures and tumor necrosis were absent. Tumor cells were immunopositive for vimentin, and a few cells were positive for alpha-smooth muscle actin. Tumor extracellular matrix was immunopositive for type I and type III collagen, as well as for fibronectin. These findings satisfied the diagnostic criteria for collagenous fibroma (desmoplastic fibroblastoma). This case, to our knowledge, represents the first report of this tumor in the mouth. The differential diagnosis of fibrous lesions of the mouth is discussed.

Cisto ósseo aneurismático recorrente de mandíbula / Recurrent aneurismal bone cyst of the mandible

Os autores fazem revista prévia da literatura e relatam um caso de Cisto Ósseo Aneurismático recorrente da mandíbula em paciente melanoderma de 24 anos, abordando aspectos clínicos, radiográficos e histológicos. A técnica cirúrgica escolhida é relatada ressaltando-se a importância do pré trans e pós-cirúrgico

Mammary stimulation and maternal aggression in rodents: thelectomy fails to reduce pre- or postpartum aggression in rats.

In mice, tactile stimulation of the nipples appears to be critical for the onset of postpartum maternal aggression. Surgical removal of the nipples (thelectomy) blocks aggression if performed prior to parturition. In rats, indirect evidence suggests a similar role for nipple stimulation in maternal aggression. Two experiments were undertaken to determine whether thelectomy prior to mating reduces pregnancy-induced and/or postpartum aggression in this species. In the first, thelectomized and sham-thelectomized females were subjected to home cage tests (pups, if any, present) with unfamiliar male intruders on Gestation Days 18 and 21 and Lactation Days 3 and 5. Additional groups of thelectomized females were tested one time only on either Lactation Day 5 or 12. Thelectomized and control females were equally aggressive; postpartum, nearly all females in both groups attacked. Experiment 2 used females that were hysterectomized-ovariectomized (HO) on Gestation Day 16. Such females are not aggressive prior to initiating maternal behavior, but become highly aggressive (over 80% attacking) after commencing maternal care. Females again were thelectomized or sham-thelectomized prior to mating. On Day 16 HO was performed, and 48 hr later continuous exposure to pups was begun. After the females had displayed maternal behavior for 1.5-2 days, intruder tests were conducted. All females attacked at least once, with no differences between treatment groups. Thus thelectomy does not reduce maternal aggression in the rat. This finding, however, does not preclude a role for tactile ventral stimulation in mediating maternal aggression.