Quantitative analysis of culturable bacteria, levels of endotoxins, inflammatory mediators and substance P in teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis and in teeth with vital normal pulp tissues.

AIM: To comparatively analyse the levels of culturable bacteria, endotoxins (LPS), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß) and substance P in teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis (SIP) and vital normal pulp (VNP) tissues. METHODOLOGY: Thirty-two patients were included (20 teeth with SIP and 12 teeth with VNP tissues) in this cross-sectional study. Samples were collected from the full length of the root canals (microbial analysis) and periapical tissues (2 mm beyond the apex for immunological analysis), using sterile absorbent paper points. The levels of culturable bacteria (culture method), endotoxins (LAL Pyrogent 5000), TNF-α, IL-1ß and substance P (ELISA) were assessed. The Mann-Whitney test was used for comparisons between the levels of CFU/mL, LPS, TNF-α, IL-1ß and substance P in the SIP and VNP groups. The statistical analysis was performed with the significance level set at 5%. RESULTS: Culturable bacteria were recovered from all teeth with SIP. On the other hand, no positive cultures were observed in the VNP tissues group (p > .05). The levels of LPS were approximately four times higher in teeth with SIP than in teeth with VNP tissues (p < .05). Higher levels of TNF-α and substance P were detected in teeth with SIP (p < .05). On the other hand, no difference in the levels of IL-1ß was detected between the two groups (p > .05). CONCLUSION: Teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis present higher levels of culturable bacteria, endotoxins, TNF-α and substance P than those with vital normal pulp tissues. On the other hand, the levels of IL-1ß were similar in teeth from both groups suggesting reduced implications of this inflammatory mediator in the early stages of infection.

B-mode and Doppler ultrasonography of abdominal structures of the peccary (Tayassu tajacu, Linnaeus 1758) / [Ultrassonografias Doppler e modo-B das estruturas abdominais de catetos (Tayassu tajacu Linnaeus, 1758)]

This study used B-mode and Doppler ultrasonography to characterize the abdominal structures of healthy peccaries raised in captivity. Fifteen peccaries were used for this study. The urinary vesicle appeared as an ovoid structure, located in the abdominal and pelvic transition, with a hyperechogenic, thin, smooth, and regular wall. The kidneys presented retroperitoneal topography and had similar sizes. The kidney/aorta ratio had an average value of 10.53±15cm (right) and 10.23±0.12 (left). The right adrenal gland had a length of 1.93±0.34cm and diameter of 0.56±0.16cm. The left adrenal gland had a length of 1.85±0.42cm and diameter of 0.52±0.11cm. The spleen had a diameter of 1.13±0.18cm. The hepatic vein demonstrated polyphasic flow in pulsed Doppler, with two retrograde peaks and an anterograde peak with a flow velocity of 25.7±0.83cm/s. The abdominal aorta had a diameter of 0.58±0.05cm and a flow velocity of 115.17±5.32cm/s. The morphological and hemodynamic study of the abdominal structures of the peccary, observed through B-mode and Doppler ultrasonography, aided in identifying the size, shape, position, echogenicity, and echotexture of the abdominal organs and in making inferences about the normal parameters for these structures in this species.(AU)

Este estudo teve como objetivo utilizar as ultrassonografias de modo-B e Doppler para caracterizar as estruturas abdominais de um cateto sadio criado em cativeiro. Quinze catetos foram utilizados para este estudo. A vesícula urinária apareceu como uma estrutura ovoide, localizada na transição entre as partes abdominal e pélvica, com uma parede hiperecogênica, fina, lisa e regular. Os rins apresentaram topografia retroperitoneal e tamanhos semelhantes. A relação rim/aorta teve um valor médio de 10,53 ± 15cm (direita) e 10,23 ± 0,12cm (esquerda). A glândula adrenal direita tinha um comprimento de 1,93 ± 0,34cm e um diâmetro de 0,56 ± 0,16cm. A glândula suprarrenal esquerda tinha um comprimento de 1,85 ± 0,42cm e um diâmetro de 0,52 ± 0,11cm. O baço tinha um diâmetro de 1,13 ± 0,18cm. A veia hepática demonstrou fluxo polifásico no Doppler pulsátil, com dois picos retrógrados e um pico anterógrado com velocidade de fluxo de 25,7±0,83cm/s. A aorta abdominal tinha um diâmetro de 0,58 ± 0,05cm e uma velocidade de fluxo de 115,17±5,32cm/s. Os estudos morfológico e hemodinâmico das estruturas abdominais do queixada, observadas por meio das ultrassonografias modo-B e Doppler, auxiliaram na identificação do tamanho, da forma, da posição, da ecogenicidade e da ecotextura dos órgãos abdominais e na realização de inferências sobre os parâmetros de normalidade para as estruturas nas espécies.(AU)

Efeito do óleo essencial do Croton nepetifolius Baill na penetração cervical em ovelhas mestiças de Dorper e Santa Inês / Effect of the essential oil of Croton nepetifolius Baill on cervical penetration in crossbred Dorper and Santa Inês ewes

A fim de se avaliar o uso do óleo essencial de Croton nepetifolius Baill (OECn) na penetrabilidade cervical em ovelhas mestiças, 40 ovelhas foram distribuídas ao acaso em quatro grupos (n=10): controle, misoprostol, OECn50 e OECn100 (50 e 100µg do OECn, respectivamente). Após a sincronização do estro, utilizando CIDR e eCG (200UI), a profundidade de penetração da cérvix foi mensurada utilizando-se uma pipeta de inseminação artificial de bovino graduada, no período de zero até 72h após a retirada do CIDR. Os resultados foram expressos em média ± erro-padrão, submetidos à ANOVA seguida do teste de Tukey, enquanto os dados, em porcentagem, foram submetidos aos testes de Fisher ouqui-quadrado. Nenhuma diferença significativa (P>0,05) foi encontrada quanto ao grau de penetrabilidade cervical. Quanto ao tempo de passagem, os grupos misoprostol e OECn100 apresentaram um menor tempo de penetrabilidade às 60h(1,7±0,6 e 1,5±0,6min, respectivamente), quando comparados ao grupo controle (4,1±0,6min), que não diferiu significativamente do grupo OECn50 (2,3±0,6min). Portanto, o óleo essencial de Croton nepetifolius Baill pode ser utilizado para encurtar o tempo de penetrabilidade cervical em ovelhas submetidas à sincronização estral.(AU)

In order to evaluate the use of the essential oil of Croton nepetifolius Baill (EOCn) on cervical penetration in crossbred ewes, 40 ewes were randomly allocated into four groups (n= 10): CONTROL, MISOPROSTOL, EOCn50 and EOCn100 (50 e 100µg of the EOCn, respectively). After estrus synchronization, using CIDR and eCG (200IU), depth of cervical penetration was measured using artificial insemination gun for bovine species which was graduated and used from 0 to 72h after CIDR removal. Results were expressed as mean ± standard error mean, submitted to ANOVA and Tukey test while data in percentage were submitted to Fisher or Chi-Square test. No significant difference (P> 0.05) was observed at grade of cervical penetration. Concerning trespassing time, MISOPROTOL and EOCn100 groups presented a lower trespassing time at 60h (1.7±0.6 and 1.5±0.6min, respectively) than CONTROL group (4.1±0.6min), which did not differ significantly from EOCn50 (2.3±0.6min) group. Therefore, the essential oil of Croton nepetifolius Baill can be used to shorten the cervical penetration time in estrus synchronized ewes.(AU)

Echocardiographic reference ranges for sedated healthy peccaries ( Tayassu tajacu, Linnaeus, 1758 ) / Valores de referência para catetos saudáveis sedados

Peccaries are wild mammals belonging to the Tayassu genus that are found almost everywhere in the Americas and have demonstrated great potential as an experimental model for scientific investigations. Twelve healthy adult animals were sedated to perform echocardiographic examinations in B, M and Doppler mode. The variables that exhibited statistically significant correlation coefficients with weight were LVFWd, LVIDd, LVIDs, E wave, A'RV, MAM, and TAPSE. The HR exhibited a negative relationship with the IVRT. The LA variable showed a positive correlation with the AO. The MAM exhibited correlations with the LVIDd and LVIDs. The TAPSE showed positive correlations with the E'RV and A'RV. The present study provides the first reference values for echocardiographic measurements in B, M and Doppler modes from peccaries anesthetized with ketamine and midazolam. Echocardiography was easy to perform in collared peccaries, and the collected data revealed values that can aid in their clinical management and conservation.(AU)

Catetos são mamíferos selvagens, pertencentes ao gênero Tayassu, encontrados em quase toda a América, os quais têm se destacado como modelos experimentais. Doze animais adultos saudáveis foram sedados para a realização de exames ecocardiográficos em modos B, M e Doppler. As variáveis que apresentaram coeficientes de correlação estatisticamente significativos em relação ao peso foram: LVFWd, LVIDd, LVIDs, onda E, A'RV, MAM, TAPSE. O HR mostrou correlação positiva com LA/AO, onda E, onda A, MAM, TAPSE e E/IVRT, e negativa com IVRT. Os valores de AVmax mostraram correlações positivas com onda E e onda A'. A variável LA mostrou correlação positiva com AO e correlação negativa com IVSd. A EF apresentou forte correlação com a relação de ondas FS, E/A, com A', E'RV. FS apresentou correlação positiva com a relação de onda E/A. O MAM mostrou correlação com LVIDd e LVIDs. TAPSE mostrou correlações positivas com E'RV e A'RV. O presente estudo forneceu os primeiros valores de referência para medições ecocardiográficas em modos B, M e Doppler de catetos anestesiados com ketamina e midazolam. O exame ecocardiográfico em catetos foi de fácil execução e os dados encontrados evidenciaram valores que podem auxiliar no seu manejo clínico e conservação.(AU)

Raillietiella mottae (Pentastomida: Raillietiellidae) infecting Ameiva ameiva (Squamata: Teiidae) in Araripe Plateau, Northeast Brazil / Raillietiella mottae (Pentastomida: Raillietiellidae) infectando Ameiva ameiva (Squamata: Teiidae) na Chapada do Araripe, Nordeste, Brasil

Abstract We investigated the infection by pulmonary parasites in the lizard Ameiva ameiva (Teiidae) inhabiting the Environmental Protection Area of Araripe (APA-Araripe). A total of 45 specimens were collected in three areas between the cities of Várzea Alegre and Barbalha. A Pentastomid species (Raillietiella mottae) was parasitizing (nine specimens) a male of A. ameiva with a prevalence of 2.22% considering all lizards collected in the region and prevalence of 50% considering only rainforest environment. The Pentastomids infection rates shown in this study are similar to data found for infections of other insectivorous lizards. Raillietiella mottae is considered a generalist parasite, which uses insects as intermediate hosts. The results of this study represent the first record of a Pentastomid infecting this species of lizard in South America.

Resumo Neste estudo investigamos a infecção por parasitas pulmonares no lagarto teiídeo Ameiva ameiva (Teiidae) habitando a Área de Proteção Ambiental do Araripe - APA Araripe. Um total de 45 espécimes foram coletados em três áreas entre os municípios de Várzea Alegre e Barbalha. Uma espécie de pentastomida (Raillietiella mottae) estava parasitando (nove espécimes) um macho de A. ameiva com uma prevalência de 2,22%, considerando todos os lagartos da região, e uma prevalência de 50% considerando apenas a floresta úmida. A taxa de infecção por pentastomídeos demonstrado no presente estudo é semelhante aos dados de infecção encontrados para outros lagartos insetívoros. Raillietiella mottae é considerado um parasita generalista, que usa insetos como hospedeiros intermediários. O resultado do presente estudo representa o primeiro registro de um pentastomídeo infectando lagartos do gênero Ameiva na América do Sul.

Raillietiella mottae (Pentastomida: Raillietiellidae) infecting Ameiva ameiva (Squamata: Teiidae) in Araripe Plateau, Northeast Brazil.

We investigated the infection by pulmonary parasites in the lizard Ameiva ameiva (Teiidae) inhabiting the Environmental Protection Area of Araripe (APA-Araripe). A total of 45 specimens were collected in three areas between the cities of Várzea Alegre and Barbalha. A Pentastomid species (Raillietiella mottae) was parasitizing (nine specimens) a male of A. ameiva with a prevalence of 2.22% considering all lizards collected in the region and prevalence of 50% considering only rainforest environment. The Pentastomids infection rates shown in this study are similar to data found for infections of other insectivorous lizards. Raillietiella mottae is considered a generalist parasite, which uses insects as intermediate hosts. The results of this study represent the first record of a Pentastomid infecting this species of lizard in South America.

Organogenesis and foetal haemodynamics during the normal gestation of healthy black-rumped agoutis (Dasyprocta prymnolopha, Wagler, 1831) bred in captivity.

The objective of this study was to define the patterns of organogenesis and foetal haemodynamics during the normal gestation of healthy agoutis (Dasyprocta prymnolopha) kept in captivity. Thirty pregnant agoutis that ranged in size from small to medium and weighed between 2.5 and 3 kg underwent B-mode and Doppler ultrasonography for the biometric evaluation of the foetal organs. The foetal aortic blood flow proved to be predominantly systolic, and the measured flow velocity was 78.89 ± 2.95 cm/s, with a maximum pressure gradient of 2.12 ± 0.27 mmHg. The liver was characterized by its large volume, occupying the entire cranial aspect of the abdominal cavity, and it was associated cranially with the diaphragm and caudally with the stomach. The flow velocity in the portal vein was estimated to equal 12.17 ± 2.37 cm/s, with a resistivity index of 0.82 ± 0.05. The gallbladder was centrally located and protruded cranially towards the diaphragm. The spleen was visualized as an elongated structure with tapered cranial and caudal extremities, and the foetal kidneys were visualized bilaterally in the retroperitoneal region, with the right kidney positioned slightly more cranially than the left. The morphological characterization and hemodynamic analysis of the foetal organs of black-rumped agoutis via B-mode and Doppler ultrasonography allow determination of the vascular network and of reference values for the blood flow required for perfusing the anatomical elements essential for maintaining the viability of foetuses at different gestational ages.

Efeitos da acupuntura nos acupontos Shenmen (C-7) e Neiguan (PC-6) sobre a frequência cardíaca, a variabilidade da frequência cardíaca e o ritmo cardíaco em cães saudáveis / Effects of acupuncture at Shenmen (C-7) and Neiguan (PC-6) acupoints on the heart hate, heart rate variability and cardiac rhythm in healthy dogs

Acupuncture derives from traditional Chinese medicine, which aims to restore homeostasis. The action mechanism of this technique involves stimulation of certain points on the skin by inserting a needle. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of stimulation of acupoints C7 and PC6 on the heart rate variability, heart rate and heart rhythm in healthy dogs. 30 male and female adult dogs were used, with no breed restriction. The animals were analyzed at two different times in weekly intervals. Firstly were applied needles in the true acupoints, and on the second time we applied needles in false acupoints. Previously to the acupuncture an ECG with 2 minutes of recorder was performed, and after an insertion of needles the electrocardiographic recording was maintained during the 30 minutes of acupuncture. Results showed no significant difference between the HR when comparing true and false acupoints (p = 0.890). For heart rate variability a small difference was observed between the groups (p = 0.0051), however, when comparing the baseline with 15 and 25 minutes of monitoring in the false acupoint group, no significant results were found when compared with true acupoint. In conclusion, it is suggested that the stimulation of acupoints C-7 and PC-6 in healthy dogs does not promote change in sympathovagal balance, specifically on the heart rate variability, heart rate and heart rhythm on healthy dogs.(AU)

Treatment with probiotics in experimental oral colonization by Candida albicans in murine model (DBA/2).

The aim of this study is to evaluate the oral colonization by Candida albicans in experimental murine immunosuppressed DBA/2 and treatment with probiotic bacteria. To achieve these objectives, 152 DBA/2-immunosuppressed mice were orally inoculated with a suspension of C. albicans containing 10(8) viable yeast cells, the animals were treated with nystatin or with the probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus rhamnosus). Evaluations were performed by Candida count from oral mucosa swabbing. The oral mucosa colonization by C. albicans started at day 1 after inoculation, remained maximal from day 3 until day 7, and then decreased significantly. Probiotics reduced the C. albicans colonization significantly on the oral mucosa in comparison with the untreated animal group. In the group treated with L. rhamnosus, the reduction in yeast colonization was significantly higher compared with that of the group receiving nystatin. Immunosuppressed animal model DBA/2 is a relevant model for experimental Candida oral colonization, and the treatment with probiotics in this model may be an effective alternative to prevent it.

First Report of a Group 16SrIII-B Phytoplasma Associated with Decline of China Tree in Brazil.

China tree (Melia azedarach L.), originally from Asia, is an exotic deciduous species in Brazil and is used as an ornamental shade tree in the southern region of the country. Since 2005, plants displaying yellowing, little leaves, witches' broom, and decline have been observed in the State of Rio Grande do Sul. In the streets and avenues of the capital city of Porto Alegre, there are approximately 173 tree species and China tree (6.57% of all trees) is among the top 10 (80,000 China trees and most are symptomatic). Plants with those symptoms are very distinctive and have been found also in the cities of Livramento, Rio Grande, Santa Maria, and Vacaria, places located in seashore areas, and along highways everywhere in the state. The high incidence seems to be related to drought during the last few years. These symptoms are typical of a disease identified by yellowing or decline of China tree associated with phytoplasma and previously reported in the neighboring countries of Argentina, Paraguay, and Bolivia (2). To demonstrate the presence of phytoplasma in diseased trees and to confirm its identity, total DNA was extracted from China tree leaf midribs collected from 10 symptomatic and three asymptomatic plants. Nested PCR was performed with the P1/P7 primer pair in the primary PCR to amplify a 1.8-kb fragment encompassing the 16S rRNA gene, the 16S-23S spacer region, and the 5' end of the 23S rRNA gene, while the secondary PCR was primed by the R16F2n/R16R2 primer pair to amplify a 1.2-kb fragment of the 16S rRNA gene from the 1.8-kb fragment (3,4). DNA fragments of 1.2 kb amplified from nested PCR were analyzed by restriction fragment length polymorphism with restriction enzymes AluI, HhaI, HpaII, KpnI, MboI, MseI, and RsaI, revealing identical profiles for each amplicon and demonstrating that a phytoplasma belonging to group 16SrIII, subgroup B (16SrIII-B) (1) was associated consistently with all symptomatic plants. BLAST analysis revealed 99% identity among these cloned 1.2-kb sequences and representative sequences of phytoplasmas affiliated with group 16SrIII (GenBank Accession Nos. AY081817 and AF147706). A majority consensus sequence representing the phytoplasma found in China trees was selected and deposited in GenBank (Accession No. FJ404775). These results were confirmed by observation with transmission electron microscopy of pleomorphic bodies 400 to 2,000 nm in diameter in the phloem sieve tubes of all symptomatic trees. No phytoplasma was detected or visualized in asymptomatic samples. These results corroborate those from studies conducted in neighboring countries that demonstrated the association between phytoplasmas of group 16SrIII and decline of China trees (1). In conclusion, the current study revealed that a phytoplasma affiliated with group 16SrIII-B is associated with the decline of China tree in Brazil, a disease previously described based solely on symptoms (2). The incidence and severity of the disease are enough to prevent further use of these trees as landscape plants in southern Brazil. References: (1) J. D. Arneodo et al. J. Phytopathol. 155:70, 2007. (2) M. Dalbosco et al. Fitopatol. Bras. 30(Suppl.):177, 2005. (3) S. Deng and C. Hiruki. J. Microbiol. Methods 14:53, 1991. (4) C. D. Smart et al. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 62:2988, 1996.

Box-Behnken design: an alternative for the optimization of analytical methods.

The present paper describes fundamentals, advantages and limitations of the Box-Behnken design (BBD) for the optimization of analytical methods. It establishes also a comparison between this design and composite central, three-level full factorial and Doehlert designs. A detailed study on factors and responses involved during the optimization of analytical systems is also presented. Functions developed for calculation of multiple responses are discussed, including the desirability function, which was proposed by Derringer and Suich in 1980. Concept and evaluation of robustness of analytical methods are also discussed. Finally, descriptions of applications of this technique for optimization of analytical methods are presented.

Quality of hand hygiene in a pediatric hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

We assessed the quality of hand hygiene among healthcare workers at a pediatrics hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Hand hygiene was performed in 491 (34%) of 1,455 opportunities. Of these hand hygiene events, correct performance was observed in only 173 (35%). Multivariate analysis revealed that correct performance of hand hygiene was associated with the use of an alcohol-based product and a lack of jewelry (for all events) and employment in an infirmary with a comparatively higher ratio of nurses to patients (for events involving nurses).

Superoxide dismutase in Cryptococcus neoformans varieties gattii, grubi, and neoformans.

Some clear dissimilarities occur among the varieties of Cryptococcus neoformans but there are few studies about the differences among individual yeast antioxidant enzymes. The total superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and the copper, zinc-depend SOD (Cu,ZnSOD) and manganese-dependent SOD (MnSOD) isoenzymes of five reference C. neoformans strains belonged to A, B, C, AD and D serotypes (Table I) and other nine C. neoformans isolates (Table II) were determined. There were significant differences (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05) in total SOD activity among the varietie gattii (serotype C) and the other varieties. Cu,ZnSOD showed difference (p < 0.05) between A and D serotypes. These results point out a variety and serotype-independent SOD activity in C. neoformans reference strains and the other isolates that were evaluated.

Efeitos da fisioterapia respiratoria convencional versus aumento do fluxo expiratorio na saturacao de O2, frequencia cardiaca e frequencia respiratoria, em prematuros no periodo pos-extubacao / Effects of conventional chest physical therapy versus increased expiratory flow on oxygen saturation, heart rate and respiratory rate in premature infants following extubation

Recem-nascidos (RN) prematuros apresentam elevada morbidade respiratoria e necessiade de ventilacao mecanica, assim, a fisioterapia respiratoria e a parte integrante da assistencia neonatal. Objetivo: comparar os efeitos da fisioterapia respiratoria convencional (FRC) versus aumento do fluxo expiratorio (AFE), na saturacao de O2 (SPO2), frequencia cardiaca (FC) e na frequencia respiratoria (FR) em prematuros no periodo pos-extubacao. Metodo: ensaio clinico randomizado realizado na UTI Neonatal do Hospital das Ckinicas de Botucatu - UNESP, comparando duas tecnicas fisioterapeuticas, aplicadas em recem-nascidos prematuros, nas primeiras 48 horas pos-extubacao. Para a analise estatistica foram utilizadas o teste t Student, Mann-Whimey, Qui-quadrado e o teste exato de Fisher, com nivel de significancia em 5 por cento. Resultados: os dois grupos de estudo: Grupo FRC(n=20) e grupo AFE(n=20), nao diferiram quanto a idade gestacional (media de 28 semanas) e peso de nascimento (media de 1100 gramas). Em ambos os grupos a sindrome do desconforto respiratorio (SDR) foi o principal diagnostico. A mediana da idade no inicio da fisioterapia foi de sete dias no grupo AFE e 11 dias na FRC. Ambas as tecnicas produziram aumento significativo da SpO2 aos 10 e 30 minutos, sem alteracoes na FR. A FC aumentou significativamente apos a FRC e nao se alterou apos o AFE. Conclusao: os resultados sugerem que o AFE e menos estressante que a FRC e pode ser aplicado em prematuros no periodo pos-extubacao. Nestes recem-nascidos o AFE parece ser seguro e benefico a curto prazo

Discordant genetic changes in ovarian and endometrial endometrioid carcinomas: a potential pitfall in molecular diagnosis.

Endometrioid carcinoma simultaneously involving ovaries as well as the uterine corpus may present a diagnostic dilemma because of the difficulty in determining whether the lesions are separate primary tumors or metastases. It has been reported that the detection of clonality using microsatellite markers may be useful in solving this dilemma. To determine the usefulness of this technique, we compared the genetic alterations in microsatellite markers present in matched pairs of ovarian tumors from 12 patients. The study includes four ovarian cancer FIGO stage I and eight stage III/IV patients, and four patients also with independent endometrial carcinoma of the uterus. DNA from paraffin-embedded tissue was extracted and amplified using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction, after which the status of microsatellite instability and loss of heterozygosity in four microsatellite loci (BAT25, BAT26, D17S250, and D5S346) were determined. In the four patients with stage I ovarian cancer, four microsatellite markers were identical in one patient and three were identical in the remaining three patients. In high-stage patients, three markers were identical in at least 4/8 cases. In three of four patients with uterine involvement, three of the four markers were identical in the uterine tumor and one of the corresponding ovarian tumors. These results suggest that genetic discordance does not indicate independent origin or metastasis of the tumor but instead a progression of genetic changes at separate sites probably due to the marked genetic instability existing in these tumors. Because of these discordant genetic changes, great caution should be taken when distinguishing between primary and metastatic tumors on the basis of microsatellite markers.

Superoxide dismutase in Cryptococcus neoformans varieties gattii, grubi, and neoformans

Some clear dissimilarities occur among the varieties of Cryptococcus neoformans but there are few studies about the differences among individual yeast antioxidant enzymes. The total superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and the copper, zinc-depend SOD (Cu,ZnSOD) and manganese-dependent SOD (MnSOD) isoenzymes of five reference C. neoformans strains belonged to A, B, C, AD and D serotypes (Table I) and other nine C. neoformans isolates (Table II) were determined. There were significant differences (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05) in total SOD activity among the varietie gattii (serotype C) and the other varieties. Cu,ZnSOD showed difference (p < 0.05) between A and D serotypes. These results point out a variety and serotype-independent SOD activity in C. neoformans reference strains and the other isolates that were evaluated.

Antioxidant, a pro-oxidant and cytotoxic effects of Achyrocline satureioides extracts.

In this study we compared the antioxidant properties of five different extracts of different composition obtained from Achyrocline satureioides' inflorescences (Compositae), a widely used Brazilian folk medicinal herb. All of the extracts presented significant antioxidant potential identified by TRAP assay, which increased in the presence of human plasma. Characterization of the content of flavonoids in each extract showed that the FDP80 (ethanol 80%) and FFr (enriched flavonoid fraction) extracts contained a higher content of flavonoids. Cytotoxicity of the extracts as determined in Sertoli cell culture showed that FDP80 and FFr were highly toxic at most concentrations tested. The extracts induced a significant increase in lipid peroxidation levels in Sertoli cells. These results suggest that medicinal herb extracts that contain higher flavonoid concentrations and shows higher antioxidant protection in vitro might not always produce the greatest benefit.

Immunohistochemistry in gynecological pathology.

Although the majority of diagnoses in gynecological pathology are established on examination of routine hematoxylin and eosin stained sections, additional tests are occasionally required. Immunohistochemistry is widely used to provide additional diagnostic information in problematic cases. This review touches on some of the basics of the procedure, presents an example immunohistochemical panel, and discusses some of the most common immunohistochemical markers used in diagnostic gynecological pathology. Differential diagnostic problems and relevant immunohistochemical stains for the vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, and ovary are also addressed.

Desmoplastic small round cell tumor: report of a case presenting as a primary ovarian neoplasm.

BACKGROUND: Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is an intra-abdominal malignancy that typically has extensive peritoneal spread at the time of diagnosis. We report a case of DSRCT with involvement of the ovary and omentum as well as an elevated CA-125 level at presentation. CASE: A 23-year-old female presented to another institution with a pelvic mass and a CA-125 level of 140 U/ml. During tumor reductive surgery the right ovary, omentum, and liver were found to be involved. Initial histologic examination favored an undifferentiated small cell carcinoma of the ovary. The patient received two cycles of Taxol and cisplatin chemotherapy and was referred to the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. Upon review of the pathology material at the time of the referral, a diagnosis of DSRCT was made. Despite two additional cycles of chemotherapy, the tumor progressed, and the patient returned home. CONCLUSION: DSRCT may mimic an ovarian primary tumor by presenting with involvement of the ovary and an elevated CA-125 level, and should be included in the differential diagnosis of ovarian neoplasms in young patients.

Mixed choriocarcinoma in a postmenopausal patient.

Gestational trophoblastic disease rarely presents in patients beyond the reproductive years. To our knowledge, this is the first case of mixed trophoblastic disease in a postmenopausal woman. We present here a case of a 60-year-old woman with evidence of a pelvic mass and pulmonary metastasis. Surgery revealed an 8 x 6 x 6 cm multinodular uterine tumor involving the right adnexa. Histologic review was consistent with choriocarcinoma with intermediate trophoblastic features. Postoperative beta-hCG was 381 561 mIU/ml. We conclude that maintaining a high index of suspicion facilitates the identification of postmenopausal patients with metastatic gestational trophoblastic disease. This case reconfirms the deceptive presentation of the "great masquerader".