Fatal Deterioration of a Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection in an Infant with Abnormal Muscularization of Intra-Acinar Pulmonary Arteries: Autopsy and Histological Findings.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection represents a global and noteworthy cause of hospitalization and death in infants of less than 1 year of age. The typical clinical manifestation is bronchiolitis, an inflammatory process of the small airways. The symptoms are usually a brief period of low-grade fever, cough, coryza, breathing difficulties, and reduced feeding. The progression of the disease is difficult to predict, even in previous healthy subjects. Symptoms may also be subtle and underestimated, thus leading to sudden unexpected infant death (SUID). In these cases, RSV infection is discovered at autopsy, either histologically or through real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) performed on nasopharyngeal swabs. Herein, we describe a case of RSV infection in a 6-month-old infant with no risk factors, who rapidly deteriorated and unexpectedly died of respiratory insufficiency in a hospital setting. RT-PCR on nasopharyngeal swabs revealed RSV. The autopsy showed diffuse lymphogranulocytic bronchitis and bronchiolitis, and multiple foci of acute pneumonia. Abnormal muscularization of the intra-acinar pulmonary arteries was also observed, which likely contributed to worsening the lung impairment.

Fetal Brain Damage in Human Fetuses with Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection: Histological Features and Viral Tropism.

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) causes congenital neurological lifelong disabilities. To date, the neuropathogenesis of brain injury related to congenital HCMV (cCMV) infection is poorly understood. This study evaluates the characteristics and pathogenetic mechanisms of encephalic damage in cCMV infection. Ten HCMV-infected human fetuses at 21 weeks of gestation were examined. Specifically, tissues from different brain areas were analyzed by: (i) immunohistochemistry (IHC) to detect HCMV-infected cell distribution, (ii) hematoxylin-eosin staining to evaluate histological damage and (iii) real-time PCR to quantify tissue viral load (HCMV-DNA). The differentiation stage of HCMV-infected neural/neuronal cells was assessed by double IHC to detect simultaneously HCMV-antigens and neural/neuronal markers: nestin (a marker of neural stem/progenitor cells), doublecortin (DCX, marker of cells committed to the neuronal lineage) and neuronal nuclei (NeuN, identifying mature neurons). HCMV-positive cells and viral DNA were found in the brain of 8/10 (80%) fetuses. For these cases, brain damage was classified as mild (n = 4, 50%), moderate (n = 3, 37.5%) and severe (n = 1, 12.5%) based on presence and frequency of pathological findings (necrosis, microglial nodules, microglial activation, astrocytosis, and vascular changes). The highest median HCMV-DNA level was found in the hippocampus (212 copies/5 ng of human DNA [hDNA], range: 10-7,505) as well as the highest mean HCMV-infected cell value (2.9 cells, range: 0-23), followed by that detected in subventricular zone (1.7 cells, range: 0-19). These findings suggested a preferential viral tropism for both neural stem/progenitor cells and neuronal committed cells, residing in these regions, confirmed by the expression of DCX and nestin in 94% and 63.3% of HCMV-positive cells, respectively. NeuN was not found among HCMV-positive cells and was nearly absent in the brain with severe damage, suggesting HCMV does not infect mature neurons and immature neural/neuronal cells do not differentiate into neurons. This could lead to known structural and functional brain defects from cCMV infection.

Ultrastructural and Immunohistochemical Diagnosis of a Neonatal Herpes Simplex Virus Infection Presenting as Fulminant Hepatitis: A Case Report.

TORCH (Toxoplasmosis, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, Herpes Simplex Virus and Syphilis) infections are a major cause of intrauterine and perinatal infections with associated morbidity and mortality. Neonatal Herpes Simplex Virus infection caused by an enveloped, double-stranded DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family is devastating and fatal. Herpes Viruses are not hepatotropic but may rarely cause hepatitis. Most cases of HSV hepatitis rapidly progress to fulminant hepatic failure and often fatal before the diagnosis or transplantation. Nowadays, despite the availability of antiviral treatment (acyclovir), the outcome remains poor because of late identification of hepatic Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) infection. We report a male neonate suspected with a metabolic/mitochondrial disease and multi-organ involvement but who developed a fulminant hepatic failure and disseminated coagulopathy secondary to HSV type 1 (HSV-1) infection. The postmortem diagnosis was performed demonstrating HSV-1 in liver tissue by transmission electron microscopy and by retrospective detection of HSV specific antigens by immunohistochemistry.

Pathogenic Mitochondrial DNA Mutation Load Inversely Correlates with Malignant Features in Familial Oncocytic Parathyroid Tumors Associated with Hyperparathyroidism-Jaw Tumor Syndrome.

While somatic disruptive mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations that severely affect the respiratory chain are counter-selected in most human neoplasms, they are the genetic hallmark of indolent oncocytomas, where they appear to contribute to reduce tumorigenic potential. A correlation between mtDNA mutation type and load, and the clinical outcome of a tumor, corroborated by functional studies, is currently lacking. Recurrent familial oncocytomas are extremely rare entities, and they offer the chance to investigate the determinants of oncocytic transformation and the role of both germline and somatic mtDNA mutations in cancer. We here report the first family with Hyperparathyroidism-Jaw Tumor (HPT-JT) syndrome showing the inherited predisposition of four individuals to develop parathyroid oncocytic tumors. MtDNA sequencing revealed a rare ribosomal RNA mutation in the germline of all HPT-JT affected individuals whose pathogenicity was functionally evaluated via cybridization technique, and which was counter-selected in the most aggressive infiltrating carcinoma, but positively selected in adenomas. In all tumors different somatic mutations accumulated on this genetic background, with an inverse clear-cut correlation between the load of pathogenic mtDNA mutations and the indolent behavior of neoplasms, highlighting the importance of the former both as modifiers of cancer fate and as prognostic markers.

Fetal Presentation of Mediastinal Immature Teratoma: Ultrasound, Autopsy and Cytogenetic Findings.

Teratomas are the most common congenital tumors, occurring along the midline or paraxial sites, or uncommonly, the mediastinum. Teratomas are classified as mature, containing only differentiated tissues from the three germinal layers; and immature, which also present with neuroectodermal elements, ependymal rosettes, and immature mesenchyme. Herein, we describe a new case of fetal mediastinal immature teratoma detected at 21 weeks of gestational age (wga) + 1 day with thorough cytogenetic analysis. Ultrasound (US) showed a solid and cystic mass located in the anterior mediastinum, measuring 1.8 × 1.3 cm with no signs of hydrops. At 22 wga, US showed a mass of 2.4 cm in diameter and moderate pericardial effusions. Although the prenatal risks and available therapeutic strategies were explained to the parents, they opted for termination of pregnancy. Histology showed an immature teratoma, Norris grade 2. Karyotype on the fetus and tumor exhibited a chromosomal asset of 46,XX. The fetal outcome in the case of mediastinal teratoma relies on the development of hydrops due to mass compression of vessels and heart failure. Prenatal US diagnosis and close fetal monitoring are paramount in planning adequate treatment, such as in utero surgery, ex utero intrapartum therapy (EXIT) procedure, and surgical excision after birth.

Colorectal polyposis as a clue to the diagnosis of Cowden syndrome: Report of two cases and literature review.

Cowden Syndrome (CS) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by hamartomatous growth in several organs and by an increased risk of malignancies, which makes its recognition essential to undertake risk reduction measures. Although the involvement of gastrointestinal tract is extremely common, awareness of this entity among gastroenterologists appears limited. We report on two unrelated patients: a 46-year-old male and a 38-year-old woman, who were referred to the Genetic Clinic because of the endoscopic finding of multiple colorectal polyps. Despite both displayed striking clinical (and, in the first case, familial) manifestations of Cowden Syndrome (PTEN Hamartoma Tumor Syndrome-PHTS), they had not been recognized before. Diagnosis of PHTS was confirmed by the detection of causative PTEN variants. Pathological examination of the polyps showed multiple histology types: hyperplastic, juvenile, serrated and lymphoid. Hyperplastic polyps analyzed from both patients failed to show BRAF V600E and KRAS codon 12/13 mutations, which provides evidence against their potential to evolve to colorectal cancer through the serrated pathway. We then reviewed the literature on gastrointestinal polyps detected in patients with Cowden Syndrome, in order to provide a comprehensive scenario of presentations: among a total of 568 patients reported in the literature, 91.7 % presented with colon polyps, with 63.0 % having two or more different histological types of polyps; besides, 58.5 % had extra-colonic polyps (located either in stomach and/or in small intestine). Finding multiple polyps with mixed and/or unusual histology should alert gastroenterologists and pathologists about the possible diagnosis of Cowden Syndrome and prompt the search for other manifestations of this condition in the patient.

Pathophysiology of Hyperechogenic Bowel in Congenitally Human Cytomegalovirus Infected Fetuses.

Hyperechogenic bowel (HB) is a nonspecific ultrasound finding that can be associated with human cytomegalovirus (CMV) congenital infection. In this study, we investigated HB pathophysiology in CMV-infected fetuses. We examined small and large intestine as well as pancreas in 8 fetuses at 22 weeks of gestation with congenital CMV infection. Ultrasound findings showed 4 fetuses with HB and 4 without. As negative group, 4 fetuses without CMV infection and without HB were studied. Immunohistochemistry for CMV, lymphocytic infiltrate, B-cell leukemia/lymphoma-2 (bcl-2), CD-117, cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) were performed. HB fetuses showed multiple and sequential CMV-positive ganglion cells of Auerbach's myenteric plexus. In the ganglia, bcl-2 was weakly expressed representing a reduced neuronal functionality. CD-117 revealed a regular distribution of Cajal cells, the pacemakers of intestinal contractility. Pancreas showed normal CFTR staining, indicating a preserved exocrine secretion, thus unlikely a contributory factor in HB. In CMV-infected fetuses without HB, CMV-positive cells were scatteredly found in ganglion cells and bcl-2 was strongly expressed. Intestinal CD-117 and pancreatic CFTR expression were similar to fetuses with HB. In conclusion, fetal CMV infection of the bowel may lead to peristalsis impairment (paralytic ileus) due to intestinal plexus involvement, which at ultrasound appeared as HB.

Diffuse primary cutaneous infection by Alternaria alternata in a liver transplant recipient with pulmonary nocardiosis: Importance of prompt identification for clinical resolution.

Fungal infections are rare in the general population but are an emerging cause of disease in immunosuppressed patients, especially solid organ transplant recipients. Here, we report the case of a female Caucasian liver transplant patient who developed pulmonary nocardiosis two months after an episode of liver rejection. At the time of lung nocardiosis, she was being treated with tacrolimus and corticosteroids and suffered from diffuse papular skin lesions. She was initially suspected of having a cutaneous nocardial infection but culture examination revealed the presence of a dematiaceous fungus; Alternaria alternata. The prompt identification of the fungus and administration of oral Voriconazole resolved the skin infection with complete remission.

Autochthonous Cases of Mucosal Leishmaniasis in Northeastern Italy: Clinical Management and Novel Treatment Approaches.

Mucosal leishmaniasis (ML) is a rare clinical variant of tegumentary leishmaniasis in Mediterranean Europe. Here we report on three autochthonous cases of head and neck ML in patients living in Northeastern Italy. Patients presented with non-specific, long-standing symptoms of upper respiratory tract involvement, mimicking other diseases. Parasitological diagnosis was reached by histopathology, immunohistochemistry and molecular biology on tissue specimens. Leishmania infantum was identified by molecular typing in all three cases. All patients reached a complete remission with protracted multivalent antileishmanial drugs; in one case, a novel approach of combined medical and endoscopic surgical treatment was carried out. High clinical suspicion led to a prompt diagnosis and deployment of a multivalent treatment. ML should be considered in the differential diagnosis of nasal, oral, and pharyngolaryngeal lesions in endemic areas. A prompt diagnosis is mandatory to establish a correct management; different antileishmanial medications as well as endoscopic surgical options may be required to reach a complete remission.

The variegated histopathological features of atypical lentiginous melanocytic nevi: a single institution experience.

BACKGROUND: Atypical lentiginous melanocytic nevi (ALMNs) are atypical pigmented lesions with histopathological features similar to those of dysplastic nevi, with a lentiginous pattern. Variable histopathological features of ALMNs were observed in our practice. METHODS: We described the histopathological features of ALMNs diagnosed in the period 2009-2015. Our cases were divided into 2 groups: Group 1: ALMNs showing the same histopathological features as previously described in the literature; Group 2: ALMNs with different features. RESULTS: Twenty-nine ALMNs were diagnosed; 2 groups of ALMNs were identified. Group 1 ALMNs showed a constant, mild epidermal acanthosis; frequently, an inflammatory infiltrate and dermal fibrosis, cytological atypia and mild architectural atypia. Group 2 ALMNs showed a constant psoriasis-like acanthosis with a hypercellularity of the rete ridges; cytological atypia was rare, whereas architectural atypia was constantly observed. Immunohistochemistry (MART-1 staining) revealed that the melanocytes were localized at the dermo-epidermal junction in both groups. ALMNs showed a broad spectrum of histopathological features. CONCLUSIONS: Our main finding was a constant architectural atypia in all lesions of Group 2. The identification of a unique type of ALMN seems no longer possible. The correct recognition of such benign, though atypical, melanocytic lesions is important in order to avoid an overdiagnosis of cutaneous melanoma and to prevent their potential evolution to the latter.

Gluten Deprivation: What Nutritional Changes Are Found During the First Year in Newly Diagnosed Coeliac Children?

AIM: A gluten-free diet (GFD) can expose children to excessive calories and fat intake. The study is intended to verify whether and how food intake, laboratory parameters, and growth are modified by a year of GFD. METHODS: In 79 CD (coeliac disease) children (mean age 7.9 ± 3.8 years, 52 females, 27 males) diagnosed over 24 months, 24-h food diaries, food-frequency patterns, anthropometric and laboratory parameters (mainly blood sugar, insulin, lipid profile, and homocysteine) were prospectively collected before and during the first year of GFD. Nutrient intakes were compared over time and with recommendations. They were also used as regressors to explain the levels and changes of metabolic and growth variables. p-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Average macronutrient intake did not change during the year. Caloric intake remained below 90% (p ≤ 0.0001) and protein intake above 200% (p ≤ 0.0001) of recommendations. Lipid intake was stable at 34% of overall energy intake. Unsaturated fats increased (less omega-6 and more omega-3 with a ratio improvement from 13.3 ± 5.5 to 8.8 ± 3.1) and so did fibers, while folate decreased. The children who experienced a containment in their caloric intake during the year, presented a slower catch-up growth. Some differences were found across gender and age groups. In particular, adolescents consumed less calories, and females more omega-3. Fiber and simple sugar intakes emerged as implicated in lipid profile shift: fibers negatively with triglycerides (TG) (p = 0.033), simple sugars negatively with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (p = 0.056) and positively with TG (p = 0.004). Waist-to-height ratio was positively associated with homocysteine (p = 0.018) and Homeostasis Model Assessment (p = 0.001), negatively with fibers (p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: In the short run, GFD is nutritionally very similar to any diet with gluten, with some improvements in unsaturated fats and fiber intake. Along with simple sugars containment, this may offer CD patients the opportunity for a fresh start. Caloric intakes may shift and should be monitored, especially in adolescents.

Eosinophilic colitis: A clinical review.

Eosinophilic colitis is a rare entity characterized by the presence of a high eosinophilic infiltrate into the colonic wall in symptomatic patients, more often presenting with abdominal pain or diarrhea. These characteristics distinguish eosinophilic colitis from primary colonic eosinophilia, in which patients are asymptomatic. Primary colonic eosinophilia does not need any therapy, while eosinophilic colitis requires a strict treatment, similar to that of the more codified chronic intestinal inflammatory diseases. To date the lack of codified guidelines regarding the diagnostic criteria and the eosinophil threshold values for each colonic segment are the main diagnostic challenge for eosinophilic colitis. In addition, eosinophilic colitis is a diagnosis of exclusion, once all other causes of colonic eosinophilia (food allergens, infections, drugs, etc.) have been excluded. Several treatment options are available for eosinophilic colitis, although the evidence for most of them is limited to case reports and small case series. We examine the epidemiology, etiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic criteria and therapeutic options of eosinophilic colitis reporting recent evidence from the current literature.

Tumor-infiltrating T cells and PD-L1 expression in childhood malignant extracranial germ-cell tumors.

Although pediatric malignant extracranial germ-cell tumors (meGCTs) are among the most chemosensitive solid tumors, a group of patients relapse and die of disease. To identify new markers predicting clinical outcome, we examined the prognostic relevance of tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes (TILs) and the expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 in a cohort of pediatric meGCTs by in situ immunohistochemistry. MeGCTs were variously infiltrated by T cell-subtypes according to the tumor subtype, tumor location and age at diagnosis. We distinguished three different phenotypes: i) tumors not infiltrated by T cells (immature teratomas and half of the yolk sac tumors), ii) tumors highly infiltrated by CD8+ T cells expressing PD-1, which identifies activated tumor-reactive T cells (seminomas and dysgerminomas), iii) tumors highly infiltrated by CD8+ T cells within an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment characterized by CD4+FOXP3+ Treg cells and PD-L1-expressing tumor cells (embryonal carcinomas, choriocarcinomas and the remaining yolk sac tumors). Tumor subtypes belonging mixed meGCTs were variously infiltrated, suggesting the coexistence of multiple immune microenvironments either facilitating or precluding the entry of T cells. These findings support the hypothesis that TILs influence the development of meGCTs and might be of clinical relevance to improve risk stratification and the treatment of pediatric patients.

Unicystic high-grade intraductal carcinoma of the parotid gland: cytological and histological description with clinic-pathologic review of the literature.

Intraductal carcinoma of the salivary glands is a rare, not well-characterized tumor. We reviewed the literature and report the first case of a high-grade unicystic intraductal carcinoma of the parotid. Formalin-fixed/paraffin-embedded blocks were sectioned and stained for hematoxylin and eosin and immunostains (CAM5.2, EMA, CK5, p53, p63, SMA, S100 protein, DOG1, mammaglobin, AR, ER, PR, Her-2, and Ki67). A 72-year-old man showed a painless nodule (2 cm) in the right parotid region. A 'tumor of uncertain malignant potential' (low grade) was diagnosed by fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging revealed a well-delimited, oval cyst without evidence of parenchymal invasion (T1-scans: homogeneously isointense with hypointense thin peripheral ring; T2-scans: strongly hyperintense). Histological examination confirmed a unilocular cyst lined by a multistratified epithelium arranged in solid, pseudopapillary, cribriform, and 'incomplete cribriform/microcystic' patterns. Tumor cells were CAM5.2+, EMA+, mammaglobin+, AR+, p63+ (focal), CK5+ (focal), p53 (+, 20%), ER-, PR-, S100 protein-, DOG1-, and Her-2-. A continuous peripheral layer of p63+/CK5+/SMA+ myoepithelial cells proved the 'in situ' nature of the tumor. The evidence of focal severe nuclear atypia, high mitotic index (12 mitoses/10HPFs), and high proliferation index (40%) favored a high-grade intraductal carcinoma. Preoperative FNAC and clinic-pathologic correlation are very helpful. Discrepancy in dysplasia grade between FNAC and resected specimen can occasionally occur (especially in case of focal high-grade features). Total sampling should exclude invasive areas or other cystic malignancies.

Gut microbiota, metabolome and immune signatures in patients with uncomplicated diverticular disease.

OBJECTIVE: The engagement of the gut microbiota in the development of symptoms and complications of diverticular disease has been frequently hypothesised. Our aim was to explore colonic immunocytes, gut microbiota and the metabolome in patients with diverticular disease in a descriptive, cross-sectional, pilot study. DESIGN: Following colonoscopy with biopsy and questionnaire phenotyping, patients were classified into diverticulosis or symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease; asymptomatic subjects served as controls. Mucosal immunocytes, in the diverticular region and in unaffected sites, were quantified with immunohistochemistry. Mucosa and faecal microbiota were analysed by the phylogenetic platform high taxonomic fingerprint (HTF)-Microbi.Array, while the metabolome was assessed by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance. RESULTS: Compared with controls, patients with diverticula, regardless of symptoms, had a >70% increase in colonic macrophages. Their faecal microbiota showed depletion of Clostridium cluster IV. Clostridium cluster IX, Fusobacterium and Lactobacillaceae were reduced in symptomatic versus asymptomatic patients. A negative correlation was found between macrophages and mucosal Clostridium cluster IV and Akkermansia. Urinary and faecal metabolome changes in diverticular disease involved the hippurate and kynurenine pathways. Six urinary molecules allowed to discriminate diverticular disease and control groups with >95% accuracy. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with colonic diverticular disease show depletion of microbiota members with anti-inflammatory activity associated with mucosal macrophage infiltration. Metabolome profiles were linked to inflammatory pathways and gut neuromotor dysfunction and showed the ability to discriminate diverticular subgroups and controls. These data pave the way for further large-scale studies specifically aimed at identifying microbiota signatures with a potential diagnostic value in patients with diverticular disease.

Whole transcriptome sequencing identifies BCOR internal tandem duplication as a common feature of clear cell sarcoma of the kidney.

PURPOSE: Clear cell sarcoma of the kidney (CCSK) is a rare pediatric renal tumor that is frequently difficult to distinguish among other childhood renal tumors due to its histological heterogeneity. This work evaluates genetic abnormalities carried by a series of CCSK samples by whole transcriptome sequencing (WTS), to identify molecular biomarkers that could improve the diagnostic process. METHODS: WTS was performed on tumor RNA from 8 patients with CCSK. Bioinformatic analysis, with implementation of a pipeline for detection of intragenic rearrangements, was executed. Sanger sequencing and gene expression were evaluated to validate BCOR internal tandem duplication (ITD). RESULTS: WTS did not identify any shared SNVs, Ins/Del or fusion event. Conversely, analysis of intragenic rearrangements enabled the detection of a breakpoint within BCOR transcript recurrent in all samples. Three different in-frame ITD in exon15 of BCOR, were detected. The presence of the ITD was confirmed on tumor DNA and cDNA, and resulted in overexpression of BCOR. CONCLUSIONS: WTS coupled with specific bioinformatic analysis is able to detect rare genetic events, as intragenic rearrangements. ITD in the last exon of BCOR is recurrent in all CCSK samples analyzed, representing a valuable molecular marker to improve diagnosis of this rare childhood renal tumor.

Gluten-Free Diet and Lipid Profile in Children With Celiac Disease: Comparison With General Population Standards.

OBJECTIVES: A gluten-free diet (GFD) may carry high energy and fat load. We verified lipid profile and dietary indicators cross-sectionally and prospectively in patients with celiac disease (CD). METHODS: In any consecutive child receiving a GFD (group 1) or newly diagnosed as having CD (group 2), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, blood pressure (BP), anthropometric data, physical activity, and a 24-hour food diary were collected during follow-up visits (yearly in group 1 and during the first year of GFD in group 2). RESULTS: In group 1 (132 girls, 73 boys, 10.7 ±â€Š4.2 years), TC (P = 0.006), TG (P = 0.014), and HDL (P = 0.019) were significantly higher in girls than in boys. Compared with the general pediatric population, group 1 girls had higher TC, TG, HDL, and low-density lipoprotein; group 1 boys had lower TC, TG, and low-density lipoprotein and higher HDL. TC was significantly and positively affected by age, sex, and time receiving GFD, whereas HDL was significantly and positively affected by body mass index, diastolic BP, and sex; TG was negatively affected by diastolic BP. Compared with recommendations, group 1 children introduced less calories, iron, and calcium; one-third more sodium; similar amounts of fiber; and twice as many proteins. In group 2 (20 girls, 10 boys, 8.6 ±â€Š3.55 years), TC did not change over time and TG diminished, whereas HDL, blood glucose, and body mass index increased; saturated fats and caloric intake were below recommendations, whereas proteins were excessively introduced. Fibers were optimal. HDL was inversely correlated to calories and saturated fat (R²â€Š= 80, P = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: Lipid profiles of children with CD differ across sexes and from reference population. GFD, being unexpectedly appropriate in fibers and fat proportion, may be a contributor.