The complex polyploid genome architecture of sugarcane.

Sugarcane, the world's most harvested crop by tonnage, has shaped global history, trade and geopolitics, and is currently responsible for 80% of sugar production worldwide1. While traditional sugarcane breeding methods have effectively generated cultivars adapted to new environments and pathogens, sugar yield improvements have recently plateaued2. The cessation of yield gains may be due to limited genetic diversity within breeding populations, long breeding cycles and the complexity of its genome, the latter preventing breeders from taking advantage of the recent explosion of whole-genome sequencing that has benefited many other crops. Thus, modern sugarcane hybrids are the last remaining major crop without a reference-quality genome. Here we take a major step towards advancing sugarcane biotechnology by generating a polyploid reference genome for R570, a typical modern cultivar derived from interspecific hybridization between the domesticated species (Saccharum officinarum) and the wild species (Saccharum spontaneum). In contrast to the existing single haplotype ('monoploid') representation of R570, our 8.7 billion base assembly contains a complete representation of unique DNA sequences across the approximately 12 chromosome copies in this polyploid genome. Using this highly contiguous genome assembly, we filled a previously unsized gap within an R570 physical genetic map to describe the likely causal genes underlying the single-copy Bru1 brown rust resistance locus. This polyploid genome assembly with fine-grain descriptions of genome architecture and molecular targets for biotechnology will help accelerate molecular and transgenic breeding and adaptation of sugarcane to future environmental conditions.

Association of gene expression with syringyl to guaiacyl ratio in sugarcane lignin.

KEY MESSAGE: A transcriptome analysis reveals the transcripts and alleles differentially expressed in sugarcane genotypes with contrasting lignin composition. Sugarcane bagasse is a highly abundant resource that may be used as a feedstock for the production of biofuels and bioproducts in order to meet increasing demands for renewable replacements for fossil carbon. However, lignin imparts rigidity to the cell wall that impedes the efficient breakdown of the biomass into fermentable sugars. Altering the ratio of the lignin units, syringyl (S) and guaiacyl (G), which comprise the native lignin polymer in sugarcane, may facilitate the processing of bagasse. This study aimed to identify genes and markers associated with S/G ratio in order to accelerate the development of sugarcane bioenergy varieties with modified lignin composition. The transcriptome sequences of 12 sugarcane genotypes that contrasted for S/G ratio were compared and there were 2019 transcripts identified as differentially expressed (DE) between the high and low S/G ratio groups. These included transcripts encoding possible monolignol biosynthetic pathway enzymes, transporters, dirigent proteins and transcriptional and post-translational regulators. Furthermore, the frequencies of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were compared between the low and high S/G ratio groups to identify specific alleles expressed with the phenotype. There were 2063 SNP loci across 787 unique transcripts that showed group-specific expression. Overall, the DE transcripts and SNP alleles identified in this study may be valuable for breeding sugarcane varieties with altered S/G ratio that may provide desirable bioenergy traits.

Co-infection with filarial nematodes in Sapajus macrocephalus and Cebus albifrons (Primates: Cebidae) from the Peruvian Amazon.

Dipetalonema caudispina (Molin, 1858) and D. gracile (Rudolphi, 1809) (Filarioidea: Onchocercidae) are two of six known species of filarial nematodes that parasitize Neotropical non-human primates. Adult filariae were collected from the thoracic and abdominal cavities of 38 of 44 specimens of Sapajus macrocephalus (Spix, 1823) and nine of ten specimens of Cebus albifrons (Humboldt, 1812) (Primates: Cebidae), distributed in the Yavarí-Mirín river basin and used locally for human consumption. Co-occurrence of D. caudispina and D. gracile is reported for the first time, with a prevalence of 18.5% (10 of 54 hosts examined). Our finding of D. caudispina and D. gracile in cebids from the Peruvian Amazon constitutes a new geographical record for both filariae, two new host records for D. caudispina, and the first report of D. gracile in S. macrocephalus. In addition, we provide morphometric data for D. caudispina, complementing the original description, as well as scanning electron microscopy details on the structure of the area rugosa and number of caudal papillae in males.

Rhabdias glaurungi sp. nov. (Nematoda: Rhabdiasidae), parasite of Scinax gr. ruber (Laurenti, 1768) (Anura: Hylidae), from the Brazilian Amazon.

The genus Rhabdias Stiles & Hassal, 1905 includes about 83 species of nematodes parasitic in amphibians and reptiles worldwide. Herein, we describe Rhabdias glaurungi sp. nov. from the hylid frog Scinax gr. ruber (Laurenti, 1768) in the Gunma Ecological Park, Santa Bárbara municipality, state of Pará, Brazil. This species has six small lips, an inflated cuticle along the entire body and a cup-shaped buccal capsule with smooth internal surface of its anterior part and irregularly folded internal surface of its posterior part in apical view. From the 17 valid species recognized in the Neotropical realm, the new species can be distinguished by the number of lips, the morphology and size of its buccal capsule, as well as the extent and shape of its cuticular inflation; in addition, there are molecular differences. Sequences of the mitochondrial Cytochrome c Oxidase subunit I gene strongly support the status of this form as a separate species. Molecular phylogenetic analysis shows R. glaurungi sp. nov. nested within the R. pseudosphaerocephala Kuzmin, Tkach & Brooks, 2007 species complex. Rhabdias glaurungi sp. nov. is the second species of the genus described from hosts of the family Hylidae in the Neotropical realm. We conclude that the diversity of Rhabdias within the Neotropics is likely largely underestimated.

Effects of cryolipolysis on abdominal adiposity of women.

　　BACKGROUND: The cryolipolysis is on the spotlight as a non-invasive method which reduces fat layer thickness with no damage to surrounding tissues. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to verify the effectiveness of cryolipolysis in the reduction of localized adiposity in women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is an experimental study, without a control group, with pre- and post- treatment evaluation through a single application on the lower abdominal area. SETTING: Research conducted in the period from July to December 2015 at the University Potiguar. PARTICIPANTS: A group of 15 women, age between 25-50 years. The cryolipolysis was used in the following parameters: temperature (-7 degree C); suction power (30 kPa), and application time (60 min). MEASUREMENTS: After the cryolipolysis was performed, a follow-up of 2 months was conducted to verify the changes related to weight, body circumference, fat layer thickness, which were evaluated by ultrasonography and photogrammetry. RESULTS: From data analysis, the reductions observed on perimeter (p=0.03) and ultrasonography (p=0.03) showed significant results, considering p <0.05. As of body weight results (p=0.57), the average value varied during the study; however, at the end of the research, no significant weight increase or decrease was reported, as it is known that this method does not interfere with this variable. Additionally, quantitative data were satisfactory. The photogrammetry analysis showed that cryolipolysis positively affected subjects' results. CONCLUSION: A change in body contouring, especially in individuals with lower body mass, reinforces the idea that the parameters must be suitable for individual needs.

Rohdella amazonica n. sp. (Aspidogastrea: Aspidogastridae) from the Amazoninan banded puffer fish Colomesus psittacus (Bloch & Schneider, 1801).

Aspidogastreans are commonly found infecting freshwater and marine molluscs, teleosts fishes and freshwater turtles. The subclass comprises four families - Rugogastridae Schell 1973, Stichocotylidae Faust & Tang 1936, Multicalycidae Gibson & Chinabut 1984 and Aspidogastridae Poche 1907 - and it is characterized by the presence of a ventral adhesive disc divided into rows of alveoli. In the current work, using light and scanning electron microscopy and molecular approaches, a new species of Aspidogastridae of the genus Rohdella Gibson & Chinabut, 1984, is described as a parasite of Colomesus psittacus in Brazil. The new taxon is distinguishable by the presence of oesophageal glands, teguments covered by ciliated papillae, and the position and shape of the hermaphroditic duct. The present work describes the third species of the genus Rohdella, thereby adding new morphological and molecular data regarding Aspidogastridae.

Persistent left fifth aortic arch with pentalogy of Fallot.

Congenital double-lumen aortic arch resulting from persistence of the fifth aortic arterial arch (PFAA) is a rare congenital anomaly. It appears as a vascular structure running inferior and parallel to the "real" aortic arch from the innominate artery to the left subclavian artery. We report a case of persistent fifth aortic arch (systemic-to-systemic arterial connection) with pentalogy of Fallot in a patient who underwent successful intracardiac repair with a transannular patch with very proximal aortic cannulation for cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).

Isolation and characterization of canine parvovirus type 2C (CPV-2C) from symptomatic puppies.

Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) is a leading cause of diarrhea in puppies in several parts of the world. In this study CPV-2 was detected and recovered from puppies showing clinical disease from Montevideo, Uruguay. Samples were processed and used to infect CRFK and MDCK cells in order to isolate the virus. Out of twelve, two samples were positive for CPV-2. A genomic region of 583 bp was amplified and the molecular characterization was performed by sequencing, phylogenetic analysis and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP). Two isolated viruses (UY1 and UY2) were CPV-2c-like viruses. The comparison between the cytophatic effect (CPE) of CPV-2 (vaccinal virus) and CPV-2c (isolated virus) on primary canine cells cultures and on CRFK line cells, demonstrated that CPV-2c is less citopathogenic in CRFK than in primary cultures. Our study represents the first report on isolation and characterization of canine parvovirus type 2c (CPV-2c) in cell cultures from South American dogs.

Management of deep endometriosis.

Deep endometriosis is still a challenging disease in terms of diagnosis and treatment. About 10-12% of women of reproductive age will have a form of endometriosis. This can affect pelvic as well as extra pelvic locations. Risk of malignant transformation has been studied over a long period of time. Medical and surgical treatments can be proposed to patients for endometriosis-associated pain depending on the severity of symptoms and location of the disease. Results and outcomes are different according to different publications. Understanding of the benefit of surgical treatment on fertility is increasing. The place of medical and surgical treatment in recurrent symptoms or disease is also of interest. Presented here is a review on the management of endometriosis in the light of recent data. Further investigations in many fields of endometriosis are still required.

Oxidative stress is involved in LLLT mechanism of action on skin healing in rats.

The skin injury healing process involves the main phases of homoeostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. The present study aimed to analyze the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on hematological dynamics, oxidative stress markers, and its relation with tissue healing following skin injury. Wistar rats were divided into control, sham, skin injury, and skin injury LLLT. The biochemical and morphological analyses were performed in the inflammatory (1 and 3 days) and regenerative phases (7, 14, and 21 days) following injury. The skin injury was performed in the dorsal region, between the intrascapular lines, using a surgical punch. LLLT (Al-Ga-In-P, λ=660 nm, energy density of 20 J/cm2, 30 mW power, and a time of 40 s) was applied at the area immediately after injury and on every following day according to the experimental subgroups. LLLT maintained hematocrit and hemoglobin levels until the 3rd day of treatment. Surprisingly, LLLT increased total leukocytes levels compared to control until the 3rd day. The effects of LLLT on mitochondrial activity were demonstrated by the significant increase in MTT levels in both inflammatory and regenerative phases (from the 1st to the 7th day), but only when associated with skin injury. The results indicated that LLLT modulated the inflammatory response intensity and accelerated skin tissue healing by a mechanism that involved oxidative damage reduction mostly at early stages of skin healing (inflammatory phase).

MR imaging of entrapment neuropathies of the lower extremity. Part 1. The pelvis and hip.

Entrapment neuropathies can manifest with confusing clinical features and therefore are often underrecognized and underdiagnosed at clinical examination. Historically, electrophysiologic evaluation has been considered the mainstay of diagnosis. Today, cross-sectional imaging, particularly magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and specifically MR neurography, plays an increasingly important role in the work-up of entrapment neuropathies. MR imaging is a noninvasive operator-independent technique that allows identification of the underlying cause of injury, differentiation between surgically treatable and untreatable causes, and guidance of selective diagnostic anesthetic nerve blocks. Pathologic conditions affecting the lumbosacral plexus and major motor and mixed nerves of the pelvis and hip include neuropathies of the lumbosacral plexus, femoral nerve, lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, obturator nerve, and sciatic nerve; piriformis muscle syndrome; and injury of the gluteal nerves. Diagnosis of entrapment neuropathies of the pelvis and hip with MR imaging requires familiarity with the normal MR imaging anatomy and awareness of the anatomic and pathologic factors that put peripheral nerves at risk for injury.

Comprehensive review of extraventricular neurocytoma with report of two cases, and comparison with central neurocytoma.

Two new cases of extraventricular neurocytoma are reported. The first concerns an 18-year-old female with a left frontal lobe lesion and the second occurred in a 54-year-old female in the thoracic spinal cord. The first patient is free of disease after 18 months of follow up. The second patient is stable after 16 months of follow up. Both were operated - total excision in Case 1 and partial resection in Case 2. The latter underwent adjuvant radiotherapy due to atypical histological features. Cases of extraventricular neurocytoma are reviewed. Differences and similarities between extraventricular and central neurocytoma are outlined.

Patient-based dengue virus surveillance in Aedes aegypti from Recife, Brazil.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Dengue is currently one of the most important arthropod-borne diseases and may be caused by four different dengue virus serotypes (DENV-1 to DENV-4), transmitted mainly by Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquitoes. With the lack of a dengue vaccine, vector control strategies constitute a crucial mode to prevent or reduce disease transmission. In this context, DENV detection in natural Ae. aegypti populations may serve as a potential additional tool for early prediction systems of dengue outbreaks, leading to an intensification of vector control measures, aimed at reducing disease transmission. In Brazil, this type of surveillance has been performed sporadically by a few groups and has not been incorporated as a routine activity in control programs. This study aimed at detecting DENV in natural Ae. aegypti from Recife, Pernambuco, to check the circulating serotypes and the occurrence of transovarial transmission in local mosquito populations. METHODS: From January 2005 to June 2006, mosquitoes (adults and eggs) were collected in houses where people with clinical suspicion of dengue infection lived at. RNA was extracted from pooled mosquitoes and RT-PCR was performed in these samples for detection of the four DENV serotypes. RESULTS & CONCLUSION: Out of 83 pools of adult mosquitoes collected in the field, nine were positive for DENV: five for DENV-1, two for DENV-2 and two for DENV-3. From 139 pools of adult mosquitoes reared from collected eggs, there were 17 positive pools: three for DENV-1, 10 for DENV-2, and four for DENV-3. These results are discussed in the paper in regard to the local dengue epidemiological data. The conclusions clearly point to the informative power and sensitivity of DENV entomological surveillance and to the importance of including mosquito immature forms in this strategy.

Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of the isatin derivative (Z)-2-(5-chloro-2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)-N-phenyl-hydrazinecarbothioamide in mice.

Several isatin derivatives have shown important biological activities, which have attracted interest from researchers. For this reason, the present study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of the isatin derivative (Z)-2-(5-chloro-2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)-N-phenyl-hydrazinecarbothioamide (COPHCT) in mice. Three doses of this compound were tested: 1.0, 2.5, and 5.0 mg/kg. The anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using the carrageenan-induced paw edema model and the zymosan-induced air pouch model. The evaluation of the antinociceptive effect was performed through the formalin test and the acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing test. The paw edema assay demonstrated that all doses of the compound showed a significant reduction of the edema in the second hour evaluated, but a better response was observed in the fourth hour. The zymosan-induced air pouch model indicated that the compound, in all doses, significantly reduced leukocyte migration and total protein concentration levels. In the formalin test, the doses 1.0, 2.5, and 5.0 mg/kg of COPHCT showed activity only in the second phase, with reduction in paw pain time of 73.61, 79.46, and 73.85%, respectively. The number of abdominal writhings decreased with the increasing dose, but only 5.0 mg/kg COPHCT exhibited a significant response, with a reduction of 24.88%. These results demonstrated the ability of this compound to interfere in the anti-inflammatory activity of edema, vascular permeability, and cell migration. In addition, its possible antinociceptive effect may be related to the dose used.

Evidence for a discrete evolutionary lineage within Equatorial Guinea suggests that the tsetse fly Glossina palpalis palpalis exists as a species complex.

Tsetse flies of the palpalis group are major vectors of Human African Trypanosomiasis in Africa. Accurate knowledge of species identity is essential for vector control. Here, we combine ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1), mitochondrial Cytochrome Oxidase 1 (COI) and microsatellites to determine the population structure and phylogenetic relations of Glossina p. palpalis in Equatorial Guinea. CO1 sequence data suggest that G. p. palpalis in Equatorial Guinea is a distinct subspecies from previously described G. p. palpalis in West Africa and Democratic Republic of Congo. Glossina p. palpalis in Equatorial Guinea and DRC share a common ancestor which diverged from West African G. p. palpalis around 1.9 Ma. Previous ITS1 length polymorphism data suggested the possible presence of hybrids in Equatorial Guinea. However, ITS1 showed incomplete lineage sorting compared with clearly defined COI groups, and data from 12 unlinked microsatellites provided no evidence of hybridization. Microsatellite data indicated moderate but significant differentiation between the populations analysed (Rio Campo, Mbini and Kogo). Moreover, unlike previous studies of G. p. palpalis, there was no evidence for heterozygote deficiency, presence of migrants or cryptic population structure. Variance effective population size at Rio Campo was estimated at 501-731 assuming eight generations per year. This study of the population genetics of G. p. palpalis in central Africa provides the first estimate of genetic differentiation between geographically separated G. p. palpalis populations.

Low-field magnetic resonance changes in the paravertebral musculature of dogs with acute intervertebral disc extrusion.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the MRI features and prevalence of paravertebral muscle signal intensity changes in dogs with acute intervertebral disc extrusion and to search for associations between the signal changes and clinical history, signalment, neurological examination, serum creatine kinase activity and MRI characteristics of the disc herniation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records and MRI examinations from 688 dogs with surgically confirmed acute intervertebral disc extrusion were reviewed retrospectively. T2-weighted and STIR MRI sequences were available for 276 cases and were examined for paravertebral muscle signal intensity changes. When present, extension, lateralisation and signal characteristics of these changes were recorded. Exclusion criteria were muscle injections 24 hours before MRI scan, trauma and previous spinal surgery. RESULTS: Nineteen dogs met the inclusion criteria. There were signal changes in the multifidus muscle, mostly in the thoracolumbar region and often extending caudally from the level of the intervertebral disc herniation. Two cases had paravertebral muscle signal intensity changes in the cervical region. MRI signal changes were seen more frequently in the muscles of non-ambulatory dogs. Clinical history and neuro-examination did not allow differentiation between dogs with and without paravertebral muscle signal intensity changes. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Paravertebral muscle signal intensity changes were observed infrequently in the epaxial musculature of 6.9% dogs with acute intervertebral disc extrusion in both the thoracolumbar and cervical regions. The pathophysiological processes responsible for these MRI changes remain unknown.

Relationship between sugarcane culm and leaf biomass composition and saccharification efficiency.

BACKGROUND: Lignocellulosic biomass is recognized as a promising renewable feedstock for the production of biofuels. However, current methods for converting biomass into fermentable sugars are considered too expensive and inefficient due to the recalcitrance of the secondary cell wall. Biomass composition can be modified to create varieties that are efficiently broken down to release cell wall sugars. This study focused on identifying the key biomass components influencing plant cell wall recalcitrance that can be targeted for selection in sugarcane, an important and abundant source of biomass. RESULTS: Biomass composition and the amount of glucan converted into glucose after saccharification were measured in leaf and culm tissues from seven sugarcane genotypes varying in fiber composition after no pretreatment and dilute acid, hydrothermal and ionic liquid pretreatments. In extractives-free sugarcane leaf and culm tissue, glucan, xylan, acid-insoluble lignin (AIL) and acid-soluble lignin (ASL) ranged from 20 to 32%, 15% to 21%, 14% to 20% and 2% to 4%, respectively. The ratio of syringyl (S) to guaiacyl (G) content in the lignin ranged from 1.5 to 2.2 in the culm and from 0.65 to 1.1 in the leaf. Hydrothermal and dilute acid pretreatments predominantly reduced xylan content, while the ionic liquid (IL) pretreatment targeted AIL reduction. The amount of glucan converted into glucose after 26 h of pre-saccharification was highest after IL pretreatment (42% in culm and 63.5% in leaf) compared to the other pretreatments. Additionally, glucan conversion in leaf tissues was approximately 1.5-fold of that in culm tissues. Percent glucan conversion varied between genotypes but there was no genotype that was superior to all others across the pretreatment groups. Path analysis revealed that S/G ratio, AIL and xylan had the strongest negative associations with percent glucan conversion, while ASL and glucan content had strong positive influences. CONCLUSION: To improve saccharification efficiency of lignocellulosic biomass, breeders should focus on reducing S/G ratio, xylan and AIL content and increasing ASL and glucan content. This will be key for the development of sugarcane varieties for bioenergy uses.

Phagocytosis of latex beads and bacteria by hemocytes of the triatomine bug Rhodnius prolixus (Hemiptera: Reduvidae).

Insect circulating hemocytes are primarily responsible for the immune defense against parasites and pathogens. Here, we have analyzed phagocytosis of both biotic (bacteria) and abiotic (latex) particles by circulating hemocytes of 5th-instar nymphs of the triatomine bug Rhodnius prolixus. The following hemocyte types were identified: prohemocytes, plasmatocytes, granulocytes, oenocytoids and adipohemocytes. There was a considerable change in the relative percentage of plasmatocytes and prohemocytes in the hemolymph after challenge with both latex beads and bacteria. Granulocytes and oenocytoids also change their relative percentage in response to latex bead and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. No significant change was observed in adipohemocytes at any time or treatment. Our data demonstrated that plasmatocytes were the only cell type involved in phagocytosis of foreign particles. As in mammal cells, phagocytosis by both zipper and trigger mechanisms were observed for the uptake of latex beads and bacteria. Neither melanization nor micro-aggregation was observed towards latex particles or Escherichia coli. On the other hand, R. prolixus produced a strong melanization reaction against S. aureus, thus showing that differences exist in the responses to E. coli and to S. aureus. Ultrastructural changes observed in plasmatocytes, adipohemocytes and oenocytoids suggest that these hemocyte types are directly involved in the immune defense of R. prolixus against foreign particles.

Perfusion CT Imaging Follows Clinical Severity in Left Hemispheric Strokes.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess how imaging findings on admission perfusion CT (PCT) and follow-up noncontrast CT (NCT), and their changes over time, correlate with clinical scores of stroke severity measured on admission, at discharge and at 6-month follow-up. METHODS: Fifty-two patients with suspected hemispheric acute ischemic stroke underwent a PCT within the first 24 h of symptom onset and a follow-up NCT of the brain between 24 h and 3 months after the initial stroke CT study. NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores were recorded for each patient at admission, discharge and 6 months; modified Rankin scores were determined at discharge and 6 months. Baseline PCT and follow-up NCT were analyzed quantitatively (volume of ischemic/infarcted tissue) and semiquantitatively (anatomical grading score derived from the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score). The correlation between imaging volumes/scores and clinical scores was assessed. Analysis was performed for all patients considered together and separately for those with right and left hemispheric strokes. RESULTS: Significant correlations were found between clinical scores and both quantitative and semiquantitative imaging. The volume of the acute PCT mean transit time lesion showed best correlation with admission NIHSS scores (R2 = 0.61, p < 0.001). This association was significantly better for left hemispheric strokes (R(2) = 0.80, p < 0.001) than for right hemispheric strokes (R2 = 0.39, p = 0.131). Correlation between imaging and NIHSS scores was better than correlation between imaging and modified Rankin scores (p = 0.047). The correlation with discharge clinical scores was better than that with 6-month clinical scores (p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: Baseline PCT and follow-up NCT volumes predict stroke severity at baseline, discharge and, to a lesser extent, 6 months. The correlation is stronger for left-sided infarctions. This finding supports the use of PCT as a surrogate stroke outcome measure.

[Pre-natal retroperitoneal mass: teratoma or fetus in fetu?]. / Masa prenatal retroperitoneal: teratoma o fetus in fetu?

BACKGROUND: Several case reports in the literature brought to discussion the distinction criteria between fetus in fetu and teratoma. CASE REPORT: The authors present a case report of a premature newborn boy, evaluated for a capsulated abdominal mass with prenatal diagnosis pointing to possible malignant lesion. A CT scan showed an expansive, retroperitoneal lesion, from kidneys to pelvis, sacrum and coccyx, with solid, cystic and fatty areas; the fine needle aspiration was inconclusive, and he underwent surgery on day 9 with partial resection of the lesion. A new procedure to complete the excision was performed 8 months later. The histopathologic examination of the two fragments showed mature and organized components of nervous system, respiratory and digestive apparatus (liver and pancreas included), thymus, nervous ganglia, skin and adnexa, musculoskeletal and brown adipose tissues; cartilage and several focus of calcification. These components showed a craniocaudal orientation, but no evidence of organoid formation. DISCUSSION: This case presents features of both teratoma and fetus in fetu. The assumption of either one of the diagnosis has prognostic implications, with resulting differences in clinical follow up and expectations about the child's health.