Small ruminant lentivirus-induced arthritis: clinicopathologic findings in sheep infected by a highly replicative SRLV B2 genotype.

We describe the clinicopathologic features of an arthritis outbreak in sheep induced by small ruminant lentivirus (SRLV), linked to the presence of a new SRLV isolate phylogenetically assigned to caprine arthritis encephalitis virus-like subgroup B2. Thirteen SRLV seropositive Rasa Aragonesa adult ewes were selected from 5 SRLV highly infected flocks (mean seroprevalence, 90.7%) for presenting uni- or bilateral chronic arthritis in the carpal joint. A complete study was performed, including symptomatology, histopathology, immunocytochemistry, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, and microbiology. The carpus was the joint almost exclusively affected, with 10 sheep (76%) showing a moderate increase in carpal joint size (diameter range, 18-20 cm; normal range, 15-16 cm) without signs of locomotion problems and with 3 ewes (23%) showing severe inflammation with marked increase in diameter (21-24 cm), pain at palpation, and abnormal standing position. Grossly, chronic proliferative arthritis was observed in affected joints characterized by an increased thickness of the synovial capsule and synovial membrane proliferation. Microscopically, synovial membrane inflammation and proliferation and hyperplasia of synoviocytes were observed. More positive cases of SLRV infection were detected by immunocytochemistry of articular fluid than of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization also detected positive cells in the subsynovial connective tissue, lung, mediastinal lymph node, mammary gland, and mammary lymph node. All animals were negative for the presence of Mycoplasma or other bacteria in the articular space. The present outbreak likely represents an adaptation of a caprine virus to sheep. Our results underline the importance of the arthritis induced by SRLV in sheep, a clinical form that might be underestimated.

Wavelength selection of rippling patterns in myxobacteria.

Rippling patterns of myxobacteria appear in starving colonies before they aggregate to form fruiting bodies. These periodic traveling cell density waves arise from the coordination of individual cell reversals, resulting from an internal clock regulating them and from contact signaling during bacterial collisions. Here we revisit a mathematical model of rippling in myxobacteria due to Igoshin et al. [Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 98, 14913 (2001)PNASA60027-842410.1073/pnas.221579598 and Phys. Rev. E 70, 041911 (2004)PLEEE81539-375510.1103/PhysRevE.70.041911]. Bacteria in this model are phase oscillators with an extra internal phase through which they are coupled to a mean field of oppositely moving bacteria. Previously, patterns for this model were obtained only by numerical methods, and it was not possible to find their wave number analytically. We derive an evolution equation for the reversal point density that selects the pattern wave number in the weak signaling limit, shows the validity of the selection rule by solving numerically the model equations, and describes other stable patterns in the strong signaling limit. The nonlocal mean-field coupling tends to decohere and confine patterns. Under appropriate circumstances, it can annihilate the patterns leaving a constant density state via a nonequilibrium phase transition reminiscent of destruction of synchronization in the Kuramoto model.

Multiple hereditary infundibulocystic basal cell carcinomas: a genodermatosis different from nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Infundibulocystic basal cell carcinoma is a recently described distinctive clinicopathologic variant of basal cell carcinoma. Histopathologic differential diagnosis among infundibulocystic basal cell carcinoma, trichoepithelioma, and basaloid follicular hamartoma has generated controversy in the literature. OBSERVATIONS: Members of 2 families with multiple infundibulocystic basal cell carcinomas are described. Each patient showed multiple papular lesions, mostly located on the face. No patient showed palmar pits or jaw cysts. Forty-two cutaneous lesions from 5 patients were studied histopathologically. Thirty-nine lesions were infundibulocystic basal cell carcinomas. This clinicopathologic variant of basal cell carcinoma consists of a relatively well-circumscribed basaloid neoplasm composed of buds and cords of neoplastic cells arranged in anastomosing fashion and with scant stroma. Some of the neoplastic cords contain tiny infundibular cysts filled by cornified cells with abundant melanin. Linkage analysis in family 2 was performed using polymorphic markers (D9S196, D9S280, D9S287, and D9S180), and the affected members shared the same haplotype. Loss of heterozygosity analysis was performed in 2 affected members of this family from whom tumoral DNA was available, and although these individuals were constitutively heterozygous for D9S196, they did not show loss of heterozygosity for this marker in their neoplasms. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple hereditary infundibulocystic basal cell carcinomas represent a distinctive genodermatosis different from multiple hereditary trichoepitheliomas and nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome. We propose clinical and histopathologic criteria to distinguish infundibulocystic basal cell carcinoma from trichoepithelioma, basaloid follicular hamartoma, and folliculocentric basaloid proliferation.

[Errors in the clinical staging of prostatic cancer]. / Errores en el estadiaje clínico del cáncer de próstata.

The relationship between the clinical and pathological stages of clinically localized prostate cancer (PCa) was analyzed in 68 patients. All of then underwent ilio-obstructive lymphadenectomy and node affectation was found in 16 patients (23%). Out of 64 patients undergoing radical prostatectomy, 23 (36%) presented invasion of prostate capsule and/or seminal vesicle infiltration. Of the total 68 patients, 28 (41%) showed local dissemination and/or nodular affectation. A direct correlation was seen between clinical stage and both incidence of local dissemination and nodular affectation. Pre-operative PSA and tumoral grade were correlated to the pathological stage.

[Urothelial inverted papilloma]. / Papiloma invertido urotelial.

Review of 60 cases of inverted urothelial papilloma published in our country in different urological journals. Analysis of clinical, diagnostic and therapeutical issues. Also an analysis is made of the possible association with other neoplasias or their malignant development.

[Bilateral synchronous adrenal metastasis of renal adenocarcinoma]. / Metástasis suprarrenales bilaterales sincrónicas de adenocarcinoma renal.

Contribution of one case of renal adenocarcinoma with synchronous metastasis in both adrenal glands. Treatment was radical surgery with palliative resolution and steroid replacement therapy. Brief comments on this uncommon clinical situation and review of other author's experience.

[Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis. Report of 12 cases]. / Fibrosis retroperitoneal idiopática. Presentación de 12 casos.

Review of 12 patients with diagnosis of idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis (IRF). To establish diagnosis, computerized axial tomography (CT) was used in all cases. Nine patients underwent surgical treatment. After a mean follow-up of three and a half years, the clinical and laboratory (serum creatinine) evolution appears to be favourable.

[Bladder leiomyoma: report of a new case]. / Leiomioma vesical: aportación de un nuevo caso.

We present one case of vesical intramural leiomyoma in one adult woman in which an echographic fortuitous diagnostic was made. We have reviewed the bibliography and the diagnostic and therapy considerations.

[TPS in prostate cancer]. / TPS en cáncer de próstata.

A study of the tumour proliferation marker TPS in prostate cancer has been carried out. The levels of this marker were determined in the following groups: controls (n = 51), prostate hyperplasia (n = 17), prostate cancer in clinical remission (n = 15), and progressive prostate cancer (n = 13). An upper normal limit of 129 U/l (percentile 95) was established. When the progressive disease group was compared with the other groups, a significant difference (p < 0.001) was found. Sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value obtained in order to dismiss progression were 71%, 94% and 62% respectively.

[Chromophobe carcinoma of the kidney]. / Carcinoma cromófobo de riñón.

INTRODUCTION: Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma, described in 1985 is a type of renal carcinoma which is relatively uncommon (5%). Although the majority of studies published suggest a more favourable prognosis, conclusive evidence does not exist. In this study we present the clinical and ultrastructural characteristics and particularly the prognoses of 15 patients taken from a group of 230, all of whom had been diagnosed as suffering from renal carcinoma and for which they had received surgical treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 230 kidneys were analysed between June 1990 and December 1997. The tissue was fixed and dyed with H-E, Hale's acid iron colloid and PAS. Two models were defined, typical and eosinophil. In 8 cases the tissue was processed in order to quantify the DNA using flow cytometry. RESULTS: Of the 230 kidneys analyzed, 15 were identified as being compatible with a diagnosis of chromophobe carcinoma, representing 6.5% of the group studied whilst 73% corresponded to the typical model. The average follow-up period for the 15 patients studied was of three and a half years. Upon completion of the study, 14 out of the 15 patients were still alive and the remaining one had died from causes unrelated to his illness. The average period of survival was 43 months. The tumors had an average diameter of 7.9 cm. The nuclear grade was GII on 10 occasions (seven T2, one T3a and two T3b) and GIII on 5 (four T2, one T3a and two T3b). The study of flow cytometry showed four cases of multiploids two of aneuploids one tetraploid and one diploid. CONCLUSIONS: Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma is a relatively uncommon (6.5%) type of renal carcinoma. The typical ultrastructural type is the most common (73%). The highly favourable pathologic stage (p2 73%) and the significantly low nuclear grade (66% GII) suggest that this is a tumour with a rather better prognosis, as is shown by an increased period of survival.

[Cystic pyeloureteritis]. / Pieloureteritis quística.

The pyelitis or cystic pyeloureteritis is a rare disease of unknown etiology. The clinic is unspecific and the treatment, medical and expectant. The importance of this disease consists of a correct differential diagnosis with other repletion defect imaging in the excretory tract and its frequent association to other diseases.

The impact of coffee on health.

OBJECTIVE: Coffee is a beverage used worldwide. It includes a wide array of components that can have potential implication on health. We have reviewed publications on the impact of coffee on a series of health outcomes. METHODS: Articles published between January 1990 and December 2012 were selected after crossing coffee or caffeine with a list of keywords representative of the most relevant health areas potentially affected by coffee intake. RESULTS: Caffeine, chlorogenic acids and diterpenes are important components of coffee. Tolerance often acts as a modulator of the biological actions of coffee. There is a significant impact of coffee on the cardiovascular system, and on the metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids. Contrary to previous beliefs, the various forms of arterial cardiovascular disease, arrhythmia or heart insufficiency seem unaffected by coffee intake. Coffee is associated with a reduction in the incidence of diabetes and liver disease. Protection seems to exist also for Parkinson's disease among the neurological disorders, while its potential as an osteoporosis risk factor is under debate. Its effect on cancer risk depends on the tissue concerned, although it appears to favor risk reduction. Coffee consumption seems to reduce mortality. CONCLUSION: The information gathered in recent years has generated a new concept of coffee, one which does not match the common belief that coffee is mostly harmful. This view is further supported by the discovery of a series of phyto-components with a beneficial profile. Reasonable optimism needs to be tempered, however, by the insufficiency of the clinical data, which in most cases stem from observational studies.

Melanoma maligno gastrointestinal en paciente albino: a propósito de un caso / Gastrointestinal melanoma in an albino patient: Report of a case

Los albinos tienen predisposición al padecimiento de determinados tipos de cáncer cutáneo, pero el melanoma no es común. Entre los pocos artículos que documentan su aparición en estos pacientes, la afección gastrointestinal por melanoma aparece con relativa frecuencia, ya sea en forma de tumor primario o metástasis. Se presenta el caso de una paciente mujer de 70 años con una lesión gástrica y otra intestinal, detectadas mediante tomografía computada. El estudio anatomopatológico fue compatible con el diagnóstico de melanoma amelanótico. Pese a su escasa incidencia en albinos, el melanoma es una opción que no puede descartarse. Es importante, además, revisar los diferentes componentes del tracto gastrointestinal ante la existencia (o no) de un melanoma primario conocido...

Congenital self-healing reticulohistiocytosis: report of a case and review of the literature.

UNLABELLED: Congenital self-healing reticulohistiocytosis (CSHRH), a rare disorder initially seen at birth or in the newborn period, is characterized by spontaneously involuting skin lesions. We present the case of a 12-d-old female who was born with many red-brownish nodules scattered over her entire body, and which regressed spontaneously. CONCLUSION: Although there are no clues to differentiate CSHRH from Letterer-Siwe disease, some signs and symptoms might enable us to reach an accurate diagnosis. A long-term follow-up to detect evidence of relapse or progression of the disease would be well advised.

The importance of bee-collected pollen in the diet: a study of its composition.

In this article the content of macronutrients and the calorific value of 15 commercial samples of pollen is presented. This bee-collected product can be a good complement to our daily diet due to the interesting proportions of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, especially these last two.

Sclerosing-sweat-duct (microcystic adnexal) carcinoma--a tumor from a single eccrine origin.

A patient with a sclerosing-sweat-duct carcinoma of the upper lip is reported. Histologically the tumour showed solid islands and strands of squamous cells and sparse small ductal structures, some of them containing central cores of dense eosinophilic keratin. All this was embedded in a sclerotic stroma. These features, in addition to positive immunoreactivity for carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in the lumina of small ducts, and the presence of S-100 protein-positive cells in some cords and ducts, are consistent with the notion that this tumour exhibits differentiation toward eccrine sweat structures.

Mineral content of commercial pollen.

Pollen is a natural product which is extending its marketing day by day, given that it is considered to be a dietetic product and it is consumed everyday by a broad sector of the Spanish population. In its composition it presents valuable nutrients, among which we can find minerals, which is the main object of this study. We have analysed sodium, potassium, magnesium, copper, iron, manganese and zinc in 15 pollen samples which correspond to different brands. The technique we have used is atomic absortion spectroscopy. The results show us the great potassium contribution of this natural product, with values over 400 mg/100 g, and about microelements, mainly iron and zinc, although with different results, depending on the brand which markets it, with average values of 4.01 +/- 1.00 and 3.66 +/- 1.02, respectively.

Incidentally detected renal cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) detected incidentally and to compare the survival of these patients with that of patients presenting with suspected RCC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a retrospective study, 157 patients surgically treated for RCC from 1979 to 1993 were grouped according to whether the tumour was found incidentally (n = 55) or whether the renal tumour was suspected (n = 102). The groups were compared for tumour grade, stage and size, patient age, sex and survival using univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: There were significant differences between the groups in the number of patients with T2 (P < 0.001), T3a (P < 0.05), T3b (P < 0.01), T4 (P < 0.05) and M1 (P < 0.05) stages of disease. There was also a significantly greater proportion of patients with grade 1-2 tumours (P < 0.05) in those diagnosed incidentally. The accumulated overall survival rate was 64% at 5 years, 50% in the group with suspected RCC and 86% in those with tumours discovered incidentally over the same period. There were significant differences (P < 0.001) in the distribution of survival in the two groups. CONCLUSION: The patients with incidentally discovered RCC had a prognostically more favourable tumour stage, grade and size. Pathological stage and lymph node metastases influenced the difference in survival between the groups. As there was no difference in survival with tumour stage (T1-2), we consider that grade, size and particularly pathological stage determine the better prognosis.