Reproductive biology of Psammobatis rutrum (Chondrichthyes: Arhynchobatidae) in south Brazil, south-west Atlantic.

This study presents information on the reproductive biology of Psammobatis rutrum based on 55 males and 53 females obtained as by-catch from bottom trawlers off southern Brazil during July 2013 and September 2014 and includes a detailed description of the egg capsule. Total lengths (LT ) ranged from 22·3 to 31·6 cm and most of the sample comprised larger individuals, although there were no sexual differences in length-frequency distributions. Significant sexual differences were found for total length-disc width, LT -body mass and LT -eviscerated body mass relationships, with females being heavier and larger. Males started to mature at 25·5 cm LT and females, at 25·9 cm LT , while LT at maturity was calculated in 26·67 and 26·81 cm, respectively. Attaining larger sizes and mass may represent a reproductive investment for females, as observed in other rajoid species. Egg bearing females were first observed over 27·1 cm LT and ovarian fecundity was 1-12 vitellogenic follicles. The egg capsules were 2·22-2·62 cm length and had attaching fibrils on both lateral sides. Microscopically, the ventral face of the egg capsule was rougher than the dorsal face.

Reproductive biology of the stingrays, Myliobatis goodei and Myliobatis ridens (Chondrichthyes: Myliobatidae), in southern Brazil.

This study, carried out between spring 2012 and winter 2014, characterized the sexual development and reproductive cycle of Myliobatis goodei and Myliobatis ridens in the extreme south of Brazil to support future management and conservation plans. Ninety-five specimens of M. goodei (24 males and 71 females) and 175 M. ridens (24 males and 151 females) were sampled. Female M. goodei attained disc-width-at-50% maturity (WD50 ) at 683 mm. Uterine fecundity was four to five embryos. The largest male recorded, a mature individual, had a disc width of 650 mm. In M. ridens, WD50 was 662 mm. Uterine fecundity varied from one to eight embryos. The largest male on record was a maturing 590 mm WD individual. The hepato-somatic index was higher in autumn in females of M. goodei, and in the summer in M. ridens. The gonado-somatic index and the largest vitellogenic follicle diameter were higher in spring in both species. Pregnant females of both species were recorded during spring, although for M. ridens, these females also occurred in summer. Embryos had WD of 61-218 and 40-236 mm for M. goodei and M. ridens, respectively. The incidence of pregnant females in southern Brazil in spring-summer coincides with the small-scale beach artisanal fisheries season peak, when M. goodei and M. ridens suffer fishing mortality, while using the coastal shallow areas in the warmer periods (spring-summer) to give birth.

Reproductive biology of Zearaja chilensis (Chondrichthyes: Rajidae) in the south-east Pacific Ocean.

Between 2000 and 2002, three artisanal landing sites were sampled in southern Chile, with data on population structure and reproductive development collected from 5477 yellownose skates Zearaja chilensis. Total length (L(T) ) ranged from 33 to 158 cm for females and 34 to 155 cm for males. No sexual dimorphism was evident in disc size (length or width) or in L(T)-mass relationships. The smallest mature female was 95 cm L(T) and the size at which 50% were mature (L(T50) ) was 109 cm. Males matured between 80 and 90 cm L(T) with a L(T50) of 88 cm. Although the largest Z. chilensis captured by the artisanal fishery was 155 cm L(T) , 89% of landings comprised relatively small, immature fish. This situation may compromise the stock integrity if intrinsic vulnerability and probable long-life span of Z. chilensis are considered. Consequences for the survival of the species and possible signs of a fishery collapse must be reviewed by management authorities by consideration of both artisanal and industrial landings in Chile.

Egg capsules of the dusky catshark Bythaelurus canescens (Carcharhiniformes, Scyliorhinidae) from the south-eastern Pacific Ocean.

The external morphology of the egg capsule of Bythaelurus canescens and its fixation to the substratum are described. Bythaelurus canescens egg capsules are typically vase-shaped, dorso-ventrally flattened, pale yellow in colour when fresh and covered by 12-15 longitudinal ridges. The anterior border of the capsule is straight, whereas the posterior border is semicircular. Two horns bearing long, coiled tendrils arise from the anterior and posterior ends of the capsule. The presence of longitudinal ridges and long coiled tendrils at both anterior and posterior ends of the capsule readily distinguish these egg capsules from those of other chondrichthyans occurring in the south-east Pacific Ocean.

DNA damage in A549 cells exposed to different extracts of PM(2.5) from industrial, urban and highway sites.

The aim of this research is to investigate the role played by the chemical fraction of PM(2.5) in the DNA damage induction in human lung cells (A549): in particular the effects of samples collected in urban, industrial and highway sites were compared. Organic and water-soluble extracts of PM(2.5) were analysed to quantify PAHs (by GC-MS technique) and metals (by ICP-MS technique) and tested on A549 cells to evaluate, by the Comet assay (without and with Fpg enzyme), genotoxic and oxidative damage. The chemical analysis showed a variability of PAH composition in PM organic extracts of the three different sites and pointed out the presence of 14 metals (being Fe, Cu, Zn, Sb and Ba the most abundant) in all the PM water extracts. Regarding the biological effect, all the PM(2.5) organic extracts caused a significant dose-dependent increase of the A549 DNA damage. The genotoxic effect was related to the PM(2.5) PAH content and the highest effect was observed for the highway site sample. The DNA oxidative damages were observed for the PM(2.5) water extracts of the samples collected in industrial and highway sites. The extent of the oxidative damage seems to be related to the kind and concentration of the metals present. The results of this study emphasize the importance of PM chemical composition on the biological effects and highlight the need, when evaluating the effects on health and exposure management, to always consider, beside size and concentration of PM, also their qualitative composition.

Size composition, monthly condition factor and morphometrics for fishery-dependent samples of Rioraja agassizi (Chondrichthyes: Rajidae), off Santos, Southeast Brazil

Specimens of Rioraja agassizi were collected monthly off Santos, Southeast Brazil, between latitudes 23º37'S and 27º40'S, from March, 2005 to March, 2006. A total number of 278 males and 1023 females were captured. Observed depth range was 10-120 m, being the species absent above 120 m. Sex ratio significantly favored females. The entire length range of R. agassizi was observed. Females ranged in length from 16.0 to 59.4 cm and males from 13.0 to 47.2 cm. Mean female length was significantly higher than that of males. For grouped length distributions, asymmetry patterns were observed in both sexes. Length-width functions were sexually dimorphic. Males with lengths < 24.5 cm were relatively wider than females. Length-total weight curves were significantly different than length-gutted weight ones, in both sexes. Females were heavier than males for a given TL class. The angular coefficient b was significantly <3 (negative allometry) in the males, and also for the females with exception of spring when b was >3 (positive allometry). The monthly variation of the condition factor showed significant differences in both sexes

Espécimes de Rioraja agassizi foram mensalmente coletados em águas ao largo de Santos, sudeste do Brasil entre as latitudes 23º37'S e 27º40'S, desde março de 2005 até março de 2006. Um total de 278 machos e 1023 fêmeas foi capturado. A amplitude de profundidade de ocorrência foi 10-120 m, estando a espécie ausente em profundidades >120 m. A razão sexual favoreceu as fêmeas. A amplitude completa de comprimentos de R. agassizi esteve representada e oscilou nas fêmeas entre 16.0-59.4 cm comprimento e nos machos entre 13.0-47.2 cm. O tamanho médio das fêmeas foi significativamente maior do que dos machos. A distribuição de freqüência de comprimentos por amostras agrupadas foi assimétrica em ambos os sexos. As curvas da relação comprimento-largura foram sexualmente dimórficas. As fêmeas foram mais largas que os machos em todas as classes de comprimento maiores do que 25 cm. As curvas comprimento-peso total foram significativamente diferentes das curvas comprimento-peso eviscerado em ambos os sexos. As fêmeas foram mais pesadas do que os machos para uma determinada classe de comprimento. O coeficiente angular b foi <3 nos machos (alometría negativa) e nas fêmeas, mas com exceção da primavera, onde a alometría foi positiva (b>3). O fator de condição variou significativamente ao longo do ano em ambos os sexos

Large plaque-like glomuvenous malformation (glomangioma) simulating venous malformation.

Glomuvenous malformations and venous malformations are vascular lesions that can be distinguished on the basis of clinical and pathological features. A vascular lesion of the skin and superficial and deep soft tissues of a lower limb in a 5-year-old child is described. The clinical and radiological features, including skeletal muscle involvement, were typical of venous malformation, whereas the histopathological features were those of a glomuvenous malformation. The clinical and histopathological features are briefly discussed.

Life-threatening hemorrhage from a vulvar hemangioma.

Capillary hemangioma, the most common tumor of infancy, usually does not require any treatment, but in a minority of cases it may cause morphologic, functional, or life-threatening complications. The authors report a case of a vulvar emangioma complicated by life-threatening hemorrhage not responsive to corticosteroids therapy, which showed no signs of spontaneous involution. The therapeutic approach consisted of 3 steps of selective arterial embolizations followed 5 months later by surgical excision and reconstruction of the vulva. Selective embolization rarely is used in the treatment of hemangiomas but may be required in cases of intractable bleeding, severe heart failure, large and poorly involuting hemangiomas, and as preparation for surgery. The results of the combined approach in this case are reported, and the indications discussed.

Long-term follow-up of two children with a variant of mild autosomal recessive osteopetrosis undergoing bone marrow transplantation.

Malignant autosomal recessive (AR) osteopetrosis represents an absolute indication for bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Over the last 15 years, almost 100 BMTs for osteopetrosis have been reported. The median age at transplant of most patients is 4 months. Very few cases of mild AR osteopetrosis have been described. Here, we report the good outcome of two cases of mild AR osteopetrosis with a follow-up of 5 and 6 years, respectively, after an HLA-identical sibling transplant undergone at 5 and 12 years of age, respectively. At the time of BMT, severe visual impairment was present in both children. Bone biopsy demonstrated hypermineralization with virtual obliteration of the medullary spaces, rare microfoci of hematopoiesis and marked deficiency in osteoclastic activity. Successful engraftment was complicated by hypercalcemia, controlled by a combination of bisphosphonate, phosphate infusions, vigorous hydration and calcitonin. Following BMT, radiological and histological findings showed extensive bone resorption with marked augmentation of the osteoclasts in normalized marrow. No improvement was observed in visual acuity, despite complete remodeling of skeletal abnormalities. We conclude that allogeneic BMT is the only chance of curing mild AR osteopetrosis.

Diagnosis of neonatal hemochromatosis with MR imaging and duplex Doppler sonography.

Neonatal hemochromatosis is a rare congenital disorder which affects both fetuses and newborns. It is characterized by hepatocellular failure, often appearing on the first day of life in the form of coagulopathy, hypoalbuminemia, hypoglycemia, and jaundice. Most of the affected infants die early in life, and definitive diagnosis has often been made only by post-mortem evaluation. With the help of MRI, plus increasing awareness of the disorder, diagnosis is now often made early, even in utero. Duplex Doppler sonography does not provide information on siderosis but shows abnormalities in the liver or blood-flow patterns associated with liver disease.

Testicular microlithiasis: US findings in six pediatric cases and literature review.

The aim of this article is to report on six pediatric cases of testicular microlithiasis (TM) and to review literature reports, in order to schedule US and/or other control examinations, particularly when concomitant focal or diffuse alterations of the testicular parenchymal structure are present, considering the possible association of TM with testicular tumors. Six patients (age range 4-12 years) underwent US examination for scrotal trauma (two cases) unilateral cryptorchidism (one case) follow-up after orchidopexy for bilateral cryptorchidism (one case), and varicocele (two cases). Five examinations were performed with high-frequency probes (10/13 MHz) and seven with 5/7.5-MHz frequency transducers. Follow-up US examinations were performed at different times depending on initial clinical indications, presence of underlying disease, and initial US findings. Two of the six patients underwent three US examinations, two patients underwent two US examinations, and the remaining two patients underwent only one US examination. The patients underwent a total of 12 US examinations. Microliths were bilateral in four patients and unilateral in two patients. In these two latter cases, the contralateral testis was, in one case, cryptorchid and could not be evaluated by US; in the other case it was small and hyperechogenic with orchidopexy sequelae. In three cases microliths were distributed throughout the testis. In the remaining three cases they were present in limited areas of parenchyma. As to the importance of microliths, it was defined as mild in three cases and moderate/severe in three cases. Intratubular testicular microlithiasis is a well-proved histological finding (biopsy or autopsy). More recent is the US demonstration of TM with consequent definition of its pattern: usually bilateral hyperechogenic multiple small foci without acoustic shadows with complete or partial extension to the parenchyma. Testicular microlithiasis is a rare finding. Moreover, the pediatric cases reported in the literature are very few. However, the use of high-frequency US transducers (10-13 MHz) has recently allowed an easier demonstration of this disease also in children. Of particular interest is the study of the still-debated association of microliths with other diseases such as neoplasms. Some aspects need further investigation, namely the real incidence of microliths in the healthy population, the incidence of tumors in patients with microliths, the differences between adults and children, and the different types of follow-up at different ages. In pediatric age, if TM represents an isolated sign, patients need non-invasive US follow-up until adult age. Only if TM is in association with focal lesions of testis parenchyma is it mandatory to perform biopsy or surgical treatment.

[Nephroblastoma presenting with massive hematuria may require emergency surgery]. / Il nefroblastoma che esordisce con ematuria massiva può richiedere intervento d'urgenza.

About 20% of children with nephroblastoma at onset present with macroscopic haematuria, which is usually asymptomatic and of little clinical relevance. The Authors describe an unusual case of nephroblastoma presenting with massive haematuria causing extensive blood clothing along the urinary tract and bladder. The phenomenon was of such entity to determine urinary retention and induce performing emergency nephrectomy. Tumour resection was radical and postoperative course uneventful. Eighteen months after surgery patient is in excellent status and full remission.

Severe endobronchial obstruction in a girl with relapsing polychondritis: treatment with Nd YAG laser and endobronchial silicon stent.

Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is an uncommon disorder of unknown aetiology characterized by inflammation and destruction of the cartilaginous structures of many organs, including the tracheobronchial tree. When untreated, there is a high mortality rate, usually from respiratory obstructive complications. An 8 year old white girl, with a previous diagnosis of RP, was referred to our department for evaluation of worsening dyspnoea. Bronchoscopy showed localized inflammatory and fibrotic alterations of the mucosa, leading to severe obstruction of the left mainstem bronchus at its origin. The condition was successfully treated by endoscopic neodymium yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd YAG) laser. Re-evaluation of the patient, 7 months later, demonstrated bronchial stenosis and malacia requiring mechanical dilatation and positioning of an endobronchial silicon stent, which was well-tolerated by the patient.

[Diagnostic imaging of chronic inflammatory diseases of the intestine in children]. / Diagnostica per immagini nelle malattie infiammatorie croniche dell'intestino nell'età pediatrica.

Chronic inflammatory bowel disease (CIBD) in children is represented mainly by ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). Infectious forms, Behçet's disease and eosinophilic gastroenteritis are not included in this study. UC and CD are difficult to diagnose and to treat, and require a multispecialistic approach including pediatric gastroenterologists, surgeons, radiologists, endoscopists and pathologists. Progress in diagnostic techniques--i.e., nuclear medicine procedures, conventional, duplex and color-Doppler US, and endoscopy--has increased our knowledge of these diseases and it has made their diagnosis easier, opening new therapeutic perspectives. In our paper, after mentioning the major clinical and radiologic features of CIBD, we report on the patients hospitalized in the Gaslini Institute from 1984 to 1994. Thirty-six patients (age range: 3,9 to 14 years) were examined with several imaging techniques--i.e., plain radiography, US, contrast studies and CT--according to the clinical presentation and behavior of the disease. X-ray studies played the leading role in imaging mucosal disease spread (double contrast studies) and monitoring "surgical" complications (plain radiography). These techniques, which were always combined with US and, in some cases, CT, are also a major tool to study extraluminal CIBD spread--i.e., fistulas, pseudotumors, lymph nodes, abscesses and mesenteric changes. Color-Doppler US may play a critical role in the differential diagnosis of these and other small and large bowel pathologic conditions. The most typical CD patterns in bowel disease are listed in the paper, to give a contribution to the differential diagnosis of the chronic abdominal pain syndrome which is a very common condition in children.

MRI "road-map" of normal age-related bone marrow. I. Cranial bone and spine.

We retrospectively reviewed 733 cranial and 250 spinal T1-weighted MR images of patients younger than 24 years to evaluate the bone marrow changes. The signal intensity of the bone marrow on short-TR/TE images was compared with that of fat and normal muscles in the contiguous region and graded. The signal intensity of all anatomic segments was as low as that of muscle, or inferior, in all patients younger than 3 months because of hematopoietic tissue and probably greater amounts of trabecular bone. The first anatomic segments of cranial bone to become hyperintense were the zygomatic bone and mandibular symphysis, followed by the presphenoid bone, basisphenoid, basiocciput, calvaria, and the petrous apex. After 3 years of age, most patients demonstrated pneumatization of the sphenoid sinus. We describe the most interesting changes in the developing spine, which occur in the first 2 years of life. The morphology of the vertebral bodies was evaluated. The variability of the signal and the morphology of the disks were also evaluated. Regional patterns of bone marrow signal intensity and age-related differences should not be misinterpreted as a pathologic condition.

MRI "road-map" of normal age-related bone marrow. II. Thorax, pelvis and extremities.

We retrospectively reviewed T1-weighted MR images of 381 patients aged from 7 days to 24 years to evaluate the bone marrow change in thoracic wall and shoulder, pelvis and proximal femur and upper and lower extremities. The patients included in the study were without history of bone marrow disease. A grade of from 1 to 4 was assigned to the marrow signal intensity of the examined anatomic segments. The signal intensity of all anatomic segments was as low as or lower than that of muscle in all patients younger than 2 months, reflecting underlying hematopoietic marrow. The first segments to become hyperintense were the epiphyseal/round bone ossification centers, followed by the phalanges, diaphysis, flat bones and metaphysis. Marrow signal intensity increased in all regions with age. While in the epiphysis, round bones and diaphysis bone marrow shows a diffuse and homogeneous increased signal intensity with age, in the sternum, ribs, scapulae, posterior ilium and metaphysis varying percentages of intermediate signal intensity are maintained. An orderly progression of red to yellow marrow was established.