Tissue distribution of rare earth elements in wild, commercial and backyard rabbits.

Rare Earth Elements (REEs), La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Sc, and Y, & two actinides, Th and U were assessed in muscle and liver tissues of wild, backyard and commercially raised rabbits through ICP-MS. Higher concentrations were found in liver in comparison to muscle tissue. Liver of wild rabbits accumulates all studied elements beyond Tm. Backyard rabbits do not show any statistically significant accumulation while commercial accumulate all beyond La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Gd and Tb. Wild rabbits were with the highest amounts for most of these elements. The different living and rearing environments of wild, backyard and commercial rabbits may affect accumulation, fate and transfer of REEs in rabbits' tissues. A dataset for establishing reference values of REEs in Lemnos island wild rabbits' is shown and the literature gap on safety limits for REEs is discussed.

Dietary organic selenium addition and accumulation of toxic and essential trace elements in liver and meat of growing rabbits.

The effects of dietary organic selenium (Se) addition at 0.1, 0.5 and 2.5 mg/kg vs. an unsupplemented basal diet (BD) on the accumulation of some toxic and essential trace elements were studied in the liver and muscle tissues of growing rabbits. Dietary Se addition increased liver and muscle Se concentration linearly (P < .001), and decreased linearly Cd, As, Ni and Cr (P < .001) in liver, as well as As (P < .01) and Cd (P < .001) in muscle. Muscle Cu and Zn contents were significantly lower (P < .05) in rabbits fed 2.5 mg Se/kg diet compared to the other 3 groups. Selenium was negatively correlated with Cr, Ni, Cd and As (P < .01) in liver, and with Cu (P < .05) and Cd (P < .01) in muscle. In conclusion, dietary Se supplementation decreased the accumulation of toxic (Cd and As) and potentially toxic (Cr and Ni) trace elements in rabbits. However, at excessive quantities may negatively affect essential trace elements.

Game meat authentication through rare earth elements fingerprinting.

Accurate labelling of meat (e.g. wild versus farmed, geographical and genetic origin, organic versus conventional, processing treatment) is important to inform the consumers about the products they buy. Meat and meat products declared as game have higher commercial value making them target to fraudulent labelling practices and replacement with non-game meat. We have developed and validated a new method for authentication of wild rabbit meat using elemental metabolomics approach. Elemental analysis was performed using rapid ultra-trace multi-element measurement by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Elemental signatures showed excellent ability to discriminate the wild rabbit from non-wild rabbit meat. Our results demonstrate the usefulness of metabolic markers -rare earth signatures, as well as other trace element signatures for game meat authentication.

17ß-Estradiol/N-acetylcysteine interaction enhances the neuroprotective effect on dopaminergic neurons in the weaver model of dopamine deficiency.

The weaver mouse, is a phenocopy of Parkinson's disease (PD) in which dopaminergic neurons degenerate gradually during development, reaching at P21 a neurodegeneration of 55%. Thus, the weaver mouse constitutes an appropriate in vivo PD model for investigating the effect of neuroprotective agents. In the present study, long-term treatment (from P1 to P21) with 17ß-estradiol (17ß-estradiol) significantly protected the dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) of weaver mouse by 54%, as was detected by immunohistochemical experiments, using the specific antibody against tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). This dopaminergic neuroprotection is in line with our biochemical results showing that 17ß-estradiol treatment significantly decreased the high lipid peroxidation levels seen in the SN of weaver mouse, indicating high oxidative stress. Interestingly, co-administration of 17ß-estradiol with N-acetylcysteine (NAC, precursor molecule of glutathione (GSH)) further significantly increased the survival of dopaminergic neurons in the SN (by 85%), with a parallel further decrease of lipid peroxidation to normal levels. Our results show the in vivo neuroprotective effect of 17ß-estradiol, which is strongly enhanced by co administration of NAC, indicating a strong synergistic effect of the two drugs. Furthermore, the main mechanism underlying this neuroprotective action seems to be the reversal of the oxidative stress shown by the high peroxidation levels. These results could be of clinical relevance since both drugs are already used separately in the clinic, 17ß-estradiol for treatment of PD and NAC as a mucolytic agent and for the treatment of several disorders.

[Breast lesions of a metastatic melanoma on a radiotherapy territory: Treatment by vemurafenib and carcinologic surgery]. / Métastases cutanées d'un mélanome sur un territoire de radiothérapie au niveau du sein: traitement par vémurafénib et chirurgie d'exérèse large.

INTRODUCTION: This article describes the unique case of a female patient who presented distant melanoma metastasis on the breast while having irradiation therapy for breast cancer. This happened eight months after the initial treatment for a melanoma of the back (under the right scapula). Furthermore, this case report demonstrates the efficiency of Vemurafenib® as a treatment for late stage melanomas. CASE REPORT: The patient was a 47-year-old female that had a superficial spreading melanoma under the right scapula (Breslow 1.02mm) that was treated with 2cm skin excision and sentinel lymph node sampling that was negative. The melanoma was positive for the BRAF600E mutation. One month after this incident, the patient developed breast cancer that was treated with conservative surgery and radiotherapy. Three months after the end of the irradiation treatment, she developed multiple melanoma metastasis on the skin of the breast. Our multidisciplinary team decided to initiate a treatment with vemurafenib. The patient showed an excellent response, so the surgical team completed the treatment with a radical mastectomy and immediate reconstruction with a pedicled latissimus dorsi flap. The histologic report of the mastectomy specimen showed no sign of melanocytic proliferation, that demonstrates the efficacy of vemurafenib. The patient showed no relapse after two years of follow-up. DISCUSSION: The speed of development and location of cutaneous metastases in this case brought us to think about the effects of radiation therapy on the skin. Radiation therapy causes acute complications (radiodermatitis) by cellular and molecular mechanisms. Moreover, depressed immunity is found after irradiation. Association of these mecanisms could explain the appearance of these metastases in irradiation field. The efficiency of vemurafenib found in our case is consistent with what is described in literature, especially with the improvement in median overall survival. CONCLUSION: This case demonstrates a unique case of distant melanoma metastasis on the irradiation field of a breast cancer. It also demonstrates the efficacy of vemurafenib as well as the efficacy of a radical complementary surgical treatment in these patients.

Hand-sewn coloanal anastomosis for low rectal cancer: technique and long-term outcome.

AIM: This study compared the operative outcome and long-term survival of three types of hand-sewn coloanal anastomosis (CAA) for low rectal cancer. METHOD: Patients presenting with low rectal cancer at a single centre between 2006 and 2014 were classified into three types of hand-sewn CAA: type 1 (supra-anal tumours undergoing transabdominal division of the rectum with transanal mucosectomy); type 2 (juxta-anal tumours, undergoing partial intersphincteric resection); and type 3 (intra-anal tumours, undergoing near-total intersphincteric resection with transanal mesorectal excision). RESULTS: Seventy-one patients with low rectal cancer underwent CAA: 17 type 1; 39 type 2; and 15 type 3. The median age of patients was 61.6 years, with a male/female ratio of 2:1. Neoadjuvant therapy was given to 56 (79%) patients. R0 resection was achieved in 69 (97.2%) patients. Adverse events occurred in 25 (35.2%) of the 71 patients with a higher complication rate in type 1 vs type 2 vs type 3 (47.1% vs 38.5% vs 13.3%, respectively; P = 0.035). Anastomotic separation was identified in six (8.5%) patients and pelvic haematoma/seroma in five (7%); two (8.3%) female patients developed a recto-vaginal fistula. Ten (14.1%) patients were indefinitely diverted, with a trend towards higher long-term anastomotic failure in type 1 vs type 2 vs type 3 (17.6% vs 15.5% vs 6.7%). The type of anastomosis did not influence the overall or disease-free survival. CONCLUSION: CAA is a safe technique in which anorectal continuity can be preserved either as a primary restorative option in elective cases of low rectal cancer or as a salvage procedure following a failed stapled anastomosis with a less successful outcome in the latter. CAA has acceptable morbidity with good long-term survival in carefully selected patients.

Cadmium versus copper toxicity: insights from an integrated dissection of protein synthesis pathway in the digestive glands of mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis.

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of metal-mediated stress on the protein-synthesis pathway in mussels. To this end, mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) underwent a 15 days exposure to 100 µg/L Cu(2+) or Cd(2+). Both metals, in particular Cd(2+), accumulated in mussel digestive glands and generated a specific status of oxidative-stress. Exposure of mussels to each metal resulted in 40% decrease of the tRNA-aminoacylation efficiency, at the end of exposure. Cu(2+) also caused a progressive loss in the capability of 40S-ribosomal subunits to form 48S pre-initiation complex, which reached 34% of the control at the end of exposure. Other steps of translation underwent less pronounced, but measurable damages. Mussels exposed to Cd(2+) for 5 days presented a similar pattern of translational dysfunctions in digestive glands, but during the following days of exposure the ribosomal efficiency was gradually restored. Meanwhile, metallothionein levels significantly increased, suggesting that upon Cd(2+)-mediated stress the protein-synthesizing activity was reorganized both quantitatively and qualitatively. Conclusively, Cd(2+) and Cu(2+) affect translation at several levels. However, the pattern of translational responses differs, largely depending on the capability of each metal to affect cytotoxic pathways in the tissues, such as induction of antioxidant defense and specific repair mechanisms.

[Intra-osseous ganglion cyst of the carpal bones. A review of the literature underlining the importance of systematic computed tomography]. / Kystes synoviaux intraosseux du carpe : intérêt de la tomodensitométrie systématique pour l'évaluation du risque fracturaire.

The intraosseous ganglion cyst (IOGC) is a benign and lytic bone tumor affecting mostly the metaphyseal and epiphyseal regions of long bones. Its location on the short bones, including the carpal bones has been little reported in the literature. Our review of the literature shows consensus about the surgical techniques to use, but there is currently no real consensus about its pathophysiology, and its diagnostic work-up. Complications related to this lesion (mainly the risk of pathologic fracture) are potentially serious, and can cause irreversible damage. They therefore require accurate assessment to guide the choice of medical or surgical treatment, including a CT scan, which - we believe - is essential.

[Mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction using a prosthesis and lower dermal flap: description of five cases]. / Mastectomie avec reconstruction immédiate par prothèse et lambeau inférieur dermique : à propos de cinq cas.

INTRODUCTION: When performing mastectomy involving immediate reconstruction with prosthesis, it is required to obtain a complete cover of the implant. However, this is hardly ever possible for patients having a significant breast volume, despite the use of the skin-reducing technique. Using the lower dermal flap makes it possible to fully cover the implant for these patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We will describe five cases of patients on whom skin-reducing mastectomy and immediate reconstruction with prosthesis and lower dermal flap were performed. Preoperative drawings were made following the so-called "Saint-Louis" pattern. During surgery, the future skin flap representing the skin cover of lower breast quadrants was de-epidermised. Mastectomy was then performed via an incision at the upper limit of the future flap. Then, a retro-pectoral pocket was created by lifting the pectoralis major muscle. The implant was introduced into this pocket and covered up at its lower part by the dermal flap, the upper edge of which was sutured to the lower edge of the pectoralis major muscle. The implant was thereby fully covered. Finally, the skin was closed with inverted T-scars. RESULTS: Postoperative effects were minor. Two patients suffered from skin pain at the junction between the vertical and horizontal scars of the inverted T. These injuries were treated via healing by secondary intention. We have not observed any infection. Cosmetic results assessed by the patients and surgical team were considered as satisfactory. CONCLUSION: Mastectomy with immediate reconstruction using a prosthesis and lower dermal flap makes it possible to fully cover the implant in patients who require the skin-reducing technique. This technique seems to minimise the risk of major complications and generates satisfactory cosmetic results.

The role of selenium in cadmium toxicity: interactions with essential and toxic elements.

1. The study was part of a project designed to investigate if organic selenium (Se) can ameliorate the toxic effects of cadmium (Cd). The main objective of the present study was to investigate, in the chicken, the interactions between Se, Cd and the following elements: Sb, Ca, Cr, Co, Cu, Fe, Pb, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, V and Zn. 2. A total of 300 1-d-old chickens (broilers) were randomly distributed among 4 dietary treatments with 5 replicate pens per treatment. In T1, chickens were fed on a diet with 0·3 mg/kg added Se, without added Cd. In T2, chickens were fed on a diet with 0·3 mg/kg Se and 10 mg/kg Cd. In T3, chickens were fed on a diet with 0·3 mg/kg Se and 100 mg/kg of Cd added and in T4 treatment, chickens were fed on a diet with 3 mg/kg Se and 100 mg/kg Cd added. Se was added as Se-yeast. Cd was added as cadmium chloride (CdCl2). On d 28 and 42, two chickens per replicate pen were killed for collection of whole blood, liver, kidney and breast muscle samples. Samples were analysed by ICP-MS. The data were analysed using a multivariate linear model. 3. While low Cd concentrations in the diet led only to an increase of Cd concentration in the examined tissues, addition of high concentrations of Cd increased the concentration of Cd, Cu, Sb and V and decreased that of Se, Mn and Fe. Addition of high Se concentrations did not significantly reduce Cd concentration. 4. Prior to model application, correlations of 78 elements were noted, while after model application 39 correlations were noted. Most notably, Cd was correlated with Ca, Co, Cu and Mg, while Se was correlated with Mn. 5. The present study revealed several correlations between essential, probably essential and toxic elements illustrating the importance of the balance between pro-oxidants and antioxidants.

Dissociation of modular total hip arthroplasty at the neck-stem interface without dislocation.

Modular femoral and acetabular components are now widely used, but only a few complications related to the modularity itself have been reported. We describe a case of dissociation of the modular total hip arthroplasty (THA) at the femoral neck-stem interface during walking. The possible causes of this dissociation are discussed. Successful treatment was provided with surgical revision and replacement of the modular neck components. Surgeons who use modular components in hip arthroplasties should be aware of possible early complications in which the modularity of the prostheses is the major factor of failure.

Large diameter femoral heads impose significant alterations on the strains developed on femoral component and bone: a finite element analysis.

Total Hip Arthroplasty aims at fully recreating a functional hip joint. Over the past years modular implant systems have become common practice and are widely used, due to the surgical options they provide. In addition Big Femoral Heads have also been implemented in the process, providing more flexibility for the surgeon. The current study aims at investigating the effects that femoral heads of bigger diameter may impose on the mechanical behavior of the bone-implant assembly. Using data acquired by Computed Tomographies and a Coordinate Measurement Machine, a cadaveric femur and a Profemur-E modular stem were fully digitized, leading to a three dimensional finite element model in ANSYS Workbench. Strains and stresses were then calculated, focusing on areas of clinical interest, based on Gruen zones: the calcar and the corresponding below the greater trochanter area in the proximal femur, the stem tip region and a profile line along linea aspera. The performed finite elements analysis revealed that the use of large diameter heads produces significant changes in strain development within the bone volume, especially in the lateral side. The application of Frost's law in bone remodeling, validated the hypothesis that for all diameters normal bone growth occurs. However, in the calcar area lower strain values were recorded, when comparing with the reference model featuring a 28mm femoral head. Along line aspera and for the stem tip area, higher values were recorded. Finally, stresses calculated on the modular neck revealed increased values, but without reaching the yield strength of the titanium alloy used.

Iron or zinc dialyzability obtained from a modified in vitro digestion procedure compare well with iron or zinc absorption from meals.

The dialyzability method has been considered a convenient option for screening a large number of samples for iron bioavailability. A new setup that allows the rapid and efficient application of the dialyzability method has been recently proposed. To evaluate the new setup for its applicability in predicting iron and zinc bioavailability, dialyzable iron or zinc were compared with iron or zinc absorption. A series of solutions and meals that have been employed in published studies on iron or zinc absorption were prepared as described in the literature and digested in vitro using the new setup. Dialyzability was measured and correlated with published data on absorption. Iron or zinc dialyzability measured with the proposed setup correlated well with iron or zinc absorption. These results suggest that the new setup can be employed in the future applications for the prediction of iron or zinc bioavailability.

Hydrogen peroxide is involved in the sclerotial differentiation of filamentous phytopathogenic fungi.

AIMS: The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of H(2) O(2) and the related oxidative stress markers catalase (CAT) and lipid peroxidation in the sclerotial differentiation of the phytopathogenic filamentous fungi Sclerotium rolfsii, Sclerotinia minor, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Rhizoctonia solani. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using the H(2) O(2) -specific scopoletin fluorometric assay and the CAT-dependent H(2) O(2) consumption assays, it was found that the production rate of intra/extracellular H(2) O(2) and CAT levels in the sclerotiogenic fungi were significantly higher and lower, respectively, than those of their nondifferentiating counterpart strains. They peaked in the transition between the undifferentiated and the differentiated state of the sclerotiogenic strains, suggesting both a cell proliferative and differentiative role. In addition, the indirect indicator of oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, was substantially decreased in the nondifferentiating strains. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the differentiative role of H(2) O(2) is expressed via induction of higher oxidative stress in the sclerotiogenic filamentous phytopathogenic fungi. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study shows that the direct marker of oxidative stress H(2) O(2) is involved in the sclerotial differentiation of the phytopathogenic filamentous fungi S. rolfsii, S. minor, S. sclerotiorum and R. solani, which could have potential biotechnological implications in terms of developing antifungal strategies by regulating intracellular H(2) O(2) levels.

Selenium affects the expression of GPx4 and catalase in the liver of chicken.

A total of 128 chickens (Gallus gallus, broilers) were used to investigate the effect of organic selenium (Se) in expression of catalase (CAT) and phospholipid hydroperoxidase 4 (GPx4) genes. There were 4 replicates of 4 dietary treatments: T1 (basal diet with no added Se), T2 (T1 with 0.15 ppm Se added), T3 (T1 with 0.3 ppm Se) and T4 (T1 with 3.0 ppm Se). At 4th and 6th week, 2 chickens per replicate pen were sacrificed for whole blood and liver sample collections. Samples were analyzed for total Se by ICP-MS and gene expression by RT-PCR. Dietary supplementation with organic Se (Se-yeast) readily elevated its concentration in the tissues. GPx4 mRNA levels, pooled for both ages, of chickens fed T3 and T4 diets were significantly reduced compared to those fed diet T1 by 47% and 77% respectively, while that of T2 did not differ. Liver CAT mRNA levels at 4th week were significantly decreased as Se supplementation increased, while at 6th week, were not significantly affected by Se. The study showed that liver GPx4 mRNA levels could be down-regulated by excess of Se. It is possible that reserves built by excess of Se meet antioxidant requirements and no additional GPx4 transcription is necessary.

Intraluminal pressure readings during the establishment of a positive 'tamponade test' in the management of postpartum haemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the proposed mechanism by which intrauterine balloons achieve their tamponade effect of creating an 'intrauterine pressure that is greater than the systemic arterial pressure'. DESIGN: To determine the intraluminal pressures within a Bakri balloon during the establishment of a positive 'tamponade test' in the management of postpartum haemorrhage. To correlate these intraluminal pressures with contemporaneous readings of blood pressure recordings as documented from the operating theatre anaesthetic charts. SETTING: An obstetric unit (approximately 2400 births) in Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia. SAMPLE: Two women in whom first-line uterotonics were unsuccessful and who required a Bakri balloon to control postpartum haemorrhage secondary to an atonic uterus. METHODS: A DigiMano (Netech Corporation, Farmingdale, NY, USA) pressure recorder was attached via a three-way tap to a Bakri balloon. Anaesthetic charts of the two cases were reviewed retrospectively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Intraluminal pressure readings were recorded after each 50-ml aliquot of normal saline had been insufflated into the balloon whilst the next aliquot was being prepared. RESULTS: There is a curvilinear relationship between the intraluminal pressure and the balloon volume. The pressure does not exceed the systolic blood pressure of the patient at the time of establishment of a positive tamponade test. CONCLUSIONS: The intraluminal pressure within the tamponade balloon does not exceed the systolic blood pressure of the patient when a positive tamponade test is established.

Retroperitoneal pararenal Castleman's disease.

A 51-year old male patient with a three-month history of constant and dull left flank pain was investigated by ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the abdomen, which disclosed a 8 x 7 x 6 cm retroperitoneal pararenal mass with heterogeneous imaging characteristics and bright enhancement following intravenous contrast injection. Based on the hypervascularity of the mass and the lack of specific signs in the imaging investigation, lymphoma, sarcoma or vascular tumour were considered as probable, diagnoses and the patient underwent an exploratory laparotomy. The histologic examination of the surgically resected specimen disclosed "a hyaline type of Castleman's disease". Further evaluation of the patient with antibody testing for HIV 1 and 2, as well as viral load by PCR for Herpes Virus-8 (HHV-8) were negative. Bone marrow aspiration, biopsy and immunophenotypic study did not disclose any evidence of lymphoma. Molecular study of the bone marrow for immunoglobulin heavy chain rearrangement showed a polyclonal pattern; serum protein electrophoresis did not show any evidence of hypergammaglobulinaemia and serum immunofixation electrophoresis did not show any monoclonal protein. A diagnosis of localized-unicentric type of Castleman's disease was made. Castleman's Disease should be included in the differential diagnosis of any solitary, heterogeneous and hypervascular retroperitoneal mass. Discovery of Castleman's disease at any area of the body should be followed by a thorough imaging and laboratory work-up in order to exclude the multicentric type of the disease and the co-existence of lymphoma.

Balloon tamponade in the management of postpartum haemorrhage: a review.

Obstetric haemorrhage is a significant contributor to worldwide maternal morbidity and mortality. Guidelines for the management of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) involve a stepwise escalation of pharmacological and eventual surgical approaches. The method of uterine tamponade using balloons has recently been added to the armamentarium for managing PPH. There are various balloons available including the Bakri, Foley, Sengstaken-Blakemore, Rusch and condom catheter. This paper reviews these uterine tamponade technologies in the management of PPH.

Retroperitoneal pararenal Castleman's disease / Enfermedad de Castleman de localización retroperitoneal pararenal

A 51-year old male patient with a three-month history of constant and dull left flank pain was investigated by ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the abdomen, which disclosed a 8 x 7 x 6 cm retroperitoneal pararenal mass with heterogeneous imaging characteristics and bright enhancement following intravenous contrast injection. Based on the hypervascularity of the mass and the lack of specific signs in the imaging investigation, lymphoma, sarcoma or vascular tumour were considered as probable diagnoses and the patient underwent an exploratory laparotomy. The histologic examination of the surgically resected specimen disclosed "a hyaline type of Castleman's disease". Further evaluation of the patient with antibody testing for HIV 1 and 2, as well as viral load by PCR for Herpes Virus-8 (HHV-8) were negative. Bone marrow aspiration, biopsy and immunophenotypic study did not disclose any evidence of lymphoma. Molecular study of the bone marrow for immunoglobulin heavy chain rearrangement showed a polyclonal pattern; serum protein electrophoresis did not show any evidence of hypergamma-globulinaemia and serum immunofixation electrophoresis did not show any monoclonal protein. A diagnosis of localized - unicentric type of Castleman's disease was made. Castleman's Disease should be included in the differential diagnosis of any solitary, heterogeneous and hypervascular retroperitoneal mass. Discovery of Castleman's disease at any area of the body should be followed by a thorough imaging and laboratory work-up in order to exclude the multicentric type of the disease and the co-existence of lymphoma.

Un paciente varón de 51 años con una historia de tres meses de dolor constante y sordo en el costado izquierdo, fue sometido a investigación mediante ultrasonografía, tomografía axial computarizada (IAC) e imagen por resonancia magnética (IRM) del abdomen. La investigación reveló una masa retro-peritoneal pararenal de 8 x 7 x 6 cm, con imagen de características heterogéneas y aumento de la luminosidad tras la inyección intravenosa de contraste. Sobre la base de hipervascularidad de la masa y la falta de signos específicos en la investigación por imágenes, el linfoma, el sarcoma o el tumor vascular fueron considerados como diagnósticos probables y el paciente fue sometido a una laparotomía exploratoria. El examen histológico del espécimen resecado quirúrgicamente reveló "un tipo hialino de la enfermedad de Castleman." La evaluación ulterior del paciente con prueba de anticuerpos de VIH 1 y 2, así como la carga viral por PCR para la detección del virus herpes humano tipo 8, dio resultados negativos. La aspiración de médula ósea, la biopsia y el estudio inmunofenotípico no mostraron ninguna evidencia de linfoma. El estudio molecular de la médula ósea para el reordenamiento de la cadena pesada de inmunoglobulina mostró un patrón policlonal. La electro-foresis de la proteína en suero no mostró evidencia alguna de hipergammaglobulinemia y la electroforesis de inmunofijación sérica no mostró proteína monoclonal alguna. Se hizo un diagnóstico de tipo unicéntrico y localizado de la enfermedad de Castleman. La Enfermedad de Castleman debe incluirse en el diagnóstico diferencial de cualquier masa retroperitoneal solitaria, heterogénea e hipervascular. El descubrimiento de la enfermedad de Castleman en cualquier área del cuerpo debe ser seguido de un examen por imágenes completo y pruebas exhaustivas de laboratorio, a fin de eliminar la posibilidad de un tipo multicéntrico de la enfermedad y la co-existencia de un linfoma.

Thiol redox state and oxidative stress affect sclerotial differentiation of the phytopathogenic fungi Sclerotium rolfsii and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum.

AIMS: To investigate the involvement of oxidative stress and thiol redox state (TRS) in sclerotial differentiation of Sclerotium rolfsii and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. METHODS AND RESULTS: Oxidative stress in these fungi was assessed by lipid peroxidation, which was higher in comparison with their nonsclerotiogenic counterpart strains. TRS [measured as glutathione (GSH) and cysteine] was associated with oxidative stress and differentiation using the TRS modulator and antioxidant Nu-acetylcysteine (AcCSH) and the GSH biosynthesis inducer and inhibitor l-2-oxo-thiazolidine-4-carboxylate and L-buthionine-S,R-sulphoximine (BSO) respectively. Differentiation and oxidative stress was decreased by AcCSH in both fungi. The decrease of differentiation by BSO was not associated with oxidative stress in these fungi. CONCLUSIONS: Differentiation and oxidative stress in both fungi depends on the availability of antioxidant noncytotoxic -SH groups and is not depended on any direct antioxidant role of GSH and its precursor cysteine. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study helps to understand the mechanism(s) of sclerotial differentiation in these agriculturally important phytopathogenic fungi and proposes that AcCSH can be used as potent fungicide by (i) acting as growth inhibiting cytotoxic oxidant and (ii) sustaining these fungi in their undifferentiated hyphal stage where they are vulnerable to degradation by soil micro-organisms.