Analyses of apoptosis and DNA damage in bovine cumulus cells after in vitro maturation with different copper concentrations: consequences on early embryo development.

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of copper (Cu) during in vitro maturation (IVM) on apoptosis and DNA integrity of cumulus cells (CC); and oocyte viability. Also, the role of CC in the transport of Cu during IVM was evaluated on oocyte developmental capacity. Damage of DNA was higher in CC matured without Cu (0 µg/dl Cu, P < 0.01) with respect to cells treated with Cu for cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) exposed to 0, 20, 40, or 60 µg/dl Cu). The percentage of apoptotic cells was higher in CC matured without Cu than in CC matured with Cu. Cumulus expansion and viability of CC did not show differences in COC treated with 0, 20, 40, or 60 µg/dl Cu during IVM. After in vitro fertilization (IVF), cleavage rates were higher in COC and DO + CC (denuded oocytes + CC) with or without Cu than in DO. Independently of CC presence (COC, DO + CC or DO) the blastocyst rates were higher when 60 µg/dl Cu was added to IVM medium compared to medium alone. These results indicate that Cu supplementation to IVM medium: (i) decreased DNA damage and apoptosis in CC; (ii) did not modify oocyte viability and cumulus expansion; and (iii) improved subsequent embryo development up to blastocyst stage regardless of CC presence during IVM.

Molecular identification of vectors of Leishmania in Colombia: mitochondrial introgression in the Lutzomyia townsendi series.

The identity of the sandfly vectors of Leishmania braziliensis in Valle del Cauca Department, Colombia, was originally given as Lutzomyia townsendi, but then changed to L. youngi, another member of the L. townsendi series (Verrucarum group) with isomorphic females. To identify members of this series in Valle del Cauca, we analyzed the nuclear gene elongation factor-alpha (EF-alpha) and the mitochondrial gene cytochrome b (Cyt b). DNA sequences from the L. verrucarum series (L. columbiana, L. evansi and L. ovallesi) were used as outgroups. Flies from two locations on the western cordillera of the Andes were identified as L. townsendi s.s., according to male morphology and distinctive gene lineages. In the third location, on the central cordillera of the Andes, most specimens were identified as belonging to a geographical population of L. youngi, according to male morphology, an EF-alpha lineage shared with L. youngi from the Venezuelan-type locality, and a distinctive Cyt b sub-lineage. All other specimens were identified as L. youngi with the introgressed Cyt b sequences of L. townsendi. Such interspecific introgression implies that vectorial traits and ecological associations may no longer be viewed as fixed properties of different morphospecies.

Prognostic factors in carcinoma of the external auditory canal.

BACKGROUND: Carcinomas of the external auditory canal are rare neoplasms (< 1% of all head and neck malignant neoplasms). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prognostic factors in 79 patients treated in a single institution. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The disease was staged as follows: 34 patients with stage T1 to T2 tumors; 43 patients with stage T3 to T4 tumors; 2 patients with stage TX tumors; 68 patients with stage N0 tumors; and 11 patients with stage N1 tumors. The initial treatment was surgery in 59 patients and radiotherapy in 9 patients. Eleven patients were not considered candidates for treatment. RESULTS: To date, 29 patients have experienced local recurrences and 2, neck metastases. The 5-year survival rates were 65% for patients who underwent surgery, 29% for patients who underwent radiotherapy, and 63% for patients who underwent a combination of surgery and radiotherapy. Univariate survival analysis showed statistical difference according to tumor type (P = .003), bone involvement (P = .002), and tumor stage (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Every effort must be undertaken to make an early diagnosis and perform radical surgical resection of squamous cell carcinomas in the external auditory canal. This study validates the staging system used for squamous cell carcinoma of the ear treated with surgery.

The use of homogeneous human amniotic tissue to repair tympanic membrane perforations

Human amniotic tissue previously treated with sodium hypochlorite and ethyl alcohol and stored in pure glycerol was employed to repair total and partial tympanic membrane perforations in 43 patients who underwent tympanoplasty or tympano-mastoidectomy. Follow-up varied from nine to 54 months. Closure of the perforation was obtained in 35 patients (81.4 per cent). Success rate was higher in tympanoplasty (84.8 per cent) than in tympanomastoidectomies (70 per cent). Functional improvement in hearing level was obtained in 65.7 per cent of the cases. In 25.7 per cent the hearing levels were unchanged and in 8.57 per cent they became worse. It was concluded that human amniotic tissue is an adequade material for tympanic membrane repair.

[Cavernous hemangioma of the internal auditory canal. Apropos of a case]. / Hémangiome caverneux intracanalaire. A propos d'un cas.

A case of cavernous hemangioma in the internal auditory canal was reported. There were no specific symptoms or physical or neurotological findings to differentiate from acoustic neuroma. The clinical and surgical aspects of this rare tumor were reviewed and discussed.

Molecular implications of recurrent cytogenetic alterations in human small cell lung cancer.

This article describes cytogenetic findings in human small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Included is a summary of analyses performed by the authors on 17 tumors, each of which displayed numerous chromosomal alterations. Many of the recurrent changes involve losses at the locations of tumor suppressor genes, whose loss and/or inactivation may play a crucial role in tumorigenesis. Deletions of the short arm of chromosome 3 (particularly 3p21-25) were found in every case, providing additional evidence in support of the notion that this region harbors a tumor suppressor gene(s) critical in the pathogenesis of SCLC. Cytogenetic losses of 5q21, 13q14, and 17p13 (sites of the APC, RB1, and TP53 suppressor loci, respectively) also are common in SCLC. Double minutes are found in a minority of these tumors and are associated with oncogene amplification. The genetic complexity in SCLC underscores the need for greater preventive measures and early detection.