Protective effects of Silymarin on testicular torsion/detorsion in rats.

OBJECTIVE: The present research aimed to study the possible protective effects of Silymarin on testicular I/R injury in a rat model evaluated through histopathology and biochemical parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This research investigated the impact of Silymarin on IR damage in male Wistar albino rats. Animals were divided into three groups: group 1 (sham), group 2 (IR), and group 3 (IR+Silymarin). RESULTS: There were no notable differences in the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and glutathione (GSH) across the three groups (p=0.260, p=0.486 and p=0.803, respectively). Contrarily, the total antioxidant status (TAS) levels exhibited significant variations between groups (p=0.001). The total oxidant status (TOS) levels also differed significantly between groups (p=0.004). The tissue evaluations uncovered substantial differences in the Johnson score, which is used to gauge testicular damage. A distinct contrast was seen between Group 1 and Group 2, and also between Group 2 and Group 3, with an all-encompassing p-value lower than 0.01. The same significant disparities were found for the percentages of Bax and Annexin V immunostaining (p<0.01 for each), reflecting the inflammation and apoptosis brought about by ischemia-reperfusion and the protective effects of the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The outcomes of the current investigation showed that Silymarin could be a valuable agent for reducing testicular tissue damage following I/R injury.

The relationship between complete hydatidiform mole and serum Vitamin D level: a prospective case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine whether or not there was a relationship between complete hydatidiform mole (CHM) and serum Vitamin D level by comparing CHM patients with two control groups and to determine whether or not Vitamin D deficiency is a risk factor for CHM. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective study included 30 patients diagnosed with CHM (case group), 30 patients in the first trimester of a healthy pregnancy (control group), and 30 healthy non-pregnant subjects (control group). A record was made of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH D vitamin) levels, age, body mass index (BMI), gravida, parity, and the number of abortus. The serum 25-OH D vitamin levels were examined in each group and compared between groups. RESULTS: The 25-OH D vitamin level of all the patients in the study was determined as 11.16±8.64 ng/mL. No significant difference was determined between the groups in respect of 25 OH-D vitamin levels. When comparisons were made between the four subgroups according to the 25-OH-D level, no significant difference was determined between the CHM and control groups. When the patients were separated as obese and non-obese groups, no significant difference was determined between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Severe deficiency, deficiency, or insufficient levels of serum Vitamin D are not thought to be risk factors for CHM patients.

The relationship between Vitamin A and Vitamin E levels and neonatal morbidities.

OBJECTIVE: In the neonatal period, diseases such as respiratory distress syndrome, necrotizing enterocolitis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, retinopathy of prematurity, intraventricular hemorrhage, patent ductus arteriosus hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, and hyperbilirubinemia are frequently seen, despite being differently affected by the gestational age. This study aims to examine the relationship between morbidities in the neonatal period and serum vitamin A and vitamin E levels. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, patients who were treated and followed up in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit between August 2020 and September 2021 were evaluated. RESULTS: 381 patients, 202 male (53%) and 179 female (47%), were included in the study. The mean birth weight was 2642.13±835.91 g (minimum 480 g, maximum 4285 g) and the mean gestational week was 35.3±3.8 (minimum 24 weeks, maximum 42 weeks). The weight of 332 patients (87.2%) was above 1500 g in whom there was a significant increase in respiratory distress, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, and hyperbilirubinemia correlated with a decrease in the vitamin E levels (p=0.001, 0.02, and 0.001, respectively). In infants over 32 weeks of age, there was a significant increase in respiratory distress, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, and hyperbilirubinemia correlated with a decrease in the vitamin E levels (p=0.001, 0.02, and 0.001, respectively). No significant relationship was found between vitamin A levels and neonatal morbidities regardless of the birth weight or gestational age. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that our study may provide convenience to pediatricians and neonatologists in terms of the relationship between vitamin A and E levels and neonatal morbidities in neonates.

Proliferative verrucous leukoplakia: a clinicopathological comparative study.

A retrospective clinicopathological analysis was performed to compare 35 proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (PVL), 40 leukoplakia without dysplasia (LK), 48 oral lichen planus (OLP)/oral lichenoid lesions (OLL), and 11 verrucous carcinoma (VC) (N = 134). The PVL group comprised 24 female and 11 male patients (mean age 66.5 years), with two to six sites involved (mean 3.1 sites) and multiple biopsies over time (mean 7.1/case). All PVL cases developed malignancy: 77.1% squamous cell and 40% verrucous carcinoma; 68.6% had multiple sites of malignancy. None showed local or distant metastatic spread. Five-year disease-specific survival was 88.6%. In LK and OLP/OLL, malignant transformation was significantly lower than in PVL (2.5% and 2.1%, respectively). Invasive squamous cell carcinoma was not reported in any conventional VC. Immunohistochemical histomorphometric analysis for p53, COX-2, and podoplanin showed no significant differences between the groups. PVL may overlap with LK, OLP/OLL, and VC, but has a persistent aggressive behaviour and high malignant transformation rate. The overlapping features may delay recognition as PVL. The results emphasize the need for a detailed clinicopathological definition of PVL, and long-term close monitoring to ensure progression to PVL and malignancy are recognized in time. The management of this persistent aggressive condition is challenging.

Eficacia de las medidas de minimización de riesgos del ácido valproico: estudio de utilización del fármaco en Europa, análisis de datos de España / Effectiveness of risk minimisation measures for valproate: a drug utilisation study in Europe, analysis of data from Spain

Introducción: En 2015 se aplicaron en España distintas medidas para la minimización de los riesgos (MMR) del ácido valproico. Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar la eficacia de las MMR del ácido valproico en España, con el fin de reducir el uso de ácido valproico como terapia de primera línea y evaluar los patrones de prescripción de ácido valproico en las mujeres, incluidas las mujeres en edad fértil (MEF), en los períodos previos y posteriores a la implementación de las MMR. Materiales y métodos: Los patrones de prescripción del ácido valproico en mujeres y MEF antes y después de la implementación de las MMR se examinaron utilizando la base de datos longitudinales de pacientes (longitudinal patient data, LPD por sus siglas en inglés), que incluye información de pacientes de dos paneles: médicos de atención primaria (MAP) y neurólogos/psiquiatras. El criterio principal de valoración fue la proporción de prescripciones iniciales de ácido valproico con al menos un medicamento relacionado con indicaciones de ácido valproico antes de la fecha de inicio del ácido valproico. Resultados: La proporción de prescripciones de ácido valproico secundarias con uso previo de medicamentos relacionados con indicaciones de ácido valproico fue del 78% –intervalo de confianza (IC) al 95%: 73,9-81,5%– y del 78,2% (IC al 95%: 74,5-81,4%) en los períodos principales previo y posterior a la implementación en el panel de MAP. Las cifras correspondientes a MEF fueron del 79,6% (IC al 95%: 73,6-84,5%) y del 75,5% (IC al 95%: 69,7-80,6%), respectivamente. La tasa de incidencia de embarazos expuestos al ácido valproico (por 1.000 personas-años) en MEF disminuyó de 17,4 en el período completo previo a la implementación a 8,5 en el período completo posterior a la implementación...(AU)

Introduction: Risk minimisation measures for valproate were implemented in Spain in 2015.Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of valproate risk minimisation measures in Spain intended to decrease the use of valproate as a first-line therapy, and to evaluate the prescribing patterns of valproate in women, including women of childbearing potential, in the pre- and post-implementation risk minimisation measures periods. Materials and methods: The prescribing patterns of valproate in females and women of childbearing potential before and after risk minimisation measures implementation were examined using the longitudinal patient data database, which includes patient information from two panels: primary care physicians and neurologists/psychiatrists. Primary endpoint was the proportion of initial valproate prescriptions with at least one medication related to the valproate indications before the valproate initiation date. Results: The proportion of incident valproate prescriptions with previous use of medication related to valproate indications was 78.0% (95% CI, 73.9%; 81.5%), and 78.2% (74.5%; 81.4%) in the main pre-and post-implementation periods in the primary care physician panel. The corresponding figures for women of childbearing potential were 79.6% (73.6%; 84.5%) and 75.5% (69.7%; 80.6%), respectively. The incidence rate of pregnancies exposed to valproate (per 1,000 person-years) in women of childbearing potential decreased from 17.4 the entire pre-implementation to 8.5 in the entire post-implementation periods. Conclusion: After the implementation of risk minimisation measures for valproate in Spain, no meaningful change in prescribing was observed regarding the proportion of valproate initiations preceded by prior medication related to valproate indications. The preventative measures recommended for use of valproate in women of childbearing potential should be considered.(AU)

Study of Aqueous Ecballium Elaterium as Fibrinolytic in The Rabbit Model of Intrapleural Empyema.

AIMS: We aimed to investigate of intrapleural use of ecballium elaterium (EE) in a rabbit model empyema. METHODS: An empyema was induced in 21 rabbits after inoculation of Staphylococcus aureus. Glucose levels, pH, lactate dehydrogenase levels, and amounts of pleural drainage were evaluated in addition to pleural and empyema scores. The rabbits were divided into three groups, each 7, the isotonic solution, the streptokinase, and the ecballium group. RESULTS: At autopsy, there was no difference in pH, glucose, and LDH levels in three groups. The mean pleural drainage was greater in the ecballium group. A significant difference was detected between groups in terms of drainage amounts and pleural and empyema scores (P < 0.05). A significant difference in pleural and empyema scores was detected in the ecballium and streptokinase groups (P < 0.05). EE group had significant differences in drainage amounts and plural and empyema scores regard to the control group (P < 0.05). No significance was found between streptokinase and EE groups. CONCLUSION: We conclude that intrapleural use of EE is at least as effective as streptokinase for the treatment of empyema.

Serum endocan levels in multiple sclerosis relapse and remission.

OBJECTIVE: Endocan has been defined as an important marker of inflammatory diseases, vascular and endothelial injury, tumour progression, cell adhesion and angiogenesis. In our study, we compared the serum endocan, C-reactive protein (CRP) and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) levels of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients in remission and in relapse. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study included 53 RRMS remission patients, 30 RRMS relapse/post-relapse patients and 44 healthy volunteers. Blood samples were collected once from RRMS patients in remission and from the control group, and twice from RRMS relapse patients: once when relapsing and another 1 month after relapse. The endocan, CRP and NLR levels of the RRMS patients measured while in relapse, 1 month after relapse and while in remission were compared to those of the control group. The studied parameters were compared with the disease duration, relapse frequency, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score, applied treatment and lesion burden assessed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). RESULTS: The endocan, CRP and NLR levels were significantly higher in the RRMS group than in the control group (p < 0.05). The serum endocan levels were found to be significantly higher in the RRMS relapse group than in the post-relapse and control groups (p < 0.05). There were no significant correlations between the disease duration, EDSS score, relapse frequency and lesion burden on MRI and the endocan, CRP and NLR values (p > 0.05). According to the correlation analysis, there was a statistically strong positive relationship between the MRI lesion localisation and the EDSS score, disease duration and relapse frequency (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Endocan increase is a marker of the endothelial injury that develops secondary to the inflammatory process in MS patients. It can thus be considered a moderately good indicator of relapse.

Submucosal Fibrotic Bands in Oral Lichen Planus: A Clinico-Pathological Investigation of a Newly Described Phenomenon.

Fibrosis is a recognized complication of chronic inflammatory conditions, which has not yet been described in oral lichen planus. To describe characteristics of submucosal fibrotic bands in oral lichen planus. Prospective study. Patients with biopsy confirmed lichen planus were included. Clinical examination recorded fibrotic bands, mouth opening, vestibular depth loss, gingival recessions adjacent to band, lichen subtypes, areas of affected mucosa, extra-oral manifestations. Patients completed the Chronic Oral Mucosal Disease Questionnaire, with additional questions regarding stiffness, restricted opening, symptom frequency, time from diagnosis of lichen, co-existing medical conditions. 73 patients were included, 14 M, 59 F, age 28-84 (mean 61) years. Buccal fibrous bands were palpated in 22 (30.1%), 13 (59%) were bilateral. Self-reported restricted opening/stiffness were significantly associated with fibrous bands (36% Vs. 11% in controls, p = 0.02). Mouth opening less than 40 mm was recorded in only 2 (9%) with bands, none in controls. Reduced vestibular depth was significantly associated with bands (11 (50%) Vs 3 (6%) in controls, p = 0.0001).Gingival recessions adjacent to bands were recorded in 3 (13.6%). No association was demonstrated between fibrous bands and erosive lesions, extra oral involvement, smoking, age, visual analogue scale, quality of life questionaire and disease duration. Histological evaluation of one case each with and without band and control showed increased mean width of connective tissue. Submucous fibrous band is first described in the present study. It is common in oral lichen planus, may lead to feeling restricted mouth opening, stiffness, loss of vestibular depth and adjacent gingival recession.

Protective Effect of Wolfberry Extract on Acetic Acid-induced Colitis in Rats

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the protective effect of wolfberry (WB) against acetic acid-induced colitis in rats. Methods: The rats were divided into four groups with eight rats in each group: the control group, WB group, colitis group and WB + colitis group. Distal colitis was induced in rats by intracolonic instillation of 4% acetic acid. Wolfberry + colitis group received 100 mg/kg of WB extract dissolved in saline through the intraperitoneal route for 7 days. Acute colitis was created on the 8th day, and the rats were sacrificed 48 hours later. Colonic damage was assessed by macroscopic and histological criteria as well as biochemical markers. Results: Mean total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 levels were significantly higher in the colitis group compared with the control and WB groups (p < 0.05). The WB + colitis group had significantly lower TAC, TOS, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 levels compared with the colitis group (p < 0.05). The analyses of the histopathological findings indicated that the colitis group had a significantly higher histopathological damage score than the control group (3.12 ± 0.45, 0 ± 0.00, respectively; p < 0.05). Histopathological damage score was significantly higher in the WB + colitis group than in the control group and statistically significantly lower than the colitis group (1.62 ± 0.44, 0 ± 0.00, respectively; 3.12 ± 0.45, respectively; p < 0.05 for both comparisons). Conclusion: Wolfberry extract is an agent that is effective for preventing acetic acid-induced colitis in rats.

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws associated with intravitreal administration of ranibizumab.

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ) is a well-known complication that, in the majority of cases, is related to antiresorptive agents. Numerous articles have described cases of MRONJ in bisphosphonate-naïve patients treated with anti-angiogenic agents administered via various routes. A single case of MRONJ after intravitreal injection of bevacizumab has been reported. We report a case of MRONJ after intravitreal injection of a different anti-angiogenic agent - ranibizumab - for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration, in a bisphosphonate-naïve patient. Although it may be a rare complication, patients treated with multiple doses of anti-angiogenic agents should be monitored for the possible early diagnosis of MRONJ.

The mental health impacts of climate change: Findings from a Pacific Island atoll nation.

BACKGROUND: Climate change is anticipated to have profound effects on mental health, particularly among populations that are simultaneously ecologically and economically vulnerable to its impacts. Various pathways through which climate change can impact mental health have been theorised, but the impacts themselves remain understudied. PURPOSE: In this article we applied psychological methods to examine if climate change is affecting individuals' mental health in the Small Island Developing State of Tuvalu, a Pacific Island nation regarded as exceptionally vulnerable to climate change. We determined the presence of psychological distress and associated impairment attributed to two categories of climate change-related stressors in particular: 1) local environmental impacts caused or exacerbated by climate change, and 2) hearing about global climate change and contemplating its future implications. METHODS: The findings draw on data collected in a mixed-method study involving 100 Tuvaluan participants. Data were collected via face-to-face structured interviews that lasted 45 min on average and were subjected to descriptive, correlational, and between-group analyses. RESULTS: The findings revealed participants' experiences of distress in relation to both types of stressor, and demonstrated that a high proportion of participants are experiencing psychological distress at levels that reportedly cause them impairment in one or more areas of daily life. CONCLUSIONS: The findings lend weight to the claim that climate change represents a risk to mental health and obliges decision-makers to consider these risks when conceptualizing climate-related harms or tallying the costs of inaction.

Monocyte/HDL ratio predicts hypertensive complications.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate whether a simple and easily calculated parameter such as monocyte/ HDL ratio (MHR) may be used in predicting non-dipper (NDHT)-dipper HT (DHT) end organ damage. METHODS: 70 NDHT and 73 DHT patient groups were included in the study according to ambulatory blood pressure screening results. Basic laboratory parameters and spot urine samples were evaluated. Transthoracic echocardiography and ophthalmological examination were performed for end-organ damages. RESULTS: The MHR among the groups was higher in the NDHT group; which was statistically significant (p≤0.001). In the NDHT group, albumin, creatinine, protein values, protein/creatinine ratio in the spot urine were significantly higher than in the DHT group (p≤0.05). Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and retinopathy were also more frequently observed in the NDHT group (p≤0.001 and p=0.001, respectively). MHR in patients with LVH and retinopathy was significantly higher than in those without these complications (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Easy to use, non-invasive and simple calculation, MHR can be used to predict end organ damage in hypertensive cases, and can be also used to distinguish between DHT/NDHT groups. This data supports the role of inflammation (Tab. 7, Ref. 14).

Comparing Prophylactic Versus Threshold-Based Insecticide Programs for Striped Cucumber Beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) Management in Watermelon.

In cucurbit crops such as watermelon, implementation of integrated pest management (IPM) is important due to the high reliance on bees for fruit set, along with mounting evidence of the risks of insecticide use associated with pollinator health. Yet, IPM adoption, on-farm pesticide use behaviors, their costs, and impacts on the primary insect pest (striped cucumber beetle, Acalymma vittatum F.) are poorly known in one of the key watermelon-growing regions, the Midwestern United States. To better understand how to implement IPM into watermelon production, we assessed pest management practices on commercial watermelon farms using 30 field sites in Indiana and Illinois over 2 yr in 2017 and 2018. Across all sampling dates, beetles never crossed the economic threshold of five beetles/plant at any farm and most were maintained at densities far below this level (i.e., <1 beetle/plant). Moreover, we documented a wide range of insecticide inputs (mean ca. 5 applications per field per season; max. 10 applications) that were largely dominated by inexpensive foliar pyrethroid sprays; however, insecticide application frequency was poorly correlated with pest counts, suggesting that most of these applications were unnecessary. We calculated that the cost of the average insecticide program far exceeds the cost of scouting, and thus IPM is estimated to save growers ca. $1,000 per field under average conditions (i.e., field size, insecticide cost). These data strongly indicate that current management practices on commercial farms in the Midwest would benefit from implementing more threshold-based IPM programs with potential increases in both farm profitability and pollination services.

Traumatic Ulcerative Granuloma with Stromal Eosinophilia: CD30 analysis and clonality for T cell receptor gene re-arrangement.

INTRODUCTION: Traumatic Ulcerative Granuloma with Stromal Eosinophilia (TUGSE) is a rare oral ulcerated lesion of uncertain etiology, showing eosinophil-rich granulation tissue, with occasional large atypical CD30 positive mononuclear cells. It had been suggested that it may represent an oral counterpart of cutaneous lymphomatoid papulosis, with a potential to evolve into CD30 + T cell lymphoma OBJECTIVES: To compare TUGSE and non-specific oral ulcers (NSU) clinically, histopathologically and by clonality analysis for T-cell receptor re-arrangement, aiming to determine whether TGUSE with atypical cells is a lymphomatous premalignant condition, and whether therapeutic approach should be radical or conservative. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective archival analysis included 17 TUGSE and 8 NSU cases. Histopathological parameters included mean eosinophil number per high power field (HPF), presence of infiltration of deep soft tissues and presence of atypical cells. Immuno-morphometry comprised of the mean number of CD30+ atypical cells per HPF. T-cell receptor (TCR) gene rearrangement by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed in all cases showing atypical cells. Clinical and follow up data were retrieved from files. RESULTS: TUGSE showed a significantly higher mean eosinophil number/HPF in comparison to NSU (7.0 + 4.2 cells and 2.3 + 1.72, respectively; p < 0.001). Atypical cells were found in 9 (53%) cases of TUGSE and in only 1 (11%) case of NSU. CD30+ atypical cells were found in 7 (41%) cases of TUGSE and only in 1 (11%) case of NSU. Mean number of CD30+ cells/HPF was 0.23 + 0.19 (range 0 - 0.54 cells/HPF) for TUGSE. In the only NSU case with CD30+ cells, their density was 0.52/HPF. All lesions with atypical cells were polyclonal for TCR. All cases were self-limiting, with no recurrences, after 3-9 years (mean 4.6 years) follow up. CONCLUSIONS: Analysis found no support to the suggestion that TUGSE with atypical cells represents the oral counterpart of lymphomatoid papulosis or predisposes the lesions for a hematolymphoid malignancy. Suggestions for radical therapeutic approach and long-term follow-up are probably unjustified, with no recurrences or malignancy recorded following conservative treatment alone for a period of up to 9 years of follow-up. Staining for CD30 and PCR for TCR gene rearrangement should be reserved only for rare cases with abundant large atypical cells and/or unusual clinical behavior.

Non- Hodgkin lymphoma of the lips: A rare entity.

AIM: To investigate clinico-pathological features of lymphoma of the lips, and review the literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis and review of English literature, 1996-2016. RESULTS: Analysis included 23 cases, 7 new cases and 16 from literature, 12 M: 11 F, age 7-82 years. Four occurred in children, mean age 10.1; 19 in adults, mean 61.1 years. The lower lip was involved in the majority of cases (16, 69.56%). 14 (60.87%) were isolated to the lips, 8 (34.78%) were multifocal. Nine (39.13%) occurred in association with Sjogren's syndrome, of which one also had Hashimoto thyroiditis. IgG4-related disease and HIV were reported in one case each. The lip salivary glands were involved in most cases (19, 82.6%); 3 (13.6%) showed only cutaneous involvement. The typical presentation was single or multiple nodules (15, 65.21%), with surface ulceration in only two (8.69%). Constituent symptoms were absent in all cases, paresthesia was reported in one (4.34%). The majority (18, 78.26%) was extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma - mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma (EMZB-MALT), and one case each was mantle cell, NK-T cell, CD30 positive and plasmablastic lymphoma. CONCLUSION: The lips seem to have a unique pattern of non-Hodgkin lymphoma dominated by EMZB-MALT lymphoma, rarely other types. In more than half, neither Sjogren's syndrome nor other chronic inflammation was identified. Lesions tend to present as asymptomatic slowly progressing, non-ulcerated submucosal masses. Lymphoma should be considered even in the absence of constituent symptoms, as most cases showed none. Although the number of reported cases is rather small, disease course is usually prolonged and prognosis seems to be good.

Honeybee dietary neonicotinoid exposure is associated with pollen collection from agricultural weeds.

Neonicotinoid insecticides have been linked to bee declines. However, tracking the primary exposure route for bees in the field has proven to be a major logistical challenge, impeding efforts to restore pollinator health in agricultural landscapes. We quantified neonicotinoid concentrations and botanical species composition in 357 pollen samples collected from 114 commercial honeybee colonies placed along a gradient of agricultural intensity between June and September. Neonicotinoid concentrations increased through the season, peaking at the end of August. As a result, concentrations in pollen were negatively associated with collection from woody and crop plants that flower early-mid season, and positively associated with collection from herbaceous plants that flower mid-late season. Higher clothianidin and thiamethoxam residues were correlated with samples containing a greater proportion of pollen collected from agricultural weeds. The percentage of agricultural land within 1500 m was positively correlated with thiamethoxam concentration; however, this spatial relationship was far weaker than the relationship with the proportion of pollen collected from herbaceous plants. These results indicate that both plant species identity and agricultural dominance are important in determining honeybee neonicotinoid exposure through the pollen diet, but that uncultivated plants associated with agriculture are the source of the greatest acute exposure.

Comparison of the histopathological characteristics of osteomyelitis, medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw, and osteoradionecrosis.

The purpose of this study was to compare the histopathological parameters of chronic/suppurative osteomyelitis, medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ), and osteoradionecrosis (ORN), and to examine the hypothesis that distinct histological features can be related to a specific disease, allowing for diagnosis based on microscopic evaluation alone. One hundred and ten samples were reviewed by two examiners in a blinded fashion, and a semi-quantitative histomorphometric analysis was performed. The parameters evaluated included the presence or absence of necrotic bone, inflammation, reactive bone formation, bacteria, and osteoclasts. No statistically significant differences were found between groups for any parameter. Necrotic bone was common to all three diagnoses. Inflammation and reactive bone formation were present in all three diagnoses. The presence of bacteria was a prominent feature in all cases. Osteoclasts were scarce in MRONJ and osteomyelitis, and non-existent in ORN. The results of this study failed to identify distinctive microscopic characteristics in any of the three entities that could be used to differentiate between them. Therefore, it is impossible to reach a specific final diagnosis based on microscopic findings alone. The role of microscopic analysis is to serve as an aid to diagnosis that must be complemented by the patient's history and imaging.

Endosymbionts Differentially Alter Exploratory Probing Behavior of a Nonpersistent Plant Virus Vector.

Insect endosymbionts (hereafter, symbionts) can modify plant virus epidemiology by changing the physiology or behavior of vectors, but their role in nonpersistent virus pathosystems remains uninvestigated. Unlike propagative and circulative viruses, nonpersistent plant virus transmission occurs via transient contamination of mouthparts, making direct interaction between symbiont and virus unlikely. Nonpersistent virus transmission occurs during exploratory intracellular punctures with styletiform mouthparts when vectors assess potential host-plant quality prior to phloem feeding. Therefore, we used an electrical penetration graph (EPG) to evaluate plant probing of the cowpea aphid, Aphis craccivora Koch, an important vector of cucurbit viruses, in the presence and absence of two facultative, intracellular symbionts. We tested four isolines of A. craccivora: two isolines were from a clone from black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.), one infected with Arsenophonus sp. and one cured, and two derived from a clone from alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), one infected with Hamiltonella defensa and one cured. We quantified exploratory intracellular punctures, indicated by a waveform potential drop recorded by the EPG, initiation speed and frequency within the initial 15 min on healthy and watermelon mosaic virus-infected pumpkins. Symbiont associations differentially modified exploratory intracellular puncture frequency by aphids, with H. defensa-infected aphids exhibiting depressed probing, and Arsenophonus-infected aphids an increased frequency of probing. Further, there was greater overall aphid probing on virus-infected plants, suggesting that viruses manipulate their vectors to enhance acquisition-transmission rates, independent of symbiont infection. These results suggest facultative symbionts differentially affect plant-host exploration behaviors and potentially nonpersistent virus transmission by vectors.

[Osteomyelitis of the jaws - review of the literature and a case report].

Osteomyelitis (OM), is a rare disease in developed countries. It is defined as a progressive inflammation of the bone and the bone marrow, and characterized by formation of necrotic bone. This disease is more common in the lower jaw, which resembles the structure of a long bone. However, there are histologic and microbiologic characteristics that constitute important factors in the etiology and pathogenesis of the disease and therefore it is not possible to make an analogy from OM of long bones to OM of the jaws. The diagnosis of OM is based on a detailed anamnesis, clinical findings, laboratory tests and imaging. The treatment of OM consists of surgical treatment, which is considered the mainstay of the treatment, and antibiotic treatment, parenteral and oral which is considered as complementary therapy. There are several surgical procedures, according to the extent of the lesion, which include: drainage, curettage, sequestrectomy, saucerization, decortications and resection. A case of osteomyelitis of the lower jaw after dental treatment is presented. The patient underwent segmental resection and reconstruction.