Vulvar squamous cell carcinoma in a captive female chimpanzee: A case report.

A necropsy was performed on a 43-year-old female zoo chimpanzee, with cancer in the vulvar and perivulvar region. She was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, the presence of this tumor in domestic animals and non-human primates is very rare in the vulvar region and there were no previous reports found on it in chimpanzee, due to which this report contributes to the knowledge on chimpanzee pathologies.

Detection and virulence of Lactococcus garvieae and L. petauri from four lakes in southern California.

OBJECTIVE: The first objective of the study aimed to detect the presence of Lactococcus petauri, L. garvieae, and L. formosensis in fish (n = 359) and environmental (n = 161) samples from four lakes near an affected fish farm in California during an outbreak in 2020. The second objective was to compare the virulence of the Lactococcus spp. in Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss and Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides. METHODS: Standard bacterial culture methods were used to isolate Lactococcus spp. from brain and posterior kidney of sampled fish from the four lakes. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) was utilized to detect Lactococcus spp. DNA in fish tissues and environmental samples from the four lakes. Laboratory controlled challenges were conducted by injecting fish intracoelomically with representative isolates of L. petauri (n = 17), L. garvieae (n = 2), or L. formosensis (n = 4), and monitored for 14 days postchallenge (dpc). RESULT: Lactococcus garvieae was isolated from the brains of two Largemouth Bass in one of the lakes. Lactococcus spp. were detected in 14 fish (8 Bluegills Lepomis macrochirus and 6 Largemouth Bass) from 3 out of the 4 lakes using a qPCR assay. Of the collected environmental samples, all 4 lakes tested positive for Lactococcus spp. in the soil samples, while 2 of the 4 lakes tested positive in the water samples through qPCR. Challenged Largemouth Bass did not show any signs of infection postinjection throughout the challenge period. Rainbow Trout infected with L. petauri showed clinical signs within 3 dpc and presented a significantly higher cumulative mortality (62.4%; p < 0.0001) at 14 dpc when compared to L. garvieae (0%) and L. formosensis (7.5%) treatments. CONCLUSION: The study suggests that qPCR can be used for environmental DNA monitoring of Lactococcus spp. and demonstrates virulence diversity between the etiological agents of piscine lactococcosis.

Comparative polyphasic characterization of Weissella strains isolated from beaked whale and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): confirmation of Weissella ceti sp. nov. and description of the novel Weissella tructae sp. nov. isolated from farmed rainbow trout.

The weissellosis agent bacterium (WS08T = CBMAI 2730) was isolated from diseased rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in Brazil. The whole genome sequence of this strain was compared with the Mexican W-1 strain, also isolated from diseased rainbow trout, and with the Weissella ceti type strain CECT 7719 T (= 1119-1A-09 T = CCUG 59653 T), recovered from the beaked whale. Digital DNA-DNA hybridization pairwise analyses scored 98.7% between the Mexican W-1 and Brazilian WS08T but just 24.4% for both fish isolates compared to the W. ceti type strain CECT 7719 T. The 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons with isolates of W. ceti, available at GenBank, were conducted. All rainbow trout-pathogenic isolates grouped close (97% bootstrap confirmation), but when this group was compared to the W. ceti type strain CECT 7719 T the similarity varied from 78.9 to 79.1%. Phenotypic assays were also conducted, and the W. ceti type strain diverged from WS08T and W-1 in the hydrolysis of aesculin, D-mannose, and potassium gluconate and in the hydrolysis of hippurate. Moreover, WS08T and W-1 showed weak growth at 5 °C whereas no growth was observed for W. ceti CECT 7719 T. The major fatty acids (> 10% total fatty acids) presented by WS08T and W-1 were summed feature 8 (C18:1 ω7c/C18:1 ω6c), summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω6c/C16:1ω7c), and C16:0. The results of phylogenetic and phenotypic analyses clearly differentiated the W. ceti CECT 7719 T type strain from the assessed pathogenic strains obtained from rainbow trout. Therefore, Weissella strains isolated from rainbow trout, here represented by strain WS08T (= CBMAI 2730), should be known as members of a novel species for which the name Weissella tructae sp. nov. is proposed.

Development of a quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay for detection of the aetiological agents of piscine lactococcosis.

Piscine lactococcosis is an emergent bacterial disease that is associated with high economic losses in many farmed and wild aquatic species worldwide. Early and accurate detection of the causative agent of piscine lactococcosis is essential for management of the disease in fish farms. In this study, a TaqMan quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) targeting the 16S-23S rRNA internal transcribed spacer region was developed and validated. Validation of the qPCR was performed with DNA of previously typed L. petauri and L. garvieae recovered from different aquatic hosts from distinct geographical locations, closely related bacterial species and common pathogens in trout aquaculture. Further diagnostic sensitivity and specificity was investigated by screening of fish, water and faecal samples. The developed qPCR assay showed high specificity, sensitivity and accuracy in detection of L. petauri and L. garvieae with lack of signals from non-target pathogens, and in screening of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) posterior kidney and environmental samples. The detection limit of the qPCR was four amplicon copies. Moreover, the sensitivity of the qPCR assay was not affected by presence of non-target DNA from either fish or environmental samples. The robustness, specificity and sensitivity of the developed qPCR will facilitate fast and accurate diagnosis of piscine lactococcosis to establish appropriate control measures in fish farms and aquaria.

First Identification and Characterization of Lactococcus garvieae Isolated from Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Cultured in Mexico.

Lactococcosis is a hyperacute hemorrhagic septicemia disease caused by Lactococcus garvieae, which is an emerging pathogen in global fish farming. Between 2016 and 2018, rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) from five farms that presented outbreaks were sampled as part of a Mexican surveillance program for the detection of fish diseases. Fourteen L. garvieae isolates were recovered from sampled fish, as confirmed by biochemical tests, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and clinical and histological insights. The biochemical and protein profiles of the isolates obtained were homogeneous. Repetitive extragenic palindromic-(REP)-and enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus sequence PCR (ERIC-PCR) analyses established weak genetic heterogeneity. Rainbow trout challenged with two of the isolates used at different bacterial concentrations (10-2 and 10-4 CFU/mL) showed melanosis, and hemorrhages were observed in the fins, liver, kidney, and spleen. Isolates were obtained from all of the organs sampled, including from surviving fish, as either pure or mixed cultures. The present study is the first to confirm the presence of L. garvieae as the agent of severe lactococcosis outbreaks in the two primary Mexican states for trout farming.

Lumbosacral ventral root avulsion alters reflex activation of bladder, urethra, and perineal muscles during micturition in female rabbits.

AIM: To determine the effect of the lumbosacral ventral root avulsion (VRA) on the reflex activation of bladder, urethra, and activation of perineal muscles during micturition in female rabbits. METHODS: We allocated 14 virgin female rabbits to evaluate, first, the gross anatomy of lumbosacral spinal cord root (n = 5) and, second, to determine the effect of VRA on perineal muscles during micturition (n = 9). We recorded cystometrograms, urethral pressure, and electromyograms of the bulbospongiosus (Bsm) and ischiocavernosus (Ism) muscles before and after the L6-S2 VRA. Standard variables were measured from each recording and analyzed to identify significant differences (P < .05). RESULTS: We found that the L6-S2 VRA affected directly the bladder and urethral function and reduced the duration and the frequency of the bursting of Ism and Bsm muscles during voiding. The Ism and Bsm showed a phasic activation, of different frequencies, during the voiding phase and the L6-S2 VRA inhibited the co-contraction of the Ism and Bsm-bladder-urethra. CONCLUSIONS: The Ism and Bsm are activated at different frequencies to trigger the voiding phase. The L6-S2 VRA affected the activity pattern of both perineal muscles. These modifications affected the bladder and urethra function. It is possible that the restoration of the activation frequency of perineal muscles contributed for an efficient bladder contraction.

First detection of spring viraemia of carp virus in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) affected by a septicaemic disease in Mexico.

Spring viraemia of carp (SVC) is an infectious disease responsible for severe economic losses for various cyprinid species, particularly common carp (Cyprinus carpio carpio). The causative agent is the SVC virus (SVCV), a member of the Sprivivirus genus, Rhabdoviridae family, and a List 1 pathogen notifiable by the World Organization for Animal Health. This study describes the diagnosis of an SVCV pathogen isolated in October 2015 from wild common carp inhabiting a natural lagoon in central Mexico. While neither an epidemic nor fish mortalities were reported, the collected killed specimens exhibited clinical signs of disease (e.g., exopthalmia, moderate abdominal distension and haemorrhaging, as well as internal haemorrhages and adhesions). Histological results of injuries were consistent with the pathology caused by SVCV. This finding was supported by the isolation of a virus in EPC and BF-2 cells and subsequent RT-PCR confirmation of SVCV. The phylogenetic analyses of partial SVCV glycoprotein gene sequences classified the isolates into the Ia genogroup. These findings make this the first report of SVCV detection in Mexico, extending the southern geographical range of SVCV within North America. However, since this pathogen was detected in fish inhabiting a natural body of water without tributaries or effluents, it is difficult to estimate the risk of SVCV for other wild/feral cohabitating cyprinid species in the lagoon. The status of this virus is also unknown for other bodies of water within this region.

A novel octaray multielectrode catheter for high-resolution atrial mapping: Electrogram characterization and utility for mapping ablation gaps.

INTRODUCTION: Multielectrode mapping catheters improve the ability to map within the heterogeneous scar. A novel Octaray catheter with eight spines and 48 electrodes may further improve the speed and resolution of atrial mapping. The aims of this study were to (1) establish the Octaray's baseline mapping performance and electrogram (EGM) characteristics in healthy atria and to (2) determine its utility for identifying gaps in a swine model of atrial ablation lines. METHODS AND RESULTS: The right atria of eight healthy swine were mapped with Octaray and Pentaray catheters (Biosense Webster, Irvine, CA) before and after the creation of ablation lines with intentional gaps. Baseline mapping characteristics including EGM amplitude, duration, number of EGMs, and mapping time were compared. Postablation maps were created and EGM characteristics of continuous lines and gaps were correlated with pathology. Compared with Pentaray, the Octaray collected more EGMs per map (2178 ± 637 vs 1046 ± 238; P < 0.001) at a shorter mapping duration (3.2 ± 0.79 vs 6.9 ± 2.67 minutes; P < 0.001). In healthy atria, the Octaray recorded lower bipolar voltage amplitude (1.96 ± 1.83 mV vs 2.41 ± 1.92 mV; P < 0.001) while ablation gaps were characterized by higher voltage amplitude (1.24 ± 1.12 mV vs 1.04 ± 1.27 mV; P < 0.001). Ablation gaps were similarly identified by both catheters (P = 1.0). The frequency of "false gaps," defined as intact ablation lines with increased voltage amplitude was more common with Pentaray (6 vs 2) and resulted from erroneous annotation of far-field EGMs. CONCLUSION: The Octaray increases the mapping speed and density compared with the Pentaray catheter. It is as sensitive for identifying ablation gaps and more specific for mapping intact ablation lines.

Isolation characterization, virulence potential of Weissella ceti responsible for weissellosis outbreak in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) cultured in Mexico.

Weissella ceti, a Gram-positive nonmotile bacterium, is currently an emerging pathogen within rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) farms in China, Brazil, the United States, and Japan. This study is the first to isolate, identify, and characterize W. ceti isolates from rainbow trout farmed in Mexico. In late 2015, a severe disease outbreak caused a 60% mortality rate among 20,000 fish. The diseased rainbow trout (100-300 g average) exhibited severe cachexia, body darkening, abdominal distension, exophthalmia, haemorrhages, and corneal opacity. Internally, diseased fish had pale gills; multifocal, disseminated whitish spots on the liver; haemorrhages in the swim bladder, ovary, and on the parietal surface of the muscle; and hearts with pseudo-membrane formation. Histologically, lesions were characterized by corneal oedema, degenerative and necrotic hepatitis, and meningitis. A brain (W-1) and kidney (W-2) isolate were identified as W. ceti through polyphasic taxonomy, which included phenotypic characterization and 16S rRNA sequencing. RAPD and ERIC-PCR analyses demonstrated genetic homogeneity among the Mexican isolates. Virulence tests in rainbow trout through intraperitoneal W. ceti injections at concentrations of 1 × 104 , 1 × 105 , and 1 × 106 CFU per fish resulted in cumulative mortality rates of 25%, 62.5%, and 87.5%, respectively, as well as the same clinical signs of hemorrhagic septicaemia as were recorded for the natural outbreak. The present report is the first to confirm the presence of W. ceti in Mexico, thus extending the known geographical distribution of this pathogen across the Americas.

First identification of Francisella noatunensis subsp. orientalis causing mortality in Mexican tilapia Oreochromis spp.

Francisellosis, an emerging disease in tilapia Oreochromis spp., is caused by the facultative, intracellular bacterium Francisella noatunensis subsp. orientalis, which is present in various countries where tilapia farming is commercially important. We confirmed the presence of francisellosis in Mexican tilapia cultures in association with an outbreak during the second semester of 2012. Broodstock fish presented a mortality rate of approximately 40%, and disease was characterized by histologically classified granulomas, or whitish nodules, in different organs, mainly the spleen and kidney. Through DNA obtained from infected tissue and pure cultures in a cysteine heart medium supplemented with hemoglobin, F. noatunensis subsp. orientalis was initially confirmed through the amplification and analysis of the 16S rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer region. Phylogenetic analysis of these genes demonstrated close similarity with previously reported F. noatunensis subsp. orientalis sequences obtained from infected tilapia from various countries. The identification of this subspecies as the causative agent of the outbreak was confirmed using the iglC gene as a target sequence, which showed 99.5% identity to 2 F. noatunensis subsp. orientalis strains (Ethime-1 and Toba04). These findings represent the first documented occurrence of francisellosis in Mexican tilapia cultures, which highlights the importance of establishing preventative measures to minimize the spread of this disease within the Mexican aquaculture industry.

Can monocytosis act as an independent variable for predicting deep vein thrombosis?

INTRODUCTION: Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a manifestation of venous thromboembolism (VTE). It has been estimated that there are 900,000 cases of pulmonary emboli (PE) and DVT per year resulting in 60,000 to 300,000 deaths. About two-thirds of VTE cases are associated with prolonged hospitalizations, emphasizing the importance of major surgery or immobilization as risk factors. METHODS: Retrospective study conducted in a Metropolitan Hospital. A total of 46 records were obtained from the hospital database following the established inclusion and exclusion criteria. For the control group a total of 42 records were selected. Patients included in this study were admitted with the diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis identified either by lower leg Doppler. RESULTS: Monocytosis with DVT, p-value was <0.001, with an Odd Ratio (OR) 9.35 and Interval Confidence (IC) 95% (3.2-27.3). The p-value for eosinophilia with DVT was 0.092, for males with DVT the p-value was 0.35 and age related groups with DVT value was 0.720. Sensitivity of monocytosis was 67.3%, specificity 80%, positive predictive value (PPV) 79.49% and negative predictive value (NPV) 63.9%. CONCLUSION: This study revealed the association between monocytosis and DVT, thus patients with monocytosis are more likely to develop DVT. This evidence is consistent with previous studies establishing that monocytes could have an important role with the coagulation cascade activation and the formation of DVT. The association of monocyte count and DVT can be used in the future as a significant tool in those patients with suspected DVT to increase diagnostic yield.

Distribution of Infectious Pancreatic Necrosis Virus (IPNV) Based on Surveillance Programs in Freshwater Trout Farms of Mexico.

Diagnostic testing was performed between 2000 and 2012 to determine the distribution of infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) in the main states of the Mexican Republic with freshwater Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum) farms. This virus was positively identified from Rainbow Trout farms in seven of the eight states assessed. Due to nonnormal data distribution, a logistic regression model was applied for statistical analysis, the results of which indicated that virus prevalence was variable between states, with moderate but significant differences. Regarding the time periods evaluated, IPNV prevalence was higher during the first years of the study. The susceptible, infected, removed model was used to examine this phenomenon, which indicated that the decreased prevalence during the latter years of the study could be associated with a real elimination of the infection. The information of the cases analyzed also suggests a relationship with the irregularity in the submission of samples to the laboratory and emphasizes other factors that have contributed to the transmission of IPNV throughout the country. Received November 10, 2014; accepted December 5, 2015.

CD30 Expression by B and T Cells: A Frequent Finding in Angioimmunoblastic T-Cell Lymphoma and Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma-Not Otherwise Specified.

CD30 expression in peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) and angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) is currently of great interest because therapy targeting CD30 is of clinical benefit, but the clinical and therapeutic relevance of CD30 expression in these neoplasms still remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to better quantify CD30 expression in AITL and PTCL-not otherwise specified (NOS). The secondary objective was to determine whether CD30 cells exhibit a B-cell or a T-cell phenotype. Gene expression profiling was studied in a series of 37 PTCL cases demonstrating a continuous spectrum of TNFRSF8 expression. This prompted us to study CD30 immunohistochemical (IHC) expression and mRNA levels by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in a different series of 51 cases (43 AITLs and 8 PTCL-NOSs) in routine samples. Double stainings with PAX5/CD30, CD3/CD30, and LEF1/CD30 were performed to study the phenotype of CD30 cells. Most (90%) of the cases showed some level of CD30 expression by IHC (1% to 95%); these levels were high (>50% of tumoral cells) in 14% of cases. CD30 expression was not detected in 10% of the cases. Quantitative RT-PCR results largely confirmed these findings, demonstrating a moderately strong correlation between global CD30 IHC and mRNA levels (r=0.65, P=1.75e-7). Forty-four of the positive cases (98%) contained CD30-positive B cells (PAX5), whereas atypical CD30-positive T cells were detected in 42 cases (93%). In conclusion, our data show that most AITL and PTCL-NOS cases express CD30, exhibiting very variable levels of CD30 expression that may be measured by IHC or RT-PCR techniques.

Las horas pantalla se asocian al consumo de alimentos de elevada densidad calórica, sobrepeso, obesidad y sedentarismo en niños venezolanos / Screen time is associated with consumption of high energy dense foods, overweight, obesity and sedentary children in Venezuela

Fundamento: Un elevado número de horas en contacto con pantallas de televisión o electrónicas representan parte de un ambiente obesogénico, debido al estrecho contacto con publicidad de alimentos no saludables, consumo de comidas rápidas y sedentarismo. Este trabajo evalúa la asociación entre las horas pantalla, el consumo de alimentos, el estado nutricional y la actividad física en niños venezolanos. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo y transversal, con una muestra no probabilística de 8.073 sujetos de 7 a 14 años en escuelas de Venezuela. Los datos se analizaron mediante estadística descriptiva de comparación entre variables y regresión logística simple entre las horas pantalla y variables asociadas. Resultados: 86% de los niños pasan 2 o menos horas frente a las pantallas. Aquellos que destinan mayor número de horas pantalla poseen mayor consumo de alimentos con alta densidad energética (ej. galletas), mayor índice de masa corporal, área grasa y menos actividad física (p < 0,05). Conclusiones: Las horas pantalla que invierten los niños es un condicionante de la malnutrición por exceso en los niños estudiados. Es necesario el diseño y aplicación de políticas públicas para el control de esta problemática y así reducir el riesgo de padecer enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles en la vida adulta (AU)

Background: Screen time or been in contact with television or electronics are part of the obesogenic environment which includes factors such as the advertising of unhealthy foods, consumption of fast food and sedentarism. This study evaluates the association between screen time, food consumption, nutritional status and physical activity in Venezuelan children. Methods: Descriptive and transversal study with a non probabilistic sample of 8,073 subjects 7-14 years attending schools in Venezuela. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics comparison between variables and simple logistic regression between the screen time and associated variables. Results: 86% of children and adolescents spend 2 hours or less in front of screens. The more screen time is associated with increased consumption high energy density foods (e.x. cookies), higher body mass index and fat area and fewer hours of physical activity (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The screen time that children invest is a predictor of overweight and obesity in children studied. We need to design and apply public policies to control this problem and reduce the risk of chronic noncommunicable diseases in adulthood (AU)

[ARIA Mexico 2014. Adaptation of the Clinical Practice Guide ARIA 2010 for Mexico. Methodology ADAPTE]. / ARIA México 2014. Adaptación de la Guía de Práctica Clínica ARIA 2010 para México. Metodología ADAPTE.

BACKGROUND: The global prevalence of allergic rhinitis is high. International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) Phase III reports a total estimated prevalence of 4.6% in Mexico. There is evidence based on allergic rhinitis Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG), but its promotion, acceptance and application is not optimal or adequate in Mexico. OBJECTIVE: To generate a guideline for the treatment of allergic rhinitis and its impact on asthma by adaptating the 2010 ARIA Guideline to Mexican reality, through a transculturation process applying the ADAPTE methodology. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Using the ADAPTE Methodology, the original 2010 ARIA CPG recommendations were evaluated by the guideline development group (GDG) into which multiple medical specialities managing patients with allergic rhinitis were incoorporated. The GDG valorated the quality of 2010 ARIA, checked and translated key clinical questions. Moreover, the GDG adjusted recommendations, patient preferences and included comments in the context of the Mexican reality (safety, costs and cultural issues). To accomplish this, we ran Delphi panels with as many rounds as necessary to reach agreement. One extra question, not included in the original 2010 ARIA, on the use of Nasal Lavages for AR was created sustained by a systematic literature review. RESULTS: A total of 45 questions from the original 2010 ARIA were included and divided into six groups covering prevention, medical treatment, immunotherapy and alternative medicine to treat patients with allergic rhinitis with or without asthma. Most of the questions reached agreement in one or two rounds; one question required three rounds. CONCLUSIONS: An easy-to-use, adaptated, up-to-date and applicable allergic rhinitis guideline for Mexico is now available.

ANTECEDENTES: la prevalencia de rinitis alérgica en todo el mundo es alta. El Estudio Internacional de Asma y Alergias en la Niñez (ISAAC de International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood) Fase III reporta una prevalencia estimada total en México de 4.6%. Existen guías de práctica clínica basadas en evidencia de rinitis alérgica, pero su promoción, aceptación y validez no son óptimas ni adecuadas para México. OBJETIVO: generar una guía de tratamiento de la rinitis alérgica y su repercusión en el asma adaptando la guía ARIA 2010 a la realidad mexicana mediante un proceso de transculturización, por medio de la metodología ADAPTE. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: a través de la metodología ADAPTE un grupo de desarrollo de la guía, integrado por múltiples especialistas que tratan pacientes con rinitis alérgica, valoró la calidad de la guía ARIA 2010, revisó y tradujo las preguntas clínicas clave y ajustó las recomendaciones, preferencias del paciente y comentarios a la realidad mexicana (seguridad, costos y aspectos culturales). Para lograrlo se corrieron páneles Delphi, con tantas rondas como fuera necesario hasta lograr un acuerdo. Por medio de una revisión sistemática de la bibliografía se creó una pregunta especial no incluida en ARIA 2010 de la utilidad de realizar lavados nasales en pacientes con rinitis alérgica. RESULTADOS: se incluyeron 45 preguntas de la guía original ARIA 2010, divididas en seis bloques que abarcan prevención, tratamiento médico, inmunoterapia y terapias alternativas de pacientes con rinitis alérgica con o sin asma. La mayor parte de las preguntas alcanzaron acuerdo en una a dos rondas, sólo una requirió tres para ello. CONCLUSIONES: se cuenta ahora con una guía de rinitis alérgica de usosencillo, adaptada, actualizada y válida para México.

Imaging of plasmonic heating in a living organism.

Controlling and monitoring temperature at the single cell level has become pivotal in biology and medicine. Indeed, temperature influences many intracellular processes and is also involved as an activator in novel therapies. Aiming to assist such developments, several approaches have recently been proposed to probe cell temperature in vitro. None of them have so far been extended to a living organism. Here we present the first in vivo intracellular temperature imaging. Our technique relies on measuring the fluorescence polarization anisotropy of green fluorescent protein (GFP) on a set of GFP expressing neurons in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). We demonstrate fast and noninvasive monitoring of subdegree temperature changes on a single neuron induced by local photoheating of gold nanoparticles. This simple and biocompatible technique is envisioned to benefit several fields including hyperthermia treatment, selective drug delivery, thermal regulation of gene expression and neuron laser ablation.

Primary orbital mesenchymal chondrosarcoma: case report and review of the literature.

Orbital mesenchymal chondrosarcoma is a very uncommon lesion of the bone and extraskeletal tissue. To our knowledge, approximately 30 cases have been described. We present the case of a 52-year-old male who presented with a history of progressive proptosis and chemosis of the right eye caused by an orbital tumor. He underwent exenteration of the right orbit, and the histological examination revealed a mesenchymal orbital chondrosarcoma. This paper attempts to describe a rare entity that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of calcified orbital lesions, especially in young adults. Complete removal of the tumor is the mainstay of treatment, but adjuvant radiation therapy and chemotherapy should be considered.

Discovering mammography-based machine learning classifiers for breast cancer diagnosis.

This work explores the design of mammography-based machine learning classifiers (MLC) and proposes a new method to build MLC for breast cancer diagnosis. We massively evaluated MLC configurations to classify features vectors extracted from segmented regions (pathological lesion or normal tissue) on craniocaudal (CC) and/or mediolateral oblique (MLO) mammography image views, providing BI-RADS diagnosis. Previously, appropriate combinations of image processing and normalization techniques were applied to reduce image artifacts and increase mammograms details. The method can be used under different data acquisition circumstances and exploits computer clusters to select well performing MLC configurations. We evaluated 286 cases extracted from the repository owned by HSJ-FMUP, where specialized radiologists segmented regions on CC and/or MLO images (biopsies provided the golden standard). Around 20,000 MLC configurations were evaluated, obtaining classifiers achieving an area under the ROC curve of 0.996 when combining features vectors extracted from CC and MLO views of the same case.