Presentación atípica de histoplasmosis diseminada / Atypical presentation of disseminated histoplasmosis

La histoplasmosis es una micosis sistémica producida por una variedad de hongo dimorfo perteneciente al complejo Histoplasma capsulatum. Es una enfermedad prevalente en nuestro medio y sobre todo en pacientes viviendo con HIV con recuento de <200 linfocitos CD4/ml y con cargas virales mayores a 100.000 copias/ml. La presentación de la forma diseminada raramente suele afectar al aparato reproductor; siendo la forma más frecuente pulmonar

Local effect of allopregnanolone in rat ovarian steroidogenesis, follicular and corpora lutea development.

Allopregnanolone (ALLO) is a known neurosteroid and a progesterone metabolite synthesized in the ovary, CNS, PNS, adrenals and placenta. Its role in the neuroendocrine control of ovarian physiology has been studied, but its in situ ovarian effects are still largely unknown. The aims of this work were to characterize the effects of intrabursal ALLO administration on different ovarian parameters, and the probable mechanism of action. ALLO administration increased serum progesterone concentration and ovarian 3ß-HSD2 while decreasing 20α-HSD mRNA expression. ALLO increased the number of atretic follicles and the number of positive TUNEL granulosa and theca cells, while decreasing positive PCNA immunostaining. On the other hand, there was an increase in corpora lutea diameter and PCNA immunostaining, whereas the count of TUNEL-positive luteal cells decreased. Ovarian angiogenesis and the immunohistochemical expression of GABAA receptor increased after ALLO treatment. To evaluate if the ovarian GABAA receptor was involved in these effects, we conducted a functional experiment with a specific antagonist, bicuculline. The administration of bicuculline restored the number of atretic follicles and the diameter of corpora lutea to normal values. These results show the actions of ALLO on the ovarian physiology of the female rat during the follicular phase, some of them through the GABAA receptor. Intrabursal ALLO administration alters several processes of the ovarian morpho-physiology of the female rat, related to fertility and oocyte quality.

Frecuencia de eventos cardiovasculares en pacientes con lupus eritematoso sistémico / Frequency of cardiovascular events in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Resumen Introducción: el progreso en los tratamientos para el lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES) resultó en una disminución de la mortalidad; sin embargo, la enfermedad cardiovascular y las complicaciones infecciosas aún son las principales causas de muerte. La evidencia apoya la participación del sistema inmunológico en la generación de la placa aterosclerótica, así como su conexión con las enfermedades autoinmunes. Objetivos: describir la frecuencia de eventos cardiovasculares (ECV) en el Registro de Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico de la Sociedad Argentina de Reumatología (RELESSAR) transversal, así como sus principales factores de riesgo asociados. Materiales y métodos: estudio descriptivo y transversal para el cual se tomaron los pacientes ingresados en el registro RELESSAR transversal. Se describieron las variables sociodemográficas y clínicas, las comorbilidades, score de actividad y daño. ECV se definió como la presencia de al menos una de las siguientes patologías: enfermedad arterial periférica, cardiopatía isquémica o accidente cerebrovascular. El evento clasificado para el análisis fue aquel posterior al diagnóstico del LES. Se conformaron dos grupos macheados por edad y sexo 1:2. Resultados: 1515 pacientes mayores de 18 años participaron del registro. Se describieron 80 pacientes con ECV (5,3%). En este análisis se incluyeron 240 pacientes conformando dos grupos. La edad media fue de 47,8 (14,4) y 47,6 (14,2) en el grupo con y sin ECV respectivamente. Los pacientes con ECV tuvieron mayor duración del LES en meses, mayor índice de Charlson, mayor SLICC (Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology), mayor frecuencia de manifestaciones neurológicas, síndrome antifosfolípido, hospitalizaciones y uso de ciclofosfamida. Las únicas variables asociadas en el análisis multivariado fueron el índice de Charlson (p=0,004) y el SLICC (p<0,001). Conclusiones: los ECV influyen significativamente en nuestros pacientes, y se asocian a mayor posibilidad de daño irreversible y comorbilidades.

Abstract Introduction: progress in treatments for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has resulted in a decrease in mortality; however, cardiovascular and infectious diseases remain the leading causes of death. Evidence supports the involvement of the immune system in the generation of atherosclerotic plaque, as well as its connection to autoimmune diseases. Objectives: to describe the frequency of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the cross-sectional RELESSAR registry, as well as its associated variables. Materials and methods: a descriptive and cross-sectional study was performed using patients admitted to the cross-sectional RELESSAR registry. Sociodemographic variables, clinical variables, comorbidities, activity and damage scores were described. CVD was defined as at least one of the following: peripheral arterial disease, ischemic heart disease, or cerebrovascular accident. All patients with at least one CVD were included in our analysis (heart attack, central nervous system vascular disease, and peripheral arteries atherosclerotic disease). The event classified for the analysis was that after the diagnosis of SLE. SLE diagnosis was previous to CVD. Two groups matched by age and sex, 1:2 were formed. Results: a total of 1515 patients older than 18 years participated in the registry. Eighty patients with CVD (5.3%) were described in the registry. Two-hundred and forty patients were included, according to two groups. The mean age was 47.8 (SD 14.4) and 47.6 (SD 14.2) in patients with and without CVD, respectively. Patients with CVD had a longer duration of SLE in months, a higher Charlson index, a higher SLICC, increased frequency of neurological manifestations, antiphospholipid syndrome, hospitalizations, and use of cyclophosphamide. The associated variables in the multivariate were the Charlson Index (p=0.004) and the SLICC (p<0.001). Conclusions: CVDs have a significant influence on our patients, being associated with a greater possibility of damage and comorbidities.

Effects of gamma irradiation on the sensory and metabolic profiles of two peach cultivars.

BACKGROUND: The suitability of commercial peaches for minimal processing (MP) is limited, mainly due to shortened shelf-life. Gamma irradiation has emerged in MP fruits as a promising technology. This study aimed to investigate the effects of gamma irradiation on the sensory and metabolic profiles of MP peaches from two cultivars - 'Forastero' (FT) and 'Ruby Prince' (RP) - and evaluate the relationship between both profiles. MP peaches were packaged and divided into two groups: one without additional treatment (K) and the other subjected to gamma irradiation (1.0 kGy, I- irradiation treatment), making a total of four samples (FTK, FTI, RPK and RPI). The sensory profile was carried out by an assessor panel. Metabolite analysis was accomplished by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. RESULTS: Irradiation significantly affected color, homogeneity, peach aroma, total flavor intensity, peach flavor, sweetness and juiciness in FT, increasing their intensities. In the RP cultivar, irradiation increased brightness, total aroma intensity, peach aroma, and flavor and texture descriptors. Regarding metabolites, only malic acid and sucrose increased their concentrations in the irradiated samples. Partial least squares showed that sucrose was mainly correlated with sweet, total aroma intensity and peach flavors, and linked with FTI sample. Bitter along with peach aroma and total intensity flavor were associated with RPI sample. CONCLUSION: The applied dose accelerated the ripening process of the peach. The study highlights the importance of complementing sensory analysis with metabolomics tools to optimize fruit quality in minimally processed peaches. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of peripheral neural stimulation with allopregnanolone on ovarian physiology.

Neuroactive steroids can rapidly regulate multiple physiological functions in the central and peripheral nervous systems. The aims of the present study were to determine whether allopregnanolone (ALLO), administered in low nanomolar and high micromolar concentrations, can: (i) induce changes in the ovarian progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2) release; (ii) modify the ovarian mRNA expression of Hsd3b1 (3ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 3ß-HSD)3ß-, Akr1c3 (20α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 20α-HSD), and Akr1c14 (3α-hydroxy steroid oxidoreductase, 3α-HSOR)); and (iii) modulate the ovarian expression of progesterone receptors A and B, α and ß estrogenic receptors, luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR). To further characterize ALLO peripheral actions, the effects were evaluated using a superior mesenteric ganglion-ovarian nervous plexus-ovary (SMG-ONP-O) and a denervated ovary (DO) systems. ALLO SMG administration increased P4 concentration in the incubation liquid by decreasing ovarian 20α-HSD mRNA, and it also increased ovarian 3α-HSOR mRNA expression. In addition, ALLO neural peripheral modulation induced an increase in the expression of ovarian LHR, PRA, PRB, and ERα. Direct ALLO administration to the DO decreased E2 and increased P4 concentration in the incubation liquid. The mRNA expression of 3ß-HSD decreased and 20α-HSD increased. Further, ALLO in the OD significantly changed ovarian FSHR and PRA expression. This is the first evidence of ALLO's direct effect on ovarian steroidogenesis. Our results provide important insights about how this neuroactive steroid interacts both with the PNS and the ovary, and these findings might help devise some of the pleiotropic effects of neuroactive steroids on female reproduction. Moreover, ALLO modulation of ovarian physiology might help uncover novel treatment approaches for reproductive diseases.

Phenotypic and genetic characterization of Africanized Apis mellifera colonies with natural tolerance to Varroa destructor and contrasting defensive behavior.

Africanized Apis mellifera colonies with promising characteristics for beekeeping have been detected in northern Argentina (subtropical climate) and are considered of interest for breeding programs. Integral evaluation of this feral material revealed high colony strength and resistance/tolerance to brood diseases. However, these Africanized honeybees (AHB) also showed variable negative behavioral traits for beekeeping, such as defensiveness, tendency to swarm and avoidance behavior. We developed a protocol for the selection of AHB stocks based on defensive behavior and characterized contrasting colonies for this trait using NGS technologies. For this purpose, population and behavioral parameters were surveyed throughout a beekeeping season in nine daughter colonies obtained from a mother colony (A1 mitochondrial haplotype) with valuable characteristics (tolerance to the mite Varroa destructor, high colony strength and low defensiveness). A Defensive Behavior Index was developed and tested in the colonies under study. Mother and two daughter colonies displaying contrasting defensive behavior were analyzed by ddRADseq. High-quality DNA samples were obtained from 16 workers of each colony. Six pooled samples, including two replicates of each of the three colonies, were processed. A total of 12,971 SNPs were detected against the reference genome of A. mellifera, 142 of which showed significant differences between colonies. We detected SNPs in coding regions, lncRNA, miRNA, rRNA, tRNA, among others. From the original data set, we also identified 647 SNPs located in protein-coding regions, 128 of which are related to 21 genes previously associated with defensive behavior, such as dop3 and dopR2, CaMKII and ADAR, obp9 and obp10, and members of the 5-HT family. We discuss the obtained results by considering the influence of polyandry and paternal lineages on the defensive behavior in AHB and provide baseline information to use this innovative molecular approach, ddRADseq, to assist in the selection and evaluation of honey bee stocks showing low defensive behavior for commercial uses.

[Primary pulmonary rabdomyosarcoma: clinical-pathological and immunohistochemical findings]. / Rabdomiosarcoma pulmonar primario: hallazgos clínico-patológicos e inmunohistoquímicos.

Pulmonary rhabdomyosarcona is a rare entity and the histopatological differential diagnosis can be difficult. We report on a case of a 48-year-old male patient with a neoplasm located at the hilum of the right lung. The histological study of the lobectomy specimen allowed the diagnosis of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma to be made. Given the absence of tumor lesions in other sites, it was classified as primary pulmonary neoplasm. The patient underwent chemotherapy and subsequently a completion pneumonectomy for recurrence of the tumor. One year after the initial surgery, he presented a metastasis in the right adrenal gland. He died 20 months after the original diagnosis. The importance of immunohistochemistry in the diagnosis is emphasized and the different theories that attempt to explain the histogénesis of these tumors in unusual sites are analyzed.

El rabdomiosarcoma pulmonar es una entidad rara y muy poco frecuente, más aún en la población adulta, lo que puede dificultar el diagnóstico correcto. Se presenta el caso de un varón de 48 años con un tumor pulmonar. El estudio histológico reveló que se trataba de un rabdomiosaroma embrionario pulmonar primario. Dada la ausencia de lesiones tumorales en otros sitios fue catalogado como primario pulmonar. El paciente realizó quimioterapia y posteriormente fue sometido a una neumonectomía por recidiva de la neoplasia. Al año de la cirugía inicial presentó una metástasis en glándula suprarrenal derecha. Falleció al cabo de 20 meses del diagnóstico original. Se enfatiza la importancia de la inmunohistoquímica en el diagnóstico y se analizan las distintas teorías vigentes que intentan explicar la histogénesis de estos tumores en sitios no habituales.

Rabdomiosarcoma pulmonar primario: hallazgos clínico-patológicos e inmunohistoquímicos / Primary pulmonary rabdomyosarcoma: clinical-pathological and immunohistochemical findings

Resumen El rabdomiosarcoma pulmonar es una entidad rara y muy poco frecuente, más aún en la población adulta, lo que puede dificultar el diagnóstico correcto. Se presenta el caso de un varón de 48 años con un tumor pulmonar. El estudio histológico reveló que se trataba de un rabdomiosaroma embrionario pulmonar primario. Dada la ausencia de lesiones tumorales en otros sitios fue catalogado como primario pulmonar. El pa ciente realizó quimioterapia y posteriormente fue sometido a una neumonectomía por recidiva de la neoplasia. Al año de la cirugía inicial presentó una metástasis en glándula suprarrenal derecha. Falleció al cabo de 20 meses del diagnóstico original. Se enfatiza la importancia de la inmunohistoquímica en el diagnóstico y se analizan las distintas teorías vigentes que intentan explicar la histogénesis de estos tumores en sitios no habituales.

Abstract Pulmonary rhabdomyosarcona is a rare entity and the histopatological differential diagnosis can be difficult. We report on a case of a 48-year-old male patient with a neoplasm located at the hilum of the right lung. The histological study of the lobectomy specimen allowed the diagnosis of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma to be made. Given the absence of tumor lesions in other sites, it was classified as primary pulmonary neoplasm. The patient underwent chemotherapy and subsequently a completion pneumonectomy for recurrence of the tumor. One year after the initial surgery, he presented a metastasis in the right adrenal gland. He died 20 months after the original diagnosis. The importance of immunohistochemistry in the diagnosis is emphasized and the different theories that attempt to explain the histogénesis of these tumors in unusual sites are analyzed.

Multicenter lupus register from Argentina, the RELESSAR database: Influence of ethnicity on disease phenotype.

OBJECTIVE: The objective is to describe the main characteristics of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in Argentina and to examine the influence of ethnicity on the expression of the disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: RELESSAR is a multicentre register carried out by 106 researchers from 67 rheumatologic Argentine centres. It is a cross-sectional study of SLE (1982/1997 ACR) patients. RELESSAR electronic database includes demographic, cumulative SLE manifestations, SELENA-SLEDAI, SLICC-SDI, Katz's severity and Charlson's comorbidity indexes and treatment patterns. RESULTS: We included 1,610 patients, 91.7% were female with a median age at diagnosis of 28.1 ± 12.8; 96.2% met ≥4 ACR 1982/97 criteria. Frequent manifestations were arthritis (83.5%), malar rash (79.5%), photosensitivity (75.3%), haematological (63.8%) and renal disease (47.4%), antinuclear antibodies (96%), anti-dsDNA (66.5%) and anti-Smith antibodies (29%). The mean Selena-SLEDAI score at last visit was 3.18 (SD 4.3) and mean SDI was 1 (SD 1.3). The accumulated treatments most frequently used were antimalarials (90.4%), corticosteroids (90%), azathioprine (31.8%), intravenous cyclophosphamide (30.2%), mycophenolate mofetil or mycophenolic acid (24.5%), methotrexate (19.3%), belimumab 5.3% and rituximab 5.1%. Refractory lupus was diagnosed in 9.3% of the cases. The main causes of death were lupus activity (25.0%), activity and concomitant infections (25.0%), infections (18.2%), vascular disease (13.6%) and cancer (4.5%). Mortality was associated with higher SLEDAI, Katz, damage indexes and comorbidities. Of the 1610 patients included, 44.6% were Caucasian, 44.5% Mestizo, 8.1% Amerindian and 1.2% Afro-Latin American. Mestizo patients had higher male representation, low socioeconomic status, more inadequate medical coverage, fewer formal years of education and shorter disease duration. Polyadenopathies and Raynaud's phenomenon were more frequent in Caucasians. In the logistic regression analysis higher damage index (OR 1.28, CI 95% 1.02-1.61, p = 0.03) remained associated to mestizo ethnicity. CONCLUSIONS: This study represents the largest number of adult patients with SLE studied in Argentina. Caucasian patients were differentiated by having Raynaud's phenomenon and polyadenopathy more frequently, while patients of Mestizo origin had higher damage indexes.

Lupus en Argentina. Pacientes no respondedores al tratamiento estándar y belimumab como posible opción. Datos del registro RELESSAR / Lupus in Argentina. Non-responders to standard treatment and belimumab as a possible option. RELESSAR record data

Introducción: el lupus es una enfermedad compleja y varias veces de difícil abordaje. Alcanzar la remisión es uno de los objetivos, incorporando opciones terapéuticas. Objetivos: describir las características generales de los pacientes según el estado de la enfermedad y el uso de belimumab. Materiales y métodos: estudio de corte transversal, registro RELESSAR. Se definió el estado de la enfermedad como: remisión: SLEDAI=0 y sin corticoides; baja actividad de la enfermedad: SLEDAI >0 y ≤4 y sin corticoides; control no óptimo: SLEDAI >4 y cualquier dosis de corticoides. Resultados: se incluyeron 1.277 pacientes, 23,4% en remisión, 12,6% en baja actividad y 63,8% con control no óptimo. En este último grupo eran más jóvenes y con menor duración de la enfermedad; presentaban mayores índices de actividad y cronicidad, y mayor empleo de inmunosupresores. Solo el 22,3% de los pacientes con criterio potencial de uso de belimumab (lupus eritematoso sistémico activo a pesar del tratamiento estándar) lo recibía en ese momento. Las variables asociadas a hospitalizaciones fueron: terapia con corticoides, ciclofosfamida y mayor SLICC. Conclusiones: se refleja la complejidad del manejo de estos pacientes y se visualizan aspectos estructurales como la desigualdad. El uso del belimumab resultaría beneficioso en los pacientes seleccionados.

Introduction: lupus is a complex disease and often difficult to approach. Achieving remission is one of the objectives, incorporating therapeutic options. Objectives: to describe the characteristics of the patients and the use of belimumab, according to the status of the disease. Materials and methods: cross-sectional study. Patients of the RELESSAR registry. Stratification: Remission: SLEDAI=0 and without corticosteroids. Low disease activity SLEDAI> 0 and ≤4 and without corticosteroids and non-optimal control: SLEDAI> 4 and any dose of corticosteroids. Results: a total of 1,277 patients were included, 23.4% in remission, 12.6% in low disease activity and 63.8% in non-optimal control. The last group was younger and had a shorter duration of the disease. They had higher activity and chronicity indices and greater use of immunosuppressants. Only 22.3% of the patients with potential criteria for the use of belimumab (activity disease despite standard treatment) were receiving it. The variables associated with hospitalizations were: corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide and higher SLICC. Those associated with severe infection: mycophenolate mofetil, azathioprine, corticosteroids, and higher SLICC. Conclusions: the complexity of the management of these patients is reflected, visualizing structural aspects such as inequality. The use of belimumab could be beneficial in selected patients.

Lupus en Argentina. Pacientes no respondedores al tratamiento estándar y belimumab como posible opción. Datos del registro RELESSAR / Lupus in Argentina. Non-responders to standard treatment and belimumab as a possible option. RELESSAR record data

Introducción: el lupus es una enfermedad compleja y varias veces de difícil abordaje. Alcanzar la remisión es uno de los objetivos, incorporando opciones terapéuticas. Objetivos: describir las características generales de los pacientes según el estado de la enfermedad y el uso de belimumab. Materiales y métodos: estudio de corte transversal, registro RELESSAR. Se definió el estado de la enfermedad como: remisión: SLEDAI=0 y sin corticoides; baja actividad de la enfermedad: SLEDAI >0 y ≤4 y sin corticoides; control no óptimo: SLEDAI >4 y cualquier dosis de corticoides. Resultados: se incluyeron 1.277 pacientes, 23,4% en remisión, 12,6% en baja actividad y 63,8% con control no óptimo. En este último grupo eran más jóvenes y con menor duración de la enfermedad; presentaban mayores índices de actividad y cronicidad, y mayor empleo de inmunosupresores. Solo el 22,3% de los pacientes con criterio potencial de uso de belimumab (lupus eritematoso sistémico activo a pesar del tratamiento estándar) lo recibía en ese momento. Las variables asociadas a hospitalizaciones fueron: terapia con corticoides, ciclofosfamida y mayor SLICC. Conclusiones: se refleja la complejidad del manejo de estos pacientes y se visualizan aspectos estructurales como la desigualdad. El uso del belimumab resultaría beneficioso en los pacientes seleccionados.

Introduction: lupus is a complex disease and often difficult to approach. Achieving remission is one of the objectives, incorporating therapeutic options. Objectives: to describe the characteristics of the patients and the use of belimumab, according to the status of the disease. Materials and methods: cross-sectional study. Patients of the RELESSAR registry. Stratification: Remission: SLEDAI=0 and without corticosteroids. Low disease activity SLEDAI> 0 and ≤4 and without corticosteroids and non-optimal control: SLEDAI> 4 and any dose of corticosteroids. Results: a total of 1,277 patients were included, 23.4% in remission, 12.6% in low disease activity and 63.8% in non-optimal control. The last group was younger and had a shorter duration of the disease. They had higher activity and chronicity indices and greater use of immunosuppressants. Only 22.3% of the patients with potential criteria for the use of belimumab (activity disease despite standard treatment) were receiving it. The variables associated with hospitalizations were: corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide and higher SLICC. Those associated with severe infection: mycophenolate mofetil, azathioprine, corticosteroids, and higher SLICC. Conclusions: the complexity of the management of these patients is reflected, visualizing structural aspects such as inequality. The use of belimumab could be beneficial in selected patients.

Development of a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and a direct LAMP for the specific detection of Nosema ceranae, a parasite of honey bees.

Nosema ceranae is a ubiquitous microsporidian pathogen infecting the midgut of honey bees. The infection causes bee nosemosis, a disease associated with malnutrition, dysentery, and lethargic behavior, and results in considerable economic losses in apiculture. The use of a rapid, sensitive, and inexpensive DNA-based molecular detection method assists in the surveillance and eventual control of this pathogen. To this end, a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay targeting the single-copy gene encoding the polar tube protein 3 (PTP3) has been developed. Genomic DNA of N. ceranae-infected forager bees sampled from distant geographic regions could be reliably amplified using the established LAMP assay. The N. ceranae-LAMP showed higher sensitivity than a classical reference PCR (98.6 vs 95.7%), when both approaches were applied to the detection of N. ceranae. LAMP detected a ten-fold lower infection rate than the reference PCR (1 pg vs 10 pg genomic DNA, respectively). In addition, we show highly specific and sensitive detection of N. ceranae from spore preparations in a direct LAMP format. No cross-reactions with genomic DNA and/or spores from N. apis, often co-infecting A. mellifera, or from N. bombi, infecting bumble bees, were observed. This low-cost and time-saving molecular detection method can be easily applied in simple laboratory settings, facilitating a rapid detection of N. ceranae in honey bees in epidemiological studies, surveillance and control, as well as evaluation of therapeutic measures against nosemosis.

Variations in the adenohypophysis of the expression of proliferating cellular nuclear antigen, oestrogen and androgen receptors in relation to gonadal steroids during pregnancy of viscachas (Lagostomus maximus maximus).

Viscachas are native rodents of South America that present a long pregnancy of ~154 days. In this work, we analysed variations in the expression of proliferating cellular nuclear antigen, oestrogen and androgen receptors (ERα and AR) in pituitary pars distalis (PD) and pars tuberalis (PT) in relation to oestradiol and testosterone serum levels in non-pregnant and pregnant viscachas. In PD, cell proliferation increased with pregnancy and lactotrophs proliferated during mid-pregnancy (MP). ERα nuclear-immunoreactive cells (ERαn-ir) were maximal in late pregnancy and AR expression did not vary during pregnancy. In PT, cell proliferation and AR expression increased during pregnancy, but ERα expression was very scarce. The immunostaining pattern of receptors was different in PD and PT. The peak of serum oestradiol and testosterone occurred during MP. Our results suggest that cell proliferation and gonadal receptors might be differentially regulated in the pituitary by oestradiol and testosterone during viscacha pregnancy.

Potential associations between the mite Varroa destructor and other stressors in honeybee colonies (Apis mellifera L.) in temperate and subtropical climate from Argentina.

The presence of Varroa destructor in colonies of Apis mellifera is explained by the interaction among a number of factors including beekeeping practices and surrounding environment features. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relative impact of environment geographical region and beekeeping management on Varroa infestation levels throughout a year. A monitoring study was carried out during 2015 in north-central regions from Argentina, consisting of three sampling dates: 1) autumn survey before autumn acaricide treatment; 2) autumn survey after autumn acaricide treatment and 3) spring survey. During these visits, we collected samples for Varroa mites and Nosema sp. presence assessment and information concerning the apiary management practices during each period. Both regional location and beekeeping practices impact on V. destructor infestation level during the course of the year, but relative importance depend partially on the time of year when this was observed. Varroa infestation level is driven simultaneously by a wide-range of environmental factors (regional effect) and honeybee population dynamics. Additionally, colony life histories are also strongly affected by the management practices employed by beekeepers, especially regarding the Varroa mites control and the supplementary feeding. Complexity involving multiple factors interaction in socio-ecological systems like beekeeping is discussed.

Interstitial Cells in the Pineal Gland of Pregnant and Nonpregnant Viscachas (Lagostomus maximus maximus): A Morphometric and Biochemical Study.

The pineal gland of mammals undergoes morphological and biochemical changes throughout the gestation period. In viscachas, a seasonal breeding rodent, pregnancy lasts approximately 154 days and 3 stages can be defined, i.e., early, mid, and late pregnancy. The purpose of this study is to analyze morphometric variations in the expression of S-100 protein, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and vimentin in the interstitial cells (IC) in pregnant and nonpregnant viscachas by immunohistochemistry (IHC). We also aim to evaluate a probable relation between glandular activity and pregnancy. The immunopositive percentage area (%IA) for the studied proteins and the number of immunoreactive cells against the S-100 protein with a visible nucleus (nº IC-S-100) were analyzed. Estradiol and progesterone serum levels were also determined by RIA. Variations in the expression of the S-100 protein and GFAP, as well as changes in the nº IC-S-100 related to serum hormone levels, were found between pregnant and nonpregnant viscachas. Viscachas in mid pregnancy exhibited the highest values of %IA for the analyzed proteins, followed by females in late and early pregnancy, while the nonpregnant ones showed the lowest values for all of the groups studied. Likewise, the nº IC-S-100 also varied following the same pattern. Thus, these variations seem to indicate a direct relationship between glandular activity and gonadal hormone levels. On these grounds, we may conclude that IC undergo changes in relation to ovarian hormone levels and participate in the regulation of glandular activity during pregnancy. However, further research is necessary to elucidate this relationship.

Dengue virus infection induces chromatin remodeling at locus AAEL006536 in the midgut of Aedes aegypti.

OBJECTIVE: To identify and characterize Aedes aegypti's AAEL006536 gene proximal upstream cis-regulatory sequences activated by dengue virus infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A. aegypti Rockefeller strain mosquitoes were blood fed or infected with dengue virus 2. Open chromatinprofiling was then carried out in pools of midguts from each group of mosquitoes. RESULTS: The proximal upstream region does not contain open chromatin sites in the midguts of blood-fed mosquitoes as detected by FAIRE-qPCR. In contrast, two cis-regulatory sites were identified in the same upstream region of dengue virus-infected mosquito midguts. The distal sequence contains STAT-, REL- and C/EBP-type transcription factor binding sites. CONCLUSIONS: The activation of two proximal cis-regulatory sequences, induced by dengue virus infection, is mediated by chromatin remodeling mechanisms. Binding sites suggest a dengue virus infectioninduced participation of immunity transcription factors in the up-regulation of this gene. This suggests the participation of the AAEL006536 gene in the mosquito's antiviral innate immune response.

Dengue virus infection induces chromatin remodeling at locus AAEL006536 in the midgut of Aedes aegypti / La infección por virus dengue induce remodelación de la cromatina en el locus AAEL006536 en el intestino medio de Aedes aegypti

Abstract: Objective: To identify and characterize Aedes aegypti's AAEL006536 gene proximal upstream cis-regulatory sequences activated by dengue virus infection. Materials and methods: A. aegypti Rockefeller strain mosquitoes were blood fed or infected with dengue virus 2. Open chromatin profiling was then carried out in pools of midguts from each group of mosquitoes. Results: The proximal upstream region does not contain open chromatin sites in the midguts of blood-fed mosquitoes as detected by FAIRE-qPCR. In contrast, two cis-regulatory sites were identified in the same upstream region of dengue virus-infected mosquito midguts. The distal sequence contains STAT-, REL- and C/EBP-type transcription factor binding sites. Conclusion: The activation of two proximal cis-regulatory sequences, induced by dengue virus infection, is mediated by chromatin remodeling mechanisms. Binding sites suggest a dengue virus infection-induced participation of immunity transcription factors in the up-regulation of this gene. This suggests the participation of the AAEL006536 gene in the mosquito's antiviral innate immune response.

Resumen: Objetivo: Identificar y caracterizar las secuencias reguladoras activadas por la infección por virus dengue en la región proximal del gen AAEL006536 de Aedes aegypti. Material y métodos: Mosquitos de la cepa Rockefeller de A. aegypti se infectaron con virus dengue o se alimentaron con sangre. Se obtuvieron los perfiles de cromatina abierta del locus en los intestinos de cada uno de los grupos. Resultados: Se identificaron dos sitios reguladores solo en los intestinos de mosquitos infectados por virus dengue. El sitio distal contiene sitios de unión a factores de transcripción tipo REL, STAT y C/EBP. Conclusiones: La activación de dos sitios reguladores proximales está mediada por la remodelación de la cromatina. Los sitios de unión a factores de transcripción en el sitio regulador distal sugieren la participación de las vías de inmunidad en la regulación del gen. Esto sugiere la participación de este gen en la respuesta inmune del mosquito frente a la infección viral.

Pigmented Cells in the Pineal Gland of Female Viscacha (Lagostomus maximus maximus): A Histochemical and Ultrastructural Study.

The presence of pigment has been demonstrated in different nervous structures such as those of retina, substantia nigra, and locus coeruleus. These pigments have also been described in the pineal gland of different mammal species. Histochemical and ultrastructural studies of the pineal gland of female viscacha (Lagostomus maximus maximus) were performed to analyze the presence of pigmented cells under natural conditions and to evaluate a probable relation between pigment content and glandular activity during pregnancy. The following techniques were applied: hematoxylin-eosin, phosphotungstic acid-hematoxylin, Masson-Fontana silver, DOPA histochemistry, Schmorl's reaction and toluidine blue. Estradiol and progesterone serum levels were determined by RIA. The ultrastructural features of the pineal pigment granules were also analyzed. Pigment granules were observed in a random distribution, but the pigmented cells were frequently found near blood vessels. The pineal pigment was histochemically identified as melanin. Differences in the amount of pigmented cells were found between pregnant and nonpregnant viscachas. The ultrastructural analysis revealed the presence of premelanosomes and melanosomes. Estradiol and progesterone levels vary during pregnancy. In conclusion, the changes in the amount of pigment content and hormone levels may indicate that the pineal gland of female viscacha is susceptible to endocrine variations during pregnancy.

Síndrome de Goltz / Goltz's syndrome

El síndrome de Goltz, o hipoplasia dérmica focal, es un desorden multisistémico raro que involucra la piel, el sistema músculo-esquelético, los ojos, el pelo, las uñas y el riñón, entre otros, con considerable variación en los rasgos clínicos. El examen oftalmológico del caso que se presenta corresponde a una niña con microftalmia en el ojo izquierdo, obstrucción del conducto nasolagrimal en el ojo derecho y coloboma de iris y del nervio óptico del ojo microftálmico, además de esotropia sensorial. El diagnóstico fue confirmado por genética como una hipoplasia dérmica focal que, a pesar de ser poco común, debemos conocerlo para poderlo identificar si se presentara en nuestra consulta(AU)

Goltz syndrome or focal dermal hypoplasia is a rare multisystemic disorder involving the skin, the musculoskeletal system, the eyes, the hair, the nails and the kidney among others, with considerable variation in clinical features. The ophthalmological examination of the case presented in this paper shows a girl who has microphthalmia in the left eye, nasolacrimal duct obstruction in the right eye and coloboma of the iris and optic nerve in the microphthalmic eye in addition to sensory esotropia. The diagnosis was confirmed by genetic studies and it was focal dermal hypoplasia, which is a rare disease but we should learn about it to be able to identify it if some patient with the disease goes to our service(AU)

Síndrome de Goltz / Goltz's syndrome

El síndrome de Goltz, o hipoplasia dérmica focal, es un desorden multisistémico raro que involucra la piel, el sistema músculo-esquelético, los ojos, el pelo, las uñas y el riñón, entre otros, con considerable variación en los rasgos clínicos. El examen oftalmológico del caso que se presenta corresponde a una niña con microftalmia en el ojo izquierdo, obstrucción del conducto nasolagrimal en el ojo derecho y coloboma de iris y del nervio óptico del ojo microftálmico, además de esotropia sensorial. El diagnóstico fue confirmado por genética como una hipoplasia dérmica focal que, a pesar de ser poco común, debemos conocerlo para poderlo identificar si se presentara en nuestra consulta(AU)

Goltz syndrome or focal dermal hypoplasia is a rare multisystemic disorder involving the skin, the musculoskeletal system, the eyes, the hair, the nails and the kidney among others, with considerable variation in clinical features. The ophthalmological examination of the case presented in this paper shows a girl who has microphthalmia in the left eye, nasolacrimal duct obstruction in the right eye and coloboma of the iris and optic nerve in the microphthalmic eye in addition to sensory esotropia. The diagnosis was confirmed by genetic studies and it was focal dermal hypoplasia, which is a rare disease but we should learn about it to be able to identify it if some patient with the disease goes to our service(AU)