Vessel diameter is related to amount and spatial arrangement of axial parenchyma in woody angiosperms.

Parenchyma represents a critically important living tissue in the sapwood of the secondary xylem of woody angiosperms. Considering various interactions between parenchyma and water transporting vessels, we hypothesize a structure-function relationship between both cell types. Through a generalized additive mixed model approach based on 2,332 woody angiosperm species derived from the literature, we explored the relationship between the proportion and spatial distribution of ray and axial parenchyma and vessel size, while controlling for maximum plant height and a range of climatic factors. When factoring in maximum plant height, we found that with increasing mean annual temperatures, mean vessel diameter showed a positive correlation with axial parenchyma proportion and arrangement, but not for ray parenchyma. Species with a high axial parenchyma tissue fraction tend to have wide vessels, with most of the parenchyma packed around vessels, whereas species with small diameter vessels show a reduced amount of axial parenchyma that is not directly connected to vessels. This finding provides evidence for independent functions of axial parenchyma and ray parenchyma in large vesselled species and further supports a strong role for axial parenchyma in long-distance xylem water transport.

Extraparenchymal ovarian and testicular Leydig cells: ectopic/heterotopic or orthotopic?

PURPOSE: We are conducting a prospective study trying to determine, in both sexes, the frequency of appearance of ectopic Leydig cells, their preferred location, their relationship with nerve structures and the possible causes of their appearance. METHODS: We have studied 86 cases that were removed according to different clinical indications for pathological study: uterine leyomiomas (n = 12), ovarian cystadenoma (n = 4), endometrial hyperplasia (n = 8), endometrial carcinoma (n = 12), cervical carcinoma (n = 4), seminoma (n = 4), fallopian tube ligatures (n = 24), vasectomies (n = 8), nonspecific orchiepididymitis (n = 2), and unknown (n = 8). RESULTS: We have observed ectopic Leydig cells in 13/86 cases (15.11%), 9/72 in the female samples (12.50%) and 4/14 in male samples (28.57%). The most frequent location was the mesosalpinx (4 of 13: 30.76%). CONCLUSIONS: These high figures lead us to believe that the ectopia of Leydig cells is not really a pathologic entity, but a finding related to specific functions yet to be determined.

Tattoos: Very Popular, Not So Innocent.

Tattooing is a popular practice worldwide. Its origin dates back to the year 5000 BCE with a frozen mummy and travels across time through diverse cultures and places until it reaches the modern occidental world. Inks and materials used for tattooing are poorly controlled and carry potential risks of skin reactions. The procedure itself is also not innocuous. In this review, different types of tattoos are mentioned and associated dermatologic conditions are discussed. Unfortunately, treatment and removal procedures are often poor in effectiveness and lead to unwanted results. Combining different lasers may be a suitable option that requires further investigation.

A global analysis of parenchyma tissue fractions in secondary xylem of seed plants.

Parenchyma is an important tissue in secondary xylem of seed plants, with functions ranging from storage to defence and with effects on the physical and mechanical properties of wood. Currently, we lack a large-scale quantitative analysis of ray parenchyma (RP) and axial parenchyma (AP) tissue fractions. Here, we use data from the literature on AP and RP fractions to investigate the potential relationships of climate and growth form with total ray and axial parenchyma fractions (RAP). We found a 29-fold variation in RAP fraction, which was more strongly related to temperature than with precipitation. Stem succulents had the highest RAP values (mean ± SD: 70.2 ± 22.0%), followed by lianas (50.1 ± 16.3%), angiosperm trees and shrubs (26.3 ± 12.4%), and conifers (7.6 ± 2.6%). Differences in RAP fraction between temperate and tropical angiosperm trees (21.1 ± 7.9% vs 36.2 ± 13.4%, respectively) are due to differences in the AP fraction, which is typically three times higher in tropical than in temperate trees, but not in RP fraction. Our results illustrate that both temperature and growth form are important drivers of RAP fractions. These findings should help pave the way to better understand the various functions of RAP in plants.

Functional Traits in Parallel Evolutionary Radiations and Trait-Environment Associations in the Cape Floristic Region of South Africa.

Evolutionary radiations with extreme levels of diversity present a unique opportunity to study the role of the environment in plant evolution. If environmental adaptation played an important role in such radiations, we expect to find associations between functional traits and key climatic variables. Similar trait-environment associations across clades may reflect common responses, while contradictory associations may suggest lineage-specific adaptations. Here, we explore trait-environment relationships in two evolutionary radiations in the fynbos biome of the highly biodiverse Cape Floristic Region (CFR) of South Africa. Protea and Pelargonium are morphologically and evolutionarily diverse genera that typify the CFR yet are substantially different in growth form and morphology. Our analytical approach employs a Bayesian multiple-response generalized linear mixed-effects model, taking into account covariation among traits and controlling for phylogenetic relationships. Of the pairwise trait-environment associations tested, 6 out of 24 were in the same direction and 2 out of 24 were in opposite directions, with the latter apparently reflecting alternative life-history strategies. These findings demonstrate that trait diversity within two plant lineages may reflect both parallel and idiosyncratic responses to the environment, rather than all taxa conforming to a global-scale pattern. Such insights are essential for understanding how trait-environment associations arise and how they influence species diversification.

[Argentine guidelines for urticaria and angioedema]. / Guía argentina de urticaria y angioedema.

This interdisciplinary paper summarizes the news in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic urticaria (CU), and provides concepts, definitions and evidence-based suggestions for its management. Urticaria occurs in at least 20% of the population at some point in their lives. Acute urticaria (less than 6 weeks' duration), differs from CU in its etiology, but the onset of this disease is always acute. CU may occur as spontaneous (SCU) or induced (ICU). The diagnosis is simple, although a careful evaluation is necessary for differential diagnosis. ICU's diagnosis is mainly clinical, even if provocation tests can be useful. Supplementary studies should be limited and based on the clinical suspicion. Treatment may be divided into three approaches: avoidance, elimination or treatment of the cause, and pharmacological treatment. Recently treatment has been modified with the use of second-generation antihistamines as first-line and increased doses of nonsedating H1 antihistamines, up to 4 times, as second line. Antihistamines are essential to treat CU; however, 40% of patients do not achieve good control despite increased doses and require additional treatment. The most recent evidence indicates a group of drugs to be used as third line in these cases, to improve quality of life and to limit toxicity from frequent or chronic use of systemic steroids. Only 3 drugs are recommended as third line: omalizumab, cyclosporin A or anti-leukotrienes.

The origin of ovarian Leydig cells: a possibly solved enigma?

Over the years, the origin of ovarian Leydig cells has been, and still is, a topic subject to deep debate. Seven years ago, we proposed that this origin resided in intraneural elements that came from a possible reservoir of neural crest cells, a reservoir that may be located in the ganglia of the celiac plexus. We believe we have found the evidence necessary to prove this hypothesis.

Wood anatomical correlates with theoretical conductivity and wood density across China: evolutionary evidence of the functional differentiation of axial and radial parenchyma.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: In recent years considerable effort has focused on linking wood anatomy and key ecological traits. Studies analysing large databases have described how these ecological traits vary as a function of wood anatomical traits related to conduction and support, but have not considered how these functions interact with cells involved in storage of water and carbohydrates (i.e. parenchyma cells). METHODS: We analyzed, in a phylogenetic context, the functional relationship between cell types performing each of the three xylem functions (conduction, support and storage) and wood density and theoretical conductivity using a sample of approx. 800 tree species from China. KEY RESULTS: Axial parenchyma and rays had distinct evolutionary correlation patterns. An evolutionary link was found between high conduction capacity and larger amounts of axial parenchyma that is probably related to water storage capacity and embolism repair, while larger amounts of ray tissue have evolved with increased mechanical support and reduced hydraulic capacity. In a phylogenetic principal component analysis this association of axial parenchyma with increased conduction capacity and rays with wood density represented orthogonal axes of variation. In multivariate space, however, the proportion of rays might be positively associated with conductance and negatively with wood density, indicating flexibility in these axes in species with wide rays. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that parenchyma types may differ in function. The functional axes represented by different cell types were conserved across lineages, suggesting a significant role in the ecological strategies of the angiosperms.

Phylogenetic influences on leaf trait integration in Pelargonium (Geraniaceae): convergence, divergence, and historical adaptation to a rapidly changing climate.

PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Trait integration may improve prediction of species and lineage responses to future climate change more than individual traits alone, particularly when analyses incorporate effects of phylogenetic relationships. The South African genus Pelargonium contains divergent major clades that have radiated along the same seasonal aridity gradient, presenting the opportunity to ask whether patterns of evolution in mean leaf trait values are achieved through the same set of coordinated changes among traits in each clade. METHODS: Seven leaf traits were measured on field-collected leaves from one-third of the species (98) of the genus. Trait relationships were examined using phylogenetic regression within major clades. Disparity analysis determined whether the course of trait evolution paralleled historical climate change events. KEY RESULTS: Divergence in mean trait values between sister clades A1 and A2 was consistent with expectations for leaves differing in longevity, despite strong similarity between clades in trait interactions. No traits in either clade exhibited significant relationships with multivariate climate axes, with one exception. Species in clades C and A2 included in this study occupied similar environments. These clades had similar values of individual trait means, except for δ(13)C, but they exhibited distinctive patterns of trait integration. CONCLUSIONS: Differing present-day patterns of trait integration are consistent with interpretations of adaptive responses to the prevailing climate at the time of each clade's origin. These differing patterns of integration are likely to exert strong effects on clade-level responses to future climate change in the winter rainfall region of South Africa.

Multiple cystic disease: K17 dysfunction?

Our patient is a 29-year-old woman without any previous disease who presented with different kinds of lesions on her face, neck, and chest. She first noticed the lesions 10 years ago and, since that time, they have become more numerous. She has no affected relatives. On physical examination, she had multiple cystic lesions on her neck, chest, and vulva, which were between 0.3 cm and 1 cm and skin-colored or yellowish (Figure 1). She presented with small, white papules on her face measuring approximately 0.2 cm, localized on her forehead and cheeks. Some of these papules had a blueish appearance (Figure 2). She also presented clinically typical eruptive syringomas on her upper and lower eyelids and neck and multiple facial milia. Finally, a sacrococcygeal pilonidal cyst was diagnosed and surgically removed. Her nails and teeth were clinically normal. Biopsies of each kind of lesion were performed, with the following results: (1) neck cystic lesion: steatocystoma; (2) small, white facial papule: eccrine hidrocystoma; (3) blueish facial papule: apocrine hidrocystoma; and (4) small neck papule: syringoma (Figure 3). With these findings, our diagnosis was steatocystoma multiplex with multiple eccrine and apocrine hidrocystomas, eruptive syringomas, and sacrococcygeal pilonidal cyst.

Low levels of climate niche conservatism may explain clade diversity patterns in the South African genus Pelargonium (Geraniaceae).

PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Sharp climatic gradients in South Africa and in particular in the Cape Floristic Region (CFR) provide a diversity of niches over short distances that may have promoted ecological diversification in local clades. Here we measured the extent to which closely related species occupy divergent climates and test whether niche lability is correlated with higher species diversity in the genus. METHOD: We integrated phylogenetic information and environmental niche models (ENM) to assess the levels of climate niche conservatism. ENMs for 113 species of Pelargonium were calculated using maximum entropy. We used two tests, one assessing climate niche equivalency and the other testing niche similarity between sister species and within sections. We also examined whether niche similarity was correlated with phylogenetic relatedness across the genus. KEY RESULTS: Niche similarity was mostly independent of phylogenetic relationships. Compared to random expectations, 23% of closely related species pairs had climate niches that were more similar, and only 6.5% were more disparate; the remaining 70% of comparisons had similarities that fell within random expectations. Similar trends were observed when analyses were restricted to only sister species pairs. Although the overall proportion of niche divergence was low, this was significantly related to sectional diversity. We also found a negative relationship between diversity and the proportion of random niches. CONCLUSIONS: Lack of widespread niche conservatism in a highly heterogeneous landscape and few instances of significant climate niche lability suggest that an adaptive divergence process was implicated in the Pelargonium radiation.

[Gastric metastases with a choriocarcinoma component from a postpuberal teratoma with mature histology]. / Metástasis gástricas con componente de coriocarcinoma de un teratoma testicular pospuberal con histología madura.

Germ cell tumors are the most frequent neoplasia in young males. The aims of this study is to describe a case in which a postpuberal teratoma suffers a transformation to choriocarcinoma and metastasize to stomach. We have made a systematic review in PubMed and consensus documents to study this mismatch between the tumour, metastasis and the exception of gastric metastatic affectation. We describe three options to explain this discordance: a mixed germ cells tumour, a burned out tumour or a germ cells tumour derived from a malignant germ cell tumour precursor or different clonal strains. After made a thorough investigation we conclude that the most truly option is the last one as we extensive explain below. Once the gastric metastatic lesions are extremely rare and reach to <5%, but there are not conclusive assessments.

Integration of vessel traits, wood density, and height in angiosperm shrubs and trees.

PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Trees and shrubs tend to occupy different niches within and across ecosystems; therefore, traits related to their resource use and life history are expected to differ. Here we analyzed how growth form is related to variation in integration among vessel traits, wood density, and height. We also considered the ecological and evolutionary consequences of such differences. METHOD: In a sample of 200 woody plant species (65 shrubs and 135 trees) from Argentina, Mexico, and the United States, standardized major axis (SMA) regression, correlation analyses, and ANOVA were used to determine whether relationships among traits differed between growth forms. The influence of phylogenetic relationships was examined with a phylogenetic ANOVA and phylogenetically independent contrasts (PICs). A principal component analysis was conducted to determine whether trees and shrubs occupy different portions of multivariate trait space. KEY RESULTS: Wood density did not differ between shrubs and trees, but there were significant differences in vessel diameter, vessel density, theoretical conductivity, and as expected, height. In addition, relationships between vessel traits and wood density differed between growth forms. Trees showed coordination among vessel traits, wood density, and height, but in shrubs, wood density and vessel traits were independent. These results hold when phylogenetic relationships were considered. In the multivariate analyses, these differences translated as significantly different positions in multivariate trait space occupied by shrubs and trees. CONCLUSIONS: Differences in trait integration between growth forms suggest that evolution of growth form in some lineages might be associated with the degree of trait interrelation.

Hydraulic integration and shrub growth form linked across continental aridity gradients.

Both engineered hydraulic systems and plant hydraulic systems are protected against failure by resistance, reparability, and redundancy. A basic rule of reliability engineering is that the level of independent redundancy should increase with increasing risk of fatal system failure. Here we show that hydraulic systems of plants function as predicted by this engineering rule. Hydraulic systems of shrubs sampled along two transcontinental aridity gradients changed with increasing aridity from highly integrated to independently redundant modular designs. Shrubs in humid environments tend to be hydraulically integrated, with single, round basal stems, whereas dryland shrubs typically have modular hydraulic systems and multiple, segmented basal stems. Modularity is achieved anatomically at the vessel-network scale or developmentally at the whole-plant scale through asymmetric secondary growth, which results in a semiclonal or clonal shrub growth form that appears to be ubiquitous in global deserts.

Premalignant quiescent melanocytic nevi do not express the MHC class I chain-related protein A.

The MHC class I chain-related protein A (MICA) is an inducible molecule almost not expressed by normal cells but strongly up-regulated in tumor cells. MICA-expressing cells are recognized by natural killer (NK) cells, CD8+ abTCR and gdTCR T lymphocytes through the NKG2D receptor. Engagement of NKG2D by MICA triggers IFN-g secretion and cytotoxicity against malignant cells. Although most solid tumors express MICA and this molecule is a target during immune surveillance against tumors, it has been observed that high grade tumors from different histotypes express low amounts of cell surface MICA due to a metalloprotease-induced shedding. Also, melanomas develop after a complex process of neotransformation of normal melanocytes. However, the expression of MICA in premalignant stages (primary human quiescent melanocytic nevi) remains unknown. Here, we assessed expression of MICA by flow cytometry using cell suspensions from 15 primary nevi isolated from 11 patients. When collected material was abundant, cell lysates were prepared and MICA expression was also analyzed by Western blot. We observed that MICA was undetectable in the 15 primary nevi (intradermic, junction, mixed, lentigo and congenital samples) as well as in normal skin, benign lesions (seborrheic keratosis), premalignant lesions (actinic keratosis) and benign basocellular cancer. Conversely, a primary recently diagnosed melanoma showed intense cell surface MICA. We conclude that the onset of MICA expression is a tightly regulated process that occurs after melanocytes trespass the stage of malignant transformation. Thus, analysis of MICA expression in tissue sections of skin samples may constitute a useful marker to differentiate between benign and malignant nevi.

Ectopic liver in a five-week-old embryo.

The first case of a placental tumor composed of benign hepatic tissue was published in 1986 and considered a placental benign hepatocellular adenoma. Since then, this lesion is better known as ectopic liver, and a total of 12 cases have been published. The ectopic liver located in the umbilical cord is an even rarer alteration, with only nine cases described to date. We report another case of ectopic liver, this time in an embryo of only five weeks of gestational age.

Late Campanian fossil of a legume fruit supports Mexico as a center of Fabaceae radiation.

Fabaceae is one of the most diverse angiosperm families and is distributed across the globe in a variety of environments. The earliest evidence of the family, previous to this work, was from Paleogene sediments where it was found to be diverse in many fossil assemblages around the world. Here, we describe a fossil legume fruit from the Olmos Formation (upper Campanian) in northern Mexico. We designated the fossil fruit as Leguminocarpum olmensis Centeno-González, Martínez-Cabrera, Porras-Múzquiz et Estrada-Ruiz sp. nov., and related it with the Fabaceae family based on the presence of a dehiscent pod with two valves, an apex bearing stylar base, short stipe, and reticulated veins in the pericarp. We propose a new fossil species of Leguminocarpum for this fossil fruit. This fossil provides critical information on the long geologic history of Leguminosae around the world, significantly extending the record into the Cretaceous of Mexico.

Community study of fixed-combination adapalene 0.1% and benzoyl peroxide 2.5% in acne.

A new fixed-dose combination formulation of adapalene 0.1% and benzoyl peroxide (BPO) 2.5% has shown excellent efficacy and safety in registration studies; however, it can be difficult to judge the real-world performance of a product using only the results from controlled clinical trials. This 12-week, open-label, community-based study evaluated adapalene/BPO in 91 patients with mild to moderate acne (20-50 inflammatory lesions and 30-100 noninflammatory lesions) who were treated at dermatology centers throughout Argentina. The study evaluated efficacy, described the most common side effects, determined tolerability, and assessed the level of patient satisfaction with treatment. By week 12, there were statistically significant reductions in both inflammatory and noninflammatory lesions (80.6% and 69.3% from baseline, respectively; P < .001); there were also significant improvements in the Investigator's Global Assessment scores (median score, 2.9 at baseline and 1.0 at week 12; P < .001). By week 12, 67% of patients were rated clear or almost clear by investigators. Local tolerability was good overall. When cutaneous irritation was present, it typically occurred in the first 2 weeks of treatment and improved or resolved with continuing therapy. Patients were highly satisfied with the results of treatment, and 74% of patients felt that they had marked or total improvement by week 12. Patient survey also revealed that 94% rated the efficacy as good or very good and 87.5% rated tolerability as good or very good. A significant majority (81%) felt that the treatment met expectations, and 62% perceived that improvement had been rapid during adapalene/BPO therapy. These results demonstrate that adapalene/BPO has good efficacy and tolerability in routine practice, resulting in continuous reductions in lesion counts throughout the study. Adapalene/BPO therapy is also associated with high patient satisfaction, which is important for therapeutic adherence and satisfaction with the physician's care.

[Renal angioleiomyoma with a myogenic and melanocytic immunophenotype, as a variant of angiomyolipoma]. / Angioleiomioma renal con patrón inmunohistoquímico miogénico y melanocítico como variante del angiomiolipoma.

We present a case of a 67 year old male with a cortical nodular tumour of the left kidney. During a year's follow-up with ultrasound and MRI, the tumour was seen to increase in size by 16-20 mm. The nodule was surgically removed. Microscopically it was well defined and unencapsulated, with a proliferation of typical fusiform cells of smooth muscle cell appearance, clumped around well vascularized areas. Immunohistochemically, the neoplasm was positive for muscle markers (smooth muscle actin, desmin and caldesmon) and melanocyte markers (HMB-45 and Melan A). Our case would appear to be a renal neoplasm with an angioleiomyomatous pattern, but with immunohistochemical characteristics of angiomyolipoma (PEComa), however, without either a lipomatous or lipid cell component. We found no previous reports of this type of tumour in the literature.