Reference ranges for fetal cardiac, ventricular and atrial relative size, sphericity, ventricular dominance, wall asymmetry and relative wall thickness from 18 to 41 gestational weeks.

OBJECTIVE: To construct nomograms for fetal cardiac, ventricular and atrial relative size and geometry parameters from 18 to 41 weeks' gestation using a low-risk population of singleton pregnancies. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study of 602 low-risk singleton pregnancies undergoing comprehensive fetal echocardiography, from 18 to 41 weeks of gestation, to assess fetal cardiac, atrial and ventricular relative size and sphericity, ventricular dominance, wall asymmetry and relative wall thickness. Intra- and interobserver measurement reproducibility was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). In order to construct reference ranges across pregnancy, parametric regressions were tested to model each measurement against gestational age and estimated fetal weight. The measurements evaluated were: cardiothoracic ratio; atrial-to-heart area ratios; ventricular-to-heart area ratios; cardiac, ventricular and atrial sphericity indices; right-to-left basal and midventricular ratios; septal-to-free wall thickness ratios; and relative wall thickness. RESULTS: Fetal cardiac, ventricular and atrial morphometry for assessing relative size and geometry could be successfully performed in > 95% of the population, with moderate-to-excellent interobserver reproducibility (ICC, 0.623-0.907) and good-to-excellent intraobserver reproducibility (ICC, 0.787-0.938). Cardiothoracic ratio and ventricular right-to-left ratio showed a modest increase throughout gestation. Atrial-to-heart and ventricular-to-heart area ratios, atrial sphericity indices and septal-to-free wall thickness ratios were constant with gestational age. Left and right ventricular basal sphericity indices showed a tendency to decrease at the end of gestation, while left and right midventricular sphericity indices tended to decrease in the second trimester. The cardiac sphericity index and left and right relative wall thickness showed a modest decrease with gestational age. Nomograms across gestation were constructed for all echocardiographic parameters described. CONCLUSIONS: The assessment of cardiac, ventricular and atrial relative size and geometry is feasible and reproducible in the fetus. We provide standardized reference ranges for these parameters throughout gestation, enabling the accurate assessment of cardiac remodeling patterns during fetal life. © 2020 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Three-dimensional regional bi-ventricular shape remodeling is associated with exercise capacity in endurance athletes.

AIMS: Endurance athletes develop cardiac remodeling to cope with increased cardiac output during exercise. This remodeling is both anatomical and functional and shows large interindividual variability. In this study, we quantify local geometric ventricular remodeling related to long-standing endurance training and assess its relationship with cardiovascular performance during exercise. METHODS: We extracted 3D models of the biventricular shape from end-diastolic cine magnetic resonance images acquired from a cohort of 89 triathlon athletes and 77 healthy sedentary subjects. Additionally, the athletes underwent cardio-pulmonary exercise testing, together with an echocardiographic study at baseline and few minutes after maximal exercise. We used statistical shape analysis to identify regional bi-ventricular shape differences between athletes and non-athletes. RESULTS: The ventricular shape was significantly different between athletes and controls (p < 1e-6). The observed regional remodeling in the right heart was mainly a shift of the right ventricle (RV) volume distribution towards the right ventricular infundibulum, increasing the overall right ventricular volume. In the left heart, there was an increment of left ventricular mass and a dilation of the left ventricle. Within athletes, the amount of such remodeling was independently associated to higher peak oxygen pulse (p < 0.001) and weakly with greater post-exercise RV free wall longitudinal strain (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: We were able to identify specific bi-ventricular regional remodeling induced by long-lasting endurance training. The amount of remodeling was associated with better cardiopulmonary performance during an exercise test.

Postnatal persistence of fetal cardiovascular remodelling associated with assisted reproductive technologies: a cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the postnatal persistence of fetal cardiovascular remodelling associated with assisted reproductive technologies (ART) in children at 3 years of age. DESIGN: A cohort study of children conceived by ART. SETTING: Maternal-Fetal Medicine Unit, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, Spain. POPULATION SAMPLE: Eighty singleton pregnancies conceived by ART and 80 spontaneously conceived (controls) followed from fetal life up to childhood. METHODS: Cardiovascular evaluation was performed at 3 years of corrected age, including echocardiography, carotid intima-media (cIMT) by ultrasound, and blood pressure. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Postnatal persistence of cardiovascular changes in children conceived by ART. RESULTS: Compared with controls, children conceived by ART showed larger atria (right atrial area: control 4.9 cm2 (0.9) versus ART 5.5 cm2 (0.9), P < 0.001), more globular ventricles (right ventricular sphericity index: control mean 1.8 (SD 0.5) versus ART 1.6 (0.2), P < 0.001), and signs of systolic (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion: control 18 mm (2) versus ART 16 mm (3), P < 0.001) and diastolic dysfunction (isovolumic relaxation time: control 68 ms (12) versus ART 79 ms (12), P < 0.001). ART children also presented increased systolic blood pressure (control 90 mmHg (6) versus ART 94 mmHg (5), P < 0.003) and cIMT (control 0.52 µm (0.14) versus ART 0.60 µm (0.16), P < 0.001) as compared with those spontaneously conceived. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiovascular changes previously reported in ART fetuses persist postnatally at 3 years of age. These results underscore the importance of future studies for assessing the long-term cardiovascular health associated with ART. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Cardiovascular changes described in fetuses conceived by ART, persist in children at 3 years of age.

Transgenerational transmission of small-for-gestational age.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the transgenerational transmission of small-for-gestational age (SGA). METHODS: This was a cohort study of a random sample of 2043 offspring delivered between 1975 and 1993 at Hospital Sant Joan de Déu in Barcelona. Exclusion criteria were multiple pregnancy, aneuploidy or genetic syndrome, major birth defects, severe mental disease and macrosomia. Eligible individuals were contacted and those with at least one offspring were included in the study. Participants were classified according to the presence of SGA (defined as birth weight < 10th percentile) at birth. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine the presence of SGA or placenta-mediated disease (defined as the presence of SGA, pre-eclampsia, gestational hypertension and/or placental abruption) in the following generation. RESULTS: Of 623 individuals who agreed to participate, 152 (72 born SGA and 80 born appropriate-for-gestational age (AGA)) were reported to have at least one child. Descendants of SGA individuals presented with a lower birth-weight percentile (median, 26 (interquartile range (IQR), 7-52) vs 43 (IQR, 19-75); P < 0.001) and a higher prevalence of SGA (40.3% vs 16.3%; P = 0.001) and placenta-mediated disease (43.1% vs 17.5%; P = 0.001) than did the offspring of AGA individuals. After adjustment for confounding variables, parental SGA background was associated with an almost three-fold increased risk of subsequent SGA or any placenta-mediated disease in the following generation. This association was stronger in SGA mothers than in SGA fathers. CONCLUSIONS: Our data provide evidence suggesting a transgenerational transmission of SGA, highlighting the importance of public health strategies for preventing intrauterine growth impairment. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Fetal cardiac remodeling in twin pregnancy conceived by assisted reproductive technology.

OBJECTIVE: Recent data suggest that singleton fetuses conceived by assisted reproductive technology (ART) present cardiovascular remodeling that may persist postnatally. Twin pregnancies are more frequent in the ART population and are associated with increased adverse perinatal outcomes, such as hypertensive disorders, gestational diabetes and preterm birth. However, it is unknown whether cardiac remodeling is also present in twin pregnancies conceived by ART. Our aim was to assess the presence of fetal cardiac remodeling and dysfunction in twin pregnancies conceived by ART as compared with those conceived spontaneously (SC). METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study including 50 dichorionic twin fetuses conceived by ART and 50 SC twin fetuses. The study protocol included collection of baseline/perinatal data and a fetal ultrasound examination at 28-30 weeks' gestation, including assessment of estimated fetal weight, fetoplacental Doppler and fetal echocardiography. Measurements of atrial area, atrial/heart ratio, ventricular sphericity index, free wall thickness, mitral and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursions, and systolic and early diastolic peak velocities were assessed. Multilevel analyses were used to compare perinatal and ultrasonographic parameters. Comparisons of echocardiographic variables were adjusted for parental age, paternal body mass index and incidence of pre-eclampsia. RESULTS: Compared with SC twins, ART twin fetuses showed significant cardiac changes, predominantly affecting the right heart, such as dilated atria (right atrial/heart area: 15.7 ± 3.1 vs 18.4 ± 3.2, P < 0.001), more globular ventricles (right ventricular sphericity index: 1.57 ± 0.25 vs 1.41 ± 0.23, P = 0.001) and thicker myocardial walls (septal wall thickness: 2.57 ± 0.45 mm vs 2.84 ± 0.41 mm, P = 0.034) together with reduced longitudinal motion (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion: 6.36 ± 0.89 mm vs 5.18 ± 0.93 mm, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: ART twin fetuses present signs of cardiac remodeling and dysfunction. These changes are similar to those observed in ART singletons and reinforce the concept of fetal cardiac programing in ART. These results open opportunities for early detection and intervention in infants conceived by ART. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Performance of third-trimester combined screening model for prediction of adverse perinatal outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the potential value of third-trimester combined screening for the prediction of adverse perinatal outcome (APO) in the general population and among small-for-gestational-age (SGA) fetuses. METHODS: This was a nested case-control study within a prospective cohort of 1590 singleton gestations undergoing third-trimester evaluation (32 + 0 to 36 + 6 weeks' gestation). Maternal baseline characteristics, mean arterial blood pressure, fetoplacental ultrasound and circulating biochemical markers (placental growth factor (PlGF), lipocalin-2, unconjugated estriol and inhibin A) were assessed in all women who subsequently had an APO (n = 148) and in a control group without perinatal complications (n = 902). APO was defined as the occurrence of stillbirth, umbilical artery cord blood pH < 7.15, 5-min Apgar score < 7 or emergency operative delivery for fetal distress. Logistic regression models were developed for the prediction of APO in the general population and among SGA cases (defined as customized birth weight < 10th centile). RESULTS: The prevalence of APO was 9.3% in the general population and 27.4% among SGA cases. In the general population, a combined screening model including a-priori risk (maternal characteristics), estimated fetal weight (EFW) centile, umbilical artery pulsatility index (UA-PI), estriol and PlGF achieved a detection rate for APO of 26% (area under receiver-operating characteristics curve (AUC), 0.59 (95% CI, 0.54-0.65)), at a 10% false-positive rate (FPR). Among SGA cases, a model including a-priori risk, EFW centile, UA-PI, cerebroplacental ratio, estriol and PlGF predicted 62% of APO (AUC, 0.86 (95% CI, 0.80-0.92)) at a FPR of 10%. CONCLUSIONS: The use of fetal ultrasound and maternal biochemical markers at 32-36 weeks provides a poor prediction of APO in the general population. Although it remains limited, the performance of the screening model is improved when applied to fetuses with suboptimal fetal growth. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Descriptive analysis of different phenotypes of cardiac remodeling in fetal growth restriction.

OBJECTIVE: To identify different cardiac phenotypes among cases of fetal growth restriction (FGR). METHODS: Echocardiography was performed in 126 cases with FGR (birth weight < 10th centile) and 64 appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) fetuses. Principal component and cluster analyses were performed to identify different cardiac phenotypes among FGR cases. RESULTS: Three different cardiac phenotypes were identified among the FGR group: globular in 54% of cases, elongated in 29% of cases and hypertrophic in 17% of cases. Those with a globular heart had the lowest median left-ventricular sphericity index (controls, 1.78 (interquartile range (IQR), 1.62-1.97); FGR elongated, 1.92 (IQR, 1.78-2.09); FGR globular, 1.44 (IQR, 1.36-1.52); FGR hypertrophic, 1.65 (IQR, 1.42-1.77); P = 0.001). FGR cases with an elongated left ventricle had nearly normal cardiac dimensions. FGR cases with a hypertrophic phenotype had the highest median left-ventricular wall thickness (controls, 1.22 (IQR, 1.10-1.67) mm/kg; FGR elongated, 1.52 (IQR, 1.28-1.86) mm/kg; FGR globular, 1.65 (IQR, 1.39-1.99) mm/kg; FGR hypertrophic, 3.68 (IQR, 3.45-4.71) mm/kg; P = 0.001) and cardiac dimensions. Globular and elongated phenotypes showed a fetoplacental profile of late-onset FGR, while the hypertrophic phenotype showed signs of early-onset FGR. The hypertrophic group also had the poorest perinatal results, having the lowest birth-weight centile, gestational age at delivery and Apgar score and the highest postnatal blood pressure and aorta intima-media thickness. CONCLUSIONS: FGR induces at least three different cardiac phenotypes, with early-onset FGR cases being associated with a hypertrophic response and worse perinatal outcomes. This cardiac phenotypic classification may improve identification of FGR cases with the highest perinatal and long-term cardiovascular risks. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Prediction of fetal growth restriction using estimated fetal weight vs a combined screening model in the third trimester.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the performance of third-trimester screening, based on estimated fetal weight centile (EFWc) vs a combined model including maternal baseline characteristics, fetoplacental ultrasound and maternal biochemical markers, for the prediction of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) neonates and late-onset fetal growth restriction (FGR). METHODS: This was a nested case-control study within a prospective cohort of 1590 singleton gestations undergoing third-trimester (32 + 0 to 36 + 6 weeks' gestation) evaluation. Maternal baseline characteristics, mean arterial pressure, fetoplacental ultrasound and circulating biochemical markers (placental growth factor (PlGF), lipocalin-2, unconjugated estriol and inhibin A) were assessed in all women who subsequently delivered a SGA neonate (n = 175), defined as birth weight < 10th centile according to customized standards, and in a control group (n = 875). Among SGA cases, those with birth weight < 3rd centile and/or abnormal uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA-PI) and/or abnormal cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) were classified as FGR. Logistic regression predictive models were developed for SGA and FGR, and their performance was compared with that obtained using EFWc alone. RESULTS: In SGA cases, EFWc, CPR Z-score and maternal serum concentrations of unconjugated estriol and PlGF were significantly lower, while mean UtA-PI Z-score and lipocalin-2 and inhibin A concentrations were significantly higher, compared with controls. Using EFWc alone, 52% (area under receiver-operating characteristics curve (AUC), 0.82 (95% CI, 0.77-0.85)) of SGA and 64% (AUC, 0.86 (95% CI, 0.81-0.91)) of FGR cases were predicted at a 10% false-positive rate. A combined screening model including a-priori risk (maternal characteristics), EFWc, UtA-PI, PlGF and estriol (with lipocalin-2 for SGA) achieved a detection rate of 61% (AUC, 0.86 (95% CI, 0.83-0.89)) for SGA cases and 77% (AUC, 0.92 (95% CI, 0.88-0.95)) for FGR. The combined model for the prediction of SGA and FGR performed significantly better than did using EFWc alone (P < 0.001 and P = 0.002, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: A multivariable integrative model of maternal characteristics, fetoplacental ultrasound and maternal biochemical markers modestly improved the detection of SGA and FGR cases at 32-36 weeks' gestation when compared with screening based on EFWc alone. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Current practice in continuous renal replacement therapy: An epidemiological multicenter study. / Manejo actual de las terapias continuas de reemplazo renal: Estudio epidemiológico multicéntrico.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to ascertain the most relevant aspects of the current management of renal replacement therapy (RRT) in critically ill patients, and to analyze renal function recovery and mortality in patients undergoing RRT. METHODS: A non-interventional three-month observational study was made in 2012, with a follow-up period of 90 days, in 21 centers in Catalonia (Spain). Demographic information, severity scores and clinical data were obtained, as well as RRT parameters. INCLUSION CRITERIA: patients aged ≥ 16 years admitted to Intensive Care Units (ICUs) and subjected to RRT. RESULTS: A total of 261 critically ill patients were recruited, of which 35% had renal dysfunction prior to admission. The main reason for starting RRT was oliguria; the most widely used RRT modality was hemodiafiltration; and the median prescribed dose at baseline was 35mL/kg/h. The median time of RRT onset from ICU admission was one day. The mortality rate at 30 and 90 days was 46% and 54%, respectively, and was associated to greater severity scores and a later onset of RRT. At discharge, 85% of the survivors had recovered renal function. CONCLUSIONS: Current practice in RRT in Catalonia abides with the current clinical practice guidelines. Mortality related to RRT is associated to later onset of such therapy. The renal function recovery rate at hospital discharge was 85% among the patients subjected to RRT.

[Identifying and prioritising adverse episodes and failures related to patient safety in Pain Treatment Units]. / Identificación y priorización de episodios adversos y fallos relacionados con la seguridad del paciente en las Unidades de Tratamiento del Dolor.

OBJECTIVES: An expert group coordinated by the Andalusian School of Public Health identified the most serious and frequent adverse events in Pain Treatment Units (PTU), as well the failures and underlying causes, as a prior step to preparing preventive actions. The aims of the project were to identify potential adverse events in Pain Treatment Units, identify failures and their underlying causes, and prioritise these failures according to a failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) tool. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The method employed consisted of a literature search, the selection of an expert group with experience in PTU, creating a catalogue of adverse events using the generation of ideas technique, and putting the FMEA and Risk Priority Index tools into practice. RESULTS: Up to 66 types of adverse events were identified associated with; medication (30), invasive techniques (15), care process (10), patient information and education (6), and clinical practice (5). It was found that up to 101 failures could be triggered by these adverse events, and that 242 causes could lead to these failures. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated the need to work principally in two directions, improving the care process in the PTU (the health care organisation), and the professional work, this latter having two aspects, improving the clinical practice, and increase professional skills by means of specific training. Communication, whether inter-professional or inter-department, or with the patient and their family, is identified as a key aspect for improvement.

Whitefly resistance traits derived from the wild tomato Solanum pimpinellifolium affect the preference and feeding behavior of Bemisia tabaci and reduce the spread of Tomato yellow leaf curl virus.

Breeding of tomato genotypes that limit whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) access and feeding might reduce the spread of Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), a begomovirus (genus Begomovirus, family Geminiviridae) that is the causal agent of tomato yellow leaf curl disease. TYLCV is restricted to the phloem and is transmitted in a persistent manner by B. tabaci. The tomato breeding line ABL 14-8 was developed by introgressing type IV leaf glandular trichomes and secretion of acylsucroses from the wild tomato Solanum pimpinellifolium accession TO-937 into the genetic background of the whitefly- and virus-susceptible tomato cultivar Moneymaker. Results of preference bioassays with ABL 14-8 versus Moneymaker indicated that presence of type IV glandular trichomes and the production of acylsucrose deterred the landing and settling of B. tabaci on ABL 14-8. Moreover, electrical penetration graph studies indicated that B. tabaci adults spent more time in nonprobing activities and showed a reduced ability to start probing. Such behavior resulted in a reduced ability to reach the phloem. The superficial type of resistance observed in ABL 14-8 against B. tabaci probing significantly reduced primary and secondary spread of TYLCV.

Laparoscopic hemi-splenectomy: a valid option in selected cases such as epidermoid cyst.

Splenic cysts are a rare pathology, which can be classified as true (25%) or pseudocysts (75%). Total splenectomy has been the treatment of choice, particularly in recent times with the advent of the laparoscopic approach. However, as the spleen is an organ with multiple immunological functions, the laparoscopic partial splenectomy is an alternative, which is technically difficult but effective. We present a case of a 26-year-old woman with incidental evidence of a splenic cyst in an abdominal ultrasound scan. We performed a laparoscopic partial splenectomy to preserve the function of the spleen because of the patient's youth. Laparoscopic partial splenectomy allows the effective removal of lesions and preservation of splenic function. Although more research is needed to clarify the most effective approach, this case is further evidence that this surgical approach may be beneficial for selected patients.

Ileocecal intussusception extending to left colon due to endometriosis.

Bowel involvement in endometriosis is uncommon and is most frequently located in the sigmoid colon and the rectum. We present a case in a 37-year-old woman of a cecal endometrioid mass complicated with an ileocolic intussusception which extended beyond the splenic colon flexure. Careful manual extraction allowed a reduction of the intussusceptum, followed by an oncological right hemicolectomy. The patient suffered postoperative ileus, which was spontaneously solved. Intussusception is infrequent in the adult population and usually involves the small bowel. The great majority of ileocolic intussusceptions have a malignant origin (cecal adenocarcinoma). An endometriotic mass located at the cecum as the lead point for ileocolic intussusception is an extremely rare presentation. On reviewing the literature, we found only 13 reports with no other cases extending beyond the splenic flexure, as occurred in our patient.

Second isolated anastomotic recurrence after curative surgery for colorectal cancer.

Introduction The two mechanisms postulated for cancer recurrence at the anastomosis site ('anastomotic recurrence' (AR)) after curative surgery for colorectal cancer are: (i) intraluminal dissemination of viable cancer cells; (ii) metachronous carcinogenesis related with changes in the local milieu provoked by the materials employed to carry out the anastomosis. Case History We describe a 79-year-old female who underwent a left hemicolectomy due to a stenotic lesion shown on colonoscopy: an adenocarcinoma (pT3NO, G2). One year after surgery, control colonoscopy revealed an AR, so a new resection was carried out. Pathology showed it to be a recurrent adenocarcinoma over the staple line (pT3N0, G2). One year after the second surgical procedure, control colonoscopy evinced a new AR, resulting in a new resection. Pathology revealed a new AR. Conclusions This is only the second time that a second isolated AR after curative resection for colorectal cancer has been reported.

IN VIVO AND IN VITRO ANTILEISHMANIAL EFFECTS OF METHANOLIC EXTRACT FROM BARK OF BURSERA APTERA.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous leishmaniasis lacks effective and well-tolerated treatments. The current therapies mainly rely on antimonial drugs that are inadequate because of their poor efficacy. Traditional medicine offers a complementary alternative for the treatment of various diseases. Additionally, several plants have shown success as anti-leishmanial agents. Therefore, we sought to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo activity of MEBA against Leishmania mexicana. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Methanolic extract of B. aptera was obtained by macetration, after we determined in vitro anti-leishmanial activity of MEBA by MTT assay and the induced apoptosis in promastigotes by flow cytometry. To analyze the in vivo anti-leishmanial activity, we used infected mice that were treated and not treated with MEBA and we determined the levels of cytokines using ELISA. The phytochemical properties were determined by CG-MS and DPPH assay. RESULTS: We determined of LC50 of 0.408 mg/mL of MEBA for in vitro anti-leishmanial activity. MEBA induced apoptosis in promastigotes (15.3% ± 0.86). Treated mice exhibited smaller lesions and contained significantly fewer parasites than did untreated mice; in addition, we found that IFN-γ and TNF-α increased in the sera of MEBA-treated mice. GC-MS analysis showed that podophyllotoxin was the most abundant compound. Evaluation of the activity by DPPH assay demonstrated an SC50 of 11.72 µg/mL. CONCLUSION: Based on the above data, it was concluded that MEBA is a good candidate in the search for new anti-leishmanial agents.

Incarcerated umbilical Littre's hernia at the trocar site of a previous laparoscopic surgical procedure.

INTRODUCTION: Prevalence of Littre's hernia (protrusion of a Meckel´s diverticulum through an opening in the abdominal wall) is very low, and Littre's hernias found in an umbilical site are uncommon. Even rarer are cases of an incarcerated hernia resulting in a surgical emergency. Trocar-site hernias are a relatively common complication after laparoscopic cholecystectomy that develop in association with insertion of wide trocars (usually at the umbilical port). CASE HISTORY: A 63-year-old female with a history of obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, laparoscopic cholecystectomy and open hysterectomy arrived at hospital complaining of acute umbilical pain but with no other symptoms or fever. A painful mass observed was believed to be an incarcerated umbilical hernia at a trocar site used in previous laparoscopic surgery. Emergency surgery was undertaken: the opening of the hernia sac revealed a Meckel's diverticulum within it. The Meckel's diverticulum was resected using a stapler, followed by herniorrhaphy and hernioplasty. Postoperative recovery was uneventful. CONCLUSION: An incarcerated umbilical Littre's hernia at a laparoscopic trocar site has not been reported before. To avoid this complication, we agree with the numerous authors who recommend closure of trocar sites of width ≥10mm.

Distinct isoforms of ADPglucose pyrophosphatase and ADPglucose pyrophosphorylase occur in the suspension-cultured cells of sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus L.).

The intracellular localizations of ADPglucose pyrophosphatase (AGPPase) and ADPglucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase) have been studied using protoplasts prepared from suspension-cultured cells of sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus L.). Subcellular fractionation studies revealed that all the AGPPase present in the protoplasts is associated with amyloplasts, whereas more than 60% of AGPase is in the extraplastidial compartment. Immunoblots of amyloplast- and extraplastid-enriched extracts further confirmed that AGPase is located mainly outside the amyloplast. Experiments carried out to identify possible different isoforms of AGPPase in the amyloplast revealed the presence of soluble and starch granule-bound isoforms. We thus propose that ADPglucose levels linked to starch biosynthesis in sycamore cells are controlled by enzymatic reactions catalyzing the synthesis and breakdown of ADPglucose, which take place both inside and outside the amyloplast.

Two isoforms of a nucleotide-sugar pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase from barley leaves (Hordeum vulgare L.) are distinct oligomers of HvGLP1, a germin-like protein.

Two isoforms of ADPglucose pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase (AGPPase) have been characterized using barley leaves (Hordeum vulgare L.). Whilst one of the isoforms, designated as soluble AGPPase1 (SAGPPase1), is soluble in low ionic strength buffers, the other, SAGPPase2, is extractable using cell wall hydrolytic enzymes or high salt concentration solutions, thus indicating that it is adventitiously bound to the cell wall. Both AGPPase isoforms are highly resistant to SDS, this characteristic being utilized to purify them to homogeneity after zymographic detection of AGPPase activity in SDS-containing gels. N-terminal and internal amino acid sequencing analyses revealed that both SAGPPase1 and SAGPPase2 are distinct oligomers of the previously designated HvGLP1, which is a member of the ubiquitously distributed group of proteins of unknown function designated as germin-like proteins (GLPs).

Helminths from a stranded manatee in the Dominican Republic.

Endangered West Indian manatees (Trichechus manatus) are known to be parasitized by a number of helminths and ectoparasites. Records of parasitic associations exist for Florida, Mexico, Guyana, Brazil, Cuba and recently for Puerto Rico. Parasites of manatees in other Caribbean areas have not been documented, particularly from Hispaniola. We report on the occurrence of a species of nematode and of two trematodes from a 238-cm male manatee from Portillo (19 degrees 20' N, 69 degrees 35' W), Las Terrenas, in the Dominican Republic. Three species of helminths were collected, including the opisthotrematid Cochleotrema cochleotrema, the ascarid Heterocheilus tunicatus, and the paramphistomid trematode Chiorchis fabaceus. The documentation of these helminths constitutes the first record of these parasites and host relationships for Hispaniola and the second for the northeastern Caribbean.