Breast infection due to Dirofilaria repens: report of two new Italian cases and revision of the literature.

Two new cases of human dirofilariasis, occurred in women aged 46 and 52 years, respectively, both living in Lombardy (Northern Italy) are reported. Dirofilaria repens nematodes were localised in the breast in both cases. In one of them the parasite was accidentally extracted while the patient underwent a fine needle aspirate. The international literature records 30 cases of breast Dirofilariasis. Except in rare cases, the parasite was located subcutaneously in the breast, and nested in a nodule. The clinical diagnoses were consistently wrong, the nodule being diagnosed as a suspected tumor of the breast.     

Controlling X-inactivation in mammals: what does the centre hold?

Controlling gene expression is one of the most fundamental task of living organisms, from prokaryotes to higher eukaryotes, in order to develop, grow, and reproduce in an ever changing environment. In many cases, the expression status of a given gene is controlled independently of that of its neighbours through localised cis DNA elements responsible for the recruitment of specific factors and enzymatic activities. However, in a growing number of cases, genomic regions including several genes have been shown to be regulated in a coordinated manner. X-chromosome inactivation, the dosage compensation mechanism encountered in mammals, is one of the most Striking example of such coordinated gene regulation. This process, which occurs at the chromosome-wide level, affecting many hundreds of genes, is under the control of a unique, cis acting region, termed the X-inactivation centre, whose complexity is just beginning to be unravelled.     

A case of biliary Fascioliasis by Fasciola gigantica in Turkey

A case of Fasciola gigantica-induced biliary obstruction and cholestasis is reported in Turkey. The patient was a 37- year-old woman, and suffered from icterus, ascites, and pain in her right upper abdominal region. A total of 7 living adult flukes were recovered during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). A single dose of triclabendazole was administered to treat possible remaining worms. She was living in a village of southeast of Anatolia region and had sheeps and cows. She had the history of eating lettuce, mallow, dill, and parsley without washing. This is the first case of fascioliasis which was treated via endoscopic biliary extraction during ERCP in Turkey.     

Studies on chiasma frequency and distribution in two fertile men carrying reciprocal translocations; one with a t(9;10) karyotype and one with a t(Y;10) karyotype

Summary The frequency and distribution of chiasmata was investigated in two fertile carriers of reciprocal translocations, one with a 46,XY,t(9;10)(p22;q24) karyotype and one with a 46,X,-Y,+der(Y),t(Y;10)(q12;q24) karyotype. In both cases the chromosomes involved in the translocation showed an increase in chiasma frequency in comparison to karyotypically normal controls and in both cases this increase was localised, affecting only one interstitial segment of each translocation quadrivalent. In the t(9;10) case chiasmata appeared in substantial numbers in a novel location, the proximal two thirds of 9p, while in the t(Y;10) case chiasmata appeared in a conventional location, the medial region of 10q, but at an increased frequency. Furthermore there was evidence for inter-chromosomal effects in the t(9;10) case.     

腹泻患儿粪便A群轮状病毒抗原检测的结果分析

目的：了解本地区腹泻婴幼儿的A群轮状病毒感染情况及其流行特点。方法：采用胶体金法对我院2009年10月-2010年9月2104例有腹泻和肠炎特征的婴幼儿粪便进行A群轮状病毒抗原检测。结果：在2104例受检者中,A群轮状病毒感染的总阳性率是24．71％,其中男性感染率24．17％,女性为25．40％。不同年龄组间以1—2岁婴幼儿感染率最高,为32．13％,0-1岁为20．72％,2-5岁为12．03％。感染的季节特征是秋末冬初季（10—12月）阳性率最高,为42．82％,春末夏初季（4．6月）最低,为8．81％。结论：由A群轮状病毒感染引发的急性腹泻主要发生在1-2岁的婴幼儿,各个季节均有发生,以秋末冬初季为高发。     

Light and electron microscope studies of chromosome pairing in relation to chiasma localisation in Stethophyma grossum (Orthoptera: Acrididae)

The relationship of chromosome pairing to chiasma localisation in the grasshopper Stethophyma grossum was investigated by a combined light and electron microscope study. Observations on the extent of synaptonemal complex formation in spermatocytes suggest that pairing is complete in all chromosome regions and that localised chiasmata do not therefore follow from localised pairing of homologues. This study also revealed an unprecedented variant of synaptonemal complex structure. Each bivalent was found to contain an asymmetrical region within which one lateral element was enormously enlarged while the other lateral element retained normal dimensions. This asymmetrical region is probably confined to one end of each bivalent and seems to extend constantly about 4 from the nuclear membrane attachment site. The possible significance of this variant of synaptonemal complex structure is briefly discussed.     

滨海沙地木麻黄(Casuarina equisetifolia)人工林细根养分与能量动态

2005年1月到2005年11月对福建省惠安县赤湖林场不同林龄木麻黄人工林细根养分和能量的季节动态进行了观测,结果表明:(1)6种元素的含量在不同林龄木麻黄细根中都具有明显的季节变化。各林龄细根的N含量一般在冬夏季节较高,且死细根的N浓度高于相同林龄的活细根,除12林龄活细根P浓度在7月份有最大值外,其他各林龄活、死细根在一年中呈波动性下降,K含量在冬季较高,而在其他季节变化幅度不大,除5林龄活细根和18林龄死细根在3月份和7月份有两个峰值外,其他林龄细根Ca含量随季节变化较小,Mg含量随季节变化总体呈下降趋势,而在11月份上升;各林龄C则呈波浪形变化;(2)随着林龄的增大,细根N、P、Mg含量的变化模式相似,都呈先增加,后降低,再增加的趋势,K和Ca含量变化趋势相似,但变动幅度存在差别,C则呈波浪形变化;(3)随着季节的变化,灰分、干重热值和去灰分热值呈"V"形变动,一年中都存在两个峰值,分别在3月份和7月份或9月份;(4)灰分、干重热值和去灰分热值随林龄的增大表现为波浪形增加。由此可见,不同森林类型的细根养分和能量动态具有季节和林龄的特殊性,在进行整个地区森林生态系统物质循环和能量流动研究时,应考虑不同森林类型的特性。     

Snake bites accidents in Yopal and Leticia, Colombia, 1996-1997

Snakebites produce notable morbidity and mortality in the Amazonian and Orinocan regions of Colombia. A review was undertaken of 56 snakebite cases sent to hospitals in Leticia (Amazonas) and Yopal (Casanare) between September 1996 and June 1997. Of the total, 57% of the bites occurred in Leticia, 54% in men. The 14 to 44 year-old age group was most compromised (41%). Most encounters occurred in forests and open fields between 17:00 and 18:00 hours (57%). Nearly all bites were located on legs and feet (82%). One death occurred in Yopal; 3 fasciotomies and 2 amputations were performed. Snakebite incidence occurred with highest probability during evening hours. Although antibiotics are in general use, minor infections (16%) were frequent.     

2009年全国其他感染性腹泻报告病例分析

目的了解我国2009年其他感染性腹泻的流行特点和病原学信息,提出改善建议,为更好的控制其他感染性腹泻病的流行提供数据支持。方法收集中国疾病控制信息系统"疾病监测信息报告管理系统"中2009年其他感染性腹泻的病例报告,对其流行病学及病原学信息进行描述性统计分析。结果 2009年全国共报告655 965例其他感染性腹泻病例,其中≤5岁儿童分别占报告总病例的50.38%和死亡病例的70.0%。实验室确诊病例占报告病例数的5.04%,其中病毒性感染占92.79%,细菌性感染占6.92%。结论≤5岁的散居儿童应为其他感染性腹泻的重点监测人群。其他感染性腹泻报告病例中约有95%为临床诊断病例。我国其他感染性腹泻的病原学诊断率及病原学诊断结果的报告率亟待提高。     

Genetic divergence, speciation and biogeography of Mustelus (sharks) in the central Indo-Pacific and Australasia

The shark genus Mustelus is speciose, commercially important and systematically troublesome. We use a molecular approach combining inter and intra-specific data to investigate Mustelus species in the central Indo-Pacific and Australasia. Our analysis supports two Mustelus clades, one comprising species with no white spots and a placental reproductive mode and a second clade of white spotted, aplacental species. Levels of genetic divergence are low, especially among species in the white spotted, aplacental clade and this should be taken into account when employing molecular data to delineate species. Our data support the hypothesis of a radiation following dispersal from a northern hemisphere ancestor. Molecular dating suggests that localised speciation in Australasia may have occurred during the Pleistocene. We propose that some of the difficulties associated with Mustelus systematics relate to a recent radiation, particularly in the Australasian region.     

Outbreak of trichinosis near Paris.

A localised outbreak of trichinosis occurred in January 1976 in the southern suburbs of Paris. A total fo 125 cases was recorded including 30 children. The prominent symptoms were oedema of the face or eyelids, fever, and myalgia; diarrhoea was unusual and constipation common. An increased blood eosinophil count and raised serum concentrations of muscular enzymes strongly indicated trichinosis. This diagnosis was confirmed later immunologically. The parasite was found in only three out of 32 muscle biopsy specimens but this investigation was made relatively early in the disease. No deaths occurred. In all cases clinical recovery was fast and serum antibody titres were maximum during the first month and decreased slowly. The disease was milder and the recovery faster in children than adults. Epidemiological study suggested that horse meat was responsible for the infection, though no meat could be examined.     

Colorectal cancer metastatic disease progression in Australia: A population-based analysis

BackgroundNo previous Australian population-based studies have described or quantified the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) to metastatic disease. We describe patterns of progression to metastatic disease for an Australian cohort diagnosed with localised or regional CRC.MethodsAll localised and regional CRC cases in the New South Wales Cancer Registry diagnosed during 2000–2007 were followed to December 2011 for subsequent metastases (identified by subsequent disease episode notifications) or CRC death. Cox regression was used to identify factors associated with metastatic progression.ResultsAfter a median 5.3 years follow-up, 26.4% of the 12757 cases initially diagnosed with localised or regional colon cancer had developed metastatic disease, as had 29.5% of the 7154 rectal cancer cases. For both cancer sites, risk of metastatic progression was significantly higher for those initially diagnosed with regional disease (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 3.49 for colon, 2.66 for rectal cancer), and for older cases (e.g. aHR for >79 years vs <60 years: 1.38 for colon, 1.69 for rectal cancer). Risk of disease progression was significantly lower for females, and varied by histology type. For colon cancer, the risk of disease progression decreased over time. For rectal cancer, risk of metastatic progression was significantly higher for those living in more socioeconomically disadvantaged areas compared with those in the least disadvantaged area.ConclusionsAn understanding of the variation in risk of metastatic progression is useful for planning health service requirements, and can help inform decisions about treatment and follow-up for colorectal cancer patients.     

Stage at diagnosis for childhood solid cancers in Australia: A population-based study

BackgroundStage of cancer at diagnosis is one of the strongest predictors of survival and is essential for population cancer surveillance, comparison of cancer outcomes and to guide national cancer control strategies. Our aim was to describe, for the first time, the distribution of cases by stage at diagnosis and differences in stage-specific survival on a population basis for a range of childhood solid cancers in Australia.MethodsThe study cohort was drawn from the population-based Australian Childhood Cancer Registry and comprised children (<15 years) diagnosed with one of 12 solid malignancies between 2006 and 2014. Stage at diagnosis was assigned according to the Toronto Paediatric Cancer Stage Guidelines. Observed (all cause) survival was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method, with follow-up on mortality available to 31 December 2015.ResultsAlmost three-quarters (1256 of 1760 cases, 71%) of children in the study had localised or regional disease at diagnosis, varying from 43% for neuroblastoma to 99% for retinoblastoma. Differences in 5-year observed survival by stage were greatest for osteosarcoma (localised 85% (95% CI = 72%–93%) versus metastatic 37% (15%–59%)), neuroblastoma (localised 98% (91%–99%) versus metastatic 60% (52%–67%)), rhabdomyosarcoma (localised 85% (71%–93%) versus metastatic 53% (34%–69%)), and medulloblastoma (localised 69% (61%–75%) versus metastases to spine 42% (27%–57%)).ConclusionThe stage-specific information presented here provides a basis for comparison with other international population cancer registries. Understanding variations in survival by stage at diagnosis will help with the targeted formation of initiatives to improve outcomes for children with cancer.     

Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumour (PNET) in subcutaneous abdominal wall: a case report

Primitive neuroectodermal tumour (PNET) is a rare tumour mainly found in children under ten years old. It may be broadly categorised into those occurring from the central or peripheral nervous system of which the majority arise centrally. We report a 61 year-old lady who had previous lobular breast cancer presenting with a rapidly expanding lesion in her anterior right upper abdominal wall. Clinically it appeared to be benign, however, histopathology of the excised lesion revealed a localised PNET. This case is an unusual case of a PNET in an adult that is peripheral in nature arising from subcutaneous tissue in the abdominal wall.     

A small cluster of Hodgkin's disease.

Nine cases of Hodgkin''s disease and one of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia occurred in 1972-5 in an area of less than 1 km. Clinical, social, and drug histories provided no relevant information, and definite patient-to-patient contacts before the onset of disease were not established. There was a higher incidence of malignant neoplasms in first-degree relatives of the patients than in those of a small control group living in the same area. There was no apparent reason for this cluster of cases, but geographical, climatic, and entomological studies are being carried out.     

Tertiary interactions stabilise the C-terminal region of human glutathione transferase A1-1: a crystallographic and calorimetric study

The C-terminal region in class Alpha glutathione transferase A1-1 (GSTA1-1), which forms an amphipathic alpha-helix (helix 9), is known to contribute to the catalytic and non-substrate ligand-binding functions of the enzyme. The region in the apo protein is proposed to be disordered which, upon ligand binding at the active-site, becomes structured and localised. Because Ile219 plays a pivotal role in the stability and localisation of the region, the role of tertiary interactions mediated by Ile219 in determining the conformation and dynamics of the C-terminal region were studied. Ligand-binding microcalorimetric and X-ray structural data were obtained to characterise ligand binding at the active-site and the associated localisation of the C-terminal region. In the crystal structure of the I219A hGSTA1-1.S-hexylglutathione complex, the C-terminal region of one chain is mobile and not observed (unresolved electron density), whereas the corresponding region of the other chain is localised and structured as a result of crystal packing interactions. In solution, the mutant C-terminal region of both chains in the complex is mobile and delocalised resulting in a hydrated, less hydrophobic active-site and a reduction in the affinity of the protein for S-hexylglutathione. Complete dehydration of the active-site, important for maintaining the highly reactive thiolate form of glutathione, requires the binding of ligands and the subsequent localisation of the C-terminal region. Thermodynamic data demonstrate that the mobile C-terminal region in apo hGSTA1-1 is structured and does not undergo ligand-induced folding. Its close proximity to the surface of the wild-type protein is indicated by the concurrence between the observed heat capacity change of complex formation and the type and amount of surface area that becomes buried at the ligand-protein interface when the C-terminal region in the apo protein assumes the same localised structure as that observed in the wild-type complex.     

Analysis of a cDNA sequence encoding the immunoglobulin heavy chain of the Antarctic teleost Trematomus bernacchii

A spleen cDNA library was constructed from the Antarctic teleost Trematomus bernacchii and immunoscreened with rabbit IgG specific for T. bernacchii Ig heavy chain. Eleven cDNA clones, varying in size and encoding the entire heavy chain or parts of it, were isolated. Here the complete nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences of clone 2C2 encoding the secretory IgH chain form are reported. Comparison of the amino acid sequence of the entire constant region of the T. bernacchii Ig heavy chain with those from other teleosts and two holostean fish showed percent identity ranging 53.6-60.6%, with the highest values found for Salmoniformes. The multiple sequence alignment revealed the presence of two remarkable insertions: one at the VH-CH1 boundary and a second one, not found in any other IgM heavy chain, localised at the CH2-CH3 boundary. The latter occurred in the region proposed to act as a 'hinge', and resulted in a CH2-CH3 hinge peptide longer than any other IgM hinge. Differences were also found in the number and position of putative N-glycosylation sites of the compared sequences. It is suggested that the unusual features found in the T. bernacchii Ig heavy chain might contribute to the flexibility of the Ig molecule and help understand more about the adaptation of Ig molecules to the polar sea environment.     

Localisation of the human N-ras oncogene to chromosome 1cen - p21 by in situ hybridisation.

The N-ras gene is a transforming gene isolated from a variety of human tumour cell lines and is a member of a family of related ras genes. Somatic cell hybrids have previously shown that the N-ras gene is located on chromosome 1. We have confirmed this localisation by in situ hybridisation to metaphase preparations of lymphocytes and localised the gene to the region 1cen - p21. A survey has found 47 reported cases of malignancy involving deletions in the short arm of chromosome 1. Fifteen of the 47 involved a deletion in this region.     

Characteristics of cases with unknown stage prostate cancer in a population-based cancer registry

BackgroundThe New South Wales Central Cancer Registry (NSW CCR) is the only population-based cancer registry in Australia that has routinely collected summary stage at diagnosis since its inception in 1972. However, a large proportion of prostate cancer cases have “unknown” stage recorded by the registry. We investigated the characteristics of prostate cancer cases with “unknown” stage recorded by the NSW CCR, and examined survival for this group.MethodsData were obtained from the NSW CCR for all first primary prostate cancer cases diagnosed in 1999–2007. Summary stage was recorded as localised, regional, distant or “unknown”. Associations between disease stage and patient characteristics (age, place of residence at diagnosis, year of diagnosis and country of birth) and prostate cancer specific survival were investigated using multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models respectively.ResultsOf 39 852 prostate cancer cases, 41.8% had “unknown” stage recorded by the NSW CCR. This proportion decreased significantly over time, increased with increasing age at diagnosis and was higher for those living in socio-economically disadvantaged areas. The proportion with “unknown” stage varied across area health services. Prostate cancer specific survival for cases with “unknown” stage was significantly poorer than for those with localised stage but better than for those with regional or distant stage.ConclusionsResearchers or others using cancer registry stage data to examine prostate cancer outcomes need to consider the differences between cases with “unknown” stage at diagnosis and those with known stage recorded by the registry, and what impact this may have on their results.