Perineural Invasion in Aggressive Skin Carcinomas of the Head and Neck

Introduction: Perineural invasion is a well-recognized form of cancer dissemination. However, it has been reported only in few papers concerning cutaneous carcinomas ( basal cell, BCC, and squamous cell, SCC). Moreover, the incidence is considered to be very low. Niazi and Lambert [Br J Plast Surg 1993; 46: 156-157] reported only 0.18% of perineural invasion among 3,355 BCCs. It is associated with high-risk subtypes, as morphea-like, as well as with an increased risk of local recurrence. No paper was found in the literature looking for perineural invasion in very aggressive skin cancers with skull base extension, with immunohistochemical analysis. Methods: This is a retrospective review, including 35 very advanced skin carcinomas with skull base invasion (24 BCCs and 11 SCCs, operated on at a single institution from 1982 to 2000). Representative slides were immunohistochemically evaluated with antiprotein S-100, in order to enhance nerve fibers and to detect perineural invasion. The results were compared to 34 controls with tumors with a good outcome, treated in the same time frame at the same Institution. Results: Twelve (50.0%) of the BCCs with skull base invasion had proven perineural invasion, as opposed to only 1 (4.6%) of the controls, and this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Regarding SCCs, 7 aggressive tumors (63.6%) showed perineural invasion compared to only 1 (10.0%) of the controls, but this difference did not reach significance (p=0.08), due to the small number of cases. Conclusions: In this series, it was demonstrated that immunohistochemically detected perineural invasion was very prevalent in advanced skin carcinomas. In addition, it was statistically associated with extremely aggressive BCCs with skull base invasion. Copyright (c) 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel

KSHV genotypes A and C are more frequent in Kaposi sarcoma lesions from Brazilian patients with and without HIV infection, respectively

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Melanoma tipo animal: relato de dois casos

Dificuldade potencial no diagnóstico histológico de melanomas é a dificuldade em reconhecer variantes pouco frequentes de melanoma. Entre elas, as mais desafiantes incluem exemplos de melanoma desmoplásico, melanoma nevoide, o chamado melanoma de desvio mínimo, melanomas com proeminente síntese de pigmento ou melanoma tipo animal e o nevo azul maligno. Os autores descrevem dois casos de melanoma tipo animal e discute-se a importância do diagnóstico diferencial clinico-histopatológico nesses casos.

Prevalence of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii among Brazilian white-eared opossums (Didelphis albiventris)

Considering that Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite of global importance which affects several animal species including humans, the current study aimed to investigate the prevalence of antibodies against T. gondii among 72 white-eared opossums (Didelphis albiventris) from Botucatu Municipality (22 degrees 53'S 48 degrees 26'W), São Paulo State, Brazil. The investigation was carried out from January 2008 to December 2009, when the animals had their blood samples collected and subjected to the modified agglutination test (MAT); 12 specimens had brain samples bioassayed in mice. Seroprevalence was 5.5% (n = 4) and bioassays were negative. Older animals had higher prevalence of antibodies against T. gondii. Opossums in closer contact with the urban environment are likely more exposed to T. gondii than animals from the sylvatic environment. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

White piedra: molecular identification of Trichosporon inkin in members of the same family

INTRODUÇÃO: Piedra branca é micose superficial causada por fungos do gênero Trichosporon e caracterizado por nódulos firmemente aderidos à haste do pêlo. MÉTODOS: Os autores relatam casos familiares encaminhados como pediculose. Foram utilizados cultura em ágar Mycosel® e identificação molecular. RESULTADOS: Exame micológico revelou a infecção por Trichosporon spp. A identificação molecular demonstrou se tratar do Trichosporon inkin. CONCLUSÕES: Piedra branca e infecção pelo T. inkin são raramente relatados na região sudeste do Brasil. A identificação molecular é essencial para correta determinação de espécies no gênero Trichosporon.

Comparison of agar gel immunodiffusion test, rapid slide agglutination test, microbiological culture and PCR for the diagnosis of canine brucellosis

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Identification and characterization of polymorphisms within the 5' flanking region, first exon and part of first intron of bovine GH gene

The aim of the present study was to identify and characterize polymorphisms within the 5' flanking region, first exon and part of first intron of the bovine growth hormone gene among different beef cattle breeds: Nelore (n = 25), Simmental (n = 39), Simbrasil (n = 24), Simmental x Nelore (n = 30), Canchim x Nelore (n = 30) and Angus x Nelore (n = 30). Two DNA fragments (GH1, 464 bp and GH2, 453 bp) were amplified by polymerase chain reaction and then used for polymorphism identification by SSCP. Within the GH1 fragment, five polymorphisms were identified, corresponding to three different alleles: GH1.1, GH1.2 and GH1.3 (GenBank: AY662648, AY662649 and AY662650, respectively). These allele sequences were aligned and compared with bovine GH gene nucleotide sequence (GenBank: M57764 and AF118837), resulting in the identification of five insertion/deletions (INDELs) and five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). In the GH2 fragment two alleles were identified, GH2.1 and GH2.2 (GenBank: AY662651 and AY662652, respectively). The allele sequences were compared with GenBank sequences (M57764, AF007750 and AH009106) and three INDELs and four SNPs were identified. In conclusion, we were able to identify six new polymorphisms of the bovine GH gene (one INDEL and five SNPs), which can be used as molecular markers in genetic studies.

Effects of GHR gene polymorphisms on growth and carcass traits in Zebu and crossbred beef cattle

The growth hormone receptor (GHR) is the cell surface receptor for growth hormone (GH) and is required for GH to carry out its effects on target tissues. The objectives of the present study were to estimate the allele and genotype frequencies of the GHR/Alu I gene polymorphism located in the regulatory region in beef cattle belonging to different genetic groups and to determine associations between this polymorphism and growth and carcass traits. Genotyping was performed on 384 animals, including 79 Nellore (Zebu), 30 Canchim (5/8 Charolais+3/8 Zebu), 30 Simmental X Nellore crossbred and 245 Angus x Nellore crossbred cattle. Alleles Alu I(+), Alu I(-) and Alu I(N)-null allele-were evidenced for the GHR/Alu I polymorphism and the frequency of the Alu I(N) allele was significantly higher than the frequency of the Alu I(+) and Alu I(-) alleles in all genetic groups. Genotype Alu I(N/N) of the GHRIAlu I predominated in Nellore animals, while the Alu I(N/+) and Alu I(N/-) predominated in the other genetic groups. In the association studies, traits of interest were analyzed using the General Linear Model (GLM) procedure of the SAS program and least squares means of the genotypes were compared by the Tukey test. Significant associations (P < 0.05) were observed between the Alu I(N/N) genotype of the GHRIAlu I polymorphism and lower weight gain and body weight at slaughter, although a confounding between genotypes and genetic groups may have occurred. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A genômica funcional no âmbito da produção animal: estado da arte e perspectivas

Os últimos vinte anos caracterizaram-se pela proliferação de tecnologias que tornaram possível decifrar o genoma das espécies, localizar e identificar particularidades na sua seqüência, elucidar as suas funções dentro dos sistemas biológicos e, sobretudo, começar a entender os mecanismos que controlam as interações entre os genótipos e os estímulos ambientais, que são responsáveis pela diversidade fenotípica. Estes estudos sobre as bases moleculares da variabilidade fenotípica abriram uma nova abordagem científica, caracterizada pela multiplicidade das questões envolvidas, que resultou no surgimento de novas áreas de pesquisa, cujos conhecimentos estão sendo aplicados em diversos campos da biologia, inclusive na zootecnia. Tendo em vista o grande impacto que tais conhecimentos estão tendo sobre a compreensão dos fenômenos biológicos, parece ser oportuno fazer uma avaliação das potencialidades de aplicação das abordagens de Genômica Funcional em pesquisas de nutrição e alimentação de ruminantes. Nesse contexto, este artigo está focado na descrição das principais ferramentas genômicas disponíveis e na discussão sobre a viabilidade de se utilizar as informações por elas geradas em benefício da produção animal.

Novel insights into the genomic basis of citrus canker based on the genome sequences of two strains of Xanthomonas fuscans subsp aurantifolii

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Desempenho e composição da carcaça de frangos de corte submetidos a diferentes períodos de arraçoamento

Este trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de estudar a influência do período de arraçoamento sobre parâmetros zootécnicos, desenvolvimento visceral e composição da carcaça de frangos de corte. Foram utilizados 630 frangos da linhagem Cobb-500®, divididos em três programas de alimentação, a partir do 8º até o 50º dia de vida: ad libitum (AL - alimento durante 24 horas), arraçoamento diurno (AD - alimento à vontade das 7-19 h e restrito durante o período noturno 19-7 h) e arraçoamento noturno (AN - alimento à vontade das 19-7 h e restrito durante o período diurno 7-19h). A água foi fornecida à vontade para todos os grupos durante o período experimental. O período de arraçoamento (12 horas noturno ou diurno) reduziu significativamente o peso vivo final das aves. No entanto, aves arraçoadas durante o período noturno consumiram menos ração e mostraram melhor índice de conversão alimentar. O uso dos diferentes períodos de arraçoamento não afetou o desenvolvimento do fígado, moela, coração e comprimento do intestino. Aves arraçoadas por 12 horas, tanto no período noturno quanto no diurno, apresentaram maior teor de gordura na carcaça. O teor de cinzas não foi afetado pelo programa alimentar. Os resultados deste experimento sugerem que a adaptação ao novo programa alimentar foi muito lenta. Assim, as aves não foram capazes de manter o consumo de alimento compatível com seu desenvolvimento, ocorrendo com isso prejuízo no desempenho produtivo (peso vivo), bem como na composição da carcaça (gordura).

Growth hormone 1 gene (GH1) polymorphisms as possible markers of the production potential of beef cattle using the Brazilian Canchim breed as a model

The growth hormone 1 gene (GH1) is a candidate gene for body weight and weight gain in cattle since it plays a fundamental role in growth regulation. We investigated the GH1 gene AluI and DdeI restriction enzyme polymorphisms, located 149 bp apart in the cattle genome, as possible markers of the production potential of Canchim crossbreed cattle, a 5/8 Charolais (Bos taurus) and 3/8 Nelore (Bos indicus) breed developed in Brazil, by evaluating the birth weight, weaning weight, yearling weight and plasma insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentration of 7 month to 10 months old Canchim calves (n = 204) of known genealogy and which had been genotyped for the AluI and DdeI markers. Our results showed significant effect (p < 0.05) between the homozygous DdeI+/DdeI+ polymorphism and the estimated breeding value for weaning weight (ESB-WW), while the AluI leucine homozygous (L/L) and leucine/valine (L/V) heterozygous polymorphisms showed no significant effect on the traits studied. The restriction sites of the two enzymes led to the formation of haplotypes which also exerted a significant effect (p < 0.05) on the ESB-WW, with the largest difference being 8.5 kg in favor of the homozygous L plus DdeI+/L plus DdeI+ genotype over the heterozygous L plus DdeI-/V plus DdeI+ genotype.

Avaliação genética multirracial para ganho de peso pré-desmama em bovinos de uma população composta

Objetivou-se neste trabalho estudar modelos com efeitos não-aditivos diretos e maternos em uma população composta em clima tropical, tentando minimizar esses efeitos para obtenção dos valores genéticos dos animais avaliados. Foram utilizados dados de animais de uma população composta, por meio da comparação de três modelos que incluíram os efeitos fixos de grupo contemporâneo, ordem de parto e heterose direta e materna e os efeitos aleatórios de efeito genético aditivo direto e materno. As análises foram realizadas em duas etapas; na primeira foram estudadas as estimativas dos efeitos raciais e de heterose individual e materna e na segunda etapa, calculadas as variâncias, herdabilidades e os valores genéticos dos animais. O efeito materno, quando não foi considerado no modelo, pareceu superestimar o efeito aditivo racial. Os efeitos aditivos raciais, racial materno e de heterose individual e materna influenciaram significativamente o ganho médio diário no pré-desmame, obtendo-se diferentes estimativas entre os tipos biológicos. Considerando o arquivo de dados corrigidos para os efeitos não-aditivos diretos e maternos, as herdabilidades direta e materna foram de 0,22 e 0,20, respectivamente. Os efeitos racial materno e de heterose individual e materna foram importantes fontes de variação para o ganho médio diário no pré-desmame e devem ser considerados durante a avaliação genética de uma população multirracial.

Non-additive genetic effects on weights and performance of a Brazilian Bos taurus x Bos indicus beef composite

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Parturition intervals and distributions of parturitions by months of buffalo in Southern and South-eastern Brazil

Reproductive rate is an important component of economic success in livestock production. Parturition interval (IEP) is a direct measure of the productivity of the animal. Long IEP reduce the number of calves produced per year. The objective this study was to determine the distribution of parturitions across month and to evaluate factors affecting IEP. The data included 7,588 parturitions of Murrah, Mediterranean and Carabobo buffalo from 10 herds in Southern and South-eastern Brazil. The analysis of distribution of parturitions evaluated the effects of month, year and their interaction on birth date of calves by using a Chi-Square test in SAS PROC FREQ (SAS Institute, Cary, NC, USA). Parturition intervals (n = 2,630) were evaluated using analysis of variance in SAS PROC GLM. The model for IEP included the fixed effects of season (December to May = 1, June to November = 2), year, season x year, sex of the preceding parturition, age of weaning of the previous calf, and herd. All sources of variation were significant (P<0.0001) except sex of the preceding parturition (P <0.85). The mean IEP was 446.7 +/- 10.4 days, for seasons 1 and 2 IEP were 419.8 +/- 11.3 and 473.6 +/- 40.7 days, respectively, a difference of 54 days. As weaning age increased there was a lengthening of IEP. Buffalo in Brazil showed seasonal parturition with calving concentrated from January to April, although the frequency by month differed across years (P<0.0001). These months also had the lowest calving interval.