Application of synthetic peptides to the diagnosis of neurocysticercosis

We tested the possible diagnostic utility of five Taenia saginata oncosphere-derived synthetic peptides in T. solium neurocysticercosis (NC). The five peptides correspond to protein sequences with high antigenic indexes that were cloned from a T. saginata oncosphere cDNA library. The test samples consisted of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples randomly collected from patients referred from Mexican and Brazilian neurological institutes. Indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were carried out with the peptides either unconjugated or coupled to carrier proteins, and were compared with results obtained using T. solium cyst fluid as a positive control. For active inflammatory NC, the higher sensibility (93%) and specificity (85%) was obtained with peptides HP6-2 and Ts45W-1, respectively, coupled to ovalbumin, in both Mexican and Brazilian patients. Examining the results of the individual peptide assays in combination, in some instances, improved the sensitivity to 100%.

INTRAGASTRIC INFECTION OF CONVENTIONAL AND GERM-FREE MICE WITH GIARDIA-LAMBLIA

The effects of experimental infection with Giardia lamblia were studied in 30-day old conventional and germfree CFW mice (7 animals in each group) of both sexes. Cysts were observed in the feces of both groups 6 to 7 days after intragastric infection of each animal with about 2.5 x 10(5) G. lamblia trophozoites. Fecal cyst level was statistically higher in germfree mice (about 10(5) cysts/g feces) when compared with the conventional group (about 10(4) cysts/g feces). The peak of infection in the conventional group apparently occurred on the 10th day after infection as indicated by an increase of fecal weight and by histopathological examination. Intense infiltration of the lamina propria and high reactional hyperplasia of the lymphoid component were observed in the conventional group. There was no infiltration or hyperplasia in germfree infected mice and fecal weight was relatively constant throughout the experiment. These results suggest that, as is the case for other intestinal pathogenic protozoa, the intestinal microflora is indispensable for the expression of the pathogenicity but not for the multiplication of G. lamblia.

Surgical treatment of ranula with carbon dioxide laser radiation

Ranula is a mucous extravasation cyst which appears as a swelling in the submental and submandibular regions. Several surgical techniques to manage ranula have been described in the literature, these techniques include the CO2 laser radiation excision. Four patients were treated for intraoral ranula in the floor of the mouth by marsupialization with carbon dioxide laser radiation with defocused beam, continuous mode and 4 watts of power. There were no complications and no recurrences have occurred to date. The results showed that carbon dioxide laser radiation gives optimal results with no need for suture and good wound healing.

Monosomy 22 and del(10)(p12) in an ameloblastoma previously diagnosed as an adenoid cystic carcinoma of the salivary gland

Short-term cultures of a collagenase disaggregated ameloblastoma previously diagnosed as an adenoid cystic carcinoma of the salivary gland were shown by cytogenetic analysis to have the clonal karyotype 45,XY,del(10)(p12), -22. The data may indicate that the loss of genes of chromosome 22, as well as of 10p, could be a critical event in the evolutionary pattern of odontogenic neoplasias. (C) Elsevier B.V., 1996

Embryology and seed development of Syngonanthus caulescens (Poir.) Ruhland (Eriocaulaceae-Poales)

The embryology and the seed development of Syngonanthus caulescens are presented. This species possesses: a bithecous and tetrasporangiate anther, with a four-layered wall, a conspicuous endothecium of the baseplate type, a secretory tapetum formed by uninucleate cells, successive microsporogenesis resulting in isobilateral microspore tetrads, spiraperturate and binucleate pollen grains, an orthotropous, pendulous, bitegmic and terminucellate ovule, with a micropyle formed only by the inner integument, a megagametophyte of the Polygonum type, with formation of an antipodal cyst, free-nuclear and starchy endosperm, a broad and bell-shaped embryo, operculate and endotestal seeds, a seed coat derived from the inner layers of both integuments, and tanniniferous endotegmen. These embryological aspects are characteristic not only for Syngonanthus, but for the whole family, with few differences between genera. Furthermore, the pollen grain of the spiraperturate type and the cystic arrangement of the antipodals in the megagametophyte are peculiar and very distinctive features of Eriocaulaceae within the other Poales (commelinids). (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Ameloblastic fibro-odontosarcoma: a case report

This paper reports one case, of an ameloblastic fibro-odontosarcoma (AFOS) affecting the mandible, in a 12-year-old girl. This neoplasm is a rare odontogenic neoplasm. To the authors' knowledge this is the fifteenth case of AFOS reported in English. The patient's chief complaint was a swelling in the face For 6 months. An incisional biopsy was performed diagnosing the case as all ameloblastic fibroma. After radiography ameloblastic fibro-odontoma was diagnosed. Computed tomography was performed and a stereolithography model made to plan the surgical procedures. A hemimandibulectomy followed by a vascularized fibular flap was then proposed. The surgery was uneventful. Microscopic features diagnosed an AFOS. After 23 months of close follow-up there is no sign of recurrence or metastasis. Dental implants were recently placed in the fibular flap.

Activity of the Ovarian Germinal Epithelium in the Freshwater Catfish, Pimelodus maculatus (Teleostei: Ostariophysi: Siluriformes): Germline Cysts, Follicle Formation and Oocyte Development

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

Gorlin-Goltz Syndrome and Neoplasms: A Case Study

Gorlin syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant disorder exhibiting high penetrance and variable expressivity. It is characterized by facial dysmorphism, skeletal anomalies, multiple basal cell carcinomas, odontogenic keratocysts (OKC), palmar and plantar pits, bifid ribs, vertebral anomalies and a variety of other malformations. Various neoplasms', such as medulloblastomas, meningiomas, ovarian and cardiac fibromas are also found in this syndrome. Objective: To describe a twelve-year-old patient with Gorlin-Goltz syndrome, with basal cell carcinomas and promyelocytic leukemia developed after receiving craniospinal radiation for a medulloblastoma. Mild ribs as well as mandibular and maxillar OKC were also diagnosed. Conclusion: The patient with Gorlin-Goltz syndrome should receive close follow-up for early detection of malformations and malignant neoplasias.

Incidência e tratamento dos cistos.

The records of 78 patients (1978-1987 period) submitted to surgical treatment of cysts, were analysed to verify the cyst location, etiology, types of cysts, and surgical techniques. There were made commentaries and orientations on the necessity of radiography, cytological and histopathological examination and post-operative radiological control.

Paralisia de corda vocal e cisto de tiroide

The authors present a rare case of vocal cord paralysis following thyroid cyst. The clinical diagnostic and evolution aspects are presented. The importance of precise evaluation of the thyroid gland in all cases of vocal cord paralysis is emphasized.

Cytoplasmic bridges, intercellular junctions, and individualization of germ cells during spermatogenesis in Dermatobia hominis (Diptera: Cuterebridae)

During mitotic and meiotic divisions in Dermatobia hominis spermatogenesis, the germ cells stay interlinked by cytoplasm, bridges as a result of incomplete cytokinesis. By the end of each division, cytoplasmic bridges flow to the center of the cyst, forming a complex, called the fusoma. During meiotic prophase I, spermatocytes I present desmosome-like junctions and meiotic cytoplasmic bridges. At the beginning of spermiogenesis, the fusoma moves to the future caudal end of the cyst, and at this time the early spermatids are linked by desmosome-like junctions. Throughout spermiogensis, new and sometimes broad cytoplasmic bridges are formed among spermatids at times making them share cytoplasm. In this case the individualization of cells is assured by the presence of smooth cisternae that outline then structures The more differentiated spermatids have in addition to narrow cytoplasmic bridges, plasmic membranes junctions. By the end of spermiogenesis the excess cytoplasmic mass is eliminated leading to spermatid individualization. Desmosome-like junctions of spermatocytes I and early spermatids appear during the fusoma readjustment and segregations; on the other hand, plasmic membrane junctions appear in differentiating spermatids and are eliminated along with the cytoplasmic excess. These circumstances suggest that belt desmosome-like and plasmic membrane junctions are involved in the maintenance of the relative positions of male germ cells in D. hominis while they are inside the cysts. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Severe forms of neurocysticercosis: Treatment with albeimdazole

Study of 22 patients with the severe form of neurocysticercosis treated with albendazole (ABZ) administered in 6 different schedules ranging from 15 to 30 mg/kg/day for 21 to 60 days. Dextrochloropheniramine and ketoprofen were the adjuvant drugs Multiple symptoms were observed in 90 9% of patients. Intracranial hypertension was manifested in 90.9%. Hydrocephaly occurred in 86.4%. Evolution was satisfactory in 10 patients, 8 died and 4 had sequelae. Tomographic studies showed the appearance of an isolated IVth ventricle in 9 patients, after ventriculoperitoneal shunt, before ABZ treatment in 3 of them, during in 5 and after treatment in one. Median clinical follow-up duration was 10 months for the patients who died and 3-4 years for survivors. In 3 patients there was an increase in cyst size during the administration of the 15 mg/kg/day ABZ dose, which was not observed in any patient when the 30 mg/kg/day dose was used.

Peripheral ameloblastoma.

A case of peripheral ameloblastoma in a 57-years-old woman is presented, along with a discussion of the clinical and histological characteristics of the lesion. After clinical and radiographic examinations, and with a differential diagnosis of pyogenic granuloma, an excisional biopsy was performed and the material collected was sent for histological examination. On the basis of the histopathological diagnosis, a second operation was performed with a wide safety margin, including bone tissue, which did not show any involvement with the odontogenic neoplasm.