From segment to somite: segmentation to epithelialization analyzed within quantitative frameworks.

One of the most visually striking patterns in the early developing embryo is somite segmentation. Somites form as repeated, periodic structures in pairs along nearly the entire caudal vertebrate axis. The morphological process involves short- and long-range signals that drive cell rearrangements and cell shaping to create discrete, epithelialized segments. Key to developing novel strategies to prevent somite birth defects that involve axial bone and skeletal muscle development is understanding how the molecular choreography is coordinated across multiple spatial scales and in a repeating temporal manner. Mathematical models have emerged as useful tools to integrate spatiotemporal data and simulate model mechanisms to provide unique insights into somite pattern formation. In this short review, we present two quantitative frameworks that address the morphogenesis from segment to somite and discuss recent data of segmentation and epithelialization.     

Investigation for a more virulent variant among the c:2b:P1.2,5 Spanish meningococcal epidemic strains by molecular epidemiology

A rise in the incidence of meningococcal disease has occurred in Spain in recent years, especially in some regions in the north-west of the country. Most cases have been caused by meningococci characterised as Neisseria meningitidis C:2b:P1.2,5. A total of 107 C:2b:P1.2,5 meningococcal isolates (60 from patients and 47 from carriers) and 12 isolates showing related antigenic combinations (C:2b:NST, C:2b:P1.2, C:2b:P1.5, C:NT:P1.2,5) was analysed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis to determine the genetic variability of the epidemic and related strains. Endonucleases BglII and NheI were used to cut chromosomal DNA. When BglII was used, most of the C:2b:P1.2,5 isolates showed the same pulsotype regardless of whether they were from clinical cases or carriers. Isolates showing the principal profile after digestion with endonuclease BglII were analysed with NheI. Four pulsotypes were identified, of which two were found in only one isolate each. The major profiles (1 and 2) showed differential distribution among clinical and carrier isolates; pulsotype 1 was the most frequent among clinical isolates. However, the proportions of isolates showing profiles 1 and 2 were similar among carrier isolates. This could indicate that there are two variants of the C:2b:P1.2,5 strain with differing pathogenicity.     

Different histopathological response to Arenovirus infection in thymectomized mice

Summary In this paper the survival and the histopathology of normal and thymectomized mice infected with some Arenoviruses is reported.Normal newborn mice infected intracerebrally with Junín, Machupo, Tacaribe and Amaparí virus showed similar histopathological changes in the central nervous system characterized by choroiditis, glial hyperplasia, vasculitis and perivasculitis with infiltration of lymphocytic cells.In thymectomized mice infected with Junín, Machupo and Tacaribe virus, there was no evidence of disease, survival reached almost 100% and no pathological alterations were observed in the brain.In contrast, thymectomized mice infected with Amaparí virus showed the same percentage of mortality and similar histopathological changes as non-thymectomized animals.This research was supported by Grant N 4908/71 from Consejo National de Investigaciones Cientificas y Técnicas, República Argentina, and by funds from Comisión Coordinadora para el estudio y lucha contra la Fiebre Hemorrágica Argentina de la Subseeretaría de Salud Pública, República Argentina.Chairman Department of Pathology, National Academy of Medicine, República Argentina.Members of Research Career from the Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Técnicas, República Argentina.     

Age-related changes of catecholamines and their metabolites content in the visual system of the rat

The changes in the content of the catecholamines in each structure of the geniculate and extrageniculate visual system of the rat during the aging period (6-30 months) have been studied. Dopamine was found at lower levels than noradrenaline in all the structures. The dopamine and noradrenaline showed different developmental profiles. Dopamine and its metabolite levels decreased in the lateral geniculate and visual cortex and increased in superior colliculus and posterior thalamus. Noradrenaline and its metabolites increased in all structures during the aging period. However, 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol/noradrenaline and normetanephrine/noradrenaline ratios decreased in all structures except in superior colliculus. These results suggest age-related changes in the catecholamines in the visual system of the rat.     

Autosomal dominant inheritance of adducted thumbs and other digital anomalies

Isolated adducted thumbs is an uncommon malformation that occurs sporadically in the majority of cases although some affected families have been reported. Previously, autosomal dominant inheritance was suggested in two familial cases, but this mode of inheritance has not been confirmed. Here we describe a family with adducted thumbs and other digital anomalies in which seven members (six females and one male) are affected in three consecutive generations. Additionally, the patients showed mild abnormalities of fingers 2nd–4th bilaterally and hypoplasia of the middle phalanx of the 5th fingers. This family represents an autosomal dominant condition that apparently has not been previously reported.     

Evaluating Differences in Whole Blood,Serum, and Urine Screening Tests for Zika Virus,Puerto Rico,USA, 2016

We evaluated nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) for Zika virus on whole-blood specimens compared with NAAT on serum and urine specimens among asymptomatic pregnant women during the 2015–2016 Puerto Rico Zika outbreak. Using NAAT, more infections were detected in serum and urine than in whole blood specimens.     

Disrespect and Abuse in Obstetric Care in Mexico: An Observational Study of Deliveries in Four Hospitals

Maternal and Child Health Journal - To identify and describe the frequency and characteristics of disrespect and abuse practices towards women during facility-based delivery in four hospitals in...     

Liver-First Approach for Synchronous Colorectal Metastases: Analysis of 7360 Patients from the LiverMetSurvey Registry

Annals of Surgical Oncology - The liver-first approach in patients with synchronous colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) has gained wide consensus but its role is still to be clarified. We aimed to...     

Cytomegalovirus DNAemia and risk of mortality in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: Analysis from the Spanish Hematopoietic Transplantation and Cell Therapy Group

The net impact of cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNAemia on overall mortality (OM) and nonrelapse mortality (NRM) following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) remains a matter of debate. This was a retrospective, multicenter, noninterventional study finally including 749 patients. CMV DNA monitoring was conducted by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. Clinical outcomes of interest were OM and NRM through day 365 after allo-HSCT. The cumulative incidence of CMV DNAemia in this cohort was 52.6%. A total of 306 out of 382 patients with CMV DNAemia received preemptive antiviral therapy (PET). PET use for CMV DNAemia, but not the occurrence of CMV DNAemia, taken as a qualitative variable, was associated with increased OM and NRM in univariate but not in adjusted models. A subcohort analysis including patients monitored by the COBAS Ampliprep/COBAS Taqman CMV Test showed that OM and NRM were comparable in patients in whom either low or high plasma CMV DNA threshold (<500 vs ≥500 IU/mL) was used for PET initiation. In conclusion, CMV DNAemia was not associated with increased OM and NRM in allo-HSCT recipients. The potential impact of PET use on mortality was not proven but merits further research.