Isolation of 13 novel highly polymorphic microsatellite loci for the Amazonian Palm Mauritia flexuosa L.f. (Arecaceae)

Mauritia flexuosa L.f. (Arecaceae) is a New World tropical palm that generally grows in isolated swamps along meandering rivers and is in danger of fragmentation through unsustainable harvest practices. To explore gene flow among populations of M. flexuosa in Amazonia, we developed 13 novel, polymorphic microsatellite loci for M. flexuosa. Further studies will employ these loci to investigate the impacts of artisanal gold mining and wild-harvest on gene flow among populations of M. flexuosa.     

Pollutant particles induce arginase II in human bronchial epithelial cells

Exposure to particulate matter (PM) is associated with adverse pulmonary effects, including induction and exacerbation of asthma. Recently arginase was shown to play an important role in the pathogenesis of asthma. In this study, it was postulated that PM exposure might induce arginase. Human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEC) obtained from normal individuals by endobronchial brushings cultured on an air-liquid interface were incubated with fine Chapel Hill particles (PM?.?, 100 μg/ml) for up to 72 h. Arginase activity, protein expression, and mRNA of arginase I and arginase II were measured. PM?.? increased arginase activity in a time-dependent manner. The rise was primarily due to upregulation of arginase II. PD153035 (10 μM), an epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor antagonist, attenuated the PM?.?-induced elevation in arginase activity and arginase II expression. Treatment of HBEC with human EGF increased arginase activity and arginase II expression. Pretreatment with catalase (200 U/ml), superoxide dismutase (100 U/ml), or apocynin (5 μg/ml), an NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitor, did not markedly affect arginase II expression. Treatment of HBEC with arginase II siRNA inhibited the expression of arginase II by 60% and increased IL-8 release induced by PM?.?. These results indicate that PM exposure upregulates arginase II activity and expression in human bronchial epithelial cells, in part via EGF-dependent mechanisms independent of oxidative stress. The elevated arginase II activity and expression may be a mechanism underlying adverse effects induced by PM exposure in asthma patients.     

A pin in appendix within Amyand's hernia in a six-years-old boy: case report and review of literature

Introduction  

Presence of vermiform appendix (non-inflamed or inflamed) in inguinal hernia is called Amyand's hernia in honor to surgeon C. Amyand who published the first case of perforated appendicitis within inguinal hernia in a boy caused by ingested pin. This presentation of foreign body Amyand's hernia appendicitis is very rare, and here we present such a case.     

A rare case of anophthalmia without any family history and antenatal risk factors

Anophthalmia is a rare genetic disorder. It is defined as the absence of one or both eyes in a patient. It can be unilateral or bilateral. Based on the absence of anatomical structures, it is divided into primary, secondary, and degenerative anophthalmia. It occurs in an infant with a diabetic mother or any exposure to teratogens. Most of the patients have a positive family history of anophthalmia or related genetic disorder. Its diagnosis is crucial as there is a similar condition called micro ophthalmia. Sometimes it is difficult to differentiate between severe microphthalmia and anophthalmia. We present a case of a 5-day-old infant diagnosed with bilateral anophthalmia. In the majority of the cases of bilateral anophthalmia the patients usually have a positive family history of antenatal exposure to teratogenic substances. But in our case, no family history or antenatal teratogenic exposure was noted.     

Mixed germ cell tumor of the pineal gland in a pediatric patient

Tumors of the pineal region are a rare clinical entity, comprising approximately 3%-8% of pediatric tumors. Based on their histopathological features, they are typically classified as pineal parenchymal tumors and germ cell tumors, with the latter being more prevalent. Clinical presentation is heterogeneous, with symptoms arising either due to tumor invasion or compression of adjacent neurovascular structures and increased intracranial pressure. Imaging studies are paramount in evaluating pineal region lesions and establishing an accurate diagnosis, with MRI representing the gold standard. Herein, we present the case of a 16-year-old boy presented with recurrent headaches. A head MRI revealed a pineal gland lesion. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis, and the patient underwent a successful gross total resection (GTR) of the tumor. This case report seeks to draw attention to the elusive clinical presentation and management of this infrequently encountered tumor, as well as emphasize the importance of considering pineal gland tumors in the differential diagnosis of recurrent, chronic headaches in pediatric patients.     

Trigeminal neuralgia caused by Dandy-walker malformation: A case report and systematic review of the literature

Trigeminal neuralgia is a pain condition that affects the face along the distribution of the trigeminal nerve and can be recurrent and chronic. Dandy-Walker syndrome is a complex congenital brain anomaly that occurs during embryonic development of the cerebellum and the fourth ventricle. It is characterized by inferior cerebellar vermis hypoplasia and incomplete formation of the fourth ventricle. Dandy-Walker Syndrome is associated with comorbid genetic conditions. It can include congenital heart defects, eye abnormalities, intellectual disability, congenital tumors, and other brain defects such as agenesis of the corpus callosum. However, associations of trigeminal neuralgia and Dandy Walker syndrome have been an infrequent entity. Herein, we report a case of a 23-year-old female patient that presented with complaints of severe left orofacial pain over two years. MRI evaluation was consistent with Dandy-Walker malformation findings that we suspect caused the compression in the trigeminal root entry zone that ultimately gave rise to the patient''s symptoms.