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Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) is the most common malignant skin tumour in cats and the nature of the molecular mechanisms involved is poorly defined. Included among the molecular mechanisms in human and canine CSCCs is altered expression of E-cadherin/β-catenin. This study aimed to explore the immunohistochemical expression pattern of E-cadherin and β-catenin in 43 samples of feline CSCC by using a tissue microarray to elucidate whether expression of these molecules is dysregulated. Membrane expression of E-cadherin and membrane and cytoplasmic expression of β-catenin were significantly reduced in the CSCCs. Cytoplasmic expression of E-cadherin and nuclear expression of β-catenin were also found in some CSCCs. These findings indicate that altered expression of E-cadherin and β-catenin is a frequent event in feline CSCCs, suggesting that these molecules play an important role in acquisition of the malignant phenotype in feline patients with CSCC. The results also suggest the existence of a subpopulation of feline patients with CSCC in which the Wnt pathway may contribute to epidermal carcinogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The organic matter (OM) of surface sediments (0-2 cm) from the Santos Basin was characterized by employing elemental (C, N, P), isotopic (513C and 515N), biochemical (total carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids), and pigment (chlorophyll-a and phaeopigments) proxies, as part of the Santos Project - The Santos Basin Regional Environmental Characterization (PCR-BS) - coordinated by PETROBRAS. Samples were collected in a regional scale throughout the entire basin, including 11 isobaths from eight cross-margin transects ranging from 25 to 2,400 m water depths, and 12 additional samples obtained from the São Paulo Plateau. The aims of this study were two-fold, namely, to identify the major oceanographic and depositional processes driving OM transport and accumulation and to provide information on OM origin and availability to benthic secondary producers. The multiple employed proxies and the use of machine learning allowed to categorize distinct OM accumulation provinces displaying two major regional features: shallow sediments (< 50-m isobaths) are OM-poor (TOC < 2.0 mg g-1) but the available amount is readily hydrolysable, and mid-shelf deposits (75-m and 100-m isobaths) throughout the entire basin present muddy and OM-rich sediments (TOC ranging from 7.0 to 14.0 mg g-1) seemingly available to heterotrophs. Similarly, relatively OM-rich deposits are found at depths ranging from 700 to 1,300-m isobaths throughout the basin, but their composition and nutritional value (as suggested by biochemical indicators) are not related to mid-shelf deposits. The general overview of OM accumulation and composition provided herein validated the selected organic geochemical proxies for benthic ecology studies at the shelf and deep ocean sectors of the studied region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research study sought to evaluate aimed at evaluating the possible advantages of using Fuzzy Logic as opposed to Boolean Logic to assess environmental contamination and source appraisal for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). Results obtained through traditional assessment tools for two different tropical coastal areas through using traditional clustering and principal components analysis were compared with those derived from the Fuzzy Logic, using the by Fuzzy C-means algorithm. The feedings achieved through Fuzzy Logic showed a greater qualitative detail than those derived from traditional tools. The abrupt and unnatural changes obtained from the usual classification methods were avoided by having membership values varying continuously in space, providing a more accurate picture of environmental contamination in complex and multiple sources environments. Furthermore, by not depending on statistic suppositions distribution of data like other methods, becomes more suitable for environmental data. Although Fuzzy Logic does not produce quantitative interpretations, its application generates adequate the data needed to avoid environmental management bias in the inference of contamination sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A scientific cruise between November 15 and December 18, 2019 aboard R/V Vital de Oliveira collected offshore seawater samples at 59 stations between the states of Ceará and Bahia. The objective was to identify hydrocarbon levels potentially associated with the mysterious oil spill that reached the northeastern coast of Brazil. Median concentrations of aliphatic hydrocarbons (AHs, 0.79 µg L-1) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs, 5.39 ng L-1) do not indicate contamination by crude oil and are comparable to baseline levels previously found in other areas of the Brazilian continental margin. The detailed composition of both groups of hydrocarbons revealed that some samples were contaminated during sampling and/or handling on-board. The data set presented herein highlights the diffculty in tracking small oil patches spread over a huge ocean area and, more importantly, the need for improving protocols of national research vessels used to collect seawater samples for trace organic analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Tecnología y Ciencias del Agua is the property of Instituto Mexicano de Tecnologia del Agua (IMTA) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Clinically relevant epidermal tumours in dogs include cutaneous papillomas (CPs) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (CSCCs). The development of CPs and CSCCs involves dysregulation in expression of E-cadherin/β-catenin; however, knowledge about the contribution of these molecules to epidermal tumourigenesis in dogs is limited. This study examined the immunohistochemical expression pattern of E-cadherin/β-catenin in samples of normal canine epidermis, CPs, preneoplastic epidermis and CSCCs, using tissue microarrays, in order to elucidate whether the dysregulated expression of these molecules may contribute to the pathogenesis of clinically relevant epidermal tumours in dogs. We also investigated the correlation between the immunohistochemical expression pattern of E-cadherin/β-catenin in these tissue microarrays to further evaluate whether the disruption of the adherens junction interactions plays a relevant role in canine epidermal tumourigenesis. In samples of CP and preneoplastic epidermis, the membrane immunoreactivity of E-cadherin/β-catenin was conserved, while in CSCC, the immunoreactivity of these molecules was significantly reduced, independently of the tumour location. There was significant correlation between the membrane expression of E-cadherin/β-catenin in CSCC. β-catenin also showed cytoplasmic and nuclear expression in samples of CP, preneoplastic epidermis and CSCC. These results support the hypothesis that dysregulated expression of E-cadherin/β-catenin may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of relevant canine epidermal tumours, not only due to the disruption of the intercellular adherens junctions, but also due to the dysregulated activity of the signalling pathways in which these molecules are involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diagnosis of early invasive breast cancer relies on radiology and clinical evaluation, supplemented by biopsy confirmation. At least three issues burden this approach: a) suboptimal sensitivity and suboptimal positive predictive power of radiology screening and diagnostic approaches, respectively; b) invasiveness of biopsy with discomfort for women undergoing diagnostic tests; c) long turnaround time for recall tests. In the screening setting, radiology sensitivity is suboptimal, and when a suspicious lesion is detected and a biopsy is recommended, the positive predictive value of radiology is modest. Recent technological advances in medical imaging, especially in the field of artificial intelligence applied to image analysis, hold promise in addressing clinical challenges in cancer detection, assessment of treatment response, and monitoring disease progression. Radiomics include feature extraction from clinical images; these features are related to tumor size, shape, intensity, and texture, collectively providing comprehensive tumor characterization, the so-called radiomics signature of the tumor. Radiomics is based on the hypothesis that extracted quantitative data derives from mechanisms occurring at genetic and molecular levels. In this article we focus on the role and potential of radiomics in breast cancer diagnosis and prognostication. • In the screening setting, radiology sensitivity is suboptimal. • Artificial intelligence hold promise in cancer diagnosis and prognostication. • Radiomics include feature extraction from clinical images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The molecular mechanisms contributing to the development of cutaneous papillomas (CPs) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (CSCCs) are still poorly understood, limiting the ability to identify molecular suitable targets for the development of novel therapies. Persistent activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) signalling pathway is a component of epidermal carcinogenesis in dogs. The present study describes the immunohistochemical expression pattern of two key regulatory molecules involved in the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway, phosphorylated epidermal growth factor receptor (pEGFR)Tyr1068 and phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN), in samples of normal canine epidermis, CP, preneoplastic epidermis and CSCC using tissue microarrays to determine whether the deregulated activity of these molecules is involved in the pathogenesis of these relevant epidermal tumours of dogs. Expression of pEGFR and PTEN was dysregulated in most samples of CP, preneoplastic epidermis and CSCC. Overexpression of pEGFR, together with decreased expression of PTEN, may facilitate the progression of some canine CPs and CSCCs by deregulation of the key cellular functions in which the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway is involved. These findings suggest that the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling molecules may be potential therapeutic targets for canine patients with CP and CSCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Veterinaria is the property of Universidad Nacional del Nordeste and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contamination is ubiquitous and comprises a significant worldwide concern in ecological and Public Health frameworks. Many aquatic biota representatives have been reported as contaminated by these toxic compounds, including one of the most threatened vertebrate groups, elasmobranchs (sharks and rays). Although elasmobranchs play important ecological roles and provide significant ecosystem services, they are highly consumed and comprise a cheap source of protein for humans globally. Studies concerning elasmobranch PAH contamination are, however, notably lacking. A systematic review was, thus, conducted herein to assess PAH elasmobranch contamination and discuss potential human health risks following the Preferred Reporting Item Statement Guidelines for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines applying the Population (P), Intervention (I), Comparison I, and Outcome (O) (PICO) strategy. A total of 86 published papers were retrieved by this method and analyzed. Only nine studies of this total concerned PAH elasmobranch contamination, assessed in 10 shark species and one ray species, with only one study calculating human health risks. A significant knowledge gap is, thus, noted for this subject, indicating the need to monitor PAH elasmobranch contamination in consumed shark and ray species worldwide. • PAH contamination in elasmobranchs is poorly studied. • Human health risks from elasmobranch PAH contamination are mostly neglected. • A systematic literature review retrieved 86 studies on fish PAH contamination. • Only nine concerned elasmobranchs, and only one calculated human health risks. • Efforts to monitor PAH contamination in elasmobranchs are clearly paramount. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sea turtles are affected by pollutants worldwide, and the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have been detected in different types of samples and at high levels in some cases. The present study brings concentrations of 37 PAHs in liver samples of 17 green turtles Chelonia mydas stranded in northeastern Brazil [four with cutaneous tumors of fibropapillomatosis (FP), being classified as FP+]. Six PAHs were detected in 100% of the liver samples, and all alkylated PAHs were frequently quantified. High levels of phenanthrene (771.20 and 794.43 ng g−1 d.w.) and fluorene (1882.36 ng g−1 d.w.) were found in three females FP- (without FP cutaneous tumors). On the other hand, one green turtle FP+ had the higher level of naphthalene (531.70 ng g−1 d.w.), compound detected in 82.35 % of the samples. Our study brings additional baseline of organic pollutants in green turtles, improving knowledge on bioaccumulation of these compounds in sea turtles. • Six PAHs were detected in 100 % of liver samples of 17 stranded green turtles. • Specimens analyzed including those with and without fibropapillomatosis (FP). • All monitored alkylated PAHs were frequently quantified. • High levels of phenanthrene and fluorene were found in three females without FP. • One green turtle with FP had the higher level of naphthalene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory tract infection caused by a newly emergent coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. The acute phase may be followed by a second phase actually not yet completely understood but probably associated to an autoimmune activation. At the moment is not possible to clearly define an association between immunological findings and pathological symptoms, however, this case report describes the case of a patient who following COVID-19 infection development autoimmune antibodies who persist in time longer than viral phase. Those antibodies can be responsible for the multi pathological clinical picture showed from our patient that, according to EULAR 2019 criteria, could be classified as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). SLE is probably one of the possible chronic rheumatologic diseases triggers by COVID-19 and this is the first case of SLE with vasculitis actually described in literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Argentina there is little information about diseases that affect exotic ungulates and the health risks that they pose to native wildlife, livestock, and humans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the health status of red deer (Cervus elaphus) in the Nahuel Huapi National Park and surrounding areas in Patagonia, Argentina. During three consecutive hunting seasons, necropsies were performed on 101 red deer, and tissues were examined histologically. The most common lesions were those associated with hepatic and pulmonary parasites. Fasciola hepatica was observed in 15 red deer and was associated with cholangiohepatitis (8%) and/or cholangitis (10%). Dictyocaulus sp. (likely Dictyocaulus eckerti) was associated with interstitial pneumonia (5%), bronchitis (5%), pulmonary emphysema (13%), and bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue hyperplasia (13%). Other findings included Sarcocystis spp. cysts in the myocardium (89%) associated with interstitial, focal, lymphoplasmacytic myocarditis (8%); periportal lymphoplasmacytic hepatitis (8%); hepatic centrilobular necrosis (6%); lymphoplasmacytic interstitial nephritis (25%); and follicular hyperplasia in mediastinal, prescapular, and prefemoral lymph nodes (86%). Our report of lesions caused by endemic parasites of livestock in free-ranging exotic red deer in Patagonia sets the foundation for a health-monitoring and -surveillance system of wildlife in this region, which is essential for the sustainable management of threatened Argentinean native fauna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to analyze the concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in populations of the shellfish Anomalocardia brasiliana and oysters Crassostrea rhizophorae three years after the 2019 oil spill, as well as evaluate histopathological changes on the gill tissues of the bivalves. Individuals of both species were sampled at points along the northern and southern coast of Pernambuco, Brazil. The permanence of oil residues was confirmed, evidenced by the total concentration of PAHs in the shellfish from the northern coast, which was roughly four times higher than the southern one. Among the PAHs analyzed, the low molecular weight compounds naphthalene and anthracene were the main contributors to the total concentration. Histological changes in the gills of the bivalves, were more severe in the specimens sampled on the north coast indicating alterations in the bivalve's health, mainly on the state's northern coast. • Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon concentrations decreased after three years on the Pernambuco coast; • Low molecular weight PAHs naphthalene and anthracene persisted on the wet tissues of the bivalves; • Histological changes in the gills of the bivalves were more severe in the northern Pernambuco coast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were quantified in harbors sediments from SE Brazil. The aims were to (i) compare harbors with distinct sizes and under the influence of different environmental pressures with respect to the sources and level of hydrocarbon contamination and (ii) evaluate the potential of adverse biological effects of sediment contamination by PAHs, based on sediment quality guidelines and toxicity equivalence quotient. The concentrations of total aliphatics (39.9 μg g − 1 ; 22.9–113 μg g − 1 ) and total PAHs (727 ng g − 1 ; 366–1760 ng g − 1 ) varied according to the size of and urban development around each harbor. Mixed contamination by petrogenic and pyrolytic hydrocarbons, and input of biogenic compounds, indicated the influence of both harbor activities and a myriad of urban, industrial and atmospheric inputs. The quality of sediment poses a risk to benthic biological communities, and, if dredged, this material may cause environmental damage in the waste disposal area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Tecnología y Ciencias del Agua is the property of Instituto Mexicano de Tecnologia del Agua (IMTA) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Primary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma (pcFCL) usually presents with reddish nodules, plaques, and tumors on the head and neck or the back.Objective: We sought to describe a peculiar clinical presentation of pcFCL and secondary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma (FCL).Methods: We report a series of 13 patients (7 male and 6 female; median age 58 years, mean age 58.2 years, age range 26-83 years) with either pcFCL (11 patients) or secondary cutaneous FCL (2 patients) presenting with lesions on the head deviating from the classic clinical manifestations characterized by plaques and tumors.Results: All patients presented clinically with diffuse, ill-defined, partly hypochromic, partly erythematous macules or with inconspicuous lesions located predominantly on the scalp and forehead. Dimension ranged between 4 to 5 cm2 and greater than 30 cm2. The initial diagnosis was never cutaneous lymphoma, and all patients received various diagnoses including rosacea, alopecia, erysipelas, discoid lupus erythematosus, angiosarcoma, Borrelia infection, or sarcoidosis. Histologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of FCL in all patients.Limitations: Small number of cases and retrospective study design are limitations.Conclusions: This clinical presentation of both pcFCL and secondary cutaneous FCL is unusual and represents a pitfall in the clinical diagnosis. Dermatologists should be aware of this clinical variant of FCL to establish a timely diagnosis and treat patients properly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]