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Objetivo: Desarrollar un modelo probabilístico basado en redes bayesianas para la predicción de la diabetes mellitus en mujeres. Métodos: Se utilizaron varios métodos entre ellos el análisis exploratorio de datos, el preprocesamiento de datos, el modelado de la red bayesiana, la validación del modelo y la optimización del modelo para su mejor predicción y se exploró la posibilidad de mejorar su sensibilidad para detectar a todas las personas con diabetes Mellitus. Resultados: indican que el modelo de redes bayesianas tiene una precisión aceptable en la detección de la diabetes mellitus en mujeres, con un valor predictivo positivo del 69,57%, un valor predictivo negativo del 79,93% y una tasa de error del 23,18%. Sin embargo, se observa una necesidad de mejorar la sensibilidad del modelo para detectar a todas las personas con la enfermedad también se encontró que el modelo tiene una tasa de error del 23,18%, lo que indica que el modelo tiene un error del 23,18% en la clasificación de casos, por otro lado, los resultados de la regla de puntuación proporcionan información adicional sobre el desempeño del modelo, la pérdida logarítmica de 0,4904 y la pérdida cuadrática de 0,3222 indican que el modelo tiene un buen rendimiento en la clasificación de los casos, ya que estas medidas de pérdida son bajas. Además, el resultado esférico de 0,8196 indica que el modelo tiene una buena capacidad para discriminar entre las diferentes clases de la variable dependiente por tanto el modelo probabilístico basado en redes bayesianas es una herramienta prometedora para la predicción temprana de la diabetes mellitus Conclusiones: La construcción de un modelo probabilístico basado en redes bayesianas para la predicción de diabetes Mellitus ha demostrado ser una herramienta útil para la identificación temprana de la diabetes mellitus ya que el modelo cuenta con una precisión aceptable y un buen rendimiento en la clasificación de casos, se necesita mejorar su sensibilidad para detectar a todas las personas con diabetes, se destaca la importancia de seguir investigando en este campo para mejorar la precisión de los modelos y lograr una detección temprana más efectiva de la enfermedad.

15 Pág., A new approach to modelling epidemics of brown rot caused by Monilinia spp. in Ebro Valley peach orchards has been developed. This compartmental model was subdivided according to the phenological stages in which the disease can develop (blossom, immature fruit, and ripe fruit). Information host susceptibility, primary and secondary inoculum sources and latent infections in immature fruit was taken into account. The compartmental model is described by a system of differential equations, and is simple enough to allow an analytical study of the main epidemiological factors that determine the rate of disease progress during a single growing season. The proposed model fits well to the epidemic pattern of brown rot observed in north-eastern Spain. The transmission of the disease as a non-linear term implied that small changes in the infection rate had a large effect on the development of the disease. The model has confirmed the usefulness of removing mummies (infected fruit that remains in the crop during winter) from the field to reduce the final incidence of the disease. In addition, all control measures that reduce the rate of secondary infection in ripe fruit, either through the use of more resistant varieties or the use of fungicides, are effective in reducing brown rot incidence. The proposed epidemic model is flexible and allows to add complexities to the system and evaluate the effectiveness of different control strategies., This study was supported by grant PID2020-115702RB-C21 and AGL2017-84389-C2-2-R from the Ministry of Science and Innovation (Spain).

Biological control appears to be a suitable strategy to contribute to sustainable crop and forest management. Different “old” and “new” solutions are discussed for controlling soilborne, open-air and greenhouse aerial diseases. The question remains as to whether success can be derived from the application of biological disease control sensu stricto (i.e., distribution in the form of biopesticides) or whether successful use of biological control requires broader considerations to include methods that rely upon management of the endemic microbial resource in agricultural, particularly soil, systems. Different old and new approaches are discussed. Approaches examining a “community perspective” seem to have more challenges.

Biological control using microorganism shows great potential as an eco-friendly and feasible alternative to replace, or at least diminish, the application of chemicals for plant pathogen control. Understanding the mechanisms involved in the interaction between any biological control agents (BCAs), host and target plant pathogen is crucial to enhance and extend the use of these organisms in agriculture. Recently, modern molecular technologies have allowed researchers to explore nature as never before, providing powerful approaches to characterize BCA’s modes of action. Among these new methodological approaches are the group of disciplines known under the term of “omics”, which include all areas of life sciences that take particular biomolecular sets as study objects (e.g., DNA, RNA, proteins or secondary metabolites), and that use high-throughput procedures for their approach. In this context, this chapter focuses on compiling common procedures used to carry out omic studies, with special emphasis on the research and development of BCAs against fungal plant pathogens. Thus, the importance of genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic and metabolomic knowledge is underlined in order to understand the molecular reasons that make bacteria, and fungi useful in biological control, as well as to gather information about how multipartite relations work, all central aspects to turn agriculture into a productive, sustainable, environmentally friendly and resilient system. In addition, we summarize and exemplify studies with a BCA, Penicillium rubens strain 212 (PO212) effective against different diseases in horticultural crops. We are using several of these new technologies to improve our knowledge on the action mode of this BCA.

Parrotfish are amongst the most abundant teleost species in the Gulf of California, and yet their feeding ecology and the impact they have on the reef ecosystems in this region remain unknown. Here, a well-established computational model of jaw biomechanics in fishes (MandibLever 4.0) was used to simulate the mandibular dynamics during feeding of the two dominant reef-dwelling parrotfish species in the Gulf of California (Scarus ghobban and S. perrico), and to infer, to some extent, their potential ecological role. A total of 52 specimens were collected from six localities in La Paz Bay and the Los Cabos region between March and October 2015. The model predicted a greater jaw closing force and power in the bite of S. perrico, but a higher mandibular rotating velocity in S. ghobban. The calculated differences in their bite dynamics suggest that these two species may exploit different food resources, driven by food hardness. Moreover, the variation in their mandibular morphology and predicted feeding behavior might imply the presence in the Gulf of California of the two previously described functional groups found in reef-dwelling parrotfishes: excavators and scrapers. As an excavator, S. perrico would be functioning as one of the major agents of external bioerosion in the rocky reefs of the Gulf of California, whereas, as a scraper, S. ghobban would facilitate the reworking and hydrological transport of fine sediments. This work lays the foundation for future studies on the feeding ecology and impact of parrotfishes on the reefs of the Gulf of California.

Necrotrophic phytopathogenic fungi secrete degrading enzymes and phytotoxins to penetrate and colonise plant tissues. Since knowledge on the pathogenic processes of brown rot in fruit which becomes infected by Monilinia spp. is limited, we undertook an investigation whose aims were to detect: (i) the degrading enzymes of Monilinia spp. when cultured on media amended with different substrates, and (ii) the phytotoxins which are secreted by Monilinia fructicola, M. fructigena and M. laxa in brown rot-infected fruit. The sporulation and growth of 10 M. fructicola isolates, 9 M. fructigena isolates, and 10 M. laxa isolates plates, which contained 25 mL 2% (w/v) bacteriological agar, 0.67% (w/v) yeast nitrogen base, and 1% (w/v) of one of the following substrates: (1) β1–3 glucan (callose), (2) casein hydrolysate, (3) cutin, (4) methylcellulose, (5) apple pectin, (6) polygalacturonic acid sodium salt, (7) D(+)-sucrose, and (8) xylan were determined in order to detect the degrading enzymes. To look for the phytotoxins, the juice of nectarines that were inoculated with conidial suspensions M. fructicola, M. fructigena and M. laxa were subjected to liquid-liquid extraction with different organic solvents. The extracts were tested for their ability to cause necrosis on nectarine discs and the ones with a positive response were analysed by high performance liquid chromatography with DAD and MS spectrometer detectors and different fractions were collected to delimit metabolites. We found that Monilinia spp. secrete phytotoxins with a molar mass between 329 and 387 g mol−1 and degrading enzymes (cutinases, α-glucosidases, pectin lyases, polygalacturonases, proteases, and xylanases) for penetrating the fruit surface and invading and colonising fruit tissues.

The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the physical and chemical properties of pomegranate fruits, of the arils and seeds of six pomegranate clones grown in Spain. Some organoleptic and nutritive parameters related to fruit quality (total soluble solids, TSS, total acidity, TA, organic acids and sugars), the content of bioactive compounds (total phenolics, TP), as well as the total antioxidant activity (TAA) due to hydrophilic (H-TAA) and lipophilic (L-TAA) compounds have been determined in pomegranate fruits. The results showed significant differences between clones. Cluster analysis made possible to classify them into three different groups (i) ‘239’ and ‘248’, (ii) ‘511’ and ‘249’ and (iii) ‘351’ and ‘PR8’. All pomegranate clones studied showed promising and interesting physico-chemical properties for both fresh consumption and industrialisation. The sour clones ‘239’ and ‘248’ can be used as a source for nutraceutical substances production, while the sweet pomegranate clones (‘249’, ‘511’, ‘351’ and ‘PR8’) can be used for production of fresh juice with a high potential of health benefit. Differences among clones are attributed to genetics because they were cultivated under homogeneous conditions.

To assess the genetic relationships of Botrytis cinerea populations in Almeria (Spain), 44 isolates of B. cinerea, collected from six commercial greenhouses (subpopulations), were analysed by Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and amplified-fragment length polymorphism (AFLP). Polymorphisms were more frequently detected per primer with AFLP than with RAPD (16 compared to 4). However, RAPD detected polymorphisms more frequently per loci than AFLP (56% compared to 32%). The analysis of population structure revealed that the genetic diversity within subpopulations (HS) accounted for 96% of the total genetic diversity (HT) , while genetic diversity among subpopulations represented only 4% of the total diversity, independently of whether they were analysed with RAPD or AFLP markers. The relative magnitude of gene differentiation between subpopulations (GST) and the estimate of the number of migrants per generation (Nm) averaged similar values when estimated with RAPD or AFLP markers (0.039 and 0.036, or 12.32 and 13.39, respectively). The results obtained in dendrograms were in accordance with the gene diversity analysis. However, the diversity of B. cinerea was higher when analysed by RAPD than with AFLP. In these cases, the isolates could not be grouped by greenhouse or fungicide resistance (except those sensitive to carbendazim and resistant to procymidone). Both the RAPD and AFLP technologies are suitable for studies of genetic structure of B. cinerea populations, although RAPD generated more polymorphisms per loci than AFLP, and provided a better explanation of the genetic relationships between isolates.

Mating behaviour and vegetative compatibility were studied in Spanish populations of Botryotinia fuckeliana. Fifty-seven isolates out of the 61 tested were sexually fertile with one or more of the reference strains of known mating type (MAT1-1 or MAT1-2). Thirty-nine isolates were heterothallic, giving fertile crosses when mated with the MAT1-1 (24 isolates) or the MAT1-2 (15 isolates) reference strain. Eighteen isolates crossed successfully with both MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 reference strains, and were referred to as homothallic or MAT1-1/2. Both mating types were widespread, being represented in isolates from two regions, from the same and different greenhouses, from different hosts, and from different years of isolation. Isolates were paired on Malt Extract Agar + NaCl to evaluate vegetative compatibility. Most of the paired isolates were unable to fuse and showed a different reaction of incompatibility. Nitrate-non-utilising (nit) mutants were selected by growth on a medium amended with 30–50gl−1 potassium chlorate. Over 600 chlorate-resistant sectors were recovered from 40 isolates at a mean frequency of 0.15–2.39 sectors per colony, but only 11% were identified as nit mutants by their thin growth with no aerial mycelium on minimal medium. However, most of these nit mutants reverted to wild type during six months of storage on chlorate-amended medium. Genetic complementation between nit mutants occurred only in two cases between mutants from the same isolate.

The suppression of fusarium wilt of tomato achieved by Penicillium oxalicum (PO) applied one or several times (up to four) was assessed during three glasshouse experiments. The first application of PO (106 conidia g-1 substrate) to the growing substrate (peat and vermiculite, 1 : 1, v : v) was performed prior to its infestation with Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (FOL) (104–106 chlamydospores g-1). Repeated applications of PO prolonged the duration of control of fusarium wilt especially when disease incidence was high. The timing of repeated applications of PO did not affect the efficacy of the control. Disease reduction was not associated with a decrease in density of FOL in the rhizosphere, irrespective of the number of applications of PO. Density of PO in the tomato rhizosphere was higher when repeated applications were made. No relationship was observed between reduction of disease and high densities of PO. Reasons for a longer disease reduction in tomato plants following several applications with PO are discussed.

The relative importance of sclerotia and mycelia of Botrytis cinerea Pers ex Fr. as structures of survival in southeastern Spanish greenhouses was investigated. Sclerotia were not found in the SE region, neither on plant debris nor on living plant material, suggesting it may serve only a minor role in epidemic development. B. cinerea survived mostly as mycelium. The percentage of artificially inoculated tomato stem pieces from which mycelium was recovered, was used to quantify its survival rate. Outside the greenhouses, mycelium survived in 33% and 5% of the tomato stem pieces 110 days after inoculation in 1995 and 1997, respectively. After the same number of days inside the greenhouses, no mycelium was recovered from stem pieces in 1995, and in 1997 only 7% of the stem pieces contained mycelium. Survival of mycelium outside and inside the greenhouses was significantly (P < 0.05) different after 47, 83, and 110 days of exposure to field conditions in 1995, but they were not different in 1997. Under controlled conditions, mycelium of B. cinerea lost viability at 100% relative humidity at temperatures ranging from 5 to 40°C, suggesting that air temperature and relative humidity accounted for loss of viability of mycelium.

Summary As in other temperate species, the pomegranate tree shows different phenological characteristics through its vegetative cycle in response to changing temperature. This phenology has been studied as a basis for comparisons of the successive stages of growth and reproduction in different geographical areas and conditions. The variety Mollar de Elche was studied, since it is grown on more than 95% of the total area devoted to this crop in Spain. Thirteen phenologicalstages were identified during the annual cycle, starting at bud in dormancy and finishing a year later with leaf fall. These stages are denoted using the BBCH General Scale which uses numerical codes to represent particular stages. The code uses a two-digit number to describe the different phenological states and makes it possible to distinguish between principal and secondary stages of development. The duration of stages was measured in days and as accumulated degree-day.

The fatty acid composition of the seed oils of six pomegranate (Punica granatum L) cultivars was qualitatively and quantitatively determined by gas chromatography. The seeds contained oil in the range 51-152 mg kg -1 dry matter. Intervarietal differences in fatty acid composition were demonstrated (fatty acid esters as % (w/w) total fatty acid esters. Sour varieties had the highest while sour-sweet varieties had the lowest oil content. Eleven fatty acids were identified. In all varieties, the predominant fatty acids were linoleic (25.2-38.6%) and oleic acid (24.8-35.5%) followed by palmitic (18.2-22.6%), stearic (6.9-10.4%) and linolenic acid (0.6-9.9%). To a lesser extent arachidic (1.1-3.4%) and palmitoleic acid (0.2-2.7%) were also found in all varieties. Lauric, myristic, behenic and lignoceric acids were rarely detected. As far as we know linolenic (18 :3), arachidic (20 :0), behenic (22 :0) or lignoceric (24 : 0) acids have not been previously reported in the seed oils of edible pomegranate varieties. Lignoceric acid has not previously been found in pomegranate seed oil.

Different potential target sites of flavipin action such as cellular membrane permeability, ATP synthesis and protein synthesis were studied in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and the filamentous fungus Monilinia laxa. When M. laxa or S. cerevisiae were treated with flavipin K+ ions were released in small amounts and the leakage increased slowly with time indicating that the antibiotic does not affect primarily membrane permeability. When flavipin was applied to spores of M. laxa or cells of S. cerevisiae in a medium without glucose (ATP production depended on the respiration of endogenous substrates) the level of ATP in the cells of the mould and the yeast suddenly dropped denoting the inhibition of respiration. When cells of S. cerevisiae in a medium with glucose were treated with flavipin a rapid inhibition of [35-S]methionine incorporation was observed showing that flavipin inhibited protein synthesis. Owing to its highly reactive chemical structure flavipin could act as a multisite inhibitor having pleiotropic effects on the cells. © 1994, British Mycological Society. All rights reserved.

The oil content and fatty acid composition of the oilseed of seven lesser known Spanish sweet pomegranate (Punica granatum L) clones were determined by gas chromatography. The seeds contained oil in the range of about 63–122 g kg−1 dry matter, a notably lower content than that of some oriental pomegranate cultivars. Levels of lipid content probably could be considered insufficient for economic industrial exploitation compared with those of conventional oilseeds. The predominant fatty acid was the polyunsaturate (n − 3) linolenic acid (43.4–88.2%), followed by the diunsaturate linoleic (5.3–16.5%), the monounsaturate oleic (3.7–20.3%) and palmitoleic (traces to 2.9%) acids. To a lesser extent the saturates palmitic (2.6–14.9%) and stearic (1.2–9.0%) acids were also found in all clones. Lauric and arachidic acids were rarely detected. We have not confirmed the presence of behenic (C22:0) and lignoceric (C24:0) acids previously reported in edible and non-edible pomegranate cultivars. Intervarietal differences in fatty acid composition were shown and they could be useful to establish chemotaxonomic differences. In contrast with previous reports on sweet pomegranate cultivars, a very low (0.04–0.35) saturated/unsaturated fatty acid ratio was found. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry

To design a protocol for the universal diagnosis of brown rot by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in plant material and subsequently Monilinia spp. identification.Primers for discrimination of Monilinia spp. from other fungal genera by PCR were designed following a ribosomal DNA analysis. Discrimination among species of Monilinia was subsequently achieved by developing primers using SCAR (Sequence Characterised Amplified Region) markers obtained after a random amplified polymorphic DNA study. In addition, an internal control (IC) based on the utilization of a mimic plasmid was designed to be used in the diagnostic protocol of brown rot to recognize false negatives due to the inhibition of PCR.The four sets of primers designed allowed detection and discrimination of all Monilinia spp. causing brown rot in fruit trees. Addition of an IC in each PCR reaction performed increased the reliability of the diagnostic protocol.The detection protocol presented here, that combined a set of universal primers and the inclusion of the plasmid pGMON as an IC for diagnosis of all Monilinia spp., and three sets of primers to discriminate the most important species of Monilinia, could be an useful and valuable tool for epidemiological studies. The method developed could be used in programmes to avoid the spread and introduction of this serious disease in new areas.

A case of metastatic carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (PA) of the submandibular gland is reported. While reports of local recurrence of this cancer are numerous, few cases of distant metastases have been reported. We report a case of a 52-year-old male patient with a history of PA diagnosed ten years previous. The patient presented reporting that the mass had increased size and pain during the previous six months. Needle biopsy results of this mass were compatible with a poorly differentiated carcinoma of the salivary ducts. Radical surgery with wide right neck dissection was performed with curative intent. Three years post-surgery liver and bony metastases were detected. In conclusion, the potential for malignant transformation of PA demands close follow-up of younger patients.

After sinus surgery poor ciliary activity and disorders in mucus production can lead to an increase in postoperative complications.To evaluate the changes in the ultrastructure of submucosal glands (SG) and goblet cells (GC) after partial or wide surgical removal of maxillary sinus mucosa (MSM).Twenty New Zealand White rabbits were divided in two groups of 10 animals. In group A, the mucosa of the right maxillary sinus (MS) was removed. In contrast, in group B only a strip the mucosa around the ostium was removed. After three months the sinus were opened and the mucosa studied by light-, and scanning- and transmision electron microscopy.After three months in group A all right MS were infected with purulent secretions, and the density of SG with a mean value of 10.4 per mm, standard deviation (SD) 3.36 and GC 81.81 per mm (SD: 3.82). However, in group B the SG were 52.3 per mm (SD: 4.5) and GC 4.45 per mm (SD: 1.23). These results were statistically significant (p0.001). Histopathological findings showed in group A, after three months, SG with a fewer number of microvilli in the glandular lumen.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the presence of actinomyces in adenotonsillar disease, recurrent infections, or tonsillar hypertrophy in children. The study included 64 patients, ranging in age from 2 to 16 years, who had elective adenotonsillar surgery to treat either adenotonsillar hypertrophy (36 children) or recurrent adenotonsillitis (28 children). Adenotonsillar Actinomyces was present in 30 children (48%). No statistical significance was found between Actinomyces and recurrent adenotonsillitis or adenotonsillar hypertrophy. However, there was a statistically significant relationship identified between the presence of actinomycosis and age, with a greater occurrence of actinomycosis in children between 5 and 16 years old.

A 33 years-old female with a diagnosis of Kartagener's syndrome was studied. She had a clinical history of chronic sinusitis with nasal obstruction and rhinorrea, and a chronic cough with mucopurulent sputum. A paranasal sinus CT showed hypertrophyc mucosa. A thoracic CT showed a situs inversus and chronic bronchitis with bronchiectasis. The saccharin test lasted 55 minutes. The electron microscopy study showed in a a cross-sectional axoneme a total absence of the outer and inner arm of the 9th outer doublet in over a 100 cilias studied. No others ultrastructure anormalities were observed.

A strategy for integrated biological and chemical control of Botrytis cinerea in unheated tomato greenhouses in southeastern Spain was tested. The biocontrol agent used was a commercial preparation developed from an isolate of Trichoderma harzianum T39 (Trichodex®). Decisions concerning whether to spray the biocontrol agent or a fungicide were made based on a future weather disease warning system called BOTMAN implemented as follows: no spraying when slow or no disease progress was expected; use of a chemical fungicide when an outbreak of epidemics was expected; in all other cases, application of Trichoderma harzianum T39 was recommended. A 4-day weather forecast provided by the Eastern. Andalusian Weather Forecast Service was used for predictions. The integrated strategy was compared with weekly applications of fungicides in two experiments conducted over 1998-99 and 1999-2000. Reduction of disease incidence was obtained only with the fungicide-only treatment in the 1998-99 experiment (55%, P

Seventy-nine random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers, of which 46 were polymorphic and 33 monomorphic, were used to determine the level of generic diversity and to study the structure of populations of Botrytis cinerea in Almeria, Spain. Sixty-five isolates were collected in the first survey (December 1992, at the beginning of the epidemic) from 23 commercial greenhouses of common winter crops in two regions, Levante and Pomente. In the second survey, conducted three months later at the end of the epidemic, 75 isolates were collected from 16 greenhouses in Poniente. The analysis of population structure revealed that generic diversity within subpopulations sampled in the two surveys accounted for 98% of the total generic diversity, while generic diversity between subpopulations represented only 2% of the total diversity. The relative magnitude of gene differentiation between subpopulations, G(ST), averaged 0-017. In the first survey, partition of generic diversity into hierarchical components by greenhouses within regions showed that the within-greenhouse component of diversity was 93%, the between-greenhouses, within-region component was 6%, and the between-regions component was 1%. Similar results were obtained when comparisons were made between greenhouses in the second survey or between populations of different countries genetic diversity within subpopulations accounted for 95 and 96%, respectively, of the total genetic diversity. In all comparisons, values of G(ST) were higher than 0.01, ranging from 0.011 to 0.055. Analysis of likelihood ratio chi-square (G2) statistics under the null hypothesis that frequencies of markers are similar between subpopulations showed that different markers contributed to the differentiation between subpopulations in each comparison. The relative importance of several evolutionary forces in populations of B. cinerea is discussed, together with implications for the management of grey mould.

The paper deals about classical histologic and histochemical study for mucinoid substances through 7 laryngeal pieces coming from clinic autopsies. The gland units occurring in the two lower thirds of the epiglottis were formed by a great number of serous acini and mucinous tubuli, which secretion is acid and neutral mucous substances, as sialomucins, serving as lubricant and protective means. This glandular system convey through the epiglottic perforans holes, without break, the pre-epiglottic and epiglottic spaces, with the clinical repercussion that suggest the chance of encroachment for incipient epiglottic cancer to pre-epiglottic room.

A histochemical study, with lectins, in oropharyngeal cavity of 5 Syrian golden Hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) was performed in order to know the tongue submucous glands characteristics. Results showed a strong reactivity to HPA lectin for secretions of submucous glands of the Hamster's tongue and a slight reactivity to N-WGA and to WGA lectins.

In 10 patients (5 smokers) with benign laryngeal polyp of a single vocal cord, a biopsy was performed. Five normal control specimens were obtained from the larynx of recently deceased patients who underwent postmortem study. Langerhans cells were counted in specimens of histologically normal and pathological vocal cord mucosa after identification with S-100 polyclonal antibody. Langerhans cells were 11.5-fold more common in the epithelium of vocal cord polyps than in the mucosa of normal vocal cords.

An histochemistry study with lectins was performed in the epiglottis and cricoid cartilages of 4 Syrian golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus). The results show that there are differences in glycoconjugates between both cartilages. In the epiglottic matrix there was no reactivity to HPA, PNA and DBA lectins. However the cricoid cartilage showed no reactivity to SBA. Neither of cartilage matrixes were reactive to LTA or Con-A.

A histochemistry study by means of lectins of vomeronasal organ or Jacobson's organ was performed in 5 Wistar rats. Vomeronasal organ is localized at the antero-inferior level of the septum and present two kinds of epithelium, an olfactory one and other respiratory, on the medial and on the lateral part, respectively. Olfactory epithelium shows a great reactivity to WGA lectin, moderate to PNA and weck to Con-A and SBA. In the respiratory epithelium the reactivity is moderate to DBA, PNa, SBA and WGA lectins for goblet cells, instead the periciliary sheat of mucus is reactive to all lectins but DBA and LTA.

An histochemistry study, with lectins, of the nasal mucous membrane of 5 Wistar rats, was performed by the AA. A pseudostratified respiratory epithelium with plenty submucosal glands cover the nasal cavity. Results show than goblet cells are reactive to DBA, PNA, SBA and WGA. The periciliary mucus layer is reactive to all lectins but DBA and LTA. Maxillary glands react to WGA and Con-A. Septal glands are also reactive to WGA and Con-A and furthermore to SBA.

A histochemical study with lectins of the olfactory epithelium of 5 Wistar rats was performed. This neuro-epithelium cover the postero-superior part of the nasal cavity and the medial part of the vomeronasal organon. There are numerous Bowman's glands in the olfactory epithelium, besides the sensory cells. These glandulae dye as well with PAS.AB, the same as the mucosal layer over the epithelium, which show its composition on sialo-sulfomucines. The mucous layer over the olfactory epithelium shows a great reactivity to WGA, moderate to PNA and Con-A and weak to SBA. On the other hand Bowman's glands show an intense reactivity to PNA and moderate to WGA, VEA-I and to Con-A.

In order to know the differences between the submucosal glands and the goblet cells of the supraglottic mucosa, a lectin histochemistry study was performed in 4 larynx of hamster (Mesocricetus auratus). The results show a strong reactivity to HPA and N-WGA lectins in the submucosal glands. Also reactivity to N-PNA and UEA-1 was present in the submucous glands but not in the goblet cells.

A rare case of vascular leiomyoma of the inferior nasal turbinate in a diabetic patient is presented. Local excision was performed under endoscopic control. There have not been signs of recurrence after 2 years follow-up.

The differences between the submucosal glands and globet cells of the subglottic mucosa were studied by lectin immunohistochemistry in 4 larynxes of Syrian golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus). Submucosal glands showed intense reactivity to HPA, N-WGA and N-PNA and reactivity to PNA, UES-I, and ConA, but globet cells showed no reactivity.

A case of acute bilateral vocal cord paralysis in adduction of an elderly woman with multisystem atrophy is reported. Emergency tracheotomy was performed.

Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare but serious infection of subcutaneous tissue and deep fascia with resulting skin gangrene and septicaemia. Compute tomography (CT) seems to play a role in completing the clinical suspicion, especially in those case in which the disease does not manifest itself with subcutaneous crepitus or emphysema. Condition's causation reminded unknown and the microbial culture showed members of Streptococcus milleri genus.

Histochemical study done with lectins is useful in order to differentiate between several carbohydrates from glycoproteins and glycolipides present in cellular membranes. Plasma cells and eosinophils are very frequent findings in nose mucous of patients with nasal polyposis. Histochemistry with lectins of plasma cells show a reactivity of the cellular cytoplasma to ConA while the external cellular membrane stains with PNA.

In ten albino New Zealand rabbits we studied in the regenerated mucosa of the maxillary sinus what happens after three months of radical removal of sinus mucosa. The study was realized by light and electronic microscopy, with special attention to the plasma cells around the submucosal glands. There is an increased of plasma cells, in a proportion of 10:1.

Lymphoepithelial cysts of the parotid gland are frequently associated with HIV disease. We describe a case of a patient positive for HIV antibodies, stade A2, and extracapsular, bilateral and symmetric lymphoepithelial cysts of the parotid. The diagnosis was achieved by biopsy following a cervicotomy. A prior needle-biopsy procedure was disappointing. Literature review and discussion about the source and envolvement of those cysts linked to HIV-infection.

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KF) is a new and uncommon malady of unknown etiology, first described in Japan. Clinically runs with neck adenopathies no larger than 2 cm diameter. Young women are more frequently affected. Main features are fever and nocturnal swelling in half of cases. Laboratory findings are not diagnostically helpful and positive diagnosis is only reliable upon ganglion's histology. Be unaware of this sickness can arise confusion with a malignant lymphoma. The illness is harmless and autolimited in a few months term. We report a new case of KF disease, diagnosed through excision biopsy, after a previous needle biopsy had awakened one's suspicion about a non Hodgkin lymphoma.

The effect of temperature, pH, water potential and sources of nitrogen and carbon on the biocontrol agent Penicillium oxalicum were studied in vitro. The fungus is xerotolerant, mesophillic and has a wide pH tolerance. The parameters evaluated (germination, germ tube length, growth rate and sporulation) showed different sensitivities to the environmental factors. Peptone and free amino acids gave the highest growth rates and high levels of sporulation. Xylose, mannose and fructose gave the highest growth rates and mannose induced strong sporulation. The effect of nutrients (mannose + arginine) and water potential was also studied in vivo. The xerotolerant character of the fungus was confirmed. From this study we consider Penicillium oxalicum ecologically competent to perform effectively as a biocontrol agent in the soil environment.

Merkel cell carcinoma is an aggressive dermal neoplasm of neuroendocrine origin with a predilection for the head-and-neck region in elderly patients. We present a case of Merkel cell carcinoma of the nasal fossa. Local wide excision was performed.

In 10 albino New Zealand rabbits, a study was made of the regeneration of the hair cells in the maxillary sinus mucosa three months after removing the sinus mucosa. Using optical microscopy and transmission and scanning electron microscopy, basal and non-hair cells were studied as the probable origin of hair cells. The regenerated sinus mucosa showed areas of epithelium consisting only of a basement membrane and a layer of basal cells. Ultrastructurally, two types of basal cell were visible in the regenerated mucosa. The proportion of non-hair cells was greater than in normal mucosa.

A prospective study was carried out on 25 patients showing symptoms suggestive of peritonsillar abscess. Twelve patients were treated with i.v. antibiotics and three months later underwent tonsillectomy. Thirteen patients underwent acute tonsillectomy within 24-48 hours. In order to evaluate the benefits of acute tonsillectomy we compared three parameters; operation length, intraoperative bleeding and overall length of hospitalization.

After reviewing the Arnau de Vilanova Hospital's records, a total of ten cases of inverted papillomas were found. Nasal obstruction was present in 100% of the cases. External surgery was performed in 70% of these patients, finding that in 50% of them, the real size of the tumor was smaller than that show in the radiological study. After surgical treatment, only one of the patients developed a malignant tumor. Incidence of papilloma recurrence was 30%.