Gelatinous Mass Research Articles

Highly invasive and poorly differentiated corneal squamous cell carcinoma in a dog

BackgroundPrimary corneal tumors are unusual in dogs although there has been a rise in the prevalence of canine corneal squamous cell carcinoma in the past decades due to different factors. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation, presence of chronic keratitis or history of superficial trauma are some of them. We report for the first time a highly infiltrative corneal neoplasia with both exophytic and deep stromal growth, which presented atypical histologic features of a squamous cell carcinoma.Case presentationAn adult male French bulldog was referred with an exophytic, pink to white gelatinous mass occupying approximately 70% of the central cornea on the right eye. Histological findings from the excisional biopsy were consistent with corneal carcinoma and transconjunctival enucleation was performed at the request of the owner. A final diagnosis of primary corneal squamous cell carcinoma was done based on the squamous differentiation observed in the neoplastic cells of the superficial layers. However, cells in deeper layers were less differentiated, showed pseudoacinar formations and did not expressed marker for stratified squamous epithelium (i.e., cytokeratin 5/6). The dramatic thickening of the cornea and the fact of observing neoplastic cells almost at the level of the Descemet’s membrane make this case very unusual as the squamous cell carcinoma in dogs tends to involve the superficial stroma or colonize the corneal surface as an exophytic lesion.ConclusionsBased on the histological findings, a high infiltrative and poorly differentiated corneal squamous cell carcinoma was diagnosed. In terms of clinical relevance, our results suggest that corneal lesions compatible with neoplasia need an early diagnosis in order to prevent the aggressive growth of the tumor and the enucleation of the eye.

PLGA/xylitol nanoparticles enhance antibiofilm activity via penetration into biofilm extracellular polymeric substances

Biofilms are gelatinous masses of microorganisms attached to wound surfaces. Previous studies suggest that biofilms generate resistance towards antibiotic treatments. It was reported that hydrogels containing xylitol and antibiotic combinations produced additive antibiofilm inhibition. However, hydrogel formulations lack specificity, due to which xylitol cannot penetrate into the biofilm matrix and gets easily degraded by bacterial beta lactamase enzymes. It was hypothesized that the incorporation of xylitol in PLGA (polylactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles will enhance penetration into the EPS (extra polymeric substance) component of the biofilm matrix and potentially overcome the antibiotic resistance associated with the biofilms. The purpose of this study was to develop PLGA nanoparticles loaded with xylitol, which will enhance bacterial biofilm penetration. The nanoparticles were loaded with different amounts of xylitol (0.5–5% w/w) and characterized for physiochemical and drug release properties. The metabolic antibiofilm activity of the PLGA nanoparticles containing xylitol was demonstrated by an XTT assay using as references the cultures of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) and the polymicrobial biofilms of both bacterial strains. Live/dead viability staining was also performed to investigate the viability ratio of bacterial cells present in the biofilms. The biofilm penetration study of the PLGA nanoparticles was assessed by combining the nanoparticles with conjugated concanavalin A (Con A)-fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) and by viewing using confocal laser scanning electron microscopy (CLSM). In conclusion, the PLGA nanoparticles loaded with xylitol were successfully developed and were found to promote the antibiofilm activity of xylitol in infected wounds.

Dealing with a hyper-successful neighbor: effects of the invasive apple snail Pomacea canaliculata on exotic and native snails in South America.

Pomacea canaliculata is a successful invader and also a competitor and predator of other snails and may play a key role in structuring freshwater snail communities both in its native and invaded range. In the present study we evaluated the contact and distant effects of P. canaliculata in its native range on exotic (Melanoides tuberculata and Physa acuta) and native snails (Heleobia parchappii, Biomphalaria peregrina, and Chilina parchappii). Habitat use was affected in P. acuta, H. parchappii, and B. peregrina by contact effects of P. canaliculata, whereas survival was only affected in P. acuta through combined contact and distant effects. Fecundity was reduced in P. acuta and B. peregrina by combined contact and distant effects; evidence of egg mass predation was also observed in both species. Melanoides tuberculata was not affected at all by P. canaliculata. The snail species with higher withdrawal responses to contacts with P. canaliculata were those that suffered less mortality by corporal contact, whereas snails with high crawling away responses suffered from higher mortality. The effects of P. canaliculata seem to be highly negative to small nonoperculate snails that lay gelatinous egg masses, whereas large operculate ovoviviparous snails are not affected in their survival and reproduction. This apple snail may exert biotic resistance against P. acuta but could favor the establishment of M. tuberculata and other functionally similar species in new habitats in South America.

Oxidized resorbable cellulose (Gelita-cel) causing foreign body reaction in the mediastinum.

Different types of oxidized cellulose have been used for haemorrhage control in thoracic surgery, abdominal surgery and neurosurgery. Oxidized resorbable cellulose (Gelita-cel) is a new haemostatic agent. Once saturated with blood, it swells and makes a gelatinous mass that formats as a fibrin clot. We have performed a prospective observational cohort study of patients operated for lung cancer or suspected lung cancer using Gelita-cel as a haemostatic agent. Between October 2010 and April 2012, 477 patients were operated in our department for lung cancer. Gelita-cel was used in 200 patients due to minor intraoperative haemorrhage after lymph node resection from Stations 2 to 11. During follow-up for lung cancer, computed tomography, which was performed 4-60 months after the primary operation, showed enlarged lymph nodes in the mediastinum in 16 patients. Endoscopic bronchial ultrasonographic biopsies of the lymph nodes showed foreign body material and granulomatous inflammation, and no sign of lung cancer recurrence. Gelita-cel has a high risk of causing granuloma and should not be used as a haemostatic agent in thoracic surgery.

Combustion dynamics of low vapour pressure nanofuel droplets

Multiscale combustion dynamics, shape oscillations, secondary atomization, and precipitate formation have been elucidated for low vapour pressure nanofuel [n-dodecane seeded with alumina nanoparticles (NPs)] droplets. Dilute nanoparticle loading rates (0.1%–1%) have been considered. Contrary to our previous studies of ethanol-water blend (high vapour pressure fuel), pure dodecane droplets do not exhibit internal boiling after ignition. However, variation in surface tension due to temperature causes shape deformations for pure dodecane droplets. In the case of nanofuels, intense heat release from the enveloping flame leads to the formation of micron-size aggregates (of alumina NPS) which serve as nucleation sites promoting heterogeneous boiling. Three boiling regimes (A, B, and C) have been identified with varying bubble dynamics. We have deciphered key mechanisms responsible for the growth, transport, and rupture of the bubbles. Bubble rupture causes ejections of liquid droplets termed as secondary atomization. Ejection of small bubbles (mode 1) resembles the classical vapour bubble collapse mechanism near a flat free surface. However, large bubbles induce severe shape deformations as well as bulk oscillations. Rupture of large bubbles results in high speed liquid jet formation which undergoes Rayleigh-Plateau tip break-up. Both modes contribute towards direct fuel transfer from the droplet surface to flame envelope bypassing diffusion limitations. Combustion lifetime of nanofuel droplets consequently has two stages: stage I (where bubble dynamics are dominant) and stage II (formation of gelatinous mass due to continuous fuel depletion; NP agglomeration). In the present work, variation of flame dynamics and spatio-temporal heat release (HR) have been analysed using high speed OH* chemiluminescence imaging. Fluctuations in droplet shape and flame heat release are found to be well correlated. Droplet flame is bifurcated in two zones (I and II). Flame response is manifested in two frequency ranges: (i) buoyant flame flickering and (ii) auxiliary frequencies arising from high intensity secondary ejections due to bubble ruptures. Addition of alumina NPs enhances the heat absorption rate and ensures the rapid transfer of fuel parcels (detached daughter droplets) from droplet surface to flame front through secondary ejections. Therefore, average HR shows an increasing trend with particle loading rate (PLR). The perikinetic agglomeration model is used to explain the formation of gelatinous sheath during the last phase of droplet burning. Gelatinous mass formed results in bubble entrapment. SEM images of combustion precipitates show entrapped bubble cavities along with surface and sub-surface blowholes. Morphology of combustion precipitate shows a strong variation with PLRs. We have established the coupling mechanisms among heat release, shape oscillations, and secondary atomizations that underline the combustion behaviour of such low vapour pressure nanofuels.

Engineering Hydrogen Bonding Interaction and Charge Separation in Bio-Polymers for Green Lubrication.

Synthetic additives are widely used in lubricants nowadays to upgrade lubrication properties. The potential of integrating sustainable components in modern lubricants has rarely been studied yet. In this work, two sustainable resources lignin and gelatin have been synergistically incorporated into ethylene glycol (EG), and their tribological properties were systematically investigated. The abundant hydrogen bonding sites in lignin and gelatin as well as their interchain interaction via hydrogen bonding play the dominating roles in tuning the physicochemical properties of the mixture and improving lubricating properties. Moreover, the synergistic combination of lignin and gelatin induces charge separation of gelatin that enables its preferable adsorption on the friction surface through electrostatic force and forms a robust lubrication layer. This layer will be strengthened by lignin through the interpolymer chain hydrogen bonding. At an optimized lignin:gelatin mass ratio of 1:1 and 19 wt % loading of each in EG, the friction coefficient can be greatly stabilized and the wear loss was reduced by 89% compared to pure EG. This work presents a unique synergistic phenomenon between gelatin and lignin, where hydrogen bonding and change separation are revealed as the key factor that bridges the individual components and improves overall lubricating properties.

The speciation of water in sea water and in gelatinous marine animals

Abstract Raman spectra provide important information on the speciation of water in sea water, and its relationship to temperature, pressure, and salinity. These spectra reveal two primary water bands: a bending mode doublet peak at 1640 cm −1 , and a dominant water stretching mode band with Raman shifts in the 2900–3800 cm −1 region. Early laboratory work revealed the presence of an ‘isosbestic point’ within the water spectra, which is consistent with a two component structure. Ocean scientists working with aircraft based pulsed time gated laser systems used the temperature dependence of the two component water structure observed within the water stretching band to determine upper ocean temperature profiles. We find that our results are consistent with the Walrafen water pentamer as the primary structure in rapid exchange with H 2 O monomers, and we have deconvoluted the stretching band into 5 peaks. From laboratory pressure cell data very clear trends in water structure with temperature, pressure, and to a lesser degree salinity can be observed, and a plot of the natural log of the water peak amplitudes versus the inverse of the absolute temperature permits estimation of the strength of the hydrogen bond. While there is no definitive way to distinguish between a fully “intact” and a fully “broken” hydrogen bond and the hydrogen bonded water structures are evanescent, our observations are consistent with ΔH = 2.48 kcal/mol. From our compiled expeditionary data (primarily from Monterey Bay, California) from ~ 280 m to 2740 m depth we find strong compensation of the opposing temperature and pressure effects such that the observed water peaks show a remarkable consistency throughout the deep water column. In situ Raman observations of the gelatinous mass (mesoglea) of many deep-sea animals show that liquid water there is absent, and essentially all salts are excluded. Within the mesoglea the water bending modes are eliminated and the O H stretching modes are composed of only 3 bands.

First record of colour polymorphism in the Neotropical apple snail Asolene platae: inheritance mechanism and evidence for multiple paternity

ABSTRACTAsolene platae (Ampullariidae) is a dioecious freshwater snail with subaquatic gelatinous egg masses that dwells in the Río de la Plata basin (Argentina). The aim of this study was to describe the inheritance mechanism of the colour variations of the shell and soft parts of this snail, and to study their potential use as a genetic marker. The wild-type phenotype presents dark pigments in the soft parts and in shell bands, whereas the yellow phenotype lacks dark pigments in the soft parts and also most dark bands in the shell, except for a subsutural and a periumbilical band. The data showed that the lack of pigments in A. platae is a recessive homozygotic condition with a simple Mendelian inheritance mechanism. Females of the wild-type phenotype had a higher number of bands than the males. The pigment of the bands of both phenotypes is located in the calcareous matrix of the shell. Using the lack of pigments as a genetic marker we demonstrated the existence of biparental egg masses in A. platae, hitherto known in only one species within the Ampullariidae.

Biochemical composition and function of jelly masses ofMarphysa gravelyi(Polychaeta: Eunicidae) from Pulicat Lake, India

Eggs ofMarphysa gravelyiare spawned in gelatinous masses and the developing larvae are harboured in them until they are ready to undergo settlement. In order to understand the function of the jelly mass, morphometric, histochemical, biochemical and antimicrobial analyses were performed. The observations indicate the fibrous jelly mass is composed of carbohydrate, protein and lipid, and size is correlated to number of eggs present within. Extracts from the jelly mass ofMarphysa gravelyiexhibit inhibitory activity againstEscherichia coli, Vibrio vulnificusandCandida albicansbut no activity was seen against seven other microorganisms tested. The results show that the function of the jelly mass is to nourish the developing embryos, protect against desiccation and predation from macrofauna, and most importantly prevent the dispersal of the juveniles from the desirable habitat.

Egg Masses of Flying Squids (Cephalopoda: Ommastrephidae)

ABSTRACT Ommastrephid squids have a pelagic lifestyle, with reproductive behavior that is characterized by the extrusion of fragile, neutrally buoyant egg masses, the release of paralarvae into the surface plankton, and the use of large-scale current patterns for larval transport, leading to the assisted migration of populations. Although the exact process of egg mass formation is unknown, the most accepted hypothesis suggests that, at spawning, eggs are first coated with oviducal gland secretion and released with nidamental gland secretions. Subsequently, the eggs mix with broken spermatophores or spermatangia for fertilization. The fertilized eggs are then extruded into the seawater to form a globular mass. These neutrally buoyant gelatinous egg masses are thought to maintain their location in the water column by floating at the interface between water layers of slightly different densities (above the pycnocline). The embryos develop within a favorable temperature range. Once hatched, the paralarvae lea...

Simply Electrospun Gelatin/Cellulose Acetate Nanofibers and their Physico-Chemical Characteristics

Gelatin in fibers form can be used for tissue engineering, wound dressing, or drug carrier. However, it is easily damaged if exposed to water. Thus, it was blended with cellulose acetate. Acetic acid was used as a solvent because it is less toxic. The mass ratios of gelatin to cellulose acetate of 10:0, 8:2, and 6:4 were as precursor solutions. Simple electrospinning was employed to produce gelatin/cellulose acetate fibers. From SEM images, it was shown that the average diameters of gelatin/cellulose acetate fibers from the precursor solutions of 10:0, 8:2, and 6:4 were 534, 649, and 765 nm, respectively. The addition of cellulose acetate increased the viscosity of gelatin/cellulose acetate solution. Moreover, gelatin mass reduction caused a decrease in conductivity of gelatin/cellulose acetate solution. Therefore, increasing in the viscosity or reducing in the conductivity of the precursor solution increased the average diameter of the gelatin/cellulose acetate fibers. The analysis of FTIR spectra showed that the structural changes of gelatin and cellulose acetate occurred after being transformed into gelatin/cellulose acetate nanofibers.

Aggressive Angiomyxoma of the Vulva in a Teenager, a Case Report and Review of Literature

Background: Aggressive angiomyxoma (AA) is a rare, locally aggressive mesenchymal neoplasm that commonly involves the vulvoperineal region of females in reproductive age [1]. AA commonly presents as a painless, gelatinous soft mass of varying size [1]. It carries a high risk of local recurrence and can rarely metastasize [1]. Aggressive angiomyxoma is often misdiagnosed because it is such a rare tumor, therefore it should always be included in the differential diagnosis of vulvar masses. The rate of misdiagnosis varies from about 70-100% [2]. It must also be distinguished from a variety of other more common benign and malignant myxoid tumors. Along with this, it should also be differentiated from Bartholin cysts, Gartner duct cyst and from a vulval lipoma [3]. The differential diagnosis should include neurofibromas, desmoids tumors, leiomyomas, sarcomas and levator hernia [4,5]. The treatment of choice for aggressive angiomyxoma is surgical excision with wide margins to help prevent local recurrences [6]. A perineal surgical approach is often most successful. The tumor can recur at any time, therefore close monitoring of the patient is necessary following surgery. Case: We present a case of aggressive angiomyxoma of the vulva in a 20-year-oldcelibate female. The patient underwent wide local excision of the tumor with clear margins. Conclusion: Aggressive angiomyxoma (AA) is a mesenchymal tumor that most commonly occurs in women between the ages of 31-35 years old [3]. The tumor usually occurs in either the perineal or pelvic region and typically presents as a slow growing, painless mass [7]. AA is considered to be an aggressive tumor because it has a high risk of infiltration and local recurrence. However, it rarely metastasizes so it has an overall good prognosis [8]. This case highlights the need to consider angiomyxoma in the differential diagnosis for tumors of unknown cause in the vulvar region [7]. Even though it is a rare diagnosis, it must be identified in order to properly treat it and prevent invasion of local structures. Histopathology is the key to correctly diagnosing this mass. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can help provide additional information about the size and extent of the tumor as well. Surgical excision of the tumor with wide margins to prevent local recurrence is the treatment of choice [6]. Alternative treatments such as GnRH agonists can aid in treatment as well by decreasing the size of the tumor prior to surgery. Since the local recurrence rate is about 30-72%, close monitoring after surgery is extremely important.

Embryonic development of the solar-powered nudibranch Phyllodesmium lizardensis (Gastropoda: Nudibranchia)

ABSTRACTIn this pilot study we investigated the early embryonic development of the recently described solar-powered nudibranch species Phyllodesmium lizardensis. In previous studies P. lizardensis has been used as a model system to study the symbiosis between nudibranchs and their symbiotic dinoflagellates Symbiodinium, but the transmission mode of symbionts in the life cycle of this species remained unknown. Embryonic development in P. lizardensis was similar to related nudibranch taxa. Specimens laid clear gelatinous egg masses filled with relatively small egg capsules (81.25 ± 3.78 µm, n = 11). Zygotes developed into planktotrophic veliger larvae that hatched after about 85 hours. No Symbiodinium cells could be detected by means of light microscopy at any developmental stage in zygotes or unhatched veliger larvae. Vertical transmission of symbionts is therefore unlikely; the timing of Symbiodinium acquisition by this species remains unknown.

Recurrent Aggressive Angiomyxoma: A Case Report

Aggressive angiomyxoma (AA), a rare mesenchymal tumor with high recurrence rate and infiltrative nature, most generally arises in the vulvovaginal region, perineum, and pelvis of women in reproductive age peaking from age 31 to 35 but uncommonly found on men. It appears as a slow-growing gelatinous mass, which commonly asymptomatic. Imaging studies including USG, CT scan, and MR imaging are of great importance for the diagnosis of AA on identifying the mass characteristics. This paper reports a case of a 37 year old P3A0 woman with a lump on the left side of vaginal lip for 2 weeks before admission. The lump was soft to touch and was not painful, without other accompanying symptoms. Past medical history showed the lump has recurred after being surgically removed. On physical examination, a lump was found on the left vulva with soft consistency. CT scan showed a well-circumscribed hypodense mass on left labia majora and showed post contrast wall enhancement. Fine needle aspiration biopsy was done and showed hypocellular smear with myxoid matrix and bleeding. The mass was then removed by vulvectomy procedure. Histopathological analysis of the mass shows infiltration of myxoid stroma with blood vessels consistent with aggressive angiomyxoma. In conclusion, AA is usually asymptomatic and has high tendency of recurrence. Imaging procedure is useful on identifying mass characteristics and biopsy can be done to establish AA diagnosis. Surgery is the main modality for the treatment of AA, and administration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue can prevent further recurrence.Keywords: Aggressive angiomyxoma, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist, recurrent

A. Femoralis in the small Green Monkey(Cercopithecus aethiops sabeus)

The small Green Monkey (Cercopithecus aethiops sabeus) in large groups inhabits the African savannah. The animals delivered to us were from East Africa, that is from Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. The length of the animal is 110 cm, and the tail itself is 50 cm long. They can often be seen in Zoos. According to data, mostly by zoo gardens, these monkeys live for about 15 to 17 years, exceptionally for 20 years. The objective of our work was to investigate a part of their cardiovascular system so in that way to contribute to a better knowledge of this animal body structure and accordingly to comparative anatomy in general. The investigation included 6 Small Green Monkeys, of both gender, 3-4 years old, body weight 2000-3000 grams, obtained from The Institute for Virusology, vaccines and serums from Belgrade. For obtaining the hindlimb arterial vascularization, after exsanguination of the animal, contrast mass of gelatin coloured with tempera was injected into the abdominal aorta. After injecting, the blood vessels were prepared and photographed. In the Small Green Monkey, femoral artery (A. femoralis) is an continuation of the external iliac artery (A. iliaca externa). The branches of the femoral artery are: A. profunda femoris, A. saphena, A. genus descendens and A. caudalis femoralis. A. profunda femoris separates to A. circumflexa femoris lateralis, Ramus muscularis and A. circumflexa femoris medialis. In humans A. femoralis branches into: A. epigastrica superficialis, A. circumflexa ilium superficialis, Aa. pudendae externae, A. profunda femoris and A. genus descendens (A. descendens genus). A. profunda femoris branches into: A. circumflexa femoris lateralis, A. circumflexa femoris medialis and Aa. perforantes. In domestic animals, mammals, the branches of the femoral artery (A. femoralis) are: A. circumflexa femoris lateralis, A. saphena, A. genus descendens and Aa. caudales femoris In the Small Green Monkey, humans and domestic mammals A. femoralis branches into A. genus descendens. The femoral artery of both Small Green Monkey and humans branches into A. profunda femoris. In the Small Green Monkey and domestic mammala, A. femoralis branches into A. saphena and A. caudalis femoris, that is Aa. caudales femoris in domestic mammals, while in humans it branches into A. epigastrica superficialis, A. circumflexa ilium superficialis and Aa. pudendae externae. The branches of A. profunda femoris in the Small Green Monkey and humans are: A. circumflexa femoris lateralis, A. circumflexa femoris medialis, in the Small Green Monkey also Ramus muscularis, and in humans Aa. Perforantes, too. In domestic mammals A. circumflexa femoris lateralis is a branch of A. femoralis. Based on the results of our studying of the Small Green Monkey femoral artery (A. femoralis), we have concluded that some blood vessels branch from A. femoralis in the same way as in humans, and some as in domestic animals - mammals.

Topical Mitomycin-C Chemotherapy in Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia.

A 60-year-old male patient presented with slowly growing mass lesion in both eyes. Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA) was 6/60, N18 in Right eye Oculus Dexter (OD) and finger counting 1 meter, <N36 in left eye Oculus Sinister (OS). Examination revealed localized gelatinous mass lesion at temporal limbus in OD [Table/Fig-1a] and diffuse mass lesion involving more than 9 clock hours of cornea in OS [Table/Fig-2a]. Biopsy of the lesion was done and diagnosis of localized Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia (OSSN) in OD and diffuse OSSN in OS was made.

Triple Chamber Myxoma (Biatrial and Right Ventricle) in a 17-year- old Male: A Case Report

We present the case of a 17-year-old male with gelatinous masses in the right atrium, left atrium and right ventricle. The patient consulted a neurologist due to recurrent episodes of syncope with a prodrome of blurring, palpitations and light headedness which usually occurred after exertion. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain revealed contrast enhancing lesions in the right thalamus and hypothalamus and non-enhancing fairly defined lesions in the left thalamus and left centrum semiovale. Two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography revealed ectopic densities in the left atrium, right atrium and right ventricle probably a triple chamber myxoma. A preoperative transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) confirmed the presence of three masses located in the right atrium, left atrium and right ventricle. Excision of the bilateral atrial tumors and the right ventricular tumor with mitral valve repair were performed.

Left ventricular myxoma

A 31 year-old woman complaining of mild dyspnea and fatique was admitted to our clinic.A two-dimensional echocardiogram revealed a 2×2 cm mobile mass in the left ventricle. A 2 x 3 cm mobile,pedinculated,gelatinous mass originating from the left ventricular lateral wall was removed by left ventriculotomy and histological features of the tumor indicated a myxoma.

McKittrick-Wheelock Syndrome: A Rare Cause of Diarrhea in a Young Woman

Tubulovillous adenomas account for 5% of all adenomas and have a higher incidence of becoming malignant than tubular adenomas. Larger lesions can also lead to obstruction and hypersecretory complications. McKittrick-Wheelock Syndrome is a rare cause of secretory diarrhea from a rectosigmoid villous adenoma generally >4 cm in size that can lead to severe electrolyte derangements, dehydration, renal failure, and even death. We present a rare case of McKittrick-Wheelock Syndrome in a young, pregnant woman. A 26 year old Hispanic woman in her first trimester of pregnancy presented to outside hospital with diarrhea and weight loss, initially treated conservatively. Over the next month she developed large volume mucoid diarrhea with hypotension and electrolyte abnormalities (Na 120 mmol/L, K 1.8 mmol/L) requiring IV hydration and up to 300 mEq/L of KCl supplementation per day. Sigmoidoscopy revealed a large obstructing rectal mass 8 cm from the anal verge. Cold forcep biopsies showed villous adenoma. Due to the obstructive nature of the mass, at week 19 of her pregnancy she underwent an open diverting transverse colostomy and was transferred to our institution for definitive management. MRI showed a large pedunculated mass extending from the anal verge, filling the lumen to 11 cm proximally with rectal thickening (figure 1, 2). Repeat colonoscopy showed a friable circumferential gelatinous mass from the anal verge to 15 cm (figure 3) with biopsies consistent with villous adenoma with low grade dysplasia; there were no synchronous lesions. She was diagnosed with McKittrick-Wheelock Syndrome with plan for definitive surgical resection post-partum. She remained hospitalized throughout her pregnancy and delivered successfully via C-section at 37 weeks. At 5 weeks post-partum she underwent low anterior resection of the rectal tumor which revealed a 13.2 cm secretory villous adenoma without high grade dysplasia. Within 1 week her mucoid rectal discharge ceased and her electrolytes stabilized. McKittrick-Wheelock Syndrome is a rare cause of secretory diarrhea. These lesions consist primarily of mucin-secreting goblet cells that secrete water and electrolytes; larger lesions entail a greater surface area that when in the distal-most portion of the colon limit the ability to absorb fluid. Hypersecretory rectosigmoid villous adenoma should be in the differential in patients with unexplained secretory diarrhea, and prompt diagnosis and early resection is prudent.Figure 1Figure 2Figure 3

Respiration of fragile planktonic zooplankton: Extending the possibilities with a single method

Gelatinous zooplankton are increasingly being included within ecosystem models. However, for the majority of species, their respiratory and excretory processes are poorly understood, making accurate model predictions difficult. Fragility and a broad size range have resulted in a number of methods being used for different species, some in situ and others under laboratory conditions. This makes it difficult to compare studies and incorporate the data into models. Oxygen optodes have been used here to obtain respiration rates of seven species (n=65 individuals), utilising the same method across a large range of incubator sizes (252mL to 31.25L) and specimen masses (<1–2560g wet mass). These data add respiration rates over a wider mass range to five gelatinous genera — Cestum, Geryonia, Rhizostoma, Mnemiopsis, Solmissus and provide the first respiration rate of the fragile ctenophore Leucothea multicornis. In situ data are compared with laboratory rates and trends developed for several species by adding to previously published work. Finally these data do not significantly elevate the allometric slope of a gelatinous zooplankton carbon mass: respiration rate (b=0.795) relationship, despite increasing both the mass range and sample size.