Nest Research Articles

Gene mutations of human immunodeficiency virus drug resistance from men who have sex with men in Shanghai, 2013

Objective To investigate the gene mutations of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 drug resistance among anti-retrovirus (ARV) treated-naive men who have sex with men (MSM) in Shanghai to provide evidence-based data for optimized treatment. Methods All 669 treatment-naive cases of HIV-1 infection identified among MSM in 2013 were recruited and their plasma was collected. RNA was extracted and amplified by nest reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and DNA was sequenced and then phylogenetically analyzed. Finally, subtypes were identified and drug resistance was analyzed in comparison with International HIV Drug Resistance Database. Results The pol gene fragments of 645 cases were obtained. Primary drug-resistance rate was 2.48% (16/645), including mutations conferring resistance to protease inhibitor (PI) (0.31%, 2/645), nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI) (0.16%, 1/645), non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI) (1.70%, 11/645) and both NRTI and NNRTI (0.31%, 2/645), respectively. Mutations conferring resistance to CRF01_AE were 12 cases (2.99%), while mutations conferring resistance to CRF07_BC and CRF_01B were 0.61% (1/163) and 4.65% (2/43) including 1 case of CRF52_01B and unidentified CRF_01B, respectively. Resistance to NNRTI in B subtype were 2.70% (1/37). Conclusion The prevalence of HIV-1 drug resistance-associated mutations among MSM in Shanghai, 2013 is still low, but resistance to NNRTI is relatively high. CRF01_AE is the major subtype of drug resistance. It is necessary to strengthen the HIV drug resistance surveillance in MSM group in Shanghai. Key words: Human immunodeficiency virus-1; Homosexuality, male; Subtype/recombinant; Drug resistance

A new species of Laelaspis Berlese (Acari: Laelapidae) associated with Tetramorium sp. (Hymnoptera: Formicidae) from Iran

Laelaspis natanziensis sp. nov., a new laelapid mite (Acari: Mesostigmata) is described and illustrated based on females and male collected in the nest of Tetramorium sp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Natanz region, Isfahan Province, Iran.

Notes on the reproductive ecology of the Oaxaca Mud Turtle (Kinosternon oaxacae) in the vicinity of Mazunte, Mexico

Kinosternon oaxacae is one of the least known species of Mexican turtles. We conducted a preliminary survey from August to November 2013 in three localities on the coast of Oaxaca with the objective to increase and complement the knowledge of the reproductive ecology of Kinosternon oaxacae , including field data on nesting season, clutch size, egg size, and relative clutch mass. We found 21 females with eggs in their oviducts. With this sample we determined that the reproductive season extends from early May to early November. Clutch size averaged two eggs (± 1), and egg size averaged 30.61 (± 1.89) mm in length, 17.11 (± 0.69) mm in width, and 7.64 (± 0.57) g in mass. Relative clutch mass (clutch mass/gravid body mass) was 0.046 (± 0.023), and the smallest gravid female was 118.8 mm carapace length. No correlations of reproductive traits were found with body size, and no variation in reproductive traits or body size was detected among localities. Comparisons with related ( scorpioides group) species were made.

Observation the effect of double path endoscopic surgery in the treatment of fungal sinusitis

Objective To analyze the curative effect of double path endoscopic surgery in the treatment of fungal sinusitis, and to compare with the effect of simple in endoscopic nasal passages windowing. Methods The clinical data of fungal sinusitis patients were analyzed.According to the different surgery way, the patients were divided into two groups.The observation group: nasal endoscopic nasal passages open a window in the joint of fangs nest small windows double path; Control group: simple in nasal endoscopic fenestration. Results The observation group had 35 cases and the control group had 37 cases.After treatment, the symptoms score of the observation group was significantly lower than the control group [(1.09±0.83)points vs (1.47±0.77)points; t=2.015, P=0.048].The effective rate of the observation group was significantly higher than the control group (94.29% vs 75.68%; χ2=4.813, P=0.028).7 days after treatment, the C-reactive protein(t=4.971, P 0.05).2(t=5.978, P<0.01), 4(t=6.335, P<0.01), 6(t=9.348, P<0.01), and 8 days(t=8.226, P<0.01) postoperatively, 1-3-β-glucan D levels were significantly lower than the control group, the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05).The postoperative recurrence rate of the observation group was significantly lower than the control group (8.57% vs 27.03%, the Log-rank χ2=4.061, P=0.044). Conclusion In fungal sinusitis treatment, the use of endoscopic nasal passages open window joint fangs nest small windows double path can more effectively remove lesions, its forward curative effect is superior to pure in nasal endoscopic fenestration. Key words: Sinusitis, fungal; Natural orifice endoscopic surgery

Application of improved insulin injections abdomen locator card in the empty nest elderly diabetic patients

Objective To compare the differences in the use of effects of improved and traditional abdominal positioning locator card in the empty nest elderly diabetic patients with insulin pen injection. Methods 100 discharged cases of empty nest elderly diabetic patients with insulin treated were enrolled. They were divided into two groups by random digital table method, 50 cases in traditional positioning card injection group and 50 cases in improved positioning card injection group. Usage rate of two sets of locator cart, adverse reactions in local skin injection and blood glucose control were observed for 12 months. Results After 12 months, 44 cases occupied 88% in improved positioning card injection group were not about using positioning card while 30 cases occupied 60% in traditional positioning card injection group. The difference was statistical significance (P<0.05). After 12 months, only 3 cases in improved positioning card injection group appeared local injection site reactions which was significantly lower than 31 cases in the traditional positioning card injection group, and the difference was statistically significant (P< 0.05); 12 months later, fasting blood glucose (FBG), 2 hour postprandial blood glucose (2 h PBG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) of improved positioning card injection group and traditional positioning card injection group [(7.0±1.5) mmol/L and (7.8±1.9) mmol/L, (10.7±2.1)mmol/L and (12.3±2.2)mmol/L, (7.1±1.3)% and (7.7±1.5)%] were all decreased significantly than before. The difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). FBG, 2 h PBG, HbA1c of improved positioning card injection group were decreased more significantly than that in traditional positioning card injection group and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The standard rate of HbA1c [64% (32/50)] in improved positioning card injection group was higher than that in traditional positioning card injection group [42%(21/50)]. The difference was statistically significant (P< 0.05). Conclusions The modified abdominal injection locator card can improve patients' positioning card usage rate, optimize insulin injection technique, reduce the occurrence of adverse reactions in local skin injection and improve the control of blood glucose. Key words: Diabetes; Insulin; Injection locator card; Empty nest elderly patients; Improvement

Middle ear adenoma: clinical and pathologic analysis

To investigate the clinical and pathologic features of middle ear adenoma (MEA). Eight cases of MEA were collected from Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University between 2004 and 2014, and immunohistochemical staining was performed. The patients included five women and three men (mean age, 37.5 years; median 37 years; range, 21-51 years). All patients had unilateral lesions. Five MEA occurred on the left side, and three on the right. In seven patients the MEA was primary, and they presented with hearing loss (6 cases), tinnitus (5 cases), sense of ear blockage (3 cases), otalgia (1 case) and facial nerve paralysis (1 case). The remaining patient had recurrent MEA, and presented with otorrhea, aural fullness and tinnitus. Histologically, the tumor cells were arranged in a variety of patterns, including solid sheets, nests, glands, ribbons or trabeculae. Glandular structures were prominent in one case only. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were diffusely positive for keratin (8/8) and vimentin (8/8), and focally positive for CK 7(8/8) and CK5/6(8/8). CK7 and CK5/6 were predominantly positive in tumor cells with glandular growth pattern; CK7 was positive in the luminal cells while CK5/6 was positive in the abluminal cells. Both were also expressed focally in scattered tumor cells with non-glandular pattern. The tumor cells were also diffusely positive for synaptophysin(8/8), diffusely but weakly positive for NSE (5/8), and were diffusely or focally positive for chromogranin A (4/8). Both S-100 protein and calponin were negative in all cases. The proliferation rate was low, about 1%-2%. Six cases were followed up for one year and three months to ten years and six months, with an average follow-up period of four years and two months. Two patients developed recurrence, but there were no regional or distant metastases. Diagnosis of MEA requires pathologic confirmation since the clinical symptoms are non-specific. MEA can show a variety of histologic patterns, and should be distinguished from other space-occupying lesions at this site. Immunohistochemical staining has greatly contributed to the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of MEA. The prognosis of this tumor is good. Patients with MEA require long-term follow-up for recurrences.

Effect of different states of the environment to the rehabilitation process and complications of preterm infants in the different environment in neonatal intensive care unit

Objective To explore the effect of different states of the environment to the rehabilitation process and complications of preterm infants in the different environment in neonatal intensive care unit(NICU). Methods 120 premature infants were divided into observation group and control group with 60 cases in each group by random digital table method. The control group was treated with routine nursing model, while observation group was treated with bird nest nursing, lower noise and using cyclic lights. Oxygen time and hospitalization time, increasing about body weight, sleeping time on the twenty-eighth days and the incidence of complications between the two groups were compared. Results The hospitalization and oxygen time were (41.79±2.51)days and (11.45±5.22)days respectively in the observation group, those were shorter obviously than that in the control group [(45.32±3.85)days and (15.52±5.89)days,t= 5.95, 4.01,P<0.01].The growth of body weight was (17.36±2.94) g/d, the sleeping time on the twenty-eighth day was (21.18±0.39) hours in the observation group. It was increased than that in the control group[(13.48±4.63)g/d and (19.56±0.45)hours], and the difference was significant(t=5.48, 21.07,P<0.01). The incidences of nosocomial infection and feeding intolerance in the observation group were reduced significantly, the difference was significant (χ2=7.06, 8.71,P<0.01). Conclusions Improving the environment in NICU can prevent the adverse factors on premature infants, promote the recovery and growth of premature infants. Key words: Intensive care units, neonatal; Infant, premature; Rehabilitation; The state of the environment

Small cell carcinoma of ovary, hypercalcemic type: analysis of clinicopathologic characteristics and the diagnostic utility of loss expression of SMARCA4 protein

To study the clinicopathologic features of small cell carcinoma of ovary, hypercalcemic type (SCCOHT) and to evaluate the diagnostic significance of loss of SMARCA4 expression. The clinicopathologic characteristics of 5 cases of SCCOHT were reviewed. The expression of SMARCA4 protein was detected by immunohistochemistry in the cases of SCCOHT and 240 cases of other primary malignant tumors of ovary and peritoneum. The mean and medium age of these patients was 30 years and 28 years, respectively. The presenting symptoms included abdominal pain, distention and a pelvic mass. Hypercalcemia was found in 3 patients. The maximum diameter of tumors ranged from 13.5 to 22.0 cm. Extraovarian spread was demonstrated in all of the patients on presentation. Histologically, the tumors were composed of closely packed small round cells with scanty cytoplasm, hyperchromatic nuclei and irregular chromatin clumps. The tumor cells grew in sheets, nests, cords or trabecular pattern. Follicle-like spaces were observed in 4 cases. Three of the tumors contained large cells with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm. Spindle cell morphology was found in 1 case. There were 2 cases with myxoid or hyaline stroma. Four out of five of SCCOHT cases showed loss of SMARCA4 protein while only 6.3% (15/240) of the other primary malignant tumors of ovary and peritoneum , including undifferentiated carcinoma (1/5), high-grade serous carcinoma (4.6%, 5/109), endometrioid carcinoma (7.7%, 2/26), clear cell carcinoma (1/9), mucinous carcinoma (1/5), mixed carcinoma (4.9%, 3/61), carcinosarcoma (1/9) and high-grade serous carcinoma of peritoneum (1/9), were negative. SCCOHT is a rare malignant tumor and often misdiagnosed as other types of ovarian small cell tumor. Loss expression of SMARCA4 protein is characteristic and facilitates the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of SCCOHT.

Endometrioid Adenocarcinoma Arising From Adenomyosis in a Premenopausal Woman: A Case Report

Endometrioid adenocarcinoma derived from adenomyosis is rare. A premenopausal woman, aged 36, was referred to us for evaluation of multiple solid tumors in the pelvis. MRI revealed multiple tumors in uterine myometrium and omentum. Their T2 and enhanced T1-weighted imaging led us to a diagnosis of uterine sarcoma. Hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, omentectomy, and pelvic lymphadenectomy was performed. Histopathology revealed grade 3 endometrioid adenocarcinoma with squamous differentiation. Cancer nests were observed adjacent to the adenomyotic foci. Postoperative classification was pT3aN1M1. Rejecting adjuvant therapy, the patient died 16 days later from rapid enlargement and rupture of the metastasized liver and respiratory failure. An autopsy revealed mass lesions in the pelvic cavity and compressed small intestines causing ileus. Bone metastasis, multiple lymph node metastases including para-aortic, and lung metastases were also revealed. Multiple liver metastases had caused biliary obstruction and hepatic failure. The tumor-induced hypercoagulable condition resulted in multiple thromboses, which in turn led to hemorrhaging in the lungs and eventual respiratory failure. Histological examination of the pelvic mass lesions revealed mainly poorly differentiated carcinoma. The tumor cells contained bizarre nuclei and exhibited high mitotic activity. This case was high-potential malignant tumor as the tumor rapidly grew and infiltrated multiple organs in a short period. It was a type II carcinoma with biologically aggressive behavior. J Med Cases. 2015;6(12):554-558 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.14740/jmc2357e

The Nest by Kenneth Oppel (review)

The Nest by Kenneth Oppel (review)

Female-Female Pairs and Other Unusual Reproductive Associations in Ring-Billed and California Gulls

FEMALE-FEMALE PAIRS AND OTHER UNUSUAL REPRODUCTIVE ASSOCIATIONS IN RING-BILLED AND CALIFORNIA GULLS MICHAEL R. CONOVER, 1 •3 DON E. MILLER, I AND GEORGE L. HUNT, JR. 2 'Department of Zoology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164 USA, and 2 Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, California 92717 USA ABSTRACT.-Most Ring-billed Gulls (Larus delawarensis) and California Gulls (L. californicus) form monogamous, heterosexual pairs during the breeding season. We report here the discovery of low frequencies (1-2%) of female-female pairings in Ring-billed and California gulls in three colonies in eastern Washington. The nests of these female-female pairs usually contained 5-6 eggs rather than the more normal 2-3. Between 60-70% of the eggs in the nests of the female-female pairs were fertile. We also found evidence of brood parasitism, which appears to be one cause of 4-egg clutches, and one case of polygyny in the Ring-billed Gulls. This polygynous association built a single communal nest that was incubated by three females and one male and apparently contained the eggs of at least two females. Received 13 November 1978, accepted 21 November GULLS characteristically form monogamous, heterosexual pair-bonds and lay 2- or 3-egg clutches (Paludan 1951, Tinbergen 1953). In the Western Gull (Larus oc- cidentalis), however, up to 14% of the nests from colonies in the California Channel Islands contain 4-6 eggs, most of which are infertile (Hunt and Hunt 1977). These supernormal clutches (4-6 eggs) apparently are laid by two females that share in- cubation and chick-rearing duties. Males are seldom observed at these nests. Su- pernormal clutches also occur in colonies of the Ring-billed Gull (L. delawarensis) and the California Gull (L. californicus), two species differing from the Western Gull in several aspects of their breeding biology. Whereas the Western Gull is non- migratory and spends much of the year on widely dispersed territories on the marine islands where it breeds, the Ring-billed and California gulls are migratory, stay in the nesting grounds only during the breeding season, and breed in dense colonies located on islands of inland lakes and rivers. METHODS On 12-13 May 1978 we surveyed three mixed-species colonies of Ring-billed and California gulls (Sprague Lake, Banks Lake and Potholes Reservoir colonies) in eastern Washington to determine the frequency of supernormal clutches, egg fertility, and female-female pairs. These colonies are described by Conover et al. (in press). Egg fertility was determined by opening eggs in the field and inspecting them for developing embryos or for lacunae in the blastodisc, which indicates infertility (Hunt and Hunt 1977). To determine the sex of birds associated with various sized clutches, adults of both species of gull were noosed on their nests (Miller 1974) at the Sprague Lake colony and sexed by laparotomy (Hunt and Hunt 1977). Sexed birds were banded, dye-marked or wing-tagged, and released. The nests occupied by these gulls were subsequently observed at repeated intervals over the next month to determine whether they were brooded and attended solely by the marked birds. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION We found that 3.3% of all Ring-billed Gull clutches examined contained more than 3 eggs (Table 1). Fertility in 5- and 6-egg clutches was less than that found in Present address: Department of Biology, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana 47306 USA. The Auk 96: 6-9. January 1979

Kovada Gölü (Isparta) Sakar Meke (Fulica atra L. 1758) Populasyonunun Üreme Biyolojisi

We investigated breeding biology of Common coot (Fulica atraL. 1758) in the Lake Kovada between April 2012 and July 2013. The minimum clutch size was determined in station III and the maximum in station I. and II. Clutch size of the species in 32 nests changed between 1-9 eggs and total 179 eggs were counted in the study 89 were observed in station I, 83 in the station II and 7 in the station III. Nest preference of the species was determined as 53.1% for the station I. However, we determined clutch size and nest volume increased proportional to the distance from the main road (p<0,01). During the study, we did not observe any threat factors directly affecting the species in the area. However, we hope that population features will be optimized by conservative actions in the future

The expression and clinical significance of CD47 and calreticulin in infiltrating ductal breast carcinomas

Objective To evaluate the expression of CD47 and calreticulin and their relationships with clinicopathologic features, prognosis in infiltrating ductal breast carcinomas. Methods The expression of CD47 and calreticulin was evaluated in 128 cases with infiltrating ductal breast carcinomas by means of immunohistochemistry, and the relationship between CD47 and other clinicopathologic factors as well as prognosis were analyzed. Results The expression level of CD47 in cancer nest was 81/128, which was lower than 106/128 in its adjacent normal epithelium (χ2=12.400,P<0.05),but calreticulin expression was 50/128 and was higher in cancer nest(χ2=21.510,P< 0.05).In addition,the expression level of calreticulin had certain difference in different molecular subtype(χ2= 21.510,P<0.05),and an increased expression in Basal-like and Her-(2+)/ER(-)subtypes.The expression level of CD47 was associated with tumor sizes,histological tumor grade and lymph node involvement(χ2=11.400,4.732,5.432,all P<0.05),and the expression level of calreticulin was associated with histological tumor grade and distant metastasis(χ2=10.810,6.770,all P<0.05).The 5-year survival rate of patients performed following-up was 68.37%. Univariate analysis indicated the survival rate in 5 years of high level CD47,calreticulin expression was higher than that of low level CD47,calreticulin expression(χ2=5.231,13.069,all P<0.05). Conclusion The expression of CD47, calreticulin is associated with index of dysprognosis and survival rate in 5 years, so combined CD47 and calreticulin detect may be of prognostic value in patients with breast caner. Key words: CD47; Calreticulin; Breast neoplasms; Immunohistochemistry

Cuckoo in a nest of spies

Cuckoo in a nest of spies

A review of available methods and description of a new method for eliminating ectoparasites from bird nests

Bird nests offer an ideal situation to manipulate ectoparasites and study how they impact hosts. Several methods are available to eliminate parasites from nests and each has its own suite of advantages and disadvantages. For example, recent toxicity research has revealed that some commonly used insecticides may not be suitable for use in experiments with nestlings. This highlights the need for investigators to control for the effects of methods used to eliminate nest parasites within experimental designs. Methods that can be used across treatment groups are also often needed to study the effects of variation in parasite intensity. To aid investigators in deciding which method(s) to use, we provide a comprehensive review of available methods for eliminating nest ectoparasites and also describe a new heat gun method. We tested the effectiveness of the heat-gun method with nests of Barn Swallows (Hirundo rustica) to which 100 nest mites were added and then quantified the number of surviving mites and other naturally occurring arthropods. We found that fully heated nests had significantly fewer mites and other arthropods than partially heated or control nests. Use of the heat gun had no negative effects on nestling growth or mortality rates. In studies of avian nest ectoparasites, investigators need to consider methods that can be used across treatment groups to ensure that unaccounted for toxicity effects are not influencing results and leading to underestimation of the often subtle effects of ectoparasites on birds. RESUMEN Una revision de los metodos disponibles y descripcion de un Nuevo metodo para eliminar ectoparasitos de nidos de aves Los nidos de aves ofrecen una situacion ideal para manipular ectoparasitos y estudiar como impactan en los hospedadores. Varios metodos estan disponibles para eliminar ectoparasitos y cada uno tiene sus ventajas y desventajas. Por ejemplo, estudios recientes sobre toxicidad han revelado que algunos insecticidas comunmente usados pueden no ser adecuados para su uso en experimentos con pichones. Esto destaca la necesidad por parte de los investigadores de controlar el efecto de los metodos usados para eliminar ectoparasitos de los nidos. Los metodos que puedan ser usados a traves de grupos de tratamiento son con frecuencia necesarios para permitir el estudio de los efectos de la variacion del numero de parasitos. Para ayudar a los investigadores a decidir cual metodo(s) usar, proveemos una revision de los metodos disponibles para eliminar de ectoparasitos y tambien describimos un nuevo metodo de pistola de calor. Hemos probado la efectividad de el metodo de pistola de calor en los nidos de la Golondrina comun (Hirundo rustica) a los cuales se le agregaron 100 acaros y luego se cuantificaron el numero de acaros y otros artropodos sobrevivientes. Encontramos que los nidos que habian sido totalmente calentados tenian menos acaros y otros artropodos que nidos parcialmente calentados y nidos control. Tambien encontramos que este metodo de pistola de calor no tiene efectos negativos en las tasas de crecimiento o mortandad de los pichones. En estudios de ectoparasitos de nidos de aves, los investigadores necesitan considerar metodos que puedan ser usados a traves de grupos de tratamiento a fin de asegurar que efectos no considerados de toxicidad no esten influenciando los resultados y haciendo que uno subestime el muchas veces sutil efecto de los parasitos en las aves.

The treatment effects and mechanisms of pyrroloquinoline quinone on defective teeth and mandible in Bmi-1 knockout mice

To investigate the treatment effects and mechanisms of pyrroloquinoline quinine(PQQ) on defective teeth and mandible in Bmi-1 knockout mice. Male and female Bmi1(+/-) mice were paired with each other from the same nest. At the age of 7 weeks, the mice were divided into three groups, the wild type mice received normal diet(10 mice, WT group), Bmi1(-/-) mice received normal diet (10 mice, BKO group), and the Bmi1(-/-) mice received normal diet and PQQ diet(10 mice, BKO+PQQ group). X-ray and micro- CT were used to detect mandible and dental size and bone mineral density. HE staining, histochemical and immunohistochemical methods were respectively used to detect alveolar bone thickness of cortical bone, predentin thickness of mandibular first molar, mandibular osteoblast number and osteoclast number. Flow cytometry was used to detect reactive oxygen species(ROS) levels of various organs(femur, thymus and liver). The data were statistically analyzed with one-way ANOVA and t test. Compared with BKO mice, BKO+PQQ mice partially rescued total body phenotype, increased body weight and prolonged survival time. X- ray and micro- CT showed the size of the mandible and teeth and bone mineral density of PQQ+BKO mice increased compared with BKO mice. In PQQ+BKO mice, mandibular alveolar bone cortical thickness [(68.65 ± 0.25) µm] was significantly different from that in BKO mice [(42.45 ± 0.35) µm] (P<0.01). There was significant difference in predentin thickness of mandibular first molar between PQQ+BKO mice [(4.25 ± 0.15) µm] and BKO mice [(31.55 ± 0.35) µm] (P<0.001). The number of osteoblasts in the mandible of BKO+PQQ mice [(38.45 ± 0.25) cell/mm³] was significantly higher than that in the BKO mice [(18.15 ± 0.55) cell/mm³] (P<0.01). However, the number of osteoclasts in the BKO+PQQ mice [(9.45 ± 0.25) cell/mm³] was significantly lower than that in the BKO group [(14.25 ± 0.35) cell/mm³] (P<0.01). Compared with the BKO group, ROS levels of the femur, thymus and liver in the BKO+PQQ mice were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The results indicate that PQQ may have treatment effects on defective teeth and mandible through promoting osteoblast bone formation and reducing osteoclast bone resorption, scavenging ROS and reducing DNA damage.

Alveolar soft-part sarcoma in paranasal sinuses

Objective To investigate clinicopathological features, immune phenotype, diagnosis and differential diagnosis of alveolar soft-part sarcoma (ASPS) in paranasal sinuses. Methods Retrospective study of clinical manifestations, histopathological features and immunohistochemical features was conducted in one case of ASPS in paranasal sinuses. Results A 28-year-old female presented with bulging forehead for 2 months. MRI revealed a well-circumscribed lesion in left frontal and ethmoid sinuses extending to anterior skull base that showed slightly hyperintense signal on T 1 WI and hypointense signal on T 2 WI without obvious enhancement after contrast administration. The patient subsequently underwent endoscopic open surgery on left ethmoid and bilateral frontal sinuses and performed partial resection of the lesion. Three months after the initial surgery, the patient received reoperation for total removal of residual lesion and reconstructive surgery of anterior skull base. Adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy were not administered. Histologically, the tumor was composed of epithelioid cells arranged in organoid nests and/or alveolar structures varying in size and shape, which were separated by connective tissue richly containing sinusoidal vascular channels. The tumor cells were generally large-sized, round, oval or polygonal with abundant eosinophilic granular or translucent vacuolated cytoplasm. The nuclei showed round or oval shape containing centrally placed and obvious nucleoli. The presence a lot of mono- or multi-nuclear giant cells served as another striking feature. Mitotic activities were rare. Reticular fiber staining indicated that reticular fibers surrounded the nest of tumor cells, and diastase-resistant periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)-positive crystalline inclusions were identified within the cytoplasm of tumor cells. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were reactive for TFE3, while were negative for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), melanophore markers [HMB45, Melan-A and S-100 protein (S-100)], and epithelial markers [cytokeratin (CK) and epithelial membrane antigen (EMA)]. Ki-67 labeling index was low (2%). The patient remained well without recurrence 15 months after the second surgery. Conclusions ASPS is a rare malignant tumor that tends to occur in adolescents. The tumor is predominantly located in deep soft tissues, such as legs and buttocks. ASPS of paranasal sinus and/or extending to skull base is extremely rare. The accurate diagnosis of ASPS mainly depends on histological and immunohistochemical features, and should be considered in differential diagnosis including the similar morphological pattern of primary or metastatic neoplasms. ASPS is characterized by ASPL-TFE3 gene fusions, and TFE3 protein is a specific marker for ASPS which displays nuclear labeling with TFE3 by immunohistochemistry. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1672-6731.2015.07.012

The breeding biology of Red-Whiskered Bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus) in Xishuangbanna, southwest China.

To fill the gap in breeding biology information about the Red-Whiskered Bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus), in 2013, we studied the breeding biology of this species in Xishuangbanna, southwest China. The breeding began from February and continued until early August. The breeding strategy of P. jocosus was more flexible and their nests were only built in cultivated landscapes, whereas, no nest building in native tropical rain forest was found. Small open cup nests were built on 50 different plant species, and at heights ranging from 2.1±0.6 m above the ground (n=102). The mean clutch size was 2.53±0.51 eggs (n=40) and the mean egg mass was 2.81±0.25 g (n=60). The average incubation period was 11.1±0.5 days (n=14), and the average nestling period was 11.0±0.8 days (n=31). The overall nest success was 34.22%.The hatching and fledging showed either asynchrony or synchrony. Invertebrate food decreased with nestling age, whereas, plant food increased with nestling age. Moreover, distinct parental roles of the parents in nestling period were found. Compared with other passerine species, P. jocosus spent less time in incubating (58%). The clutch size, incubation and nestling period of the P. jocosus in southwest China were different from those of the P. jocosus in India.

Distribution and prognostic significance of CD8+ T cells in urothelial cell carcinoma of the bladder

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution and clinical significance of CD8+ T cells in bladder cancer tissues in situ. Methods Immunohistochemistry were used to examine the distribution of CD8+ T cells in bladder cancer tissues, which were obtained from January 2003 to December 2009 from 302 patients.Among all the patients, 262 were male while 40 were female; mean age is 60 years; tumor size ≤ 3 cm was in 235 and tumor size > 3 cm was in 67; Unifocal tumor was in 214 and multifocal tumors were in 88.Amount of tumor stage Ta–T1 was 212 and T2–T4 was 90.Sixteen patients have lymph node metastasis.Histological low grade was diagnosed in 175 and histological high grade was diagnosed in 127.According to the differences between anatomic structure and cellular composition, bladder tumor tissues can be classified to two localization patterns: (1) intratumoral regions, defined as tumor cell nests; (2) stromal regions, defined as stromal areas that lack direct contact with tumor cells.Therefore, we divided 302 bladder cancer patients into two groups based on the median frequency of intratumoral CD8+ T cells (median, 3/×400 high resolution) and stromal CD8+ T cells (median, 37/×400 high resolution), respectively.χ2 analysis was used to evaluated the correlation between CD8+ T cell density and clinicalpathological variables.Kaplan–Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression models were applied to estimate overall survival (OS). Results CD8+ T cells were predominantly located in the intratumoral regions (mean, 14 ± 2/×400 high resolution) rather than in associated stromal regions (mean, 50± 3/×400 high resolution, P<0.05). The density of intratumoral CD8+ T cells was inversely associated with age(P=0.026), tumor size (P<0.05) and tumor stage (P<0.05), and could represent a favorable prognostic predictor of OS (HR=0.427, P=0.003). However, the density of stromal CD8+ T cells was positively associated with age(P=0.004) and histological grade (P<0.01), and could represent an adverse prognostic predictor of OS (HR=2.206, P=0.009). Conclusions Our findings suggest that intratumoral/ stromal CD8+ T cells could potentially serve as favorable/ adverse prognostic markers for bladder cancer patients, respectively. Key words: Bladder cancer; CD8; T cells; Prognosis

Analysis of Spider Wasp Host Selection in the Eastern Great Lakes Region (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae)

Analysis of host selection in 57 spider wasp species and 1 species-complex from the eastern Great Lakes Region revealed new ecological, taxonomic, and size relationships, supplementing and updating information for the family Pompilidae in the Catalog of Hymenoptera in America North of Mexico (Krombein 1979). The spider wasps preyed on large, moderate-size, or somewhat small spiders, according to their own size, and disregarded very small and tiny spiders when stocking a nest cell with a single host spider and wasp's egg. Large pompilid species preyed mainly on adult, penultimate, and subadult female spiders, and small spider wasp species captured mostly immature/juvenile spiders. Three differentsized spider wasp species inhabiting sandy soils—Anoplius cleora (large), A. apiculatus (medium-size), and Priocnemis cornica (small)—exclusively or frequently captured different sizes, sexes, and stages of the shoreline sand spider Arctosa littoralis (Lycosidae). Anoplius nigritus, A. semicinctus, and A. cylindricus, living in some of the same sandy areas, stung, paralyzed and stocked a large or small (A. cylindricus) burrow-inhabiting wolf spider (Lycosidae), Geolycosa wrighti, in the spider's own burrow. Caliadurgus fasciatellus, Agenioideus humilis, Episyron biguttatus, E. quinquenotatus, and Poecilopompilus interruptus preyed on different sizes, sexes, and stages of several common orb-weaver species (Araneidae) according to their own size. Two related, strongly polyphagous spider wasp species of the same size and color—Anoplius splendens, a psammophile, and A. marginatus species-complex, a group of 5 species found in sandy, gravelly and loamy areas and difficult to distinguish from one another in female form—provisioned nests with similar sizes, sexes, and stages of many of the same host spider species. Anoplius semirufus, a slightly smaller pompilid species cohabiting sandy areas with species in the A. marginatus species-complex and A. splendens, was rather oligophagous in host selection and provisioned nests mainly with small and moderate-size cursorial-hunting wolf spiders of several genera. Four large spider wasp species from abandoned, overgrown fields and woodland edges—Entypus unifasciatus, Tachypompilus ferrugineus, Anoplius aethiops, and A. atrox—preyed on large, mainly adult female fishing spiders (Pisauridae) and/or large wolf spiders (A. aethiops). Four different-sized, polyphagous, deciduous woodland pompilid species—Priocnemis minorata, P. germana, P. scitula, and Anoplius virginiensis—partitioned different sizes, sexes, and stages of common woodland cursorial-hunting and retreat-dwelling host spiders of several families, especially the hacklemesh-weaver spider Callobius bennetti (Amaurobiidae), according to their own size. Paired and 3-way statistical analyses of host selection in species of Auplopus (mellipes, nigrellus), Anoplius s. str. (imbellis, ithaca), Ammosphex (angularis, michiganensis), Arachnospila (arctus, scelestus), and Aporinellus (completus, medianus, taeniatus) disclosed significant ecological and predatory differences. Species of Pompilidae were associated with specific natural communities at Presque Isle State Park, Erie County, PA; Selkirk Shores State Park, Oswego County, NY; and Southwick Beach State Park, Jefferson County, NY.