Whitish Mass Research Articles

Morphological and molecular characterization of the cryptic species Myxobolus cataractae n. sp. (Cnidaria: Myxozoa: Myxobolidae) parasitizing Imparfinis mirini (Siluriformes: Heptapteridae).

We describe Myxobolus cataractae n. sp., found parasitizing Imparfinis mirini from Cachoeirinha stream, a tributary of Pardo River, Paraná River basin, municipality of Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil. We based the description on myxospore morphology, histology, and small subunit ribosomal DNA partial sequences. Whitish and elongated mass of myxospores were found in gill filaments, occupying an intrafilamental position. The myxospores were slightly ellipsoidal and the morphometric measurements revealed a myxospore body length of 7.8±0.4μm; myxospore width of 5.9±0.4μm; and thickness of 3.9±0.3μm. The polar capsules are equal in size and measured 3.5±0.2μm in length and 1.7±0.2μm in width. The polar tubules had 6-7 coils. Myxobolus cataractae n. sp. is classified as the intrafilamental type and chondreal subtype by the histological analysis of gills. Phylogenetic analysis showed a well-supported subclade formed by species that parasitize gills of Siluriformes, with M. imparfinis as a sister species of Myxobolus cataractae n. sp. Using molecular and morphological characterization, this cryptic species was identified as a new species of the genus Myxobolus.

설 기저부의 골성 이소종 환자 1예

Osteoma is a common benign tumor, which is consisted of mature osseous tissue. But it is not found commonly in the intraoral lesion. Actually, since Monsserat reported the first case of lingual base osseous choristoma in 1913, there were fewer than 100 cases of lingual osseous choristoma have been reported. A 23-year-old woman, without any underlying disease except dyslipidemia, visited out-patient clinic presenting intermittent pharyngeal pain with globus pharyngeus and hoarseness for 4 months. Laryngoscopy revealed an 1 cm-sized, well-defined, smooth-surface whitish solid mass on the right side of tongue base. Under the impression of a benign tongue base tumor such as granuloma, the mass was excised by monopolar electrocoagulator under general anesthesia. Later, the mass was identified as osseous choristoma. We reported a rare case of lingual base osseous choristoma with literature review.

A Case of Carcinoma with Sebaceous Differentiation arising in the Patient who was Treated with Parotid Gland Adenocarcinoma

Sebaceous carcinoma is extremely rare in the parotid gland. Recently, we experienced a case of carcinoma with sebaceous differentiation arising from the parotid gland in patient who was diagnosed as parotid adenoma carcinoma and underwent total parotidectomy.</br>A 73-year-old male visited our department for the evaluation of 3-month history of infra-auricular mass combined with pain. Radiologic finding showed lobulated enhancing and solid mass with calcification in the right parotid gland. Initially, total parotidectomy with supraomohyoid neck dissection was performed. Pathological findings showed capsulated whitish mass with hemorrhage and cystic degeneration. Immunohistochemically, CK7, CK5/6, p63 were positive and CEA was negative. The intra-operative frozen section diagnosis was mucoepidermoid carcinoma. The permanent diagnosis was changed to adenocarcinoma, NOS(not otherwise specified). Fourteen months later, the newly developed mass was noticed on the operation bed. The mass was clinically diagnosed as recurred adenocarcinoma. Revision parotidectomy was performed and pathological findings revealed that the tumor was newly developed sebaceous carcinoma. We report a case of carcinoma with sebaceous differentiation in parotid gland with a review of literature.

First Report of Neoerysiphe sechii Causing Powdery Mildew on Sechium edule in San Luis Potosi, Mexico.

From 2018 to 2020, powdery mildew-like signs and symptoms were observed on chayote (Sechium edule var. virens levis) in a commercial field located in Santa María del Río, San Luis Potosí, Mexico. Signs appeared as whitish powdery masses on both sides of leaves and stems. Disease incidence was about 30% and signs covered up to 70% of leaf surface. Ten samples were collected and analyzed. Mycelium was amphigenous, persistent, white, in dense patches. Hyphal appressoria were lobed and solitary. Conidiophores (n = 30) were hyaline, erect, straight, and 62 to 101 μm long. Foot cells were cylindrical and straight, followed by 1-3 shorter cells, and forming conidia in short chains. Conidia (n = 100) were hyaline, surface striate, cylindrical-ellipsoid, doliiform or ovoid, 25.7 to 37.6 × 11.9 to 18.4 μm, without fibrosin bodies, and with germ tubes terminal or subterminal. Conidial appressoria were lobed. Chasmothecia were not observed. The morphological characters were consistent with those of the anamorphic state of Neoerysiphe sechii (Gregorio-Cipriano et al. 2020). A voucher specimen was deposited in the Herbarium of the Department of Agricultural Parasitology at the Chapingo Autonomous University under accession number UACH192. To confirm the identification of the fungus, genomic DNA was extracted from conidia and mycelium, and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and part of the 28S gene were amplified by PCR and sequenced. The ITS region of rDNA was amplified using the primers ITS5/ITS4 (White et al. 1990). For amplification of the 28S rRNA partial gene, a nested PCR was performed using the primer sets PM3 (Takamatsu and Kano 2001)/TW14 (Mori et al. 2000) and NL1/TW14 (Mori et al. 2000) for the first and second reactions, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses using the maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood methods, including ITS and 28S sequences of isolates of Neoerysiphe spp. were performed and confirmed the results obtained in the morphological analysis. The isolate UACH192 grouped in a clade with isolates of N. sechii. The ITS + 28S sequence was deposited in GenBank under accession number MZ468642. Pathogenicity was confirmed by gently dusting conidia from infected leaves onto ten leaves of healthy chayote plants. Five non-inoculated leaves served as controls. The plants were maintained in a greenhouse at 25 to 30 ºC, and relative humidity of 60 to 70%. All inoculated leaves developed similar symptoms to the original observation after 8 days, whereas control leaves remained disease free. Microscopic examination of the fungus on inoculated leaves showed that it was morphologically identical to that originally observed. The pathogenicity test was repeated twice with similar results. Based on morphological data and phylogenetic analysis, as well as pathogenicity test, the fungus was identified as N. sechii. This pathogen has been previously reported causing powdery mildew on S. edule and S. mexicanum in Veracruz, Mexico (Gregorio-Cipriano et al. 2020). However, to our knowledge, this is the first report of N. sechii causing powdery mildew on chayote in San Luis Potosí (Central Mexico). This pathogen represents a serious threat to chayote production and disease management strategies should be developed.

Recurrent cardiac hydatid cyst located near the root of the superior vena cava and the interatrial septum: a case report

Introduction: Cardiac localization of hydatid disease is rare (<3%) even in endemic countries. Affection characterized by a long functional tolerance and a large clinical and paraclinical polymorphism. Serious cardiac hydatitosis because of the risk of rupture requiring urgent surgery. The diagnosis is based on serology and echocardiography. The aim of this work is to show a case of recurrent cardiac hydatid cyst discovered incidentally during a facial paralysis assessment. Methods: We report the observation of a 26-year-old woman operated on in 2012 for pericardial hydatid cyst presenting a cardiac hydatid cyst located near the abutment of the SCV discovered incidentally during an exploration for left facial paralysis: NYHA stage II dyspnea. Chest x-ray: CTI at 0.48. ECG: RSR. Echocardiography: Image of cystic appearance at the level of the abutment of the SVC. SAPP: 38 mmhg, EF: 65%. Thoracic scan: 30/27 mm cardiac hydatid cyst bulging the lateral wall of the right atrium and the trunk of the right pulmonary artery with fissured cardiac hydatid cyst of the apical segment of the right lung of the right lower lobe with multiple bilateral intra parenchymal and sub pleural nodules. The patient was operated on under CPB. Intraoperative exploration: Presence of a hard and whitish mass, about 03 / 03cm developed in the full right atrial wall opposite the entrance to the superior vena cava. Procedure: Resection of the mass removing the roof of the LA, the AIS and the wall of the RA with reconstruction of the roof of the RA by patch in Dacron and reconstruction of the IAS and the wall of the RA by a single patch in Dacron. Results: The postoperative suites were simple. Conclusion: The hydatid cyst is still a real endemic in Algeria, the cardiac location is rare but serious and can constitute a real surgical emergency, hence the importance of prevention. Keywords: Hydatid cyst of the heart; Recurrence; Surgery; Cardiopulmonary Bypass; Prevention

Subretinal Crystalline Lens Dislocation following Cataract Couching

A 71-year-old man was referred for the appearance of a “dark curtain” in the visual field of his left eye. He had a history of couching in Nigeria 3 months prior to presentation. Couching is the oldest recorded form of cataract surgery, still performed in several areas of the world, which involves the manual dislocation of the crystalline lens into the vitreous cavity. On examination, the crystalline lens was not visible and a macula-sparing, inferior retinal detachment, along with a whitish subretinal mass, was present (Fig A).

From observations of the original lubricant

As is known from obstetric practice, by the end of the 5th and 6th months of fetal life, along with the development of the subcutaneous fat layer, the skin of the fetus is covered with a fatty whitish mass, which, according to Bumm, consists of epidermal cells and sebum.

Congenital Cholesteatoma in Adult: Is it Still Possible?

Congenital cholesteatoma is a mass of squamous epithelium located medial to an intact tympanic membrane without previous history of tympanic membrane perforation, otorrhoea or otological surgery. We described a 24 year old gentleman with a left postauricular discharging fistula for 3 years with recent history of gradual hearing loss, tinnitus and recurrent episodes of positional vertigo. Clinical examination noted left postauricular fistula opening and otoscopy showed a whitish mass medial to a bulging intact tympanic membrane. High-resolution computed tomography of temporal bone was suggestive of cholesteatoma. Left modified radical mastoidectomy was done and he recovered with resolution of symptoms.
 Bangladesh J Otorhinolaryngol; April 2021; 27(1): 96-99

Pulsatile tinnitus with a whitish mass in the middle ear

Pulsatile tinnitus with a whitish mass in the middle ear

Epidermoid cyst of the cecum resected by single-incision laparoscopic colectomy: a case report

BackgroundEpidermoid cyst arising from the cecum is extremely rare. Single-incision laparoscopic surgery is the latest innovation in minimally invasive surgery, and shortens incisions, improves cosmesis, and reduces postoperative pain. We report here the first description of a patient with epidermoid cyst of the cecum treated by ileocecal resection by single-incision laparoscopic surgery.Case presentationA 20-year-old woman presented to our hospital with abdominal pain in the right lower quadrant. Abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed a 56 × 35-mm cystic mass in the ileocecal area. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 56 × 43-mm, T1-hypointense, T2-hyperintense mass attached to the cecum. Gastrointestinal tumor or duplication cyst was suspected, and ileocecal resection was performed using single-incision laparoscopic surgery. Intraoperative examination showed the tumor as a round, whitish mass arising from the cecum. Operation time was 162 min, and intraoperative blood loss was 10 ml. Macroscopic examination showed a 56 × 45-mm elastic-hard, whitish, round mass arising from the cecal wall. Microscopic examination revealed the cyst wall lined by keratinized stratified squamous epithelium. No malignant findings were identified. The final diagnosis was epidermoid cyst of the cecum. The postoperative course was uneventful and she was discharged on postoperative day 5.ConclusionsA rare case of cecal epidermoid cyst is reported. Single-incision laparoscopic colectomy using an organ retractor represents a promising option for treating cecal epidermoid cyst.

Atypical iris cyst after trauma and cataract surgery masquerading as iris tumor

A 22-year-old man was referred for gradually impaired vision in his left eye. The affected eye had a history of traumatic ruptured cornea with a primary repair 2 years ago and then a cataract surgery 6 months later. At presentation, a large whitish iris mass was seen on the superior part of the iris involving the visual axis in the affected eye. The anterior segment optical coherence tomography revealed an iris cyst with solid contents. The entire cyst was removed surgically. The histological finding was consistent with an iris cyst lined by stratified squamous epithelium. At 1-year postoperatively, there was no sign of recurrence. Secondary iris cyst, from epithelial downgrowth, which occurs after trauma and cataract surgery, can atypically masquerade as an iris tumor. Surgical removal is indicated if the vision is threatened and to provide a definite histopathological diagnosis.

Aspergilloma or intrapulmonary teratoma - time to rethink

Intrapulmonary teratoma (IPT) is a rare type of extra gonadal germ cell tumor which can often be misdiagnosed due to its non-specific presentation. Complete surgical resection should be done because of its malignant potential. We report a case of 33 years old female previously treated as tuberculous osteomyelitis of sternum. She presented with chest pain and sudden hemoptysis. Based on the radiological picture she was diagnosed as complex aspergilloma of lung with a thick walled cavity. Hemoptysis was controlled with supportive management. On surgery right upper lobe was densely adherent to the anterior chest wall. Exploration of the cavity revealed a 6×4 cm whitish mass with non-pigmented hair. Right upper lobectomy and wide excision of the mass was performed. Histopathology was consistent with the diagnosis of IPT with no malignant cells.

Acute Myeloid Leukaemia with Vitreous Haemorrhage: Management Challenge in a Third World Country

Abstract Casestudy Leukaemic ophthalmopathy is commoner in acute myeloid leukaemias. Ophthalmic involvement in leukaemias is classified into: Primary or Secondary. Methods A 35-year-old man with history of working in an oil and gas company for 3years who presented 9months ago on account of one month history of recurrent fever, occasional bone pain and generalised body weakness.Had associated history of passage of dark coloured urine, mouth ulcers, mouth bleeds and dizziness. CBC at presentation showed WBC of 102,300/mcl with 79% blasts, hemoglobin of 5.4g/dL, platelet count of 12,000/mcl. Symptoms were consistent with leukostasis, and he had leukoreduction with exchange blood transfusion and hydroxyurea. Bone marrow aspirate confirmed the diagnosis of AML FAB M2. Bone marrow biopsy showed hypercellular marrow with increased myeloid series, other series depressed. Three days after admission, he complained of painless blurred vision bilaterally and feeling of objects appearing reddish, a review by ophthalmologist with an assessment of bilateral retinal haemorrhage secondary to AML. B – Scan done showed whitish elevated hyperechoic mass (parapapillary) with moderate dot echoes in the vitreous bilaterally. They planned for dilated fundoscopy and advised haematologist to commence chemotherapy as planned. He then had standard induction with cytarabine and daunorubicin.Post chemotherapy showed pancytopenia secondary to chemotherapy. Further review by Ophthalmologist showed bilateral vitreous haemorrhage secondary to bilateral choroidal mass and then planned for vitrectomy and also had bilateral intravitreal bevacizumab Day 14 bone marrow exam showed hypocellularity with absence of blasts indicating remission. He subsequently underwent cycle 1 of consolidation with high-dose cytarabine with the goal to proceed with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). Post consolidation, patient has had surgeries of both eyes and subsequently regained full vision in both eyes. Though patient is yet to re-present for post consolidation chemotherapy despite adequate counsel due to financial constraints and yet to have allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) and last showed up for follow up four months ago. Results Patient regained full vision in both eyes Conclusion This case illustrates that vitreous haemorrhage in Patients with AML can be effectively managed in a resource limited setting.

New Host Record of Formicococcus polysperes Williams (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae): An Emerging Pest of Taro Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott from India

The mealybug Formicococcus polysperes Williams (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) was reported for the first time attacking rhizomes of Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott from Nagaland state, India. In initial infestation, the tender rhizomes were observed to be covered with whitish powdery mass of mealybugs. In severe infestation, the entire underground portions of the plant were covered with mealybugs along with the black sooty mould in patches on plant parts. The infected plants showed symptoms of yellowing and withering of leaves accompanied with underdeveloped rhizomes which eventually dried prematurely. Results on survey of fields and a nearby storage facility revealed up to 52% crop loss due to its infestation. Among the eighteen genotype screened against F. polysperes, none of the genotype was found to be tolerant as average number of mealybug population ranged between 310 and 588 per rhizome (30–40 g weight). In this paper, we describe the damage symptoms, results of host screening and the diagnostic morphological characteristics of F. polysperes to facilitate its quick and reliable identity in future.

Carcinoma with Vertebral Column Metastasis in Two Dogs

Background: Carcinomas are aggressive and invasive malignancies that originate from any type of epithelial cell and are responsible for many deaths in dogs. Carcinoma metastases occur primarily via the lymphatic route; however, they can occur by blood flow, thus reaching bone structures. In dogs, metastasis of mammary and squamous cell carcinomas to the skeletal system is poorly described. The aim of this study was to report two cases of dogs that developed metastases of carcinomas to the vertebral column.Cases: Case 1. A 10 years-old, male, mixed-breed dog with paralysis of the left pelvic limb, subcutaneous mass in the lumbar region, apathy, anorexia and progressive weight loss and with a previous history of amputation of the right pelvic limb resulting from squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in the integument of the cranial face of the femorotibiopatellar joint. Due to the patient's clinical condition and the negative prognosis associated with the neoplasia, euthanasia was performed. At necropsy, infiltrating the lumbar vertebrae from L5 to L7, a whitish and firm mass of approximately 15 x 8 cm was observed. Histologically, it comprised a malignant epithelial neoplastic development consisting of nests and cords interspersed with fibrovascular stroma, containing multiple keratine pearls. There was moderate to severe anisocytosis, severe anisokariosis, and about 4 mitosis figures for every 10 high power fields (400x). The histological features were consistent with an invasive SCC. Anti-cytokeratin and anti-p63 immunohistochemical (IHC) evaluations were performed, both with immunoreactivity in neoplastic cells. Case 2. An 8 years-old, female, Chihuahua with bilateral paralysis of the pelvic limbs, anorexia, and progressive weight loss, with a history of excision of solid mammary carcinoma. The clinical condition evolved to the absence of deep pain in all limbs and fecal and urinary retention, opting for euthanasia. At necropsy, a nodule between T3 and T4 was observed, yellowish-white and firm, measuring about 5 x 3.8 cm, invading the spinal canal, and compressing the spinal cord. Histologically, it comprised malignant epithelial neoplasia infiltrating intervertebral ligaments, musculature, and vertebrae of the thoracic spine, organized in a dense mantle of polygonal to rounded cells, delimited in lobes by abundant fibrovascular tissue. Moderate anisokaryosis and accentuated anisocytosis were observed and about 6 mitosis figures for every 10 high power fields (400x). The histological characteristics of the tumor were compatible with metastasis due to grade II solid mammary carcinoma. Immunohistochemical evaluations of anti-cytokeratin, anti-c-erbB2, and anti-estrogen and progesterone receptors were performed, with immunoreactivity for cytokeratin and c-erbB2 in neoplastic cells.Discussion: There are no current data indicating which tumors that metastasize most frequently to the vertebral column. In the reported cases, it was found that the clinical signs presented by the animals are directly associated with the compression of specific areas of the spinal cord, as well as bone pain, resulting from tumor expansion and degeneration of the bone matrix, similar to what has been reported previously. The immunohistochemical diagnosis of anti-p63 in case 1 and anti-oncoprotein C-erbB2 in case 2, were essential to determine the neoplastic origin in the absence of the primary tumor. Despite being a place of low incidence of metastases, bones have a physiologically favorable environment for the implantation of neoplastic cells, especially when there is bone marrow involvement. Because of this and despite the rare occurrence, metastasis of carcinomas to the vertebral column should always be considered as differential diagnoses in patients presenting with clinical signs compatible with spinal cord compression and a history of previous neoplasia.

P39 CHYLOPTYSIS AFTER ESOPHAGECTOMY FOR ESOPHAGEAL CANCER; A RARE COMPLICATION

Abstract Aim We present a case of chyloptysis after esophageal resection for esophageal squamous cell cancer. Symptoms were caused by chylous casts occluding the airways. This necessitated surgical ligation of the main thoracic duct and sealing the airway fistula with a latissimus dorsi muscle flap. Background & Methods Chyloptysis is rare and usually occurs spontaneously and secondary to disorders of the mediastinal lymphatic system. Chyloptysis manifests with the production of milky-white sputum or the formation and expectoration of bronchial casts. Initially no more than 20 cases have been reported in the literature (1,2). There are two mechanisms for the pathogenesis of chyloptysis: 1) congenital or acquired incompetence of the lymphatic valves and 2) occurrence of bronchopleural fistula in the context of chylous effusion (3,4). However, iatrogenic injury also can be a cause, in which injury to the thoracic duct leading to chylous pleural effusion with coexisting esofagotracheal fistula facilitates chyloptysis. Results A 66-year-old mal underwent a mini-invasive esophagectomy and gastric tube reconstruction for epidermoid cancer of the esophagus. Neoadjuvant chemo-radiation was given before operation. Post-operatively a minor chylous leak was managed by total parenteral nutrition for one week. He was discharged 15 days after operation. Four weeks after surgery he was readmitted because of fever, hypoxemia, wheezing, and expectoration of bronchial casts. He had fever, C-reactive protein level was 353 mg/l and white blood cell count 15.4 E9/l. He was intubated for respiratory failure and taken to ICU for treatment of aspiration pneumonia. Both chest x-ray and i.v. contrasted computed tomography (CT)of the chest confirmed bilateral aspiration pneumonia ( Figure 1). In bronchoscopy, occluding whitish mass was evacuated from both sides of the airways and this was thought to be because of aspiration (Figure 2). Infection responded to antibiotics and he was weaned from mechanic ventilation with tracheostomy until his symptoms recurred. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy revealed again milky-white sputum on both sides of the bronchial three. This time, a hole in the posterior tracheal wall was noticed and tracheal stent was applied to cover possible fistula to the esophagus or gastric conduit. However, in gastroskopy, such fistula could not be confirmed. Patient was under total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and after seven days since readmission, jejunal feeding was started. This caused a third deterioration period. Analysis of the bronchial aspiration revealed an elevated triglyceride level which was consistent with chyle and chylous fistula to the airways was therefore the most likely diagnosis. A right posterolateral thoracotomy was performed, and during surgery, thicker fibrous tissue was removed around the fistulae. Chylous reflux was observed form the fistula. Latissimus dorsi muscle flap was applied to cover the TEF and a main thoracic duct was controlled by ligating all soft tissue between descending aorta and azygous vein at the level of the diaphragm. After surgery, patient had TPN for 10 days. Enteral feeding was started to jejunal tube and we served a fat-free diet gradually increasing the fat content. Patient had tracheostomy and 2 weeks after operation he was noted to have recurrent TEF, and esophageal stent was applied. Postoperative recovery showed no further chyloptysis and he was discharged eventually 96 days after original operation. Conclusion Surgical ligation of thoracic duct resulted in complete resolution of chyloptysis. Surgery is the treatment of choice, although radiation therapy, chemotherapy, laser, and sclerosing agents have been described with varying success. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of iatrogenic induced chyloptysis after esophageal resection.

First Report of Lonsdalea populi Causing Bark Canker Disease on Poplar in Portugal

In November 2017, vertical cankers were observed in the trunk of 120 trees growing in a plantation of hybrid poplar (Populus × euramericana) of 12 ha in the district of Santarem (Portugal), suggesting a bacterial disease. The trees had been imported from France and planted in 2011. The vertically cracked bark presented a whitish creamy mass delimited by dark brown exudates. Under the microscope, the creamy mass was found to be composed by a large number of individuals of the free-living, bacte-riophagous nematode Panagrellus redivivus, as also reported by Toth et al. (2013), who suggested that large numbers of bacteria are present in the bark canker. Samples of cankers and exudates were macerated and extracts plated on King’s B medium. Cultures yielded bacterial isolates showing colonies white-ivory colored, bright, round, slightly convex, and not fluorescent under ultraviolet light. Nine isolates were selected and further characterized by phenotypic (biochemical data, fatty acid profiles, and carbon source utilization by Biolog GEN III and API 20E test plates) and phylogenetic analysis. A Lonsdalea populi strain was also included for comparison. Colonies were gram-negative, facultative anaerobic, levan and esculin hydrolysis positive, but did not have cytochrome c oxidase or urease activity and did not induce a hypersensitivity response on tobacco plants. The symptomatology in the affected poplars and the results of the phenotypic analyses of the isolates were similar to those reported for L. populi (Berruete et al. 2016; Li et al. 2014, 2017; Toth et al. 2013). Partial sequences of the 16S rDNA gene and housekeeping genes gapA, atpD, gyrB, and infB showed 99 to 100% identity with isolates of L. populi available at the GenBank database. The neighbor-joining phylogenetic tree, inferred by the CIPRES Science Gateway after online alignment by the MAFFT program version 7 of 16S rDNA and housekeeping gene sequences, further identified the isolates as L. populi. Sequences from two representative isolates (EFA-L5 and EFA-L6) from this study were submitted to GenBank (accession nos. MH469711 and MH469712 for 16S rRNA gene, MH496625 and MH496626 for gapA, MH559348 and MH559349 for atpD, MH824634 and MH824635 for gyrB, and MH899112 and MH899113 for infB). Pathogenicity of EFA-L5 and EFA-L6 isolates was tested on nursery plants of P. × euramericana ‘I-214’. For each bacterial isolate, a suspension in water was prepared as inoculum (10⁷ CFU/ml). Five plants were inoculated with EFA-L5 and another five with EFA-L6. In each inoculated plant, two incisions were made in the trunk, and 100 µl of the corresponding bacterial suspension applied in each incision. Sterile distilled water was applied in incisions similarly made in the trunk of five control plants. All plants were placed in a growth chamber at 85 to 90% humidity and 22 ± 3°C. A watery necrosis area was observed in all inoculated plants 7 days after inoculation, but not in control plants. After 3 months, decay and death of most inoculated plants were observed. L. populi was reisolated from symptomatic plants, thus fulfilling Koch’s postulates. L. populi has been reported causing bark canker disease in poplar in Hungary, China, and Spain (Berruete et al. 2016; Li et al. 2014; Toth et al. 2013). To our knowledge this is the first report of L. populi on poplar in Portugal. More research is needed to know the distribution of bark canker disease in this country, because it could have a significant economic impact on poplar plantations.

The hematopoietic organ of Macrobrachium rosenbergii: Structure, organization and immune status

The hematopoietic organ (HO) of the giant freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii is a discrete, whitish mass located in the epigastric region of the cephalothorax, posterior to the brain. It is composed of hematopoietic cells arranged in a thick layer of numerous lobules that surround a central hemal sinus from which they are separated by a thin sheath. At the center of the sinus is the muscular cor frontale. The lobules extend radially outward from the sinus in three developmental zones. Basal Zone 1 nearest the sinus contains large hematopoietic stem cells with euchromatic nuclei that stain positive for proliferation cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Zone 2 contains smaller, actively dividing cells as indicated by positive 5-bromo-20-deoxyuridine (BrdU) staining. Distal Zone 3 contains small, loosely packed cells with heterochromatic nuclei, many cytoplasmic granules and vesicles indicating that they will eventually differentiate into hemocytes and enter circulation. Three main arteries, namely the ophthalmic and the 2 branches of the antennary, connect the heart to the HO. Use of India ink and 0.1 μm fluorescent micro-beads injected into the heart revealed that the cor frontale could immediately remove foreign particles from hemolymph by filtration. Fluorescent beads were also detected in the hematopoietic tissue at 30 min after injection, indicating that it could be penetrated by foreign particles. However, the fluorescent signal completely disappeared from the whole HO after 4 h, indicating its role in removal of foreign particles. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated for the first time the detailed histological structures of the HO of M. rosenbergii and its relationship to hematopoiesis and removal of foreign particles from hemolymph.

Successful treatment of endogenous endophthalmitis with extensive subretinal abscess: a case report

BackgroundEndogenous endophthalmitis could lead to a devastating outcome without a prompt and appropriate management. We report a case of advanced endogenous Klebsiella pneumoniae endophthalmitis with extensive subretinal abscess that was successfully treated with a vitrectomy.Case presentationA systemically well 61-year-old man complained of ocular pain and visual decrease in his right eye for eighteen days. Ophthalmic examination showed dense inflammation in the anterior chamber and vitreous body. Systemic investigations discovered diabetes and no specific site of systemic infection was found after hospitalization. The inflammation continued to worsen after the intravitreal antibiotic injection. Therefore, a pars plana vitrectomy combined with phacoemulsification was performed. Intraoperatively, a white elevated, fluffy mass with the overlying retinal whitening and necrosis was revealed in superior periphery. In addition to this, extensive retinal hemorrhages and five adjacent subretinal whitish masses with exudative retinal detachment were observed in the posterior pole and inferior quadrants, which were suggestive of extensive subretinal abscess with intense overlying retinal inflammation. The excision of white fluffy mass superiorly was performed without retinotomy and aspiration of extensive subretinal abscess. The polymerase chain reaction of vitreous samples was positive for Klebsiella pneumonia. Intravitreal 2 mg/0.1 ml ceftazidime were repeated. Nine days after the surgery, the inflammation significantly subsided and the retina reattached. The patient was in a stable condition at subsequent visit eight months later.ConclusionThe delay in an accurate diagnosis and treatment caused extensive subretinal abscess combined with endogenous endophthalmitis. The treatment modality of subretinal abscess is typically individualized to the patient’s presentation. If the retina overlying the abscess is not necrotic, the extensive subretinal abscess can quickly absorbed after vitrectomy, retinotomy with aspiration of the abscess should be avoided to decrease the risk of retinal detachment.

Nasal peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor in a heifer: case report

This report described the clinical signs, pathological and immunohistochemical findings associated with a peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor (pPNET) in the nasal cavity of a heifer. The heifer exhibited severe breathing difficulty and dysphagia, which were increased over the last thirty days. At autopsy, a large, firm, and whitish mass was found occupying the left frontal sinus and most of the left nasal cavity. Histologically, a malignant neoplastic proliferation was observed, which was composed of small cells typically arranged in nests and mantles, occasionally arranged in palisade, interspersed with moderate connective stroma. The neoplastic cells exhibited strong immunoreactivity to synaptophysin, mild, multifocal immunoreactivity to neuron-specific enolase and vimentin immunoreactivity, with moderate, and multifocal immunoreactivity S-100 protein. These findings suggest that pPNETs should be included in the differential diagnosis of proliferative and obstructive lesions in the nasal cavity of young cattle.