Deep phylogeny and evolution of sponges (phylum Porifera)

Sponges (phylum Porifera) are a diverse taxon of benthic aquatic animals of great ecological, commercial, and biopharmaceutical importance. They are arguably the earliest-branching metazoan taxon, and therefore, they have great significance in the reconstruction of early metazoan evolution. Yet, the phylogeny and systematics of sponges are to some extent still unresolved, and there is an on-going debate about the exact branching pattern of their main clades and their relationships to the other non-bilaterian animals. Here, we review the current state of the deep phylogeny of sponges. Several studies have suggested that sponges are paraphyletic. However, based on recent phylogenomic analyses, we suggest that the phylum Porifera could well be monophyletic, in accordance with cladistic analyses based on morphology. This finding has many implications for the evolutionary interpretation of early animal traits and sponge development. We further review the contribution that mitochondrial genes and genomes have made to sponge phylogenetics and explore the current state of the molecular phylogenies of the four main sponge lineages (Classes), that is, Demospongiae, Hexactinellida, Calcarea, and Homoscleromorpha, in detail. While classical systematic systems are largely congruent with molecular phylogenies in the class Hexactinellida and in certain parts of Demospongiae and Homoscleromorpha, the high degree of incongruence in the class Calcarea still represents a challenge. We highlight future areas of research to fill existing gaps in our knowledge. By reviewing sponge development in an evolutionary and phylogenetic context, we support previous suggestions that sponge larvae share traits and complexity with eumetazoans and that the simple sedentary adult lifestyle of sponges probably reflects some degree of secondary simplification. In summary, while deep sponge phylogenetics has made many advances in the past years, considerable efforts are still required to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the relationships among and within the main sponge lineages to fully appreciate the evolution of this extraordinary metazoan phylum.

Intermediate dose of imatinib in combination with chemotherapy followed by allogeneic stem cell transplantation improves early outcome in paediatric Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL): results of the Spanish Cooperative Group SHOP studies ALL-94, ALL-99 and ALL-2005

Philadelphia-chromosome acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (Ph+ ALL) is a subgroup of ALL with very high risk of treatment failure. We report here the results of the Sociedad Española de Hematología y Oncología Pediátricas (SEHOP/SHOP) in paediatric Ph+ ALL treated with intermediate-dose imatinib concurrent with intensive chemotherapy. The toxicities and outcome of these patients were compared with historical controls not receiving imatinib. Patients with Ph+ ALL aged 1-18years were enrolled in three consecutive ALL/SHOP trials (SHOP-94/SHOP-99/SHOP-2005). In the SHOP-2005 trial, imatinib (260mg/m(2) per day) was given on day-15 of induction. Allogeneic haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) from a matched related or unrelated donor was scheduled in first complete remission (CR1). Forty-three patients were evaluable (22 boys, median age 6·8years, range, 1·2-15). Sixteen received imatinib whereas 27 received similar chemotherapy without imatinib. Seventeen of 27 and 15 of 16 patients in the non-imatinib and imatinib cohort, respectively, underwent HSCT in CR1. With a median follow-up of 109 and 39months for the non-imatinib and imatinib cohorts, the 3-year event-free survival (EFS) was 29·6% and 78·7%, respectively (P=0·01). These results show that, compared to historical controls, intermediate dose of imatinib given concomitantly with chemotherapy and followed by allogeneic HSCT markedly improved early EFS in paediatric Ph+ ALL.

Topical glucocorticoids downregulate COX-1 positive cells in nasal polyps

BACKGROUND

Influx of inflammatory cells is one of the hallmarks of nasal polyposis. As glucocorticoids (GC) are known to exhibit strong anti-inflammatory effects, these drugs are frequently used in the treatment of the disease. Part of the anti-inflammatory effects of GC is attributed to their interference with prostanoid synthesis. As cyclooxygenases (COX) are key enzymes in the synthesis of both pro- (COX-1, COX-2) and anti-inflammatory prostanoids (COX-2), we investigated the role of topical GC on COX-1, COX-2 and inflammatory markers in nasal polyps (NP).

METHODS

Immunohistochemical analysis of inflammatory markers (CD68, CD117, MBP, elastase, IgE, BB-1, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-6), COX-1 and COX-2 was performed on normal nasal mucosa (NM) (n = 18), non-GC treated NP (n = 27) and topical GC treated NP (n = 12). NP groups were matched for allergy, asthma and ASA intolerance.

RESULTS

Increased numbers of eosinophils, IL-5+ cells and IgE+ cells and decreased numbers of mastcells are striking features of NP inflammation (P < 0.05). In addition, increased numbers of COX-1+ cells are observed in NP epithelium compared to NM (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Topical GC significantly reduce the number of COX-1+ NP cells (P < 0.05), but have no significant effect on COX-2+ NP cells. No significant reduction in the number of eosinophils is observed for GC treated NP. The number of IL-5+ cells is however increased significantly upon GC treatment (P < 0.05).

Occurrence of somatic cells within the spermatic cysts of demosponges: a discussion of their role

During ultrastructural studies on the spermatogenesis of two demosponges, Raspaciona aculeata and Petrosia ficiformis, somatic cells were detected within their spermatic cysts. In R. aculeata large, amoeboid somatic cells, presumably derived from follicle cells, were found inside cysts filled with secondary spermatocytes. These cells were actively phagocytosing spermatocytes. Such phagocytosis could be directed to eliminate aberrant spermatogenic cells, maintain appropriate cell number within the cysts, or recapture energetic reserves originally allocated to the reproductive process via phagocytosis of spermatocytes. In P. ficiformis, somatic round cells were observed only after the spawning event, phagocytosing unspawned sperm in nearly emptied spermatic cysts. Unlike in R. aculeata, these cells were more similar to archaeocytes (common cells of the demosponge mesohyl with phagocytic activity) than to follicle cells. Phagocytosis of spermatogenic cells and unspawned spermatozoa by somatic cells from the wall of the testes is a well-known process in vertebrates and many invertebrates. Occurrence of somatic cells in the spermatic cysts of sponges, whose function appears to be partially analogous to that of Sertoli cells, reveals that sponges possess cellular mechanisms to regulate testis functioning that are equivalent to those in higher metazoans.

Leishmanicidal activity of Maytenus illicifolia roots

In vitro evaluation of leishmanicidal activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Maytenus illicifolia against three species of Leishmania. The root extracts showed differential activity against parasites, whereas the aerial part of the extracts was inactive.

Elevated levels of interleukin-2 receptor and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 in sera from a venezuelan cohort of patients with dengue

This study evaluated the levels of soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) in patients with dengue. Sera from 17 patients with dengue fever (DF), 15 with dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and 12 healthy individuals were obtained. Increased levels of sIL-2R and sICAM-1 were found in patients with DF and DHF when compared to normal; those were not correlated with leukocytes, hepatic serum enzyme levels or haemostatic parameters. Levels of sIL-2R were related to the different grades of DHF. These results suggest that increased levels of sIL-2R and sICAM-1 are a common feature of dengue.

Intracellular free calcium concentration and calcium transport in human erythrocytes of lead-exposed workers

Erythrocytes are the route of lead distribution to organs and tissues. The effect of lead on calcium homeostasis in human erythrocytes and other excitable cells is not known. In the present work we studied the effect of lead intoxication on the uptake and efflux (measured as (Ca(2+)-Mg(2+))-ATPase activity) of calcium were studied in erythrocytes obtained from lead-exposed workers. Blood samples were taken from 15 workers exposed to lead (blood lead concentration 74.4+/-21.9 microg/dl) and 15 non-exposed workers (9.9+/-2 microg/dl). In erythrocytes of lead-exposed workers, the intracellular free calcium was 79+/-13 nM, a significantly higher concentration (ANOVA, P<0.01) than the one detected in control (30+/-9 nM). The enhanced intracellular free calcium was associated with a higher osmotic fragility and with important modifications in erythrocytes shape. The high intracellular free calcium in lead-exposed workers was also related to a 100% increase in calcium incorporation and to 50% reduction of (Ca(2+)-Mg(2+))-ATPase activity. Lipid peroxidation was 1.7-fold higher in erythrocytes of lead-exposed workers as compared with control. The alteration on calcium equilibrium in erythrocytes is discussed in light of the toxicological effects in lead-exposed workers.

Difference of hepatitis B virus genotype distribution in two groups of mexican patients with different risk factors. High prevalence of genotype H and G

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) has been classified in eight genotypes, from A to H (HBV/A to HBV/H). HBV genotypes were determined in two groups with different risk factors.

METHODS

Group I consisted of 42 patients with chronic and acute hepatitis and group II with 25 men who have sex with men (MSM). HBV genotypes were determined by DNA sequencing of the S-gene.

RESULTS

Both groups differed with respect to genotype distribution (p < 0.001). In group I, there were 31 (74%), 9 (21%) and 2 patients (5%) with HBV/H, HBV/D and HBV/A; respectively. In group II, HBV/H, HBV/A, and HBV/G were found in 13 (52%), 8 (32%) and 4 (16%) cases, respectively. By using an HBV/G-specific PCR, 3 more cases of HBV/G were identified in group II, rising to a total 28%. All HBV/G strains were present in coinfection with other HBV genotypes, 86% with HBV/H, and 14% with HBV/A.

CONCLUSIONS

HBV/H predominated in both groups. A high frequency of HBV/G was found in MSM, which was always coinfected with HBV/H or HBV/A. Significant differences in HBV genotype distribution were also found, since HBV/D was present only in patients with liver disease, whereas HBV/G was present only in MSM.

[Sphenochoanal polyp. Diagnostic and therapeutic aspects]

INTRODUCTION

Sphenochoanal polyps (SCP) grow from the sphenoid sinus and occupy the nasopharynx.

OBJECTIVE AND RESULTS

To describe the clinical and diagnostic features of SCP, reporting two cases. Epidemiological study of the series in the literature. 8 published series were found (22 cases).

CONCLUSIONS

SCP is a rare lesion that is usually misdiagnosed for antrochoanal polyposis. A proper diagnosis and surgical treatment are the basis to prevent recurrence. We describe the first case of SCP with cacosmia.

Predictors of glycaemic control in indigent patients presenting with diabetic ketoacidosis

AIM

To derive predictors of good glycaemic control in patients presenting with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) followed prospectively in a specialized clinic.

METHODS

One hundred and sixty-one adult patients were admitted during a 31-month period and followed for at least 12 months. After 1 year, the patients were classified into three groups: good control (GC) (HbA1c < or = 7%), intermediate control (IC) (HbA1c 7-9%) and poor control (PC) (HbA1c > 9%). Characteristics of patients in the three groups were compared both at baseline and during follow-up.

RESULTS

At 12 months, 36% of the patients were classified as GC, 27% as IC and 37% as PC. GC patients had higher fasting serum C-peptide levels 0.7 +/- 0.54 compared to 0.38 +/- 0.29 and 0.16 +/- 0.21 nmol/l, respectively, for the IC and PC patients (p < 0.0001). A higher proportion GC patient had a C-peptide level greater than 0.33 nmol/l than that for IC and PC patients (86, 61 and 19%, respectively; p < 0.0001). Exogenous insulin was safely discontinued in 50, 30 and 3% of patients, respectively, in the GC, IC and PC groups (p < 0.0001). Compliance with life-style interventions was higher in the GC than that in IC and PC patients (87, 41 and 5%, respectively; p < 0.0001). In the logistic regression analysis, predictors of good glycaemic control were having baseline fasting serum C-peptide value > or =0.33 mmol/l, OR: 3.01 (95% CI 1.07-8.55, p = 0.03) and compliance with life-style interventions OR 12.66 (95% CI 3.73-51.57, p = 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Among adult patients with DKA, significant predictors of good glycaemic control are preserved beta-cell function and compliance with life-style modifications.

Pyrethroid insecticide evaluation on different house structures in a Chagas disease endemic area of the Paraguayan Chaco

Insecticide effects of deltamethrin 2.5% SC (flowable solution) on different substrates and triatomine infestation rates in two indigenous villages (Estancia Salzar and Nueva Promesa) of the Paraguayan Chaco are reported. This field study was carried out to determine the extent to which variability in spray penetration may affect residual action of the insecticide. A total of 117 houses in the two villages were sprayed. Filter papers discs were placed on aluminium foil pinned to walls and roofs in selected houses and the applied insecticide concentration was determined by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). The target dose rate was 25 mg a.i./m2. The mean actual applied dose in Estancia Salazar was 11.2 +/- 3.1 mg a.i./m2 in walls and 11.9 +/- 5.6 mg a.i./m2 in roofs while in Nueva Promesa, where duplicates were carried out, the mean values were 19.9 +/- 6.9 mg a.i./m2 and 34.7 +/- 10.4 mg a.i./m2 in walls and 28.8 +/- 19.2 mg a.i./m2 and 24.9 +/- 21.8 mg a.i./m2 in roofs. This shows the unevenness and variability of applied doses during spraying campaigns, and also the reduced coverage over roof surfaces. However, wall bioassays with Triatoma infestans nymphs in a 72 h exposure test showed that deposits of deltamethrin persisted in quantities sufficient to kill triatomines until three months post spraying. Knockdown by deltamethrin on both types of surfaces resulted in 100% final mortality. A lower insecticidal effect was observed on mud walls. However, three months after treatment, sprayed lime-coated mud surfaces displayed a twofold greater capacity (57.5%) to kill triatomines than mud sprayed surfaces (25%). Re-infestation was detected by manual capture only in one locality, six months after spraying.

Long-term results of high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell rescue for high-risk neuroblastoma patients: a report of the Spanish working party for BMT in children (Getmon)

The authors retrospectively analyzed the long-term outcome of 67 patients over 1 year of age at diagnosis with high-risk neuroblastoma (stage 4 or stage 3 with N-myc amplification) who were treated with megatherapy and stem cell rescue from 1984 to 1998. Median age at transplant was 4 years (range 1.6-15 years). The source of cells was peripheral stem cells in 29 and bone marrow in 38 patients. In 12 patients, an in vitro purging of bone marrow harvest was performed. Most patients were conditioned with melphalan, BCNU, and VM-26. After transplant 19 patients received complementary treatment with IL-2 (16) or 13-cis-retinoic acid (3). Six patients (8%) died from transplant-related toxicity and 39 from disease progression. Three patients were alive with active disease at the time of analysis. Nineteen patients are alive and disease-free at a median follow-up of 104 months. Five-year event-free survival is 0.30. Survival of patients who received a purged graft was not significantly better than the rest. Post-transplant complementary treatment significantly improved overall and event-free survival (p = .01 and p = .04, respectively).

Sarcoidosis after surgically induced remission of Cushing's disease

OBJECTIVE

To describe a rare case of sarcoidosis diagnosed after surgical resection of an adenoma in a patient with Cushing's disease.

METHODS

We present a case report and discuss the only other similar case identified from the published medical literature.

RESULTS

In a 33-year-old woman with symptoms of cortisol excess (including progressive weight gain, proximal muscle weakness, ecchymoses, and amenorrhea), laboratory studies showed serum cortisol values consistent with Cushing's syndrome. After inferior petrosal sinus sampling, the patient underwent surgical resection of an adenoma in the right aspect of the anterior pituitary gland. Maintenance corticosteroid therapy was implemented, and the signs and symptoms of Cushing's disease began to resolve. Five months postoperatively, multiple erythematous lesions developed on the patient's arms and legs. Skin biopsy specimens demonstrated noncaseating granulomas, and sarcoidosis was diagnosed. Two months later, the lesions resolved spontaneously without therapy other than continued corticosteroid replacement.

CONCLUSION

Physicians should be aware that unusual postoperative symptoms in a patient who has undergone successful treatment of Cushing's syndrome may be attributable to the emergence of another corticosteroid-responsive disease such as sarcoidosis.