Studies of the mesovoid shallow substratum can change the accepted autecology of species: the case of ground beetles (Coleoptera, Carabidae) in the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park (Spain)

The family Carabidae is of particular interest not only due to its great specific diversity but also due to the geophilic nature of many of its members, which makes them good bioindicators of soil characteristics. The diversity of the epigean Carabidae is relatively well studied. However, there are no robust data on the presence of these beetles in hypogean habitats of non–karstic substrate and, therefore, without the development of caves. In the present study, we sampled the mesovoid shallow substratum (MSS) at various sites in the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park, with the aim of characterising the Carabidae hypogean fauna. Among many other organisms, we collected 12 species of Carabidae. Of these, despite being known from epigean/edaphic habitats, Leistus (Leistus) constrictus Schaufuss, 1862, Nebria (Nebria) vuillefroyi Chaudoir, 1866, Trechus (Trechus) schaufussi pandellei Putzeys, 1870, and Laemostenus (Eucryptotrichus) pinicola (Graells, 1851) are consistently reported from MSS habitats, albeit with certain differences as regards their occupation of subterranean spaces. The species from forest–dwelling (thermophilous) lineages, T. (T.) schaufussi pandellei and L. (E.) pinicola, presented a higher prevalence in subsoil cavities at lower altitudes, whereas those from orobiont (psychrophilic) lineages, L. (L.) constrictus and N. (N.) vuillefroyi, predominated in subsoils at higher altitudes. As regards the presence of these four species during their different life cycle stages, we found that N. (N.) vuillefroyi was present and abundant as both larval (in the three preimaginal stages) and imago stages, showing the most evident trend towards an hypogean lifestyle. In contrast, for the other three species, only one of the two stages showed a high presence on hypogean habitats. The facultative hypogean capabilities of N. (N.) vuillefroyi and L. (L.) constrictus calls into question the protected status conferred on both species when it was thought that they were exclusively epigean.

Consensus conference on chronic viral hepatitis and HIV infection: updated Spanish recommendations

Chronic hepatitis B and C represent a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients worldwide. New treatment options against both hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) viruses have prompted us to update previous recommendations for the management of coinfected individuals. Fifteen topics (nine related to HCV, five to HBV and one to both viruses) were selected for this purpose. A panel of Spanish experts in the field was invited to review these areas and propose specific recommendations, which were scored according to the Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) grading system. These guidelines represent a comprehensive and updated overview on the management of hepatitis B and C in HIV-infected patients.

Molecular genetic analysis of HLA-DR and -DQ alleles in Spanish patients with melanoma

Controversial data have been reported about HLA alleles and susceptibility to melanoma. The relationship between distribution of HLA alleles in patients with melanoma and susceptibility to tumour was analysed, to study the possible correlation between HLA class II DQA1, DQB1 and DRBI genes and melanoma in a Spanish population. Genomic DNA from 82 patients with melanoma and 367 random healthy donors, from the same geographic area, were typed by PCR-SSP (sequence specific primers). The patients were also divided into different groups according to the age and presence of cancer relatives, and compared with the controls. None of these HLA class II alleles showed significant positive or negative associations with either the overall population of patients with melanoma or the considered subgroups. Moreover, values for relative risk of DQB1*0301, DQB1*0302, DQB1*0303, DQB*05, DQA1*0401, DQA1*0101/0104 and DRB*08, which have been reported to be increased or decreased in patients with melanoma, were very low and of no statistical significance. Our results indicate that HLA class II alleles may not contribute to a strong susceptibility to melanoma in the Spanish population, although further studies on larger series are needed to corroborate this. Key words:

Analysis of the CDKN2A and CDK4 genes and HLA-DR and HLA-DQ alleles in two Spanish familial melanoma kindreds

Some confusion exists in the literature about which criteria should be used to define familial melanoma. This could explain the different reported frequencies of mutations in predisposing genes, mostly CDKN2A, in these patients. This study evaluated the human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class II genotype and the presence of mutations in CDKN2A and CDK4 genes in 2 families with very different clinical features. The family with a germinal mutation in exon 2 of CDKN2A (Gly101Try) presented the following clinical features: 3 first-degree affected members, 1 of whom had 2 melanomas, and all the melanomas appearing before 35 years of age. In contrast, the second family did not present any mutation in the studied genes and included 2 first-degree affected members diagnosed at over 45 years of age. Neither family showed an association with HLA genotype. Other genes are also involved in familial melanoma but, when the CDKN2A gene is affected, some clinical features seem to be uniform.

Detection of Epstein-Barr virus DNA in a patient with Kimura's disease

An 80-year-old man, with a past medical history of senile dementia, presented with a 6-month history of a solitary, gradually enlarging tumor, located on his chin. A squamous cell carcinoma had been surgically excised 30 years previously in the same location. Physical examination revealed an erythematous, well-defined plaque of 3 cm in diameter, located on the chin (Fig. 1). The submandibular lymph nodes were enlarged. Squamous cell carcinoma and primary cutaneous lymphoma were considered. Relevant laboratory findings were as follows: white blood cell count, 5.600/microL; eosinophils, 1000/microL; gammaglobulin, 2.4 g/dL; lactate dehydrogenase, 343 IU/L; and immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) positive (at 1 : 128 serum dilution), with negative IgM. Skin and lymph node biopsies were performed. Histopathologic study of the cutaneous specimen revealed a heavy lymphoid infiltrate with numerous lymphoid follicles, with prominent germinal centers involving the subcutaneous fat as well as the deep dermis and muscular fascia. Some germinal centers showed folliculolysis. The lymphoid follicles were surrounded by fibrous tissue. The interfollicular infiltrate was rich in plasma cells and eosinophils that formed scattered eosinophilic microabscesses. Thin-walled vessels were numerous and prominent, but with no epithelioid or vacuolated endothelial cells (Fig. 2). Histopathology of a lymph node biopsy specimen showed reactive lymphoid follicle hyperplasia, with prominent eosinophilic infiltrates in both follicular and interfollicular areas. Eosinophilic deposits and polykaryocytes of Warthin-Finkeldey type were seen in the germinal centers. The paracortical area showed vascular proliferation. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the detection of specific sequences of EBV from routinely processed paraffin-embedded material was carried out under the conditions and with the same set of primers as described previously in detail (Tenorio A, Echevarría JE, Casas E et al. J Virol Methods 1993; 44: 261-269). DNA samples were confirmed to be amplifiable with PCR primers specific for a conserved region of the human beta-globin gene. Every sample was tested at least twice for EBV DNA and beta-globin gene. One sample from one skin lesion of the patient, with confirmed diagnosis of Kimura's disease, and 10 samples from normal skin biopsies retrospectively collected from other patients in archival files of our department were tested. Only the patient's specimen tested positive to EBV. The amplified product of EBV was analyzed using DNA sequencing and confirmed the results obtained. The patient received radiotherapy at doses of 35 Gy. Nevertheless, the tumor enlarged to reach twofold its original size 1 month later. Due to the physical status of the patient, no further treatments were considered, but the disease remained stable over the following 3 years.

Detection of Epstein-Barr virus and human herpesvirus 7 and 8 genomes in primary cutaneous T- and B-cell lymphomas

BACKGROUND

Several studies have investigated the possible involvement of viral agents, particularly herpesviruses, in primary cutaneous lymphoma (PCL).

OBJECTIVES

Our aim was to screen for the presence of human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7) and 8 (HHV-8) genomes in samples of PCL, and to determine if their presence was independent of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).

METHODS

Screening was performed using polymerase chain reaction assay in 64 skin samples from historical lesional tissues with PCL.

RESULTS

Only nine cases showed positivity for HHV-7: four of 29 mycosis fungoides (MF), two of four CD30-positive large-cell cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), two of 12 follicle centre cutaneous B-cell lymphoma (CBCL) and one of nine marginal zone CBCL. Fifteen cases tested positive for EBV: seven of 29 MF, two of four pleomorphic small/medium sized CTCL, three of three angiocentric CTCL, one of 12 follicle centre CBCL and two of nine marginal zone CBCL. All cases were uniformly negative for HHV-8. No simultaneous positivity was found for EBV and HHV-7. Controls tested negative for all viruses.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings indicate that EBV, HHV-7 and HHV-8 seem not to be involved in the pathogenesis of PCL.

Subtyping of Legionella pneumophila isolates by arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction

Arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction (AP-PCR) was used to differentiate strains of Legionella pneumophila isolated from different water sources in a resort hotel in Benidorm, Alicante, Spain, where an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease occurred among a group of tourists between 65 and 80 years of age. All isolates were L. pneumophila serogroup 1, subtype Pontiac (Knoxville 1). Five different patterns (P1 to P5) were obtained by AP-PCR. The number of bands per pattern varied between 4 and 11. Patterns P1 and P2 represented 60 and 20% of L. pneumophila isolates, respectively. Since different subpopulations of L. pneumophila coexisted (up to three different AP-PCR patterns were identified in a single room), it was not possible to link an individual L. pneumophila strain to the occurrence of this outbreak.

DNA amplification fingerprinting for subtyping Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

DNA amplification fingerprinting is used in most epidemiologic studies as a substitute for conventional typing methods. DNA amplification fingerprinting and conventional typing methods were compared in this epidemiologic study of Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

GOAL OF THIS STUDY

To differentiate 70 Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates from untreated patients with urogenital gonococcal infection.

STUDY DESIGN

Gonococcal strains were characterized by auxotyping, serotyping, plasmid profile, antibiotic sensitivity, and DNA amplification fingerprinting. The method of unweighted pair-group average linkage was used for cluster analysis. Discriminatory power was calculated applying Simpson's index.

RESULTS

Amplification of Neisseria gonorrhoeae DNA with primers OPA-03 and OPA-13 produced well-resolved patterns of 15 and 22 DNA fragments, respectively, with a discriminatory power (0.978 with OPA-13 and 0.967 with OPA-03) comparable to that obtained with auxotyping/serotyping combination (D:0.968) or with auxotype/serotype/plasmid profile combination (D:0.983). Correlation between DNA amplification fingerprinting pattern and auxotype/serotype class was not always uniform. Some strains with the same auxotype/serotype/plasmid profile were subdivided by DNA amplification fingerprinting, and vice versa.

CONCLUSION

Although auxotype/serotype class and DNA amplification fingerprinting can be used in the epidemiologic characterization of strains, DNA amplification fingerprinting offers a better discriminatory index than the separate serotyping. It is especially useful for differentiating serologically identical strains and nontypable strains. A combination of serotyping and DNA amplification fingerprinting seems to be the best way to differentiate Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains in epidemiologic studies, bringing together the most simple techniques and the best discriminatory power among isolates.

Phase I study of high-dose methotrexate with thymidine and low-dose leucovorin

A total of 15 patients with advanced neoplastic disease, 13 with different solid tumors, one with lymphoma, and one with acute lymphocytic leukemia, underwent treatment consisting of continuous infusion of methotrexate (2 g/sq m/day) with concomitant thymidine (8 g/sq m/day) and leucovorin (1 mg/sq m/day). The dose of methotrexate was increased progressively by lengthening the methotrexate infusion from 2 to 7 days. After cessation of methotrexate infusion, thymidine and leucovorin were continued until the plasma level of methotrexate decreased to 2 X 10(-8) M. Toxicity was mucositis (23 of 27 evaluable courses), leukopenia (15 of 26 evaluable courses), thrombocytopenia (10 of 26 evaluable courses), renal and hepatic toxicity and diarrhea. Plateau levels of plasma methotrexate or methotrexate plasma half-life did not correlate with toxicity.

Distribution and metabolism of lipsome-encapsulated and free 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine (Ara-C) in dog and mouse tissues

The effect of liposome encapsulation of the metabolic activation (phosphorylation) and degradation (deamination) of arabinofuranosylcytosine (Ara-C) in liver and spleen of dogs and mice was investigated. Ara-C in free or liposome-encapsulated form was administered i.v. to dogs and DBA2/CR mice bearing leukemia L1210. At various times after injection the concentration of Ara-C and Ara-C metabolites in the blood, liver and spleen was measured. It was shown that liposome encapsulation results in an increased Ara-C/arabinofuranosyluracil ratio in the liver and spleen of dogs and leukemic mice and that encapsulated Ara-C generates a sustained level of Ara-C triphosphate in the liver and spleen of leukemic mice. These results clearly indicate that 1) encapsulated Ara-C is protected against deamination in the liver, 2) encapsulated Ara-C is slowly released from liposomes in liver and spleen and 3) that liposomes may act as a local depot for Ara-C in these tissues.

Phase II study of 3-deazauridine in advanced colorectal adenocarcinoma

A phase II study of 3-deazauridine (DAUR) showed poor activity in previously treated patients with advanced colorectal adenocarcinoma. There were no responses among 15 patients treated on a dose schedule of 1200 mg/m2/day for 5 days repeated at 3-week intervals. Toxicity included mild nausea and vomiting, occasional mucositis, diarrhea, and dizziness. A minimal degree of myelosuppression was observed.

Interstitial pneumonitis associated with mitomycin C and DTIC: a case report

A case of interstitial pneumonitis secondary to mitomycin C and DTIC combination therapy in a 58-year-old male with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the rectum is reported. Dry cough and dyspnea, especially on exertion, were presenting symptoms. Arterial blood gas analysis was compatible with severe impairment in pulmonary diffusion capacity. Chest x-ray showed a diffuse increase in interstitial markings in both lung fields consistent with interstitial pneumonia. Histologically, prominence of type I pneumocytes, focal proliferation of type II pneumocytes, and varying degree of fibroblastic proliferation and collagenization within the alveolar septae were observed. The obliteration of alveolar septal vessels due to endothelial edema and/or proliferation of fibroblast-like mesenchymal cells were also noted. Withdrawal of drugs and institution of high dose corticosteroid therapy were followed in rapid improvement in dyspnea and arterial blood gas findings. If diagnosed early, this potentially life threatening complication may respond to such therapy.