Fusarium graminearum sensu stricto (Schwabe)

The filamentous hemibiotrophic ascomycete, Fusarium graminearum (FG) (teleomorph: Gibberella zeae (Schwein.) Petch) produces type B trichothecene mycotoxins. These include deoxynivalenol (DON or vomitoxin), nivalenol (NIV) and their derivatives. It is a member of FG species complex (FGSC) which includes 16 phylogenetic species such as Fusarium pseudograminearum and Fusarium meridionale, which are found in Australasia

Organizational ingenuity and the paradox of embedded agency: The case of the embryonic Ontario solar energy industry

We examine organizational ingenuity within the paradox of embedded agency where organizational stakeholders are constrained in their behaviors by institutions, yet also influence and change these institutions. In this study organizational ingenuity represents the agency component and institutional constraints the embedded component. We build theory about ingenuity from a four-year case study of the embryonic Ontario solar industry. There were two major institutional constraints, limited grid access and political uncertainty. These led to four ingenuity strategies that emerged at different times and levels of analysis that challenged, complied with, or escaped the constraints. We combine these findings to develop a process model of the emergence of ingenuity in this embryonic industry. Lastly, we find that extending legitimacy to an ingenuity strategy is necessary for its success

Cladobotryum spp. Nees emend. (syn. Dactylium Nees)

Historically, the soil habiting fungus Cladobotryum dendroides (Teleopmorh- Hypomyces rosellus) is the main causal agent of cobweb disease of the cultivated mushroom Agaricus bisporus. However, there are several Cladobotryum species that cause cobweb disease in commercially cultivated white button mushroom and other economically and wild edible mushrooms .The Cladobotryum protrusum genome is the first complete genome to be sequenced in the genus Cladobotryum (39.09 Mb)

Diagnosis and management of an immature teratoma during ovarian stimulation: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>The discovery of a mature teratoma (dermoid cyst) of the ovary during ovarian stimulation is not a rare event. Conversely, we could not find any reported cases of immature teratoma in such a situation. Clinical and ultrasound arguments for this immature form are scarcely or poorly evaluated.</p> <p>Case Presentation</p> <p>We describe the case of a 31-year-old Caucasian woman with primary infertility, who developed an immature teratoma during an in vitro fertilization ovarian stimulation cycle.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Ultrasound signs of an atypical cyst during ovarian stimulation allowed us to adopt a careful medical attitude and to adapt the required surgical oncological treatment.</p

Particulate Matter Exposures, Mortality, and Cardiovascular Disease in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study

Background: The association of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular outcomes with air pollution exposures has been well established in the literature. The number of studies examining chronic exposures in cohorts is growing, with more recent studies conducted among women finding risk estimates of greater magnitude. Questions remain regarding sex differences in the relationship of chronic particulate matter (PM) exposures with mortality and cardiovascular outcomes

The Tetraspanin Protein Peripherin-2 Forms a Complex with Melanoregulin, a Putative Membrane Fusion Regulator

Peripherin-2, the product of the rds gene, is a tetraspanin protein. In this study, we show that peripherin-2 forms a complex with melanoregulin (MREG), the product of the Mreg locus. Genetic studies suggest that MREG is involved in organelle biogenesis. In this study, we explore the role of this protein in processes associated with the formation of disk membranes, specialized organelles of photoreceptor rod cells. MREG antibodies were generated and found to be immunoreactive with a 28 kDa protein in retinal extracts, bovine OS, ARPE-19 cells, and rat RPE. MREG colocalized with peripherin-2 in WT (CB6F1/J) and in rds+/- retinas. Western blots of serial tangential sections confirmed the close association of these two proteins within the IS and basal outer segment of rods. Immunoprecipitation (IP) of OS extracts showed formation of a complex between MREG and peripherin-2-ROM-1 hetero-oligomers. This interaction was confirmed with pulldown analyses in which the GST-PerCter protein selectively pulled down His-MREG and His-MREG selectively pulled down PerCter. Biacore analysis using peptide inhibitors and per-2 truncation mutant studies allowed us to map the MREG binding site on per-2 to the last five residues of the C-terminus (Gln341-Gly346), and kinetic data predicted a KD of 80 nM for PerCter-MREG binding. Finally, the effect of MREG on photoreceptor specific membrane fusion was assayed using a disk-plasma membrane cell free assay. Preincubation of target membranes with MREG resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of fusion with an IC50 in the submicromolar range. Collectively, these results suggest that this newly identified protein regulates peripherin-2 function. © 2007 American Chemical Society

Cervical adenocarcinoma presenting as a cardiac tamponade in a 57-year-old woman: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Pericardial effusion as a complication of malignant gynecological disorders is rare. Few cases of endometrial cancer, squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix, ovarian cancer and uterine carcinosarcoma have been previously reported. We report the first case of cardiac tamponade secondary to a cervical adenocarcinoma.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>A 54-year-old Caucasian woman, without any relevant medical history and no gynecological aftercare, was admitted to our hospital emergency room with severe dyspnea. Echocardiography revealed severe pericardial effusion with a swinging heart. An emergency pericardial drainage was performed through a pericardial window, which permitted the draining of 700 mL of bloody fluid and a pericardial biopsy. Cytological examination of the fluid revealed atypical cells, and the biopsy specimen showed tumor emboli suggestive of adenocarcinoma. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a 35 mm cervical lesion indicative of an endocervical tumor. Exploratory laparoscopy revealed diffuse peritoneal lesions and histological examination of cervical curettage showed a poorly differentiated micropapillary adenocarcinoma of the cervix.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Carcinomatous pericarditis as the first symptom of a malignant gynecological adenocarcinoma has not, to the best of our knowledge, been documented before. This case highlights the extreme severity of pericardial effusion secondary to cervical adenocarcinoma, a sign of advanced disease. Gynecological malignancies have to be considered in cases of neoplastic pericardial effusion.</p

Simultaneous quantification of estrogens and glucocorticoids in human adipose tissue by liquid-chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

The presence of estrogens, androgens and glucocorticoids as well as their receptors and steroid converting enzymes in adipose tissue has been established. Their contribution to diseases such as obesity, diabetes and hormone-dependent cancers is an active area of research. Our objective was to develop a LC–MS/MS method to quantify bioactive estrogens and glucocorticoids simultaneously in human adipose tissue. Estrogens and glucocorticoids were extracted from adipose tissue samples using solid-phase extraction. Estrogens were derivatized using 1-(2,4-dinitro-5-fluorophenyl)-4-methylpiperazine (PPZ) and methyl iodide to generate a permanently charged molecule (MPPZ). Steroids were separated and quantified by LC–MS/MS. The limit of quantitation for the steroids was between 15 and 100 pg per sample. Accuracy and precision were acceptable (<20%). Using this method, estradiol, estrone, cortisone and cortisol were quantified in adipose tissue from women with and without breast cancer. This novel assay of estrogens and glucocorticoids by LC–MS/MS coupled with derivatization allowed simultaneous quantification of a panel of steroids in human adipose tissue across the endogenous range of concentrations encountered in health and disease