NEOTROPICAL XENARTHRANS: a data set of occurrence of xenarthran species in the Neotropics

Xenarthrans – anteaters, sloths, and armadillos – have essential functions for ecosystem maintenance, such as insect control and nutrient cycling, playing key roles as ecosystem engineers. Because of habitat loss and fragmentation, hunting pressure, and conflicts with 24 domestic dogs, these species have been threatened locally, regionally, or even across their full distribution ranges. The Neotropics harbor 21 species of armadillos, ten anteaters, and six sloths. Our dataset includes the families Chlamyphoridae (13), Dasypodidae (7), Myrmecophagidae (3), Bradypodidae (4), and Megalonychidae (2). We have no occurrence data on Dasypus pilosus (Dasypodidae). Regarding Cyclopedidae, until recently, only one species was recognized, but new genetic studies have revealed that the group is represented by seven species. In this data-paper, we compiled a total of 42,528 records of 31 species, represented by occurrence and quantitative data, totaling 24,847 unique georeferenced records. The geographic range is from the south of the USA, Mexico, and Caribbean countries at the northern portion of the Neotropics, to its austral distribution in Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, and Uruguay. Regarding anteaters, Myrmecophaga tridactyla has the most records (n=5,941), and Cyclopes sp. has the fewest (n=240). The armadillo species with the most data is Dasypus novemcinctus (n=11,588), and the least recorded for Calyptophractus retusus (n=33). With regards to sloth species, Bradypus variegatus has the most records (n=962), and Bradypus pygmaeus has the fewest (n=12). Our main objective with Neotropical Xenarthrans is to make occurrence and quantitative data available to facilitate more ecological research, particularly if we integrate the xenarthran data with other datasets of Neotropical Series which will become available very soon (i.e. Neotropical Carnivores, Neotropical Invasive Mammals, and Neotropical Hunters and Dogs). Therefore, studies on trophic cascades, hunting pressure, habitat loss, fragmentation effects, species invasion, and climate change effects will be possible with the Neotropical Xenarthrans dataset

Surgical treatment of varicocele [Il trattamento chirurgico del varicocele.]

The correlation between varicocele and infertility has been established for many years. Authors expose their twelve years experience on surgical treatment of varicocele. 213 cases have been treated: 105 had infertility associated to varicocele and a microsurgical treatment has been performed. A high legature of spermatic vein has been applied to 108 patients with normal spermiogram (the last 6 by laparoscopic technique). In the case in which there is alteration of the spermiogram the microsurgical treatment seems more efficient for the sperm quality because it is more valuable in eliminating the venous stasis, and the operation Belgrano 1 seems to be the best compared to the others. Correlating the treatment efficiency to the simplicity of the application and to the treatment expense and reduced morbility we think it is advisable to treat the spermatic vein with laparoscopic ligature in patients with normal fertility indexes, even on the basis of our recent experience. Physiopathology, economic reasons and efficacy have been demonstrated

Surgical treatment of varicocele [Il trattamento chirurgico del varicocele.]

The correlation between varicocele and infertility has been established for many years. Authors expose their twelve years experience on surgical treatment of varicocele. 213 cases have been treated: 105 had infertility associated to varicocele and a microsurgical treatment has been performed. A high legature of spermatic vein has been applied to 108 patients with normal spermiogram (the last 6 by laparoscopic technique). In the case in which there is alteration of the spermiogram the microsurgical treatment seems more efficient for the sperm quality because it is more valuable in eliminating the venous stasis, and the operation Belgrano 1 seems to be the best compared to the others. Correlating the treatment efficiency to the simplicity of the application and to the treatment expense and reduced morbility we think it is advisable to treat the spermatic vein with laparoscopic ligature in patients with normal fertility indexes, even on the basis of our recent experience. Physiopathology, economic reasons and efficacy have been demonstrated

Skeletal muscle metastases from renal cell carcinoma: a case report

In this paper, we describe a case of a 73-year old female with late skeletal muscle metastases from a clear-type renal cell carcinoma 8 years after total nephrectomy. The metastases were located in the right femoral quadriceps, in the sartorius muscle and adductor magnus muscle. A full clinical work-up was performed with blood examinations, radiological and pathological assessment. A complete surgical resection with a wide margin was performed for all lesions, and the final pathological report deposed for metastatic renal carcinoma clear-type cells. In this case report, we discuss the crucial rule of accurate radiological and pathological assessment and aggressive surgical management

Minilaparoscopic appendectomy for acute appendicitis.

BACKGROUND: Minilaparoscopic appendectomy for appendicitis is not a well-established procedure. This approach provides less abdominal wall trauma, fewer complications, and excellent cosmetic results. Our aim was to show the feasibility and safety of the minilaparoscopic approach. METHODS: Minilaparoscopic appendectomy was performed in 37 patients. Two 2.2-mm trocars were used to manipulate a 2.2-mm, 0-degree laparoscope and for grasper access. A 5-mm trocar was used for the ultrasonic scalpel. RESULTS: No deaths occurred. In 3 patients (8%), appendectomy was aborted due to pathology of the ovary. Conversion to the open approach occurred in 2.7% of patients. The average operating time was 34 minutes (range, 15 to 80), and the median length of hospital stay was 1.2 day (range, 1 to 5). CONCLUSIONS: The minilaparoscopic approach a) has the same advantages as the conventional laparoscopic approach in terms of better diagnostic accuracy and safety; b) a low incidence of complications; and c) yields excellent cosmetic results

The pharmacological basis of treatment with colchicine in children with familial Mediterranean fever

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is the prototype of auto-inflammatory disorders and is ethnically restricted to people living in the Mediterranean basin and Middle-East. Pyrin, the protein product of the FMF gene, expressed in myeloid cells and fibroblasts, interacts with the cytoskeletal machinery and may modulate leukocyte effector functions. At present colchicine, an alkaloid with antimitotic activity interfering with microtubule formation, which has been used to alleviate acute gout, is the only available drug for patients with FMF to prevent both acute attacks and long-term complications such as amyloidosis. The anti-inflammatory effect of colchicine may be mediated not only through direct interaction with microtubules, but also through changes at the transcriptional level influencing cell cycle regulation and leukocyte migration. Gastrointestinal side effects may occur early and are the most frequent manifestations of colchicine toxicity in children, whilst multiple organ failure is very rarely reported as overdosage expression