EARLIEST TRIASSIC CONODONTS FROM CHITRAL, NORTHERNMOST PAKISTAN

Extensive tracts of very shallow water carbonates in the valleys of the Yarkhun and Mastuj rivers of Chitral (northernmost Pakistan) previously though to be Permian (or Cretaceous) are shown by conodonts from two horizons in sequences 110 km apart—near Torman Gol (Mastuj valley) and near Sakirmul (upper Yarkhun valley)—to include earliest Triassic (Scythian—Induan) horizons. Both faunas have Isarcicella staeschei Dai & Zhang, Is. lobata Perri, Is. turgida (Kozur et al.) and Hindeodus parvus (Kozur & Pjatakova), whereas Is. Isarcica (Huckriede) has been recognised only in the Torman Gol occurrence. The presence, respectively, of Is. staeschei in the Sakirmul and Is. isarcica in the Torman Gol occurrences, allows discrimination of the staeschei and isarcica zones respectively the third and the fourth conodont biozones of the Early Triassic conodont biozonation of Perri (in Perri & Farabegoli 2003). Such faunas, consisting mainly of isarcicellids and hindeodids but lacking gondolellids, are characteristic of restricted sea environments across the Permian–Triassic boundary and in the earliest Triassic in other Tethyan areas. The conodont faunas from these two occurrences are remarkably similar, nearly contemporaneous, and indicate shallow water biofacies. They are inferred to equate with the Ailak Dolomite, a sequence of Late Permian–?Late Triassic dolostones discriminated farther up the Yarkhun valley and extending eastwards into the upper Hunza region of northernmost Pakistan. The Zait Limestone and Sakirmul carbonate sequence are consistent with extension of the previously inferred Triassic carbonate platform at least 110 km farther to the SW than previously supposed

Morphological characterization of uterus and oviducts of Nelore bovine fetuses (Bos primigenius indicus) at various gestation stages

For the accomplishment of this research, twenty Nelore female fetuses in different phases of gestation were collected. The uterine horns and oviducts were dissected, measured and fragments were fixed in 4.00% tamponed paraformaldeid, processed and enclosed in paraplastic. The sections of 5mm were stained with hematoxilin and eosin, Masson's trichrome (to colagens fibers), Verhoeff (to elastic fibers) and with reticulin (to reticular fibers). The results showed that there is no significative difference among the right and left sides for the uterine horns and oviducts, but there is correlation among the measured organs in function of the age of the fetuses, or either, the growth of uterine horns and oviducts follow the fetal growth. The covering epithelium of the uterus does not present morphologic variations during the analyzed period. From 23 weeks of gestation, the mucous layer presents evolution in the development of the projections and there is no appearance of endometrial glands in the uterine wall in the analyzed period. The muscular layer presents only the developed internal circular sublayer up to 23 weeks of gestation and from 24 weeks of gestation there is presence of two sublayers. The serous layer is typical and it does not show variability in the gestation. The oviducts presents growth differences, mainly to the development of the folds that from 23 weeks of gestation they had become higher and ramified, however without appearance of tertiary folds. In the fetal development, the epithelium cilium becomes bigger. Up to 32 weeks of gestation, the muscular layer of oviducts presents the internal circular sublayer. The serous layer and mesosalpinge are typical and they do not present variations. The more characteristics variations occurred from 23 weeks of gestation.Para a realização desta pesquisa, foram coletados vinte fetos fêmeas em diferentes fases de gestação da raça Nelore. Os cornos uterinos e as tubas uterinas foram dissecados, mensurados e os fragmentos fixados em paraformaldeído tamponado a 4,00%, processados e incluídos em paraplástico. Os cortes com 5 mm foram corados com hematoxilina e eosina, tricrômio de Masson (para fibras colágenas), Verhoeff (para fibras elásticas) e com reticulina (para fibras reticulares). Os resultados mostraram que não há diferença significativa das mensurações entre os lados direito e esquerdo para os cornos uterinos e tubas uterinas, porém há correlação entre os valores obtidos das mensurações dos órgãos em função da idade dos fetos, ou seja, o crescimento dos órgãos acompanha o crescimento fetal. O epitélio de revestimento do útero não apresenta variações morfológicas evidentes no período analisado. A partir de 23 semanas de gestação, a mucosa uterina apresenta evolução marcante no desenvolvimento das projeções e não há aparecimento de glândulas endometriais na parede uterina no período analisado. A camada muscular apresenta a subcamada circular interna desenvolvida até 23 semanas de gestação e a partir de 24 semanas há presença das duas subcamadas. A camada serosa é típica e não mostra variabilidade no decorrer da gestação. As tubas uterinas apresentam diferenças de crescimento, principalmente dos pregueamentos que a partir de 23 semanas de gestação tornaram-se mais altos e ramificados, porém sem aparecimento de pregas terciárias. Com o desenvolvimento fetal, os cílios epiteliais do pregueamento tubárico são maiores em tamanho e em número. Até 32 semanas de gestação, a camada muscular das tubas uterinas apresenta apenas a subcamada circular interna. A camada serosa e o mesosalpinge são típicos e não apresentam variações importantes. As variações mais marcantes para os órgãos estudados ocorreram a partir de 23 semanas de gestação

PROTOGNATHODUS (CONODONTA) AND ITS POTENTIAL AS A TOOL FOR DEFINING THE DEVONIAN/CARBONIFEROUS BOUNDARY

The current definition of the Devonian/Carboniferous boundary is the first occurrence of the conodont Siphonodella sulcata. Due to difficulties in identification of the early siphonodellids, such as S. praesulcata and S. sulcata, investigation of Protognathodus which enters in the latest Devonian and extends into the Mississippian, was undertaken to determine use as a better indicator of the base of the Carboniferous. During the D/C boundary interval, Protognathus is represented by four species: Pr. meischneri, Pr. collinsoni, Pr. kockeli and Pr. kuehni.Although Pr. kockeli can be abundant in boundary interval sections, none of the four Protognathodus species has a high potential as a tool for redefining the D/C boundary, based on regional variation in first occurrence data, restricted stratigraphic ranges and global distribution, poorly understood facies occurrences, as well as general rarity of the taxa.

Investigation of TNBC in vitro Antiproliferative Effects of Versatile Pirrolo[1,2-a]quinoxaline Compounds

he triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by a more aggressive nature and poorer prognosis, nowadays none pharmaceutical approach is still available. For this reason, the research of new active compounds and attractive targets represents an interesting field. In this context MDA- MB-231 cell line was selected to evaluate the antiproliferative effects of new [1,2-a]-pyrroloquinoxaline derivatives. The MTT assay revealed that the amine forms of synthesized molecules were more active compared to iminic ones at 72 h of incubation. The antiproliferative effect of the most promising compounds highlighted the formation of autophagic vacuoles

THE PERMIAN -TRIASSIC BOUNDARY, DEAD SEA, JORDAN: TRANSITIONAL ALLUVIAL TO MARINE DEPOSITIONAL SEQUENCES AND BIOSTRATIGRAPHY

The Permian to Triassic transition in Jordan is characterised by a sequence boundary underlain by red-bed, alluvial lithofacies deposited in a humid-tropical climate by low-sinuosity rivers, and overlain by shallow marine siliciclastics with thin carbonates. The low-gradient alluvial floodplain was repeatedly subjected to the development of ferralitic and pisolitic paleosols on the interfluves. In contrast, dysaerobic environments in the fluvial channels and abandoned lakes resulted in the preservation of a prolific flora of macro-plants and palynomorphs that indicate a probable range from Mid- to Late Permian age, though the abundant presence of the distinctive pollen Pretricolpipollenites bharadwajii indicates the youngest part of that range. Above the sequence boundary, reddened shallow-marine beds characterised by ripple cross-laminated, siltstones/sandstone with desiccation cracks and sparse surface burrows mark the initial Triassic marine transgression in the region (Arabian Plate Tr 10). These are followed by two thin limestone (packstone) beds with shallow scours and bivalve shell lags, that have yielded a low diversity assemblage of conodonts (e.g. Hadrodontina aequabilis) and foraminifera (“Cornuspira” mahajeri) that are interpreted as euryhaline taxa characterising the early Induan (Early Triassic). Thus the absence of body fossils and vertical infaunal burrows in the lowest marine beds may reflect low-diversity ecosystems following the Permian- Triassic extinction event, or be a result of stressed shallow marine environments. A gradational upward increase in grey, green and yellow siltstones beds accompanied by a concomitant increase in bioturbation (and infaunal vertical burrows) and thin-shelled bivalves about 15 m above the boundary indicates colonisation of the substrate under more normal shallow marine conditions perhaps indicating recovery phase following the extinction event

Análise morfológica dos ovários de fetos bovinos da raça Nelore (Bos primigenius indicus) em diferentes fases de gestação

In this research, twenty Nelore female fetuses in different phases of gestation were collected. The right and left ovaries were dissected and measured for verification of the length and width and soon after that, the entire ovaries were fixed in 4.00% tamponed paraformaldeido, processed and enclosed in paraplastic. The histological sections with 5 mm were stained with hematoxilin and eosin, Masson's trichrome (to colagens fibers), Verhoeff (to elastic fibers) and with reticulin (to reticulares fibers). The results showed that there is no significative differences among the right and left sides for the bovine ovaries in fetuses in different phases of gestation, but there is correlation of the ovaries values in function of the age of the fetuses, or either, the growth of the ovaries follow the fetal growth. The fetuses in different phases of gestation, present germinative epithelium, tunica albuginea and connective tissue in the cortical and medullar parts characteristically of ovarian morphology. In the ovaries of fetuses with up to 19 weeks of gestacional age, the presence in great amount of primordial and primary follicles is evident. From 22 weeks of gestation, the presence in great number, of follicles in different periods of growth is evident. From 17 weeks of gestation, was observed medullar cords with irregular lumen covered by cubical cells. The more characteristic variations occurred from 22 weeks of gestation.Vinte fetos fêmeas em diferentes fases de gestação da raça Nelore foram coletados para a realização desta pesquisa. Os ovários direitos e esquerdos foram dissecados e mensurados para verificação de seus comprimentos e larguras e em seguida, foram fixados inteiros em paraformaldeído tamponado a 4,00%, processados e incluídos em paraplástico. Os cortes com 5 mm foram submetidos à coloração com hematoxilina, tricrômio de Masson (para fibras colágenas), Verhoeff (para fibras elásticas) e com reticulina (para fibras reticulares). Os resultados mostraram que não há diferença significativa das mensurações entre os lados direito e esquerdo para os ovários dos fetos bovinos em diferentes fases de gestação, mas há correlação entre os valores obtidos das mensurações dos ovários em função da idade dos fetos, ou seja, o crescimento dos ovários acompanha o crescimento fetal. Os fetos em diferentes fases de gestação, apresentam epitélio germinativo, túnica albugínea e tecido conjuntivo no córtex e medula característicos da morfologia ovariana. Nos ovários de fetos com até 19 semanas de idade gestacional, é evidente a presença em grande quantidade de folículos primordiais e primários. A partir de 22 semanas de gestação, é evidente a presença em grande número, de folículos ovarianos em diferentes estágios de crescimento. A partir de 17 semanas de gestação, observa-se na medula, cordões com luz irregular revestidos por células cúbicas. As variações mais marcantes ocorreram a partir de 22 semanas de gestação

Spotted fever from Rickettsia typhi in an older woman: a case report from a geographic area where it would not be expected

Summary We describe the case of a 75-year-old woman presenting with spotted fever followed by acute renal failure and septic shock. The infection was caused by Rickettsia typhi , not reported in Calabria district (southern Italy) since World War II. The diagnosis of murine typhus was made 3 days after admission and was based solely on clinical criteria when her worsening condition required a prompt move to the intensive care unit. Therapy with tigecycline was then started immediately and the patient improved dramatically. The diagnosis of murine typhus was confirmed 10 days after admission by immunofluorescence assay. Our case is an example of how the diagnosis of murine typhus is challenging. However, in the case of a disease lacking specific symptoms, clinicians should never forget that, even in geographic areas considered free of flea-borne diseases, the components of the enzootic cycle are present and the diagnosis should never be underestimated

Volcanic related methylmercury poisoning as the possible driver of the end-Devonian Mass Extinction

The end-Devonian global Hangenberg event (359 Ma) is among the most devastating mass extinction events in Earth’s history, albeit not one of the “Big Five”. This extinction is linked to worldwide anoxia caused by global climatic changes. These changes could have been driven by astronomical forcing and volcanic cataclysm, but ultimate causes of the extinction still remain unclear. Here we report anomalously high mercury (Hg) concentration in marine deposits encompassing the Hangenberg event from Italy and Austria (Carnic Alps). The Hangenberg event recorded in the sections investigated can be here interpreted as caused by extensive volcanic activity of large igneous provinces (LIPs), arc volcanism and/or hydrothermal activity. Our results (very large Hg anomalies) imply volcanism as a most possible cause of the Hangenberg event, similar to other first order mass extinctions during the Phanerozoic. For the first time we show that apart from anoxia, proximate kill mechanism of aquatic life during the event could have been methylmercury formed by biomethylation of a volcanically derived, huge concentration of inorganic Hg supplied to the ocean. Methylmercury as a much more toxic Hg form, potentially could have had a devastating impact on end-Devonian biodiversity, causing the extinction of many pelagic species

Estudo das características histológicas do útero e tubas uterinas de vacas e novilhas da raça Nelore (Bos primigenius indicus)

Nesta pesquisa obtivemos dados histológicos comparativos dos cornos uterinos e tubas uterinas de vacas e novilhas da raça Nelore. Foram utilizadas 30 amostras dos órgãos para cada grupo de animais, que foram fixados em formol tamponado a 10%, processados e incluídos rotineiramente em parafina. Os cortes histológicos de 6 mm foram corados com hematoxilina e eosina, com tricrômio de Mallory (para evidenciar fibras colágenas), Weigert (para evidenciar fibras elásticas) e com sais de Prata (para evidenciar as fibras reticulares). Os resultados mostraram que existem diferenças na histologia da parede uterina entre vacas e novilhas, sendo mais evidentes nas vacas. A freqüência das variações histológicas é maior para os dois cornos uterinos nas vacas. Não há diferença significativa entre as variações histológicas nos lados direito e esquerdo. As variações mais características estão presentes no endométrio e miométrio, sendo as mais conspícuas, encontradas no miométrio. Não há diferenças marcantes das variações histológicas das tubas uterinas entre vacas e novilhas e entre os lados direito e esquerdo e elas não apresentam nenhuma relação com as variações uterinas.In this research were investigated comparative histological aspects of uterine horns and oviducts in Nelore cows and heifers. Thirty samples of each group were used, wich were fixed in 10% tamponed formol processed and embedded in paraffin. The histological sections of 6 mm were stained with hematoxilin and eosin, Mallory's trichrome ( to evidence colagens fibres), Weigert (to evidence elastic fibres) and Silver salts (to evidence reticular fibres). The results showed that exist differences in the histology of the uterine wall among cows and heifers, more evident in cows. The frequency of histological variations is higher for two uterine horns in cows. There is no significative difference among histological variations in the right and left horns. The characteristic variations are presents in the endometrium and miometrium, being the last one more conspicous. There are no differences of histological variations among cows and heifers and among the right and left oviducts and they do not present any relation to the uterine variations

Influence of Vitamin D in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Treated with Nivolumab

Nivolumab is one of the most commonly used monoclonal antibodies for advanced non-small cell lung cancer treatment, to the extent that the presence of its anti-antibody is considered a negative prognostic factor. Vitamin D (VD) modulates expression of the genes involved in drug metabolism and elimination. Immune system regulation and immunodeficiency is frequent in non-small cell lung cancer patients. To date, no data have been reported about the relationship between nivolumab and VD. The aim of this study was to quantify plasma 25-hydroxyVD (25-VD) and 1,25-VD, nivolumab, and its anti-antibody before starting treatment (baseline) and at 15, 45 and 60 days of therapy. VD-pathway-associated gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were also evaluated. Molecules were quantified through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and SNPs through real-time PCR. Forty-five patients were enrolled. Median nivolumab concentrations were 12.5 ug/mL, 22.3 ug/mL and 27.1 ug/mL at 15, 45 and 60 days respectively. No anti-nivolumab antibodies were found. Correlations were observed between nivolumab concentrations and 25-VD levels. Nivolumab concentrations were affected by VD-pathway-related gene SNPs. VDBP AC/CC genotype and baseline 25-VD < 10 ng/mL predicted a nivolumab concentration cut-off value of <18.7ug/mL at 15 days, which was associated with tumor progression. This is the first study showing VD marker predictors of nivolumab concentrations in a real-life context of non-small cell lung cancer treatment