The mutational landscape of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a common, morbid, and frequently lethal malignancy. To uncover its mutational spectrum, we analyzed whole-exome sequencing data from 74 tumor-normal pairs. The majority exhibited a mutational profile consistent with tobacco exposure; human papillomavirus was detectable by sequencing DNA from infected tumors. In addition to identifying previously known HNSCC genes (TP53, CDKN2A, PTEN, PIK3CA, and HRAS), our analysis revealed many genes not previously implicated in this malignancy. At least 30% of cases harbored mutations in genes that regulate squamous differentiation (for example, NOTCH1, IRF6, and TP63), implicating its dysregulation as a major driver of HNSCC carcinogenesis. More generally, the results indicate the ability of large-scale sequencing to reveal fundamental tumorigenic mechanisms.     

Blood and bone marrow findings in two pups with mucopolysaccharidosis type VII

Routine blood smear findings in two of four 11‐day‐old mixed‐breed dog littermates were suggestive of a lysosomal storage disease (LSD) that was documented to be mucopolysaccharidosis type VII (MPS VII) by molecular testing. In this condition, a functional β‐glucuronidase deficiency results in the accumulation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in cells and tissues where β‐glucuronidase is important in GAG degradation. Most neutrophils and a moderate number of lymphocytes within the blood had atypical cytoplasmic magenta inclusions. The bone marrow assessment from one of the two affected pups at 24 days of age revealed similar magenta granulation in myeloid precursor cells that was most prominent in promyelocytes and myelocytes. Moreover, atypical magenta material was present within vacuoles as well as extracellularly in some osteoblasts and macrophages. Histologic bone marrow sections revealed prominent vacuolation of osteoblasts, and some osteoclasts appeared separated from the bone by layers of osteoblasts or hematopoietic cells. At 2 months of age, the second affected dog showed moderate growth retardation and had similar but more prominent hematologic findings that extended to monocytes, eosinophils, and eosinophil precursors. It had an increased number of bone marrow macrophages with many vacuoles that could be seen cytologically to contain magenta material, and there was mild nonselective phagocytosis of hemic cells. Of the hematologic cells, inclusions were most prominent in promyelocytes, myelocytes, and macrophages, cells with relatively high β‐glucuronidase activity, and GAG exposure within lysosomes or lysosome‐like primary granules of granulocyte precursors.     

Retrospective and prospective studies of transmissible viral proventriculitis in broiler chickens in Brazil

We investigated the occurrence and pathologic findings of transmissible viral proventriculitis (TVP) associated with the chicken proventricular necrosis virus (CPNV) in commercial broiler chickens in southeastern Brazil. Seventy-three broilers, 25–36 d old, with a history of reduced growth, were referred to our veterinary pathology services from 2013 to 2017. Broilers were clinically examined, weighed, and euthanized for postmortem examination. Broilers of different ages with proventricular histologic lesions were positive for CPNV by RT-PCR; however, the intensity of histologic lesions was higher among 33-d-old animals, and viral RNA detection was more frequent among those that were 28 d old. In the proventriculi of 35 of 73 (48%) broilers, lesions were characterized by glandular epithelial necrosis, lymphoplasmacytic and histiocytic infiltrates, and metaplasia of glandular epithelium to ductal epithelium. In 24 of 73 (36%) broilers with histologic TVP-compatible lesions, CPNV was detected by RT-PCR for the viral protein 1 (VP1) gene. Broilers with histologic lesions were lighter than expected compared to the Cobb 500 standard weight. TVP has not been reported previously in broiler chickens in Brazil, to our knowledge.     

Variation in NH4 mineralization and microbial communities with stand age in lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) forests, Yellowstone National Park (USA)

Soils and vegetation were analyzed in 20 lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) forest stands, varying in age from 50 to 350 years, that had initiated following stand-replacing fire. Our goal was to determine how nitrogen availability (NH₄⁺-N) and microbial community composition varied with stand age-class and to determine whether differences could be explained by canopy, soil, or understory characteristics. Gross NH₄⁺ mineralization was measured using laboratory isotopic pool dilution, and microbial community composition was evaluated using microbial membrane lipids. The microbial community composition of stands in the 300-350 age class was distinct from stands in younger age classes. Microbial community composition among sites varied with pH, % organic matter, and phosphorus. Gross NH₄⁺ mineralization rates averaged 1.45±0.07 mg NH₄⁺ kg soil⁻¹ d⁻¹ while consumption averaged 1.37±0.20 mg NH₄⁺ kg soil⁻¹ d⁻¹, resulting in low net NH₄⁺ mineralization rates (0.08±0.18 mg NH₄⁺ kg soil⁻¹ d⁻¹), but rates were not significantly different with stand age-class at p<0.05. At p<0.10, net NH₄⁺ mineralization was significantly higher in the 300-350 age class compared to the 125-175 age class. None of the measured variables significantly explained NH₄⁺ consumption and net mineralization patterns. However, gross NH₄⁺ mineralization rates were best explained by information on microbial community structure (i.e. lipids). Variation among stands within a given age-classes was high, indicating that patterns of N cycling across landscapes reflect substantial heterogeneity among mature stands.     

Histoplasmosis in a dog from New Brunswick

A young dog was presented with a history of chronic diarrhea, anorexia, and weight loss. Histoplasma capsulatum was suspected, based on cytologic examination of lymph node aspirates and peritoneal fluid, and confirmed by fungal culture. To our knowledge, this is the first case of histoplasmosis diagnosed in a dog in Atlantic Canada.     

A combined analysis based on microbial communities and volatile organic compounds as a tool to study soil quality in an urban environment

<正>Dear Editor,Soil quality is defined as“the capacity of a soil to function,within ecosystem and land use boundaries,to sustain productivity,maintain environmental quality,and promote plant and animal health”(Doran and Parkin 1994).In this context,soil functionality is fundamental to the biosphere and is highly dependent on the associated microbiota.Soil microorganisms are relevant for terrestrial ecosystem functioning,and understanding the functional changes of the biological community i...     

Effects of herbivory on the reproductive effort of 4 prairie perennials

Background  

Herbivory can affect every aspect of a plant's life. Damaged individuals may show decreased survivorship and reproductive output. Additionally, specific plant species (legumes) and tissues (flowers) are often selectively targeted by herbivores, like deer. These types of herbivory influence a plant's growth and abundance. The objective of this study was to identify the effects of leaf and meristem removal (simulated herbivory within an exclosure) on fruit and flower production in four species (Rhus glabra, Rosa arkansana, Lathyrus venosus, and Phlox pilosa) which are known targets of deer herbivory.