Gains of 3q26 chromosome region, where the human telomerase RNA gene (hTERC) is located, have been previously documented in cervical carcinomas and preneoplastic lesions. The aim of our study was to define the value of 3q26 gains related to persistence-progression in cervical specimens with cytologic diagnosis for low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, using liquid-based cytology (ThinPrep...

Scanning electron microscopy is a useful imaging approach for the visualization of bacterial biofilms in their natural environments including their medical and dental habitats, because it allows for the exploration of large surfaces with excellent resolution of topographic features. Most biofilms in nature, however, are embedded in a thick layer of extracellular matrix that prevents a clear ide...

OBJECTIVE To analyze the genetic composition of oocytes and embryos presenting abnormal fertilization. DESIGN Case report. SETTING In vitro fertilization unit of a university-affiliated hospital. PATIENT(S) A couple with unexplained infertility with abnormal fertilizations in nine failed IVF-intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles characterized by the presence of embryos with only one pro...

Carsonella ruddii (Gamma Proteobacterium) is an obligate bacterial endosymbiont of psyllids that produces essential amino acids that are lacking in the insect's diet. Accurate estimations of Carsonella populations are important to studies of Carsonella-psyllid interactions and to developing ways to target Carsonella for control of psyllid pests including pear psylla, Cacopsylla pyricola (Förste...