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The aim of this work was to study the effects of chlorpyrifos (CPF) on the outgrowth of axons by differentiating mouse N2a neuroblastoma cells. This was achieved by morphological, western blotting and enzymatic analyses of cells induced to differentiate in the presence and absence of CPF added either at the same time (co-differentiation) or 16 h after (postdifferentiation) the induction of cell differentiation. The outgrowth of axon-like processes was impaired following 4 or 8 hours exposure to CPF in both co-and post-differentiation experiments. Western blotting analysis revealed reduced levels of neurofilament heavy chain (NF-H) following 8h exposure but no significant effect at 4h under both co-and postdifferentiation conditions. By contrast, levels of the heat shock protein HSP-70 were raised at both time points but only in co-differentiation experiments. Neuropathy target esterase (NTE) activity was lower than controls following 4 or 8 hours exposure under co-differentiation conditions but not under any post-differentiation conditions. The results suggest that the inhibition of axon production and maintenance by CPF in differentiating N2a cells may involve multiple targets, which are different under co-and post-differentiation conditions.

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Patient: Male, 70 • Male, 84Final Diagnosis: Appendiceal mucocele and pseudomyxoma peritoneiSymptoms: —Medication: —Clinical Procedure: —Specialty: SurgeryObjective:Rare diseaseBackground:Mucocele of the appendix is an uncommon cystic lesion characterized by distension of the appendiceal lumen with mucus. Most commonly, it is the result of epithelial proliferation, but it can also be caused by inflammation or obstruction of the appendix. When an underlying mucinous cystadenocarcinoma exists, spontaneous or iatrogenic rupture of the mucocele can lead to mucinous intraperitoneal ascites, a syndrome known as pseudomyxoma peritonei.Case Report:We report 2 cases that represent the clinical extremities of this heterogeneous disease; an asymptomatic mucocele of the appendix in a 70-year-old female and a case of pseudomyxoma peritonei in an 84-year-old male. Subsequently, we review the current literature focusing to the optimal management of both conditions.Conclusions:Mucocele of the appendix is a rare disease, usually diagnosed on histopathologic examination of appendectomized specimens. Due to the existing potential for malignant transformation and pseudomyxoma peritonei caused by rupture of the mucocele, extensive preoperative evaluation and thorough intraoperative gastrointestinal and peritoneal examination is required.

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