Background: Reversible interactions between the components of cellular signaling pathways allow for the formation and dissociation of multimolecular complexes with spatial and temporal resolution and, thus, are an important means of integrating multiple signals into a coordinated cellular response. Several mechanisms that underlie these interactions have been identified, including the recognition of specific docking sites, termed a D-domain and FXFP motif, on proteins that bind mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). We recently found that phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C-γ1 (PLC-γ1) directly binds to extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 (ERK2), a MAPK, via a D-domain-dependent mechanism. In addition, we identified D-domain sequences in several other PLC isozymes. In the present studies we sought to determine whether MAPK docking sequences could be recognized in other enzymes that metabolize phosphatidylinositols (PIs), as well as in enzymes that metabolize inositol phosphates (IPs).

El aceite esencial de las hojas frescas de Libanothamnus neriifolius (B. ex H) Ernst., fue obtenido por el método de hidrodestilación utilizando la trampa de Clevenger, obteniendo 1.8 mL (rendimiento 0.087%). El aceite esencial se caracterizó por el método de cromatografía de gases acoplado a espectrometría de masas (CG-EM), identificando como compuestos principales β-felandreno (29.04%), α-felandreno (19.86%), α-pineno (13.57%) y α-tujeno (12.35%). La actividad antimicrobiana se determinó por el método de difusión en agar con discos, frente a bacterias y levaduras de referencia internacional (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 23357, Pseudomonas aureginosa ATCC 27853, Candida albicans CDC-B385, Candida krusei ATCC 6258). El aceite esencial inhibió el desarrollo de S. aureus, C. albicans y C. Krusei, con un valor de Concentración Inhibitoria Mínima (CIM) de 50 μL/mL, 700 μL/mL y 500 μL/mL, respectivamente. Este es el primer reporte sobre actividad antimicrobiana para L. neriifolius y para el género Libanothamnus.

Catamenial pneumothorax refers to the recurrent collapse of a lung in conjunction with the menstrual cycle. It is a common manifestation of thoracic endometriosis syndrome, a rare condition involving extra-pelvic endometrial lesions. We describe a case of catamenial pneumothorax that has not recurred after treatment with hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. A 37-year-old woman with abdominal endometriosis presented with five episodes of right pneumothorax, all of which coincided with the patient’s menstrual cycle. The diagnosis of catamenial pneumothorax was made, and the patient was referred for hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Combined transdermal estrogen/progesterone treatment was also initiated to manage her symptoms of hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and dyspareunia. Since treatment, the patient has not had recurrent pneumothorax. Due to the rarity and acuity of catamenial pneumothoraces, management options are challenging. Recommendations on the duration of combined estrogen/progesterone treatment following bilateral oophorectomy are needed. A multidisciplinary team approach consisting of pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, and gynecologists is essential for accurate diagnosis, optimal treatment, and successful outcomes in this rare but serious condition.

Primary ovarian pregnancies are rare and comprise less than one percent of all ectopic pregnancies. Diagnosis can be difficult as an ovarian ectopic pregnancy may share similar features on ultrasound with those of a corpus luteal cyst. Findings on transvaginal ultrasound including a hyperechoic ring may denote the presence of a gestational sac and therefore an ovarian ectopic pregnancy. Ultrasonographical findings along with a high suspicion for an ovarian ectopic pregnancy are paramount. The report reviews the case of a 23-year-old primigravida with first trimester bleeding, an elevated human chorionic gonadotropin, an ovarian cyst, and no intrauterine pregnancy detected on ultrasound. The evaluation, diagnosis, and surgical management of an ovarian ectopic pregnancy are discussed.

Aortic aneurysm in pregnancy is uncommon. A dissecting aortic aneurysm in pregnancy is less common. If present, a dissecting aortic aneurysm can lead to poor outcomes for both the mother and the fetus, including death. Swift recognition of the signs and symptoms of a dissecting aortic aneurysm can prevent a delay in diagnosis and possibly improve maternal-fetal outcomes. The report discusses a case of a pregnant patient who experienced a dissecting aortic aneurysm in the second trimester despite having none of the commonly associated risk factors. The evaluation, diagnosis, and surgical management of dissecting aortic aneurysm in pregnancy are discussed.