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BACKGROUND In patients diagnosed with deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE), foci of endometriosis are detected in mesorectal lymph nodes (LNs) after segmental bowel resection and in pelvic sentinel LNs. Lymph vessels (LVs) seem to be the possible routes for the dissemination of endometriotic cells from DIE-lesions to LN. Therefore, we conducted a study to investigate the occurrence and density of LV and lymphangiogenic growth factors in DIE. METHODS Included in this study were 38 premenopausal women who underwent surgery due to symptomatic rectovaginal DIE. In order to identify LV, immunohistochemical analysis with anti-Podoplanin (D2-40), LYVE-1 and Prox-1 was performed. Furthermore, the expression of VEGF-C and VEGF-D in endometriotic tissue was investigated. RESULTS LV density (LVD) of DIE lesions was significantly higher compared with healthy corresponding tissue. All LV makers could be detected, and the density of LYVE-1- or Prox-1-positive LV was significantly higher than that of D2-40-positive LV. Endometriotic epithelial cells and stromal cells showed a moderate to strong VEGF-C and VEDF-D expression. CONCLUSIONS DIE lesions have lymphangiogenic properties, probably leading to endometriosis-like cells in lymphatic vessels and LNs featuring a loco-regional disease. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article offers information on the assessment of chytridiomycosis in the critically endangered Valcheta Frog (Pleurodema somuncurense) from northern Patagonia, Argentina. Topics include the habitat and conservation status of the Valcheta Frog, the methods used for detecting the presence of the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), and the findings from a population study conducted in February 2015.

The article focuses on the first record of the presence of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in Atelognathus reverberii in Argentina as well as discusses the associated mortality supporting a disease threat for the rare species. An overview of the Laguna Raimunda Frog, Atelognathus reverberii, which is an endemic species of conservation concern, is presented.