Crystalloid Structures Research Articles

A Novel Method for Detecting Lanthanum Phosphate Deposition in the Gastroduodenal Mucosa Using Fluorescence Microscopy.

Diagnostic utility of fluorescence microscopy for lanthanum phosphate deposition in the gastrointestinal mucosa has not been reported previously. In this study, we comparatively assessed the light, electron, and fluorescence microscopy features of gastroduodenal lanthanum phosphate deposition in 10 patients with deposits in the stomach and 5 patients with deposits in the duodenum. During light microscopy, lanthanum deposits were observed as dark-brown, needle-shaped, or crystalloid structures and pale red amorphous materials. During electron microscopy, the deposited material appeared as bright aggregates. Fluorescence microscopy also revealed lanthanum deposits as bright areas under green, red, and blue filters. The deposits were more easily recognizable on electron and fluorescence microscopy than on light microscopy. Furthermore, during fluorescence microscopy, the green filter provided the most clear visualization of lanthanum phosphate. In conclusion, fluorescence microscopy with a green filter is useful in determining the degree and extent of lanthanum deposition in the gastroduodenal mucosa.

A comprehensive analysis of carotenoids metabolism in two red-fleshed mutants of Navel and Valencia sweet oranges (Citrus sinensis).

Kirkwood Navel and Ruby Valencia are two spontaneous bud mutations of the respective parental lines of sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) Palmer Navel and Olinda Valencia, showing an atypical red pigmentation of the pulp. These red-fleshed varieties are commercially available and highly attractive for consumers but their carotenoid metabolism and the basis of the mutation have not been investigated. The red colour of Kirkwood and Ruby pulp was observed from the very early stages of fruit development until full maturity and associated with an altered carotenoid profiling. The red-fleshed varieties accumulated from 6- up to 1000-times more total carotenoids compared to the standard oranges. Specifically, the pulp of Kirkwood and Ruby accumulated large amounts of phytoene and phytofluene, and moderate contents of lycopene. Moreover, the red-fleshed oranges contained other unusual carotenes as δ-carotene, and lower concentrations of downstream products such as β,β-xanthophylls, abscisic acid (ABA) and ABA-glucosyl ester. This peculiar profile was associated with chromoplasts with lycopene crystalloid structures and round vesicles likely containing colourless carotenes. The flavedo and leaves of Kirkwood and Ruby showed minor changes in carotenoids, mainly limited to higher levels of phytoene. The carotenoid composition in Kirkwood and Ruby fruits was not explained by differences in the transcriptional profile of 26 genes related to carotenoid metabolism, covering the main steps of biosynthesis, catabolism and other processes related to carotenoid accumulation. Moreover, sequence analysis of the lycopene cyclase genes revealed no alterations in those of the red-fleshed oranges compared to the genes of the standard varieties. A striking event observed in Kirkwood and Ruby trees was the reddish coloration of the inner side of the bark tissue, with larger amounts of phytoene, accumulation of lycopene and lower ABA content. These observation lead to the conclusion that the mutation is not only manifested in fruit, affecting other carotenogenic tissues of the mutant plants, but with different consequences in the carotenoid profile. Overall, the carotenoid composition in the red-fleshed mutants suggests a partial blockage of the lycopene β-cyclization in the carotenoid pathway, rendering a high accumulation of carotenes upstream lycopene and a reduced flow to downstream xanthophylls and ABA.

S3474 Sevelamer-Induced Ischemic Ulcerative Colitis

Introduction: Sevelamer is phosphate binder used to treat hyperphosphatemia in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis. Rarely, it has been shown to be a cause of ischemic colitis. This case provides an example of a patient presentation and key findings when considering sevelamer induced small bowel ischemic colitis. Case Description/Methods: A thirty-five-year-old male with ESRD on peritoneal dialysis presented with two days of hematochezia and severe abdominal pain. Diarrhea is described as maroon colored with four episodes in the span of 24 hours. Infectious work-up, including clostridium difficile and comprehensive GI panel, was negative for acute infection. CRP was elevated to 42.6 mg/L, WBC 12.9 10*3/uL, and hemoglobin 7.5 g/dL. CT angiography of the abdomen showed two short segments in the small bowel with inflammation concerning for ischemia. Colonoscopy and push enteroscopy were performed on day three of hospitalization showing ulcerative inflammation in D4 and in the terminal ileum 6cm proximal to the ileocecal valve. Biopsy results at the terminal ileum and D4 were showed mucosal necrosis and acute inflammation with crystalloid structures consistent with pill-associated mucosal necrosis. Further history was obtained from patient, he had been started on sevelamer a few weeks prior to hospitalization. Sevelamer was discontinued resulting in resolution of patient’s symptoms (Figure). Discussion: Although a rare complication, sevelamer has been documented to cause ischemic colitis (Yuste, Keri). These patients present similarly to the one discussed above with melena and abdominal pain. One of the hallmark findings reported on histopathological exam is “fish-scale” crystalloid structures in the mucosa. A review from 2017 examined published case reports in which sevelamer had caused ischemic colitis and the crystalloid structures were present in 13 out of 16 patients (Yuste). In ESRD patients on sevelamer, who present with symptoms consistent with gastrointestinal bleeding, it is important to recognize the sevelamer as a cause of ischemic colitis and to stop the sevelamer immediately. Furthermore, video capsule endoscopy or push enteroscopy should be considered if standard upper endoscopy and colonoscopy do not identify the source, as sevelamer induced enteritis can occur throughout the intestinal tract. If sevelamer is not stopped, complications such as perforation, acute anemia, stricture formation, and ulceration can continue to occur and worsen.Figure 1.: A) Diffuse ulcerated mucosa of the fourth portion of the duodenum. B) Patchy ulcerations of the terminal ileum. C) Terminal ileum biopsy showing crystalloid structures in an area of necrosis suspicious for pill-associated mucosal necrosis.

Analysis of composition, morphology, and biosynthesis of cuticular wax in wild type bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) and its glossy mutant

In this study, cuticular wax load, its chemical composition, and biosynthesis, was studied during development of wild type (WT) bilberry fruit and its natural glossy type (GT) mutant. GT fruit cuticular wax load was comparable with WT fruits. In both, the proportion of triterpenoids decreased during fruit development concomitant with increasing proportions of total aliphatic compounds. In GT fruit, a higher proportion of triterpenoids in cuticular wax was accompanied by a lower proportion of fatty acids and ketones compared to WT fruit as well as lower density of crystalloid structures on berry surfaces. Our results suggest that the glossy phenotype could be caused by the absence of rod-like structures in GT fruit associated with reduction in proportions of ketones and fatty acids in the cuticular wax. Especially CER26-like, FAR2, CER3-like, LTP, MIXTA, and BAS genes showed fruit skin preferential expression patterns indicating their role in cuticular wax biosynthesis and secretion.

Protein-polysaccharide based microencapsulated phase change material composites for thermal energy storage

Microencapsulated phase change material (MPCM) composites of capric acid were synthesized utilizing protein (Gelatin, GE)-polysaccharide (Gum Arabic, GA) interactions as shell material. Mechanical and thermal stabilities of these MPCM composites were achieved using glutaraldehyde cross-linker and silica coating respectively. Thermal properties (enthalpy and, melting/crystallization and cyclic tests) were estimated using differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) while, thermal stability was obtained from thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). Morphology and particle size were analyzed using scanning electron microscope (SEM). FTIR and EDX (energy-dispersive X-ray) data interpreted nature of chemical bonds while crystalloid structures were obtained from XRD (X-Ray Diffraction). Based on morphology and thermal stability, the composite made with the core: shell ratio of 2:3 was chosen for analyzing the role of process parameters i.e. cross-linker amount and duration of cross-link reaction, and surfactant amount influencing encapsulation ratio. The composite tested and found stable for 50 heating/cooling cycles.

Does it take three to tango? An unsuspected multimorbidity of CD8+ T cell lymphoproliferative disorder, malaria, and EBV infection

BackgroundMalaria is known to cause acute and deadly complications. However, malaria can cause unforeseen pathologies due to its chronicity. It increases the risk of endemic Burkitt Lymphoma development by inducing DNA damage in germinal centre (GC) B cells, and leading higher frequency of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)-infected cells in GCs. EBV is well known for its tropism for B cells. However, less is known about EBV’s interaction with T cells and its association with T cell lymphoma.Case presentationA 43-year-old Sudanese male admitted to hospital in Istanbul, Turkey, a non-endemic country, with hyperpigmented painful skin rashes on his whole body. A complete blood count and a peripheral blood smear during admission revealed large granular lymphocytes (LGLs) with abnormally higher CD8 T cell numbers. Additional skin biopsy and pathology results were compatible with CD8+ T cell lymphoproliferative disorder with skin involvement. Patient was treated and discharged. However, a pathologist noticed unusual structures in skin tissue samples. Careful evaluation of skin biopsy samples by polarized microscopy revealed birefringent crystalloid structures resembling malarial haemozoin mainly loaded in macrophages and giant histiocytes. After purification of DNA from the skin biopsy samples, nested PCR was performed for the detection of Plasmodium parasites and Plasmodium falciparum DNA was amplified. Because, the co-presence of EBV infection with malaria is a well-known aetiology of lymphoma, EBV-early RNA (EBER) transcripts were investigated in paraffin-embedded tissue samples and found to be positive in macrophage-like histiocytes.ConclusionsThis is a unique case of malaria and EBV infection in a T-LGL lymphoma patient who presented in a non-endemic country. This case emphasizes the clinical importance of EBV monitoring in T-LGL patients with skin involvement. Notably, Plasmodium infection should be examined in patients from malaria endemic regions by pathological and molecular investigations.

A urolithiasis case related to nutritional disorders in a male cat

Urolithiasis was diagnosed by clinical and radiographic examination in a 2.5 year old male cat. Under general anesthesia routine laparotomy procedure was applied. Urine was taken out from the filled bladder and vesicotomy was performed. Crystalloid structures (uroliths) found in the bladder and urethra was removed. Urinary system antiseptic and antibiotics were administered during the postoperative period. Owner of the patient was informed about a proper feeding in order to avoid relapse. As a result, the diet of the castrated male cats requires special attention in order to avoid calculi formation. Low-protein foods which prevent crystallization in urinary tract must be preferred. Urine pH should occasionally be checked and water consumption should be encouraged by providing a source of fresh water.

Spinel MnO2 As a Rapidly Oxidizing Cathode Material for Fuel Cell/Battery Systems

The fuel cell/battery (FCB) system combines the working principle of an alkaline battery with an alkaline fuel cell. As anode material, a metal hydride is chosen, which is also found in nickel-metal hydride batteries. This mischmetal can be charged both electrochemically and under hydrogen atmosphere. As a cathode material, manganese dioxide (MnO2) is utilized. We have shown previously that MnO2can, under the right conditions, be cycled electrochemically and recharged from its discharged form (MnOOH) via oxidation in an oxygen saturated alkaline solution. MnO2 can have different crystalloid structures, depending on the allocation of the MnO6 octahedra. In previous work, we have mostly focused on electrolytic manganese dioxide (EMD), also called γ-MnO2, in which the MnO6 octahedra are aligned to create a combination of 2x1 and 1x1 tunnel structures. In this work, however, we investigated the possibility of utilizing spinel MnO2, also known as λ-MnO2, as an alternative To obtain λ-MnO2, we first synthesized LiMn2O4 via a solid state reaction of EMD with LiOH. The result was a spinel structure with Li+ ions occupying the tetrahedral sites. The lithium ions can then be removed chemically in a diluted acid, thereby leaving the solid in a spinel structure. We then analyzed the performance of λ-MnO2 for the application in FCB and compared it with γ-MnO2. For this, we manufactured half-cells, cycled the samples electrochemically and recharged MnOOH in an oxygen-saturated alkaline solution in an autoclave. The cathodes were manufactured through a pasting method with a slurry consisting of MnO2, carbon black (CB) and ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) in a weight ratio of 100:15:10 dissolved in xylene. Half-cells were assembled with nickel foam and Hg/HgO as counter and reference electrode, respectively, polypropylene as separator and a 6M KOH solution as electrolyte. Compared with γ-MnO2, λ-MnO2 shows a similar capacity during the first discharge, but loses a high capacity between the first and second discharge. Afterwards, capacity loss is considerably lower and at around the same rate as for γ-MnO2. However, in terms of rechargeability with oxygen, λ-MnO2 shows superior results. In an oxygen-saturated 6M KOH solution under 1MPa pressure, after 1 hour, the fully discharged λ-MnO2 recharged to 15% of its maximum theoretical capacity, compared to 10% of γ-MnO2. These are very promising results on our target of combining the advantages of fuel cells with batteries. Further research is thus being conducted, mainly focusing on improving rechargeability of λ-MnO2.

SEM characterization of olive (Olea europaea L.) fruit epicuticular waxes and epicarp

Fruit cuticle micromorphology of several cultivars of Olea europaea L. was described with the aim to individualize features of the epicarp and epicuticular waxes useful to technological processings. All olive cvs. analyzed in this paper showed only epicuticular waxes arranged in crystalloid structures (granules, platelets, plates and rodlets). The epicarp aspects examined in this work were: the entire thickness of epicarp from surface to the base of epidermal cell, the height of the epidermal cell, the thickness of the cuticular flange that is wedged between epidermal cells and the thickness of the cuticular membrane, the continuous layer on the top of the epidermal cell. The cuticular membrane was the most important parameter, being the only barrier up the epidermal cells. Gentile di Chieti and Dritta cvs. had the thickest cuticular membrane (17.04 and 16.05μm for green olives, respectively), Castiglionese, Carboncella and Kalamata cvs. had a medium cuticular membrane while the cuticular membrane of Intosso cv. was very thin (8.46μm for green olives). The epicarp thickness decreased during ripening of fruits in all examined cultivars. Multivariate approaches were also used to identify similarities and differences between cultivars.

Systematic Approach to Synthesize Different MnO2 Crystalloid Structures and their Application in Fuel Cell/Battery Systems

In this work we synthesized various types (α-, β-, γ-, and δ-) of MnO2 via redox method and investigated the effect of potassium ion content and synthesis temperature on the crystalloid structure formation. It was found that increasing the synthesis temperature and decreasing the potassium ion content leads to MnO2 with small tunnel structures. It is thus assumed that the large potassium ions work as a template for bigger void spaces and that low temperatures can further increase the void space due to weaker Brownian movement of the molecules during synthesis. The samples were then analyzed with X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope and cycled in an alkaline electrolyte. From the results, it was found that MnO2 with small tunnel structures (β and γ) showed better stability than the large tunnel structures (α and δ) and thus an improved cycle life as secondary battery electrode.

Intracellular and extracellular immunoglobulin crystals assuming a multitude of geometric shapes in an IgG‐λ plasma cell neoplasm

Intracytoplasmic immunoglobulin deposition is frequently associated with plasma cell neoplasms but generally takes on a globular form (Russell bodies). The presence of crystalline immunoglobulin structures within malignant plasma cells occurs rarely 1-7. Here we show images of a post-treatment bone marrow biopsy from a 47-year-old woman diagnosed with a plasma cell neoplasm based on the presence of a serum monoclonal IgG-λ paraprotein (0.5 g/dL) and 30% plasma cells with cytoplasmic λ light chain restriction demonstrated by flow cytometry 8. Although she initially achieved a complete remission with intensive therapy, this bone marrow biopsy shows early progression of disease with 10–15% monoclonal λ light chain-restricted plasma cells. Additionally, focal areas containing large, rhomboidal-, hexagonal-, rectangular-, and square-shaped crystalline structures were noted in both the bone marrow aspirate (Image 1A, Wright-Geimsa stain, arrowheads) and trephine biopsy specimens [Image 1B, hematoxylin & eosin (H&E) stain]. Scattered lymphohistiocytic aggregates infiltrated by eosinophils and occasional multinucleated giant cells were present (Image 1C and inset, H&E). Some of the crystals are clearly extracellular (Image 1C, arrows) while others appear to be intracytoplasmic as suggested by flattening of the nuclei in cells juxtaposed to crystals (Image 1C, arrowheads). An immunohistochemical stain for CD138 highlights plasma cells (Image 1D) and outlines the intracellular subset of crystals. Stains for κ and λ light chains show λ light chain restriction, and the crystals are similarly outlined by the λ (Image 1E), but not the κ, stain (Image 1F). Immunostaining for CD68 delineated macrophages and giant cells but did not outline the crystalloid structures, thus supporting the plasma cell localization of the crystals. Staining for acid-fast bacteria and fungus was negative throughout, and a congo red stain did not highlight any amyloid deposits nor did it mark the crystals. Of note, the patient's CBC showed no cytopenias at this time, though there was recurrence of the serum monoclonal paraprotein (0.86 g/dL IgG-λ). She remains alive with a normal CBC and stable marrow disease 18 months after high-dose therapy. Although crystal deposition within plasma cells has been reported in reactive conditions, including rheumatologic disorders and helicobacter-associated gastritis, the monoclonal nature of the immunoglobulin in this case as demonstrated by both flow cytometry and immunohistochemical analysis argues against a reactive process. Crystal storing histiocytosis (CSH), in which immunoglobulin crystals are deposited in macrophages is an unusual variant of this phenomenon and is also associated with plasma cell and other lymphoproliferative neoplasms 9. The κ light chains predominate in CSH, as they appear to be more resistant to degradation by macrophage lysosomal enzymes than λ light chains. The mechanism underlying the accumulation of immunoglobulin crystals within neoplastic plasma cells as presented here is not certain but does not appear to favor either κ or λ light chains and may involve abnormalities in protein synthetic and transport pathways. The significance of immunoglobulin crystals in plasma cell myeloma is unknown, but it has been hypothesized that their presence may portend a nonprogressive clinical course and therefore a favorable prognosis 10.

α-amylase crystalloid granuloma of the parotid gland: case report and review of the literature

We report a case of α-amylase crystalloid granuloma of the parotid gland in a 65-year-old Japanese woman. Histopathologically, the lesion comprised cystlike dilatation of the ducts and foreign body granulomas, with deposits of numerous crystalloid structures. The crystalloids were eosinophilic and varied in size and shape. Immunohistochemically, the crystalloids were positive for α-amylase. Immunoelectron microscopy showed the crystalloids to be cuboidal or rectangular in shape with irregularly shaped central spaces. We discuss this rare condition and review the literature on α-amylase crystalloids.

Notes on the genus Viscum (Viscaceae) in Iran: A new combination based on morphological evidence

The genus Viscum L. (Viscaceae) with 150 species in the world was known in Iran only by V. album L. subsp. album. The plants of Viscum are hemiparasites growing on various host trees such as Crataegus sp., Parrotia persica and Pyrus sp. To investigate the range of morphological variation in different populations of these subspecies authors conducted detailed morphological and micromorphology studies. Furthermore, anatomical features of stem, leaf, petiole and fruit were investigated in different populations of this taxon. The presence of calcium oxalate crystals and platelet ornamentation of wax crystalloid structures on leaf surfaces were interesting features that could aid separating one population distributed in Golestan forest (NE, Iran) from others. The ornamentations of seed and fruit surface provide further evidence in recognizing this population as a separate taxon. The seed surface in V. album subsp. album is smooth while wrinkled in the population from Golestan forest. Furthermore, the fruit surfaces are smooth in the former, but furnished with platelet crystalloid ornamentations in the latter. These micromorphological differences were associated with important evidence from gross-morphology: the prophylls are two at the axils of each leave in V. album subsp. album, but four in the population from Golestan forest. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest recognizing the population distributed in Golestan forest as a separate taxon rather at subspecific level. A new subspecies is described for this new taxon: V. album subsp. golestanicum Saeidi, Shahi and Golmohammadi.

Novel crystalloid oligodendrogliopathy in hereditary spastic paraplegia

Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) comprises a group of clinically and genetically heterogeneous disorders associated with spastic paraparesis (pure HSP) with or without additional neurological symptoms (complicated HSP). Here we present a case of an adult-onset, apparently autosomal-dominant, complicated form of HSP. Onset of clinical symptoms was at the age 40 years and characterised by slowly progressive corticospinal tract dysfunction, dysarthria, disorientation, extrapyramidal symptoms, and bilateral ptosis. Cranial MRI revealed hyperintensities on T2-weighted sequences mostly in the posterior limb of the internal capsule. The proband deceased at the age of 64 years. As morphological substrate for the slowly progressive clinical symptoms, comprehensive neuropathological and ultrastructural evaluation revealed a novel oligodendrogliopathy with distinctive, partly ubiquitinated and p62 positive fibrillar inclusions evolving into crystalloid deposits, containing elements of the oligodendroglial cytoskeleton (α- and β-tubulin, TPPP/p25). In the central nervous system, accumulation of crystalloid structures has been related to histiocytes but not to glial cells. This study has implications for the understanding on how the human central nervous system reacts to protracted dysfunction and disruption of the oligodendroglial cytoskeleton, including development of crystalloid structures, which have not yet been reported in neurodegenerative diseases including HSP.

Mesotheliomas with crystalloid structures: report of nine cases, including one with oncocytic features

Although the presence of crystalloids has historically been of largely academic interest or simply an intriguing curiosity, these structures have occasionally been useful in the differential diagnosis of some tumors. Crystalloids have only rarely been reported in mesotheliomas, and their presence in these tumors has not been sufficiently investigated, nor has their potential value as an ultrastructural marker for mesothelioma been established. The finding of a case of mesothelioma in which the vast majority of the neoplastic cells contained intracytoplasmic crystalloids prompted a search for these structures in 69 consecutive cases of mesothelioma (59 epithelioid, 7 sarcomatoid, 3 mixed-epithelioid sarcomatoid). Crystalloids were found in 9 (15%) of the 59 epithelioid mesotheliomas, indicating that these structures are not as rare as had been thought. That these inclusions were demonstrated in tumors exhibiting diverse histological patterns and were not confined to a single subtype of epithelioid mesothelioma indicates that, because of their unique morphology, when present, they can assist in the diagnosis of these tumors. In addition, oncocytic features were also seen in one of the cases with crystalloid inclusions. Pathologists should be aware of the fact that, even though uncommon, mesotheliomas can present oncocytic morphology and, therefore, these tumors should be included in the differential diagnosis of those neoplasms that display similar morphological features, and which can metastasize to the serosal membranes. To my knowledge, an oncocytic mesothelioma has not previously been reported.

Evidence from micromorphology and gross morphology of the genus Loranthus (Loranthaceae) in Iran

The genus Loranthus L. (Loranthaceae) is represented in Iran by 2 species: Loranthus europaeus Jacq. and L. grewingkii Boiss. & Buhse; the latter species is endemic to the area of Flora Iranica. The plants of Loranthus are hemiparasites growing on various host trees such as Quercus infectoria Oliv., Acer monspessulanum L., and Armeniaca vulgaris Lam. In order to investigate the range of morphological variation in different populations of these species, an inclusive gross morphological and micromorphological study was conducted. For this purpose, the anatomical characteristics of the stem, leaf, petiole, and fruit were also investigated. The most prominent features were the presence or absence of calcium oxalate crystals, their types, and distribution. In general, 3 types of wax crystalloid structures are identified on the leaf surface, including irregular glandular as well as platelet in L. grewingkii and smooth in L. europaeus. The crystalloid structures of the wax allow differentiation of both species. Seed surface ornamentation demonstrates little difference among these taxa. The seed surface is deeply wrinkled in L. europaeus and shallowly wrinkled in L. grewingkii. Finally, 62 qualitative characters were scored and analysed by both cluster analysis and principle component analysis (PCA), resulting in 2 distinct groups.

Ruska H.Visualization of bacteriophage lysisin the hypermicroscope. Naturwissenschaften1940; 28

After attempts to obtain high-magnification pictures of bacteria in the hypermicroscope had shown that bacterial structures of sub-light-microscopical magnification could be visualized, a precondit...

Characterization of chromoplasts and carotenoids of red- and yellow-fleshed papaya (Carica papaya L.)

Chromoplast morphology and ultrastructure of red- and yellow-fleshed papaya (Carica papaya L.) were investigated by light and transmission electron microscopy. Carotenoid analyses by LC-MS revealed striking similarity of nutritionally relevant carotenoid profiles in both the red and yellow varieties. However, while yellow fruits contained only trace amounts of lycopene, the latter was found to be predominant in red papaya (51% of total carotenoids). Comparison of the pigment-loaded chromoplast ultrastructures disclosed tubular plastids to be abundant in yellow papaya, whereas larger crystalloid substructures characterized most frequent red papaya chromoplasts. Exclusively existent in red papaya, such crystalloid structures were associated with lycopene accumulation. Non-globular carotenoid deposition was derived from simple solubility calculations based on carotenoid and lipid contents of the differently colored fruit pulps. Since the physical state of carotenoid deposition may be decisive regarding their bioavailability, chromoplasts from lycopene-rich tomato fruit (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) were also assessed and compared to red papaya. Besides interesting analogies, various distinctions were ascertained resulting in the prediction of enhanced lycopene bioavailability from red papaya. In addition, the developmental pathway of red papaya chromoplasts was investigated during fruit ripening and carotenogenesis. In the early maturation stage of white-fleshed papaya, undifferentiated proplastids and globular plastids were predominant, corresponding to incipient carotenoid biosynthesis. Since intermediate plastids, e.g., amyloplasts or chloroplasts, were absent, chromoplasts are likely to emerge directly from proplastids.

Amylase crystalloids on fine-needle aspiration of the salivary gland

Amylase crystalloids is one of the several types of crystalline structures that can be seen in non-neoplastic and neoplastic salivary gland lesions. Here, a 60-year-old woman with an infraauricular mass existing for two years is presented. On ultrasound a cystic mass, 1 cm in diameter was detected in the tail of right parotid gland. Clear and mucoid fluid was obtained from the mass by fine-needle aspiration. Smears showed numerous rhomboid, rectangular or rod-shaped, non-birefringent crystalloid structures and a few acinar cell groups in a mucoid background rich in polymorphonuclear leucocytes and lymphoctes. It was reported as cystic sialadenitis with amylase crystalloids. In the four-month follow-up, there was no recurrence of the mass. Since encountered only in benign salivary gland lesions in the literature as in our case, observation of amylase crystalloids on fine-needle aspiration smears indicates a benign lesion and avoids unnecessary surgery.

A morphological study of granulomas induced by subcutaneous injection of leuprorelin acetate

Leuprorelin acetate-induced granulomas in subcutaneous injection sites have been occasionally reported, but there have been no detailed morphological examinations. Histopathology of leuprorelin acetate-induced granulomas in six patients was studied, and one of them was evaluated by electron microscopy. Study using haematoxylin and eosin staining revealed that there were many intracytoplasmic vacuoles in the granulomas and degeneration of fat tissue. Ultrastructurally, electron-lucent spherical bodies (microcapsules of leuprorelin acetate products) were observed in the granuloma cells. Needle-shaped crystalloid structures in lipid droplets (degenerated lipid droplets) were observed in the granuloma cells and fat tissue. Degeneration of fat tissues caused by leuprorelin acetate is one of main factors responsible for granuloma formation.