Delicate Branching Research Articles

Myxoid Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Sarcoma: Clinicopathologic Analysis of 25 Cases of a Distinctive Sarcoma With Deceptively Bland Morphology and Aggressive Clinical Behavior.

The number of recognized sarcoma types harboring targetable molecular alterations continues to increase. Here we present 25 examples of a distinctive myofibroblastic tumor, provisionally termed "myxoid inflammatory myofibroblastic sarcoma," which might be related to inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor, and which occurred in 13 males (52%) and 12 females at a median age of 37 years (range: 7 to 79 years). Primary tumor sites were peritoneum (18 patients; 72%), paratesticular (2; 8%), chest wall (1), upper extremity (1), esophagus (1), retroperitoneum (1), and uterus (1). Nine peritoneal tumors (50%) were multifocal at presentation; all other tumors were unifocal. Tumors showed bland-to-mildly-atypical neoplastic myofibroblasts in a myxoid stroma, with prominent inflammatory infiltrates in 22 cases (88%). Most tumors showed delicate branching stromal vessels like those of myxoid liposarcoma, and most showed infiltrative growth through non-neoplastic tissue. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated expression of SMA (19/25 tumors; 76%), desmin (13/22; 59%), and CD30 (5/11; 45%), while ALK was expressed in 1 tumor (of 25; 4%) that was negative for ALK rearrangement. Sequencing of 11 tumors showed seven to harbor tyrosine kinase fusions (4 PDGFRB , 2 PML :: JAK1 , 1 SEC31A :: PDGFRA ). Two instead harbored hot spot KRAS mutations (G12V and Q61H), and 2 were negative for known driving alterations. Clinical follow-up was available for 18 patients (72%; median: 2.7 years; range: 4 mo-12.3 years). Nine patients (50%) were alive with no evidence of disease, 5 (28%) died of disease, and 4 (22%) were alive with disease. Seven patients (39%) experienced peritoneal relapse or distant metastasis. Two patients showed disease progression on conventional, nontargeted chemotherapy. The patient whose tumor harbored SEC31A :: PDGFRA was treated after multiple relapses with imatinib and sunitinib therapy, with progression-free periods of 5 and 2 years, respectively. Despite its bland appearance, myxoid inflammatory myofibroblastic sarcoma harbors a significant risk for disseminated disease, particularly when it occurs in the peritoneum. Targeted therapy could be considered for patients with disseminated disease.

Temperature fluctuations and ventilation dynamics induced by atmospheric pressure variations in Lamalunga Cave (Apulia, Italy) and their influences on speleothem growth

AbstractLamalunga Cave (Altamura, Southern Italy) is renowned for the discovery in 1993 of an excellently preserved Neanderthal skeleton. Given the importance of the findings and the potential use of Lamalunga speleothems for paleoclimate reconstructions, a detailed monitoring program was undertaken to investigate the connections between microclimate parameters and speleothem growth. The cave air temperature is characterized by annual sinusoidal cycles with increasing phase shift and decreasing thermal amplitude from ± 2.1°C to ± 0.04°C as a function of increasing rock overburden, and daily to sub-daily cycles induced by surface air pressure (SAP) variations characterized by strong 24-hour and 12-hour solar harmonic frequencies, with thermal amplitude decreasing from 0.0054°C to 0.0021°C in the deeper parts of the cave. The ventilation regime is mainly controlled by SAP fluctuations. Fast SAP rises can trigger “emptying events” during which most of the cave air is replaced and the CO2 concentration falls towards near-atmospheric values. The steady and gentle ventilation created by SAP fluctuations also influences the growth and morphology of calcite coralloids, with larger popcorn assemblages concentrated in the northern galleries and delicate branching morphologies prevailing along the South Gallery where stable temperature and relative humidity conditions occur. The study is a seminal example of how high-precision measurements of cave air temperature can provide a wealth of information on cave ventilation and thermal regime and provide valuable support for robust paleoclimate reconstruction from speleothems.

Microlicia delicata and Microlicia pumila (Melastomataceae), two new species from unprotected mountains with campo rupestre vegetation in eastern Brazil

Two new species of Microlicia are described from the Cadeia do Espinhaço, eastern Brazil. Microlicia pumila is morphologically similar to M. karinae and apparently endemic to Serra da Formosa in northern Minas Gerais. It differs by the delicate branches that are conspicuously verrucose, smaller leaves that are more attenuated along the lower half, smaller hypanthia, calyx lobes, petals and stamens, and by the 3-locular capsules that do not surpass the hypanthial torus at maturity. Microlicia delicata, probably restricted to Três Morros in central Chapada Diamantina, is compared to M. plumosa. It can be recognized by the delicate branches with visible uppermost internodes, shorter leaves that are decussate but not cruciate when branches are seen from above, blades that are straight to somewhat recurved distally and free from each other, shorter calyx lobes and somewhat shorter petals. Morphometric analyses were performed to compare new species to related taxa.

The transversoclasiotome: a novel instrument for examining the vertebral artery

Opening the foramen transversarium of the cervical vertebrae is necessary for accessing the vertebral vessels. There are no specialist tools for cutting the anterior lamina of the transverse processes, and alternatives lead to questionable results. A novel tool, the transversoclasiotome, is described and tested. The literature and patent databases were systematically reviewed. A blueprint of the transversoclasiotome was created, and the prototype was tested through autopsy on ten fresh-frozen cadavers within our Body Donation Program. The transversoclasiotome consists of two delicate branches mounted as a scissor, one a cutting jaw and the other a knocker with a rounded tip, both angled 30° to the principal axis. The jaws shut, facing each other in parallel. The cutting jaw corresponds to a slit on the knocker profile without protruding beyond it even when entirely closed. It acts by cutting and wedging. The testing autopsies demonstrated its suitability for its purpose, with an adequate response to the pressure exerted on the bone lamina. The section cut cleanly, without sliding off while closing on the bone. The vertebral vessels were not injured either during instrument insertion or cutting. Their morphological features are described. The transversoclasiotome has been proven appropriate for sectioning the anterior lamina of transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae. It meets the needs of clinical anatomy in teaching and training clinicians or surgeons, forensic clinical anatomy during medico-legal investigation, and research.

Controlling Parameters of Benthic Deep-Sea Foraminiferal Biogeography at the Brazilian Continental Margin (11-22°S)

This study presents new quantitative data on benthic foraminifera from three bathymetric transects of the Brazil (11-14°S, 420-1900 m) and Campos (22°S, 430-2000 m) basins. The quantity and quality of organic matter flux as well as substrate properties and hydrodynamic conditions at the sediment-water interface are identified as key parameters controlling assemblage distribution. Based on the total (stained and unstained) fauna, a distinct biogeographic divide between a Globocassidulina subglobosa/crassa assemblage in the Campos Basin and a rosalinid/bolivinid assemblage in the Brazil Basin occurs across the bifurcation of the South Atlantic Central Water into its southward subtropical and northward tropical branches. In the Campos Basin, coarser sediments, increased bottom current activity, and variable nutrient supply favor an assemblage of Globocassidulina subglobosa/crassa, Nuttalides umbonifer and Alabaminella weddellensis. Occurrences of cold-water coral mounds in 870 m provide an ecological niche favoring species such as Alabaminella weddellensis which benefit from trapped nutrients. The Brazil Basin is characterized by increased abundances of Rosalina and Bolivina, while Globocassidulina subglobosa/crassa is comparatively less frequent. Assemblages with G. subglobosa/crassa, Rosalina spp., Bolivina variabilis and Bolivina subreticulata are favored by a relatively high nutrient input at 14°S. Further north, assemblages with Bolivina subreticulata, Bolivina variabilis, Epistominella exigua, G. subglobosa/crassa are located beneath the velocity core of the North Brazil Undercurrent (NBUC), coinciding with more clayey sediments rich in TOC. Occurrences of delicate branching forms such as Saccorhiza ramosa indicate a more stable setting, distal to the main current. Rose Bengal stained (living) specimens are scarce in all three regions, as is typical for deep-sea foraminiferal faunas. Their patterns of species distribution largely reflect those observed for the total fauna.

The History of Neuroscience 5: Discovery of the Neuron and Its Connections

Thanks to the invention of the microscope equipped with an achromatic lens, research on the histology of the nervous system flourished during the 19th century. Jan Evangelista Purkinje, together with Gabriel Valentin, first depicted individual nerve cells. Robert Remak, one of the most remarkable microscopists of the 19th century, made the pivotal discovery that the cell body (globule) and fibers arising from the globule formed a single unit. In addition to improvements in microscopes, a new method of visualizing nervous tissue was developed—namely, the silver staining method introduced by Camillo Golgi. Golgi could identify the types and delicate branches of axons. However, he believed that axons always directly merged with other axons, which was the basis of the reticular or nerve net theory. Santiago Ramón y Cajal, the founder of modern neuroscience, finally established the cornerstone of the neuron doctrine, according to which the nerve cell is the basic unit of the nervous system and information flows from unit to unit without direct fusion. This structure is called the synapse. Key words: Achromatic lens; Histology; Silver staining; Neuron doctrine; Synapses.

Ultrastructure of rhizoids in the marine bryozoan Dendrobeania fruticosa (Gymnolaemata: Cheilostomata).

Bryozoans form colonies of iterated modules, termed zooids, and display varying degrees of polymorphism. Polymorphic colonies comprise autozooids (or feeding zooids) and heteromorphic zooids, among which the most common types are avicularia and kenozooids. Kenozooids differ in shape, size, and presumed function. Among this diversity, there are rhizoids, which serve to attach colonies to the substrate or to lift them above it. To date, only general data on anatomy of kenozooids at light microscopy level are available. Here, we present the first description of the ultrastructure of the holdfast-like rhizoids of the cheilostome bryozoan Dendrobeania fruticosa. The rhizoid wall is composed of a single-layered epidermis, which produces the ectocyst. The voluminous cavity is acoelomate: it has no special cellular lining, nor any signs of an extracellular matrix toward the epidermis. It is traversed by delicate branching funicular strands that originate from the pore plate. The only cells in contact with the epidermis are the cells of the funicular system and the storage cells. The pore plate between the rhizoid and autozooid includes a variable number of communication pores. Each pore is plugged with a rosette complex, which includes a cincture cell and four special cells extending through the pore. The limiting cells are absent, and the special cells are in direct contact with the funicular strands. Cell contacts between special cells are absent; moreover, there are spaces between their proximal lobes filled with a heterogeneous matrix similar to that in the lumen of the funicular strands. Such matrix is also found outside of the extracellular matrix surrounding the special cells. These findings allow us to suggest that nutrient transport most likely occurs between, rather than through, the special cells. However, further studies are needed to understand how the rosette complex functions.

Recurrent Pleomorphic Myxoid Liposarcoma in a Patient With Li-Fraumeni Syndrome

Pleomorphic myxoid liposarcoma is an extremely rare, clinically aggressive subtype of liposarcoma that has been primarily reported in young patients. In this article, we report a case of a pleomorphic myxoid liposarcoma that presented as a second primary neoplasm in a 34-year-old man with history of primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma. During the clinical workup, the patient was diagnosed with a germline TP53 gene mutation and Li-Fraumeni syndrome. The tumor, a 2.9 × 2.3 × 2.0 cm well-demarcated and solid mass, was centered in the anterior chest wall soft tissue. Histologically, most of the tumor displayed abundantly myxoid stroma, low cellularity of mostly bland spindle cells, delicate branching capillaries, and lipoblasts; these areas transitioned to small areas whose features were reminiscent of pleomorphic liposarcoma. As assessed by fluorescence in situ hybridization, the tumor showed no DDIT3 (CHOP) (12q13) rearrangements or MDM2 gene amplification. Clinically, the tumor progressed with multiple recurrences and metastasis to the humerus bone. To our knowledge, this is the first case of pleomorphic myxoid liposarcoma diagnosed in an adult with Li-Fraumeni syndrome.

A DELICATE BRIDEGROOM:HABROSUNĒIN SAPPHO, FR. 115V

In Sappho's two-line fragment 115V, an unidentified speaker addresses a lucky bridegroom, wondering how best to describe him; the answer follows immediately:τίῳ σ᾿, ὦ φίλε γάμβρε, καλῶς ἐικάσδω;ὄρπακι βραδίνῳ σε μάλιστ᾿ ἐικάσδω.Dear bridegroom, to what do I best compare you?I compare you most of all to a delicate branch.

A new species ofStylaster(Cnidaria: Hydrozoa: Stylasteridae) from Malpelo Island, Colombian Pacific

Abstract A new species of Stylaster is described from the oceanic island of Malpelo, Colombian Pacific. This species belongs to the Stylaster Group A, characterized by having cylcosystems uniformly distributed on all branch surfaces. Stylaster malpeloensis n. sp. is most similar to S. venustus (Verrill, 1870) by its pink coralla and number of dactylopores per cyclosystem, but S. venustus has much more delicate branches and gastropore tubes with a well-developed ring palisade. S. malpeloensis is the first known record of a Stylaster species for the Colombian Pacific and the most southern Stylaster Group A species in the eastern Pacific.

Sedimentology of Surficial Cool­water Carbonates on the Continental Shelf of Tasmania, Australia

The continental shelf of Tasmania and Bass Strait is veneered by surficial carbonate and terriginous sediment, which represents the coldest carbonate assemblage on the southern shelf of Australia. Three major facies are recognized based on dominant components, and are further separated into eight sub­facies. Quartzose sand is a nearshore facies, whereas Holocene biogenic sand and gravel is found outboard in deeper waters. Relict sand and gravel is located between these facies on the majority of the shelf, although it is rare on the narrow, eastern shelf. When Holocene biotic sediments are considered, five facies can be identified based on the abundance of bryozoans, molluscs, benthic foraminifer, sponge spicules, and coralline algae. Molluscs and bryozoans dominate the most widespread facies; molluscs are numerous nearshore, in large bays, and on granitic ridges, and bryozoans are abundant in deeper, or nutrient rich waters. Again, eastern and western shelves differ, in that molluscs, which are common in the east, only occur near rivers on the western shelf. The key factor controlling this distribution is the level of trophic resources available. Dominant bryozoan growth forms provide detailed resolution of the Holocene sediment and relative importance can be linked to water energy or substrate. In general, delicate branching forms are found in deeper water on the eastern and western shelves, as well as the eastern side of the Bass Strait, whereas articulated zooidal forms dominate higher energy waters and areas with unstable or fine substrate, such as the southern shelf and western Bass Strait.

Salicornia cuscoensis (Amaranthaceae/Chenopodiaceae), a new species from Peru (South America)

The name Salicornia cuscoensis given to a plant from high Andean saltmarshes near Cusco [Cuzco] and Ayacucho, Peru (South America) is validated by a diagnosis and description. The main morphological characters that separate S. cuscoensis from other closely related species are creeping habit, delicate branches, inflorescence of short and thin spikes, and seed indumentum. The new species clearly differs from other perennial Salicornia taxa growing in high Andean saltmarshes such as S. pulvinata and S. andina. The former forms small compact cushions producing very short, few-flowered inflorescences. The latter shows woody stems and forms larger rounded carpets. Morphologically, S. cuscoensis is also similar to S. magellanica, a species growing along the seashore in southern Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, but the latter has shorter and wider inflorescences and larger seeds with a different type and arrangement of indumentum. Molecular analyses also supported the separation of S. cuscoensis. Data on habitat, distribution and phylogenetic relationships are presented for the new species and its relatives, and an identification key is given for the South American taxa of the genus Salicornia.

Palaeoecology of Famennian-Tournaisian (Late Devonian-Early Carboniferous) bryozoans from central and southern regions of Russia

The palaeoecology of Famennian-Tournaisian (Late Devonian-Early Carboniferous) bryozoans from central and southern regions of Russia is analysed. Famennian-Tournaisian bryozoans associations of the Altai-Sayan Folded Area and the south-western region of the West-Siberian plate was a shallow-middle shelf according to our own and literature data. Robust branching-fenestrate-bilaminar bryozoan associations are found in locations of warm water, transitional low-high water energy, normal salinity and changing sedimentation rate. Bryozoan associations from South Urals and the central part of the Russian plate are characterised by a low number of species and specimens. Encrusting unilaminar and delicate branching growth habits are dominate in the Russian Plate and indicate an environmental setting in close proximity to strandline.

Diversity of marine bryozoans inhabiting demosponges in northeastern Brazil

As primary or obligate sessile organisms, bryozoans depend upon a substratum resource that affects their abundance, distribution and diversity. These animals can colonize virtually any type of substratum, including other organisms and artificial structures. Associations between bryozoans and sponges are commonly reported in the literature, but there are few studies discussing the association between these two taxa in detail. Here we present data on the bryozoan community found on shallow-water sponges from Bahia coast, northeastern Brazil, including their taxonomic status, colony form and adaptative structures utilized by these bryozoans to grow on sponges. Twenty-one bryozoan species were found attached to the surface of sixteen species of sponges. Five new species of cheilostome bryozoans are described. A total of 105 colonies were studied and most of them are erect delicate branching (44 colonies) and encrusting patches (34 colonies). The majority of bryozoan colonies were attached to the surface of rugose-textured sponges (67 colonies; 61%). This suggests that bryozoans are more likely to settle on irregular and rough surfaces. Patches colonies were mainly attached to the portion of the sponge that was in contact with the seabed, and spot colonies were particularly found in spatial refuges, showing the preference of larvae to settle on shaded and less exposed substrata. Most erect bryozoans were attached to the lateral sponge surface, other colonies grew on the underside and few on the upper surface of the sponges. These colonies were attached either using anchoring rhizoids, rigid bases, or stolons. The bryozoan species and genera reported here are common in northeastern Brazil and considered generalists in terms of larval settlement requirements. The bryozoan-sponge association studied is considered a non-obligatory commensalism (inquilinism).

An early Tournaisian (Mississippian) bryozoan fauna from the Moravian Karst (Rhenohercynian Zone, Czech Republic)

Bryozoans are described from the lower Tournaisian of the Moravo-Silesian Zone (part of the Rhenohercynian Zone) of the Czech Republic for the first time. The studied fauna displays poor diversity and small size; it is represented by encrusting unilaminar and delicate branching growth habits. One species, Eridopora moravica, is new, and three other species are left in open nomenclature: Nikiforovella sp., Saffordotaxis sp., and ?Streblotrypella sp. Bryozoans found within calciturbidites of the Siphonodella sulcata and Siphonodella quadruplicata conodont zones inhabited originally the littoral zone at the southern margin of Laurussia. They indicate links between the eastern and western parts of the northern Palaeotethyan Siberian and Panthalassan realms.

Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma: a clinicopathologic analysis of 23 cases

Objective To further elucidate the clinical and pathologic features of retiform hemangioendothelioma (RH) and its clinical spectrum. Methods Eight cases of RH were reviewed. The clinicopathologic profiles, immunophenotypes and outcome data were investigated. Results All 8 cases occurred in females with a mean age at presentation of 40 years (range, 13-69 years). Five tumors arose in the skin of the head and neck region and lower extremities, two in the long bones and one in the spleen.Clinically, the patients presented with a slowly growing cutaneous plaque or subcutaneous nodule, pain of the upper arm, and dull pain and discomfort in the left hypochondrium respectively.Grossly, the tumor appeared as a non-encapsulated gray-yellowish to tan-brown mass with a mean diameter of 2.6 cm (range, 0.8-5.0 cm). On histology, it was composed of delicate branches of elongated vessels lined by a layer of hobnail or matchstick endothelium, exhibiting a retiform pattern with close resemblance of the normal rete testis.Cords or solid nests of epithelioid cells were noted adjacent to the well-formed vessels.In three cases, dilated vascular spaces with formation of intravascular papillary tufts were observed, features overlapping with Dabska tumor.There was usually marked lymphocytic infiltration in the stroma which was also hyalinized in some cases.One case had regional lymph node metastasis.By immunohistochemistry, all cases consistently expressed endothelial markers, including CD31(8/8), human coagulation factor Ⅷ (5/8), CD34 (5/7) and D2-40 (1/2). Two of six cases with follow-up information (18-67 months) developed local recurrences, but distant metastasis was not identified. Conclusions RH is a distinctive vascular tumor of adulthood characterized by retiform growth of vessels with striking hobnail endothelium.Although the tumor occurs predominantly in the skin, the long bones and the spleen can be occasionally affected. The presence of Dabska tumor-like areas in RH may suggest a morphologic continuum between these two entities, comprising the family of hobnail hemangioendothelioma.Familiarity with the characteristic features of this vascular tumor of intermediate malignancy will help in the differential diagnosis of vascular neoplasms with hobnail endothelium. Key words: Retiform hemangioendothelioma; Dabska tumor; Hobnail hemangioendothelioma; Immunohistochemistry

Fallopian Tube Papilloma – Case Report of a Rare Tumor

Fallopian tube neoplasms are rare. We report a rare case of fallopian tube papilloma discovered incidentally in a 45 year old female, operated for procidentia. Right tube was dilated at the infundibular region, with friable grey white tissue in the lumen. Microscopy showed delicate branching papillae lined by a single layer of epithelium resembling tubal lining. There were no features to suggest a reactive hyperplasia in response to inflammation or of aggressive behaviour.

Builders and taphonomic processes of Bajocian coral patch reefs in the Moroccan Central High Atlas

Bajocian carbonate buildups of the High Atlas of Morocco occur as lenticular patches but rarely as barrier reefs of limited extent. Reef-building organisms are represented mainly by scleractinian corals, sponges, and spongiomorphs, associated with algae and other fauna. The core reef facies is dominated by either massive coral colonies with meandroid-thamnasteroid growth forms thickly branching corals with cerioid-phocoid growth forms. The coral assemblages are relatively diverse and represented by the genera Isastrea, Cosmophyllia, Edwardoseris, Kobymeandrea, Dimorpharaea, and Polystylidium, in addition to other branching forms. Massive and platy coral colonies prevail in the generally moderate diversity to high diversity, but very low diverse communities with branching and solitary corals may also occur in complex patch reef bodies. Corals appear to be most affected by biological and physical destruction. Delicate branching growth forms with fragile colonies were more affected by storm waves or action of currents.

Congenital oligodendroglioma: clinicopathologic and molecular assessment with review of the literature.

Oligodendroglioma is an infiltrating glial neoplasm frequently seen in adults. Pediatric oligodendrogliomas are rare, with very few cases presenting in infancy and only rare congenital examples. In contrast to adult oligodendrogliomas, pediatric cases typically lack 1p/19q codeletion. Herein we report a case of WHO grade II oligodendroglioma diagnosed in a 7-month-old male infant. The patient initially presented at 3 months of age with symptoms suspicious for seizure. Initial workup including electroencephalography (EEG), electrocardiogram (EKG), and computed tomography (CT) of the head was negative. His symptoms persisted, and subsequent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed at age of 7 months revealed a 2 cm contrast-enhancing left temporal lobe mass. The mass was excised and the microscopic appearance was that of a classic low grade oligodendroglioma composed of cells with uniformly round nuclei, perinuclear halos, delicate branching capillaries, and an absence of high grade features. Mutant specific (R132H) isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 (IDH1) immunohistochemistry was negative, and the tumor lacked detectable 1p or 19q deletions by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). The onset of neurological symptoms in early infancy followed by the positive MRI findings suggests that this case represents a rare example of congenital oligodendroglioma.

Clear cell variant of solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of pancreas diagnosed by fine needle aspiration: A case report and review of the literature

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) of the pancreas is a rare tumor of uncertain malignant potential, predominantly affecting young adult females. We report a case of clear cell variant of SPN, which was diagnosed by fine needle aspiration biopsy. The aspirate was highly cellular and exhibited delicate branching papillary structures with central capillaries covered with several layers of plasmacytoid tumor cells. Acinar and rosette-like formations, as well as single neoplastic cells were also observed. An unusual cytologic feature was the presence of large, clear cytoplasmic vacuoles. The diagnosis of SPN was confirmed by characteristic immunocytochemical staining pattern including nuclear staining for β-catenin, cytoplasmic staining for vimentin and lack of reactivity for cytokeratin.