Dense Collagen Bundles Research Articles

Enhancing wound healing in cattle through the application of vitreous humour fluid and platelet-rich plasma

The aim of this work: to examine the impact of applying vitreous humour fluid as well as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on cattle's wound healing. Twelve dairy cows, randomly divided into three groups, constituted the subjects for this research. Those cows consumed standard quantities—grains; alfalfa; straw—with ad libitum clean water. We collected Vitreous humour fluid from slaughtered cows, storing it at 4°C. Through withdrawing blood from the same cows and separating PRP from plasma, we prepared Autologous PRP. Furthermore, we prepared a mixture of PRP with vitreous humour fluid which has been subsequently applied to wound site. At 7, 14, and 21 weeks, we performed biopsies on the cows for histopathological examination. On day 7, the histopathological examination revealed improved tissue reorganization and proliferation in wounds treated with PRP and vitreous humour fluid. Furthermore, in comparison with the control group--at this same time point--collagen organization has been notably superior. Moving onto day 14: a complete or partial union of wound margins manifested in the two groups treated with PRP and vitreous humour fluid; also, better granulation tissue formation stood out significantly—an indicator that healing progress had been robustly effective. By day 21; complete epithelialization—alongside dense collagen bundles filling the wound site—signified successful healing of wounds treated specifically with the use of vitreous humor fluid. The findings of the presented work indicate that the utilization of vitreous humour fluid and PRP could facilitate the process of wound healing in cattle. Improvements in tissue reorganization, proliferation, and collagen organization were all found. In the process of developing wound healing therapies for cattle, such findings offer useful insights that can be further developed.

Histological evaluation of decellularization of freeze dried and chemically treated indigenously prepared bovine pericardium membrane.

Decellularization is regarded as a xenogenic antigen-reduction technique because it effectively eliminates all cellular and nuclear components while mitigating any negative impact on the composition, biological functionality, and structural integrity of the remaining extracellular matrix. This study aimed to histologically evaluate native, freeze dried and chemically decellularized bovine pericardium membrane. Also, this study focused on preservation of extracellular matrix after decellularization. Bovine pericardium membrane was decellularized by freeze thaw cycle followed by freeze drying and 1% sodium dodecyl sulphate. Unprocessed pericardium was used as control. The effectiveness of Decellularization was assessed based on the reduction of histologically visible nuclei. Decellularization by freeze thaw cycle followed by freeze drying resulted in 17.84% reduction in nuclei content and decellularization by sodium dodecyl sulphate results in 92% reduction in nuclei content compare to control group. Picrosirius red staining for freeze dried group displayed loosely organised, thin collagen bundles that exhibit reddish-yellow birefringence and sodium dodecyl sulfate group revealed dense collagen bundles that are parallelly organised and compact, exhibiting reddish-yellow birefringence and showed good structural integrity. These results suggested that the sodium do decyl sulfate showed optimal decellularization results with better extracellular matrix preservation. It may be a suitable protocol for producing a suitable scaffold for periodontal tissue regeneration.

Case of Ray Fungus Presenting with Abdominal Distension

Actinomycosis is a rare infection caused by filamentous, non acid fast staining and gram positive bacteria. The diagnosis is rarely made preoperatively, and only histopathological examination can confirm it, as the condition presents with varied clinical manifestations, often resembling a malignant lesion on radiographic images. Hereby, the authors present a case of a 67-year-old female, who was admitted for evaluation of an abdominal mass. Radiologically, the mass resembled a desmoplastic fibroma, and clinically, it was suspected to be the same. The mass was excised and sent for histopathological examination. Grossly, two specimens were received. The first consisted of adherent bowel loops, including the ileum, appendix, caecum and descending colon, with the mass arising from mesentery involving the bowel, measuring 11.5x9.5x6 cm. The second specimen was a partial cystectomy specimen, with the abdominal wall mass infiltrating the bladder anteroposteriorly, measuring 11x10x8 cm. Microscopic examination revealed extensive areas of inflammation with actinomycotic organisms exhibiting the Splendore-Hoeppli phenomenon, along with numerous multinucleated giant cells and acute on chronic inflammatory infiltrate. Surrounding areas showed dense collagen bundles. The prognosis after complete surgical resection is good, along with the administration of broad spectrum intravenous antibiotics.

Abnormal Ultrasonographic Findings of Acellular Dermal Matrix in Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction: Correlations with Histopathology.

Background: Acellular dermal matrix (ADM) in implant-based breast reconstruction can show various ultrasound (US) findings. However, there are limited reports on the US features of the ADM. The aims of this study were to evaluate US findings of the ADM in implant-based breast reconstruction and correlate them with histopathological findings. Methods: Between January 2015 and August 2020, 250 women who underwent implant-based breast reconstruction with ADM and a breast US examination at 6 months to 1 year after reconstruction were retrospectively analyzed. Abnormal US findings were classified as type 1 (focal thickening with decreased echogenicity), 2 (diffusely hyperechoic), or 3 (bright echogenic spots). ADM biopsy was performed in 33 patients who underwent second stage or revisional surgeries. Results: In total, 176 consecutive women with 207 US findings were analyzed. The US findings were normal in 52.2% of the women. The percentages of type 1, 2, and 3 patients were 13.5%, 11.1%, and 23. 2%, respectively. These patients had microscopic findings that showed patchy areas with chronic inflammatory infiltrates, dense collagen bundles without degenerative or inflammatory changes, and empty spaces or degenerated foci unaccompanied by inflammation. Conclusion: Knowing the various ADM presentations on US can help avoid unnecessary invasive procedures.

A row of nodules on the right side of the face

A row of nodules on the right side of the face

Poor Biointegration of Porcine Acellular Dermal Matrix Associated with Unfavorable Gingival Healing: A Report of Three Cases

The aim of the present work was to explain the poor biointegration of acellular dermal xenogeneic matrix, leading to an unfavorable gingival healing following a grafting procedure for the treatment of soft tissue deficiencies. Numerous works have demonstrated the successful use of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) in soft tissue augmentation procedures. However, spare human investigations reported adverse healing outcomes at microscopic level. Three patients showing various soft tissue deficiencies (recession, gingival thickening) requiring a gingival augmentation were grafted using an ADM porcine acellular dermal matrices (pADM) as a soft tissue substitute. For this purpose, appropriate soft tissue augmentation surgeries were performed and the grafted pADM was left for proper healing. Biopsies were harvested from two out of the three patients, respectively, at 11 and 27 weeks in order to conduct a histological evaluation of the pADM's doubtful biointegration. Moreover, the ultrastructural analysis of pADM was performed using scanning electron microscopy, and additional histological procedures were used to assess its ability to support human gingival fibroblast cultures. Signs of gingival inflammation persisted several months postoperatively. Histologically, numerous inflammatory cells characterized the grafted site. Indeed, the high number of foreign body giant cell granulomas and the very densified newly formed collagen fibers highlighted a fibrotic process within gingival connective tissue. The ultrastructural and histological analysis showed that pADM was characterized by very thick and dense collagen bundles demonstrating a nonphysiological collagen network organization. Cell culture experiments showed fibroblasts proliferating on the matrix surface, sparing its deeper part, even though the collagen matrix degradation seemed to occur following a gradient from the pADM surface inward. The unfavorable clinical results may be caused by the poor colonization of matrix cells and poor angiogenesis leading to the inadequate biointegration of pADM. Hence, the pADM structure in terms of porosity and degradability should be further investigated. The present cases highlighted a poor integration of pADM following soft tissue grafting procedures, which was caused by the inadequate ultrastructure of the used pADM. Therefore, despite the utility of such tissue substitutes, their manufacturing improvement could be required to obtain a better biointegration.

Therapeutic Role of Platelet Rich Plasma in Formaldehyde-Induced Arthritis in Adult Male Albino Rats

Abstract Introduction Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common health problem. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been recognized to enhance articular cartilage metabolism. Aim of the work the study was designed to investigate the influence of PRP on cartilage healing after induction of arthritis. Material and methods Forty two adult male albino rats were used in this study. The rats were randomly divided into three groups: Group I (n = 18): the control group (Ia, Ib & Ic) Ib & Ic were injected intra-articularly with saline and left for 3 and 6 weeks. Group II (n = 12): arthritic group, in which osteoarthritis was induced by injection of 0.02ml 5% formaldehyde once in the right knee joints, left without treatment, and were sacrificed after three weeks (IIa) or after six weeks (IIb). Group III(n = 12): arthritis was induced as group II, one week later, the rats were intra-articularly injected with single dose of 0.3ml PRP in the same joint then were sacrificed three weeks (IIIa) or six weeks (IIIb) after formaldehyde injection. At the end of the study the right knee joints were taken, decalcified then processed for paraffin sections to be examined by light microscope using H&E, toluidine blue and Masson’s trichrome (MTC) stains. Immunohistochemistry for caspase-3 enzyme was done to demonstrate apoptotic chondrocytes. Morphometric study was conducted to measure the thickness of the non-calcified cartilage, count the chondrocytes and synovial membrane inflammatory cells and Mankin's score. Then statistical analysis was done. Results The arthritic groups revealed irregular surface of the articular cartilage, loss of the articular matrix and bone eburnation. Moreover, there was apparent hypocellularity and disorganization of the chondrocytes. Osteoclasts and osteoblasts were seen invading the osteochondral junction. MTC stained sections of the synovial membrane showed deposition of thick collagen bundles with heavy inflammatory cell infiltrate and numerous blood vessels. The affinity of the articular cartilage to toluidine blue stain was apparently decreased while caspase-3 immunoreactivity was apparent in many chondrocytes .Group IIIa demonstrated almost similar histological findings as the control group; regular articular cartilage surface with regularly arranged chondrocytes in the different cartilage zones. Synovial membrane illustrated minimal inflammatory cell infiltrate with thin collagen bundles and small blood vessels in MTC stained sections. There was high affinity of the articular cartilage to the toluidine blue stain and few chondrocytes showed positive caspase-3 immunoreactivity. Group IIIb revealed continuous surface of the articular cartilage, yet with minimal fibrillation in some areas. Osteoblasts and osteoclasts were seen invading the calcified cartilage. Synovial membrane showed deposition of dense collagen bundles with some inflammatory cell infiltrate. Toluidine blue sections revealed decreased articular cartilage affinity to the stain while caspase-3 immunoreactivity was evident in many chondrocytes. The morphometric results and statistical analysis confirmed the histological findings. Conclusion Intra-articular injection of PRP demonstrated advantageous role on articular cartilage healing, however, these effects appeared to be transient. So the need of multiple injections of PRP has to be considered in cases of OA.

A Comparative Histological Study to the Effect of Adipose Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Versus Virgin Coconut Oil in Skin Wound Healing of Adult Male Albino Rat

Background: Skin wounds comprise a clinical load for many patients. Owing to their availability and ability for differentiation, adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are considered a promising line in the tissue regenerative medicine. Virgin coconut oil (VCO) has been also reported to help in wound healing by decreasing time of complete re-epithelization. However, there was lack in literature about histological details.Aim: The study aimed to compare the effect of ADSCs versus natural VCO in wound healing. Material and methods: Thirty rats were used in three experimental groups, ten rats in each. All animals were exposed to excisional skin wound injury. Group I was used as control untreated group. Group II was injected intra-dermally with 1x106 ADSCs in four injection sites around the wound, while group III was treated with topical application of 0.5 gm VCO ointment. After 2 weeks, all rats were sacrificed. Macroscopic shrinkage of wounds was recorded and compared. Skin samples were harvested and processed for light microscopic examination. Morphometric measurements were done for both epidermal thickness & collagen fibers area percentage. Data was analyzed statistically.Results: Histological examination of group II revealed regenerated epidermis and dermal skin appendages. Masson s trichrome stained sections revealed thick collagen bundles running in different directions. In Group III, epidermis was thin with few developing dermal skin appendages. Masson s trichrome stained sections showed dense parallel bundles of collagen fibers.Conclusion: Virgin coconut oil enhanced skin wound healing. However, ADSCs proved to be more efficient in regaining mature skin structure.

S2665 Fibrolamellar Hepatocellular Carcinoma Presenting With Chronic Epigastric Pain in a Young Female

INTRODUCTION: Fibrolamellar hepatocellular cancer is a rare malignancy comprising less than one percent of all primary liver tumors, and has features including large polygonal cells with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm and sheets of dense collagen bundles forming fibrous septa that distinguish it from hepatocellular carcinoma. Fibrolamellar carcinoma also does not share the same predisposing risk factors of cirrhosis and chronic viral hepatitis with hepatocellular cancer and affects a younger population of individuals ages 5 to 35 years of age. CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: A 30-year-old woman with a history of GERD presented with ongoing epigastric for 7 months. Her epigastric pain was previously attributed to gastritis without improvement on omeprazole. Her physical exam was notable for epigastric abdominal pain with mild guarding. During her admission she had further evaluation of her pain with a CT abdomen that showed hepatosplenomegaly with a heterogenous left lobe liver lesion and mild biliary dilation in the setting of transaminitis with AST and ALT of 657 and 522 respectively and mild leukocytosis of 13.6. Extensive lab workup was completed with negative or unremarkable results for ESR, acetaminophen levels, ferritin, AFP, CEA, viral hepatitis panel, HSV 1/2 IgG, CMV, ANA, antimitochondrial and anti-smooth muscle antibody. Gastroenterology and Oncology were consulted due to concern for a liver malignancy as ultrasound also showed a heterogenous mass in the left lobe of her liver. An MRI of the abdomen showed a liver lesion occupying most of the lateral and medial segment of the left lobe measuring 7.5 × 5.2 × 9.2 cm. She then had a percutaneous liver biopsy of the lesion which pathology reported was consistent with fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma, and immunostaining was positive for HepPar1, arginase, and CD34 indicating endothelial proliferation. She had complete surgical resection of the tumor and is following with Oncology for post-treatment surveillance. DISCUSSION: Fibrolamellar cancer is exceedingly rare form of liver cancer for which there is no established treatment beyond surgical excision. Research for treatment has included studies in immune-therapy, cytotoxic chemotherapy, and even liver transplantation. Due to the rarity of this disease the evidence-based guidelines for directed therapy are lacking. As more cases of Fibrolamellar carcinoma are reported, studies on how these patients present, are diagnosed, and their treatment can be used to form evidence-based treatment guidelines.

The Lateral Deltoid Originates From the Entire Lateral Wall of the Acromion: MRI and Histologic Cadaveric Analysis Regarding Vertical Lateral Acromioplasty

PurposeThe aim of this study was to assess the nature of the middle deltoid muscle insertion onto the lateral acromion by macroscopic, MRI and histologic examination and to, therefore, assess the potential impact of a vertical lateral acromioplasty on the deltoid origin.MethodsWe assessed the acromial origin of the deltoid in 6 cadaver shoulders by macroscopic, MRI and histologic examination. The cadavers were scanned with T1 and proton density-weighted sequences. H&E- and Masson trichrome-stained histologic sections through the acromion were taken and visualized under polarized microscopy.ResultsThe enthesis of the deltoid muscle consisted of dense birefringent bundles of collagen that blended with the bony endplate of the acromion at all points on its lateral wall. A prominent band of collagen was seen on both MRI and histologic slices, traversing the superior surface of the acromion. It was continuous with the deltoid origin and blended with the superficial fascia of the deltoid laterally.ConclusionsThe middle deltoid muscle occupies the entire lateral acromion.Clinical RelevanceA high critical shoulder angle is associated with rotator cuff tears. A lateral acromioplasty resects the lateral acromion and aims to normalize the critical shoulder angle. However, a vertical lateral acromioplasty may release the middle deltoid origin from the lateral acromion. The superior band of collagen may anchor the middle deltoid to the superior acromion and prevent retraction.

Localized peripheral autonomous neuropathy and dysfunctional myoepithelial cells: A novel hypothesis for xerostomia in oral submucous fibrosis

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a potentially malignant disorder of the oral cavity characterized by submucosal deposition of dense collagen bundles leading to limited mouth opening. Besides, patients also complain about the burning sensation in the oral cavity and xerostomia. These symptoms have a major impact on the functional and psychological domains of oral health-related quality of life. However, the pathogenesis of xerostomia in OSMF is not yet well established. In our routine histopathology practice, we observed fibrosis surrounding minor salivary glands, distended acini, obliteration of acinar lumen and loss of interstitial spaces. Based on these features, we hypothesized that fibrosis in OSMF drives localized peripheral autonomous neuropathy in minor salivary glands, which leads to dysfunctional myoepithelial cells. These dysfunctional myoepithelial cells will unable to contract and expel saliva out of the salivary secretary unit, thus leading to xerostomia. In the present paper, experiments are recommended to prove this hypothesis, which can be exploited in the future for the development of appropriate drugs.

Expression of transforming growth factor beta in oral submucous fibrosis

BackgroundOral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a premalignant condition mainly caused by areca nut chewing and is characterized by progressive fibrosis of submucosal tissues and epithelial atrophy. Activation of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling is considered main causative event for increased collagen production and fibrosis. In this study, molecular pathogenesis of OSMF was investigated based on the expression of the TGF-β genes in OSMF tissues compared to normal controls. MethodsA total of 33 OSMF and 10 normal tissues were collected from patients and their clinic-epidemiological data was recorded. The expression of TGF-β isoform genes- TGF β1, TGF β2, TGF β3 and its receptor TGF βR1, TGF βR2 was studied by real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Comparison of the expression of these genes among normal controls and OSMF patients was done. The PCR results were confirmed by histopathological and immunohistochemical staining. ResultsThe histological changes included atrophic epithelium, loss of rete ridges, presence of inflammatory cells and dense collagen bundles in connective tissue. PCR showed statistically significant upregulation of TGF-β isoforms in OSMF as compared to normal tissues. Of the three isoforms, maximum fold change was observed in TGF-β1. Similarly, both TGF-βR1 and TGF-βR2 were found to be elevated in OSMF tissues compared to normal. The semi-quantitative analysis by immunohistochemical staining revealed statistically significant difference between normal and OSMF tissues. ConclusionTGF-β signaling plays a major role in the molecular pathogenesis of OSMF as shown by increased mRNA expression of all the three TGF-β isotypes and their receptors.

Comparison between fractional Co2 laser-triamcinolone injection combination therapy and triamcinolone injection monotherapy for keloid

The histopathologic view of keloid shows dense fibroblasts and bundles of collagen throughout dermis. Treatment that completely cure keloid still not exist, although there are many treatment options. The monotherapy fractional CO2 laser shows good results, but is still as an adjuvant therapy. Fractional CO2 laser affects fibroblast and its functions in producing collagen. The combination therapy will combine the selective phototermolysis effect of CO2 lasers with antimitotic and antiinflammatory effects of corticosteroids. This study was an open trial with parallel design that compared fractional CO2 laser-intralesional triamcinolone acetonide combination therapy (treatment group) and intralesional triamcinolone acetonide (control group) in keloid patients with collagen density as evaluation parameter. The dose of triamcinolone was 10 mg/ml of 0.05-0.1 ml/cm2 of keloid. Fractional CO2 laser energy setting was 10-20 mJ. The decrease of collagen density in control and treatment group was significant (p=0.008 and p=0.001), although the decrease difference between control and treatment group was not significant (p=0.328). The collagen density that decrease in a shorter time shows that fractional CO2 laser could be a good combination therapy.

Neurovascular structures of the ligament of the head of femur.

The ligament of the head of femur (LHF), or ligamentum teres, is believed to provide blood supply to the head of femur and mechanical stability to the hip joint. But these functions in the adult are often debated. The existence and distribution of neurovascular structures within the ligament are not widely documented. This study examined the blood vessels and nervous tissue within the LHF to determine whether the ligament may have a vascular and proprioceptive function at the hip joint. Histological sections from the LHF from 10 embalmed hips (six female, four male; mean age 80.4±8.7years) were cut at three levels: the foveal attachment, mid-length and its base where it attaches to the transverse acetabular ligament. Sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin to study general tissue architecture or with von Willebrand factor and neurofilament to identify blood vessels and nervous tissue, respectively. The proportion of the ligament's cross-sectional area occupied by blood vessels was expressed as a vascularity index (VI). Nerve endings within the ligament were identified and morphologically classified. Comparisons between the VI at the three levels, or between the tissue layers of the ligament, were made using 95% confidence intervals; statistical significance was set P<0.05. The ligament tissue comprised three distinct layers: a synovial lining with cuboidal cells, a sub-synovial zone formed of loose connective tissue and the ligament proper composed of dense collagen bundles. Patent blood vessels and nerve fibres were present both in the sub-synovial zone and the ligament proper; Pacinian corpuscles and free nerve endings were found scattered only in the sub-synovial zone. The VI of the ligament proper at the fovea was significantly higher than its middle (P=0.01) and basal levels (P=0.04); it was also higher than that of the sub-synovial layer (P=0.04). The LHF has three histologically distinct zones, and blood vessels and nerves are distributed both in the sub-synovial layer and ligament proper. Higher vascularity within the ligament proper at its foveal insertion suggests a possible nutritive role of the LHF to the adult head of femur. The presence of nerves and nerve receptors indicates the ligament is involved in the perception of pain and proprioception, thereby contributing to mechanical stability of the joint.

The Red Kangaroo pericardium as a material source for the manufacture of percutaneous heart valves

The kangaroo pericardium might be considered to be a good candidate material for use in the manufacture of the leaflets of percutaneous heart valves based upon the unique lifestyle. The diet consists of herbs, forbs and strubs. The kangaroo pericardium holds an undulated structure of collagen. A Red Kangaroo was obtained after a traffic fatality and the pericardium was dissected. Four compasses were cut from four different sites: auricular (AUR), atrial (ATR), sternoperitoneal (SPL) and phrenopericardial (PPL). They were investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy, light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. All the samples showed dense and wavy collagen bundles without vascularisation from both the epicardium and the parietal pericardium. The AUR and the ATR were 150±25μm thick whereas the SPL and the PPL were thinner at 120±20μm. The surface of the epicardium was smooth and glistening. The filaments of collagen were well individualized without any aggregation, but the banding was poorly defined and somewhat blurry. This detailed morphological analysis of the kangaroo pericardium illustrated a surface resistant to thrombosis and physical characteristics resistant to fatigue. The morphological characteristics of the kangaroo pericardium indicate that it represents an outstanding alternative to the current sources e.g., bovine and porcine. However, procurement of tissues from the wild raises supply and sanitary issues. Health concerns based upon sanitary uncertainty and reliability of supply of wild animals remain real problems.

Clinical manifestation and arthroscopic treatment of symptomatic posterior cruciate ligament cyst

BackgroundGanglion cyst of cruciate ligaments is a rare lesion; the prevalence is 0.3–0.8%. The purpose of this study was to present clinical features of symptomatic posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) cyst, introduce the arthroscopic excision technique, and evaluate the clinical outcome.MethodsA series of 11 patients with symptomatic PCL cyst from November 2012 to December 2014 were involved in this retrospective study. Detailed medical history collecting and physical examination were conducted. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan was used to confirm the diagnosis. Arthroscopic resection was performed, and the sample of the cyst was taken for pathologic examination. The follow-up averaged 30.7 months. International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, the range of motion (ROM), and MRI evaluations were obtained pre- and postoperatively to assess the surgical outcome. SPSS software was used for statistics analysis.ResultsEight males and 3 females with 6 left knees and 5 right knees were enrolled, the mean age was 34.4 years, and the duration of symptom was 19.0 months. All cases had a definite history of knee trauma or injury. The most common symptom was knee pain at flexion or in flexion-associated activities. MRI revealed the location and size of the cyst in each case. Pathologic examination showed the cyst wall was composed of dense fibroconnective tissue and widespread thick bundles of collagen, which is similar to the structure of ganglion cyst. At the final follow-up, MRI evaluation showed no cyst recurrence. The preoperative ROM and IKDC score were 2.3° to 108.6° and 40.5 ± 11.3, respectively, compared with the postoperative ROM and IKDC score which were 0° to 134.1° and 85.5 ± 4.8 (p < 0.05) separately.ConclusionsWe conclude that the etiology of symptomatic PCL cyst is most likely associated with trauma, pain on flexion is a typical manifestation of symptomatic PCL cyst, MRI evaluation is an ideal examination for the diagnosis, and arthroscopic resection of symptomatic PCL cysts has a good outcome with no recurrence.

Linburg–Comstock variation: histoanatomy and classification of the connection between flexor pollicis longus and flexor digitorum profundus to the index finger

The aim of the study was to investigate the anatomy and histology of Linburg-Comstock variation, or the anomalous connection between flexor pollicis longus and flexor digitorum profundus to the index finger, in Thai population. One hundred and thirty cadaveric upper limbs were dissected. Skin and superficial fascia on the anterior distal forearm and hand were removed. The tendons of the flexor pollicis longus and flexor digitorum profundus to the index finger were identified for the possible occurrence of the intertendinous connection. For histological analysis, selected specimens were sampled, and were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Out of 130 dissected upper limbs, interconnection between the two tendons was found in 32 limbs (25%). The connection was classified into three types including fibrous, tendinous, and musculotendinous. In 29 cases (22%), the connection was simply the thickening of synovial sheath between the two tendons. In two cases (1%) the connection was found as an additional tendinous slip of dense regular collagen bundles running from the flexor pollicis longus to flexor digitorum profundus of the index. In one case (1%), there was an aberrant reversed musculotendinous unit running from flexor pollicis longus, and later joined the first lumbrical. This study provides a detailed anatomo-histological description of the interconnection between flexor pollicis longus and flexor digitorum profundus to the index finger. Its etiology could either be congenital or secondarily acquired. Surgeons should be aware of this connection for better diagnosis, surgical planning and treatment of diseased hands.

Site-dependent acellularisation effects explain altered tissue mechanics: ultrastructural insights

Acellular scaffolds are used for the surgical repair of soft tissue injury forming a biological basis for cell remodelling. Previously tissue-dependent effects sodium-dodecyl-sulphate (SDS) have been determined on the extracellular matrix (ECM) of different tissue types. This short report aims at extending these findings onto a tissue-layer level with focus on the ECM. Porcine ureters, oesophagi and skin underwent acellularisation using SDS, whereas control samples remained in a native condition. The samples were investigated histologically and ultrastructurally electron microscopy. Dense collagen bundles were seen in all native samples throughout the layers, and moderate to strong decreases in collagen density in the acellular state, accompanied by clumping. Collagen bundles were altered differently. Transition from straightened into coiled alignment was observed in the ureters' intima and all oesophageal layers, the opposite was observed in the ureters' media and adventitia. Skin samples appeared discontinuously following acellularisation, with collagens curling in the subcutis and dermis and disruptions in the subepidermis. Collagen fibre integrity appeared unchanged. SDS-related alterations include tissue- and site-dependent alterations of the collagen bundles. These insights into the ECM provide further explanation of acellularisation-induced change in mechanical properties, resulting in increased stiffness in ureters, and stiffness in skin.

Scanning Electron Microscopic and Histologic Study of the Effect of Curcumin on Healing of Induced Palatal Mucosal Ulcer in Albino Rats

Introduction: Wound healing is a highly complicated event attained through precisely programmed phases. Curcumin was used as a flavoring and coloring agent. It also exhibited remarkable properties in medicinal therapy.Aim: This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of curcumin on healing of induced palatal ulcer in a rat model.Material & Methods: Thirty six male Albino rats were divided into three groups. Group I (Control group): rats were given the vehicle solution. Group II (ulcer induced group): ulcers were created on the hard palatal mucosa of rats of this group. Group III (curcumin & ulcer induced group): ulcers were induced then rats were daily given 200mg/kg of curcumin starting from the day of ulceration. The animals were sacrificed such that two rats from the control group and five rats from the experimental groups were sacrificed after three, six and twelve days post ulceration. Specimens were prepared for histological examination and scanning electron microscopic assessment. Results: Histological examination revealed better enhancement of ulcer healing and epithelization together with establishment of more dense collagen bundles in group III samples when compared to group II throughout the examined experimental periods. Scanning electron microscopic results supported the histological findings showing significant reduction of the ulcer size in group III specimens.Conclusion: oral administration of curcumin has beneficial effects in accelerating wound healing and improving all phases of wound repair of palatal ulcer in rats.

Histomorphological Responses after Therapy with Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2a in Patients with Essential Thrombocythemia (ET) and Polycythemia Vera (PV)

Introduction: We previously reported the long-term efficacy and safety of pegylated interferon alpha-2a (PEG-IFN-a-2a) in 83 patients with ET and PV after a median follow-up of 83 months. Here, we present the bone marrow (BM) response assessment according to modified International Working Group for-Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Research and Treatment (IWG-MPN).Objective: To identify histomorphological BM responses in patients with ET and PV treated with PEG-IFN-a-2a as part of a prospective phase II study.Methods: All patients had BM assessment done prior to their enrollment, and then every 6-12 months while on study if possible, and in some patients after treatment discontinuation. Complete BM remission (BM-CR) required absence of > grade 1 reticulin fibrosis and disappearance of megakaryocyte hyperplasia in ET or trilinear hyperplasia with age-adjusted normocellularity in PV. An incomplete, partial response (BM-PR), was defined when fibrosis grading had consistently improved by at least one grade level on at least 2 consecutive samples > 12 months apart, yet with persistent MPN morphological features. Hematologic (HR) and molecular response (MR) assessments were previously reported (ASH 2015, abstract #60).Results: Among 83 enrolled patients (43 PV, 40 ET), 58 patients (70%) had evaluable BM samples for histomorphological response assessment, with median number of 8 samples per patient (range, 3-12). Among the remaining 25 patients, 18 were treated ≤12 months, and 7 did not have representative samples. Median age was 52 years (range, 19-75), and 29% (n=17) were males. Median disease duration prior to enrollment was 31 months (range, 1-350), and the median exposure to PEG-IFN-a-2a was 80 months (range, 15-107). After a median follow-up of 84 months (range, 36-107), 32 patients are on study. Forty-two patients were JAK2 positive, 6 CALR positive, 2 MPL positive and 8 triple negative (TN). Hematologic and molecular (JAK2V617F mutation only) responses were seen in 54 (93%) and 29 (69% of JAK2V617F positive) patients, including complete HR and complete MR in 52 (90%) and 9 (31%) patients, respectively.In total, 29 evaluable patients (50%) had BM response, including 13 patients (22%) with BM-CR (MF-0 in 11, example in Figure 1). Among 16 patients with BM-PR, 3 had resolution of dense collagen bundles as well as decreased reticulin fibrosis. Except for increased platelets in those with BM-PR (p<0.001), likely due to the higher proportion of ET patients in that group, no other differences in basic demographic or clinical parameters were present among different response groups (Table 1). Patients with BM response (PR & CR) had lower discontinuation rate, higher duration of response (HR & MR) with longer time on therapy; 13 patients with BM-CR had higher probability of complete MR (Table 1). Median time to BM-CR was 48 months (range, 30-72), median duration was 30 months (24-52), and has been maintained in 9 patients (69%). Two patients who lost their BM-CR are still on active therapy with persistent complete MR. Interestingly, 4 patients achieved BM-CR after being off therapy for a median of 18 months (range, 2-30), and 3 of them have sustained the BM-CR for 24, 50 and 52 months.Conclusions: Histomorphological BM responses (including complete response) can occur in ET/PV patients treated with PEG-IFN-a-2a, and generally correlate with more durable treatment benefit. Complete BM responses may be sustained even after treatment discontinuation, or be seen after therapy discontinuation. Despite this, we could not identify a uniform correlation between hematologic, histomorphological and molecular response. [Display omitted] [Display omitted] DisclosuresCortes:ARIAD: Consultancy, Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy, Research Funding; Teva: Research Funding. Konopleva:Reata Pharmaceuticals: Equity Ownership; Abbvie: Consultancy, Research Funding; Genentech: Consultancy, Research Funding; Stemline: Consultancy, Research Funding; Eli Lilly: Research Funding; Cellectis: Research Funding; Calithera: Research Funding.