Diffuse Arrangement Research Articles

FracAbut: A python toolbox for computing fracture stratigraphy using interface impedance

In Naturally Fractured Reservoirs (NFR) diffuse fractures arrangement results from mechanical stratigraphy and tectonic history during failure. Thus, modelling Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) requires to understand and to account for fracture relationships at bed-interface (abutment or crosscutting) in 3D through time (loading path). However, sampling fractures data meaningfully in subsurface has always been a challenge for geologist due to data scarcity.To better understand and forecast fracture networks in stratified rocks, we study outcrops with a focus on geometric relationships between stratigraphic interfaces and fractures. This paper presents an original python toolbox called FracAbut. It is composed of 1 main and 2 auxiliary codes that quantify the geometric relation between fractures and stratigraphic interfaces from 1D (wells, scan-line) and 2D (digital image, photographs data). We calculate the Interface Impedance (II) that accounts for fracture abutment (crossing or not), persistence (single- or multi-bed) and propagation polarity (upward or downward). For each stratigraphic interface FracAbut provides information on fractures (type, number) and interface sensitivity (coupling strength).First, we apply FracAbut on synthetic case studies, then, on naturally fractured and stratified carbonates in Berat, Albania. Using both 1D scan-line and 2D outcrop photograph, we show that i) a mechanical interface can have different coupling above and below based on propagation polarity, ii) FracAbut results can give useful insight on fracture transmissivity, iii) FracAbut is fast and efficient to quantify fracture patterns and classify mechanical interface impact; iv) they are no relation between bed thickness and fracture propagation.

Role of antigen-presenting cells in non-ulcerated skin lesions caused by Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi.

In Central America, infection by Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi causes visceral leishmaniasis and non-ulcerated cutaneous leishmaniasis (NUCL). This work aimed to evaluate the participation of subpopulations of antigen-presenting cells in skin lesions of patients affected by NUCL through double-staining immunohistochemistry using cellular and intracellular markers. Twenty-three skin biopsies from patients affected by NUCL were used. Histological sections stained by HE were used for histopathological study. Immunohistochemical studies were performed using primary antibodies against Langerhans cells, dermal dendritic cells, T lymphocytes, and the cytokines IL-12, IFN-γ, TNF-α, iNOS, and IL-10. The histopathological lesions were characterized by an inflammatory infiltrate, predominantly lymphohistiocytic, of variable intensity, with a diffuse arrangement associated with epithelioid granulomas and discreet parasitism. Double-staining immunohistochemistry showed higher participation of dendritic cells producing the proinflammatory cytokine IL-12 in relation to the other evaluated cytokines. Activation of the cellular immune response was marked by a higher density of CD8 Tc1-lymphocytes followed by CD4 Th1-lymphocytes producing mainly IFN-γ. The data obtained in the present study suggest that antigen-presenting cells play an important role in the in situ immune response through the production of proinflammatory cytokines, directing the cellular immune response preferentially to the Th1 and Tc1 types in NUCL caused by L. (L.) infantum chagasi.

How to spot a basosquamous carcinoma: a study on demographics, clinical-dermatoscopic features and histopathological correlations.

Basosquamous carcinoma (BSC) is a relatively rare type of neoplasm originating from basal cell carcinoma with features of squamous differentiation. BSC has an aggressive local behaviour with a tendency for recurrence and a less frequent metastatic potential The primary objective was to describe the dermatoscopic features of the tumour. Secondary goals were to detect the morphological features of the tumour along with patients' characteristics and to evaluate possible dermatoscopic and histopathological correlations Twenty-two patients with 25 BSCs were enrolled. All tumours were surgically excised and diagnosis was based on histopathology. Clinical and dermatoscopic images were evaluated by two investigators based on pre-defined criteria, and a statistical analysis was performed The median age of the patients was 78 years old (range: 52-88) and the male/female ratio was 2.14. All patients reported history of either occupational (50%) or recreational (50%) intensive sun exposure and 72.73% had signs of actinic keratosis. The most common anatomical site of the tumours was the head/neck area (72%). Clinically, nodular (64%), ulcerated (88%) and non-pigmented (76%) lesions prevailed. Dermatoscopically, 92% had prominent vasculature and monomorphous arborizing vessels with a diffuse arrangement, representing the most frequently observed type. Ulceration (88%), SCC dermatoscopic criteria (56%), white strands/blotches (56%) and features of pigmentation (40%) were also detected We suggest that the most common prototype of BSC is an ulcerated, facial nodule in elderly males with photo-damaged skin, dermatoscopically displaying combined features of mostly nodular BCC and, to a less extent, SCC.

LINFOIDE HYPERPLASIA IN MOUTH: CASE REPORT

A 49-year-old female patient, a farmer, presented as the main complaint the presence of "lumps in the mouth that hurt when touching." At the clinical examination, a nodule of approximately 1.5 cm, dark red color, smooth surface, flaccid consistency, and painful symptoms were observed in the left tonsillar pillar. The other nodules were diagnosed as valvular papillae. An excisional biopsy was performed and the material was sent to the Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology laboratory for analysis. Histopathological examination revealed a proliferation of lymphoid cells in a follicular arrangement. In the focal area, diffuse arrangement of lymphocytes with a monotonous appearance was observed, irregular nuclei, sometimes with condensed chromatin, and scarce cytoplasm. The diagnosis was lymphoid cell lesions. Immunohistochemical reactions were performed, which were positive for the anti-CD3 and CD20 antibodies. After the immunohistochemical analysis, the diagnosis of lymphoid hyperplasia is concluded. Patient is in disease-free follow-up after 2 years. A 49-year-old female patient, a farmer, presented as the main complaint the presence of "lumps in the mouth that hurt when touching." At the clinical examination, a nodule of approximately 1.5 cm, dark red color, smooth surface, flaccid consistency, and painful symptoms were observed in the left tonsillar pillar. The other nodules were diagnosed as valvular papillae. An excisional biopsy was performed and the material was sent to the Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology laboratory for analysis. Histopathological examination revealed a proliferation of lymphoid cells in a follicular arrangement. In the focal area, diffuse arrangement of lymphocytes with a monotonous appearance was observed, irregular nuclei, sometimes with condensed chromatin, and scarce cytoplasm. The diagnosis was lymphoid cell lesions. Immunohistochemical reactions were performed, which were positive for the anti-CD3 and CD20 antibodies. After the immunohistochemical analysis, the diagnosis of lymphoid hyperplasia is concluded. Patient is in disease-free follow-up after 2 years.

Effects of substrate mechanics on angiogenic capacity and nitric oxide release in human endothelial cells.

Loss of vascular elasticity results from progressive degeneration of the extracellular matrix of elastic arteries under the effect of aging and certain diseases, including atherosclerosis. To investigate the influence of vessel wall stiffening on endothelial cell (EC) function, we seeded human umbilical vein ECs onto variably compliant polydimethylsiloxane substrates. When plated on the more compliant substrate, ECs assembled into capillary-like structures. By contrast, they failed to form a network on stiff substrates, even in the presence of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Cell proliferation and migration increased with stiffness, while ECs released more nitric oxide (NO) on the soft substrate. Treatment with VEGF increased migration and NO release in a stiffness-dependent manner. Atomic force microscopy measurement of cell elasticity along with actin fiber analysis revealed that ECs plated on the more compliant surface were mechanically softer, with mostly diffuse actin arrangement. Our results demonstrate that matrix stiffening induces actin reorganizations, reflected by cortical stiffening in ECs, which may lead to a decrease in their angiogenic capacity and NO release. Hence, the mechanical properties of ECs display a prognostic and therapeutic potential and might serve as a reliable biomarker of vascular function.

Accuracy of dermoscopic criteria for the differential diagnosis between irritated seborrheic keratosis and squamous cell carcinoma

Even with the addition of dermoscopy, a significant morphologic overlap exists between irritated seborrheic keratosis (ISK) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The aim of this study was to investigate the dermoscopic criteria that could serve as potent predictors for the differential diagnosis between ISK and SCC. Dermoscopic images of histopathologically diagnosed ISKs and SCCs were evaluated by 3 independent investigators for the presence of predefined criteria. A total of 104 SCCs and 61 ISKs were included. The main dermoscopic predictors of SCC were dotted vessels (odds ratio [OR], 10.4), branched linear vessels (OR, 5.30), white structureless areas (OR, 6.78), white circles surrounding follicles (OR, 23.45), a diffuse irregular (OR, 2.55) or peripheral (OR, 2.8) vessel arrangement, and a central scale arrangement (OR, 3.35). Dermoscopic predictors of ISK were hairpin vessels (OR, 0.38), a diffuse regular vessel arrangement (OR, 0.39 and OR, 0.36), and white halos surrounding vessels covering more than 10% of the lesion (OR, 0.29 and OR, 0.12). First, the retrospective design of the study; second, the differential diagnosis included in the study was restricted to ISK and SCC. We confirmed the significant morphologic overlap between ISK and SCC, but we also identified potent predictors for the differential diagnosis between these 2 entities.

Endoscopic Kyoto classification of Helicobacter pylori infection and gastric cancer risk diagnosis

Recent advances in endoscopic technology allow detailed observation of the gastric mucosa. Today, endoscopy is used in the diagnosis of gastritis to determine the presence/absence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and evaluate gastric cancer risk. In 2013, the Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society advocated the Kyoto classification, a new grading system for endoscopic gastritis. The Kyoto classification organized endoscopic findings related to H. pylori infection. The Kyoto classification score is the sum of scores for five endoscopic findings (atrophy, intestinal metaplasia, enlarged folds, nodularity, and diffuse redness with or without regular arrangement of collecting venules) and ranges from 0 to 8. Atrophy, intestinal metaplasia, enlarged folds, and nodularity contribute to gastric cancer risk. Diffuse redness and regular arrangement of collecting venules are related to H. pylori infection status. In subjects without a history of H. pylori eradication, the infection rates in those with Kyoto scores of 0, 1, and ≥ 2 were 1.5%, 45%, and 82%, respectively. A Kyoto classification score of 0 indicates no H. pylori infection. A Kyoto classification score of 2 or more indicates H. pylori infection. Kyoto classification scores of patients with and without gastric cancer were 4.8 and 3.8, respectively. A Kyoto classification score of 4 or more might indicate gastric cancer risk.

Myoepithelioma-like tumor of the vulvar region: a case report in China and review of the literature

BackgroundMyoepithelioma-like tumor of the vulvar region (MELTVR) is a recently described mesenchymal neoplasm which typically arising in vulvar regions of adult women.Case presentationHere we report a case of a 65-year-old woman who presented with a 6-year history of subcutaneous mass in the vulvar region. The mass had recently increased in size continuously. Histologically, the tumor cells had an epithelioid to spindled shape. Epithelioid tumor cells proliferated singly or in a loosely cohesive manner with myxoid areas, while spindled tumor cells grew in diffuse sheets or storiform arrangements mainly in nonmyxoid areas. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for vimentin, epithelial membrane antigen, calponin, and were partially mild to moderate positive for estrogen receptor, but completely negative for S100 protein, glial fibrillary acidic protein, CD34, desmin, SMA and cytokeratin. INI1/SMARCB1 expression was deficient. EWSR1 and FUS genes were intact tested by fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis. Based on these findings, we diagnose this case as MELTVR. The patient remained relapse-free after the lesion was widely excised during 8 months follow-up.ConclusionsThis disease should be included in the differential diagnostic list of vulvar tumors with epithelioid to spindled morphology. Recognition of its histopathological features and immunohistochemical reactivity will help to understand the tumor better.

Role of Histopathology in the Diagnosis of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis: A Case-Control Study in Sri Lanka.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) displays a spectrum of manifestations clinically and histologically. Then, it becomes a diagnostic challenge and must discern from the other clinical and histological mimics, especially when the Leishman-Donovan bodies are inattentive. In this study, we compared the distinguishing histomorphological characteristics of CL against the other skin diseases with similar clinical and histological features. Skin biopsies of 181 patients, which suspect CL clinically, are evaluated histologically. Pertaining to the first case-control comparison, which performed between skin lesions of CL with or without discernible organisms and the other granulomatous dermatitis, highlighted that the ill-formed coalescent granulomata (OR = 14.83) and diffuse dense dermal plasma cell infiltrate (OR = 74.25) are significantly associated with the skin lesions of CL. The second case-control analysis was between CL without discernible organisms and the other granulomatous dermatitis, and identified a significant association in the presence of ill-formed coalescent granulomata (OR = 16.94) and diffuse dense (>50/HPF) dermal plasma cell infiltrate (OR = 74.5) in the skin lesions of CL. Pertaining to epidermal changes, acanthosis (OR = 2.38), spongiosis (OR = 9.13), and the presence of ulceration (OR = 20.26) are among the major concerns in CL. In conclusion, in the presence of clinical suspicion, dermal granulomata in ill-formed coalescent morphology with high plasma cell density in a diffuse arrangement are positive factors for the diagnosis of CL, especially when the discernible Leishmania amastigotes are absent. Resource utilization such as polymerase chain reaction and other ancillary techniques during the diagnosis of CL can be minimized by using a range of histopathological features and special attention should be focused on this in the future.

THE MORPHOLOGICAL SUBSTRATE AND IMMUNOHYSTOARCHITECTURAL PATTERNS IN NODULAR LYMPHOCYTE PREDOMINANT HODGKIN LYMPHOMA

The aim of the study is to compare the tumour growth pattern with immunohystoarchitectural patterns in patients with nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) in the debut of the disease. Material and methods. The diagnosis of NLPHL in the debut of the disease was established in 60 patients (male/female ratio is 3.6:1, median age – 37 (range 17–68)) using morphology an expanded immunohistochemical study. The tumor growth pattern was determined by morphological study and immunohistochemical patterns (WHO 2017) – using antibodies to CD20 and clinical stages (Ann Arbor). Results and discussion. All patients were divided into 3 immunohystoarchitectural patterns (subject to immunohystoarchitectonics in reaction with antibodies to CD20): A – LP cells are located within B cell nodules; B – LP cells are located intra- and extranodular with the preservation of B cell nodules or in the presence of a border of B-lymphocytes; C – predominant (> 50 % of section area) diffuse or large-focal discrete arrangement of LP cells without the presence of a B cell border. Concerning to the immunohystoarchitectural patterns, all the patients were divided into three groups: I (immunohistochemical pattern A – 17 cases, 28 %, stage – I–II 82 %, stage III – 18 %, nodular growth – 100 %), II (immunohistochemical pattern B – 30 cases, 50 %, stage I–II – 40 %, stage III–IV – 60 %, nodular growth – 3 %, nodular growth with a significant number of extranodular LP cells – 43 %, nodular-diffuse growth – 53 % cases), III (immunohistochemical pattern C – 12 patients, 20 %; II stage – 8 %, tumor cell-rich case, stage III–IV – 92 %; nodular-diffuse growth – 75 % cases, mainly diffuse growth – 25 % cases), 1 case with transformation in DLBCL (2 %, IV stage). Conclusions. NLPHL is characterized by variable morphological immunohistochemical patterns among which we’ve revealed 4 morphological variants and 3 immunohistochemical patterns considered as sign of immunohistochemical transformation within the continuum of the same entity of NLHLP. The immunohistochemical patterns are not always a predictor of the clinical course of the disease. «Tumor cell-rich» cases require further detailed research.

Association and Internal Morphology of Self-Assembled HPPhOx/BSA Hybrid Nanoparticles in Aqueous Solutions.

We investigate the formation of hybrid polyelectrolyte/protein nanoparticles by associations between aggregates of partially hydrolyzed poly(2-phenyl-2-oxazoline) (HPPhOx) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) in aqueous solutions. Light scattering experiments show that at conditions of low salt, BSA creates interaggregate bridges and increases the size of the HPPhOx nanoparticles. At high salt contents, breaking of aggregates leads to well-defined nanoparticles. The interior of the formed nanoparticles is probed by small-angle neutron scattering. At low salt, diffuse arrangements are observed, whereas at high salt concentration, scattering is dominated by well-defined hydrophobic domains enhanced by the incorporation of BSA. This system shows that the combination of hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions in random-amphiphilic-polyelectrolyte/protein complexes can be used to determine the properties of self-assembled hybrid multifunctional nanoparticles.

Panascleroticoxylon crystallosa gen. et sp. nov.: a new Miocene malpighialean tree from Panama

ABSTRACTWe report fossil wood specimens from two Miocene sites in Panama, Central America: Hodges Hill (Cucaracha Formation; Burdigalian, c. 19 Ma) and Lago Alajuela (Alajuela Formation; Tortonian, c. 10 Ma), where material is preserved as calcic and silicic permineralizations, respectively. The fossils show an unusual combination of features: diffuse porous vessel arrangement, simple perforation plates, alternate intervessel pitting, vessel–ray parenchyma pits either with much reduced borders or similar to the intervessel pits, abundant sclerotic tyloses, rays markedly heterocellular with long uniseriate tails, and rare to absent axial parenchyma. This combination of features allows assignment of the fossils to Malpighiales, and we note similarities with four predominantly tropical families: Salicaceae, Achariaceae, and especially, Phyllanthaceae, and Euphorbiaceae. These findings improve our knowledge of Miocene neotropical diversity and highlight the importance of Malpighiales in the forests of Panama prior to the collision of the Americas.

Characterization of kaolinite-cetyltrimethylammonium chloride intercalation complex synthesized through eco-friend kaolinite-urea pre-intercalation complex

Because of its suitability for producing kaolinite nanoscrolls, the kaolinite-cetyltrimethylammonium chloride intercalation complex is of interest in the research area of kaolinite nanocomposites. Experimental and molecular simulation analyses are used to investigate this intercalation complex, revealing its real structure formed through partially methoxy-modified kaolinite. Cost-efficient homogenization method is applied to synthesize the eco-friend kaolinite-urea pre-intercalation complex, which was found to be favorable to intercalate cetyltrimethylammonium chloride into the interlayer space of kaolinite. The influence of the pre-intercalated urea molecules, the partial modification of kaolinite structure with methoxy groups, and the presence of methanol molecules in the interlayer space of kaolinite on the intercalation of cetyltrimethylammonium chloride is characterized experimentally by X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and electron microscopy. The kaolinite-cetyltrimethylammonium chloride complex is identified at the basal spacing of 3.82nm with the chemical formula of Al2Si2O5(OH)3.7(OCH3)0.3(CTAC)1.6(Me)1.6. Our molecular simulations predict methanol-containing structures between methoxy-functionalized kaolinite layers with diffuse guest molecular arrangements.

Comparative anatomy and chemical analysis of the vegetative organs of three species of Stigmaphyllon (Malpighiaceae)

The Brazilian Atlantic coast ‘restingas’ consist of enclaves of vegetation from northeast to southeast Brazil. This ecosystem on the eastern coast of Brazil is characterized by sandy dunes with shrubs and low forests further inland. Malpighiaceae is one of the most distinct families in such environments, with several species with economic and pharmacological importance. Despite this potential use, most studies focus on Byrsonima and Banisteriopsis. Stigmaphyllon comprises 90 species widely distributed in the Neotropical region. Nevertheless, studies with these species are scarce and focus on reproductive biology, floral morphology or taxonomical and phylogenetical approach. Thus, this paper presents novel insights regarding the anatomy, morphology and chemical composition of vegetative organs, especially the underground system, of Stigmaphyllon auriculatum, Stigmaphyllon ciliatum, and Stigmaphyllon paralias. For anatomical studies, we used botanical material fixed in a solution of paraformaldehyde and glutaraldehyde. Transverse sections of the vegetative organs were obtained from standardized samples of 3 individuals of each species. Extractions were performed separately on each species for detection of the main types of chemical compounds. We observed meaningful characters among the species, including the habit, leaf shape, the diffuse underground system, T-shaped trichomes, the shape and arrangement of the vascular tissues, among others. The chemical analysis revealed flavonoid, quinones, resins, quaternary alkaloids, free sterols and triterpenes, and condensate tannins in all species. Saponin were found only in S. ciliatum and S. paralias.

Supply Chain Leverage and Regulating Health and Safety Management in Shipping

The aim of paper is to understand the role and significance of supply chain leverage in promoting health and safety management at sea, the institutional contexts in which it occurs and under which circumstances it is effective.This is a qualitative research study that examined the views of seafarers and their managers on what drives the implementation of occupational health and safety (OHS) management arrangements in two shipping sectors, namely, the independent oil and chemical tanker trade and the container trade. It is based on interviews with seafarers working on board several of these vessels and with representatives of the companies managing and operating the ships.As might be anticipated from previous theorizing of supply chain effects on OHS, the study found there to be strong evidence of its influence on OHS management arrangements on tankers. The most significant driver of this effect for both managers and seafarers appeared to be the surveillance of their OHS arrangements instituted by the heads of the supply chain—in this case the oil majors and their inspection systems. Perhaps more surprisingly, despite the more diffuse, transactional and arms-length supply arrangements in the container trade, in the one case study from this sector examined in the paper, supply chain influences on OHS were nevertheless discernable. However, it also demonstrated the positive role played by the framework for maritime regulation in determining the significance of these influences.Essentially, the results indicate that, under certain conditions, supply chain relations are useful in helping to support implementation of arrangements for OHS management on merchant vessels. However, it also more broadly demonstrates that such leverage is most likely to be effective when it operates within a wider institutional framework in which public regulation and its surveillance by regulatory authorities remains a key element.

Secondary phloem diversity and evolution in Bignonieae (Bignoniaceae).

Phloem evolution has been explored in the literature across very broad scales, either for vascular plants as a whole or for major plant groups, such as the monocotyledons or the former dicotyledons. However, it has never been examined in a way that would elucidate evolutionary shifts leading to the diversification of phloem in single lineages. Therefore, the present study explores in detail the patterns of phloem evolution in the tribe Bignonieae (Bignoniaceae). This group represents a particularly good model for phloem studies since it is known to have a very conspicuous and diverse phloem. A total of 19 phloem characters were coded in 56 species from all 21 genera currently recognized in the tribe Bignonieae, accounting for phloem wedge growth and for all the anatomical cell diversity encountered in the phloem. Phloem evolution was explored by reconstructing ancestral character states using maximum-likelihood assumptions with a time-calibrated molecular phylogeny for the group. Directionality and the effect of phylogenetic transformations in the current variation of quantitative traits and evolutionary correlations of selected discrete phloem traits were also tested under a maximum-likelihood approach. Individual phloem features are quite diverse in the tribe, but generally conserved within smaller clades. Contrasting phloem patterns were found when comparing major groups, with certain lineages having the phloem marked by a background of phloem fibres where all other cells are embedded, tangentially arranged sieve tubes and sieve-tubecentric parenchyma. In contrast, other lineages exhibited a scarcely fibrous phloem, regularly stratified phloem, sieve tube elements in radial or diffuse arrangement, and diffuse parenchyma. We found signals of directional evolution in fibre abundance and number of sieve areas, which increased in the 'Fridericia and allies extended clade' and decreased in the 'Multiples of four extended clade', resulting in no signal of directionality when the whole Bignonieae was considered. In contrast, no indication of directional evolution was found for the axial parenchyma, either in single clades within Bignonieae or in the entire tribe. Positive correlation was found between sieve element length and both sieve plate type and the presence of a storied structure. Correlated evolution was also found between fibre abundance and several traits, such as sieve tube arrangement, sieve plate type, parenchyma arrangement, ray lignification and number of companion cells. The secondary phloem of Bignonieae is extremely diverse, with sister lineages exhibiting distinct phloem anatomies derived from contrasting patterns of evolution in fibre abundance. Fibre abundance in the tribe has diversified in correlation with sieve tube arrangement, sieve tube morphology, number of companion cells and parenchyma type. The results challenge long-standing hypotheses regarding general trends in cell abundance and morphological cell evolution within the phloem, and demonstrate the need to expand studies in phloem anatomy both at a narrow taxonomic scale and at a broad one, such as to families and orders.

Identifikace fosilních kmenů z lokality Bükkábrány, nyní uložených v přírodní paleontologické rezervaci v Ipolytarnóci v severním Maďarsku

The Late Miocene forest was discovered in the opencast lignite mine of Bükkábrány which is situated in the foothills of the Bükk Mountains (NE Hungary). Sixteen stumps were exposed upright in 2007 at their original position. Five stumps were installed in the Ipolytarnóc Fossils Nature Reserve. They are identified in the present paper. The wood of one fossil trunk (No. 1) has been identified as Glyptostroboxylon rudolphii, which represents the wood of Glyptostrobus. Its main microscopic features are: visible growth rings, gradual transition between early- and late wood, rather small opposite bordered pits in 1–2 loosely spaced vertical rows with infrequent crassulae, uniseriate rays formed of procumbent cells without ray tracheids, 1–3 “glyptostroboid” cross-field pits per field and resin canals absent. The four remaining stumps (Nos. 2–5) have been identified as Taxodioxylon germanicum.. Their main microscopic features are: growth rings, abrupt transition between early- and late wood, opposite bordered pits in 1–3 regular vertical rows with frequent crassulae, uniseriate rays formed of procumbent cells without ray tracheids, 1–3 taxodioid cross-field pits per field arranged mostly in one horizontal row, axial parenchyma both in early and late wood (diffuse arrangement) with smooth transverse end walls and resin canals absent. This species most probably represents the wood of Sequoia.

Diffuse Plexus-Like Coronary Artery-Left Ventricular Fistulae Leading to Coronary Steal Syndrome: A Pattern of Anomalous Coronary Microvascularization

Coronary artery fistulae that drain into the left ventricle are extremely rare, and even fewer cases of fistulae involving all three of the coronary arteries have so far been reported. We herein report a 64-year-old woman with a unique pattern of coronary artery-left ventricular fistulae that involved all three of the coronary arteries. The multiple fistulae presented in a diffuse plexus-like arrangement. The fistulae resulted in a diastolic volume overload of the left ventricle (left-to-left shunt), as well as "coronary steal" with the shunting of blood away from the myocardium since the fistulae represented the path of least resistance.

Rhabdoid Colorectal Carcinomas: Reports of Two Cases

Rhabdoid colorectal carcinomas are very rare and only 10 cases have been previously reported. We report two cases of rhabdoid colorectal carcinoma, one arising in the sigmoid colon of a 62-year-old man and another in the rectum of an 83-year-old woman. In both cases, the patients had advanced tumors with lymph node metastases. The tumors mostly showed a diffuse arrangement with rhabdoid features and small glandular regions were combined. Transitional areas from the adenocarcinomas to the rhabdoid tumors were also noted. Adenocarcinoma cells were positive for mixed cytokeratin (CK), CK20 and epithelial membranous antigen (EMA), but focal positive for vimentin. The rhabdoid tumor cells were positive for mixed CK, but focal positive or negative for CK20 and EMA. In addition, they were diffusely positive for vimentin, but negative for desmin. The histological and immunohistologial findings of these two cases suggest that the rhabodid tumor cells originated from dedifferentiated adenocarcinomas.

Histopathological, immunohistochemical and molecular spectrum of myoepithelial tumours of soft tissues

Primary soft tissue myoepithelial tumours (METs) are rare. Recent studies have shown EWSR1 rearrangement in certain METs. We present clinicopathological, immunohistochemical and molecular features of 14 primary soft tissue METs. Fourteen tumours, five benign and nine malignant, occurred in 12 men and two women, with an age range of 18-60 years (mean, 39.2); in upper extremities, four (29 %); chest wall, three (21 %); paraspinal region, three (21 %); pelvis, two (14 %) and lower extremities, two (14 %). Tumour size varied from 2 to 21.6 cm (mean, 8.7). Microscopically, most tumours were at least focally circumscribed. Morphological heterogeneity was noted, commonest patterns being cord-like and diffuse arrangement of polygonal cells in a myxoid stroma. By immunohistochemistry, tumours were positive for epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) (10/12, 83 %), cytokeratin (CK)/MNF116 (3/12, 25 %), p63 (7/10, 70 %), CD10 (4/6, 67 %), calponin (6/6, 100 %), S-100P (11/13, 85 %), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) (6/12, 50 %), smooth muscle actin (SMA) (3/9, 33 %), INI1/SMARCB1 (6/10, 60 %), brachyury (0/11), CD34 (0/5) and vimentin (4/4, 100 %), implying 93 % positivity for at least one epithelial marker. EWSR1 gene rearrangement was detected in 3/6 (50 %) METs (one benign and two malignant) and in an eccrine porocarcinoma which was included for reasons of comparison. Outcome details were available for six patients all surgically treated; three tumours (two malignant and one benign) resected with unknown marginal status recurred; two patients died and a single patient with myoepithelial carcinoma, who underwent a wide excision, is disease-free. This study illustrates the wide morphological spectrum of soft tissue METs, including benign and malignant subtypes. EMA and S-100P are optimal markers that should be supplemented with broad spectrum keratins, such as AE1/AE3, along with p63, GFAP and calponin in case of need but the results must be correlated with morphological features. Brachyury is useful in separating parachordoma/myoepithelioma from chordoma. EWSR1 rearrangement mostly occurs in METs that are deep-seated, irrespective of benign or malignant behaviour. Most malignant METs are INI1 negative.