Distinct Morphological Components Research Articles

Demystifying the Morphosyntactic Features of the Tagalog and English Languages: A Contrastive Analysis

This study was conducted to analyze the morphological, syntactical, and morpho syntactical features of the Tagalog and English languages. This study employed a qualitative contrastive analysis research design. According to the findings, the two languages are made up of distinct morphological components: grammatical inflection is comprised of inherent inflections, pronoun and adjective inflections, and declensions; derivational affixation is comprised of verb conjugations; and grammatical markers are comprised of bound morphemes. When it comes to the syntactic patterns, Tagalog adheres to the predicate-initial pattern, also known as the V-S-O syntactic pattern, whereas English adheres to the S-V-O pattern. In contrast, in terms of morphosyntactic feature, the subject does not have a direct effect on the verb in Tagalog, whereas in English, the subject has a significant impact on the verb. Constructions using the active and passive voices are also different between the two.

Deriving the intrinsic properties of M51 with radiative transfer models

ABSTRACT A quantitative derivation of the intrinsic properties of galaxies related to their fundamental building blocks, gas, dust, and stars is essential for our understanding of galaxy evolution. A fully self-consistent derivation of these properties can be achieved with radiative transfer (RT) methods that are constrained by panchromatic imaging observations. Here, we present an axi-symmetric RT model of the UV-optical-FIR/submm spectral and spatial energy distribution of the face-on spiral galaxy M51. The model reproduces reasonably well the azimuthally averaged radial profiles derived from the imaging data available for this galaxy, from GALEX, Sloan Digital Sky Survey, 2MASS, Spitzer, and Herschel. We model the galaxy with three distinct morphological components: a bulge, an inner disc, and a main disc. We derive the length parameters of the stellar emissivity and of the dust distribution. We also derive the intrinsic global and spatially resolved parameters of M51. We find a faint ‘outer disc’ bridging M51 with its companion galaxy M51b. Finally, we present and discuss an alternative model, with dust properties that change within the galaxy.

Clinicopathological features of composite pheochromocytoma

Objective: To detect the clinicopathological features, immunophenotype, diagnosis, and differential diagnosis of composite pheochromocytoma(CP). Methods: Five cases of CP were collected at Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital from January 2011 to January 2019. The clinical, radiological, histologic, immunohistochemical and outcome data were analyzed; the diagnosis and differential diagnosis were discussed. Results: The patients' age range was 52-68 years (mean 59 years, median 54 years), There were 4 males and 1 female, and the male to female ratio was 4∶1. Tumor size was 3-4 cm (mean 3.6 cm, median 3.5 cm). The most common clinical manifestation was adrenal mass. Histologically, the classical feature was two distinct morphologic components, one with tumor cells arranged in irregular nests, and with fine granular and basophilic oramphophilic cytoplasm; the other was composed of scattered ganglion cells in the background of Schwann cells organized in interwoven bundles. The components of pheochromocytoma expressed PHOX2B(5/5), synaptophysin (5/5), CgA (5/5), the sustentacular cells expressed S-100 protein; the components of ganglioneuroma expressed S-100 protein (5/5), NF (5/5), the ganglion cells were weakly positive for PHOX2B, synaptophysin and CgA. All the cases were surgically resected and all patients were free of recurrence at follow-up. Conclusions: CP is rare adrenal tumor, and it has typical histologic features but no specific clinical manifestations. Attention should be paid to its characteristic histomorphology with the use of PHOX2B, CgA, synaptophysin and S-100 protein immunohistochemistry that is helpful for its diagnosis.

Characterization of differential genetic expression profiles in mesenchymal and epithelial components of uterine and ovarian carcinosarcomas.

e17104 Background: Gynecologic carcinosarcomas (GCS) are rare tumors with poor prognosis. Reasons include a high percentage of advanced stage at diagnosis and a low response to conventional treatments. GCS constitutes a model for research in both tumoral heterogeneity and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. Our aim is to define molecular expression heterogeneity in GCS distinct morphologic components. Methods: A retrospective, single institution, IRB approved study of 13 patients diagnosed with GCS was undertaken. Total RNA was extracted from representative FFPE tissue blocks of both the epithelial and mesenchymal components. The expression profile for each component (n = 26) was determined using the GeneChip WT Pico Reagent Kit and the Clariom D Array (Affymetrix Inc., Santa Clara, CA, USA). Robust multi-array normalization (RMA) and t-statistics was used for detecting differentially expressed genes between the studied conditions. Genes with a p-value < 0.05 and with an absolute fold change (FC) value > 1.5 were selected as significant. Results: A total of 13 cases representing 26 distinct samples, 9 uterine (UCS) and 4 ovarian carcinosarcoma with a median age of 68 (range: 45-81), 38% presented FIGO IIIC-IV stage at diagnosis. Among UCS, 5 women had a previous personal history of breast cancer. A total of 101 genes appeared as differentially expressed between epithelial and mesenchymal components, highlighting 5 of them: HMGA2 (FC = 2.15, p = 0.04) and ERBB4 (FC = 2.14, p = 0.005) overexpressed in epithelial component and ANX2 (FC = 1.95, p = 0.0006), SPP1 (FC = 2.15, p = 0,005) and ERRFI1 (FC = 1.95, p = 0.001) overexpressed in mesenchymal component. Conclusions: This is the first expression profiling in GCS that helps identify candidate genes that show a distinct expression in mesenchymal and epithelial components that could have a potential prognostic and predictive role.

Intratumoral heterogeneity in colorectal cancer: Can histology be used as a guidance for molecular testing?

611 Background: Intratumour heterogeneity is a key challenge in colorectal cancer management. We have recently shown high levels of morphologic heterogeneity in microsatellite unstable (MSI) colorectal tumours (CRC). In this study we verified whether morphologic intratumour heterogeneity can be used as a guidance to test for molecular heterogeneity. Methods: 15 MSI CRCs tumour, characterized by a heterogenous morphology, were selected together with the associated metastasis. Macrodissection of the distinct morphologic tumour components was followed by MSI testing according to the Bethesda guidelines and Sanger sequencing for BRAF V600E mutations. In addition, 2 MSI CRC underwent macrodissection of the distinct morphologic components, followed by nanostring ncounter analysis. Results: MSI status varies between MSI-H and MSI-L in the primary tumours and 35% of the metastasis of MSI-H primary tumours presented as MSI-L or MSS. BRAF mutations status was constant throughout the primary tumours, but two BRAF mutated tumours presented with a BRAF wild type metastasis. Nanostring analysis revealed that ùorphologically identical clones clustered separately from tumour clones with a different morphologic display. Conclusions: Morphologically heterogeneous tumour compartments have less related gene expression profiles, linking morphologic homogeneity to molecular homogeneity. Our findings support the hypothesis that morphologic heterogeneity reflects molecular intratumour heterogeneity and can be used as a guidance for molecular testing of colorectal cancers.

Epithelial cells captured from ductal carcinoma in situ reveal a gene expression signature associated with progression to invasive breast cancer.

Breast cancer biomarkers that can precisely predict the risk of progression of non-invasive ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) lesions to invasive disease are lacking. The identification of molecular alterations that occur during the invasion process is crucial for the discovery of drivers of transition to invasive disease and, consequently, biomarkers with clinical utility. In this study, we explored differences in gene expression in mammary epithelial cells before and after the morphological manifestation of invasion, i.e., early and late stages, respectively. In the early stage, epithelial cells were captured from both pre-invasive lesions with distinct malignant potential [pure DCIS as well as the in situ component that co-exists with invasive breast carcinoma lesions (DCIS-IBC)]; in the late stage, epithelial cells were captured from the two distinct morphological components of the same sample (in situ and invasive components). Candidate genes were identified using cDNA microarray and rapid subtractive hybridization (RaSH) cDNA libraries and validated by RT-qPCR assay using new samples from each group. These analyses revealed 26 genes, including 20 from the early and 6 from the late stage. The expression profile based on the 20 genes, marked by a preferential decrease in expression level towards invasive phenotype, discriminated the majority of DCIS samples. Thus, this study revealed a gene expression signature with the potential to predict DCIS progression and, consequently, provides opportunities to tailor treatments for DCIS patients.

Microsatellite instable vs stable colon carcinomas: analysis of tumour heterogeneity, inflammation and angiogenesis.

Background:Microsatellite instability (MSI) accounts for 15% of all colorectal tumours. Several specific clinicopathologicals (e.g., preference for the proximal colon over the distal colon, improved prognosis and altered response to chemotherapeutics) are described for this subset of tumours. This study aimed to analyse morphological, inflammatory and angiogenic features of MSI vs microsatellite stable (MSS) tumours.Methods:Twenty-seven MSS and 29 MSI, TNM stage matched, colorectal tumours were selected from the archive of the Department of Pathology, UZ Leuven. Morphology was analysed on haematoxylin–eosin sections. Immunohistochemistry for CD3, CD4, CD8, CD20 and CD68 was used to map tumour infiltration in both a digital and traditional microscope-based manner for all distinct morphological components of the tumour. CD31 immunostains were performed to assess angiogenesis.Results:Morphological tumour heterogeneity was a marked feature of MSI tumours, occurring in 53% of the cases as compared with 11% of the MSS tumours (P<0.001). Digital immune quantification showed an increased number of tumour-infiltrating cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CD8+) in MSI compared with MSS tumours for both the tumour (P=0.02) and peritumoural area (P=0.03). Traditional microscope-based quantification confirmed these results (P<0.001 for both) and, in addition, revealed large numbers of CD68+ macrophages in the peritumoural area of MSI cancers (P=0.001). Moreover, traditional microscope-based analysis was able to distinguish between lymphocytes directly infiltrating the tumoural glands (intra-epithelial) and those infiltrating only the neoplastic stroma around the glands (intratumoural). Quantification showed high numbers of intra-epithelial CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD20+ and CD68+ cells in MSI compared with MSS cancers (P<0.001, P=0.01, P<0.001, P<0.001 and P=0.006, respectively). Higher microvessel density (MVD) was observed in MSI tumours compared with their MSS counterpart.Conclusions:Mixed morphology, reflecting tumour heterogeneity, is an important feature of MSI tumours and may have both diagnostic and therapeutic impact. The inflammatory reaction also presented with significant differences in MSI vs MSS colorectal tumours. MSI cancers showed mainly infiltration by cytotoxic T-cells in both the tumour and the close border around the tumour, as well as increased intra-epithelial infiltration in contrast to MSS tumours. The type of immune cell and the compartment it resides in (intratumoural or intra-epithelial) depend both on MSI status and morphology. Finally, MSI tumours showed a higher angiogenic capacity represented by an increased MVD, hinting for possible therapeutic consequences.

The Chromophobe Renal Cell Carcinoma with Sarcomatoid Differentiation

We present a rare case of a 52-year-old woman with a chromofobe renal cell carcinoma that had sarcomatoid components. The tumor, 70x60mm in size, was incidentally found by abdominal ultrasonography. An abdominal computed tomography demonstrated a well-demarcated solid tumor arising from the upper pole of the right kidney. Histologically, the tumor was composed of two intermixed distinct morphologic components: a chromophobe renal cell carcinoma and a high-grade spindle cell sarcoma. There was a sarcomatoid area composed of highly atypical spindle cells intermingled with rhabdoid cells. A unique histological finding of this tumor was the presence of calcification and psammoma body formation throughout the tumor. We think that this case sup ports the existence of a tumor progression pathway from chromofob to sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma. A literature review on sarcomatoid chromofobe renal cell carcinoma with calcification was performed

Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma with concomitant sarcomatoid transformation and osseous metaplasia: a case report

BackgroundChromophobe renal cell carcinoma is the third most common form of adult renal epithelial neoplasm. A sarcomatoid component occurs in approximately 8% of all chromophobe renal cell carcinoma cases, while metaplastic bone formation is extremely rare.Case presentationAn abdominal computed tomography scan revealed a hypovascular tumor with focal calcification, measuring 2.5 × 2.3 cm, in the upper pole of the right kidney. The tumor was clinically diagnosed as a right renal cell carcinoma that showed signs of calcification, and a laparoscopic right radical nephrectomy was performed. The cut surface of the tumor was beige in color and indicated that the tumor was an extensively ossified mass. Histological analysis revealed three distinct morphological components of the tumor. The chromophobe renal cell carcinoma consisted of compact epithelial cells arranged in a nested pattern, and these were mixed with extensive areas of sarcomatoid spindle cells with marked nuclear pleomorphism and brisk mitotic activity. The tumor also contained multiple foci of metaplastic ossification.ConclusionChromophobe renal cell carcinoma with concomitant osseous metaplasia and sarcomatoid transformation is a very rare occurrence.

Biphasic Papillary and Lobular Breast Carcinoma With PIK3CA and IDH1 Mutations

Morphologic "special types" of breast carcinomas have been recognized for many years, and their molecular and genetic properties have not been specifically studied until recently. Lobular carcinoma lacks functional E-cadherin expression but shares molecular similarities with low-grade invasive ductal carcinomas. Papillary carcinoma is relatively rare, and molecular features are just being elucidated. We report a case of concurrent invasive lobular and papillary carcinoma, the latter with extensive nodal involvement. Multiplex screening for activating point mutations identified different point mutations in the distinct morphologic components: lobular PIK3CA H1047R, papillary; PIK3CA Q546P, and IDH1 R132H. These molecular data favor coincidental "collision tumors" over clonal evolution. The IDH1 R132H point mutation is common in gliomas and acute myelogenous leukemia, but this has not been previously reported in breast carcinoma. The characterization of activating point mutations in morphologic special types of breast carcinoma may suggest avenues amenable to targeted therapy.

Malignant eccrine spiradenoma: a new case report

Malignant eccrine spiradenoma is an extremely rare skin tumor of sweat gland origin. In most cases, it arises in pre-existing benign eccrine spiradenoma. We report an additional case of malignant eccrine spiradenoma. The present case is of a 75-year-old man with malignant eccrine spiradenoma developed in the right shoulder. He had a 6-year history of a recurrent mass that was removed 2 years ago. The patient then underwent a complete excision. The gross pathologic specimen showed a large cutaneous and subcutaneous multinodular tumor, measuring 6 cm in maximal dimension. Microscopically, there were two distinct morphological components: a benign eccrine spiradenoma and a malignant eccrine spiradenoma of low grade with extensive necrosis. Different histologic patterns were observed such as cylindromatous features. Morphological differentiation in malignant eccrine spiradenoma is variable, sometimes with almost complete loss of eccrine differentiation. Extensive sampling to look for a probable previously benign component is necessary. In the other hand, malignant changes can be easily missed without adequate sampling.

Mixed micropapillary–ductal carcinomas of the breast: a genomic and immunohistochemical analysis of morphologically distinct components

Micropapillary carcinomas (MPCs) can present as a rare histological special type of breast cancer; however, this histological type is more frequently found admixed with invasive ductal carcinomas of no special type (IDC-NSTs). We have previously demonstrated that pure MPCs constitute a distinct entity at the morphological and genetic levels. Here, we sought to determine whether mixed MPCs have genomic aberrations similar to those found in pure MPCs, and to investigate whether the distinct morphological components of MPCs harbour different genetic aberrations. Using high-resolution microarray comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH), we profiled a series of 10 MPCs of mixed histology and 20 IDC-NSTs matched for grade and oestrogen receptor (ER) status. In addition, we generated tissue microarrays containing a series of 24 pure and 40 mixed MPCs and performed immunohistochemical analysis with ER, progesterone receptor (PR), Ki-67, HER2, cytokeratin (CK) 5/6, CK14, CK17, EGFR, topoisomerase-IIalpha, cyclin D1, caveolin-1 and E-cadherin antibodies. In situ hybridization was employed to evaluate the prevalence of HER2, TOP2A, EGFR, CCND1, MYC and FGFR1 gene amplification. Our results demonstrate that mixed MPCs harbour similar patterns of genomic aberrations and phenotype (82.5% luminal and 17.5% HER2) compared to pure MPCs. A comparison between the distinct morphological components of mixed MPCs in a pairwise fashion revealed that both components harbour strikingly similar genomic profiles. When compared to grade- and ER-matched IDC-NSTs, mixed MPCs significantly more frequently harboured amplification of multiple regions on 8q (adjusted Fisher's p value < 0.05). Furthermore, mixed MPCs displayed higher proliferative rates than grade- and ER-matched IDC-NSTs. Our results suggest that micropapillary differentiation in breast cancer may identify a subgroup of more aggressive ER-positive breast carcinomas, even in those featuring a mixed histology, and that mixed MPCs are more closely related to pure MPCs than to IDC-NSTs.

Sarcomatoid chromophobe renal cell carcinoma: A case report and review of the literature

We report herein the clinical, histological, and immunohistochemical features of a case of sarcomatoid chromophobe renal cell carcinoma. A 59-year-old woman referred a two-month history of constant right flank pain, and hematuria. A right radical nephrectomy was performed. Gross pathologic examination showed a tumor located in the lower part of the kidney with two different aspects. Histologically, the tumor was composed of two intermixed distinct morphologic components: a chromophobe renal cell carcinoma and a high-grade spindle cell sarcoma. Our case represent a typical sarcomatoid chromophobe cell carcinoma. This unusual renal cancer has the potential to behave aggressively and to metastasize.

Electron microscope observations on some structural proteins of the chick lens

Electron microscopic analysis of soluble protein extracts of chick lens fiber cells revealed two distinct morphologic components. These were chains, consisting of particles (diameter 12–15 nm) attached to a filamentous backbone (diameter 7–9 nm), and relatively straight filaments (diameter 12–14 nm). The chains and filaments were resistant to ribonuclease, but were broken up by trypsin and pronase. The chains were restricted to fiber cells and not found in lens epithelial or annular pad cells. The chains and filaments were pelleted by centrifugation at 100,000 g. Such a pellet comprised mainly alpha and beta crystallins.

THE FINE STRUCTURE OF ELASTIC FIBERS

The fine structure of developing elastic fibers in bovine ligamentum nuchae and rat flexor digital tendon was examined. Elastic fibers were found to contain two distinct morphologic components in sections stained with uranyl acetate and lead. These components are 100 A fibrils and a central, almost amorphous nonstaining area. During development, the first identifiable elastic fibers are composed of aggregates of fine fibrils approximately 100 A in diameter. With advancing age, somewhat amorphous regions appear surrounded by these fibrils. These regions increase in prominence until in mature elastic fibers they are the predominant structure surrounded by a mantle of 100 A fibrils. Specific staining characteristics for each of the two components of the elastic fiber as well as for the collagen fibrils in these tissues can be demonstrated after staining with lead, uranyl acetate, or phosphotungstic acid. The 100 A fibrils stain with both uranyl acetate and lead, whereas the central regions of the elastic fibers stain only with phosphotungstic acid. Collagen fibrils stain with uranyl acetate or phosphotungstic acid, but not with lead. These staining reactions imply either a chemical or an organizational difference in these structures. The significance and possible nature of the two morphologic components of the elastic fiber remain to be elucidated.