Lobular carcinoma with cytoplasmic granules

We report on a case of invasive lobular carcinoma of the breast with a previously undescribed cytologic feature. Diff-Quik-stained cytologic preparations showed uniform single cells with prominent coarse cytoplasmic granules. Ultrastructurally, the granules showed features suggestive of autophagosomes and/or degenerative mitochondria. The cytologic differential diagnosis included granulocytic sarcoma, metastatic melanoma, extramedullary hematopoiesis, large granulocytic leukemia/lymphoma, and mast-cell tumor. Adjunctive studies were helpful in the diagnosis of carcinoma. Histologic study of the mastectomy specimen showed classic type of invasive lobular carcinoma.     

The thymus is a site of mast cell development in chicken embryos

Thymic mast cells were studied by light and transmission electron microscopy in chicken embryos during organogenesis. Mast cells made their first appearance at day 15. At days 16 and 17, there was a burst of mast cell development with a peak of 278 ± 54 cells/mm² at day 16. Then, mast cell density decreased until hatching. During the whole embryonic period, about 80% of mast cells localized to the thymic medulla. In the cortex, they were less numerous, and some rare mast cells could be identified in the capsule and septa. Thymic mast cells could be recognized in association with hematopoietic foci, but frequently they grew independently from areas of hematopoiesis and appeared as single cells interspersed among thymocytes, thymic epithelial cells, and interdigitating cells. They were often recognized in close relationship with the scanty and delicate extracellular matrix of the developing gland. Viewed by electron microscopy, mast cells were relatively small cells, with a few secretory granules. Exocytosis was never seen, but, notably, granules emptied in a piecemeal degranulation fashion. This study demonstrates that the chicken thymus is a site of mast cell development during embryogenesis. The high mast cell density we found suggests a possible role for these cells during thymus organogenesis.     

Langerhans cells and serum precipitating antibodies against fungal antigens in bronchioloalveolar cell carcinoma: possible association with pulmonary eosinophilic granuloma

In an ultrastructural study of 37 cases of bronchioloalveolar cell carcinoma (BAC), we identified seven cases (19%) in which Langerhans cells (LC) were closely associated with tumor cells. Serum precipitating antibodies against Aspergillus species and/or thermophilic actinomyces were present in five BAC patients whose tumors contained LC and in six patients whose tumors lacked LC. In a simultaneous study we identified marked atypical bronchiolar and alveolar lining cell hypertrophy and hyperplasma in pulmonary eosinophilic granuloma (PEG). Our data plus current information suggesting that PEG is a form of hypersensitivity pneumonitis support our hypothesis that those cases of BAC in which LC are present may arise in localized or diffuse pulmonary scars caused by PEG.     

Crystal-Deficient Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma

Classically, ultrastructural examination of alveolar soft part sarcoma reveals large, dramatic, rhomboid to needlelike crystals with a characteristic substructure. In this study of four cases of alveolar soft part sarcoma, only two exhibited large crystals, which were rare. All four cases, however, exhibited round, electron-dense granules, and in the two cases without large crystals these granules rarely exhibited elongation with the characteristic substructure of alveolar soft part sarcoma that permits definitive diagnosis. Two of these cases had been previously studied at other institutions, where crystals were not identified ultrastructurally and electron microscopy was considered noncontributory. Large crystals, then, may be rare or absent in alveolar soft part sarcoma. Careful search may be necessary to find granules with the characteristic periodic substructure.     

Ewing's Sarcoma with Neuroblastoma-like Features

Four tumors with the clinical and light microscopic features of Ewing's sarcoma contained cells that possessed to varying degrees ultrastructural features suggestive of neuroblastoma. These neoplasms were considered to be Ewing's sarcoma of bone by radiologic examination and on clinical grounds, and light microscopy was consistent with the diagnosis in every case. It is suggested that the ultrastructural morphology of Ewing's sarcoma is broader than had been supposed and that the presence of dendritic processes in a small cell tumor of bone should not exclude the diagnosis of Ewing's sarcoma.     

山药配方颗粒溶化性差的原因分析与解决策略

山药配方颗粒由山药饮片经水煎煮提取、分离、浓缩、干燥、制粒而成,具有调剂简单、使用方便、免煎易服等优势。然而,因山药富含淀粉与黏液质类成分,其提取物粉末与配方颗粒溶化性差,在5 min内难以完全溶化或分散,不溶物即使在水中静置24 h也难以完全溶散,影响了配方颗粒的质量评价与患者的服药心理。因此,通过研究山药提取物及其配方颗粒的溶化过程与机制,发现山药特殊的化学组成、高温提取过程中淀粉的变性及其与蛋白质等物质的复合、喷雾干燥过程中“衣膜”的收缩形成等因素综合叠加,最终形成“衣膜”包覆淀粉粒的特殊微观结构,是山药配方颗粒溶化性差的根本原因。基于课题组前期对粉体结构-性质-功能的研究,笔者提出采用粉体改性工艺改善山药配方颗粒溶化性的技术策略,并通过实验证明改性处理后的山药配方颗粒能在2 min内实现全部溶散,解决了该技术难题,可为其他类似品种的溶化性改善提供借鉴,推动中药配方颗粒产业的高质量发展。     

益元止泻颗粒对脾虚泄泻小鼠肠道菌群的影响

目的 探讨以四君子汤加味研制而成的益元止泻颗粒治疗脾虚泄泻的作用机制。方法 观察益元止泻颗粒对大黄煎剂所致脾虚泄泻小鼠肠道菌群的影响。结果 益元止泻颗粒对实验性脾虚泄泻小鼠的肠道菌群有调节作用,能增加有益菌如双歧杆菌、乳酸杆菌的数量。结论 益元止泻颗粒能调节肠道微生态平衡,从而对脾虚泄泻的恢复有重要影响。     

心痛安颗粒剂对不稳定性心绞痛患者血小板功能及凝血系统的影响

目的 :观察心痛安颗粒剂对不稳定性心绞痛患者血小板和凝血系统的作用。方法 :6 0例不稳定性心绞痛患者随机分为心痛安组 (30例 ,常规西药加心痛安颗粒剂治疗 )与对照组 (30例 ,单用常规西药治疗 ) ,观察治疗前后血小板最大聚集率 (Ma% )血小板 α颗粒膜糖蛋白 (GMP- 140 )和 D-二聚体 (D- D)的变化。结果 :治疗后 ,心痛安颗粒组的 Ma% ,GMP- 140和 D- D经治疗后明显下降 ,下降幅度明显大于对照组。结论 :心痛安颗粒剂可能通过抑制血小板聚集、活化和纤维蛋白合成而发挥治疗不稳定性心绞痛的作用。     

银翘解毒丸中微量元素的测定

目的 :对银翘解毒丸中微量元素进行测定。方法 :试样经过化学处理 ,采用原子吸收光谱法。结果 :方法简便、重现性好。结论 :可以应用于银翘解毒丸的质量控制和药理研究参考