Disseminated Blastomycosis and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome: A Case Report and Ultrastructural Study

A 42-year-old, African-American man presented with a 2-month history of weight loss and fever for 2 weeks. Presumptive diagnoses of human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome were made on the basis of a CD4 lymphocyte count of 23 lymphocytes/mL. Chest X-ray revealed right paratracheal adenopathy and a miliary pattern. The etiology of the patient's pulmonary infection was not known, but tuberculosis was an important consideration. Over 5 days, the pulmonary infection progressed and was complicated by acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), septic shock, and death, despite vigorous antibiotic and supportive therapy. Serologic tests for HIV infection were reported as positive after the patient's demise. The etiology of the patient's pulmonary infection, ARDS, and sepsis was not known until autopsy study revealed enumerable yeast-like cells of Blastomyces dermatitidis in the extensively consolidated lungs and in disseminated foci of infection in most other major organs. Diffuse alveolar damage was closely associated with the pulmonary blastomycosis. Electron microscopic study of the yeast-like cells of B. dermatitidis in the autopsy lung obtained and fixed 5 days after the patient's death revealed excellent preservation of viable organisms.     

Ultrastructural study of Helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis

Endoscopic biopsies of antral mucosa from 26 patients with Helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis were studied by electron microscopy (EM). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed clustering of H. pylori in the intercellular areas, being entrapped by the microvilli which were decreased at the sites where the bacilli were seen. The observations of SEM were confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), which showed adherence of the bacilli to the cell surface, producing cup-shaped depressions in the epithelial cells, and occasionally intracellular infiltration by H. pylori. There were also depletion of mucus granules, degenerative changes, and disruption of intercellular junction complexes of the epithelial cells. Post-treatment biopsies showed complete disappearance of the bacilli, and ultrastructural changes associated with H. pylori infection were resolved.     

Sarcomatoid Renal Cell Carcinoma Metastatic to the Heart: Report of a Case

An unusual case of metastatic sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma is presented. Fifteen months after nephrectomy for a typical clear cell carcinoma, a 63-year-old man presented with bilateral pleural effusions, cardiomegaly, and tamponade. A pericardial biopsy showed an anaplastic spindle cell tumor that was strongly keratin positive and showed desmosomes ultrastructurally. The patient died shortly thereafter, and the autopsy revealed massive tumor infiltration of the heart, pulmonary and adrenal metastases, and tumor nodules at the incision site of his nephrectomy. The differential diagnosis of sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma is discussed.     

Sarcomatoid Renal Cell Carcinoma Metastatic to the Heart: Report of a Case

An unusual case of metastatic sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma is presented. Fifteen months after nephrectomy for a typical clear cell carcinoma, a 63-year-old man presented with bilateral pleural effusions, cardiomegaly, and tamponade. A pericardial biopsy showed an anaplastic spindle cell tumor that was strongly keratin positive and showed desmosomes ultrastructurally. The patient died shortly thereafter, and the autopsy revealed massive tumor infiltration of the heart, pulmonary and adrenal metastases, and tumor nodules at the incision site of his nephrectomy. The differential diagnosis of sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma is discussed.     

Simultaneous processing of substrate-dependent monolayer cultures for scanning and transmission electron microscopy

Summary A reliable method is described for processing substrate-dependent cells raised on culture-grade plastic for both scanning (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). This technique allows collection of specimens for TEM and SEM from the same culture dish or flask. In this way it is possible to study the surface morphology (SEM) and thin section ultrastructure of cells from contiguous regions of a culture. Specific regions of a culture can be selected and processed so that specimens retain orientation throughout mounting or embedment and sectioning. The method is applicable both to confluent cultures as well as isolated colonies.     

Collagenous microstructure of the glenoid labrum and biceps anchor

The glenoid labrum is a significant passive stabilizer of the shoulder joint. However, its microstructural form remains largely unappreciated, particularly in the context of its variety of functions. The focus of labral microscopy has often been histology and, as such, there is very little appreciation of collagen composition and arrangement of the labrum, and hence the micromechanics of the structure. On transmission electron microscopy, significant differences in diameter, area and perimeter were noted in the two gross histological groups of collagen fibril visualized; this suggests a heterogeneous collagenous composition with potentially distinct mechanical function. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated three distinct zones of interest: a superficial mesh, a dense circumferential braided core potentially able to accommodate hoop stresses, and a loosely packed peri-core zone. Confocal microscopy revealed an articular surface fine fibrillar mesh potentially able to reduce surface friction, bundles of circumferential encapsulated fibres in the bulk of the tissue, and bone anchoring fibres at the osseous interface. Varying microstructure throughout the depth of the labrum suggests a role in accommodating different types of loading. An understanding of the labral microstructure can lead to development of hypotheses based upon an appreciation of this component of material property. This may aid an educated approach to surgical timing and repair.     

A Polychrome Stain for Mucopolysaccharides on Semithin Sections of Epoxy Resin Embedded Tissues

Abstract

The method describes a simple, quick polychromatic stain for Epon-Araldite and Araldite embedded tissue. It differentially stains mucins and mucopolysaccharides. The technique is simple to use and requires a hot plate to carry out the stain, which is done with droplets of Milipore filtered stain solution. It is useful as a screening stain or as a stain for some tissue components that generally require complex and prolonged procedures. A wide range of shades are produced, with the best effects achieved in tissues with abundant connective tissue, mucopolysaccharides, or granulocytic cells. Intraluminal bacteria of gastric biopsies are also demonstrated.     

Effect of hypoxic hypoxia on the shape and surface of erythrocytes (observations in transmission and scanning electron microscopes)

Changes in the surface and intracellular structure of erythrocytes in conjunction with the general morphological picture of the blood were studied experimentally. In hypoxic hypoxia changes take place in mature erythrocytes and in bone-marrow tissue erythroblasts. In the early stages of hypoxia (first to fifth days) the number of erythrocytes, their respiratory surface, and their hemoglobin content all increase. These changes are adaptive. In the later stages of hypoxia (10th–15th days) there is no increase in the number of erythrocytes, the number of reticulocytes falls, and erythroblasts disappear, i.e., the erythroblasts capacity of the bone marrow is exhausted and signs of its decompensation appear. The increase in the number of erythrocytes and the hemoglobin concentration in the blood are the result of stimulation of the function of the erythroid series of the bone marrow, as is shown by an increase in the number of reticulocytes in the peripheral blood and the appearance of erythroblasts.Laboratory of Pathological Anatomy and Postmortem Examination, A. N. Bakulev Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery, Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR, Moscow. Department of Cytology, A. N. Natishvili Institute of Experimental Morphology, Academy of Sciences of the Georgian SSR, Tbilisi. (Presented by Academician of the Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR M. N. Solov'ev.) Translated from Byulleten' Éksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 86, No. 10, pp. 502–506, October, 1978.     

Correlative Study of Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome by Light,Scanning, and Transmission Electron Microscopy

The sequential pulmonary changes occurring in the evolution of adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) were studied in 35 patients by correlative light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy. The causes of ARDS were diverse, the major ones being sepsis or aspiration. Patient survival ranged from 3 to 51 days. The acute stage in patients surviving 2 to 7 days was characterized by an exudative reaction with a predominance of hyaline membranes. This acute stage merged with and was replaced by a subacute reparative stage in patients surviving 7 to 14 days, which in turn was replaced by a chronic fibroproliferative stage complicated by interstitial pulmonary fibrosis and a deranged acinar architecture. Correlation of findings by scannning electron microscopy with those by light and transmission electron microscopy provided an added dimension to understanding of the evolving stages of ARDS and demonstrated that type 2 pneumocytes contributed to the fibroproliferative stage through organization of hyaline membranes and re-epithelialization of alveoli.     

Correlative Study of Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome by Light, Scanning, and Transmission Electron Microscopy

The sequential pulmonary changes occurring in the evolution of adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) were studied in 35 patients by correlative light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy. The causes of ARDS were diverse, the major ones being sepsis or aspiration. Patient survival ranged from 3 to 51 days. The acute stage in patients surviving 2 to 7 days was characterized by an exudative reaction with a predominance of hyaline membranes. This acute stage merged with and was replaced by a subacute reparative stage in patients surviving 7 to 14 days, which in turn was replaced by a chronic fibroproliferative stage complicated by interstitial pulmonary fibrosis and a deranged acinar architecture. Correlation of findings by scannning electron microscopy with those by light and transmission electron microscopy provided an added dimension to understanding of the evolving stages of ARDS and demonstrated that type 2 pneumocytes contributed to the fibroproliferative stage through organization of hyaline membranes and re-epithelialization of alveoli.     

Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopy of a Craniopharyngioma: X-ray Microanalytical Study of the Intratumoral Mineralized Deposits

This paper discusser the value of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and x-ray microanalysis in the classification of craniopharyngiomas. This neoplasm shows epithelial nests, cords of cuboid cells, foci of squamous metaplasia, and microcystic degeneration. SEM reveals that the epithelial cysts are lined with elongated cells that possess numerous microvilli and blebs and that some cysts are lined with polyhedral cells. The microvilli are interpreted as characteristic of the fast growing craniopharyngiomas. A microanalytical study of the calcified areas reveals the presence of magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium.     

Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopy of a Craniopharyngioma: X-ray Microanalytical Study of the Intratumoral Mineralized Deposits

This paper discusser the value of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and x-ray microanalysis in the classification of craniopharyngiomas. This neoplasm shows epithelial nests, cords of cuboid cells, foci of squamous metaplasia, and microcystic degeneration. SEM reveals that the epithelial cysts are lined with elongated cells that possess numerous microvilli and blebs and that some cysts are lined with polyhedral cells. The microvilli are interpreted as characteristic of the fast growing craniopharyngiomas. A microanalytical study of the calcified areas reveals the presence of magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium.     

Aorticopulmonary Paraganglioma (Aortic Body Tumor): Report of a Case

A case of aorticopulmonary paraganglioma in a 57-year-old man is described. The tumor comprised nests of uniform cells in a fibrovascular stroma. Electron microscopy revealed abundant neurosecretory granules, and S-100 protein staining demonstrated scattered sustentacular cells at the periphery of typical zellballen. The findings in this case correlated with those of studies on the prognosis for extraadrenal paragangliomas.     

Aorticopulmonary Paraganglioma (Aortic Body Tumor): Report of a Case

A case of aorticopulmonary paraganglioma in a 57-year-old man is described. The tumor comprised nests of uniform cells in a fibrovascular stroma. Electron microscopy revealed abundant neurosecretory granules, and S-100 protein staining demonstrated scattered sustentacular cells at the periphery of typical zellballen. The findings in this case correlated with those of studies on the prognosis for extraadrenal paragangliomas.     

Immunogold-Silver Staining Method for Lymphocyte Cell Surface Antigens with Light,Transmission Electron,and Scanning Electron Microscopy

Abstract

The immunogold-silver staining (IGSS) method combined with light, transmission electron, and scanning electron microscopy (LM, TEM and SEM, respectively) was used for detecting lymphocyte surface antigens. Two different sizes of colloidal gold particles (5 nrn and 15 nm) were applied as markers and IntenSEII kit as a physical developer for gold particles.

The silver enhanced gold particles were clearly observed on cell surfaces as black dots in LM and TEM and as white dots in SEM equipped with a mixed signal of secondary electron and back-scattered electron (SE/BE) signals. Monoclonal antibody (MAb)-positive cells possessing the complexes on their well preserved surfaces were easily identified among other lymphoid cells at low magnifications of LM or SEM equipped with SE/BE signals. Thus, the IGSS method has a great advantage for a qualitative screening such as the percentage of lymphocyte subsets in a cell suspension. However, the IGSS method was inadequate for semiquantitative study with antigen density on cell surfaces because gold particles enhanced with the physical developer were considerably enlarged, and a silver-gold complex was not considered to show one antigen site on cell surface. (The J Histotechnol 16:217, 1993)     

Abstract Digest—The Cutting Edge

Abstract

This paper describes a rapid protocol for iliac crest biopsies with embedding in LR White plastic to facilitate diagnosis of osteomalacia. Sections were cut and stained for light and electron microscopy using traditional staining methods with minor modifications. Total processing time was within three days. (The J Histotechnol 13:125, 1990)     

Rapid Ultrasonic Bath Processing for Electron Microscopy

A new rapid method for the processing of biopsy specimens for electron microscopy is described. The method uses standard reagents and media and employs ultrasonic cleaning bath agitation to accelerate fluid exchange. The procedure takes approximately 2.5 h from specimen excision to polymerized block and gives excellent results.     

The molecular mass of adenovirus type 5 as determined by means of scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM)

The mass of adenovirus type 5 was determined by means of computer-assisted scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). Arithmetic mean of 157 +/- 10(SD) X 10(6) daltons and mode between 160 and 170 X 10(6) daltons compare favourably with previously reported data. The advantages of the STEM-procedure over the physical and chemical techniques are: low amounts of purified virus particles are needed; visual control of the physical state of virus particles; no need to know the chemical composition or protein concentration of the virus sample.     

Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia: A Correlative Study by Light, Scanning, and Transmission Electron Microscopy

The sequential stages of bronchopulmonary dysplasia occurring in 18 infants after intensive respiratory therapy supplemented by oxygen in high concentrations were studied by correlative light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy. Infant survival ranged from 3 to 225 days. The earliest stage was an exudative reaction with a predominance of hyaline membranes. This merged with a subacute reparative response that was replaced by a chronic fibroproliferative stage in infants of longest survival; this stage was complicated by pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema. Correlative scanning and transmission electron microscopy demonstrated that type 2 pneumocytes contributed significantly to the reparative fibroproliferative response by organization of hyaline membranes and reepithelialization of damaged septal walls.