Histological features of resolving acute, non-complicated phlegmonous appendicitis

The histological features of resolving acute appendicitis are described. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded appendices of 200 cases with acute, non-complicated phlegmonous appendicitis were reviewed. In 80 out of 200 cases, a histological picture characterized by a predominantly lymphocytic infiltrate of the subserosa and muscularis propria or the subserosa alone was found. In the affected muscularis propria, eosinophils were admixed with lymphocytes, and the cellular infiltrate showed a lesser degree than that of the classic phlegmonous appendicitis. A multifocal, rather than a diffuse pattern of infiltration was observed. Cases were divided into three groups. Group 1: appendices with the typical features of phlegmonous appendicitis: 120 cases, 60%. Group 2: appendices with a predominantly lymphocytic infiltrate in the muscularis propria, subserosa, or both, and no granulation tissue: 65 cases, 32.5%. Group 3: appendices with granulation tissue: 15 cases, 7.5%. Complicated appendicitis was excluded. Data on the duration of the clinical symptoms were derived from the clinical history. The differences between the mean duration time of groups 1 and 2, and of groups 2 and 3 were statistically significant. The findings support the contention that a mixed infiltrate of lymphocytes and eosinophils represents a regression phase of acute appendicitis.     

Molecular profiling of cancer

The objective of molecular profiling of cancer is to determine the differential expression of genes and proteins from human tissue in the progression from normal precursor tissue to preneoplastic tissue to cancer in order to discover diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic markers. With the development of high-throughput analytical techniques such as microarrays and 2-D PAGE as well as the development of tools for cell procurement from histological sections such as laser capture microdissection (LCM), it is now possible to perform molecular analyses on specific cell populations from tissue. Since recognition of specific cell populations is critical, there is a need to optimize fixation and embedding not only to improve preservation of biomolecules, but also to maintain excellent histology. We have shown that 70% ethanol fixation of prostate tissue improves the recovery of DNA, RNA, and proteins over routine formalin fixation and maintains histological quality comparable to formalin. There is also a need to develop new technologies in order to expand the range of tissue types that can be analyzed. The development and applications of Layered Expression Scanning (LES) for the molecular analysis of whole tissue sections are discussed.     

The periods of determination of cardiac malformations

Summary The timing and sequence of the critical events in cardiogenesis are presented in tabular form according to Streeter's horizons, C. R.-Length, somites number and ovulation age. The results are based on previous reports and personal series of seven human embryos [XV; XVIII; XIX; XX(2); XXII, and XXIII horizon according to Streeter].The principal events of cardiogenesis are discussed succinctly in a general part.The periods of determination for the different malformations are analysed in a special part.

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Zusammenfassung Die kritischen Entwicklungsphasen der Cardiogenese werden zeitlich geordnet und unter Berücksichtigung der Alterseinteilung (Horizons) nach Streeter, der S.S.-Länge, der Ursegmentanzahl und des Ovulationsalters tabellarisch dargestellt. Die Untersuchung erfolgte anhand der einschlägigen Literatur und eigener Schnittserien menschlicher Embryonen [XV; XVIII; XIX; XX (2); XXII und XXIII Stadium nach Streeter]. Die wichtigsten Vorgänge der Herzentwicklung werden in einem allgemeinen Teil zusammenfassend erörtert.In einem speziellen Teil wird auf die Determinationsperioden der einzelnen Herzmißbildungen eingegangen.

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Fellow of the Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung.     

Histopathologie des nephrotischen Syndroms beim Kinde

Zusammenfassung 44 percutane Nierenbiopsien bei 33 Kindern mit nephrotischem Syndrom wurden lichtmikroskopisch untersucht. Es wurden unterschieden: Glomerulitis, Glomerulonephritis, axiale, segmentäre, fokale, diffuse und generalisierte glomeruläre Zellwucherung.Es wurden bei ben meisten Glomeruli jeder Biopsie irgendein Grad und Typus von Zellwucherung, mit Verdickung der Basalmembran bei 14 der 40 Biopsien, 7 der 14 mit Organisationszeichen und 7 ohne diese, vorgefunden. Normale Glomeruli wurden nur bei 38,6% der Biopsien festgestellt.Seltener waren Exsudatphänomene, Knäuelprolaps, tubuläre dystrophische Veränderungen und Adhäsion der Glomerulusschlingen; mäßig häufig Veränderungen des Interstitiums und der Arteriolen; sehr häufig Zersplitterung der Capillarwand (Artefakt?), cytoplasmatische Vacuolisation der Podocyten und Schwellung des Mesangiums.Der Gebrauch des Ausdruckes minimal lesions wird abgelehnt. Es werden Diagnosen bei 30 Biopsien (mit 10 oder mehr Glomeruli) gestellt. Keine fokale Glomerulonephritis, noch segmentäre, generalisierte Glomerulonephritis werden vorgefunden. Die Möglichkeit einer morphogenetischen Verknüpfung der verschiedenen Formen wird angedeutet.Für Corticoide spezifische Gewebsveränderungen konnten nicht nachgewiesen werden.

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Histopathology of the nephrotic syndrome in child

Summary Forty-four percutaneous renal biopsies of 33 children with nephrotic syndrome were examined with light microscopy. An example of a normal glomerulus was established as a reference, and glomerulitis, glomerulonephritis, axial, segmental, focal, diffuse and generalized glomerular cell proliferation were defined. Normal glomeruli were found in 38.6% of the biopsies, but in all of them some degree and type of cell proliferation was observed in the majority of the glomeruli, with thickening of the basal membrane in 14 of the 40 biopsies. In seven of the 14 there was evidence of organization, in seven none. Exudative phenomena, prolapse of the loops, tubular dystrophic alterations and adhesions of glomerular tufts were infrequent; moderately frequent were alterations of the interstitium and the arterioles. Laceration of the capillary wall occurred frequently (artefact?) as did cytoplasmatic vacuolization of podocytes and tumefaction of the mesangium.We object to the use of the expression minimal lesions. The diagnoses of 30 biopsies (with ten or more glomeruli) are formulated. Neither focal glomerulonephritis nor segmental generalized glomerulonephritis was found. The possibility of a morphogenetic vinculum between the different forms is indicated.No definite histologic changes attributable to corticoids were found.

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Anläßlich der 1. Tagung der Pädiatrischen Forschung des Nordbezirkes, V. Zone, Nationaler Gesundheitsdienst, Chile, im Juli 1966, vorgetragen.