Calcofluor white detection of fungi in cytopathology

Calcofluor/Cellufluor (CFW) binds to fungal cell walls and causes them to fluoresce blue-green when illuminated with UV light. Retrospective and prospective studies were made to determine if CFW could be added to the Papanicolaou (PAP) stain procedure without altering diagnostic cytopathologic features while still allowing fungi to be identified. The retrospective study included 136 cytology specimens that were designated positive for fungus by PAP stain; these were stained with a 0.1% aqueous solution of CFW and examined by fluorescent microscopy. The overall agreement between the two methods in the detection of fungi was 90.4%. The incorporation of CFW into the PAP stain was tested at various points in the PAP stain sequence; optimum results were obtained when CFW was introduced after acid eosin. A total of 197 random, sequentially accessioned cytology specimens were stained with the PAP/CFW combination in the prospective study. The results indicate that detection of fungi by a combination of regular light and fluorescent microscopy was far more effective than was examination for the organisms by light microscopy alone.

Comparison of specific red-cell adherence and immunoperoxidase staining techniques for ABO(H) blood-group cell-surface antigens on superficial transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder

The presence or absence of blood-group antigens have been used to predict the clinical course of patients with superficial transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. Antigen loss has been associated with neoplastic change. The red-cell adherence test has been the most widely accepted method of antigen determination, but this technique has inherent weaknesses. Recently, the immunoperoxidase assay has been used to detect antigens on tumor cells. We compared 30 patients using the red-cell adherence and immunoperoxidase methods on adjacent microtome cut sections. The red-cell adherence and immunoperoxidase methods performed similarly (86%) when assessing antigen presence or absence. However, the immunoperoxidase method was clearly superior in: 1) specificity for antigens on tumor cells and normal internal controls; 2) localization of antigen; 3) demonstration of cellular morphology; 4) increased objectivity of analysis; 5) ease of reproducibility; and 6) cost effectiveness.

Estrogenic activity of DDT: estrogen-receptor profiles and the responses of individual uterine cell types following o,p'-DDT administration

The administration of o,p'-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (o,p'-DDT) to immature rats stimulates DNA synthesis and cell division in the uterine luminal epithelium (LE), stroma (S), and myometrium (M). The time course of DNA synthesis/cell division in the S and M is similar following administration of o,p'-DDT or 17 beta-estradiol, but the maximum response following pesticide treatment is only 70% of that produced by the hormone. In the LE both compounds yield the same maximum response, but the time course of DNA synthesis/cell division is delayed following o,p'-DDT administration relative to 17 beta-estradiol treatment. The patterns of estrogen receptor retention in uterine nuclei following o,p'-DDT administration are prolonged relative to those observed after 17 beta-estradiol treatment. o,p'-DDT thus produces the uterine hyperplasia characteristic of estrogens, but the magnitude and timing of the response is dependent on the specific cell type observed and is different from that produced by estradiol.

Ultrastructure of trypan blue-induced ocular defects II. Cornea and mesenchyme

Using scanning and transmission electron microscopy, the histological and cytological alterations induced in the developing eye by trypan blue were examined. Microphthalmic and anophthalmic eyes were analyzed from 16-day rat fetuses whose dams had received a teratogenic dose of trypan blue. Cell and tissue damage within cornea and mesenchyme were assessed. Corneas from the treated groups were undulating and uneven owing to abnormal lens placement and corneal cell injury. Extensive extracellular spacing, few cell-to-cell contacts, patchy glycocalyces, and abnormal surface morphology characterized the corneal cells of treated tissues. Mesenchyme of severely malformed eyes typically filled the eye field in regions normally occupied by retina and lens. As a tissue, mesenchyme lacked organization and those surface features normally present in component cells were altered. Mesenchymal cells were packed so closely that extracellular spaces were nearly obliterated. Microvilli, filopodia, and lamellipodia, cell processes observed in normal mesenchyme, were altered in both number and structure. The cytoplasm of mesenchymal cells was condensed and decreased in volume. These data suggested that 1) in this trypan blue ocular model, virtually all major tissue types were morphologically altered; 2) because healthy mesenchyme and cornea are required for normal development of lens, optic vesicle and ocular adnexa it follows that abnormal cornea and mesenchyme also will compromise these tissues; and 3) since necrotic reminants were not present, this trypan blue model probably causes developmental arrest. The most likely teratogenic pathway is presented with emphasis on the cell surface as a probable site of dye action.

Ultrastructure of trypan blue induced ocular defects: I. Retina and lens

The histological and cytological basis of trypan blue-induced ocular defects were studied using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Microphthalmic and anophthalmic eyes of 16-day rat fetuses were utilized from dams exposed to a teratogenic dose of trypan blue. Retinal and lenticular anlagen were specifically examined for architectural and cellular changes. Nearly all severely abnormal eyes showed no evidence of retina development: Of 41 such eyes, only two retinal rudiments were observed. Those eyes with mild microphthalmia always demonstrated retinae although architectural changes were present. In every abnormal eye, some degree of lenticular morphogenesis was always present. Lenses were small, displaced in the eye field, and arrested at the lens vesicle stage. Lens cells were markedly undifferentiated and thus lacked most of the cytological features normally present at this developmental stage. Neither retinal nor lenticular rudiments were necrotic despite major architectural and cytological disturbances. The data offer three conclusions: First, the absence of necrosis suggests that trypan blue causes developmental arrest in this eye model; second, absence of retinae is most likely due to primary failure of optic vesicle development; third, lack of lens differentiation is attributed to absence of the retina, the primary lens inducer.

The vasculature of the human penis: a reexamination of the morphological basis for the polster theory of erection

The morphology of human penile blood vessels has been studied to characterize columns of smooth muscle found in the intima. Although previous workers (Kiss, 1921; Conti, 1952) termed these intimal pads or polsters and concluded that they were actively responsible for the production of erection, more recent work has questioned these conclusions (Benson et al., 1980; Newman and Tchertkoff, 1980). Serial sections were taken throughout the length of the penis from 11 cadavers and stained with various histopathological stains. Numerous polster-like structures were found, but all could be identified as either branch points in vessels, intimal cushions located at branch points, or arteriosclerotic lesions at various stages of development. None of these structures seem capable of functioning in the manner attributed to them by Conti (1952) and others. Furthermore, comparison of the structures found in the present study to illustrations of polsters in Conti's paper suggest that these are identical. The present study refutes the polster theory of erection and leaves open to further question the mechanisms involved in the control of blood flow into and within the penis.

Verruciform xanthoma of the penis

We describe herein a patient with a verruciform xanthoma of the penis. This histologically distinctive lesion is usually confined to the oral mucosa, although two cases occurring on the vulva have recently been reported. To our knowledge, this lesion has not been previously described in other sites. Biopsy for histopathologic examination is required to aid in the identification of this unusual entity. Verruciform xanthomas have been benign, although a squamous cell carcinoma subsequently developed in one patient whose oral lesions were associated with leukoplakia.

Metastasizing malignant juxtaovarian tumor with terminal hypercalcemia: a case report

A juxtaovarian tumor of probable mesonephric origin in an 18-year-old white woman recurred six years later with a pelvic mass and widespread peritoneal metastases. Chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, and cis-platinum induced a partial response of approximately one year duration. The terminal disease course was associated with hypercalcemia and disseminated intravascular coagulation. At autopsy, there were extensive abdominopelvic tumor masses with pleural deposits.

Penile polsters: functional structures or atherosclerotic changes?

The distribution of blood flow within the penis during erection and detumescence is thought to be controlled by polsters, columns of smooth muscle cells within the intima of penile arteries and veins. We have examined penile tissue from 4 men and 2 children, and have been unable to find incontrovertible evidence of polsters as classically described. Occasional structures superficially resembling polsters were encountered not only in penile tissue but also in vessels in the spermatic cord in patients undergoing vasectomy. In each instance these structures were recognizable as either branching points of vessels, intimal smooth muscle cell cushions or atherosclerotic lesions at various stages of development. Our findings strongly refute the hypothesis that polsters contribute to the normal physiology of erection.

Massive postpartum corpus luteum cyst: a case report

A young woman presented with an asymptomatic unilateral adnexal mass at six weeks postpartum. Her abdomen and pelvis had been considered unremarkable upon examination at parturition, at which time no adnexal masses were palpated. At laparotomy a 20 cm. right ovarian cyst was found, which was shown microscopically to be of corpus luteum origin. Each of the features--size, rapid development, and presentation in the postpartum state--is most unusual.

Coronavirus-associated antibodies in nasopharyngeal carcinoma and infectious mononucleosis

Coronavirus-like particles are found within the cytoplasm of NPC tumor cells, within the cytoplasm of the tumor cells of the regional metastases, and within tumor cells grown on nude mice. For the immunologic identification of the coronaviruses, the cultures of human tracheal epithelium (MRC-C) were used and inoculated with a known coronavirus strain. Whereas blood sera from NPC patients (n = 73) contain significantly elevated antibody titers against corona viruses, unselected sera from patients without NPC showed a low antibody titer (n = 83). Only patients suffering from infectious mononucleosis (n = 40) showed a titer pattern similar to that of NPC patients. For demonstration of antigen-antibody reaction within the NPC tumor cell cytoplasm, sera with a high antibody content against coronaviruses deriving from other than NPC patients or anticoronavirus sera from rabbits were used. By indirect immunofluorescence, the NPC tumor cells showed a bright cytoplasmic fluorescence. No fluorescence was seen when tumor cells were exposed to human sera with known low or absent corona antibody titer or to normal rabbit sera. The results indicate that next to a DNA virus infection (EBV), an RNA virus infection (coronavirus) may play a role in NPC as well as in infectious mononucleosis.

Aortopulmonary septal defect and longevity

A patient with a large congenital aortopulmonary septal defect lived for 46 years. Such lesions are usually fatal in early life unless corrected. Because the anatomic and physiologic adjustments were evident and relatively stable, the case calls for examination of the practice of prognostication.

A new method for the determination of virus specific IgG and IgM antibodies. Brief report

A Latex test has been developed for the detection of virus specific IgG and IgM antibodies. Virus was incubated with serum and the resulting virus-antibody complex harvested. Latex particles sensitized with anti IgG and anti IgM were added and the quantity and type of bound antibody determined.

Immediate mucosal effects of short-term, soft-cuff, endotracheal intubation. A light and scanning electron microscopic study

Little is known regarding the early pathogenesis of intubation-induced laryngotracheal damage or the effects of presently used soft-cuff endotracheal tubes. We have examined the pathological changes of short-term intubation (four hours) in six mongrel dogs. Interaction of the endotracheal tube with the mucosa produced a variety of lesions ranging from superficial abrasions to ulcerations with the most severe lesions in the respiratory epithelium. Changes are present at the free surfaces of ciliated cells that include flattening, fusion, and erosion of cilia of sufficient extent to compromise ciliary function. The ischemic and mechanical modes of injury are compared; the latter is considered causal with modern soft-cuff tubes. These studies reveal tube-induced mucosal damage of an extent and nature not previously appreciated.

Simian rotavirus (SA 11) in serodiagnosis of human rotavirus infections

Tests were made on 169 sera from children up to 10 years of age for rotavirus antibodies by indirect immunofluorescence and complement fixation tests. The simian strain SA 11 served as a substitute antigen for the human rotavirus. Furthermore, the SA 11 complement-fixing antigen was compared with a commercial antigen of the bovine rotavirus strain NCDV. It was demonstrated that SA 11 which can be more easily propagated than most bovine strains, may be used as a substitute antigen in complement fixation and indirect immunofluorescence for serodiagnosis of human rotavirus infections.

Photoinactivation of the encephalomyocarditis virus

Encephalomyocarditis virus was photoinactivated by a dilution of 1:30,000 neutral red and 70 minutes exposure to light. A dye inactivation of the EMC virus is possible without destruction of its antigenicity. The EMC virus vaccine induced a good immunity response in mice; we did not find any infectious virus.

Course of coxsackie B antibodies during juvenile diabetes

Sera of 83 patients with insulin-dependent diabetes of early onset were tested for latex agglutination-inhibiting antibodies to coxsackie virus types B1-B5. We could not find any evidence of a causal association between Coxsackie B virus infection and diabetes.

Virus induced diabetes and the immune system. I. Suggestion that appearance of diabetes depends on immune reactions

The participation of immune reactions in the EMC virus induced diabetes of the mouse was studied by immunosuppression with 500 R sublethal X-irradiation or 120 mg/kg Asta 5122, a cyclophosphamide derivative. Average glucose levels after X-irradiation and infection remained normal, while virus, infected, otherwise untreated mice, had significantly higher mean glucose levels, indicating that immune reactions are necessary for the development of virus induced diabetes. Immune suppression by the cyclophosphamide derivative led, in contrast, to a significantly increased mean glucose level and increased insulitis in comparison with the controls only infected. This indicates an important role of the cellular immune reaction, insulitis in the destruction of the islets.

[A highly sensitive determination of immunoglobulin G and M with sensibilized latex particles (author's transl)]

Latexparticles, sensitized with heavy chain specific anti-human IgG and IgM, were used for the detection of IgG and IgM in sera of adults and newborn infants. Heat-inactivated sera showed an IgG-reactive component of high density near the band of the IgM after centrifugation in a sucrose gradient. The test is specific and highly sensitive.

[Formation and persistence of latexagglutination-inhibiting antibodies in rhesus monkeys infected with Coxsackie virus type B4 (author's transl)]

The formation and persistence of latexagglutination-inhibiting (LAH), neutralizing (N), and complement-fixing (CF) antibodies were in Rhesus monkeys afterr experimental infection with coxsackievirus type B4. In all 3 animals the LAH antibodies showed a significant decrease between the 49th and 56th day after infection. In 2 cases the CF antibodies declined to 25% of their maximum titer on day 84 after infection, and in 2 animals the N antibodies declined between the 70th and 84th day afte infection.

[Formation and persistence of latex-agglutination-inhibiting IgG- and IgM-antibodies in rabbits inoculated with poliomyelitis, Coxsackie and encephalomyocarditis viruses (author's transl)]

The formation and presistence of virus specific IgG- and IgM-antibodies produced in rabbits after a single dose of poliomyelitisvirus, coxsackievirus or encephalomyocarditisvirus were tested comparatively by latex-agglutination-inhibition test, hemagglutination-inhibition test and neutralization test. The animals were immunized either intravenously alone or with Freund's complete adjuvant. The IgM-antibodies were only detectable for a short time by the three tests. In the IgG-fraction and in the unfractionated serum the neutralizing antibodies persisted without any loss in titer during the period observed, whereas the latex-agglutination-inhibiting and hemagglutination-inhibiting antibodies showed a significant decrease. The hemagglutination-inhibiting antibodies required 23 weeks (Figure 5), the latex-agglutination-inhibiting antibodies 7 weeks (without Freund's complete adjuvant; Figure 1 and 3) or about 16 weeks (with Freund's complete adjuvant; Figure 2, 4 and 5) respectively to decline to 25% of their maximum titer.

[Persistence of latex-agglutination inhibiting and neutralizing antibodies against enterovirus in the healthy population (author's transl)]

Sera of 122 persons were examined by the neutralization and latex-agglutination inhibition tests for antibodies against Polio type I, Coxsackie virus type A 9 and B 4, as well as Echo virus type 9. With increasing age there was a titre difference between latex-agglutination inhibiting and neutralizing antibodies, due to the earlier fall in the former. These antibodies, contrary to neutralizing ones, were in the lower titre region. The results confirmed the usefulness of the latex-agglutination inhibition test in the diagnosis of acute enterovirus infections.

[Diagnostic and prognostic value of endomyocardial biopsy in patients with congestive cardiomyopathy (author's transl)]rdiomyopathy(author

Endomyocardial biopsies were obtained from the right ventricle in 25 patients with the clinical diagnosis of congestive cardiomyopathy. The biopsies were subjected to virological and histological studies (light and electronmicroscopy) and the findings correlated with clinical data. Abnormal morphological findings were present in all patients. The presumed clinical diagnosis was confirmed in 19, the morphological changes not being consistent with the clinical diagnosis of CCM in six patients. Electronmicroscopy revealed cardiac storage disease in one patient and pathological changes secondary to previous myocarditis in the other five. Clinical follow-up studies of the five patients apparently confirmed the morphological results, because in no case was there clinical deterioration, three patients in fact being in a fairly normal cardiac state at present. Using a morphological scoring system, the 19 patients with morphologically confirmed diagnosis of CCM were subdivided into two groupds, those with four points or less (group I, n equal to 9), and those with five pints or more (group II, n equal to 10). During a mean follow-up period of nearly 12 months the first group had a low mortality rate (n equal to 2), while the other had a high one (n equal to 6). The occurrence of signs of degeneration and mitochondrial alterations, in particular, was associated with a poor clinical prognosis. This differentiation into two groupds could not be achieved by clinical means alone. Type B3 Coxsackie virus was isolated from one biopsy, but no patient had significant serological evidence of virological infection.

[Investigations on immunity against poliomyelitis (author's transl)]

Six virus laboratories from various parts of the German Federal Republic and West Berlin undertook investigations into polio-myelitis immunity in 1972. A total of 267 persons aged up to 20 years were investigated for neutralizing antibodies against the three types of polio virus. The study showed that from the fourth year of life approximately 70% of the persons investigated had antibodies against all three types of polio virus. In some younger children the equivalent values were considerably lower. After the fourth year of life there were only slight differences in the humoral immunity against the three polio virus types. There was no evidence that the immunity level had deteriorated up to the 20th year of life and thus there is no indication of the necessity for a repeat immunisation at a certain time. The investigation confirmed that three oral administrations of trivalent vaccine, as are now generally recommended as basic immunization in the German Federal Republic, result in a conversion rate of over 90% against each of the three virus types.