Forensic findings in urban red fox mortality in the metropolitan area of Madrid, 2014-2022

The expanding presence of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in urban and suburban regions could potentially lead to increased instances of human aggression towards this species. We studied 10 deceased red foxes that were submitted by law enforcement agencies in the metropolitan area of Madrid in 2014-2022 because of suspected abuse. Forensic autopsies were performed to establish the cause and manner of death. In 4 of the 10 cases, the cause of death was deemed unnatural, involving blunt-force trauma (n = 2), asphyxia resulting from hanging (n = 1), and firearm injury (n = 1). Among the remaining cases, most had succumbed to natural causes (n = 4), often marked by severe emaciation and a high burden of parasites, primarily Sarcoptes scabiei. In 2 cases, death was undetermined given the poor preservation of the carcass. The growing prevalence of wildlife species in urban areas, particularly red foxes, may require forensic veterinary investigation of deaths potentially related to abuse.

Cytologic features of mesenchymal, melanocytic and haematolymphoid tumours of the central nervous system and metastases

The current World Health Organization (WHO) classification of central nervous system (CNS) tumours includes several neoplasms that, while occurring in this location, are more frequently seen extracranially. These include mesenchymal, melanocytic and haematolymphoid neoplasms, as well as metastases. A few of these entities are exclusive of the CNS and have no extracranial counterpart. Despite their diverse histogenesis, these neoplasms share a peculiar predilection for involving meningeal structures. In fact, in the context of an intraoperative pathologic consultation of a meningeal tumour, virtually all these entities should be considered as potential diagnoses. Metastases in the CNS are very common. Most are carcinomas that cytologically resemble their site of origin. Loss of differentiation with cell dissociation and anaplasia and presence of accompanying fibrillary brain parenchyma can be a source of diagnostic problems. In this review, we intend to show the most relevant cytologic features of these tumours, and it is especially aimed at their analysis during intraoperative studies.

Cytologic features of meningioma: An analysis of common and uncommon subtypes and diagnostic difficulties during intraoperative procedures

Despite common histogenesis meningiomas have a wide morphologic spectrum, and the World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes 15 subtypes. They are the most common brain tumour in adults and typically have an extra-axial location. Although there have been important advances in the molecular biology of meningiomas its diagnosis is based on histopathologic features. The great majority are benign WHO grade 1 tumours. There are specific criteria for assigning WHO grade 2 and 3 that can be applied to all meningioma subtypes. Regardless of these criteria, chordoid and clear cell morphologic subtypes are considered grade 2. WHO grade 3 tumours exhibit a very high mitotic index, frank anaplasia or specific molecular abnormalities. The impressive morphologic diversity shown by meningiomas makes them a diagnostic challenge, which can be even greater in intraoperative studies. The focus of this article is to describe and illustrate their main cytologic features, with emphasis on the most infrequent subtypes.

Enigma portal: Undifferentiated thyroid malignant neoplasm in a patient with Hashimoto's thyroiditis

Undifferentiated anaplastic thyroid tumours are uncommon and constitute a diagnostic challenge on fine needle aspiration. A case showing large, single neoplastic cells in a background of Hashimoto's disease is presented.

A Case of COL1A1-PDGFB Fusion Uterine Sarcoma

COL1A1-PDGFB gene fusion uterine sarcoma is a recently described entity which shows some overlapping features with dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. To date, only 4 cases have been reported in the literature. Due to its rarity, succinct clinicopathologic characteristics are yet to be established. We report a fifth case initially mistaken as a uterine fibroid which histologically proved to be a CD34 + high-grade spindle cell proliferation which on fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis displayed COL1A1-PDGFB gene rearrangement. With this case description we hope to raise awareness and aid in the characterization of this emerging entity.

An integrated prognostic model for diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma treated with immunochemotherapy

Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL), the most frequent non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma subtype, is characterized by strong biological, morphological, and clinical heterogeneity, but patients are treated with immunochemotherapy in a relatively homogeneous way. Here, we have used a customized NanoString platform to analyze a series of 197 homogeneously treated DLBCL cases. The platform includes the most relevant genes or signatures known to be useful for predicting response to R‐CHOP (Rituximab, Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, Vincristine, and Prednisone) in DLBCL cases. We generated a risk score that combines the International Prognostic Index with cell of origin and double expression of MYC/BCL2, and stratified the series into three groups, yielding hazard ratios from 0.15 to 5.49 for overall survival, and from 0.17 to 5.04 for progression‐free survival. Group differences were highly significant (p < 0.0001), and the scoring system was applicable to younger patients (<60 years of age) and patients with advanced or localized stages of the disease. Results were validated in an independent dataset from 166 DLBCL patients treated in two distinct clinical trials. This risk score combines clinical and biological data in a model that can be used to integrate biological variables into the prognostic models for DLBCL cases.

Standardizing nursing degree curriculum structure in Spain: A mixed-methods study

BACKGROUND

Legislation regulating Spanish and European academic curricula prescribes a certain level of knowledge and skills any student must master. Spanish universities freely decide the number of credits assigned to each subject and in which year the subject will be taught. We hypothesize that this flexibility may give way to excessively heterogeneous training across universities in nursing degrees. Such curricula heterogeneity hinders inter-university transfers and weakens educational excellence.

OBJECTIVES

1) To review the existing differences in nursing degrees in Spanish universities; 2) to compare our results against current legislation; 3) to propose changes in the legislation, if necessary.

DESIGN

Mixed-methods approach.

SETTING

Spain.

METHODS

We reviewed nursing degree curricula of all 60 Spanish universities. Inter-university differences were analyzed and checked against current legislation. A focus group proposed legislative changes accordingly.

RESULTS

Several differences between public and private universities were statistically significant. During the first cycle, public universities´ course loads include more theoretical teachings, more credits in core subjects during the first year, and more compulsory subjects in second year. Private universities are more likely to offer external internships during the first cycle whereas the public ones are more likely to offer them during the second cycle. Public universities offer more credits under the following curricular blocks than private ones: "Nutrition/Dietetics," "Psychiatry," "Public and Community Health," and "Geriatrics." In turn, private universities offer more credits in the areas of "Theory/Methodology," "Ethics/Legislation," "English," and "Theology." Academic curricula meet most of the criteria established by the Spanish and European legislation. The proposed legislative changes aim at standardizing curricula by associating specific credits and their timeline to the teaching blocks.

CONCLUSIONS

Nursing degree curricula among Spanish universities are highly heterogeneous. Legislative changes to homogenize teaching blocks would facilitate credit validations and student mobility across universities, in addition to increasing nursing degrees´ standardization and excellence.

Myc-Related Mitochondrial Activity as a Novel Target for Multiple Myeloma

Mitochondria are involved in the development and acquisition of a malignant phenotype in hematological cancers. Recently, their role in the pathogenesis of multiple myeloma (MM) has been suggested to be therapeutically explored. MYC is a master regulator of b-cell malignancies such as multiple myeloma, and its activation is known to deregulate mitochondrial function. We investigated the impact of mitochondrial activity on the distinct entities of the disease and tested the efficacy of the mitochondrial inhibitor, tigecycline, to overcome MM proliferation. COXII expression, COX activity, mitochondrial mass, and mitochondrial membrane potential demonstrated a progressive increase of mitochondrial features as the disease progresses. In vitro and in vivo therapeutic targeting using the mitochondrial inhibitor tigecycline showed promising efficacy and cytotoxicity in monotherapy and combination with the MM frontline treatment bortezomib. Overall, our findings demonstrate how mitochondrial activity emerges in MM transformation and disease progression and the efficacy of therapies targeting these novel vulnerabilities.

Cytologic Features of Ventricular Tumors of the Central Nervous System: A Review with Emphasis on Diff-Quik Stained Smears

BACKGROUND

Neoplasms from the ventricular system share a common location but have highly variable histogenesis. Many are slowly growing tumors that behave in a benign fashion. They can be classified as primary and secondary tumors. The most common primary tumors are ependymomas, subependymomas, subependymal giant cell astrocytomas, central neurocytomas, choroid plexus tumors, meningiomas, germinomas, pineal parenchymal tumors, papillary tumors of the pineal region, chordoid gliomas, rosette-forming glioneuronal tumors of the fourth ventricle, and craniopharyngiomas. Pilocytic astrocytomas, medulloblastomas, and atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors often show secondary involvement of the ventricular system.

SUMMARY

Advances in neurosurgery have facilitated access to the ventricular system increasing the number of cases in which such tumors can be biopsied. In this context, cytology has been proven to be an extremely useful diagnostic tool during intraoperative pathologic consultations. Many ventricular tumors are infrequent, and the cytologic information available is limited. In this review, we describe the cytologic features of the uncommon ventricular tumors and report on unusual findings of the more common ones. For the cytologic evaluation of brain tumors, many neuropathologists prefer formalin fixation and hematoxylin and eosin staining. In this review, we highlight the cytologic findings as seen with Diff-Quik, a very popular staining method among cytopathologists. In fact, when pathologists are unfamiliar with cytology, it is common to request the assistance of cytopathologists during the evaluation of intraoperative procedures. Key Message: Ventricular tumors of the central nervous system comprise a group of heterogeneous tumors with very different cytologic features. The cytomorphology of these tumors, including rare entities, is often very characteristic, allowing a precise recognition during intraoperative pathologic consultations. Diff-Quik is a valuable staining method that can be used alone or as a complement to hematoxylin and eosin staining. Diff-Quik allows for clear visualization of the overall architecture, cytoplasmic details, and extracellular material.

Forensic cases of suspected dog and cat abuse in the Community of Madrid (Spain), 2014-2019

Companion animal abuse is an issue that concerns not only veterinarians and law enforcement agencies but also society in general. Animals that die under suspicious or violent circumstances should be submitted to reference laboratories for a postmortem examination by veterinary forensic pathologists trained to recognize animal abuse. Nevertheless, the low notification rate of such cases in Spain may explain the country's lag in the development of veterinary forensics and the limited information available on animal abuse epidemiology in comparison with other countries. By sharing information among the entities involved in recognizing animal abuse, we can better address these issues, thus improving veterinary forensics in Spain (and elsewhere). In this study, we analysed the cause and manner of death of 96 dog and cat carcasses suspected of animal abuse. These cases were submitted to our diagnostic laboratory for forensic postmortem examination by public agencies and animal protection centres. To our knowledge, this is the first study to focus on the postmortem analysis of forensic cases of suspected dog and cat abuse in Spain. On the basis of gross and histopathological findings, we distinguished between natural and non-natural abuse-related deaths, classifying the latter. We confirmed that most of the dog deaths were related with abuse, though the suspected abuse and the cause of death did not always coincide. In contrast, cause of death was determined to be natural in many of the cat suspected abuse cases. The most frequent non-natural abuse-related cause of death in dogs was blunt force trauma (n=24, 43.64%), followed by firearm injuries (n=10, 18.18%), asphyxia (n=5, 9.09%), heatstroke (n=3, 5.45%), starvation (n=2, 3.64%), bite injury (n=1, 1.82%), and sharp force trauma (n=1, 1.82%). In cats, the most common cause of death was blunt force trauma (n=9, 21.95%), followed by firearm injuries (n=3, 7.32%) and bite injury (n=2, 4.88%). The main goal of our study is to share our results with the scientific community to advance the field of veterinary forensics in Spain, which will lead to more successful prosecutions by law enforcement agencies. Finally, we highlight that veterinarians who can accurately recognize signs of animal abuse may be able to better respond to cases of companion animal cruelty, which in turn, may prevent possible escalation to interpersonal violence.

Increased number of pulmonary megakaryocytes in COVID-19 patients with diffuse alveolar damage: an autopsy study with clinical correlation and review of the literature

Pulmonary megakaryocytes participate in the pathogenesis of lung damage, particularly in acute lung injury. Although megakaryocytes are not mentioned as a characteristic histologic finding associated to pulmonary injury, a few studies reveal that their number is increased in diffuse alveolar damage (DAD). In this autopsy study, we have observed a relevant number of pulmonary megakaryocytes in COVID-19 patients dying with acute lung injury (7.61 ± 5.59 megakaryocytes per 25 high-power fields vs. 1.14 ± 0.86 for the control group, p < 0.05). We analyzed samples of 18 patients, most of whom died after prolonged disease and use of mechanical ventilation. Most patients showed advanced DAD and abnormal coagulation parameters with high levels of fibrinogen, D-dimers, and variable thrombocytopenia. For comparison, pulmonary samples from a group of 14 non-COVID-19 patients dying with DAD were reviewed. They showed similar pulmonary histopathologic findings and an increase in the number of megakaryocytes (4 ± 4.17 vs. 1.14 ± 0.86 for the control group, p < 0.05). Megakaryocyte count in the COVID-19 group was greater but did not reach statistical significance (7.61 ± 5.59 vs. 4 ± 4.17, p = 0.063). Regardless of the cause, pulmonary megakaryocytes are increased in patients with DAD. Their high number seen in COVID-19 patients suggests a relation with the thrombotic events so often seen these patients. Since the lung is considered an active site of megakaryopoiesis, a prothrombotic status leading to platelet activation, aggregation and consumption may trigger a compensatory pulmonary response.

Occurrence of Hepatitis E Virus in Pigs and Pork Cuts and Organs at the Time of Slaughter, Spain, 2017

Zoonotic hepatitis E, mainly caused by hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotype (gt) 3, is a foodborne disease that has emerged in Europe in recent decades. The main animal reservoir for genotype 3 is domestic pigs. Pig liver and liver derivates are considered the major risk products, and studies focused on the presence of HEV in pig muscles are scarce. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the presence of HEV in different organs and tissues of 45 apparently healthy pigs from nine Spanish slaughterhouses (50% national production) that could enter into the food supply chain. Anti-HEV antibodies were evaluated in serum by an ELISA test. Ten samples from each animal were analyzed for the presence of HEV RNA by reverse transcription real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). The overall seroprevalence obtained was 73.3% (33/45). From the 450 samples analyzed, a total of 26 RT-qPCR positive samples were identified in the liver (7/45), feces (6/45), kidney (5/45), heart (4/45), serum (3/45), and diaphragm (1/45). This is the first report on detection of HEV RNA in kidney and heart samples of naturally infected pigs. HEV RNA detection was negative for rib, bacon, lean ham, and loin samples. These findings indicate that pig meat could be considered as a low risk material for foodborne HEV infection.

Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease-Like Inflammatory Reaction in a Silicone Breast Implant Seroma

INTRODUCTION

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) may have an autoimmune etiology and some cases have been associated with silicone breast implants. Cytomorphologic features of the disease have been well characterized by fine-needle aspiration of lymph nodes. They are so specific as to permit a precise cytologic diagnosis. Cytologic features have not been reported in fluid specimens.

CASE

A 33-year-old female presented with a unilateral periprosthetic silicone breast seroma. The fluid was drained, and cytological analysis revealed numerous lymphocytes with no neutrophils, karyorrhectic nuclear debris, and peculiar histiocytes with eccentrically located nuclei showing a crescentic shape. Many of those histiocytes showed intracellular apoptotic debris.

CONCLUSION

A Kikuchi disease-like inflammatory reaction is possible not only in axillary and cervical lymph nodes of patients with silicone breast implants but also in breast seromas. There is still not enough evidence to establish if there is an association between KFD and breast implants. A detailed cytologic examination of periprosthetic silicone breast seromas may help answer this question. In any case, pathologists must be aware of this possibility. Cytologic features are characteristic enough to permit differentiation from breast implant-associated anaplastic large-cell lymphoma.

MarrowQuant Across Aging and Aplasia: A Digital Pathology Workflow for Quantification of Bone Marrow Compartments in Histological Sections

The bone marrow (BM) exists heterogeneously as hematopoietic/red or adipocytic/yellow marrow depending on skeletal location, age, and physiological condition. Mouse models and patients undergoing radio/chemotherapy or suffering acute BM failure endure rapid adipocytic conversion of the marrow microenvironment, the so-called "red-to-yellow" transition. Following hematopoietic recovery, such as upon BM transplantation, a "yellow-to-red" transition occurs and functional hematopoiesis is restored. Gold Standards to estimate BM cellular composition are pathologists' assessment of hematopoietic cellularity in hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained histological sections as well as volumetric measurements of marrow adiposity with contrast-enhanced micro-computerized tomography (CE-μCT) upon osmium-tetroxide lipid staining. Due to user-dependent variables, reproducibility in longitudinal studies is a challenge for both methods. Here we report the development of a semi-automated image analysis plug-in, MarrowQuant, which employs the open-source software QuPath, to systematically quantify multiple bone components in H&E sections in an unbiased manner. MarrowQuant discerns and quantifies the areas occupied by bone, adipocyte ghosts, hematopoietic cells, and the interstitial/microvascular compartment. A separate feature, AdipoQuant, fragments adipocyte ghosts in H&E-stained sections of extramedullary adipose tissue to render adipocyte area and size distribution. Quantification of BM hematopoietic cellularity with MarrowQuant lies within the range of scoring by four independent pathologists, while quantification of the total adipocyte area in whole bone sections compares with volumetric measurements. Employing our tool, we were able to develop a standardized map of BM hematopoietic cellularity and adiposity in mid-sections of murine C57BL/6 bones in homeostatic conditions, including quantification of the highly predictable red-to-yellow transitions in the proximal section of the caudal tail and in the proximal-to-distal tibia. Additionally, we present a comparative skeletal map induced by lethal irradiation, with longitudinal quantification of the "red-to-yellow-to-red" transition over 2 months in C57BL/6 femurs and tibiae. We find that, following BM transplantation, BM adiposity inversely correlates with kinetics of hematopoietic recovery and that a proximal to distal gradient is conserved. Analysis of in vivo recovery through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reveals comparable kinetics. On human trephine biopsies MarrowQuant successfully recognizes the BM compartments, opening avenues for its application in experimental, or clinical contexts that require standardized human BM evaluation.

Effects on Intestinal Mucosal Morphology, Productive Parameters and Microbiota Composition after Supplementation with Fermented Defatted Alperujo (FDA) in Laying Hens

The olive oil sector is currently adapting its traditional function to also become a supplier of high-value by-products that possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. In this study, we evaluated the effect of the fermented defatted alperujo (FDA) on the intestinal health of laying hens. The morphology of the duodenal and cecal mucosa, the composition of the intestinal microbiota and the productivity of a batch of laying hens were evaluated after FDA supplementation. At early life stages, significant differences (p < 0.001) were observed in duodenal villi height and in crypt depth of both the duodenum and the cecum in the FDA-supplemented group, indicating improved intestinal health in this group. Microbiota composition in the hatchery group supplemented with FDA had a higher abundance of Actinobacteria, Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, and higher bacterial diversity. During the production period, significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in the number of broken eggs from the supplemented group. We conclude that FDA supplementation improves the absorption capacity of the intestinal mucosa and modifies the intestinal microbiota to favor a greater immune response, leading to an increase in egg production.

Unraveling transformation of follicular lymphoma to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Follicular lymphoma (FL) is an indolent but largely incurable disease. Some patients suffer histological transformation to a more aggressive subtype with poorer prognosis. This study aimed to improve our understanding of the genetics underlying FL histological transformation, and to identify genetic drivers or promoters of the transformation by elucidating the differences between FL samples from patients who did and did not transform. We conducted targeted massive parallel sequencing of 22 pre-transformed FL/transformed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma pairs and 20 diagnostic samples from non-transformed FL patients. Additionally, 22 matched samples from 11 transformed FL patients (pre-transformed FL and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma) and 9 non-transformed FLs were studied for copy number variation using SNP arrays. We identified recurrently mutated genes that were enriched at transformation, most notably LRP1B, GNA13 and POU2AF1, which have roles in B-cell differentiation, GC architecture and migration. Mutations in POU2AF1 might be associated with lower levels of expression, were more frequent in transformed FLs, and seemed to be specific to transformed- compared with de novo-diffuse large B-cell lymphomas. Pre-transformed FLs carried more mutations per sample and had greater subclonal heterogeneity than non-transformed FLs. Finally, we identified four mutated genes in FL samples that differed between patients who did and did not transform: NOTCH2, DTX1, UBE2A and HIST1H1E. The presence of mutations in these genes was associated with shorter time to transformation when mutated in the FL biopsies. This information might be useful for identifying patients at higher risk of transformation.

Evaluation of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis SO2 vaccine using a natural tuberculosis infection model in goats

The development of new vaccines against animal tuberculosis (TB) is a priority for improving the control and eradication of this disease, particularly in those species not subjected to compulsory eradication programmes. In this study, the protection conferred by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis SO₂ experimental vaccine was evaluated using a natural infection model in goats. Twenty-six goats were distributed in three groups: (1) 10 goats served as a control group; (2) six goats were subcutaneously vaccinated with BCG; and (3) 10 goats were subcutaneously vaccinated with SO₂. Four months after vaccination, all groups were merged with goats infected with Mycobacterium bovis or Mycobacterium caprae, and tested over a 40 week period using a tuberculin intradermal test and an interferon-γ assay for mycobacterial reactivity. The severity of lesions was determined at post-mortem examination and the bacterial load in tissues were evaluated by culture. The two vaccinated groups had significantly lower lesion and bacterial culture scores than the control group (P<0.05); at the end of the study, the SO₂ vaccinated goats had the lowest lesion and culture scores. These results suggest that the SO₂ vaccine provides some protection against TB infection acquired from natural exposure.

Mesothelial-to-mesenchymal transition as a possible therapeutic target in peritoneal metastasis of ovarian cancer

Peritoneal dissemination is the primary metastatic route of ovarian cancer (OvCa), and is often accompanied by the accumulation of ascitic fluid. The peritoneal cavity is lined by mesothelial cells (MCs), which can be converted into carcinoma‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) through mesothelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (MMT). Here, we demonstrate that MCs isolated from ascitic fluid (AFMCs) of OvCa patients with peritoneal implants also undergo MMT and promote subcutaneous tumour growth in mice. RNA sequencing of AFMCs revealed that MMT‐related pathways – including transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β signalling – are differentially regulated, and a gene signature was verified in peritoneal implants from OvCa patients. In a mouse model, pre‐induction of MMT resulted in increased peritoneal tumour growth, whereas interfering with the TGF‐β receptor reduced metastasis. MC‐derived CAFs showed activation of Smad‐dependent TGF‐β signalling, which was disrupted in OvCa cells, despite their elevated TGF‐β production. Accordingly, targeting Smad‐dependent signalling in the peritoneal pre‐metastatic niche in mice reduced tumour colonization, suggesting that Smad‐dependent MMT could be crucial in peritoneal carcinomatosis. Together, these results indicate that bidirectional communication between OvCa cells and MC‐derived CAFs, via TGF‐β‐mediated MMT, seems to be crucial to form a suitable metastatic niche. We suggest MMT as a possible target for therapeutic intervention and a potential source of biomarkers for improving OvCa diagnosis and/or prognosis. © 2017 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

Cytologic features of papillary tumor of the pineal region: A case report showing tigroid background

Papillary tumor of the pineal region (PTPR) is a rare neuroepithelial tumor of the pineal region of adults. We herein describe on a 34-year-old female the cytologic features of a PTPR studied using Diff-Quik stain. The patient presented hydrocephalia secondary to a pineal tumor. During surgery an intraoperative pathologic consultation was requested. Smears were hypercellular with numerous papillary tissue fragments and single cells. Papillary fragments had an evident inner vascular core. Neoplastic cells displayed moderate pleomorphism, plasmocytoid morphology, and cytoplasmic fragility. The background had a foamy, lace-like, tigroid appearance. Pathologic analysis revealed morphologic and immunohistochemical features of PTPR. When evaluating smears of a pineal tumor in an adult, the presence of true papillary structures and numerous single cells should raise the possibility of PTPR. This is particularly useful during intraoperative pathologic evaluation since, on frozen sections, the epithelial morphology of the tumor may be misleading. The papillary morphology which gives name to this neoplams is best appreciated on squash smears. An interesting feature seen in the present case was a prominent tigroid background. This is a characteristic cytologic feature observed in Romanowsky-type stained smears of germinoma and related tumors. It can be seen in other clear cell, glycogen-rich tumors. PTPR shares with these neoplasms its clear cell morphology and PAS positive cytoplasmic granules. As seen from the present case, germinoma is not the only tumor of the pineal region that may show a tigroid background. Cytologic features of PTPR differ from those of germinoma allowing their distinction during intraoperative consultations. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2016;44:1098-1101. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Detection of virulence-associated genes characteristic of intestinal Escherichia coli pathotypes, including the enterohemorrhagic/enteroaggregative O104:H4, in bovines from Germany and Spain

Cattle are reservoirs of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli; however, their role in the epidemiology of other pathogenic E. coli remains undefined. A new set of quantitative real-time PCR assays for the direct detection and quantification of nine virulence-associated genes (VAGs) characteristic of the most important human E. coli pathotypes and four serotype-related genes (wzxO104 , fliCH4 , rbfO157 , fliCH7 ) that can be used as a surveillance tool for detection of pathogenic strains was developed. A total of 970 cattle fecal samples were collected in slaughterhouses in Germany and Spain, pooled into 134 samples and analyzed with this tool. stx1, eae and invA were more prevalent in Spanish samples whereas bfpA, stx2, ehxA, elt, est and the rbfO157 /fliCH7 combination were observed in similar proportions in both countries. Genes characteristic of the hybrid O104:H4 strain of the 2011 German outbreak (stx2/aggR/wzxO104 /fliCH4 ) were simultaneously detected in six fecal pools from one German abattoir located near the outbreak epicenter. Although no isolate harboring the full stx2/aggR/wzxO104 /fliCH4 combination was cultured, sequencing of the aggR positive PCR products revealed 100% homology to the aggR from the outbreak strain. Concomitant detection by this direct approach of VAGs from a novel human pathogenic E. coli strain in cattle samples implies that the E. coli gene pool in these animals can be implicated in de novo formation of such highly-virulent strains. The application of this set of qPCRs in surveillance studies could be an efficient early-warning tool for the emergence of zoonotic E. coli in livestock.

Cytologic features of the normal pineal gland of adults

It is well known that the histology of normal pineal gland may resemble not only pineal tumors but also gliomas, owing to its cellularity which is much greater than that of normal white or gray matter. Our recent experience with a case in which part of a normal gland was submitted for intraoperative consultation, together with the scarcity of cytologic descriptions, led us to perform a cyto-histologic correlation study. In addition to the intraoperative case, we collected five pineal glands from consecutive adult autopsies. During the squash procedure, we often noted the presence of calcified grains. Smears were hypercellular, distributed in tissue fibrillary fragments and as numerous single cells, with crystalline structures. Pineal gland cells (pineocytes) were large, round, epithelioid with ill-defined cytoplasms and moderate nuclear pleomorphism. Spindle cells with greater fibrillary quality were less common. One of the most remarkable findings seen in all cases was the presence of cytoplasmic pigment. Histological evaluation and immunohistochemical staining confirmed that the tissue was normal pineal gland. The histology showed a characteristic lobular aspect and frequent corpora arenacea. The pigment seen cytologically was also encountered in histology and corresponded to lipofuscin. Cytologic features of the pineal gland are peculiar when compared to other normal structures of the central nervous system. These features correlate closely with what is seen on histology. In an adequate clinical context, and in combination with frozen sections, cytology allows a specific recognition of the pineal gland during intraoperative pathologic consultations.

Molecular typing of Streptococcus suis isolates from Iberian pigs: a comparison with isolates from common intensively-reared commercial pig breeds

The Iberian pig (IP) is a traditional Spanish breed variety of the domestic pig (Sus scrofa domesticus) with high economic importance because of the value of the dry-cured products in national and international markets. The genetic characteristics of tonsillar and clinical Streptococcus suis isolates from the IP maintained under extensive or intensive management conditions were investigated. S. suis isolates from IP pigs were compared with S. suis isolates from intensively-farmed pigs of common breeds (CBP). S. suis was isolated from 48.4% of the IP tonsils examined, indicating wide distribution among IP pigs. Serotypes 1 (9.4%), 2 (8.6%) and 9 (7%) were the most commonly found, although a high percentage of S. suis isolates were not typeable by coagglutination testing. No significant differences in carrier rates or serotype diversity were observed between management systems, indicating that intensive farming does not influence S. suis colonisation. Both pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and multiple-locus variable number tandem repeat analysis showed a serotype-based distribution of S. suis IP isolates. Serotypes 1 and 2 S. suis isolates were grouped in the same cluster, whereas isolates of serotypes 9 and 7 were assigned to another cluster. All clinical and most tonsillar serotype 2 IP isolates were assigned to sequence type 1 (ST1) and exhibited the virulence genotype mrp+/epf+/sly+, indicating a high distribution of this genetic lineage among IP as well as a population of serotype 2 common to IPs and CBPs. The only clinical isolate of serotype 9 from IP was assigned to ST123, a sequence type associated with clinical isolates in CBPs in Spain.

Micropapillary carcinoma of the urinary tract: a cytologic study of urine and fine-needle aspirate samples

OBJECTIVE

Micropapillary carcinoma (MPC) is an aggressive variant of urothelial carcinoma that needs early and specific recognition. In order to determine whether this tumor variant can be recognized with cytology, we evaluated a large cytohistological series.

STUDY DESIGN

It was a retrospective cytohistological correlation study including 20 patients with MPC. Only those cases in which the tumor exhibited >50% of micropapillary growth were selected. Twenty exfoliative urine specimens and four needle aspirates from lymph node metastases were reviewed.

RESULTS

On histology, 14 cases were infiltrative, while 6 were exclusively superficial. Cytology was characterized by numerous small, cohesive groups and single neoplastic cells. Pseudopapillae were present in 17 cases and in 9 they were a relevant finding. Morules were present in 15 cases. Isolated microacini were seen in 14 cases. Infiltrative tumors showed more neoplastic groups. Cellular atypia was prominent in 17 cases. In 15 cases, a cytologic diagnosis of urothelial carcinoma was made. One case was diagnosed as adenocarcinoma. The remaining 4 cases were considered suspicious of malignancy.

CONCLUSIONS

The peculiar morphology of MPC of the urinary tract is partially reflected on cytology, allowing in some cases a specific recognition. This is important since the aggressive behavior of this neoplasm needs rapid management and treatment.

Membranous glomerulopathy in renal allograft: an ultrastructural study of 17 cases

BACKGROUND

Membranous glomerulopathy is a common complication of renal allograft. However, its incidence and prognosis are not well defined, because an undetermined number of them pass undiagnosed under the generic epigraph of chronic allograft nephropathy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To assess the diagnostic refinement supplied by electron microscopy to conventional light and immunofluorescence procedures the authors reviewed 17 cases of electron microscopy-confirmed membranous glomerulonephritis in kidney allograft. In addition, they searched for other features of graft injury, particularly lesions associated with alloimmune reaction, in order to evaluate the contribution of each lesion to the long-term outcome of the allograft.

RESULTS

In 4 of the 17 cases of their series the diagnosis of membranous glomerulopathy was made by electron microscopy. In addition, in 5 samples, lesions of chronic alloimmune rejection were present (in 4 cases the diagnosis was based on electron microscopy findings). At the end point of the study, 3 of the 5 patients with chronic alloimmune injury were in dialysis, 1 had died with functioning allograft, and the fifth suffered severe renal failure but was not in dialysis. On the other hand, 3 of the 12 patients without evidence of alloimmune injury had returned to the dialysis program.

CONCLUSIONS

Electron microscopy is a useful tool in the assessment of renal allograft pathology and can provide additional morphological features of prognostic relevance.

Spanish Validation of the Affective Neuroscience Personality Scales

The Affective Neuroscience Personality Scales have been designed to provide a personality assessment tool based on six distinct affective systems. The six neural systems involved were labeled PLAY, SEEK, CARE, FEAR, ANGER and SADNESS. Spirituality has been integrated into the questionnaire as a seventh dimension because, in opinion of Panksepp and his colleagues is one of the most interesting human emotion. The aim of the present paper was introduce the validation of the Spanish version of Affective Neuroscience Personality Scales and their first psychometric results in a sample of 411 college students. Participants completed the Spanish version of ANPS, just as a personality scale of five factors (NEO-FFI-R), and the Scales of Positive and Negative Affect (PANAS). The factor structure obtained and psychometric properties of the scales indicate that the Spanish version of the scales provides an effective tool to measure the seven dimensions of personality proposal in the original questionnaire.

Detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Iberian pigs

AIMS

Iberian pigs are bred in Spain for the production of high-value dry-cured products, whose export volumes are increasing. Animals are typically reared outdoors, although indoor farming is becoming popular. We compared carriage of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Iberian pigs, raised indoors and outdoors, with intensively farmed Standard White pigs.

METHODS AND RESULTS

From June 2007 to February 2008, 106 skin swabs were taken from Iberian pigs and 157 samples from SWP at slaughterhouses in Spain. We found that Iberian pigs carried MRSA, although with a significantly lower prevalence (30/106; 28%) than SWP (130/157; 83%). A higher prevalence of indoor Iberian pigs compared with animals reared under outdoor conditions was not significant; however, all but one positive indoor Iberian pig samples were detected from one slaughterhouse. Overall, 16 different spa types were identified, with t011 predominating in all three animal populations. A subset of isolates was characterized by MLST. Most of these belonged to ST398. MRSA isolates from Iberian pigs presented a higher susceptibility to antibiotics than those isolated from SWP.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite limited contact with humans, pigs raised outdoors are colonized by an MRSA population that genetically overlaps with that of intensively farmed pigs, although antimicrobial resistance is lower.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

To our knowledge, this is the first detection of MRSA in food animals raised in free-range conditions.

Mitochondria with tubulovesicular cristae in renal oncocytomas

Renal oncocytoma and chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (CRCC) are closely related tumors. They are considered the extremes of a spectrum with several variants. Ultrastructural examination of the mitochondria is a helpful procedure in the diagnosis of these neoplasms. Renal oncocytomas show mitochondria with piled lamellar cristae, and CRCC exhibited mitochondria with tubulovesicular cristae. In a series of 23 histologically diagnosed renal oncocytomas examined by electron microscopy, the authors found 5 tumors exhibiting more cells with mitochondria showing tubulovesicular cristae. The authors believe these 5 cases present a submicroscopic appearance intermediate between renal oncocytoma and CRCC, although with benign clinical behavior.