Jose J. Bubis

Are the polarization colors of Picrosirius red-stained collagen determined only by the diameter of the fibers?

SummaryPolarization colors of various purified collagens were studied in fibers of similar thickness. Three different soluble collagens of type I, insoluble collagen type I, lathyritic collagen type I, two p-N-collagens type I, pepsin extract collagen type II, two soluble collagens type III, p-N-collagen type III, and soluble collagen type V were submitted to a routine histopathologic procedure of fixation, preparation of 5-μm-thick sections, staining with Picrosirius red and examination under crossed polars. Polarization colors were determined for thin fibers (0.8 μm or less) and thick fibers, (1.6–2.4 μm). Most thin fibers of collagens and p-N-collagens showed green to yellowish-green polarization collors with no marked differences between the various samples. Thick fibers of all p-N-collagens, lathyritic and normal 0.15 M NaCl-soluble collagens showed green to greenish-yellow polarization colors, while in all other collagens, polarization colors of longer wavelengths (from yellowish-orange to red) were observed. These data suggested that fiber thickness was not the only factor involved in determining the polarization colors of Picrosirius red-stained collagens. Tightly packed and presumably, better aligned collagen molecules showed polarization colors of longer wavelengths. Thus, packing of collagen molecules and not only fiber thickness plays a role in the pattern of polarization colors of Picrosirius red-stained collagens.

Aneurysmal bone cyst of the hamate bone

An aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is an uncommon benign bone lesion that principally occurs in long bones and in the vertebral column. The appearance of ABC in carpal bones is very rare. We report a case of ABC that occurred in the hamate bone.

Cystic disease of the lung: Report of eighty-eight cases, with an ethnologic relationship

Abstract Eighty-eight cases of cystic disease of the lung, as defined by the appearance of ring shadows on plain or tomographic chest films, are presented. The associated clinical, roentgenologic, physiologic and pathologic data are reviewed. The genesis and definition of these cystic structures are not clear but an ethnic association in our material is demonstrated and a familial relationship is suspected. It is suggested that the majority of the cases in this series are congenital in origin. The nature of the congenital defect is not clear at the present time but an abnormal bronchial artery-pulmonary artery relationship may be the basic lesion in this group of cases.

Post-traumatic reactive and resorptive lesions of the medial end of the clavicle

Three soldiers presented with a painful swelling of the sternoclavicular area. Computed tomography (CT) studies showed sclerosis as well as lysis of the medial end of the clavicle with adjacent soft-tissue swelling. Bone biopsy revealed new bone formation and inflammatory reaction; cultures were negative, no tumor cells were found. The patients recovered after antibiotic treatment. Although the CT findings cannot completely rule out a malignant lesion, these changes in the medial end of the clavicle in young people may suggest trauma as the etiology.

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma first presenting at the tumor stage. A clinicopathologic study.

ABSTRACT: Cutaneous T cell lymphoma first presenting at the tumor stage is described in three patients, including one with the rarely reported granulomatous mycosis fungoides. The rapid progression and resistance to the currently available treatment modalities seem to characterize this unique form of lymphoma.

Prognosis of patients with adenocarcinoma of the lung and mediastinal lymph node metastases undergoing pulmonary resection

Of 57 patients who were operated on for adenocarcinoma of the lung during the period 1966-1970, 18 with mediastinal lymph node metastases successfully underwent potentially curative pulmonary resection combined with complete mediastinal lymph node dissection. The 5-year survival rate was nil. In light of this poor outlook, we do not recommend surgery as the primary treatment of choice in patients with adenocarcinoma of the lung and known mediastinal lymph node metastases.

Effect of triparanol (Mer 29) on rat liver lysosomes: cytochemical and biochemical study

SummaryRats treated with triparanol (MER-29) develop numerous membranous inclusions-“myeloid” bodies in the cytoplasm of liver cells. The “myeloid” bodies did not show cytochemically demonstrable acid phosphatase. Instead diffuse activity was observed throughout the cytoplasm. Biochemically, acid phosphatase was found in the liver lysosomal fraction obtained from triparanol treated rats. This fraction, however, did not show the structure-linked latency of acid phosphatase which is characteristic of normal lysosomes. It is suggested that “myeloid” bodies are lysosomes with altered membranes.

Holmium-YAG and carbon dioxide laser ablation of normal and infarcted myocardium in the canine model

Surgical and transcatheter ablative treatment of ventricular tachycardias is based on endocardial mapping and removal of myocardial areas involved in sustaining the arrhythmia. Recently, argon and neodymium-YAG laser energy have been employed for the ablative treatment of ventricular tachycardia. In the present study the effects of holmium-YAG laser irradiation on normal and infarcted myocardium in the canine model were compared with those of the CO2 laser. Myocardial infarction was created in 11 dogs by a two-stage left anterior descending coronary artery ligation. Laser irradiation of normal and infarcted myocardium was performed at about 1, 4 and 12 weeks following ligation, with energies of 5, 10, 20 and 30 J. A total of 218 irradiation induced craters were sectioned through the central axis and the evaporized, vacuole and denatured crater areas were morphometrically calculated. Total crater areas following holmium-YAG laser irradiation were significantly larger, with shallower penetration but larger lateral extension of evaporized, vacuole and denaturation areas. Perforations occurred only with CO2 laser irradiation. Effects on normal and infarcted myocardium were similar and independent of infarct age. It is concluded that the holmium-YAG laser is probably more effective and safer than the CO2 laser for myocardial ablation.