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A nodular lesion of the tongue encompasses a range of conditions, from reactive to malignant. It can be challenging to diagnose when a solitary and firm submucosal mass appears in the oral cavity. Following an essential investigation protocol is necessary for reaching a definitive diagnosis. Leiomyomas are benign tumors that infrequently occur in the oral cavity and typically affect individuals between their forties and fifties. This case report presents a rare and unique case of a giant submucosal fibromatosis located at the base of the tongue in a 3-year-old child presenting with features of pediatric OSA. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed the positivity of tumor cells for beta-catenin and CD 34 aberrant expression, though SMA and STAT 6 were negative. The lesion was removed submucosally in toto and post-surgery the patient showed no symptoms and had no evidence of tumors during the one-year follow-up visit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The postoperative epilepsy outcome and clinicopathological features in children with ganglioglioma (GG) are not well understood. Data from 51 consecutive pediatric patients diagnosed with GGs who underwent surgery were collected. The correlations between the expression of CD34 and BRAF V600E mutations and clinical features were analyzed. The related factors affecting the outcome of epilepsy were analyzed. The average follow-up was 44.2 months, and 48 patients were seizure-free. A high proportion of BRAF V600E mutation (78.8%) and CD34 expression (77.8%) was detected in GG. The onset age of epilepsy with the BRAF V600E mutation was earlier than that without. The expression of CD34 increased with the age of onset, the duration of epilepsy, and the age of operation. Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) I was found in 62.7% of patients, and FCD II was found in 11.8% of patients approximately in the cortex surrounding GG. There was no significant correlation between the outcome of epilepsy and BRAF V600E mutation, CD34 expression, and combination with FCD. The overall outcome of GG and epilepsy in children is optimistic, and the outcome is not closely related to the presence of BRAF V600E mutation and CD34 (+). The FCD surrounding GG could be type I or type II. Incomplete resection of the surrounding FCD has the risk of unsatisfactory control of epilepsy. Children with the BRAF V600E mutation may be prone to early-onset epilepsy. The expression of CD34 is more likely to be detected in children with older age and a long duration of epilepsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: To analyse angiogenic factor expression with immunohistochemistry. Skin biopsies from those with psoriasis vulgaris and those without were analysed for levels of vascular endothelial growth factor, Von wille brand factor and CD 34. Finding the degree of neovascularization in skin samples from patients with and without psoriasis vulgaris by comparing the levels of CD 34, VEGF and vWFr. In an effort to link the expression of angiogenesis-promoting factors with the clinical severity of psoriasis as defined by the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI SCORE). Method: A case-control study conducted between July 2022 to February 2023 at tertiary care Centre. There was a total of 43 participants, including both those with psoriasis and healthy skin who acted as controls. Those who have just been diagnosed with psoriasis or who have ceased therapy for at least two months prior to the study are biopsied. Histopathology testing established a diagnosis of psoriasis vulgaris. Immunohistochemistry was used to examine the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), von Willebrand factor (vWF) and CD 34. Result: There was a statistically significant increase in epidermal VEGF expression in patients compared to controls (P=0.01). A higher level of CD 34 expression was seen in the study's patients compared to the controls. (p<0.01). Both the patients and the controls had low levels of von Willebrand factor expression. As with PASI score, VEGF and CD 34 expression were positively connected with PASI score (r=0.944, p0.05), as was VEGF expression and PASI score (r=0.942, p0.05). Conclusion: A substantial difference in VEGF and CD 34 expression was observed between patients and controls. Keratinocytes in psoriatic skin lesions secrete pro-angiogenic cytokines, which encourage microangiopathic changes in the psoriatic plaque. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one type of cytokine. Angiogenesis is implicated in both the aetiology and development of psoriasis vulgaris. Hence, it appears that the development of targeted anti-angiogenic therapy for this chronic, disabling skin disease would be beneficial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solitary fibrous tumor is neoplasm of mesenchymal origin commonly involving visceral pleura however we are presenting an unusual case with involvement of urinary bladder. It is generally indolent in nature therefore proper diagnosis is required for complete characterization to avoid unnecessary extensive surgical resection. Our patient was a 64-year-old female who presented with lower abdominal fullness with change in her bowel movement pattern. On imaging partially necrotic mass with heterogenous enhancement was found which was later biopsied and resected with clean surgical margin. Solitary fibrous tumor is overall a benign tumor with satisfactory outcome. Physicians should keep it in a differential of pelvic masses and with the risk recurrence, 6 monthly follow up imaging are usually required after resection.

Background: Giant cell fibroblastoma (GCF) shows a wide spectrum of morphological patterns which may lead to a misdiagnosis of sarcoma. Case Report: This 14- month- old baby was referred to us for recurrent left scrotal embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS), first diagnosed at 8 months, status post chemotherapy. Review of previous histology, cytology (with frequent multinucleated floret type giant cells but without cross striations) and immunohistochemistry resulted in the change of diagnosis to GCF. It was re-excised, recurred at 20 months of age, and was again re-excised. The morphology was the same in both recurrences as the original. Conclusion: Despite chemotherapy, the histology of multiple recurrences for GCF remained the same as the original. Cytologically, identification of the multinucleated floret like giant cells without cross striations was helpful in differentiating this lesion from embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Malaria is the second most life-threatening infectious disease in Indonesia, causing approximately 1–3 million deaths annually. Histopathologic studies assessing CD 68 and CD 34 protein expression in placental malaria and its association with maternal anemia are essential to determine the prognosis of malaria in pregnancy. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in 2017. Thirty biopsy samples of human placental tissue were obtained from Timika and Sumba, and ten normal biopsy samples were taken from the Pathological Anatomy Department of Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital as comparisons. CD 34 and CD 68 protein expressions were determined using immunohistochemistry, and the resulting data were analyzed using SPSS. Results: Average hemoglobin (Hb) level was 9.5 mg/dL, 11.5 mg/dL, and 9.9 mg/dL in acute infection, chronic infection, and latent infection, respectively. A positive correlation was found between CD 68 protein expression and maternal Hb level. No correlation was found between CD34 expression and maternal anemia. Conclusions: CD 68 expression in placental tissue biopsy from Timika and Sumba residents with placental malaria was shown to be positively correlated with maternal anemia. Immunohistochemical examination of CD 68 may play a role in the early diagnosis of malaria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between the increase of CD 34 and TRPV-1 stimulation after being given by capsaicin in bone defect healing. Twenty-one male wistar rats were disorderly divided into three categories (each category=7): the first (K0=negative control), the second (K1=positive control), and the third (K2=treatment). Both K0 and K1 were only given with serotype b Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomintas (A.a) to the cervical part of area of the first molar. The K2 category was given by serotype b A.a and cayenne pepper extract at dose 0.0912 mg/kg/day. After a week, the rats were sacrified using thionembutal with dose 30 mg/kg in accordance with their weight and for manufacturing sample specimen from gingival tissue region by immunology testing using immunohistochemical method. The acquired data were contrasted using a one-way Anova test. Result confirmed both TRPV-1 compute and CD-34 in K2 category to be prominent divergence in both TRPV-1 and CD-34 than K1 and K0 (p<0.05), whereas there was no prominent divergence between K1 and K0 (p>0.05). Capsaisin promotes the number of CD 34, angiogenesis factors, and microbial agents that it can be confirmed as the alternative treatment for bone defect healing caused by periodontitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we performed morphological studies of Bednar tumor, which is a rare pigmented variant of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) for evidence of histogenetic origin. Presence of melanosome-containing cells is the only histologic criterion of Bednar tumor, which is different from the ordinary DFSP. Immunohistochemical and ultrastructural examinations revealed that the melanosome-containing cells gave positive reactivity to antibodies to vimentin and S-100 protein, but negative to HMB-45, CD38, Factor VIII, NSE, and KP-1. The melanosomes are in Stage II, III, and IV, suggesting that the pigment was produced within the cell rather than phagocytosed from other cells. The rest of the tumor had similar pattern of immunoreactivity to DFSP such as positivity for CD34 and vimentin, indicating that Bednar tumor and DFSP originated from the same cell line. The ultrastructural feature of non-pigmented cells was similar to perineural cells in the first group and similar to fibroblasts in the second group. DNA flow cytometry in our cases revealed diploid cells with low to intermediate S-phase fraction and no aneuploid cells which were reported in a previous study.

Introduction: Solitary fibrous tumours (SFTs) of the nose and paranasal sinuses are extremely rare.These were originally described as neoplasms of the pleura originating from spindle cells. It is further sub-classified as a benign type of mesothelial tumour. Its occurrence in many extra pleural sites have been reported earlier, mainly in the liver, parapharyngeal space, sublingual glands, tongue, parotid gland, thyroid, periorbital region, and very occasionally in the nose and paranasal sinus area. Case Report: A 28-year-old man with a 6 month history of persistent progressive left nasal obstruction and watering of the left eye is reported. Further imaging by CT and MRI revealed a large, left-sided, highly vascular, nasal cavity mass (Fig 1,2,3,4) pushing laterally on the medial wall of the maxilla. The patient underwent a lateral rhinotomy, which proceeded with the excision of the mass. Histopathological analysis of the specimen was consistent with SFT. Conclusion: This case is reported to develop insights regarding diagnosis and management of such rare tumours.

Highlights • The schwannoma of the esophagus is a rare case report. • We present a review of the main characteristics of this disease. • Aspects covered epidemiological, clinical, surgical, histopathological and immunohistochemical. Abstract Introduction Schwannoma is a tumor of the peripheral nervous system originated in the Schwann cells of the neural sheath. Presentation of case A 43-years-old male complained of odynophagia, dysphagia and hemoptysis. The upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed a smooth elevated lesion, 20 cm from the incisor teeth, occupying the entire lumen of the esophagus. The chest computed tomography (CT) scan showed a lesion of 7 cm and superior mediastinal, lower paraesophageal and cardiac enlarged lymph nodes. A posterolateral thoracotomy was performed with total esophagectomy without intraoperative complications. The anatomopathological analysis revealed fusocellular mesenchymal neoplasia of low malignancy potential. The immunohistochemical study showed positivity for S-100 protein and KI67 antibodies and absence of staining for CD117, CD34, ALK protein, SMA and Desmin. Thus, the morphological and immunohistochemical findings pointed to the diagnosis of esophageal Schwannoma. Discussion Although rare and indolent, Schwannoma occurs in the peripheral nervous system, being uncommon in the esophagus. Conclusion The immunohistochemical study is essential for the diagnosis, which is based on the positivity for S-100 protein and absence of staining for CD34 and CD117. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by epidermal hyperproliferation, abnormal differentiation and inflammatory infiltration in the dermis. The dermal microvascular expansion associated with abnormal orientation and dilatation of capillaries in the biopsies of the psoriatic skin suggest that the disease is dependent on angiogenesis. Aim: To analyze and compare the immunohistochemical expression of angiogenic factors - Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), von Willebrand Factor (vWF) and CD 34 in skin biopsies of psoriasis cases with control skin samples; and to correlate the expression of angiogenic factors with Psoriasis Area and Severity Clinical Index (PASI SCORE). Materials and Methods: This was a prospective case control study conducted over a period of 15 months. Thirty-two psoriasis cases and thirty control skin samples were included in the study. Skin biopsy specimen was taken from clinically diagnosed psoriasis cases who did not receive any treatment. The diagnosis of psoriasis vulgaris was confirmed after microscopic examination. Immunohistochemical expression for VEGF, vWF and CD 34 was studied. Results: VEGF expression in epidermis was significantly higher in cases when compared to control skin (p

Objective Our study aims to explore the in vitro effects of reprogramming factors on the expressions of pluripotent genes and CD 34 gene in HL-60 cells. Methods According to the construction of lentiviral vector LV-OSCK of reprogramming factors (Oct-4, Sox2, Klf4, c-Myc), 293T cells were transfected to detect virus titer. The endogenous pluripotent genes (Oct4, SOX2, c-Myc and Klf4) and CD 34 mRNA and protein expressions were detected by AP staining, immunofluorescence staining, qRT-PCR and flow cytometry. Results Expressions of Oct4, SOX2, c-Myc and Klf4 were 0.220 ± 0.013, 0.186 ± 0.009, 0.287 ± 0.015 and 0.153 ± 0.007. These levels were significantly higher in the experimental group than the control and blank groups. CD 34 protein expression in the experimental group was also discovered to be significantly higher than the other two groups. Conclusion The reprogramming factors could increase the expressions of pluripotent genes and CD 34 gene in HL-60 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone marrow microenvironment plays a crucial role in the growth of hemopoietic cells and bone marrow function, which in turn depends on an intact microvasculature. Our study assesses the microvessel density (MVD) in the bone marrow of aplastic anemia (AA) patients, compares with MVD of controls and MVD among the different types of AA. Bone marrow specimens from 60 patients with AA and 17 controls were studied. There were 33 patients with non severe AA (NSAA), 12 patients with severe AA (SAA) and 15 patients with very severe AA (VSAA). MVD was calculated on sections stained immunohistochemically for CD34. The mean bone marrow MVD in AA group was 1.28 ± 0.36, being significantly lower than that in control group (6.80 ± 1.59, p < 0.001). MVD of SAA and NSAA patients were 1.16 ± 0.35 and 1.49 ± 0.27, respectively, being significantly different ( p = 0.003). MVD of VSAA was 0.93 ± 0.25 and the difference with NSAA is significant, however there was no significant difference between SAA and VSAA. Bone marrow MVD is low in AA patients and is likely to have a role in pathophysiology of bone marrow failure. Proangiogenic agents together with specific therapy might accelerate the recovery of hematopoiesis in AA patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by epidermal hyperproliferation, abnormal differentiation, and inflammatory infiltration in the dermis. The dermal microvascular expansion associated with abnormal orientation and dilatation of capillaries in the biopsies of the psoriatic skin suggest that the disease is dependent on angiogenesis. Aim: To analyze and compare the immunohistochemical expression of angiogenic factors - Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), von Willebrand Factor (vWF) and CD 34 in skin biopsies of psoriasis cases with control skin samples; and to correlate the expression of angiogenic factors with Psoriasis Area and Severity Clinical Index (PASI SCORE). Materials and Methods: This was a prospective case control study conducted over a period of 15 months. Thirty-two psoriasis cases and thirty control skin samples were included in the study. Skin biopsy specimen was taken from clinically diagnosed psoriasis cases who did not receive any treatment. The diagnosis of psoriasis vulgaris was confirmed after microscopic examination. Immunohistochemical expression for VEGF, vWF and CD 34 was studied. Results: VEGF expression in epidermis was significantly higher in cases when compared to control skin (p <0.01). CD 34 expression was significantly upregulated in cases when compared to controls (p<0.01). Von Willebrand factor expression was weak in both the cases and the controls. Significant correlation between the expression of VEGF and PASI score (r=0.944; p<0.01), and expression of CD 34 and PASI score was observed (r=0.942; p<0.01). Conclusion: In the present study, significant overexpression of VEGF and CD 34 was noted in cases when compared to controls. The keratinocytes in the psoriatic skin lesions were recognized as a source of pro-angiogenic cytokines namely the VEGF and other growth factors which promotes angiogenesis in psoriatic plaque. Angiogenesis plays an important role in genesis and development of psoriasis vulgaris. Therefore, development of targeted anti-angiogenic therapy might be beneficial for this chronic disabling dermatological disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neoplastic lesions of the fallopian tube are rarely seen by surgical pathologists. Haemangioma of the fallopian tube is an extremely rare benign neoplasm. A 30-year-old lady with polymenorrhea and dysmenorrhea underwent hysterectomy and bilateral salpingooophorectomy. Her left fallopian tube showed a 2mm sized solid nodule in the wall. Histopathological examination revealed a welldefined vascular lesion in the left fallopian tube, consistent with capillary haemangioma. The vascular endothelium was highlighted by CD34 immunostaining. Our literature review has identified 10 cases of cavernous haemangioma of the fallopian tube. To the best of our knowledge, we report the first ever case of capillary haemangioma of the fallopian tube. This is also the smallest detected haemangioma in the fallopian tube.

Background: Angiogenesis has been well documented in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). As liver cirrhosis is considered preneoplastic condition, the aim of this study was to evaluate the process of angiogenesis using CD 34 as an endothelial cell marker in normal liver, cirrhosis and HCC. Materials and Methods: A total of 111 cases were included in this study, which consisted of 30 cases each of normal liver and cirrhosis that were all autopsy cases. Twenty-one cases of HCC included 10 autopsy specimens, nine surgically resected specimens and two liver biopsies. Remaining were 30 cases of metastasis to the liver, which included 20 autopsy specimens, one surgically resected specimen and nine liver biopsies. The patients were between the age range from 17 to 80 years with 70 males and 11 females. Paraffin-embedded liver sections of all these cases were stained routinely by hematoxylin-eosin stain, while immunohistochemistry for CD 34 was performed for expression of endothelial cells. The positivity of CD 34 staining was evaluated by counting in 10 high-power field, grading was done from 0 to 4 and compared between normal liver, cirrhosis and HCC and metastasis. Results: CD 34 was positive in 16/30 (53.3%) cases of cirrhosis, 18/21 (85%) cases of HCC and 26 (86.6%) of metastasis to the liver. None of the normal liver showed any positivity. Grade 3 to 4 positivity was seen in 4/16 (25%) and 13/18 (72%) cases of cirrhosis and HCC, respectively. Amongst these, 10 were moderately differentiated, one well differentiated and rest two were fibrolamellar and sarcomatoid variants of HCC. Conclusion: Over expression of endothelial cell marker CD 34 with gradual progression was found from normal liver to cirrhosis to HCC and metastasis. Understanding of this process of angiogenesis might help in the design of efficient and safe antiangiogenic therapy for these liver disorders.

Background: Chronic liver disease is characterized by inflammation and fibrosis. As a consequence angiogenesis leading to new vasculature may have prognostic value in disease progression. Interfering with angiogenesis may be a potential target to avoid progression of liver disease. Hence we planned to evaluate the CD34 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), the markers for angiogenesis in chronic liver disease.Method: Liver biopsies from 79 patients of chronic liver disease and 21 cases of HCC (M: F = 4:1, age range 22 to 80) were stained for routine HE, CD 34 and VEGF immunostaining (Dako Corp & Santa Cruz respectively). Etiologies of chronic liver disease were alcoholic liver disease, HBV, HCV infection, NAFLD, autoimmune liver disease, and cryptogenic liver disease. Thirty biopsies from normal liver obtained at autopsy were taken as controls. Expressions of CD 34 and VEGF were compared with the stage of fibrosis. Results: Out of 79 patients, angiogenesis was seen in 45.5% cases of chronic liver disease. None of the case with normal liver histology was CD 34 or VEGF positive. No significant correlation of angiogenesis was found between any etiologies of chronic liver disease. CD 34 was positive in 18/21 (85.7%) cases of hepatocellular carcinoma. CD 34 and VEGF positivity was 20.9% and 46.5% in stage 1 and 2 fibrosis while it was 75% and 80% in stage 3 and 4 fibrosis respectively. VEGF appeared more common as compared to CD 34 in early fibrosis. Conclusion: Angiogenesis was present in 45.5% cases of chronic liver disease. It was proportional to the increase in stage of fibrosis. Expression of VEGF was commonly found in early stages of fibrosis. Hence, therapeutic strategies of inhibiting VEGF expression may be of importance in preventing the progression of chronic liver disease in its early stage.

The purpose of the study was to determine the features of structure and development of atrio-ventricular valves using the macro-micriscopic, histological and immunohystochemical methods (marker CD 34). The leaflets of the atrio-ventricular valves of 96 hearts of embryos, fetus and people of different age were used. It was determined that the primary valvular vehicle of heart starts to develop at the 7th week of prenatal ontogenesis. The mesenchyme of endocardial cushions and superior part of delamination plate of atrio-ventricular canal take part in the development of the leaflets of atrio-ventricular valves. The inferior part of delamination plate participates in the primary filaments of tendons of valvular vehicle and apex of the papillary muscle of ventricle. The onset of development of the structures participating in the fibrous ring takes place in the same time in the superior parts of delamination plate. The immunohystochemical study of leaflets of atrio-ventricular valves showed the maximal CD 34 level in the base of leaflets in hearts of all groups.

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare skin tumor of the dermal layer. Incidence is only about one case per million per year. It is a cutaneous soft tissue sarcoma that rarely metastasizes but it has got a malignant potential in 2% of cases. The challenge with DFSP is that the malignant potential of this tumor depends on the components histologically and on immunohistochemistry. The second challenge is that these tumors cannot be diagnosed on fine needle aspiration and require a core or incisional biopsy. Only in nodular stage we have to diagnose DFSP. This case presented in a male patient simulating malignancy of breast and fine needle aspiration cytology was inconclusive. The treatment also poses a challenge as not all surgeons are well versed with Moh′s surgery and hence here local wide resection was done. All margins were free. Although chemotherapy forms a part of treatment, it is reserved for large and recurrent tumors.

Aim: To determine the impact of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and chest trauma (CT) on the number of peripheral blood (PB) stem cells in affected patients in comparison to normal controls. Additionally, the aim was to determine the relationship between CD34+ cell counts and TBI-induced hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis dysfunction in the acute phase of trauma. Patients and method: Thirty patients with TBI, 12 patients with CT and 53 healthy subjects were included in the study. Results: CD34+ cell counts within the first 24–48 hours of TBI were found to be lower than those obtained on the 7thday of TBI and those in the healthy controls. CD34+ cell counts obtained on the 2ndday of CT were lower than those in the healthy group, but did not differ from those measured on the 7thday of CT. There was no correlation between CD34+ cell counts and serum total cortisol (STC) levels on the 2ndand 7thdays in the TBI or CT groups. Conclusion: An increase in CD34+ cell counts as observed on the 7thday in both TBI and CT groups suggested that CD34 changes were not specific to TBI. Moreover, this study showed for the first time that CD34 response was not affected by changes in cortisol levels induced by TBI and severity of TBI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Odontogenic epithelium plays an important role in the histogenesis of odontogenic tumors of the jaws. Ameloblastomas, which arise from odontogenic epithelium, are considered benign with little tendency to metastasize. Tumors require an adequate supply of oxygen and a way to remove their waste products. This can be achieved by angiogenesis. In situ quantification of the microvessel density (MVD) is a usual method for assessing angiogenesis. Moreover, angiogenesis may differ in subtypes of ameloblastomas and could play a role in determining the pattern of tumor growth. Aim: The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the expression of cluster of differentiation (CD34) in variants of ameloblastomas and to correlate and compare their expression to the aggressive behavior. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study which included forty paraffin blocks was conducted after obtaining ethical committee clearance. Ten cases of pyogenic granuloma were used as a positive control and thirty cases were of solid multicystic ameloblastoma (SMA), unicystic ameloblastoma (UA) and desmoplastic ameloblastomas. Angiogenesis was assessed using CD34 antigen and was immunohistochemically localized. Statistical analysis was carried out for comparative analysis with the help of ANOVA test, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and least significance difference test. Results: A significant correlation was obtained between the MVD of all the three variants, i.e., SMA, UA and desmoplastic ameloblastomas which was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Increased MVD in the three variants, i.e., SMA, UA and desmoplastic ameloblastoma seen in the present study could suggest that the angiogenesis has an important role in tumor progression and aggressiveness of ameloblastomas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adrenal cystic lesions are uncommon but due to the improved radiologic imaging techniques their appearance seems to increase. Material and Methods: We analyzed the clinical and radiological findings of 10 patients with adrenal cysts and the pathological features of the operative material. Standard dissection procedure and paraffin embedded tissue sections were made, stained by HE and immunohistochemically with CD34, CD 31, Factor 8, Podoplanin, CKWS and AE1/AE3 Results: The mean age of the patients was 40.6 years; female to male ratio was 2.3:1. All the cysts were diagnosed as cystic lesions radiologically except one. The most present clinical symptom was abdominal pain. The diameter of the cysts measured from 2 to 7 cm. Four of the cysts were diagnosed as pseudocysts and six as endothelial. Six cysts were lined by CD34+ and CD31+ cells, four were lined by Factor 8+ and podoplanin+ cells and four had no lining. Conclusion: Endothelial cysts were more common cysts in our study and the immunohistochemical results suggested common vascular origin to all endothelial cysts and supported additional separation of angiomatous and lymphangiomathous adrenal vascular cysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Solitary fibrous tumours (SFTs) of the nose and paranasal sinuses are extremely rare. These were originally described as neoplasms of the pleura originating from spindle cells. It is further sub-classified as a benign type of mesothelial tumour. Its occurrence in many extra pleural sites have been reported earlier, mainly in the liver, parapharyngeal space, sublingual glands, tongue, parotid gland, thyroid, periorbital region, and very occasionally in the nose and paranasal sinus area. Case Report: A 28-year-old man with a 6 month history of persistent progressive left nasal obstruction and watering of the left eye is reported. Further imaging by CT and MRI revealed a large, left-sided, highly vascular, nasal cavity mass (Fig 1,2,3,4) pushing laterally on the medial wall of the maxilla. The patient underwent a lateral rhinotomy, which proceeded with the excision of the mass. Histopathological analysis of the specimen was consistent with SFT. Conclusion: This case is reported to develop insights regarding diagnosis and management of such rare tumours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spindle cell lipoma, which usually arises in the soft tissues, is rare in breast and is difficult to differentiate from primary mammary spindle cell tumor. Here, we present the case of a 48-year-old woman with a 3-cm, solitary, well-circumscribed and nontethered mass lying deep within the tissue of left breast, incidentally detected on routine mammography. The spindle cells proved to be immunoreactive to CD 34, but nonreactive to desmin and smooth muscle actin.

Statement of the Problem: Ameloblastoma is the most common odontogenic tumor which is slow-growing, locally invasive and exhibit specific biologic behavior and high recurrence rate. Likewise, odontogenic keratocyst is a developmental odontogenic cyst that has a high recurrence rate and aggressive behavior. There are limited studies considering the relationship between the angiogenesis factors and the biologic behavior of these lesions. Purpose: the aim of this study was to evaluate the mean density of vessels in odontogenic keratocysts and ameloblastoma and investigate its possible relationship with biological behavior of these lesions. Materials and Method: In this descriptive-analytic cross-sectional study, 40 cases, comprising 10 odontogenic keratocysts and 30 ameloblastomas (10 plexiform, 10 follicular, and 10 unicystic type) were selected and were stained immuno-histochemically with CD34 and CD105. The micro vessel density was assessed and compared in all groups. T- test for the independent samples' Oneway Anova, Wilcoxon test and Tukey tests were adopted for statistical analysis. Results: A statistically significant difference was observed in mean vascular density (MVD) between the odontogenic keratocyst and ameloblastoma groups concerning the CD105 and CD34 markers (p= 0.005, p= 0.000, respectively). The MVD was significantly higher in ameloblastomas than odontogenic keratocyst. MVD with CD34 was significantly higher than MVD with CD105 in ameloblastomas (p= 0.00). Conclusion: It can be suggested that angiogenesis might be one of the mechanisms that is more possible to contribute the aggressive biological behaviors in ameloblastoma rather than odontogenic keratocyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The human fetus is able to mount a systemic inflammatory response when exposed to microorganisms. This stereotypic response has been termed the 'fetal inflammatory response syndrome' (FIRS), defined as an elevation of fetal plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6). FIRS is frequently observed in patients whose preterm deliveries are associated with intra-amniotic infection, acute inflammatory lesions of the placenta, and a high rate of neonatal morbidity. Recently, a novel form of fetal systemic inflammation, characterized by an elevation of fetal plasma CXCL10, has been identified in patients with placental lesions consistent with 'maternal anti-fetal rejection'. These lesions include chronic chorioamnionitis, plasma cell deciduitis, and villitis of unknown etiology. In addition, positivity for human leukocyte antigen (HLA) panel-reactive antibodies (PRA) in maternal sera can also be used to increase the index of suspicion for maternal anti-fetal rejection. The purpose of this study was to determine (i) the frequency of pathologic lesions consistent with maternal anti-fetal rejection in term and spontaneous preterm births; (ii) the fetal serum concentration of CXCL10 in patients with and without evidence of maternal anti-fetal rejection; and (iii) the fetal blood transcriptome and proteome in cases with a fetal inflammatory response associated with maternal anti-fetal rejection. Method of study Maternal and fetal sera were obtained from normal term ( n = 150) and spontaneous preterm births ( n = 150). A fetal inflammatory response associated with maternal anti-fetal rejection was diagnosed when the patients met two or more of the following criteria: (i) presence of chronic placental inflammation; (ii) ≥80% of maternal HLA class I PRA positivity; and (iii) fetal serum CXCL10 concentration >75th percentile. Maternal HLA PRA was analyzed by flow cytometry. The concentrations of fetal CXCL10 and IL-6 were determined by ELISA. Transcriptome analysis was undertaken after the extraction of total RNA from white blood cells with a whole-genome DASL assay. Proteomic analysis of fetal serum was conducted by two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis. Differential gene expression was considered significant when there was a P < 0.01 and a fold-change >1.5. Results (i) The frequency of placental lesions consistent with maternal anti-fetal rejection was higher in patients with preterm deliveries than in those with term deliveries (56% versus 32%; P < 0.001); (ii) patients with spontaneous preterm births had a higher rate of maternal HLA PRA class I positivity than those who delivered at term (50% versus 32%; P = 0.002); (iii) fetuses born to mothers with positive maternal HLA PRA results had a higher median serum CXCL10 concentration than those with negative HLA PRA results ( P < 0.001); (iv) the median serum CXCL10 concentration (but not IL-6) was higher in fetuses with placental lesions associated with maternal anti-fetal rejection than those without such lesions ( P < 0.001); (v) a whole-genome DASL assay of fetal blood RNA demonstrated differential expression of 128 genes between fetuses with and without lesions associated with maternal anti-fetal rejection; and (vi) comparison of the fetal serum proteome demonstrated 20 proteins whose abundance differed between fetuses with and without lesions associated with maternal anti-fetal rejection. Conclusion We describe a systemic inflammatory response in human fetuses born to mothers with evidence of maternal anti-fetal rejection. The transcriptome and proteome of this novel type of fetal inflammatory response were different from that of FIRS type I (which is associated with acute infection/inflammation). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prostate comprises a glandular epithelium embedded within a fibromuscular stroma. The stroma is a complex arrangement of cells and extracellular matrix ( ECM) components in addition to growth factors, regulatory molecules, remodelling enzymes, blood vessels, nerves and immune cells. The principal sources of ECM components are fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells ( SMC), which synthesize the structural and regulatory components of the ECM. Telocytes ( TCs) were recently described as a novel stromal cell type that exhibited characteristic features. The aim of this study was to confirm the presence of TCs in prostate stromal tissue of gerbils, as the stromal compartment of this gland is a dynamic microenvironment. We used transmission electron microscopy ( TEM), light microscopy and immunohistochemistry methods to provide morphological evidence for the presence of TCs. Cells that resembled TCs were observed in gerbil prostatic stroma. These cells had small cellular bodies with very thin and extremely long cellular processes. They were found primarily in the subepithelial area and also at the periphery of SMC layers. TCs also exhibited moniliform processes, caveolae and nuclei surrounded by small amounts of cytoplasm. Close contacts between TC podomers were evident, particularly in the adjacent epithelial compartment. This morphological evidence supported the presence of TCs in the gerbil prostatic stroma, which we report for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solitary fibrous tumors are very rare neoplasms that seldomly appear in extraserosal soft tissues. In such cases, an accurate preoperative diagnosis is often difficult and challenging, expecially in extrapleural ones. Traditionally, extrapleural solitary fibrous tumours have been regarded as indolent neoplasms similar to their intra-thoracic counterparts, althought there has been some evidence that this subgroup could be a subset of more aggressive malignant tumours. For these reasons, surgical excision is mandatory and represents, to date, the best therapeutic option. In this article we report a case of a malignant solitary fibrous tumor of the chest wall in a 58- year-old man. Problems related to differential diagnosis and the possible pitfalls that can be encountered in the diagnostic process of such rare tumors are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma (LESS) is an uncommon uterine malignancy. Occasionally, it may develop in extrauterine endometriotic lesions and present morphological characteristics mimicking various neoplasms, making its diagnosis very challenging. We report a rare case of a 56-year-old woman presenting with a pelvic mass, initially presumed to be of ovarian origin. After surgical excision the diagnosis of a LESS arising from foci of endometriosis of the terminal ileum was established. Pelvic lymph nodes and omentum were also infiltrated. The patient received adjuvant chemotherapy and medroxyprogesterone; she is alive with no evidence of disease after a follow-up of 38 months. Immunohistochemical characteristics of the tumor are very important for the differential diagnosis of this rare neoplasm and include diffuse strong positivity for CD 10, estrogen receptor expression and CD 34 negativity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The aim of the study was to investigate whether the estimation of circulating Vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) levels by ELISA could be used as surrogate of VEGF-A expression in tissues of pre-malignant oral lesions (PMOLs) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) as compared to that in healthy controls. The study samples comprised of tissue and blood samples from 60 PMOLs, 60 OSCC, and 20 healthy controls. Serum VEGF-A levels were determined by an ELISA based assay (Quantikine human VEGF; R & D System, Minneapolis USA). Tissue VEGF-A expression and microvessel density (MVD) were assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) using antibodies against VEGF-A and CD-34 on formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue sections. VEGF-A mRNA expression was analyzed by real-time PCR in snap frozen tissues. Serum VEGF-A levels and immunohistochemical VEGF-A expression were significantly high in PMOLs and OSCC in comparison with controls. VEGF mRNA gene expression showed more than 50-fold increase in PMOLs and OSCC. VEGF-A levels in serum correlated in a linear fashion with the tissue expression in oral pre-malignant and malignant lesions, suggesting that the serum levels may serve as surrogate material for tissue expression of VEGF-A. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: The debate concerning the potential remodelling and/or reversibility of cirrhotic lesions and biliary fibrosis is still open. Aims/Methods: In this work, we have used the precision-cut liver slice (PCLS) model, which maintains cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions to study, by immunohistochemistry, the behaviour of the different fibrogenic cells, i.e. hepatic stellate cells (HSC) and portal fibroblasts, in cultured (for 1 week) PCLS derived from normal and fibrotic human livers. Results: In normal liver, before and after culture, α-smooth muscle (SM) actin was present only in the vessel walls. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor-β was expressed before and after culture by portal fibroblasts, and appeared after culture in HSC. Before culture, CD 34 was not expressed in parenchyma, but appeared after culture in sinusoidal endothelial cells. In cirrhotic lesions, before culture, α-SM actin, PDGF receptor-β and Thy-1 were expressed in septa; after culture, α-SM actin expression disappeared but the expression of the PDGF receptor-β and Thy-1 was maintained. In cholestatic liver specimens, α-SM actin, PDGF receptor-β and Thy-1 expression, which was present before culture in enlarged portal areas, disappeared after culture, and apoptosis was detected. In the parenchyma of both cirrhotic and cholestatic livers, the expression of the PDGF receptor-β and of CD 34, which was not observed before culture, was present in HSC and sinusoidal endothelial cells, respectively, after culture. Conclusions: These results indicate that during remodelling of pathological tissues in cultured liver slices, the myofibroblastic cells derived from HSC or from portal fibroblasts show different behaviours, suggesting different mechanisms of activation/deactivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Data regarding the assessment of angiogenesis in liver tissue in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) are rare. The study was performed to explain the association between the histopathological features and the number of new blood vessels in lobules and portal tracts in CHC. The second aim of the study was to define the localization of sprouting and pattern of formation of new vessels by estimating CD 34 antigen expression in the liver. The study involved 74 patients with CHC, infected with viral genotype 1b before antiviral therapy. The number of new-formatted blood vessels was positively associated with fibrosis stage and inflammatory activity grade in the liver biopsy from CHC patients. The relationship was evident in the portal tract, fibrous septa and periportal zones of lobules. The results suggest that inflammatory hepatocyte injury may promote neo-angiogenesis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Pleural solitary fibrous tumor is a rare and slow growing intrathoracic neoplasm. It originates from submesenchymal cells of parietal or, more commonly, visceral pleura. Although most cases follow a benign clinical course, it has been reported that a malignant outcome is seen in 7,5-37% of cases. We present here a case considered as pleural solitary fibrous tumor with malignant potential. A 74-year- old woman presented with dyspnea and computerized tomography showed a mediastinal mass connected to the pleura. The tumor was removed by surgery. Grossly, the tumor was lobulated, well-demarcated and mostly encapsulated. Its weight was 754 gr. and it measured 17×12×5.5 cm. The cut surface had a whorled appearance. Focal necrosis and myxoid degenerative areas were noted. Histopathologically, hypocellular areas characterized by uniform, small spindle cells in a collagen rich stroma and hypercellular areas were seen. The tumor had a prominent branching vascular network. Although mitosis was infrequent, necrosis was common. Tumoral cells were strongly immunoreactive for CD34, bcl-2 and vimentin by immunohistochemistry. Cytokeratin, actin, S100, CD117 and desmin were negative. The ratio of Ki-67 positive cells was 10%. The patient was diagnosed as pleural solitary fibrous tumor with malignant potential because of hypercellularity and presence of large necrotic areas although increased mitosis and pleomorphism were almost absent. There was no recurrence or metastasis 15 months after the surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: GISTs are rare tumours of the gastrointestinal tract constituting less than 1% of all primary neoplasms. They remain the commonest mesenchymal tumours of the gut. Historically they have been confused with more common tumours of smooth muscle and neurogenic origin because they share their histological features. Only in the past two decades has the identification of immunohistochemistry marker CD 117 (c-kit) greatly enhanced their diagnosis. Considerable perplexity surrounds prediction of their malignant potential because the predictive factors used can only make an approximate measurement of their behaviour. Methods: Medline Pubmed and Cochrane database searches were performed and the articles found were cross referenced. Conclusion: GIST has an estimated annual incidence of 12-14 per million population. Stratifying into risk group remains important for prognosis and planning further follow-up. Complete excision (Ro) remains the mainstay curative treatment. Previous dismal prognosis of recurrent or metastatic disease has only recently been improved by introduction of targeted molecular anti-receptor therapy by imatinib. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Bone marrow function and the growth of hemopoietic cells depends on an intact microvasculature. A pivotal regulator of angiogenesis is vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Our study assesses VEGF expression and microvessel density (MVD) in the bone marrow of patients with aplastic anemia (AA). Materials and method: Bone marrow specimens from 25 patients with AA and 15 controls were studied. MVD was calculated on sections stained immunohistochemically for CD34. Subsequently, all the cases were studied for VEGF expression. Results: Bone marrow MVD in patients with AA was significantly lower than that in controls (p<0·01). There was a significant MVD difference between severe AA and moderate AA (p<0·05). VEGF expression was also significantly lower in AA cases compared to controls (p<0·05). Conclusion: Our data show that AA is associated with reduced angiogenesis and reduced VEGF expression. Defective angiogenesis may result in or aggravate bone marrow aplasia in AA patients. There are limited studies on this aspect. More studies to confirm the present hypothesis might pave the way for new treatment options in AA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Angiogenesis has been proposed as essential for the growth of solid tumors. The determinants of this process, the growth factors and the vascular endothelial receptors have brought a potential in the tumor prognostic determination as well as perspectives of “targets” for antiangiogenic therapy. In oligodendrogliomas (OL), angiogenesis is little known and/or has generated conflicting results. In order to clarify angiogenesis in OL, we have evaluated the immunohistochemical expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the microvascular density (MVD) through the expression of TGF-β (CD105/endoglin) (MVD-CD105) and CD34 (MVD-CD34) receptors using the Chalkley point method in 30 OL. No significant immune reaction was found for the VEGF. There was expression in <10% of tumor cells and/or staining of weak intensity in 15 (50.0%), >10% of cells and moderate intensity staining in 1 (3.33%), and negative expression in 14 (46.67%). If present, the expression was restricted to tumor and endothelial cells. Our findings suggest that VEGF has little influence on OL angiogenesis. All specimens showed CD105 and CD34 expression in the intratumor vascular endothelium, suggesting involvement of CD105 in OL angiogenesis. The mean ± SD MVD-CD105 and MVD-CD34 were 10.83 ± 2.24 and 11.00 ± 2.76 in OL ( P = 0.086; r = 0.319); 10.00 ± 2.00 and 10.40 ± 3.02 in OL grade II ( n = 15) ( P = 0.547; r = 0.105), and 11.67 ± 2.22 and 11.53 ± 2.45 in OL grade III ( n = 15) ( P = 0.817; r = 0.551), respectively. The absence of correlation between DMV-CD105, DMV-CD34 and tumor grades suggests that anti-CD105 and anti-CD34 antibodies have different vascular specificities. MVD-CD105 was greater in OL grade III than in OL grade II ( P = 0.0032), indicating an increase in the vascular neoformation, something which must be evaluated as a possible prognostic factor in OL. Both TGF-β and CD105 bring perspectives as “targets” for antiangiogenic treatments in OL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solitary fibrous tumors are rare spindle cell neoplasms usually arising in the pleura. They have, however, also been reported at extrapleural locations. Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) of the kidney is rare. Despite its rarity, histological diagnosis of solitary fibrous tumor is crucial to avoid misdiagnosis with other more aggressive tumors arising in the kidney. We report a solitary fibrous tumor of the left kidney that presented as a malignant tumor in a 51-year-old woman, and include clinical and radiographic findings. The tumor was well circumscribed and composed of spindle cells in a collagenous stroma. Immunohistochemistry showed reactivity for vimentin, CD 34, BCL-2 protein and CD99. Immunohistochemical stains for cytokeratin, S-100, desmin, α-smooth muscle actin and HMB-45 were negative. A diagnosis of SFT was made based on light microscopy and immunohistochemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A solitary fibrous liver tumor is a rare disease that is difficult to diagnose. Radiological findings are not specific and cannot confirm benignity or malignancy. Immunohistologically, CD 34, Vimentin, and Desmin should be used as markers to precisely diagnose solitary fibrous tumors. In most cases, there is low cellularity with no cellular atypia or necrosis, making this a benign lesion. Occasionally, a large size, high mitotic rate, cellular pleomorphism and atypia, and necrosis are interpreted as features suggestive of an increase malignant potential. The outcome of solitary fibrous tumor mostly is related to resectability, although correlated with neither pathological grade nor tumor size. Thus, total surgical resection of the neoplasm is most commonly proposed. Physicians should be alerted that solitary fibrous tumor of the liver can be malignant and can metastasize. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background : In recent years there have been clear improvements in the procurement of peripheral blood progenitor cells (PBPC) for autologous transplantation, such as the description of more effective mobilization regimens and the use of CD34 monitoring to determine the appropriate time to start collection. However, currently there is no accurate method of predicting the volume of blood required to be processed by apheresis to yield the target number of CD34 + progenitor cells. Methods : This study was performed to determine whether there is a correlation between the harvested number of CD34 + cells per kilogram body weight and the 'CD34 prediction score' calculated from the concentration of CD34 + cells in the blood prior to harvest, the blood volume processed, and the patient's weight. Results : A strong correlation between the CD34 prediction score and the quantity of CD34 + cells harvested was found. This facilitated the construction of an algorithm for calculating the minimum volume of blood required to be processed by apheresis to yield the target number of CD34 + cells. Subsequent validation of the algorithm facilitated successful tailoring of the apheresis time. Discussion : The ability to accurately calculate the minimum volume of blood to be processed by apheresis to yield a target number of PBPC produces significant benefits in patient management, cost savings and equipment utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We inquired whether stem cell fractions in peripheral blood stem cell harvest could be precisely detected by using a hematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) counting system applied to an automated hematology analyzer, SE-9000. Although there was an apparent increase in the HPCs 20 h after storage in nondiluted conditions, samples diluted with RPMI-1640 containing 1.0 mg/ml EDTA-2K showed a relatively stable number of HPCs. There was a significant relationship between HPCs and CD34 cells (n = 75, r = 0.769). This method may represent the least expensive and most time-effective way for stem cell estimation in harvest products.Copyright © 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The case of a 95-year-old Japanese female with a giant intramural tumor located in the upper third of the stomach is reported. A preoperative study using an endoscopic examination and gastrointestinal series revealed a large submucosal tumor with a deep concavity in the center of the surface accompanied by continuous bleeding. The tumor was removed by a minimal laparotomy instead of laparoscopic surgery because of its large size (8 × 7 × 6 cm). Its tissues were sampled, and examined by light microscopy, immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. The tumor was vaguely encapsulated but had foci of partial infiltration of the capsule. It was comprised of spindle cells with severe nuclear pleomorphism. The mitotic count was four per 50 high-power fields. The tumor was stained strongly positive for vimentin, CD 34 and c-Kit, and weakly positive for neuron-specific enolase; had fine granular cytoplasmic stainings for synaptophysin; and was negative for cytokeratins, smooth muscle actin and S-100 protein. These immunohistochemical results strongly suggest that this tumor was a gastrointestinal autonomic nerve tumor (GANT); the ultrastructural findings, however, had no electron microscopic characteristics of the GANT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The clinical, radiologic and pathologic features of a case of parasagittal solitary fibrous tumor of the meninges are reported. The patient was a 44 year-old male who presented with a complex partial seizure and a history of headaches and confusion. Radiological studies showed a large extra-axial dural-based mass in the right parietal region, predominantly isointense with gray matter and hypointense with respect to white matter on T1-weighted images, and hypointense with respect to gray matter on T2-weighted images. At surgery, the mass was very vascular, quite firm and very adherent to the convexity. Histologically the tumor was composed of spindle-shaped cells growing in fascicles within a collagenous matrix. Solitary fibrous tumor of the meninges is a newly described entity, which should be kept in mind in the clinical and radiological differential diagnosis of extra-axial brain tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a new case of solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) of the liver, an extremely rare neoplasm. Including the present case no more than ten cases are reported in the English-language literature. To date there is no definite proof of the origin of this tumor. Both mesothelial and fibroblas-tic genesis has been postulated. The monoclonal antibody CD 34 has recently been used for the characterization of SFT. SFT would appear to be histogenetically related to a CD 34 — positive fibroblastic stem cell. A 61-year-old woman was admitted to our department with epigastric and right hypochondriac pain, weight loss, and hypoglycemia. Ultrasonography and computed tomography demonstrated a large heterogeneous mass in the right hepatic lobe. A right hepatectomy was performed. The tumor weighed 2850 g and microscopic section revealed a peculiar random pattern, the so-called patternless pattern of spindle tumor cells separated by abundant thick collagen bands. The tumor presented a number of highly cellular areas composed of plump spindle cell with hyperchromatic nuclei and rare mitotic figures. Ninety percent of the neoplastic cells displayed strong immunoreactivity for CD 34/My 10. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient is alive and well without recurrence 6 years after surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of both 13- cis-and all- trans retinoic acid (RA) on colony formation of normal bone marrow (BM) progenitors were investigated in semi-solid (methylcellulose) assays, using either isolated CD 34+ cells or BM mononuclear cells. Single cell liquid cultures were performed to further discriminate between direct and indirect effects. RA action results in significant decrease of colony forming units (CFUs). This effect is more pronounced starting from CD 34+ progenitors than starting from total BM. This overall decrease in CFUs is due to selective inhibition of CFU-M (macrophage) and erythroid colonies (BFU-E). At the single cell level the CFU-M inhibition is confirmed with - in addition - a significant inhibition of CFU-GM (granulocyte-macrophage) and a marked stimulation of CFU-G(granulocyte)s. Both retinoids exert the above-mentioned effects. All- trans RA, however, is effective at a tenfold lower concentration (10 M) than 13- cis RA (10 M). Results on CD 34+ BM fractions (substantially reduced in accessory cells) demonstrate that the described effects can probably be attributed to the direct action of RA on these progenitors; single progenitor (CD 34+) cell liquid cultures further prove this point. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Expression of selected adhesion molecules of the integrin and immunoglobulin family was investigated on CD 34+ leukemic cells in 19 AML and 11 ALL cases to evaluate phenotypic differences in adhesive properties of malignant hematopoietic precursor cells in comparison to normal bone marrow CD 34+ cells. Of the β2-integrin family, CD 11a was expressed on > 50% of CD 34+ cells in normal bone marrow and almost all leukemias, whereas CD 11 b and CD 11 c were not expressed on CD 34+ cells in normal bone marrow, but were found on CD 34+ blasts in some leukemias of a heterogeneous immunophenotype. Of the β 1-family, CDw 49d (VLA-4) was strongly expressed on normal CD 34+ bone marrow cells and on the blasts of all 30 CD 34+ leukemic samples, whereas CDw 49 b (VLA-2) was absent on CD 34+ cells in normal bone marrow, but detected on CD 34+ cells in a few leukemias which did not constitute a clinical or phenotypic entity according to the FAB classification or immunocytological analysis. The lymphocyte-homing-associated adhesion molecule CD 44 (HCAM) and CD 58 (LFA-3) were expressed on CD 34+ cells in all investigated cases of normal and leukemic bone marrow. ICAM-1 (CD 54), the inducible receptor ligand for CD 11 a/CD 18, although present on CD 34+ cells in normal bone marrow, was lacking on blast cells of some ALL and AML cases. So far, the variable expression of β2-integrins as well as of VLA-2 and of ICAM-1 could indicate distinct differences in cell-cell or cell-matrix adhesion of leukemic cells in ALL and AML patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura (SFTP) in a 37-year-old woman was reported as a rare pleural tumor based on morphological, immunohistochemical, and electron microscopic studies. The results showed that the tumor was composed of spindle-shaped cells forming fascicular and interlacing patterns with a mixture of mature collagen. The tumor cells coexpressed vimentin and CD34 and lacked cytokeratin reactivity. Ultrastructurally, there were abundant collagenous fibrillae surrounding spindle-shaped cells in which the junctional complex, basement membrane-like structure, and microvilli were not seen. From literature review and observation of the morphological features around the tumor, we consider that the tumor originated from the stromal cells subjacent to the mesothelium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) represents a spectrum of mesenchymal tumors, encompassing tumors previously termed hemangiopericytoma, as having intermediate biological potential. Though they can occur at any site, lower distal extremity is a rare site and recurrence in it is extremely rare. Behavior of SFT is unpredictable. Histomorphology and clinical follow-up have poor correlation. The most important single indicator of clinical outcome is complete excision of the tumor at the time of primary presentation. Tumors with positive margins require close follow-up for several years owing to the potential for late local recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]