Brillouin scattering for refractive index sensing in non-adiabatic tapers.

We demonstrate the use of non-adiabatic tapers for refractive index sensing in optical fibers based on Brillouin scattering. By exciting higher order optical modes along the taper, the Brillouin gain spectrum becomes multipeaked, where each peak exhibits a different sensitivity to the refractive index of the surrounding medium. By this method, we demonstrate a sensitivity enhancement of the Brillouin frequency shift to refractive index changes by a factor of ≈ 4, compared to an adiabatic taper with the same waist diameter. Furthermore, the use of the spectral difference between two Brillouin gain peaks provides a temperature-independent measurement of the external refractive index.

Hybrid Brillouin/Rayleigh sensor for multiparameter measurements in optical fibers.

We present a hybrid Brillouin/Rayleigh sensor for multiparameter sensing in optical fibers. The system makes use of a single laser pulse to excite both Rayleigh and Brillouin backscattering in the same optical fiber. In the detection path, the backscattered signals are separated based on their different wavelengths. The system is capable of determining simultaneously the Brillouin frequency shift (BFS) of the fiber, as well as the frequency contents of any vibration acting on the same fiber as recovered by phase sensitive OTDR (ϕ-OTDR) measurements. The reported experiments show the possibility to perform simultaneous temperature and vibration measurements, as well as to perform dynamic strain measurements combining the information provided by slope-assisted Brillouin scattering measurements, with those provided by amplitude-based ϕ-OTDR measurements.

Theoretical and experimental comparison of a distributed acoustic sensor at 850- and 1550-nm wavelengths.

In this paper, we analyze the performance of a distributed acoustic sensor at two different interrogation wavelengths. We show theoretically that, in a coherent optical time-domain reflectometry (OTDR) operating at 850 nm, the dynamic signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is enhanced, compared to an identical configuration operating at 1550 nm. Such enhancement is maximum at the interrogating pulse input section, while decreasing along the fiber in virtue of the higher loss. Experimental tests, carried out using two heterodyne C-OTDR detection schemes operating at the analyzed wavelengths, confirm the SNR improvement.

Intense Foxp3+ CD25+ regulatory T-cell infiltration is associated with high-grade cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and counterbalanced by CD8+/Foxp3+ CD25+ ratio.

BACKGROUND: Recent reports have revealed the therapeutic potential of cell-mediated immunity in neoplasms such as cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). OBJECTIVES: To define the antigenic coexpression of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) and assess the CD8(+) /Foxp3(+) CD25(+) cell ratio at peritumoral and intratumoral levels in order to investigate a correlation with the aggressiveness of SCC tumours. METHODS: We evaluated the content and distribution of Foxp3(+) CD25(+) Treg and CD123(+) pDC infiltration and assessed CD8(+) /Foxp3(+) CD25(+) cell ratio at peritumoral and intratumoral levels in 40 SCCs (20 well-differentiated, G1; and 20 moderately to poorly differentiated, G2-G3) to investigate a correlation with their aggressiveness. We determined the profiles of Tregs and CD123(+) cells; immunostained for CD4, CD8, CD123, interleukin (IL)-1 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1; and unequivocally double stained for Foxp3CD25. RESULTS: Peritumorally, CD4, CD8 and Foxp3 expression showed no difference between the two groups. CD123(+) cells were fewer in G2-G3 (P = 0·0005), while Foxp3(+) CD25(+) cells were more numerous (P = 0·0005). The Foxp3(+) CD25(+) /Foxp3(+) ratio was higher in G2-G3 cases (P = 0·0005), confirming the trend in this group of activated T lymphocytes towards total Treg Foxp3(+) cells, while the CD8(+) /Foxp3(+) CD25(+) ratio was higher in G1 (P = 0·0005). Intratumorally, CD4(+) and CD8(+) cells infiltrated G2-G3 (P = 0·048) more than G1 (P = 0·004), whereas almost all cells were CD123 negative. Regarding Foxp3CD25, TGF-ß1 and IL-10, they were less expressed in G1, whereas they were positive in G2-G3 (P < 0·05). The CD8(+) /Foxp3(+) CD25(+) ratio was similar to that observed in peritumoral infiltration. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that intratumoral recruitment of Tregs, high expression of TGF-ß1 and IL-10, almost negative CD123+, and a low CD8(+) /Foxp3(+) CD25(+) T-cell ratio may contribute to the aggressiveness of cutaneous SCC, as already evidenced for other solid tumours.

Unspecific redness of the eyelid--two malignant tumours.

BACKGROUND: Chronic, non- or little pigmented reddish or brownish lesions on the lid margin and the surrounding skin are frequently underestimated and thus carry a clear risk of malignancy. HISTORY AND SIGNS: A 61-year-old lady was referred with a chronic, reddish lesion in the medial third of the left lower lid after a topical therapy over a period of 4 months had not improved the situation. She noticed the lesion for the first time 10 previously. Recurrent trichiasis and a slight ulceration had developed during the last year. THERAPY AND OUTCOME: After an unclear result of the biopsy (2)/ (3) of the left lower lid were removed because of atypical cells ascending into the epidermis. A superficial spreading melanoma 0.4 mm depth in the Breslow classification was detected and right next to it a superficial basal cell carcinoma. The lid defect was reconstructed with a tarsoconjunctival flap and a free full thickness skin graft as described by Hughes. CONCLUSION: Chronic redness at or around the lid margin which does not respond to therapy should be biopsied as malignant tumours may well be hidden behind it.

The effects of chronic exercise on anesthesia induced hepatotoxicity.

UNLABELLED: A hypoxic rat model of halothane-induced hepatotoxicity, which is known to produce liver damage, was used to determine the effects of chronic exercise on halothane-induced hepatotoxicity and on reduced hepatic glutathione (GSH) levels. Metabolism of volatile anesthetics may generate metabolites that can cause mild and transient hepatotoxicity. METHODS: Six male Sprague-Dawley rats completed a 10-wk (5 d x wk(-1)) treadmill running protocol. Twelve age-matched animals were used as sedentary controls. After the completion of exercise training, rats were exposed for 2 h to 1% halothane in 14% O2. Twenty-four hours later, animals were anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital and sacrificed. Livers were excised, stained, and evaluated for hepatotoxicity using a histopathological 0 (normal) to 5 (severe damage) point categorical scale and for the determination of GSH levels. RESULTS: Median histopathologic scores revealed significantly lower indications of hepatotoxicity in exercise animals as compared with control animals (score = 0.25 vs 1.50; P < 0.05). Liver damages scores between 1 and 5 were observed in 75% (9 of 12) of the control animals, whereas only 1 of 6 exercise animals had a score greater than 1 (P < 0.05). No significant difference was observed in reduced GSH levels. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic exercise improves the detoxicant ability of the liver for halothane anesthesia as noted by the ameliorated liver damage and reduced incidence of halothane-induced hepatotoxicity in the exercise animals.

Characterization of an antibody that can detect an activated IGF-I receptor in human cancers.

The type 1 insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF-IR) plays an important role in malignant transformation and in apoptosis. Its role in human cancer has now been firmly established. IGF-IR signaling occurs only when the receptor is activated by its ligands, which induce autophosphorylation of the receptor at several tyrosine residues. Although the IGF-IR (phosphorylated or not) can be detected in human cancers with conventional antibodies, it would be desirable to obtain antibodies that can detect the IGF-IR only when activated by its ligands. We describe and characterize in this paper such an antibody and show that it can be used in sections of human cancers to detect an autophosphorylated IGF-IR. This antibody will be useful in detecting autocrine or paracrine influences on normal and tumor cells and could eventually be also useful in diagnostic and prognostic studies of human primary and metastatic cancer.

Superior mesenteric arterial occlusion from a leiomyoma.

We report a solitary leiomyoma of the superior mesenteric artery resulting in arterial occlusion and gangrenous bowel. On histologic evaluation the lesion extended into the vessel lumen off its stalk and showed immunostaining for smooth muscle antigen and desmin. Leiomyomas can arise anywhere there is smooth muscle and occur most commonly in the uterus followed by the skin and gastrointestinal tract. We could not identify any previous case in the literature of a leiomyoma arising from within the wall of a mesenteric vessel.

Life-threatening vasculitis associated with sarcoidosis.

We document the case of a young woman with an 8-year history of sarcoidosis managed with low doses of prednisone, who presented with leu-cocytoclastic and medium-size vessel vasculitis. She developed first a hemorrhagic stroke, followed by malignant hypertension and gangrene of the limbs requiring multiple amputations. Vasculitis preceding or associated with sarcoidosis is an uncommon event, rarely leading to a life-threatening complication requiring intense immunosuppressive therapy. In this patient, otherwise unexplained severe vasculitis occurred during low dose corticosteroid therapy and in the absence of active sarcoidosis. Vasculitis must be considered a cause of various complications in patients with sarcoidosis.

The cardiopulmonary, eicosanoid, and tissue microanatomic effects of fluconazole during graded bacteremia.

Imidazole compounds have been shown to be beneficial in systemic sepsis and inflammation. The purpose of this study was to delineate the effects of fluconazole on systemic hemodynamics and on microanatomy of the heart, lung, liver, and kidney parenchyma of swine during graded bacteremia. Eighteen adult swine were studied in three groups: 1), anesthesia control; 2), septic control (Aeromonas hydrophila, 10(9)/mL, infused i.v. for 4 h); 3) fluconazole (fluconazole, 30 mg/kg i.v., followed by A. hydrophila infusion). After 4 h of graded bacteremia, autopsy was performed. Compared with the septic control group, cardiac index, oxygen delivery, and oxygen consumption were reduced significantly after fluconazole pretreatment, and mixed venous hemoglobin oxygen saturation (SVO2) and oxygen extraction were increased. Plasma thromboxane A2 and leukotriene levels were not affected by fluconazole. Computerized digital image analysis of the liver, heart, and kidney specimens revealed no statistically significant differences between the septic control group and fluconazole-pretreated animals. In the lung specimens, preinfusion of fluconazole decreased alveolar wall thickness in septic swine (anesthesia control group: 8.15 x 10(-3) +/- 1.3 x 10(-3)mm versus septic control group: 9.9 x 10(-3) +/- 1.3 x 10(-4) versus fluconazole group: 6.8 x 10(-3) +/- 1.6 x 10(-3); p < or = .05). Fluconazole pretreatment before graded bacteremia has no beneficial effect on cardiopulmonary performance or septic tissue edema of the heart, kidney, or liver. Tissue oxygen metabolism might be down-regulated by fluconazole. However, preinfusion of fluconazole appears to normalize the sepsis-induced increase in pulmonary alveolar wall thickness. The net significance of these changes on clinical outcome is not clear from these data.

Method to make paraffin-embedded breast and lymph tissue mimic fresh tissue in DNA analysis.

Determination of DNA ploidy has been found to be of diagnostic and prognostic value with regard to many solid tumors. Flow cytometric analysis of DNA ploidy is dependent on the binding of fluorescent dyes to DNA. Preserving cell morphology by fixing the tissue in formalin interferes with the binding of propidium iodide (PI) and other fluorescent dyes to DNA. This distortion of DNA content measurement can cause inaccuracies in DNA-ploidy determinations of formalin-fixed tissue specimens and precludes the use of appropriate DNA standards. Therefore, it has been impossible to determine accurately the DNA ploidy of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues. Using formalin-fixed cells as a model for FFPE cells, we developed a thermal treatment method to reverse the effect of formalin on the binding of propidium iodide to DNA. Applying this approach to the preparation of FFPE lymph node and breast tissue for DNA analysis, we have developed a method that makes the binding of PI to the DNA of FFPE tissue mimic that of fresh tissue. Following dewaxing, rehydration, and trypsin treatment, the FFPE tissue, resuspended in PBS, was heated to 75 degrees C for 90 min to restore the PI binding to that of fresh cells. This method makes it possible to use fresh, DNA-diploid cells as an internal control and, thus, determine more accurately the DNA ploidy of tumors preserved in formalin and paraffin.

Relapsing, localized myositis of the head and neck after a hornet sting.

Localized myositis is a result of heterogenous group of disorders associated with variable clinical, enzyme and pathologic findings. We report the case of a young woman who developed progressive, relapsing myositis of her head and neck after a hornet sting. We provide an update about the clinical spectrum of different forms of localized myositis.

Detection and monitoring of a concomitant atypical myeloproliferative disorder and chronic lymphocytic leukemia by flow-cytometric immunophenotyping.

OBJECTIVE: To illustrate the utility of a broad panel of monoclonal antibodies to detect secondary processes or unexpected characteristics of the primary blood dyscrasia. DESIGN: Case report and discussion. SETTING: Regional academic medical center. PATIENT: A 64-year-old man presenting with an apparent acute myeloid leukemia. INTERVENTIONS: Sequential immunophenotyping with a broad panel of monoclonal antibodies to monitor progression of disease and response to therapy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Identification and monitoring of the two atypical populations in this patient with correlation to the clinical status of the patient. RESULTS: Identification of an unsuspected mature lymphoid clone and characterization of the evolution of the myelomonocytic clone. CONCLUSION: The evolving mature lymphoid clone may have been overlooked in the context of a predominant atypical myeloproliferative process, particularly if a limited panel of monoclonal antibodies had been used for immunophenotyping. Sequential immunophenotyping was useful in monitoring the progression of each atypical process.

Invasive colitis and hepatitis due to previously uncharacterized spirochetes in patients with advanced human immunodeficiency virus infection.

We describe three patients with advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, two with colitis and one with cholestatic hepatitis, for whom results of detailed endoscopic and histologic studies were suggestive of invasive spirochetosis. In the two patients with colitis, colonoscopic evaluation revealed either diffuse ulcerations or pustules; in both cases, there was histologic evidence of extensive superficial cell necrosis and infiltration of the mucosa and lamina propria with acute inflammatory cells. Spirochetes in the mucosa and crypts were visualized by Warthin-Starry silver staining. Morphologically similar spirochetes throughout the liver specimen from the patient with cholestatic hepatitis were demonstrated by Warthin-Starry silver staining. Analysis with electron microscopy revealed these organisms to be loosely coiled spirochetes. Despite extensive evaluation, no other pathogens were identified. Invasive spirochetal infection, as defined by the results of Warthin-Starry silver staining of involved tissues, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with HIV infection who have otherwise unexplained colitis or cholestatic hepatitis.

[Torsion of testicular appendages: a case of acute scrotum due to torsion of the hydatid of Morgagni]. / La torsione delle appendici del testicolo: un caso di "scroto acuto" da torsione dell'idatide del Morgagni.

The torsion of testicular appendages is the most frequent cause of acute scrotum in pediatric patients. The Authors report a case of Morgagni's hydatid torsion and stress that surgical exploration is the best therapeutical choice whenever the etiological diagnosis is uncertain.

[Cervicofacial neuroendocrine Merkel cell carcinoma: radiotherapy]. / Carcinoma neuroendocrino di Merkel del distretto cervico-facciale: radioterapia.

The Authors report a case of Merkel cell carcinoma of the cervicofacial district, particular due to its clinical and evolutive characteristics. The Merkel cell carcinoma was first identified by Toker in 1972 and is also known as a primary neuroendocrine the or trabecular carcinoma of the skin. The Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare aggressive skin cancer most frequently localized in the cervicofacial district. Although in earlier reports on the clinical history of these tumors primary emphasis was placed on their local aggressive behaviour, it has recently become evident that these neoplasms have a marked propensity for early dissemination. Distant metastases are often responsible for disease-related mortality. Merkel cell carcinoma have classically been managed with surgery alone or surgery followed by radiation therapy. Treatment of Merkel cell carcinoma with radiation therapy alone has usually been reserved for advanced unresectable tumors.

Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma of floor of mouth.

BACKGROUND: Only five cases of basaloid squamous cell carcinoma (BSCC), a rare tumor of head and neck, have been reported to involve the floor of mouth. METHODS: Clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical features of eight BSCC of floor of mouth were studied to evaluate the significance of the basaloid features. RESULTS: Five patients were male and three were female. Their mean age was 52 years (range, 39-59). At presentation, one patient was diagnosed with Stage II disease, four were diagnosed with Stage III disease, and three were diagnosed with Stage IV disease. Aside from typical squamous differentiation, each patient had a component of basaloid cells arranged in irregular nests, cords, or pseudoglandular spaces with a brisk mitotic rate, myxoid stroma, and marked tendency for perineural invasion. A panel of immunostains yielded the following results: keratin, +8/8; carcinoembryonic antigen, +3/8; and S-100, chromogranin, and neuron-specific enolase were negative. Mucin stains were negative in all cases. Ultrastructural characterization of three BSCC revealed squamous differentiation of the basaloid cells and a peculiar basal membrane-like material in between them. No neurosecretory granules were present. Seven patients underwent surgery; six of them were also treated with postoperative radiation therapy. In two cases, chemotherapy was added at recurrence. One nonresectable patient received radiation and chemotherapy. At the last follow-up, five patients were dead of disease within 13 months from the diagnosis. One patient died of an unknown cause. Two patients were still alive at the time of this report, 4 and 2 months after treatment. Seven patients had recurrent disease. The authors compared these data with a control group of patients with conventional squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). CONCLUSIONS: The authors' results indicate that BSCC of floor of mouth is an aggressive variant of SCC and is prognostically worse than the conventional SCC, regardless of the grade of the latter.

[Effects of immunomodulation on antineoplastic radiotherapy. A controlled clinical study]. / Effetti dell'immunomodulazione nella radioterapia antineoplastica. Studio clinico controllato.

It is well known that thymic hormones can counteract immunodepression due to radiation therapy, preventing and reducing the severity and the number of myelotoxic and hematologic reactions. We tried to confirm these findings in a controlled multicenter clinical study involving 1,060 patients undergoing radiation therapy (580 treated with thymopentin 50 mg s.c. every other day, after irradiation and for at least 6 cycles of 4 weeks each, and 480 control patients). Highly statistically significant results (to the ANOVA test) were obtained in the protection against radiation-induced leukopenia in the treated group; furthermore, the treated patients had a marked reduction (p = 0.003 chi 2 test) in the early delayed reactions to irradiation, namely in the upper aero-digestive tract. In general, we observed a better, but not statistically significant recovery of the blood parameters, lymphocyte subsets and skin tests in the treated group versus the control group. Both of the treated groups showed the same trend for Karnofsky performance status and body weight. The local and general protection provided by thymopentin against the reactions to irradiation could be advantageously used for the administration of higher doses of radiation therapy.

Spermatocyte chromosome analysis of Helicella virgata (Pulmonata: Helicidae): silver-stained and C-banded chromosomes.

Chromosome numbers of the snail Helicella virgata from the fields of Castellammare del Golfo (Sicily) are n = 26 and 2n = 52. Silver-staining analyses of testicular cells suggest that both mitotic and meiotic chromosomes are involved in nucleolus organization. A within-individual variability in NOR-banding pattern is present in each of the 20 specimens analyzed.