Cryopreservation of goldfish caudal fin explants using glycerol as a cryoprotecant.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of glycerol on the cryopreservation fin explants of goldfish, Carassius auratus. Four different concentrations, 5, 10, 15, and 20% (v/v) of glycerol and a control were tested. These were prepared in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium with 20% (v/v) Fetal Bovine Serum. Attachment and outgrowing rates were monitored from day 3 to day 14. Results showed that fin explants cryopreserved in 20% concentration of glycerol was significantly higher (P < 0.05) with a 100% attachment rate compared to 5, 10, and 15% concentrations with 36.67, 84.19 and 86.51% attachment rate, respectively. Fin explants cryopreserved in 20% glycerol concentration also had significantly higher (P < 0.05) outgrowth of cells (73%) than the other three concentrations on day 3. Moreover, a 100% outgrowth of cells in all concentrations was achieved after 14 days of culture. No attachment and out growth of cells were observed in control group. Goldfish caudal fin explants cryopreserved in glycerol can produce live cells efficiently, regardless of concentration.

Teratoma quístico mediastinal: reporte de dos casos / Mediastinal cystic teratoma: reviw of two cases

Los teratomas extragonadales son más frecuentes en la región sacro coccígea y en el mediastino. En el presente trabajo se reportan dos casos de teratomas mediastinales que simularon procesos infecciosos. Estos casos se presentaron en el primer semestre del año 2000 y representan la casuística del Instituto Autónomo Hospital Universitario de los Andes (IAHULA) en un periodo de diez años (1996-2005). Dos pacientes pediátricos de 10 años y 8 meses de edad respectivamente, ingresaron con los diagnósticos de absceso pulmonar y bronconeumonía con manifestaciones clínicas de tos, disnea, malestar general y fiebre. Se realizó toracotomia posterolateral con resección total de la neoplasia. En ambos casos la pieza quirúrgica correspondió a masa tumoral multiloculada, con espacios ocupados por material sebáceo, pelos y sangre. Histológicamente se demostró la presencia de células neoplásicas parenquimatosas derivadas de más de un estrato germinal. Los teratomas mediastinales son poco frecuente durante la infancia, pero el diagnóstico debe ser considerado en niños con sintomatología respiratoria. El diagnóstico definitivo se realizó después del examen morfológico de la pieza quirúrgica. El diagnóstico microscópico fue sencillo y no requirió de técnicas histológicas adicionales. El tratamiento de elección en estos casos es quirúrgico. La evolución de los pacientes cinco años después es satisfactoria.

[Mediastinal cystic teratoma. Review of two cases]. / Teratoma quístico mediastinal. Reporte de dos casos.

Extragonadal teratomas are more frequent in the mediastinum and sacrococcygeal region. In this work, two cases of mature mediastinal teratoma, that simulated infection processes are reported. These cases appeared during the last semester of the year 2000 and represent the casuistry of the University Hospital of The Andes (IAHULA) between 1996 and 2005. Two patients, one ten-year-old and the other eight-month-old were admitted at the hospital with a diagnosis of bronchopneumonia and pulmonary abscess with clinical manifestations of cough, dyspnea and chest pain. During surgery, a multicystic tumor composed of fat, sebaceous and mucinous materials, hair, mineralized elements and blood was found in both cases. A histological examination revealed the presence of neoplastic cells derived from more than one germinal strata. Teratomas are infrequent, but the diagnosis must be considered in children with respiratory symptoms. A full histological examination was required to reach a definitive diagnosis. The histological diagnosis was easily performed by conventional light microscopic examination. No additional techniques were necessary. Surgical resection should thus be the first choice for treatment. Four years later, there is no evidence of tumor recurrence.