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Biomedical subjects

T Castiella

Publications and source records attributed to T Castiella.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

[Forearm malignant epithelioid schwannoma associated with melanoma].

Tumours originating in peripheric nerves usually appear in patients with neurofibromatosis (NF) signs, presenting frequent combinations of tumours in nerves and cutaneous lesions. Nevertheless, this association is very rare in cases without NF. Therefore, the aim of the present article is to present a case of malignant melanoma and malignant schwannoma, without any described NF. A 69-year-old woman with antecedents of malignant melanoma diagnosed two years previously in the dorsum of the fifth finger of the left hand, treated by means of amputation of the finger. The patient presented a malignant epithelioid schwannoma adhered to the median nerve that required elbow amputation. One month later lung metastases appeared and the patient died. This case presented no known NF sign. However, a relationship must be searched for in the common origin of melanoma and schwannoma from the embryonic neural crest.

Aged↗

Diaphragm disease of the small bowel: a case without apparent nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug use.

BACKGROUND: Diaphragm-like strictures of the small bowel are an infrequent complication of the treatment of patients with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). STUDY: We report a patient with this condition in whom the use of NSAIDs was ruled out by both clinical history and objective blood testing of current aspirin use. RESULTS: He reported a history of recurrent episodes of colic abdominal pain during the past 25 years; he underwent three surgical operations for this condition. Before these symptoms, he had an undefined abdominal process with diarrhea, weight loss, and diffuse edema, which resolved spontaneously without reaching a diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that diaphragm-like strictures might be developed as a nonspecific response to different damaging insults to the intestine and are not necessarily associated with NSAID use.

Constriction, Pathologic↗

Enteric plexus and interstitial cells of Cajal: interrelationship in the stomach of Podarcis hispanica (Reptilia). An ultrastructural study.

The ultrastructure organization of the stomach enteric plexus was examined in the lizard Podarcis hispanica. The ganglions of the myenteric plexus present a low number of nerve cell bodies with a peculiar nucleus, which occasionally establish direct contacts with cells of the circular muscle layer. Glial cells are smaller than the neurones, and their nucleus is very electron-dense. They surround the axons that constitute the fibres of the myenteric plexus. Four main types of axon profile are described in a morphological consideration of the vesicle population. In the interstice of the circular muscle layer we describe two types of interstitial cells that, due to their ultrastructural characteristics, may be equivalent to the interstitial cells of Cajal which have been described in mammalians. These cells shows parallel distribution to the stomach nerve plexuses, establishing close contacts with them through their long cytoplasmic prolongations. By means of small gap-like unions, they contact both each other and the smooth muscle cells near them. We describe a submucous plexus, where neuronal bodies are scattered among bundles of nervous fibres, some of which are myelinated. A mucous plexus with isolated neurones is located in the lamina propria. Axonal varicosities containing vesicles contact with the cells of the mucous. Interconnected interstitial cells may also be found in this plexus.

Animals↗

Tenosynovial chondromatosis of the third finger.

Synovial chondromatosis is an uncommon lesion, characterised by cartilaginous and osseous metaplasia of the joint synovium. It usually involves a large joint and rarely occurs in the hand. A case of tenosynovial chondromatosis of the third finger is reported.

Chondromatosis, Synovial↗

Intrinsic innervation in the intestine of the lizard Podarcis hispanica.

The aim of this study was the description of the morphology and distribution of nerve structure elements in the intestine of the lizard Podarcis hispanica using different histochemical methods; namely acetylcholinesterase (AChE), formol-induced fluorescence for catecholamines (FIF), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase (NADPH-d), and immunohistochemistry for vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), as well as substance P (SP) and electron microscopy. The AChE method showed fibres in the myenteric and submucosal plexus, with a higher fibre density in the large intestine. The highest number of related neurons was located in the myenteric plexus ganglia. Noradrenergic innervation was distributed through the myenteric and submucosal plexus, and also around blood vessels, with the highest fibre density in the large intestine. VIP immunohistochemistry showed a wide distribution of positive fibres throughout the intestine, although the highest density was again detected in the large intestine. Small positive cells for VIP were located at internodal segments in the plexus. SP labeling, although subtle, was present all along the intestine. It showed delicate varicose nets and few fibres innervating blood vessels. Small positive cells for SP were located in the large intestine. The indirect method to detect nitric oxide (NO)-producing system showed neural cells in the myenteric plexus ganglia of the large intestine. Electron microscopy showed ganglion neurons with scattered chromatin condensations, glial cells with higher electron density, and axons with varicosities occupied by different vesicles. We also identified certain cells as interstitial cells of Cajal due to their ultrastructural features. They were mostly located in the region of the myenteric plexus.

Acetylcholinesterase↗

[A case of multiple malignant schwannoma as the only disease in a 40-year-old patient: is this a new type of neurofibromatosis?].

We present the case of a 40-year-old man that presented a fast growing tumour on the external side of the left elbow. The tumour was extirpated by means of marginal exerectomy. The microscopic study corresponded to epithelioid malignant schwannoma, and the patient received radiotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy. During the following years two local recidives and two new malignant schwannomas, one in the left sciatic common trunk and another paraspinal one, appeared and were extirpated. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy were again administered. In the last year, four new tumours have appeared: in the supraclavicular space, right posterior costofrenic, left costovertebral, and in the inferior abdominal wall, none of them has been extirpated or has hystologic diagnosis at the moment, however radiologic findings suggest malignant schwannomas. In this moment there is no neurologic deficiency except for the secondary ones to surgical procedures, and no neurofibromatosis types I to VII signs have been observed. So, the possibility of a new neurofibromatosis type is appointed.

Adult↗

Ganglion cysts associated with cruciate ligaments of the knee: a possible cause of recurrent knee pain.

Intraarticular ganglia of the knee are uncommon; however, these ganglion cysts may produce knee discomfort without a clear etiology. We present the cases of 10 patients with ganglion cysts arising from cruciate ligaments of the knee joint who underwent arthroscopic excision after MR examination. The MR findings, clinical features and arthroscopic findings were evaluated comparatively. Diagnoses were confirmed by means of a histological study after arthroscopic excision. The cysts were fluid-filled, with low T1-weighted signal intensity and high T2-weighted signal intensity. Except for two patients with recent accidents, the remaining eight presented chronic pain without any history of trauma. Pain was the most frequent clinical sign. It was associated with knee extension in 3 cases and with flexion in 3 cases. In 7 cases, cysts were exclusively associated with the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Only in one case was a cyst associated with an ACL rupture. Four patients presented meniscal lesions. All ganglia appeared solitary in each knee. Postarthroscopy evolution was painless in 8 patients. Histologic diagnoses corresponded to ganglion cysts. The tissues from the patient with the ACL rupture presented a fibrous reaction with myxoid degeneration forming intraligamentary ganglion cysts.

Adult↗

Hepatic lesion ablation with bipolar saline-enhanced radiofrequency in the audible spectrum.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The authors' purpose was to create larger and more regular liver lesions in vitro by testing a new hyperthermia approach that uses a bipolar saline-enhanced electrode for radiofrequency (RF) in the audible spectrum and a greater power supply. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors' hyperthermia approach (group A, n = 23) was used in excised porcine livers, and the results were compared with those of a previously described monopolar saline-enhanced electrode procedure (group B, n = 23). In each set of experiments, RF in the audible spectrum current (50 Hz) was provided for 15 minutes with a similar ablation protocol. Electrical variables (impedance, current, voltage, power, and energy), temperatures in the lesions, volume size, regularity ratio of the lesion, and microscopic findings were measured. RESULTS: In group A, the mean volume size and the mean regularity ratio values were 144.8 cm3 +/- 59.8 and 0.78 +/- 0.1, respectively. In group B, the mean volume size and regularity ratio values were 62.1 cm3 +/- 36.4 and 0.62 +/- 0.1, respectively. The values in group B were thus significantly lower than those in group A (P < .01). The lesions in group A were also more homogeneous. No significant differences were found in electrical variables. CONCLUSION: The new bipolar saline-enhanced electrode produced larger, more regular, and more homogeneous lesions ex vivo than the previously used monopolar saline-enhanced electrode method. Using a greater power supply increased the amount of coagulative necrosis.

Animals↗

DNA quantification as a prognostic factor in colorectal adenocarcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if DNA quantification, studied in cytologic samples obtained by fiberendoscopy, has predictive value in colorectal adenocarcinoma. STUDY DESIGN: Thirty patients with colorectal cancer diagnosed by cytology, endoscopy and microbiopsy, were selected. The study covered > 10 years. Smears were stained with progressive hematoxylin and processed by computer for DNA evaluation by image cytometry. RESULTS: Four different types of histograms that directly related to malignancy were obtained. These histograms were characterized by the value of entropy, and we established four grades of aggressiveness. Finally, we obtained two large groups: high and low grade of malignancy. We studied the survival times in both groups and used a Kaplan-Meier survival curve for the high grade group. We confirmed the results statistically and found that there was a significant relationship, with P < .05. CONCLUSION: We strongly advise the use of DNA quantification by image cytometry in daily surgery as a prognostic indicator of survival time in colorectal cancer.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Experimental model of multidirectional disc hernia in rats.

We have carried out an experimental investigation of lesions of the intervertebral disc produced by flexion, lateral bending and rotational forces in an attempt to produce disc herniations. Adult Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: control and posterior, lateral and rotational herniation. There were 10 rats in each group. The tail between the 5th and 8th vertebral segments was used. A Kirschner wire was inserted into each of 2 adjacent vertebrae and the movement produced had an apex which was anterior or lateral depending on the group involved. Variables such as rupture of the annulus, the cellularity of the nucleus pulposus and the site of the lesion in the disc were studied histologically. The height of the disc, the protrusion, the thickness, and the surfaces of the annulus fibrosus and the nucleus pulposus were measured. In every case we found a nuclear displacement which did not become a protrusion. The surface parameters and the cellularity of the nucleus pulposus are most useful indicators and should be included in any study examining the disc after the injection of substances for treatment.

Animals↗

Histochemical, immunohistochemical, and electron microscopy study of the caudal portion of the chicken intestinal nerve of Remak.

In order to deepen our knowledge of the different components of the chicken intestinal nerve of Remak (I.N.R.), we have studied it by means of histochemical, immunohistochemical and electron microscopy techniques to distinguish the different neurotransmitters. We have found cholinergic cell bodies, as well as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) positive neuronal fibers, forming part of the web that constitutes the I.N.R. in its caudal portion, with a higher density of neuronal bodies in the ganglia. We also observed catecholaminergic neuronal bodies and fibers, located fundamentally in the periphery of the nerve, and a low density of catecholaminergic cell bodies. With respect to the vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and substance P (SP) positive peptidergic innervation, we found more abundant neuronal bodies positive for the V.I.P. than for S.P. Electron microscopy corroborated the results observed under the optic microscope, showing the various types of vesicles containing different neurotransmitters.

Acetylcholinesterase↗

Intrinsic innervation of a reptilian esophagus (Podarcis hispanica).

We study the esophagus of Podarcis hispanica through different methods to clarify the structure and affinities of its wall innervation. The acetylcholinesterase method reveals cholinesterase activity in two submucosal nervous plexuses, with an increasing degree of structural complexity in the reptilian esophagus, compared with amphibians. Noradrenergic innervation, detected through fluorescence induced by formol, widely spreads its network in both the myenteric and submucosal plexuses (around the blood vessels in the external submucosal plexus, and to the glandular lamina propria in the inner submucosal plexus). Immunohistochemistry for vasoactive intestinal peptide shows a widespread innervation, with neurons clustered in ganglia and also scattered through the VIPergic network, only at the myenteric plexus. Immunohistochemistry for substance P shows a rich innervation along the entire wall of the esophagus, more concentrated in its caudal region, around the blood vessels. Electron microscopy shows the enteric neuronal ultrastructure and its relationship with the esophagus wall.

Acetylcholinesterase↗

DNA quantification as a prognostic factor in gastric adenocarcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if DNA quantification, studied in cytologic samples obtained by fiberendoscopy, has predictive value in gastric adenocarcinoma. The survival times of patients in whom the tumor was the cause of death were considered variables of interest. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty-nine patients with gastric cancer, diagnosed by cytology, endoscopy and microbiopsy, were selected. The study was done over more than 10 years. Smears were stained with progressive hematoxylin and processed by computer for DNA evaluation by image cytometry. RESULTS: Four different types of histograms that directly relate to tumoral malignancy were obtained. These histograms were characterized by the value of entropy. We established four grades of aggressiveness. Then we obtained two large groups: high and low grade of malignancy. We studied the survival times in both groups and constructed a Kaplan-Meier survival curve for the high grade of malignancy group. We confirmed the results statistically and found that there was a significant relationship, with P < .05. CONCLUSION: The use of DNA quantification by image cytometry is strongly advised in daily surgery as a prognostic indicator of survival time in gastric adenocarcinoma patients.

Adenocarcinoma↗

The autonomic innervation of the liver and gallbladder of Rana ridibunda.

1--The innervation of the liver and gallbladder of Rana ridibunda has been studied by the following methods: (a) demonstration of cholinesterase activity; (b) FIF method for catecholamines; (c) immunohistochemistry for VIP and (d) electron microscopy. 2--The hepatocytes are arranged in regular rows of hepatic cords, very little connective tissue is distributed in the parenchyma, the innervation being restricted to the big branches of blood vessels. 3--Well defined cholinergic and adrenergic plexuses surround the hepatic arteries, portal veins and biliary ducts. The VIPergic innervation is scarce in the liver but a richly branched plexus spreads in the wall of the gallbladder. 4--Cholinesterase-positive cells are widely distributed accompanying the nerve trunks of the gallbladder. The innervation distribution is prominent in the portion of the gallbladder next to the hepatic hilus. 5--A population of melanin-storing cells besides free melanin granules are present in the liver parenchyma and are prominent in the gallbladder where the melanocytes are disposed in close contact with blood vessels and nerve structures. We have observed that the number of these visceral melanocytes considerably increases in winter, particularly in the liver.

Acetylcholinesterase↗

Melanin storing cells in anuran gut.

1. The location, distribution and morphological characteristics of the pigment cells found in the frog gut are described. 2. The pigment cells show long and large protoplasmic projections. At the ultrastructural level, the nucleus is elongated with prominent nucleolus and dense marginal chromatin. The cytoplasm is full with pigment granules (2500-7500 A) and typical premelanosome structures have been observed. 3. The pigment cells number is higher in the esophagus and large intestine than in the stomach or small intestine and the pigment cells are always located in close contact with blood vessels and nervous structures (ganglia and fibres). 4. We have observed that the pigment content depends upon seasonal variations, increasing during the cold months. 5. We have demonstrated by histological methods that the cells pigment content is melanin. 6. According to their morphological and tinctorial characteristics the anuran gut melanin storing cells are similar to the skin epidermal melanocytes.

Animals↗

[Periosteal desmoid].

A case of periosteal desmoid is studied. Being of a rather often incidence in children it might be confused with others lesions located on distal femoral metaphysis and which sometimes form part of pathology typical of the developing skeleton as cortical defects and non osteogenic fibromas and the others which might be a question of malignant process. Periosteal desmoid is characterized by appearing as a radiolucent lesion with periosteal speculation of the dorsomedial cortical wall of the medial femoral condyle, on adductor insertion zone. Simple radiology study in these lesions must be emphasized, without necessity to use more cruel techniques.

Adolescent↗