Submicrometer metallic barcodes.

We synthesized multimetal microrods intrinsically encoded with submicrometer stripes. Complex striping patterns are readily prepared by sequential electrochemical deposition of metal ions into templates with uniformly sized pores. The differential reflectivity of adjacent stripes enables identification of the striping patterns by conventional light microscopy. This readout mechanism does not interfere with the use of fluorescence for detection of analytes bound to particles by affinity capture, as demonstrated by DNA and protein bioassays.

Ionic liquids based on FeCl(3) and FeCl(2). Raman scattering and ab initio calculations.

We have prepared ionic liquids by mixing either iron(II) chloride or iron(III) chloride with 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (BMIC). Iron(II) chloride forms ionic liquids from a mole ratio of 1 FeCl(2)/3 BMIC to almost 1 FeCl(2)/1 BMIC. Both Raman scattering and ab initio calculations indicate that FeCl(4)(2-) is the predominant iron-containing species in these liquids. Iron(III) chloride forms ionic liquids from a mole ratio of 1 FeCl(3)/1.9 BMIC to 1.7 FeCl(3)/1 BMIC. When BMIC is in excess, Raman scattering indicates the presence of FeCl(4-). When FeCl(3) is in excess, Fe(2)Cl(7-) begins to appear and the amount of Fe(2)Cl(7-) increases with increasing amounts of FeCl(3). Ionic liquids were also prepared from a mixture of FeCl(2) and FeCl(3) and are discussed. Finally, we have used both Hartree-Fock and density functional theory methods to compute the optimized structures and vibrational spectra for these species. An analysis of the results using an all-electron basis set, 6-31G, as well as two different effective core potential basis sets, LANL2DZ and CEP-31G is presented.

Wrinkling due to mid-dermal elastolysis: two cases and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Mid-dermal elastolysis is an acquired disorder of elastic tissue clinically characterized by diffuse fine wrinkling, most often of the trunk and arms. Histologically, a clear band of elastolysis is present in the mid-dermis. OBJECTIVE: Although examples of diffuse elastolysis are well known, only a small number of patients with mid-dermal elastolysis have been reported to date. We present two patients with clinical and histological evidence of mid-dermal elastolysis, review the literature, and summarize the salient features of some common disorders of elastic tissue. METHODS: The first patient presented with fine wrinkles and papules over the upper arms, upper chest, and axillae, and demonstrated increased laxity of the eyelids. The second patient had striking wrinkles extending in a band-like pattern on her arms, upper chest, back, and abdomen. Neither one of our patients had a previous history of skin inflammation, urticaria, or any other underlying diseases related to their skin changes. Skin biopsies were taken from lesional and perilesional skin of both patients, and were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and with elastic tissue stain. In addition, a tissue sample from Patient 1 was fixed for electron-microscopy. RESULTS: Hematoxylin and eosin stains did not demonstrate specific changes or diagnostic patterns. However, elastic tissue stains revealed a band-like loss of elastic tissue in the mid-dermis. Elastic tissue in the remaining superficial and deep dermis stained normally. Electron-microscopy was consistent with these findings and revealed significant loss of elastic tissue limited to the mid-dermis. CONCLUSION: We have presented two cases of mid-dermal elastolysis and reviewed the literature. To date, the pathophysiology of mid-dermal elastolysis had not been elucidated and no definitive therapy exists.

Self-Assembled Metal Colloid Monolayers: An Approach to SERS Substrates.

The self-assembly of monodisperse gold and silver colloid particles into monolayers on polymer-coated substrates yields macroscopic surfaces that are highly active for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). Particles are bound to the substrate through multiple bonds between the colloidal metal and functional groups on the polymer such as cyanide (CN), amine (NH(2)), and thiol (SH). Surface evolution, which can be followed in real time by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and SERS, can be controlled to yield high reproducibility on both the nanometer and the centimeter scales. On conducting substrates, colloid monolayers are electrochemically addressable and behave like a collection of closely spaced microelectrodes. These favorable properties and the ease of monolayer construction suggest a widespread use for metal colloid-based substrates.

A comparison of the efficacy and safety of Jessner's solution and 35% trichloroacetic acid vs 5% fluorouracil in the treatment of widespread facial actinic keratoses.

BACKGROUND AND DESIGN: We compared the efficacy and safety of a medium-depth chemical peel with those of the standard regimen of topical fluorouracil in the treatment of widespread facial actinic keratoses (AK). Fifteen patients with severe facial actinic damage and similar numbers of AK on both sides of the face were treated on the left side with a single application of Jessner's solution and 35% trichloroacetic acid and on the right side with twice daily applications of 5% fluorouracil cream for 3 weeks. Evaluations were conducted before treatment and at 1, 6, and 12 months after treatment. Visible AK were counted, random skin biopsies performed, adverse effects monitored, and patients questioned about preference and perception of efficacy. RESULTS: Both treatments reduced the number of visible AK by 75% and produced equivalent reductions in keratinocyte atypia, hyperkeratosis, parakeratosis, and inflammation, with no significant alteration of preexisting solar elastosis and telangiectasia. Except for erythema that lasted 3 months in one patient, no untoward side effects were observed with the chemical peel. The majority of patients preferred the peel over fluorouracil because of the single application and less morbidity. CONCLUSION: The medium-depth peel induced by Jessner's solution and 35% trichloroacetic acid is a useful alternative therapeutic option for widespread facial AK, particularly for poorly compliant patients, because it equals fluorouracil in efficacy while being superior in terms of the convenience of a single application with little associated morbidity.

The relationship between basal cell epithelioma and seborrheic keratosis. A study of 60 cases.

BACKGROUND: Various skin tumors can be seen rarely in association with seborrheic keratosis. We present 60 cases of seborrheic keratosis related to a basal cell epithelioma in the same specimen. OBJECTIVE: To report association of basal cell epithelioma with seborrheic keratosis and discuss the possibility of malignant change in seborrheic keratosis. METHODS: Sixty cases of seborrheic keratosis associated with basal cell epithelioma were studied. Tissues were fixed in neutral buffered formalin, processed, and stained with standard hematoxylin and eosin techniques. RESULTS: Histological evaluation showed a seborrheic keratosis associated with basal cell epithelioma in all of the cases. Basal cell epithelioma was attached with seborrheic keratosis in a majority of the cases (40/60) and appeared to represent a part of the same tumor. Both tumors were lying adjacent to each other in the rest of the cases (20/60). CONCLUSION: Malignant change in seborrheic keratosis is controversial. We recommend the histological evaluation of seborrheic keratosis especially when inflamed or atypical in appearance. This should not be taken as a mandate for pathological evaluation or for treatment of every seborrheic keratosis as though it was potentially malignant.

Sweat gland adenomas: immunohistochemical study with emphasis on myoepithelial differentiation.

Thirty-one dermal appendage tumors of sweat gland differentiation including 7 spiradenomas (SPA), 8 cylindromas (CYL), 8 acrospiromas (ACS), and 8 chondroid syringomas (CS) were analyzed using antibodies to epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), cytokeratin (AE1, AE3, CAM 5.2, 34BE12), S-100 protein, actin (ACT), and desmin (DES) to characterize the immunocytochemical profile of benign sweat gland tumors. Cytokeratin expression was variable; AE1, 34BE12, AE3, and CAM 5.2 were present in 31, 24, 23, and 22 tumors respectively; 29 tumors contained EMA. Seventeen tumors, (6 SPA, 8 CYL, 2 ACS, 1 CS) stained with antibody to alpha smooth muscle actin, and 26 (7 SPA, 7 CYL, 4 ACS, 8 CS) expressed S-100 protein. Although some prior studies had reported actin filaments on electron microscopy in both spiradenoma and cylindroma, these tumors have previously been considered to be negative for myoepithelial differentiation. All spiradenomas and cylindromas we studied demonstrated actin and/or S-100 protein positivity in basal epithelial cells, consistent with myoepithelial differentiation. The organization of actin and S-100 protein positivity displayed by the spiradenomas and cylindromas we studied suggests that the tumors are differentiated towards the secretory portion of the eccrine sweat gland.

Reactivity of fungal organisms in tissue sections using anti-mycobacteria antibodies.

Sixty-four cases of deep fungal infections diagnosed using PAS or silver stains and 18 control cases of sarcoidosis, M. tuberculosis and M. leprae infection were stained using commercial polyclonal antibody raised against M. paratuberculosis (MP), M. Duvalii (MD), and Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG). Nine of 13 cases of sporotrichosis stained positively using anti-MP antibody only; 13 of 14 cases of histoplasmosis stained with anti-BCG, anti-MD, and anti-MP; seven cases of cryptococcosis had only focal staining of rare individual organisms within masses of negative organisms; seven of eight cases of coccidioidomycosis stained predominantly with anti-BCG and anti-MP; eight cases of aspergillus had focal (1 to 5% of organisms) staining of hyphae with anti-BCG and anti-MD; and four of 12 cases of Candida infection showed focal nonspecific staining with both antibodies and nonimmune serum. Control cases of sarcoidosis exhibited no staining with any of the three antibodies, whereas cases of mycobacterial infection showed staining of bacilli and intracellular debris with all three antibodies.

Development of a radioligand receptor assay for measuring follitropin in serum: application to premature ovarian failure.

We have developed a radioligand receptor assay (RRA) with sufficient sensitivity and specificity for quantifying follitropin (FSH) in unextracted serum samples. Standard curves prepared by adding pituitary FSH to either buffer or gonadotropin-free serum were parallel and statistically indistinguishable in this assay, whereas gonadotropin-free serum alone had no activity. Cross-reactivity with related pituitary hormones was negligible. Pituitary FSH was calibrated with commonly used reference preparations so that RRA results could be compared with RIA results for identical standards. The patterns in daily blood samples in six normal menstrual cycles were similar by both methods. The mean RIA:RIA ratio in both the follicular and luteal phases was between 0.6 and 0.7, and at mid-cycle decreased to 0.48, suggesting an alteration of isohormone composition at mid-cycle. In 27 women with premature ovarian failure, RRA:RIA ratios ranged from below the RRA minimum detectable dose to 4.6, suggesting that immunoreactive FSH might not be capable of binding to the FSH receptor in some patients, whereas in patients with high RRA:RIA ratios, circulating inhibitors of FSH receptor binding might be present and perhaps contributing to the observed ovarian failure. Use of this RRA in conjunction with RIA and in vitro bioassays may better define the relative contribution of FSH isohormones, autocrine or paracrine modulators of FSH bioactivity, and FSH-receptor binding competitors to the "total FSH biological signal" as detected by the gonadal FSH receptor.

Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus lesions progressing to morphea.

A women had annular lesions of subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus that slowly resolved and were replaced by plaques of morphea. The immunologic implications of this unique transitional case of subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus to morphea are discussed.

Polyclonal antibodies raised against Bacillus Calmette-Guerin, Mycobacterium duvalii, and Mycobacterium paratuberculosis used to detect mycobacteria in tissue with the use of immunohistochemical techniques.

Commercially available polyclonal antibodies raised against strains of mycobacteria were used to detect organisms in tissue sections from 34 cases of tuberculosis, leprosy, and atypical mycobacteria. Thirty-two cases of fungal infections, granulomatous inflammation, and sarcoidosis were used as negative controls. Sections stained with the use of antibodies raised against Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), Mycobacterium duvalii (MD), and Mycobacterium paratuberculosis (MP) were compared with Kinyoun and Fite-stained tissue sections. In caseating granulomata, clumps of mycobacterial debris, cells, and cell fragments stained. In histiocytic granulomata of mycobacterial infections, histiocyte cytoplasm contained both organisms and debris. The three antibodies showed cross-reactivity against the four groups of mycobacteria tested. Mycobacterial staining using immunoperoxidase was apparent in most cases at low-power (scanning) magnification. Thirty-two of 34 cases of mycobacterial infection, including all 24 Kinyoun-Fite-positive cases, were positive for immunoreactive organisms and debris using anti-MD, anti-BCG, and/or anti-MP. Eight of ten cases of culture-proven mycobacterial infection, in which Kinyoun and Fite stains were negative, had immunoreactive organisms or antigen with anti-BCG, MD, or MP. The antibodies also stained organisms in five cases of sporotrichosis in which the organisms were identified as yeast forms in tissue sections.

[Tubular apocrine adenoma. Description of 4 cases]. / Adenoma tubular apocrino. Descripción de cuatro casos.

We present four new cases of tubular apocrine adenoma. Clinical histopathological and ultrastructural findings are discussed. The presence of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) has been studied in three cases of tubular apocrine adenoma. This antigen was found predominantly in the lumen of the ducts and in the apical portion of the luminal cells. This pattern is similar to the distribution described in normal sweat glands and in other adnexal tumors.

Immunohistochemical demonstration of H antigen, peanut agglutinin receptor, and Saphora japonica receptor expression in infant thymuses and thymic neoplasias.

Ten infant thymuses and 13 primary thymic tumors obtained from archived paraffin-embedded tissue were examined for the presence of tissue blood group O antigen (H), peanut agglutinin receptor antigen (PNA-r), Saphora japonica agglutinin receptor antigen (SJA-r), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), cytokeratin (CK), and epithelial membrane antigen (EMA). In the thymuses studied, Hassall's corpuscles contained abundant immunoreactive CK, PNA-r, and H antigens, whereas CEA, SJA-r, and EMA were present focally in Hassall's corpuscles. Immunoreactive CK, PNA-r, and CEA were demonstrated focally in the subcapsular region, cortical nurse cells, and subcapsular-perivascular monocytic cells, respectively. PNA-r was present in all 12 epithelial type tumors, including all eight thymomas. CEA was present in nine tumors, including six thymomas. Six thymomas contained H antigen and SJA-r; five continued CK and EMA. SJA-r and EMA were also present in one carcinoid tumor of thymic origin. In epithelial thymomas, the antigens stained nests of epithelial cells resembling the pattern of staining in Hassall's corpuscles. Membrane staining of spindle cells of both spindle cell and epithelial thymomas was less intense than staining of epithelial type cells.

Harlequin ichthyosis: an ultrastructural study.

The clinical, electron microscopic, and freeze-fracture features of the skin of a harlequin fetus are described. Ultrastructural findings included large, concentric lamellar bodies, focal absence of intercellular stratum corneum lipid, and an increase in the size of desmosomes and the number of tight junctions. Although the cause of this genodermatosis is unknown, these features may partially explain the marked thickening of stratum corneum that characterizes this disorder.

Cutaneous defects of focal dermal hypoplasia: an ectomesodermal dysplasia syndrome.

The 5 major cutaneous defects of development found in focal dermal hypoplasia, an ectomesodermal dysplasia syndrome, are: aplasia cutis congenita, multiform atrophy-like areas, striate, papillomatous, and lipomatous lesions of skin. Subepidermal lipomatosis, present in some lesions, has been reported to be due to absence of dermis or a striking underdevelopment of connective tissue with replacement by adipose tissue from herniation of subcutaneous fat through multiple areas of hypoplasia. We believe this theory to be a major error in interpretation of the microscopic findings. We have had the unique experience of studying 2 patients periodically for 27-30 years and 2 additional patients for a shorter time. Biopsy specimens were removed at intervals for analysis from the same or similar lesions (43 specimens) from these 4 individuals. Our evidence strongly supports the concept that the cutaneous defects of development involving fat cells represent heterotopic fat i.e. a fat nevus resulting from dysplasia, not hypoplasia followed by herniation of subcutaneous fat.

Benign non-X histiocytosis: a unique case bridging several of the non-X histiocytic syndromes.

We present a patient with a papular eruption of 4 years' duration that clinically resembled xanthoma disseminatum or the indeterminate cell disorder. On light microscopy his disorder resembled generalized eruptive histiocytoma or the indeterminate cell disorder. Special stains, cultures, and electron microscopy were noncontributory. Indirect immunofluorescence studies with monoclonal antibodies to cell surface markers demonstrated infiltrating cells of monocyte/macrophage lineage (OKM1, MAC-1, HLA-DR, and HLA-DQ positive) rather than Langerhans or indeterminate cell lineage (OKT6 negative). This case may overlap two or more of the previously reported non-X histiocytic syndromes, suggesting that perhaps these syndromes should be viewed as a spectrum of disease rather than as discrete entities. We recommend performing cell phenotyping on all new cases of non-X histiocytosis because clinical, microscopic, and ultramicroscopic findings often prove inadequate for classification.