Fractal Quantification of the Microvasculature Heterogeneity in Cutaneous Melanoma

in Dermatology : International Journal for Clinical & Investigative Dermatology (1999), 198(2), 212-7

BACKGROUND: Recent advances in angiogenesis research have led to the introduction of new prognosis factors. Although the vessel count is effective in breast cancer, the prognosis of primary cutaneous ... [more ▼]

BACKGROUND: Recent advances in angiogenesis research have led to the introduction of new prognosis factors. Although the vessel count is effective in breast cancer, the prognosis of primary cutaneous melanoma (PCM) does not seems to be directly influenced by this parameter. However, the microscopic examination of PCM suggests variability in the repartition of the microvasculature. OBJECTIVE AND METHOD: To explore the possibility of extracting information about the vessel distribution by performing a textural analysis on the grey level of histological sections by means of fractal characterization by both Fourier spectrum and multifractal analysis. RESULTS: Three different patterns of vasculature were identified according to the vessel density and distribution. CONCLUSION: It is possible to differentiate and quantify clearly the differences in the microvessel profile organization using the fractal and multifractal methods. [less ▲]

The in vitro and in vivo production of a 31.5-kD keratinolytic subtilase from Microsporum canis and the clinical status in naturally infected cats.

in Dermatology : International Journal for Clinical & Investigative Dermatology (1998), 196(4), 438-441

BACKGROUND: Microsporum-canis-infected cats, especially the asymptomatic infected ones, are mainly responsible for the zoonotic disease. The important variability of the clinical signs in cats is poorly ... [more ▼]

BACKGROUND: Microsporum-canis-infected cats, especially the asymptomatic infected ones, are mainly responsible for the zoonotic disease. The important variability of the clinical signs in cats is poorly understood. Recently, a 31.5-kD keratinolytic subtilase was found to be a putative virulence factor. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the possible relationship between the clinical status of dermatophytic cats and the production of the keratinase. METHODS: Seven M. canis strains isolated either from clinically affected, asymptomatic infected or mechanical carrier cats were tested for the in vitro production of the enzyme. The immunohistochemical detection of the enzyme was also assessed in skin biopsies of 4 symptomatic and 7 asymptomatic naturally infected cats. RESULTS: All the strains produced in vitro a 31.5-kD keratinolytic subtilase. The enzyme was present in all but 1 of the infected cats. CONCLUSION: The production of the keratinase is not a factor directly responsible for the clinical picture seen in M.-canis-infected cats. [less ▲]

Epithelioid Cell Histiocytoma: A Report of Two Cases

in Dermatology : International Journal for Clinical & Investigative Dermatology (1995), 190(4), 349-350

Epithelioid cell histiocytoma is a rarely reported tumor derived from factor-XIIIa-positive dermal dendrocytes. Two additional cases are presented including their clinical, histologic and ... [more ▼]

Epithelioid cell histiocytoma is a rarely reported tumor derived from factor-XIIIa-positive dermal dendrocytes. Two additional cases are presented including their clinical, histologic and immunohistochemical features. [less ▲]

Vimentinoma, an Unusual Neoplasm of the Skin

in Dermatology : International Journal for Clinical & Investigative Dermatology (1994), 189(1), 84-86

We report an unusual benign neoplasm that developed in a child. Tumoral cells were filled with vimentin intermediate filaments. No other features of differentiation were found by immunohistochemistry and ... [more ▼]

We report an unusual benign neoplasm that developed in a child. Tumoral cells were filled with vimentin intermediate filaments. No other features of differentiation were found by immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. 'Vimentinoma' appears to be the most appropriate name for this neoplasm. [less ▲]

CD68 and Factor XIIIa expressions in granular-cell tumor of the skin

in Dermatology : International Journal for Clinical & Investigative Dermatology (1993), 186(2), 106-108

Immunohistochemical and electron microscopic studies support a Schwann cell origin for most of the granular-cell tumors of the skin. We studied 9 granular-cell tumors by immunohistochemistry, using ... [more ▼]

Immunohistochemical and electron microscopic studies support a Schwann cell origin for most of the granular-cell tumors of the skin. We studied 9 granular-cell tumors by immunohistochemistry, using antibodies to CD68, S-100 proteins, factor XIIIa, L1 antigen, desmin and vimentin. The CD68 monocyte-macrophage-associated lysosomal antigen was expressed in granular cells which however had no Mac 387 reactivity. The 'satellite fibroblasts' were factor XIIIa-positive similarly to dendrocytes and perineurial cells. Our study reveals the lack of specificity of CD68 antibody to identify macrophages. It also presents granular cell tumor of the skin as an exception in the group of schwannomas by the presence of factor XIIIa-positive cells inside the neoplasm. [less ▲]