The structure and composition of the cyst wall of the metacercaria of Cloacitrema narrabeenensis (Howell & Bearup, 1967) (Digenea: Philophthalmidae).

The mstacercarial cyst of Cloacitrema narrabeenensis which is formed in the open is composed of four layers: an outermost layer of acid mucopolysaccharide, a layer of protein which is presumed to be tanned, a layer of neutral mucopolysaccharide and an innermost layer of keratinized protein. The two layers which together form the outer cyst wall can be split off by slight pressure from the two remaining layers which together form the inner cyst wall. In the centre of the ventral side of the inner cyst wall, the keratinized layer is incomplete and this ventral plug region is composed of neutral mucopolysaccharide. The cyst wall is therefore very similar to that of Fasciola hepatica, the main difference being that the order of the two layers of the outer cyst is reversed. General evolutionary and functional relationships of metacercarial cysts are discussed.     

Egg banks in hypersaline lakes of the South-East Europe

The cyst banks of 6 coastal hypersaline lakes of South-East Europe have been investigated. The study concerned the bottom sediments of Khersonesskoe and Koyashskoe lakes in the Crimea (Ukraine), Nartë saltworks (Albania), Vecchia Salina at Torre Colimena (Apulia, Italy), Pantano Grande and Pantano Roveto at Vendicari (Sicily, Italy). A total of 19 cyst types were recognised. The cyst banks of lakes were found to be well separated in the representation derived from a statistical multivariate data analysis. For all the lakes examined a comparison was possible between the resting community in sediments (cyst bank) and the active one in the water. The cyst banks contained more species than those recorded over a multi-year sampling effort in the water column. The study of cyst hatching, performed on 5 cyst types under lab conditions, demonstrated that cysts do not hatch under the same conditions. Furthermore, each cyst type shows a wide range of preferential hatching conditions, which allow us to confirm the ecological generalism of salt lake species.     

Immunocytochemical staining of ovarian cyst aspirates with monoclonal antibody against inhibin

mccluggage w. g., patterson a., white j. and anderson n. h. (1998) Cytopathology 9, 336–342
Immunocytochemical staining of ovarian cyst aspirates with monoclonal antibody against inhibin
Inhibin is a peptide hormone which is produced by ovarian granulosa cells during normal follicular development. It is important that granulosa cells are recognized in fine needle aspirates (FNAs) of ovarian cystic lesions, as this allows definite recognition of a functional cyst and exclusion of a potentially neoplastic epithelial lined cyst. Occasionally the distinction between granulosa and epithelial cells may be difficult, especially when aspirates from functional cysts are unusually cellular. In the present study, FNAs from 33 ovarian cystic lesions were immunostained with a monoclonal antibody against inhibin. Nine cases of peritoneal fluid containing malignant cells in patients subsequently confirmed to have ovarian adenocarcinoma were also stained. Where possible the cytological and immunocytochemical findings were correlated with subsequent biopsy. In most cases in which cytology suggested a functional cyst there was a strong positive staining with anti-inhibin, although occasional cases were negative. One case originally thought to contain epithelial cells stained strongly positive with anti-inhibin and on review was felt to represent a cellular functional cyst. In all other cases where cells were considered to be epithelial there was no staining with anti-inhibin. The study shows that immunocytochemical staining with anti-inhibin may be of value in confirming the presence of granulosa cells, thus establishing a diagnosis of functional cyst. Although negative staining does not exclude a functional cyst, positive staining with anti-inhibin allows exclusion of an epithelial lined cyst and may avoid unnecessary surgical intervention.     

A simple fibril and lectin model for cyst walls of Entamoeba and perhaps Giardia

Cyst walls of Entamoeba and Giardia protect them from environmental insults, stomach acids, and intestinal proteases. Each cyst wall contains a sugar homopolymer: chitin in Entamoeba and a unique N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) homopolymer in Giardia. Entamoeba cyst wall proteins include Jacob lectins (carbohydrate-binding proteins) that crosslink chitin, chitinases that degrade chitin, and Jessie lectins that make walls impermeable. Giardia cyst wall proteins are also lectins that bind fibrils of the GalNAc homopolymer. Although many of the details remain to be determined for the cyst wall of Giardia, current data suggest a relatively simple fibril and lectin model for the Entamoeba cyst wall.     

Remote Paraparesis due to a Traumatic Extradural Arachnoid Cyst Developing 2 Years after Brachial Plexus Root Avulsion Injury: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Traumatic extradural arachnoid cyst is a rare entity. However, late appearance of paraparesis due to formation of an extradural arachnoid cyst as a sequel of brachial plexus injury is extremely rare and the literature regarding this issue is scarce revealing only 11 cases. Herein, we report a patient with delayed progressive spastic paraparesis appearing after a multilevel brachial plexus root avulsion injury where imaging revealed formation of a large traumatic extradural arachnoid cyst at the cervicothoracic region. Furthermore, to propose that a high-energy trauma might simultaneously result in delayed formation of an extradural arachnoid cyst. However, preganglionic root avulsion injury with pseudomeningocele formation in association with extradural arachnoid cyst is not reported previously. A case of a 36-year-old man with spastic paraparesis developing 2 years after a multilevel brachial plexus root avulsion injury is presented. Root avulsion had immediately resulted in complete paralysis of the left upper limb that had not ameliorated. Imaging studies of the cervicothoracic region disclosed left-sided multilevel pseudomeningoceles and a large extradural arachnoid cyst extending from C5 to T2. After appropriate en bloc laminotomy, the cyst was excised and the causative dural tear was closed. Subsequently, three large defects of pseudomeningoceles were obliterated with artificial dural patch for the prevention of cord herniation. This was followed with laminoplasty of the corresponding levels after dural closure. The postoperative course was uneventful and paraparesis recovered steadily within 2 months. Paraparesis even years after brachial plexus injury should be regarded as a serious event that deserves extensive imaging survey for the possibility of the formation of an extradural arachnoid cyst. Careful review of the literature disclosed that the current case is the 12th case that an extradural arachnoid cyst has developed after brachial plexus injury and the first example that the pathogenic factor that might be implicated in occurrence of this rare association could be clarified with review of the MRI features. Actually, the presence of posttraumatic pseudomeningoceles in association with an arachnoid cyst in the current case is in favor of the belief that only preganglionic root injuries that are in close proximity to the spinal canal had been the cause dural tear with remote formation of extradural arachnoid cyst.     

Ginkgolide B inhibits renal cyst development in in vitro and in vivo cyst models

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a common inherited disease characterized by massive enlargement of fluid-filled cysts in the kidney. However, there is no effective therapy yet for this disease. To examine whether ginkgolide B, a natural compound, inhibits cyst development, a Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cyst model, an embryonic kidney cyst model, and a PKD mouse model were used. Interestingly, ginkgolide B significantly inhibited MDCK cyst formation dose dependently, with up to 69% reduction by 2 μM ginkgolide B. Ginkgolide B also significantly inhibited cyst enlargement in the MDCK cyst model, embryonic kidney cyst model, and PKD mouse model. To determine the underlying mechanisms, the effect of ginkgolide B on MDCK cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, chloride transporter CFTR activity, and intracellular signaling pathways were also studied. Ginkgolide B did not affect cell viability, proliferation, and expression and activity of the chloride transporter CFTR that mediates cyst fluid secretion. Ginkgolide B induced cyst cell differentiation and altered the Ras/MAPK signaling pathway. Taken together, our results demonstrate that ginkgolide B inhibits renal cyst formation and enlargement, suggesting that ginkgolide B might be developed into a novel candidate drug for ADPKD.     

Hydatid cysts: does every picture tell a story?

Ultrasound imaging is an effective aid to the detection of abdominal cystic echinococcosis. Recently, the images produced have provided more information than just a diagnosis. Different cyst morphologies have been classified into types, and such classifications can be considered to represent a natural history of cyst development. Understanding how cyst structures alter with time is crucial to evaluating the effectiveness of different treatment regimes and to understanding natural degeneration of cysts that can occur. However, the developmental events seen in ultrasound need to be matched more closely to immunological and cellular events if we are to have a fuller appreciation of disease progression and regression. At a community level, the relative proportions of cyst types could also provide epidemiological information on disease transmission.     

Esophageal duplication cyst containing a foreign body

About 10% to 15% of all duplication cysts in the alimentary tract are esophageal. Esophageal duplication cysts are intimately attached to the alimentary tract, are lined by mucous membrane and have smooth muscle. This paper describes a 2-year-old child who presented with symptoms of progressive respiratory distress. A diagnosis of esophageal duplication cyst was made. At surgery a low cervical incision was made and the sternal manubrium split, thereby providing adequate exposure. The cyst was then removed. The most useful investigations were chest roentgenography and barium esophagography. Computerized tomography showed a small, round foreign body in the middle of the cyst that was subsequently found to be a bingo chip. Communication between the cyst and the esophagus was not obvious at the time of surgery and had not been demonstrated by barium esophagography. When complete excision of the cyst is not possible because of inflammatory reaction all the mucosa must be removed to prevent recurrence. Careful postoperative respiratory support and broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy are recommended.     

Formation of the Giardia Cyst Wall: Studies on Extracellular Assembly Using Immunogold Labeling and High Resolution Field Emission SEM

Encystment of the intestinal protozoan, Giardia, is a key step in the life cycle that enables this parasite to be transmitted from host to host via either fecal oral, waterborne, or foodborne transmission. The process of encystment was studied by localizing cyst wall specific antigens with immunofluorescence for light microscopy and immunogold staining for field emission scanning electron microscopy. Chronological sampling of Giardia cultures stimulated with endogenous bile permitted identification of an intracellular and extracellular phase in cyst wall formation, a process which required a total of 14-16 h. The intracellular phase lasted for 8-10 h, while the extracellular phase, involved the appearance of cyst wall antigen on the trophozoite membrane, and the assembly of the filamentous layer, a process requiring an additional 4-6 h for completion of mature cysts. The extracellular phase was initiated with the appearance of cyst wall antigen on small protrusions of the trophozoite membrane (-15 nm), which became enlarged with time to caplike structures ranging up to 100 nm in diameter. Caplike structures involved with filament growth were detected over the entire surface of the trophozoite including the adhesive disc and flagella. Encysting cells rounded up, lost attachment to the substratum, and became enclosed in a layer of filaments. Late stages in encystment included a “tailed” cyst in which flagella were not fully retracted into the cyst. Clusters of cysts were seen in which filaments at the surface of one cyst were connected with the surface of adjacent cysts or the “tailed” processes of adjacent cysts, suggesting that the growth of cyst wall filaments may be at the terminal end. In conclusion, the process of encystment has been shown to consist of two morphologically different stages (intracellular and extracellular) which requires 16 h for completion. Further investigation of the extracellular stage with regard to assembly of the filamentous layer of the cyst wall may lead to innovative methods for interfering with production of an intact functional cyst wall, and thereby, regulation of viable Giardia cyst release from the host.     

Fine structural reconstruction on the testicular cyst of the furrow orb weaver,Larinioides cornutus by 3D volume rendering

Morphological study on spermatids and spermatozoa have long been performed regarding various changes of cell organelles during spermiogenesis as a potential phylogenetic inference. Based on the fact that the number of germ cells per cyst increases according to a geometric series, knowing the exact number of germ cells in a certain stage may lead to the total number of sperms produced per cyst. In spiders, however, the entire process takes place in a cyst represented by a spermatogonium, producing sperms in spherical shape. It is very difficult to count the exact number of germ cells produced per cyst through a 2D image analysis. Therefore, we applied a 3D image of testicular cyst of an orb-weaving spider to visualize the exact number of germ cells produced from a cyst. In this study, 2D images obtained from serially sectioned micrographs were scanned precisely and reconstructed using a 3D-rendering technique. Finally, this research reveals that the exact number of spermatozoa produced each cyst in Larinioides cornutus appeared to be 128 (2⁷), which indicates that a single spermatogonium undergoes five mitotic divisions and two maturing divisions (meiosis) to produce final spermatozoa.     

Apoptosis and autophagy in polycystic kidney disease (PKD)

Apoptosis in the cystic epithelium is observed in most rodent models of polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and in human autosomal dominant PKD (ADPKD). Apoptosis inhibition decreases cyst growth, whereas induction of apoptosis in the kidney of Bcl-2 deficient mice increases proliferation of the tubular epithelium and subsequent cyst formation. However, alternative evidence indicates that both induction of apoptosis as well as increased overall rates of apoptosis are associated with decreased cyst growth. Autophagic flux is suppressed in cell, zebra fish and mouse models of PKD and suppressed autophagy is known to be associated with increased apoptosis. There may be a link between apoptosis and autophagy in PKD. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and caspase pathways that are known to be dysregulated in PKD, are also known to regulate both autophagy and apoptosis. Induction of autophagy in cell and zebrafish models of PKD results in suppression of apoptosis and reduced cyst growth supporting the hypothesis autophagy induction may have a therapeutic role in decreasing cyst growth, perhaps by decreasing apoptosis and proliferation in PKD. Future research is needed to evaluate the effects of direct autophagy inducers on apoptosis in rodent PKD models, as well as the cause and effect relationship between autophagy, apoptosis and cyst growth in PKD.     

Biochemical composition of benign thyroid cyst fluid

Although the availability of thyroid cyst fluid is easy by fineneedle aspiration, less is known about the biochemical composition of thyroid cyst fluid. The authors have, therefore, determined the biochemical composition of 18 benign thyroid cyst fluid specimens. They found that the activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and the concentrations of total protein, total bilirubin, and uric acid were highly increased in thyroid cyst fluid specimens when compared with normal human serum specimens. The concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides in cyst fluid were within normal serum limits. Selenium (Se) concentrations in most cyst fluids were low. Moreover, there was no correlation between Se and other biochemical parameters. Protein electrophoresis of cyst fluid specimens yielded high concentrations of α₁ and especially α₂ globulin fractions indicating an inflammation. The concentrations or activities of biochemical analytes were not significantly different in pure and mixed cysts. Those parameters were also not significantly different between cyst fluids of different colors. The gross appearance of the fluid and the presence of certain biochemical analytes were consistent with a hemorrhagic origin of most of the cyst fluid specimens. However, some biochemical markers indicate that autolysis or necrosis of thyroid tissue may also contribute the composition of thyroid cyst fluid. The reason for lower Se concentration in the thyroid cyst fluid may be the lower Se concentration in the Turkish population. These results also suggest that the fluid color or nature of cyst, e.g., pure or mixed cyst, is not a main determinant of biochemical composition of benign thyroid cyst fluid.     

Case report of primary retroperitoneal hydatid cyst

Hydatid cyst develops in retroperitoneal space without accompanied lesion in other organs is defined as primary retroperitoneal hydatid cyst. It is extremely rare though hydatid cyst may affect every organ in human body. A 15 years old boy presented with a giant retroperitoneal cyst and hydatid cyst was suspected. Thorough examination did not revealed lesions in liver, lung, kidney or other organs. The diagnosis was confirmed through laparotomy. The diagnosis is difficult, but the possibility should be considered before operation to prevent spillage or fatal anaphylactic shock. Living in an endemic area, ultrasonography, CT or serology test is helpful in the diagnosis of this disease. Total cystectomy is the ideal surgery, if not possible or at high risk, partial pericystectomy is acceptable.     

海洋浮游纤毛虫包囊的研究进展*

作为微型浮游动物的重要组成部分,海洋浮游纤毛虫是连接微食物环和经典食物链的重要中介。有些浮游纤毛虫在生活周期中会形成包囊,条件适宜时包囊会萌发,这对纤毛虫种群动态有重要的意义。目前国际上对于浮游纤毛虫生态学的研究主要集中在其营养期细胞,浮游纤毛虫包囊的研究尚少,中国还没有这方面的研究。本文对浮游纤毛虫包囊研究进展进行概述,包括包囊的形态、沉积物中包囊的丰度、包囊形成的环境因素、包囊萌发过程及环境因素对包囊萌发的影响等方面,希望对国内开展浮游纤毛虫包囊的研究有所裨益。     

Echinococcosis (Hydatid Disease): Review and Report of a Case of Secondary Echinococcosis

Echinococcosis is a disease caused by the larval form of Echinococcus granulosus. The adult worm lives parasitically in the intestine of the definitive host, the dog, wolf and other wild carnivores. The ova, which are passed in the feces, are ingested by grazing animals. The intestinal juices free the ovum from its cuticle and, having entered a capillary, it is carried by the blood stream to the liver or lung, where it develops into a hydatid cyst. Man becomes infected by ingesting contaminated vegetables or drinking contaminated water.In a mature hydatid cyst there may be thousands of scolices and each one of these, if released from the hydatid cyst, may form a new cyst if it is planted in a suitable environment. Hydatid cysts are most commonly found in the liver and the lung, but may occur in other organs.A hepatic cyst may rupture into the peritoneal cavity and produce a hydatidoperitoneum. A pulmonary cyst frequently ruptures into a bronchus and is thus evacuated.The disease is of world-wide distribution. In Canada most of the cases of this disease have occurred among Indians and Eskimos. It is now known that a sylvatic cycle has been established in North America and that it serves as a source of infection of the dog and man.The patient reported herein had spontaneous rupture of a hepatic hydatid cyst, with subsequent development of secondary peritoneal echinococcosis. Repeated laparotomies had to be performed to relieve pressure on or obstruction of various organs. The patient made an uneventful recovery and is again usefully employed. No effective medical treatment for this disease is available.     

Liesegang rings in a dermoid cyst of the floor of the mouth. Report of a case with cytologic findings

BACKGROUND: Eosinophilic, ring-shaped structures, referred to as Liesegang rings (LRs), have been identified in aspirates from many organs, usually in relation to cystic or inflammatory lesions, but never before in relation to a dermoid cyst. CASE: LRs were intermingled with squamous cells in aspirates from a cyst of the floor of the mouth. The patient, a 23-year-old man, presented with a sublingual mass that had recently grown. Histopathologic study showed a ruptured dermoid cyst with mural foci of granulomatous foreign body reaction mixed with numerous ringlike structures, LRs. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of LRs in a dermoid cyst. Pathologists should be aware of this association when diagnosing cystic lesions.     

Primary Renal Hydatid Cyst: Mis-Interpretation as a Renal Malignancy

Primary renal echinococcosis, a rare disease involving the kidney, accounts for 2-3% of human echinococcosis. A 64-year-old female patient from Uzbekistan presented with complaints of left flank pain. A CT scan revealed a cystic mass in the upper to midpole of the left kidney. We regarded this lesion as a renal malignancy and hand-assisted laparoscopic radical nephrectomy was performed to remove the renal mass. The mass consisted of a large unilocular cyst and multiple smaller cysts without any grossly visible renal tissue. The final pathologic diagnosis was a renal hydatid cyst. For patients from endemic areas, hydatid cyst should be included in the differential diagnosis. Here, we present a case of renal hydatid cyst in a female patient who relocated from Uzbekistan to Korea.     

Late Quaternary Protoperidinium cysts as indicators of paleoproductivity in the northern Arabian Sea

The reliability of organic-walled cysts of the heterotrophic dinoflagellate Protoperidinium as paleoproductivity indicators and the influence of bottom water oxygenation on cyst preservation is assessed by using Arabian Sea records of the past 125 kyr as a natural laboratory. Multidisciplinary geochemical, micropaleontological and palynological datasets are integrated to analyze the relationship between Protoperidinium cyst concentrations and other paleoproductivity proxies. Differential preservation potential is quantified in order to establish threshold oxidative degradation values for a possible application of quantitative Protoperidinium cyst records in paleoenvironmental reconstructions. Results indicate that variations in Protoperidinium cyst concentration closely correspond to other marine productivity and/or upwelling proxies. Although oxygenation will lead to significant cyst degradation, and thus decreased concentrations, down-core patterns in Protoperidinium cyst concentration still primarily reflect changes in sea surface productivity. In view of differential preservation among dinoflagellate cysts, down-core variations in relative abundance of Protoperidinium should be treated with caution.