Cryptococcus, Pathological observations of five autopsy cases and one biopsy case

Pathologic, anatomical, and histological findings of 5 autopsy cases and one biopsy case of cryptococcosis have been described. Macroscopically the foci of the lung are grayish white or yellowish white in color and range in size from the small acinous-nodular ones to the larger lobular-nodular ones. In the brain the meninx appears gelatinous and edematous showing many small spots with indistinct boundary and with grayish white color. Lymph nodes infected with fungi are swollen in various degrees. Histologically the foci are mainly consisted of granulomatous inflammation containing giant cells. Besides, there are small degenerative foci having no inflammatory response and the lesions of marked fibrosis; the former will be newly formed foci and the latter the old ones. The size of C. neoformans found in tissue ranges from 3 to 30 &#956;, and the majority of fungi possess thick gelatinous capsule, but some of them in granulative lesions often possess no capsule. From the staining properties the capsule of C. neoformans is believed to be a kind of acid mucopolysaccharide. As for the staining method including general fungi, GOMORI's methenamine silver method is best, especially for the detailed examination of fungus structures, and for the differential diagnosis mucicarmine stain is the most suitable one. In tracing the distribution of the foci in the various organs, it seems that the first attack of this fungus occurs in the lung. The authors have called general attention, through their own experiences, to the fact that the small granulomatous foci caused by Cryptococcus infection, especially in the lung, may often escape the detection at autopsy.</p

A case of histoplasmosis Report 1. Cinical, mycological and pathological observations

In our country it has been believed that there is no histoplasmosis here in Japan. However, from the above clinical signs, radiological characteristics, laboratory tests, pathological and mycological examinations, and experimental findings, we believe this is the first case of histoplasmosis in Japan.</p

Fabrication of copper/single-walled carbon nanotube composite film with homogeneously dispersed nanotubes by electroless deposition

Copper/single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) composite films were fabricated by electroless deposition. The SWCNTs were formed using the water-assisted chemical vapor deposition method. To prepare copper/SWCNT composite plating baths with homogeneously dispersed SWCNTs, magnetic stirring, ultrasonic homogenization, and collision-type atomization were examined as mechanical methods for the disintegration of SWCNT bundles. Appropriate dispersants were added to the plating baths to avoid re-aggregation of the disintegrated SWCNTs. The degree of SWCNT dispersion in the copper/SWCNT composite plating bath was evaluated using a particle size analyzer, and the microstructures of the copper/SWCNT composite films were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Collision-type atomization most significantly improved the degree of SWCNT dispersion in the composite plating bath. Using this treatment method, copper/SWCNT composite films with homogeneous dispersions of SWCNTs were successfully fabricated by electroless deposition. (C) 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://cleativecommonhorghicensehby-nc-nd74,0/).ArticleMATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS. 7:101-107 (2016)journal articl