Biomedical subjects

M A Stiff

Publications and source records attributed to M A Stiff.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2001

A study of apoptosis in Merkel cell carcinoma: an immunohistochemical, ultrastructural, DNA ladder, and TUNEL labeling study.

We performed immunohistochemical, ultrastructural, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick-end labeling (TUNEL), and DNA ladder studies of apoptosis in nine cases of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). None of the cases showed spontaneous regression as has been reported in several MCCs. Neuron-specific enolase was demonstrated by immunohistochemistry (8/8 MCCs), and staining for cytokeratin 20 was positive (2/8 MCCs). Ultrastructural examination revealed many cytoplasmic dense-cored granules, desmosome-like structures, and intermediate filaments. The granules were seen along the plasma membrane or around perinuclear centrioles. We found various stages of development of apoptotic bodies. Apoptosis resulted in vacuolization and fragmentation of nuclei and phagocytosed bodies in tumor cells. Apoptotic cells were also detected by TUNEL, DNA ladder, and immunostaining using the antibody against Fas (Apo- 1/CD95) antigen. It seems that a high apoptotic rate is a common finding in MCC, although spontaneous regression is an exceedingly rare event. It is thus unlikely that apoptosis alone would explain spontaneous regression.

Aged↗

PubMed1994

Second-intention healing of exposed facial-scalp bone after Mohs surgery for skin cancer: review of ninety-one cases.

BACKGROUND: Second-intention healing over exposed bone is considered by some to be subject to the complications of pain, infection, and nonhealing. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to determine would healing by second intention over exposed scalp or facial bone after Mohs micrographic surgery for skin cancer. METHODS: The chart records of all patients treated between 1981 and 1992 for skin cancer that resulted in exposed bone were identified. RESULTS: There were 115 wounds in 91 patients that were managed by second-intention healing, or partial closure, or both. Three cases of soft tissue infection occurred adjacent to nasal and sinus areas. The overall complication rate was 5.4% (6 of 112 cases) and consisted of localized soft tissue infections (2.7%) and poor wound healing (2.7%). There were no cases of osteomyelitis. Second-intention wound healing was successful in 95% of the wounds. CONCLUSION: The outpatient management of exposed bone after Mohs surgery is relatively safe. Relative risk factors for development of complications include (1) a history of previous x-radiation treatment for skin cancer, (2) manipulation of the operative site, and (3) an open defect located near the nose or exposed sinus cavity.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

Scalpel sculpturing techniques for graft revision and dermatologic surgery.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative scars can be revised by a variety of techniques, including dermabrasion, laser, curettage, razor blade, and scalpel surgery. Most modern methods of scar revision provide good results but at the expense of time and economy. OBJECTIVE: We present our scalpel sculpting technique that uses the #15 scalpel blade to microshave and feather the skin edges to equalize differences in skin elevations caused by uneven healing. The superficial wounds then heal by second intention. METHODS: Sculpting techniques were used to revise side-to-side closures (grafts and flaps), trap-door elevations, standing tricones and hypertrophic scars. In addition, we used the sculpting technique to remove superficial blemishes such as actinic and seborrheic keratoses, skin tags, and other benign lesions. RESULTS: We have used scalpel sculpting techniques to revise scars and remove blemishes for more than 5 years. We have removed thousands of skin imperfections with very gratifying results. CONCLUSION: Scalpel sculpting techniques provide a simple, efficient method of scar revision and removal of superficial skin lesions. The technique reduces operative time and streamlines instrument reprocessing. Because of its simplicity, there is a high degree of patient, nursing, and physician satisfaction.

Aged↗

PubMed1992

Running vertical mattress suturing technique.

The running vertical mattress suturing technique is a quick and simple method of providing skin edge eversion that is equivalent to the simple vertical mattress technique. The running stitch is relatively easy to master and provides excellent apposition of wound edges.

Dermatologic Surgical Procedures↗