Specific targeting of A54 homing peptide-functionalized dextran-g-poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) micelles to tumor cells

The delivery of chemotherapeutics into tumor cells is a fundamental knot for tumor-target therapy to improve the curative effect and avoid side effects. Here, A54 peptide-functionalized poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-grafted dextran (A54-Dex-PLGA) was synthesized. The synthesized A54-Dex-PLGA self-assembled to form micelles with a low critical micelle concentration of 16.79 μg·mL⁻¹ and diameter of about 50 nm. With doxorubicin (DOX) base as a model antitumor drug, the drug-encapsulation efficiency of DOX-loaded A54-Dex-PLGA micelles (A54-Dex-PLGA/DOX) reached up to 75%. In vitro DOX release from the A54-Dex-PLGA/DOX was prolonged to 72 hours. The A54-Dex-PLGA micelles presented excellent internalization ability into hepatoma cells (BEL-7402 cell line and HepG2 cell line) in vitro, and the cellular uptake of the micelles by the BEL-7402 cell line was specific, which was demonstrated by the blocking experiment. In vitro antitumor activity studies confirmed that A54-Dex-PLGA/DOX micelles suppressed tumor-cell (BEL-7402 cell) growth more effectively than Dex-PLGA micelles. Furthermore, in vivo biodistribution testing demonstrated that the A54-Dex-PLGA micelles had a higher distribution ability to BEL-7402 tumors than that to HepG2 tumors.

Pelvic solitary plasmacytoma: computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings with histopathologic correlation

Objective

To describe the imaging features of pelvic solitary plasmacytoma and to correlate them with the pathologic grade.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective study was performed on the imaging features of 10 patients with a histological diagnosis of pelvic solitary plasmacytoma. The imaging studies were assessed for bone expansion, cortical destruction, signal intensity/density of soft tissue mass and enhancement manifestations, which were then correlated to the pathologic grade.

Results

The imaging features of pelvic solitary plasmacytoma revealed 3 different types: multilocular type (n = 5), unilocular type (n = 2) and complete osteolytic destruction type (n = 3) on computed tomography and MRI. Pathologically, the tumors were classified into low, intermediate and high grades. Features such as multilocular change, perilesional osteosclerosis, slight expansion, local bone cortex disruptions and masses inside bone destruction, often suggest a low-grade solitary plasmacytoma; complete osteolytic destruction, huge soft tissue mass, and osseous defects imply a higher pathologic grade.

Conclusion

Pelvic solitary plasmacytoma has various imaging manifestations, while a slight expansile osteolytic feature with multilocular change or homogeneous enhancement highly suggests its diagnosis. The distinctive imaging features of pelvic solitary plasmacytoma are well correlated to the pathologic grade.

Probing head-to-toe deformation law assessment for abdominal tumor through respiratory movement simulation and CTVision radiation research

This paper aims to explore head-to-toe deformation law for abdominal tumor with CTVision and selfdesigned respiratory movement simulation mold and meanwhile verify the accuracy and correctness of the treatment. In experimental group, a self-designed respiratory movement mold was used. The image was scanned out by CT scanning based on the movement state and then sent to the planning system to compare the location variation of tumor and formulating the treatment plan accordingly, followed by verification and verified derivation values observation. A total of 21 cases of abdominal tumor were included in the case group. Their breathing movement was detected under a simulated locator and then the data was recorded. The image was scanned and sent to the planning system to compare the location variation of the tumor, the patients then underwent 3D conformal therapy (3D-CRT) and we performed verification and observed verified derivation values. Finally, the results of the case group and the experimental group were compared. The mean of the verified derivation values was smaller than respiratory motion values in experimental group (t=-10.78, P=0, P < 0.05); the mean of verified derivation values of the patients was smaller than respiratory motion values in group f, g, h, i, j, l, n, o, p, q, r, s t, u in the case group (P < 0.05); no remarkable difference was found between the two values in group a, b, c, k and m (P < 0.05); group e was unable to undergo the statistical test since its standard deviation was 0; the mean of the verified derivation values was higher than respiratory motion values in group d (P < 0.05). In conclusion, radiation therapy applied with CTVision proved to be accurate and convincing in the treatment of abdominal tumor.

Computed tomography findings of a solitary extramedullary plasmacytoma of the spleen: A case report and literature review

Solitary extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP) of the spleen is a rare condition. The present study describes the case of a 23-year-old female with an extremely rare solitary EMP of the spleen. Upon examination, the tumor demonstrated unusual and notable multiple-phase spiral computed tomography (CT) findings. The lesion was a solitary, well-defined mass, with areas of variable splenic necrosis and cystic degeneration. Contrast-enhanced CT revealed progressive enhancement of the lesion in the cystic wall, internal septa and solid portion, a finding that has not previously been described. The patient underwent a splenectomy and recovered without complications. No evidence of tumor recurrence has occurred during the past two years of follow-up. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the CT findings of a solitary EMP of the spleen. The study aimed to investigate the imaging features of solitary EMP, in particular the multiple-phase spiral CT findings, and raise awareness of the disease to reduce misdiagnoses.

Methods of assessment of tophus and bone erosions in gout using dual-energy CT: reproducibility analysis

This study aims to evaluate the intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility of the tophus urate volume, erosion volume, and the erosion score measurements in patients with gout by using dual-energy CT (DECT) scans comparing their bone erosion volumes against bone erosion scores and also to determine a valid measure of joint destruction in chronic gout. Sixty-six subjects underwent DECT scans of the hands or feet. Two independent observers measured the tophus urate volumes and bone erosion volumes using automated volume assessment software and the erosion scores based on the rheumatoid arthritis magnetic resonance imaging score (RAMRIS). The intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility were analyzed by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and limits of agreements analysis. The relationship between erosion volumes and erosion scores was analyzed. The intraobserver and interobserver ICC for tophus urate volume measurements (n = 636) were 1.000 (95 % confidence interval (95 % CI) 1.000 to 1.000) and 1.000 (95 % CI 1.000 to 1.000), 0.999 (0.999, 0.999) and 0.999 (0.999, 0.999) for bone erosion volumes (n = 350), 0.937 (0.928, 0.946) and 0.899 (0.883, 0.912) for erosion scores (n = 350). Strong positive correlations were demonstrated between individual erosion volumes and scores (r s = 0.914, p < 0.001) as well as total erosion volume and score per patient (r = 0.838-0.867, p < 0.001). This study demonstrated a high reproducibility of tophus urate volumes, erosion volumes, and erosion score measurements using DECT. Erosion volumes show to be a more direct and accurate method to evaluate bone erosion compared with erosion score, strongly supporting it as a superior and standard measure of structural joint damage in gout.

Actively-targeted LTVSPWY peptide-modified magnetic nanoparticles for tumor imaging

BACKGROUND

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is widely used in modern clinical medicine as a diagnostic tool, and provides noninvasive and three-dimensional visualization of biological phenomena in living organisms with high spatial and temporal resolution. Therefore, considerable attention has been paid to magnetic nanoparticles as MRI contrast agents with efficient targeting ability and cellular internalization ability, which make it possible to offer higher contrast and information-rich images for detection of disease.

METHODS

LTVSPWY peptide-modified PEGylated chitosan (LTVSPWY-PEG-CS) was synthesized by chemical reaction, and the chemical structure was confirmed by (1)H-NMR. LTVSPWY-PEG-CS-modified magnetic nanoparticles were prepared successfully using the solvent diffusion method. Their particle size, size distribution, and zeta potential were measured by dynamic light scattering and electrophoretic mobility, and their surface morphology was investigated by transmission electron microscopy. To investigate their selective targeting ability, the cellular uptake of the LTVSPWY-PEG-CS-modified magnetic nanoparticles was observed in a cocultured system of SKOV-3 cells which overexpress HER2 and A549 cells which are HER2-negative. The in vitro cytotoxicity of these nanoparticles in SKOV-3 and A549 cells was measured using the MTT method. The SKOV-3-bearing nude mouse model was used to investigate the tumor targeting ability of the magnetic nanoparticles in vivo.

RESULTS

The average diameter and zeta potential of the LTVSPWY-PEG-CS-modified magnetic nanoparticles was 267.3 ± 23.4 nm and 30.5 ± 7.0 mV, respectively, with a narrow size distribution and spherical morphology. In vitro cytotoxicity tests demonstrated that these magnetic nanoparticles were carriers suitable for use in cancer diagnostics with low toxicity. With modification of the LTVSPWY homing peptide, magnetic nanoparticles could be selectively taken up by SKOV-3 cells overexpressing HER2 when cocultured with HER2-negative A549 cells. In vivo biodistribution results suggest that treatment with LTVSPWY-PEG-CS-modified magnetic nanoparticles/DiR enabled tumors to be identified and diagnosed more rapidly and efficiently in vivo.

CONCLUSION

LTVSPWY-PEG-CS-modified magnetic nanoparticles are a promising contrast agent for early detection of tumors overexpressing HER2 and further diagnostic application.

Sarcomas of abdominal organs: computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings

Sarcomas originating from abdominal organs are extremely rare, and literature in which investigators focus on their imaging features is scarce. This article aims to review the computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging features of these rare tumors and to help in clinical diagnosis. Various sarcomas (eg, angiosarcoma, undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, carcinosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma) originating, respectively, from different abdominal visceral organs (liver, pancreas, spleen, kidney, adrenal gland, uterus, and prostate gland) are reviewed along with cases we encountered.

Contrast-enhanced multiple-phase imaging features in hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma

AIM: To investigate and review the contrast-enhanced multiple-phase computed tomography (CEMP CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in patients with pathologically confirmed hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (HEHE).

METHODS: Findings from imaging examinations in 8 patients (5 women and 3 men) with pathologically confirmed HEHE were retrospectively reviewed (CT images obtained from 7 patients and MR images obtained from 6 patients). The age of presentation varied from 27 years to 60 years (average age 39.8 years).

RESULTS: There were two types of HEHE: multifocal type (n = 7) and diffuse type (n = 1). In the multifocal-type cases, there were 74 lesions on CT and 28 lesions on MRI with 7 lesions found with diffusion weighted imaging; 18 (24.3%) of 74 lesions on plain CT and 26 (92.9%) of 28 lesions on pre-contrast MRI showed the target sign. On CEMP CT, 28 (37.8%) of 74 lesions appeared with the target sign and a progressive-enhancement rim and 9 (12.2%) of 74 lesions displayed progressive enhancement, maintaining a state of persistent enhancement. On CEMP MRI, 27 (96.4%) of 28 lesions appeared with the target sign with a progressive-enhancement rim and 28 (100%) of 28 lesions displayed progressive-enhancement, maintaining a state of persistent enhancement. In the diffuse-type cases, an enlarged liver was observed with a large nodule appearing with persistent enhancement on CEMP CT and MRI.

CONCLUSION: The most important imaging features of HEHE are the target sign and/or progressive enhancement with persistent enhancement on CEMP CT and MRI. MRI is advantageous over CT in displaying these imaging features.

Gallbladder tuberculosis: CT findings with histopathologic correlation

Objective

We wanted to describe the computed tomography (CT) findings of gallbladder tuberculosis (TB) and to correlate them with pathologic findings.

Materials and Methods

There were seven patients (M:F = 3:4; mean age, 46.3 years; age range, 32 to 78 years) in whom gallbladder TB was eventually diagnosed. All of them underwent cross-sectional imaging with CT, a pathologic examination and a retrospective review. CT imaging evaluation was done in each case, including the findings of a mass versus nodule, wall thickening (uniform or irregular) and the enhancement patterns (homogeneous or heterogeneous).

Results

All the cases of gallbladder TB revealed the following three different CT findings: micronodular lesion of the gallbladder wall (n = 1), a thickened wall (n = 4) and a gallbladder mass (n = 2). There were three cases of homogeneous enhancement of the lesions, including homogeneous enhancement with nodular lesion, homogeneous uniform thickness enhancement and homogeneous thickness enhancement in one case each, and these cases pathology showed tuberculous granuloma with a little caseating necrosis in one case and tuberculous granuloma with rich fibrous tissue, but little or no evident caseating necrosis in two cases. Four cases of heterogeneous enhancement of the lesions, including heterogeneous uniform-thickness enhancement in two cases, heterogeneous enhancement with a local mass lesion in one case and heterogeneous enhancement with a mass that replaced the gallbladder in one case; in these cases, pathology showed tuberculous granuloma with marked caseation or liquefaction necrosis in three cases and tuberculous granuloma by fibrous and calcifications accompanied by caseating necrosis in one case. Among the seven cases of gallbladder TB, six cases were accompanied by abdominal extra-gallbladder TB, including abdominal lymph node TB in five cases and hepatic TB in four cases.

Conclusion

Gallbladder TB has various CT manifestations, and the enhanced CT findings are well matched with pathological features. An irregularly thickened gallbladder wall or a gallbladder wall mass with multiple-focus necrosis or calcifications accompanied by the typical CT findings of abdominal extra-gallbladder TB should suggest the diagnosis of gallbladder TB.

Sustained release of ATP encapsulated in chitosan oligosaccharide nanoparticles

The chemical cross-linked chitosan oligosaccharide (CSO) nanoparticles containing ATP/CSO ionic complex nano-components were prepared using combination techniques of W/O miniemulsion, chemical cross-linking and ionic complexation. The resulted nanoparticles had about 110 nm diameter and 20 mV surface zeta potential. The ATP loading efficiencies in nanoparticles could reach up to 40.6-69.5%. It was found that the ATP loading efficiency increased with increasing the amount and the molecular weight of chitosan oligosaccharide, and decreased with increasing molar ratio of glutaraldehyde to chitosan oligosaccharide. In vitro ATP release from chemical cross-linked CSO nanoparticles could continue for 24h, and could also be adjusted by the amount and molecular weight of CSO, and the molar ratio of glutaraldehyde to CSO. The higher molecular weight and smaller amount of CSO, and the lower molar ratio of glutaraldehyde to CSO led the slower ATP release rate. Furthermore, it was also found that the CSO nanoparticles could be uptaken by HepG-2 tumor cells, and could be applied for intracellular drug delivery.

A large functional somatostatinoma in the pancreatic tail: atypical CT appearances

Somatostatinomas are extremely rare endocrine tumors, and those with diameters above 2 cm are reported to increase the risk of metastasis significantly. We report a case of a large functional somatostatinoma in the pancreatic tail without metastases. A 46-year-old woman with a history of recurrent mild upper abdominal pain and diarrhea for 10 months was admitted to our hospital. Multiple-phase spiral computed tomography revealed a 10 cm x 8 cm, ill-defined, elliptic mass in the body and tail of the pancreas. There was a slightly heterogeneous enhancement on hepatic arterial phase and isodensity to the pancreatic parenchyma with small dotted necrosis within the middle region of the mass on hepatic portal venous and parenchymal phase, with patent splenic vein, dilated collaterals at the splenic hilum and no dilated pancreatic duct, resembling a diffuse infiltration tumor. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first description of multiple-phase spiral computed tomography findings of a functional somatostatinoma in the pancreatic tail and the largest thus far on reported computed tomography, with some differences compared with the previous reports.

CT findings of an ectopic pancreas in the anterior mediastinum

We report here on a rare case of an ectopic pancreatic tissue in the anterior mediastinum. A 32-year-old woman without any symptoms was transferred to our hospital because of an abnormal large mediastinal shadow on her chest radiograph during a checkup. The computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a giant cystic-solid mass that measured 16 × 13 × 8 cm and it was located in the center of the anterior mediastinum and it symmetrically grew to two sides. On enhanced CT scans, the solid component of the mass showed marked enhancement. We performed total surgical resection of the mass and complete pancreatic tissues were verified on the pathological examination.

Biochemical metabolic changes assessed by 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy after radiation-induced hepatic injury in rabbits

AIM: To compare the features of biochemical metabolic changes detected by hepatic phosphorus-31 magnetic resonance spectroscopy (³¹P MRS) with the liver damage score (LDS) and pathologic changes in rabbits and to investigate the diagnostic value of ³¹P MRS in acute hepatic radiation injury.

METHODS: A total of 30 rabbits received different radiation doses (ranging 5-20 Gy) to establish acute hepatic injury models. Blood biochemical tests, ³¹P MRS and pathological examinations were carried out 24 h after irradiation. The degree of injury was evaluated according to LDS and pathology. Ten healthy rabbits served as controls. The MR examination was performed on a 1.5 T imager using a ¹H/³¹P surface coil by the 2D chemical shift imaging technique. The relative quantities of phosphomonoesters (PME), phosphodiesters (PDE), inorganic phosphate (Pi) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) were measured. The data were statistically analyzed.

RESULTS: (1) Relative quantification of phosphorus metabolites: (a) ATP: there were significant differences (P < 0.05) (LDS-groups: control group vs mild group vs moderate group vs severe group, 1.83 ± 0.33 vs 1.55 ± 0.24 vs 1.27 ± 0.09 vs 0.98 ± 0.18; pathological groups: control group vs mild group vs moderate group vs severe group, 1.83 ± 0.33 vs 1.58 ± 0.25 vs 1.32 ± 0.07 vs 1.02 ± 0.18) of ATP relative quantification among control group, mild injured group, moderate injured group, and severe injured group according to both LDS grading and pathological grading, respectively, and it decreased progressively with the increased degree of injury (r = -0.723, P = 0.000). (b) PME and Pi; the relative quantification of PME and Pi decreased significantly in the severe injured group, and the difference between the control group and severe injured group was significant (P < 0.05) (PME: LDS-control group vs LDS-severe group, 0.86 ± 0.23 vs 0.58 ± 0.22, P = 0.031; pathological control group vs pathological severe group, 0.86 ± 0.23 vs 0.60 ± 0.21, P = 0.037; Pi: LDS-control group vs LDS-severe group, 0.74 ± 0.18 vs 0.43 ± 0.14, P = 0.013; pathological control group vs pathological severe group, 0.74 ± 0.18 vs 0.43 ± 0.14, P = 0.005) according to LDS grading and pathological grading, respectively. (c) PDE; there were no significant differences among groups according to LDS grading, and no significant differences between the control group and experimental groups according to pathological grading. (2) The ratio of relative quantification of phosphorus metabolites: significant differences (P < 0.05) (LDS-moderate group and LDS-severe group vs LDS-control group and LDS-mild group, 1.94 ± 0.50 and 1.96 ± 0.72 vs 1.43 ± 0.31 and 1.40 ± 0.38) were only found in PDE/ATP between the moderate injured group, the severe injured group and the control group, the mild injured group. No significant difference was found in other ratios of relative quantification of phosphorus metabolites.

CONCLUSION: ³¹P MRS is a useful method to evaluate early acute hepatic radiation injury. The relative quantification of hepatic ATP levels, which can reflect the pathological severity of acute hepatic radiation injury, is correlated with LDS.

A case of primary malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the pancreas: CT and MRI findings

Primary malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) of the pancreas is rare and a distinct clinical entity. We report a case of recurrence of pancreatic MFH with computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. A 67-year-old man presented with a history of decreased body weight over the past 6 mo. Abdominal CT revealed a large, multilocular cystic mass in the head of the pancreas with obvious atrophy in the body and tail of the pancreas. After 6 mo postoperatively, MRI demonstrated a recurrent large mass in the primary area of the head of the pancreas. The lesion was heterogeneous, hypointense to the liver on T1-weighted imaging, and heterogeneously hyperintense to the liver with a hypointense area in the central part of the tumor on fat-saturated T2-weighted imaging. Contrast-enhanced T1-weighted imaging demonstrated a large multilocular cystic mass with a cystic wall, fibrous septa and enhancement of solid components. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on recurrence of primary MFH of the pancreas, and the first with MRI findings.

Computed tomography of pancreatic implantation with malignant transformation of leiomyomatosis peritonealis disseminata in a man

Leiomyomatosis peritonealis disseminata (LPD) is a rare condition in females. We report a case of pancreatic implantation with malignant transformation of LPD in a man. A 42-year-old man presented with a 16-month history of persistent pain in the right upper abdomen with dorsolumbar radiating pain and weight loss. Spiral computed tomography revealed diffuse enlargement of pancreas with multiple, miliary, micronodular, low-density lesions. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first report of the pancreatic implantation of LPD and the third report of LPD in a male.

CT diagnosis of 52 patients with lymphoma in abdominal lymph nodes

AIM: To assess CT manifestations and its diagnostic value for lymphoma in the abdominal lymph nodes (LALN).

METHODS: CT findings in 52 cases of LALN proved by surgery or biopsy, including Hodgkin’s disease (HD) in 16 cases and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) in 36 cases, were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS: (1) CT manifestations based on distribution of the lesions of LALN: Solitary mass type was found in 10 cases, including solitary, round, uniform-density, enlarged lymph nodes in 3 cases; and multiple, enlarged lymph nodes fusing into singular lobular mass in 7 cases. Thirty-four cases of multiple-nodular type showed multiple, round, enlarged lymph nodes with uniform density and clear margins. Vessels-embedded signs, including mesenteric vessels, renal vessels, abdominal aorta or inferior vena cava, were seen in 6 cases, and duodenum-embedded signs were seen in 2 cases. Eight cases of diffuse type showed characteristic “cobblestone signs”. (2) CT manifestations correlated with pathological type: CT manifestations of 12 cases of HD were different from those of 40 cases of NHL in distribution, size, quantity and fused lesion of enlarged lymph nodes. (3) Twenty-eight cases of 52 patients were accompanied with extra-nodal lymphoma in the abdomen, especially gastrointestinal lymphoma, which had characteristic CT findings. (4) In follow-up examinations, CT images showed uniform, heterogeneous or rim enhancement in 15 cases, and occasional calcifications accompanied with reduction of the lesion size and quantity in 12 cases, whereas the lesions disappeared in 3 cases after treatment.

CONCLUSION: CT images show many characteristic manifestations valuable for qualitative diagnosis of LALN, and it is also helpful for pathological classification of LALN and therapeutic evaluation in follow-up of patients.

Pancreatic schwannoma: CT findings

Schwannomas of the pancreas are rare tumors. We report a case of solitary schwannoma of the pancreas without von Recklinghausen disease. A 72-year-old man underwent routine abdominal ultrasound before cholecystectomy because of chronic cholecystitis and multiple gallstones, and ultrasound showed a small solitary tumor in the pancreas. Spiral computed tomography showed a 1.0-cm, well-defined homogeneous hypodense lesion with mild inhomogeneous enhancement and peripheral enhancement at the junction between the head and body of the pancreas. These computed tomographic findings are different from those in previous reports.

Imaging findings of splenic hamartoma

AIM: To assess CT and MR manifestations and their diagnostic value in splenic hamartoma with review of literatures.

METHODS: We described a woman who was accidentally found to have a splenic tumor by ultrasound of the abdomen. CT and MR findings of this splenic hamartoma were proved by pathology retrospectively.

RESULTS: The CT and MR findings in this case included a ball-like mass with homogeneous mild-hypodensity lesions on non-enhanced CT scans or isointensity on T₁-weighted images and mild hypointensity on T₂-weighted images, progressive homogeneous enhancement on multiple-phase spiral CT and MR enhanced scans, and isodense enhancement on delayed post-contrast CT scans and obvious hyperintensity relative to the spleen on delayed MR images.

CONCLUSION: Splenic hamartoma has some specific radiological features. However, the diagnosis of this disease must be based on clinical features and confirmed by pathology.

Imaging diagnosis of 12 patients with hepatic tuberculosis

AIM

To assess CT, MR manifestations and their diagnostic value in hepatic tuberculosis.

METHODS

CT findings in 12 cases and MR findings in 4 cases of hepatic tuberculosis proved by surgery or biopsy were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

(1) CT findings: One case of serohepatic type of hepatic tuberculosis had multiple-nodular lesions in the subcapsule of liver. Parenchymal type was found in 10 cases, including multiple, miliary, micronodular and low-density lesions with miliary calcifications in 2 cases; singular, low-density mass with multiple flecked calcifications in 3 cases; multiple cystic lesions in 1 case; multiple micronodular and low-density lesions fusing into multiloculated cystic mass or "cluster" sign in 3 cases; and singular, macronodular and low-density lesion with multiple miliary calcifications in 1 case. One case of tuberculous cholangitis showed marked dilated intrahepatic ducts with multiple flecked calcifications in the porta hepatis. (2) MR findings in 4 cases were hypointense on both T1-weighted imagings and T2-weighted imagings in one case, hypointense on T1-weighted imagings and hyperintense on T2-weighted imagings in 3 cases. Enhanced MR in 3 cases was slightly shown peripheral enhancement or with multilocular enhancement.

CONCLUSION

Various types of hepatic tuberculosis have different imaging findings, and typical CT and MR findings can suggest the diagnosis.

[Isolation, purification and renaturation of recombinant-DNA-derived porcine somatotropin]

Large scale abstraction and isolation of bacterially synthesized, recombinant-DNA-derived, porcine growth hormone (r-pST) is described. The r-pGH is found in genetic engineering E. coli as the form of inclusion bodies. Pellet fraction which were mainly inclusion bodies, after cell breakage and centrifugation, were collected. Cell envelope components, such as protein, lipid, endotoxin and nucleic acids are selectively removed from the pellet fraction by an EDTA/lysozyme/deoxycholate extraction. Inclusion bodies were dissolved using 6 mol/L guanidine/HCl and air oxidation is then carried out in the presence of the guanidine/HCl. The Guanidine/HCl protein mixture were diluted by renaturation solution. Guanidine/HCl were removed by dialysis and then correctly refolded, oxidized r-pGH were obtained. Injection experiment of hypophysectomized rats proved r-pST with high native bioactivity was obtained.

Improved Procedure for the Estimation of Nanogram Quantities of Indole-3-acetic Acid in Plant Extracts using the Indolo-alpha-pyrone Fluorescence Method

The indolo-alpha-pyrone fluorescence method of determining indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) is improved by adding butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), an antioxidant, to samples: addition of BHT increases the fluorescence intensities and decreases their variability so that amounts of IAA as small as 0.1 to 1 nanogram become measurable. Interfering compounds, 4-chloroindole-3-acetic acid and 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid, can be separated from IAA by thin-layer chromatography using polyamide as the solid support, and benzene-ethyl acetate-acetic acid (70:25:5, v/v) as the developing solvent. Polyamide thin-layer chromatography is also superior in purifying IAA without significant loss or decomposition.A serious problem in extracting IAA from plant tissues is the considerable loss. Losses can result from decomposition of IAA when its solutions in organic solvents are evaporated to dryness, apparently due to some impurity in the solvents. Decomposition can be eliminated by simple treatments of the solvents, i.e. addition of BHT, washing with water, and passage through cotton wool. The latter is particularly effective in the case of ethyl acetate and ether. Loss of IAA by photodecomposition is also substantial even in dried samples. Ways to minimize the conversion of indole-3-pyruvic acid to IAA during extraction procedure are also described.A revised procedure of IAA extraction and determination is proposed. Applied to etiolated shoots of maize seedlings, it enables content to be estimated (18 nanograms per gram fresh weight) with over 90% recovery in terms of [(14)C]IAA added at the beginning of the extraction.