Textures in thin films of nematic liquid crystals induced by strongly focusing a circularly polarized laser

We investigate the rearrangement of the director in thin films of nematic liquid crystals caused by tightly focusing circularly polarized laser beams. We find either target or spiral patterns, depending on the topology of the director configuration at the position of the beam focus. The induced rearrangements of the director are governed by the viscosity of the media, the handedness of circular polarization, and the irradiation power of the laser. Experimental observations are interpreted using a model derived from nematic continuum theory.

The analysis of EGFR expression and EGFR mutations in advanced pancreatic cancer

e15629

Background: The standard chemotherapy of advanced pancreatic cancer is still gemcitabine and recently gemcitabine + EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)is noted to be positive on Phase III study. In lung cancer, EGFR mutations (the deletion of exon 19, the point mutation of exon 18, 21) have been reported to be correlated with the effect of EGFR TKI. On the other hand, such EGFR mutations were not reported to be recognized by the direct sequencing method in pancreatic cancer. This time we examined EGFR expressions and EGFR mutations in advanced pancreatic cancer. Methods: We examined EGFR expressions immunohistochemically and EGFR mutations by Loop-Hybrid Mobility Shift Assay (LH-MSA) which is more sensitive than the direct sequencing method in the tissue obtained from percutaneous biopsies in advanced pancreatic cancer patients. In addition we examined the correlation between EGFR expressions and survivals by the log-rank test. Results: The subjects were 31 inoperable pancreatic cancer patients. Patients received chemotherapy (gemcitabine: 10, S-1: 8, gemcitabine+S-1: 12, no treatment: 1).The UICC stages were as follows:stage II; 2, stage III; 6, stage IV; 23. The tissues were obtaind from liver; 12, pancreas; 19. EGFR expressions were positive; 15, negative; 16. EGFR expressions were not correlated with survival (p=0.386). Although LH-MSA were performed successfully in all patients, the same EGFR mutations as lung cancer were not detected. Conclusions: EGFR expressions were not correlated with survivals and the same EGFR mutations as lung cancer were not detected in inoperable advanced pancreatic cancer.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Reduction therapy of ALT levels and prevention of HCC development in patients with HCV-associated cirrhosis

1529

Background: Approximately 30 million people worldwide are estimated to have liver cirrhosis (LC) associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV). In addition, patients with HCV-associated liver cirrhosis (HCV-LC) have a high risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Namely, 60–80% of the patients may develop HCC in 10 years. So, preventing these patients from developing HCC is an urgent problem to be solved. To find a way to prevent the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from hepatitis C-virus associated liver cirrhosis (HCV-LC), an analysis of the HCV-LC patients who had reduction therapy of ALT levels was performed. Patients and Methods: Seventy-four consecutive HCV-LC patients of Child Stage A were followed for > 10 years for the development of HCC. They were divided into two groups: In group A, the reduction therapy for ALT levels is aggressively performed and in group B, the reduction therapy was not performed aggressively. Results: Initial ALT was higher in group A than in group B, but there was no significance. After reduction therapy, ALT level was significantly high in group A in the first year. However, there were no significant differences between ALT levels in groups A and B of after the second year. In total, 39 patients out of 74 (52.7%) developed HCC within 13 years from the beginning of the study and 35 patients did not developed HCC in the same observation period. The incidence of HCC development in group B [65.7% (23/35)] was significantly higher than in group A [41.0% (16/39)] (p=0.039). The median HCC developing time in group A (12.8 years) was significantly longer than in group B (3.8 years) (p=0.0013). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that reduction therapy and ALT levels were the significant factors affecting HCC development. The incidence of HCC development in group B was 5.8 times higher than in group A. The high and unclassified ALT groups were 4.6 times and 2.2 times higher than in the low ALT group. Conclusion: The chances of surviving for more than 10 years without developing HCC in the HCV-LC patients of Child Stage A were far more favorable in group A than in group B. These results suggest that aggressive reduction therapy for ALT levels in HCV-LC patients could significantly prevent HCC development.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

A phase II multicentric trial of combined chemotherapy with gemcitabine plus S-1 in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer

15129

Background: While gemcitabine (GEM) is the standard drug for chemotherapy against advanced pancreatic cancer, the development of multidrug therapies for improved outcome is important. We conducted multicentric combined chemotherapy with GEM and S-1 trial and reported the results of the phase I trial last year. And this phase II study evaluated the efficacy and feasibility. Methods: The subjects had unresectable pancreatic ductal cancer. Eligibility criteria were pathologically-proven, Karnofsky performance status 80 to 100%, age 20 to 74 years, adequate hematological, renal, and liver functions and written informed consent. The method of administration was single administration of GEM on the first day of the week 1000 mg/m2, with concurrent administration of S-1 at 80 (<1.5 m2) to 100 (=1.5 m2) mg/day × 7 days, repeated every other week until the progressive disease or life threatening adverse events. This administration dose was determined from the result of the phase I study. The primary endpoint was median survival time. And the secondary endpoints were the overall response rate and the toxicities. Results: 40 patients(pts) were enrolled. Average age was 62.9±8.3 years (34–73 years). Thirty nine pts were conducted this therapy except one who refused this study before the start of administration. Thirty eight pts were evaluable for response, partial response, stable disease, progressive disease were observed in 7 (17.5%), 21 (52.5%) and 10 pts (25.0%), respectively. The median survival time at this stage is 276±51 days in this ongoing study. Grade 3 and 4 toxicities were mainly leucocytes(10 pts), neutrophils(8 pts) and anorexia(6 pts). Conclusions: The GEM plus S-1 combined chemotherapy is effective and feasible in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Usefulness of FDG-PET in predicting the prognosis of advanced pancreatic carcinoma with chemotherapy

14043

Background: 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET is a new diagnostic imaging technique that takes advantage of increased glucose metabolism by the tumor cells. High uptake of FDG is reportedly associated with poor survival in head and neck cancer (Heikki et al., 1997, Nuclear Oncology). FDG uptake diminishes with elevated levels of plasma glucose. We herein evaluated the usefulness of FDG-PET in predicting the prognosis of advanced pancreatic carcinoma (APC). Methods: FDG-PET was performed on 32 consecutive patients with APC between July 2001 and April 2004. The patients fasted for at least 5 hr before the study. The plasma glucose level was controlled under 150 mg/dl by using oral antidiabetic or insulin therapy in advance. FDG-PET images were acquired 45 min after intravenous injection of FDG. We did not measure the plasma glucose level directly before imaging. The FDG uptake in the primary tumor was quantitated as the standardized uptake value (SUV), and the maximum SUV (SUVmax) was measured in the regions of interest. All of the 32 APC patients received chemotherapy (26: gemcitabine, 1: gemcitabine + UFT, 5: TS-1). We analyzed the correlation between SUVmax and the overall survival. Then, we excluded the diabetics (n = 8) and compared SUV in the non-diabetic patients (n = 24). The overall survival curve was plotted according to the method of Kaplan and Meier. The difference in the overall survival was calculated using the log-rank test, and a multivariate analysis was conducted. Results: 32 patients were examined. All cases showed FDG uptake in the pancreatic tumor (SUVmax ranged from 2.73 to 9.67). The overall survival ranged from 38 to 945 days with a median of 261 days.These patients were classified into two groups at a median SUVmax value of 4.81. There was no significant difference in the overall survival between these two groups (p > 0.05). The non-diabetic patients (n = 24) were classified into two groups at a median SUVmax value of 5.51. The high SUVmax group had shorter overall survival than the low SUVmax group (p = 0.039). The multivariate analysis using Cox hazard model also revealed that SUVmax was a significant, independent factor that influenced the survival (p = 0.043) in the non-diabetic patients. Conclusions: FDG-PET may be a useful modality in determining the prognosis of APC.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

A phase I multicentric trial of combined chemotherapy with gemcitabine plus S-1 in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer

14047

Background: While gemcitabine (GEM) is the standard drug for chemotherapy against advanced pancreatic cancer, the development of multidrug therapies for improved outcome is important. We conducted multicentric combined chemotherapy with GEM and S-1 and report the results of the phase I trial. Methods: The subjects had unresectable pancreatic ductal cancer. The method of administration was single administration of GEM on the first day of the week from Level 1 to Level 4 at 400 to 1000 mg/m2, with concurrent administration of S-1 at 40 to 100 mg/day × 7 days, repeated every other week as a collaborative trial conducted at 3 facilities. The purpose was to determine the optimal dose with adverse events as an indicator. Results: Eighteen patients were enrolled (3 each at Levels 1, 2, 3 and 4’, 6 at Level 4). Average age was 60.9 years (38 - 71 years). There was no dose limiting toxicity (DLT) up to Level 3. Level 4 was the maximum tolerated dose since DLT was observed in 4/6 patients (mucositis 2, rash 1, anorexia 1), and no DLT was observed in 3 additional patients at Level 4’. The resulting recommended dose was Level 4 (GEM 1000 mg/m2, S-1 100 mg/day). For reference, partial response was observed in 5 patients, and median survival time at this stage is 336±39 days. Conclusions: The recommended dosage of GEM + S-1 combined chemotherapy for unresectable advanced pancreatic cancer was determined in a phase I trial. We intend to proceed to a phase II trial.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Early invasive colorectal carcinomas with submucosal invasion: radiographic characteristics with barium double contrast images

BACKGROUND

We assessed the radiographic characteristics of early colorectal carcinomas with submucosal invasion (CCSI) with the use of double-contrast images.

METHODS

From 1989 to 1997, 193 patients with 196 CCSI lesions underwent double-contrast barium enema examinations. Three gastrointestinal radiologists retrospectively reviewed the radiographic characteristics of the lesions and classified them as protruding and depressed types by consensus. Further, subclassifying the protruding into lobular and smooth types was accomplished on the basis of surface structure. Each type was compared with pathologic findings of resected specimens.

RESULTS

The incidence of the protruding type was 98.0%, and that of the depressed type was only 2.0%. The proportion of smooth lesions was 49.0% for the protruding type; these had a mean diameter of 17.9 mm, which was significantly smaller than the 23.1 mm mean observed for lobular lesions (p < 0.01). Of the smooth lesions, 44.7% demonstrated massive invasion, whereas 91.8% of lobular lesions exhibited only slight or moderate invasion into the submucosa (p < 0.01). The extent of invasion of the smooth lesions was greater than that for their lobular counterparts in terms of venous and lymph node involvement.

CONCLUSION

Almost all CCSIs could be identified radiologically as protruding lesions; these had a smooth rather than a lobulated surface and demonstrated greater malignancy, despite the smaller size. It is clinically important to discriminate these from other polypoid lesions in establishing patient treatment. Double-contrast imaging is useful for evaluation of the surface characteristics of CCSIs in barium enema studies.

Two special types of breast cancer presenting as progressive disease after neoadjuvant chemotherapy with docetaxel plus doxorubicin

Seventy-eight patients with primary breast cancer over 3 cm in diameter in stages II A, II B, III A and III B according to the UICC classification received neoadjuvant chemotherapy from August 1, 1998 to June 30, 2000 at the Breast Division of the National Cancer Center Hospital. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy consisted of doxorubicin (Adriamycin: ADM) 50 mg/m(2) and docetaxel (Taxotere: DOC) 60 mg/m(2) every three weeks. The overall clinical response to this regimen was 88% (69/78). Although neoadjuvant chemotherapy with this regimen achieved good responses in patients with breast cancer, 2 patients presented with progressive disease (PD) after treatment. One patient had inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) and the other had primary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the breast. There were 4 cases of IBC and one case of SCC of the breast who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy in this series. Our observations suggest that this regimen might not be effective for these types of breast cancer.

Diabetic mastopathy: a case report with reference to the findings of enhanced computed tomography

We report a case of insulin-dependent diabetic fibrous mastopathy with special reference to the findings of computed tomography (CT). The patient was a 27-year-old woman with a history of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus from childhood who presented with a right breast tumor. Physical examination showed a stony-hard, ill-defined but freely movable mass under the nipple of the right breast without nipple discharge. Mammography revealed a high-density mass shadow without microcalcifications or spicular formation. Ultrasonographic examination revealed an irregularly-shaped hypoechoic lesion with marked posterior acoustical shadowing. Contrast-enhanced CT revealed poor early phase contrast enhancement and slight delayed phase heterogeneous enhancement. Since core needle biopsy revealed fibrocystic disease, the lesion was suspicious for diabetic mastopathy. Incisional biopsy of the right breast lump was performed. On histopathological examination, the lesion showed fibrosis with dense lymphocytic infiltration around the lobules. Diabetic fibrous mastopathy was diagnosed. Physicians should be aware of the association of long-standing diabetes mellitus with the development of fibrous mastopathy. CT is considered a useful tool to differentiate diabetic mastopathy from breast cancer.

Contrast-enhanced computed tomography for diagnosing the intraductal component and small invasive foci of breast cancer

It is important to eliminate local residual cancer to avoid local recurrence after breast conserving treatment. Many efforts have been made to detect extensive intraductal components (EICs) and small invasive foci of breast cancer by diagnostic imaging including MRI and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CE-CT). The abilities and limitations of CE-CT are reviewed in this article. The sensitivity of EIC detection by CE-CT ranges from 76% to 88%, and specificity from 79% to 89%. The sensitivity for detecting EIC and cancerous lesions were significantly higher for CE-CT than for US or MMG. The enhanced patterns of CE-CT demonstrating EIC and small invasive foci were classified into diffuse, spotty, linear and multiple types. The differences of the size of cancerous extension by CE-CT from the pathological EIC were within 2 cm in almost all cases. CE-CT is useful for visualizing EIC and small invasive foci of breast cancer.

Glutathione S-transferase Pi is a dopamine-inducible suppressor of dopamine-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells

The finding that the neurotransmitter dopamine induces apoptosis in neurons implies the existence of a cellular mechanism by which dopaminergic neurons protect themselves from dopamine-induced apoptosis. By profiling the expression of a number of genes in differentiating PC12 cells which exhibit elevated levels of dopamine biosynthesis, we found that expression of glutathione S-transferase class Pi (GSTp) mRNA was selectively up-regulated. Interestingly, dopamine added to the culture medium of PC12 cells also augmented their expression of GSTp mRNA. Suppression of GSTp expression by transfection of its antisense expression vector augmented dopamine-induced apoptosis of PC12 cells. Conversely, overexpression of GSTp made the resultant PC12 transfectants highly resistant to dopamine-induced apoptosis. Transfection of the antisense or sense GSTp expression vectors also resulted in corresponding augmentation or suppression of dopamine-induced activation of cell-associated Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK), which has been suggested to mediate dopamine-induced apoptosis in neuronal cells. These results indicate that GSTp is a dopamine-inducible suppressor of dopamine-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells, and suggest that this activity is exerted through inhibition of JNK activity.

Glutathione S-transferase Pi is a dopamine-inducible suppressor of dopamine-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells

The finding that the neurotransmitter dopamine induces apoptosis in neurons implies the existence of a cellular mechanism by which dopaminergic neurons protect themselves from dopamine-induced apoptosis. By profiling the expression of a number of genes in differentiating PC12 cells which exhibit elevated levels of dopamine biosynthesis, we found that expression of glutathione S-transferase class Pi (GSTp) mRNA was selectively up-regulated. Interestingly, dopamine added to the culture medium of PC12 cells also augmented their expression of GSTp mRNA. Suppression of GSTp expression by transfection of its antisense expression vector augmented dopamine-induced apoptosis of PC12 cells. Conversely, overexpression of GSTp made the resultant PC12 transfectants highly resistant to dopamine-induced apoptosis. Transfection of the antisense or sense GSTp expression vectors also resulted in corresponding augmentation or suppression of dopamine-induced activation of cell-associated Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK), which has been suggested to mediate dopamine-induced apoptosis in neuronal cells. These results indicate that GSTp is a dopamine-inducible suppressor of dopamine-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells, and suggest that this activity is exerted through inhibition of JNK activity.

Glutathione S-transferase Pi is a dopamine-inducible suppressor of dopamine-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells

The finding that the neurotransmitter dopamine induces apoptosis in neurons implies the existence of a cellular mechanism by which dopaminergic neurons protect themselves from dopamine-induced apoptosis. By profiling the expression of a number of genes in differentiating PC12 cells which exhibit elevated levels of dopamine biosynthesis, we found that expression of glutathione S-transferase class Pi (GSTp) mRNA was selectively up-regulated. Interestingly, dopamine added to the culture medium of PC12 cells also augmented their expression of GSTp mRNA. Suppression of GSTp expression by transfection of its antisense expression vector augmented dopamine-induced apoptosis of PC12 cells. Conversely, overexpression of GSTp made the resultant PC12 transfectants highly resistant to dopamine-induced apoptosis. Transfection of the antisense or sense GSTp expression vectors also resulted in corresponding augmentation or suppression of dopamine-induced activation of cell-associated Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK), which has been suggested to mediate dopamine-induced apoptosis in neuronal cells. These results indicate that GSTp is a dopamine-inducible suppressor of dopamine-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells, and suggest that this activity is exerted through inhibition of JNK activity.

Accuracy of contrast-enhanced computed tomography in the prediction of residual breast cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy

Determination of the extent of residual disease after neoadjuvant chemotherapy is sometimes inaccurate by conventional diagnostic methods. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CE-CT) in depicting the extent of residual carcinomas. Fifty-seven patients with breast carcinomas of 3 cm diameter or more received neoadjuvant chemotherapy with four cycles of AT (doxorubicin and docetaxel). Before surgery, the patients underwent clinical examination, mammogram (MMG), ultrasonography (US), and CE-CT. Thirteen patients were not evaluated by CE-CT before surgery. Enhancement patterns on CE-CT were classified into multiple spots, tumor and spots, solid tumor type, and no enhancement. When all types of cancers were included in the analysis, clinical examination showed the best correlation with the pathology of the extent of residual carcinomas. However, except in invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) and inflammatory breast carcinoma (IBC), CE-CT showed the best correlation (R insertion mark2 = 0.537). More than half of the residual microcalcifications on MMG after neoadjuvant chemotherapy suggested residual viable tumor. In conclusion, CE-CT is the most accurate noninvasive technique for identifying the extent of the residual carcinoma after neoadjuvant chemotherapy if cases of IBC and ILC are excluded.

Role of granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor in zymocel-induced hepatic granuloma formation

To examine the role of granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in inflammatory granuloma formation, we injected GM-CSF-deficient (GM-CSF(-/-)) mice and wild-type (GM-CSF(+/+)) mice intravenously with 2 mg of zymocel, and mice were killed at various intervals for examination. In GM-CSF(-/-) mice, we demonstrated a marked delay of zymocel-induced hepatic granuloma formation until 5 days after zymocel injection with a rapid reduction in numbers of granulomas at 10 days until their disappearance. In the early phase of granuloma formation, monocyte infiltration and differentiation of monocytes into macrophages were impaired in GM-CSF(-/-) mice compared with GM-CSF(+/+) mice. The percentages of [(3)H]thymidine-labeled macrophages at 2 days after zymocel injection were lower in the GM-CSF(-/-) mice than in the GM-CSF(+/+) mice. The DNA nick-end-labeling method demonstrated increased numbers of apoptotic cells in and around hepatic granulomas of GM-CSF(-/-) mice from 8 days after zymocel injection, and electron microscopy detected apoptotic bodies. Granuloma macrophage digestion of glucan particles and activation of macrophages were similar in the two types of mice. In situ hybridization demonstrated expression of GM-CSF mRNA in the endothelial cells, hepatocytes, and some granuloma cells in the GM-CSF(+/+) mice but not in the GM-CSF(-/-) mice. These results provide evidence that GM-CSF is important for the influx of monocytes into hepatic granulomas, for differentiation of monocytes into macrophages, and for proliferation and survival of macrophages within hepatic granulomas.

Radiographic features of invasive lobular carcinoma of the breast

PURPOSE

To evaluate the radiographic features of invasive lobular carcinoma of the breast.

METHODS

We evaluated the radiographic features of 61 cases of histopathologically documented invasive lobular carcinoma. Mammography was performed in all cases. In seven of 61 cases, helical CT with contrast medium was also carried out. Mammographic findings were analyzed to determine true-positive and false-negative rates for the detection of neoplasm. Further, the diameter of the tumor as determined on mammography and helical CT was noted for comparison with the pathologic size.

RESULTS

Mammographic features were divided into six types: spiculated mass (38%), indistinct mass (5%), obscured mass (23%), asymmetric opacity (16%), architectural distortion (16%), and no findings (2%). Microcalcifications were present in 12 cases (20%). The overall sensitivity rate was 59%. However, 20 (56%) of 36 cases that were diagnosed as detectable on mammography were underestimated in terms of tumor size compared with the histopathologic findings. Four cases examined by helical CT with contrast medium were compared with the histopathologic findings in terms of extent of the lesion. In three cases, helical CT was more precise than mammography, but the histopathologic findings showed lesions beyond the region evaluated by helical CT.

CONCLUSION

Invasive lobular carcinoma is difficult to detect radiographically, and the extent of the lesion tends to be underestimated.

Changes in findings of mammography, ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced computed tomography of three histological complete responders with primary breast cancer before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy: case reports

We report the changes in the findings of imaging examinations (mammography, ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced computed tomography) of three patients with primary breast cancer before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, who obtained histologically complete responses after the chemotherapy. The neoadjuvant chemotherapy consisted of four cycles of doxorubicin and docetaxel. All patients were clinically judged as partial responders, because of the remaining tumorous lesions in the imaging examinations. However, these tumorous lesions could be related to the chemotherapy-induced fibrosis and tumor necrosis or the remaining fibrocystic changes. In this study, it was considered very difficult to estimate the extent of residual tumors accurately in patients with primary breast cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy by any type of imaging examination.

Chemical waves in self-oscillating gels

The behaviors of a poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) (PNIPA) gel coupled with the Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction has been investigated as a function of temperature and catalyst concentration. In this type of gel, the chemical oscillation in the BZ reaction induces periodic and autonomous swelling-shrinking volume changes of the gel, and conversely a volume change of the PNIPA gel affects the propagation of the chemical wave. Our attention was focused on the effects of mechanical changes on the chemical wave by utilizing the thermally driven volume phase transition of the gel. Both the velocity and the frequency of the chemical wave increased with increasing temperature, and abruptly decreased at the volume transition temperature of the gel, T(c). The diffusion of HBrO2, which is essential for wave propagation, was hindered with increasing temperature. The diffusion of HBrO2 through the gel network in the low temperature region was explained in the same way as a simple diffusion of inactive molecules through a restricted environment.

Close association between high serum ALT and more rapid recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma in hepatectomized patients with HCV-associated liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma

We investigated whether or not a high serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level is associated with a more rapid recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in hepatectomized patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-associated liver cirrhosis (LC) (HCV-LC) and HCC. Thirty-three hepatectomized patients with HCV-LC and HCC of a single nodule who had no histologic evidence of portal or hepatic vein invasion and who had been followed up for more than 3 years were included in the study. They were subdivided into two groups according to their serum ALT levels, ALT being a well-known marker of inflammatory necrosis in the liver. Seventeen patients whose serum ALT levels showed several peaks or plateaus above 80 international units (IU) were designated as the high ALT group, and 16 patients whose serum ALT levels showed a sustained low level below 80 IU until the first recurrence were designated as the low ALT group, and the interval between hepatectomy and the first recurrence was observed. In the high ALT group, HCC recurred within 3 years in 70.6% of the patients. In contrast, it recurred in only 18.8% of the low ALT group within the same period (p < 0.05). There was a significant difference (p = 0.0201) between the two groups in the cumulative nonrecurrence rate. The mean interval in recurrent patients between hepatectomy and the first recurrence in the high ALT group (23.6 +/- 2.8 months; mean +/- SE) was significantly (p < 0.02) shorter than that in the low ALT group (49.3 +/- 9.7 months). The expected interval between hepatectomy and recurrence was as short as 2.8 +/- 0.5 years (mean +/- SE) in the high ALT group, compared with 5.8 +/- 0.7 years in the low ALT group (p < 0.05). These results showed that the recurrence of HCC was accelerated in the high ALT group, suggesting that suppression of the rise in ALT level after hepatectomy by treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs may prolong the interval until recurrence by about 2 years in hepatectomized patients with HCC and HCV-LC.

Characterizations of critical processes in liquid-liquid phase separation of the elastomeric protein-water system: microscopic observations and light scattering measurements

Biological self-assembly process of tropoelastin in an extracellular space, viewed as a key step of the elastogenesis, can be mimicked by the temperature-dependent coacervation of the elastin-related polypeptide-water system. Early and late stages of the phase separation behavior of the bovine neck ligamental alpha-elastin-water system were examined respectively by the laser light scattering photometry and phase contrast microscopy. Changes in the hydrodynamic size of molecular assemblies and visible microcoacervate droplet size were traced as a function of the concentration of alpha-elastin and temperature. Near the critical point, alpha-elastin concentration of 0.11 mg/mL and temperature of 21.5 degrees C, the phase separation was initiated after fast increase of the hydrodynamic size of primary aggregates as scattering particles and followed by the appearance of larger microcoacervate droplets with a broad size distribution. Whereas in the off-critical region, slow decrease of the hydrodynamic size of primary particles induced phase separation with smaller droplets of a narrow size distribution. Observation of the phase separation processes in the alpha-elastin-water system with metal chlorides and hydrophobic synthetic model polypeptide-water system indicated that the fast and slow molecular assembly processes were based on the fundamental hydrophobic interactions and involvements of electrostatic interactions between charged amino acid residues, respectively.

A hydrophobic region locating at the center of fibroblast growth factor-9 is crucial for its secretion

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-9 is a glycosylated neurotrophic polypeptide highly expressed in brain. The mechanism for its secretion from expressing cells is unclear, because its primary structure lacks a cleavable signal sequence. We, therefore, investigated the mechanism and structural requirements for secretion of FGF-9. As with other secreted proteins, in vitro translation of FGF-9 was inhibited by signal recognition particle, which binds to the signal sequence. When translated in vitro, full-length FGF-9 was translocated into microsomes, glycosylated, and protected from trypsin digestion. By using various FGF-9 deletion mutants, we found that two hydrophobic domains, located at the N terminus and at the center of the FGF-9 primary structure, were crucial for translocation. Examination of various point mutants revealed that local hydrophobicity of the central hydrophobic domain, but not the N terminus, was crucial for translocation. Analogous results were obtained with respect to FGF-9 secretion from transfectant cells. Upon deletion of the complete sequence preceding it, the previously uncleavable hydrophobic domain appeared to serve as a cleavable signal sequence. Our results suggest that nascent FGF-9 polypeptides translocate into endoplasmic reticulum without peptide cleavage via a co-translational pathway in which both the N terminus and the central hydrophobic domain are important; thereafter, FGF-9 is glycosylated and secreted.

Association between high serum alanine aminotransferase levels and more rapid development and higher rate of incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with hepatitis C virus-associated cirrhosis

BACKGROUND

Many studies have demonstrated in animal experiments that persistent inflammation may accelerate the development of carcinoma. In this article, the question of whether the persistent elevation of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels (which represents the inflammatory necrosis of hepatocytes) correlates with the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was studied in patients with early stage hepatitis C virus (HCV)-associated cirrhosis.

METHODS

Sixty-nine consecutive patients with biopsy proven HCV-associated cirrhosis (mostly Child's Stage A) who had been followed for >5 years for the development of HCC were studied. They were subdivided into 3 groups according to their serum ALT levels: Group A was comprised of 28 patients whose annual average serum ALT level was persistently high (>/= 80 IU) (high ALT group), Group B was comprised of 28 patients whose annual average serum ALT level was persistently low (< 80 IU) (low ALT group), and Group C was comprised of 13 unclassified patients. The patients had been studied prospectively with frequent ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography for > 5 years.

RESULTS

In the high ALT group HCC developed in 71.4% of patients compared with 25.0% in the low ALT group over the observation period (P < 0.005). The 5-year rate of incidence of HCC in the high ALT group was as high as 53.6% compared with only 7.1% in the low ALT group (P < 0.001). The expected interval between the diagnosis of cirrhosis and the development of HCC was 6.0 +/- 0.7 years (mean +/- standard error) in the high ALT group and 12.7 +/- 1.2 years in the low ALT group (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the current study demonstrated that the development of HCC was more rapid in the high ALT group with HCV-associated cirrhosis.

Association between high serum alanine aminotransferase levels and more rapid development and higher rate of incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with hepatitis C virus-associated cirrhosis

BACKGROUND

Many studies have demonstrated in animal experiments that persistent inflammation may accelerate the development of carcinoma. In this article, the question of whether the persistent elevation of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels (which represents the inflammatory necrosis of hepatocytes) correlates with the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was studied in patients with early stage hepatitis C virus (HCV)-associated cirrhosis.

METHODS

Sixty-nine consecutive patients with biopsy proven HCV-associated cirrhosis (mostly Child's Stage A) who had been followed for >5 years for the development of HCC were studied. They were subdivided into 3 groups according to their serum ALT levels: Group A was comprised of 28 patients whose annual average serum ALT level was persistently high (>/= 80 IU) (high ALT group), Group B was comprised of 28 patients whose annual average serum ALT level was persistently low (< 80 IU) (low ALT group), and Group C was comprised of 13 unclassified patients. The patients had been studied prospectively with frequent ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography for > 5 years.

RESULTS

In the high ALT group HCC developed in 71.4% of patients compared with 25.0% in the low ALT group over the observation period (P < 0.005). The 5-year rate of incidence of HCC in the high ALT group was as high as 53.6% compared with only 7.1% in the low ALT group (P < 0.001). The expected interval between the diagnosis of cirrhosis and the development of HCC was 6.0 +/- 0.7 years (mean +/- standard error) in the high ALT group and 12.7 +/- 1.2 years in the low ALT group (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the current study demonstrated that the development of HCC was more rapid in the high ALT group with HCV-associated cirrhosis.

Effects of recombinant human macrophage colony-stimulating factor on proliferation, differentiation and survival of Kupffer cells in the liver of adult mice

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) on the proliferation, differentiation and survival of Kupffer cells in the liver of adult mice.

STUDY DESIGN

By the combined method of autoradiography with [3H]thymidine and immunohistochemistry using a monoclonal antibody against mouse macrophages (F4/80 or BM8), the labeling rate of [3H]thymidine in macrophages within the liver sinusoids was examined at various intervals after single flash labeling with [3H]thymidine in adult mice with or without daily administration of recombinant human M-CSF.

RESULTS

A minor population of Kupffer cells (about 2%) possessed proliferative capacity under a normal steady state condition. With time after flash labeling, the influx of monocytes and their differentiation into macrophages were demonstrated in the liver, and their labeling rate returned to the baseline level one week later. Afterward, the labeling rate of Kupffer cells was maintained at the baseline level until the end of five weeks. Administration of M-CSF enhanced the proliferative capacity of Kupffer cells, increased the number of macrophages and delayed the time of peaking. However, it did not prolong the survival of Kupffer cells.

CONCLUSION

In normal mice, Kupffer cells can survive for at least five weeks. Daily M-CSF administration induces the increased number and proliferative capacity of Kupffer cells.

Contrast-enhanced computed tomography detection of occult breast cancers presenting as axillary masses

Some non-palpable breast cancers presenting as axillary metastases (occult breast cancer, OBC) are not clinically detectable by either mammography (MMG) or ultrasonography (US). We performed contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CE-CT) in order to locate the primary tumors in five cases of OBC and succeeded in locating all of them.

Granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor and interleukin-3 correct osteopetrosis in mice with osteopetrosis mutation

Although young mice homozygous for the osteopetrosis (op) mutation usually developed prominent osteopetrosis, its severity was markedly reduced in aged op/op mice. This age-associated reversal of osteopetrosis was accompanied by the expansion of bone marrow cavities and increased numbers of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive cells and of macrophages in the bone marrow. The TRAP-positive cells were mononuclear and developed ruffled borders and numerous vesicles, vacuoles, and granules. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay demonstrated a significant elevation of serum granulocyte/ macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and interleukin (IL)-3 levels in the aged op/op mice. To examine whether GM-CSF and/or IL-3 could correct osteopetrosis in young op/op mice, 5 ng of recombinant murine (rm)GM-CSF and/or 100 ng of rmIL-3 were injected daily into young op/op mice. In these treated young op/op mice, the bone marrow cavities were expanded significantly at 2 weeks after administration, associated with significantly increased numbers of TRAP-positive cells and bone marrow macrophages. TRAP-positive cells increased in number with days after injection. These results suggest that GM-CSF and IL-3 induce the development of osteoclasts to correct osteopetrosis in the op/op mice with aging.

The C-terminal region of fibroblast growth factor-1 is crucial for its biological activity and high level protein expression in mammalian cells

We have studied the role of the carboxyl(C)-terminus of fibroblast growth factor(FGF)-1 using prokaryotic and eukaryotic expression systems. The full-length FGF-1 protein and its mutants lacking 6- and 9-amino acids at the C-terminus IFGF-1 (Cdel6) and FGF-1 (Cdel9), respectively] could be expressed in E. coli cells at the similar levels. The deletion mutants bound very weakly to FGF receptor and to heparin, and did not stimulate DNA synthesis in BALB/c3T3 cells. In contrast to E. coli cells, in NIH3T3 transfectants and L6 transfectants, the protein expression level of FGF-1 (Cdel6) was significantly lower than that of FGF-1, and longer C-terminal deletions further decreased the protein expression levels. However, the level of transcripts in the transfectants and the level of translates in in vitro system were equivalent for all the FGF-1 constructs. Treatment with proteasome inhibitors of the NIH3T3 transfectants expressing FGF-1(Cdel6) increased the protein level six-fold. The results indicate that the C-terminus of FGF-I is crucial for its biological activity and high-level expression in mammalian cells and suggest that deletion of the C-terminus of FGF-1 induces its post-translational degradation by proteasome system.

Distinct regulation of myoblast differentiation by intracellular and extracellular fibroblast growth factor-1

We studied the role of fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-1 in the physiology of myoblast differentiation. We found that, while endogenous FGF-1 in L6-10 rat myoblasts did not suppress the progress of differentiation, the addition of FGF-1 to the culture medium suppressed it. Moreover, L6-10 cells stably transfected with full length FGF-1 undergo enhanced differentiation. The latter was well correlated with myogenin expression and myotube formation. Constitutive expression of a mutant FGF-1 (FGF-1U) that lacked a nuclear localization signal, promoted the differentiation of the myoblasts even more strongly. Furthermore, the expression of FGF-1U in an inducible expression system enhanced myogenin expression promptly. In L6-10 transfectants expressing a dominant-negative mutant of FGF receptor, stable transfection of FGF-1 promoted differentiation as it did in parent cells. Studies with FGF receptors and MAP kinase suggest that both are involved in the effect of FGF-1 when it is supplemented to culture medium but not during the effect of endogenous FGF-1 synthesized in cells. We conclude that intracellular (endogenous) and extracellular (exogenous) FGF-1 have differential effects on the regulation of myogenic differentiation of L6-10 cells.

Properties of the membranes containing the particulate methane monooxygenase from Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b

The particulate methane monooxygenase (pMMO) from Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b was partially purified and characterized by measuring the effects of reducing agents and additives, and the stability of pMMO was studied. Duroquinol was a suitable reducing agent, and pMMO was stabilized by bovine serum albumin (BSA). Among the additives, the copper (II) ion stimulated pMMO at low concentration and inhibited at high concentration. The optimum conditions for pMMO activity were as follows: 45 degrees C, pH 6.5 and 55 mM 3-morpholinopropanesulfonic acid (MOPS) buffer, and the rate of propene epoxide formation was 13.6 nmol min-1 mg-1 protein. ESR spectra indicate that the copper cluster in the membrane fraction is reduced by duroquinol and oxidized by dioxygen. The result suggests that the copper cluster is contained in the active site of pMMO.

Diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced computed tomography for diagnosing the intraductal component of breast cancer

BACKGROUND

It is important to reduce local residual cancer to avoid local recurrence after breast conserving treatment. We therefore tried to detect the intraductal components and small invasive foci of breast cancers by contrast-enhanced helical computed tomography (CE-CT).

METHODS

In 122 women whose breasts were examined by CE-CT preoperatively, intraductal spread detected on ultrasound (US), mammography (MMG), and CE-CT, and extensive intraductal components (EICs) detected by histological examination were analyzed for correlations among the extent and subtypes of intraductal components, and deviations in tumor size.

RESULTS

EICs were present in 44 patients. The sensitivities of EIC detection by US, MMG, and CE-CT were 35%, 61%, and 88%, respectively, and the corresponding specificities were 83%, 86%, and 79%, respectively. The sensitivities of detecting EIC and small invasive foci were 34%, 57%, and 91%, respectively. In 5 patients, EIC could only be visualized by CE-CT. The median deviation of the size of intraductal spread revealed by CE-CT from pathological EIC was 0.0 cm (range + 3.0 to - 1.7 cm).

CONCLUSIONS

CE-CT is useful for visualizing intraductal spread and small invasive foci of breast cancer.

Effects of granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor on the development and differentiation of CD5-positive macrophages and their potential derivation from a CD5-positive B-cell lineage in mice

In co-cultures of either the murine pre-B cell line J13, fetal liver cells, or adult peritoneal or bone marrow cells with ST2 mouse bone marrow stromal cells in the presence of granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), the development of CD5+ macrophages was demonstrated by immunohistochemical staining and flow cytometry. Although CD5+ macrophages were not present in the peritoneal cavities of normal mice, approximately 30% of the peritoneal macrophages in viable motheaten (mev/mev) mice, deficient in SHP-1 protein tyrosine phosphatase, expressed cell surface CD5 and B220, markers for B cells. In the mev/mev mice, GM-CSF level in peritoneal fluid was increased significantly. At 5 days after daily intravenous injection with GM-CSF, many CD5+ macrophages appeared in the peritoneal cavity and in omental milky spots of normal mice but fewer in osteopetrosis (op) mutant mice, deficient in macrophage (M)-CSF. These results indicate that GM-CSF, in combination with M-CSF, induces the development and differentiation of CD5+ macrophages in the peritoneal cavity, particularly in the omental milky spots of mice. In the peritoneal cavity of GM-CSF-treated mice, the percentages of hematopoietic progenitor cells doubly positive for CD5 and CD34 or c-kit and of macrophage precursor cells doubly positive for CD5 and ER-MP58 or ER-MP20 were increased significantly during the development of CD5+ macrophages and CD5 B cells, suggesting that CD5+ macrophages and B cells may share a bipotential progenitor in vivo.

[Estimation of cell proliferation in hepatocellular carcinoma and in background liver cirrhosis, by using MIB-1 LI]

The 23 hepatectomized patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were studied. Samples were biopsied from both cancerous portion and from non-cancerous cirrhotic portion at operation. MIB-1 LIs were measured in these biopsied samples. Then the relationships between MIB-1 LIs and pathologic feature, clinical data, and prognosis were investigated. LIs of the cancerous portion (10.2 +/- 6.8%, Mean +/- SE) were significantly (p < 0.001) greater than those of non-cancerous cirrhotic portion (3.8 +/- 2.1%). LIs of the cancerous portion in the patients who were dead with in 18 months after their hepatectomies, were significantly (p < 0.05) greater than those in the patients who survived more than 18 months after operations. LIs of the cancerous portion in the patients whose samples revealed Edmondson & Steiners classification grade III, were significantly (p < 0.05) greater than those in the patients whose samples revealed grade II. LIs of the cancerous portion in the patients whose serum AFP levels showed high level (> or = 100 ng/ml) were significantly (p < 0.005) greater than those in the patients whose serum AFP levels showed low level (< 100 ng/ml). And LIs of the non-cancerous portion in the patients whose thymol turbidity test (TTT) showed high level (> 5K-U), were significantly (p < 0.005) greater than those in the patients whose TTT levels showed within normal range. LIs of the non-cancerous potion in the patients whose zinc sulphate turbidity test (ZTT) showed high level (> 12K-U), were significantly (p < 0.01) greater than those in the patients whose ZTT levels showed within normal range. LIs of the non-cancerous portion in the patients whose PT levels were prolonged (14 sec <), were significantly (p < 0.05) greater than those in the patients whose PT levels were within range. MIB-1 LIs were proved to be a good marker for estimation of biological behaviour of HCC tumors.

Systemic and local immunological features of atopic dermatitis patients with ocular complications

AIMS

Clinical factors and data from recent cases of atopic dermatitis (AD) (with or without ocular complications) and non-AD cases were examined to evaluate the mechanism of atopic ocular complications.

METHODS

IgE-RAST for eight allergens including rice, egg, and mite and serum total IgE were measured in 216 patients with AD (70 ocular type, 146 non-ocular type) and 69 non-AD individuals. Tear histamine and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) levels were also measured.

RESULTS

The serum levels of IgE were significantly increased in AD patients with ocular complications compared with those without ocular complications. The positive rates of IgE-RAST for rice and wheat were significantly higher in ocular type AD than in non-ocular type AD. In ocular type AD, serum IgE was significantly increased in patients with cataract compared with that in those without cataract. Tear histamine and LTB4 levels in AD patients with ocular complications showed significant elevations compared with those in patients with pure AD and controls.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that ocular type AD belongs to the most severe end of the spectrum of AD, and that some food antigens may contribute to the pathogenesis of severe AD resulting in ocular complications.

Effects of in situ freezing and stress-shielding on the ultrastructure of rabbit patellar tendons

The effects of in situ freezing and the combination of in situ freezing and stress-shielding on the microstructure and ultrastructure of the patellar tendon were studied with use of 20 mature rabbits. The patellar tendon was frozen in situ with liquid nitrogen to kill fibroblasts and then was completely released from stress by chronically pulling a stainless-steel wire installed between the patella and the tibial tubercle. Microstructurally, the freezing treatment induced separation of collagen fiber bundles and fibroblast necrosis at 3 weeks, although the separation disappeared at 6 weeks. Ultrastructurally, small collagen fibrils with a diameter of less than 90 nm were predominant; at 6 weeks, the area occupied by collagen fibrils had decreased. In the frozen-shielded tendon, numerous large spaces were observed in the matrix at 3 weeks. This treatment increased the number of fibrils with a diameter greater than 360 nm and decreased the number of collagen fibrils per unit of area and the area occupied by collagen fibrils at 3 weeks. This study demonstrated that in situ freezing and the combination of in situ freezing and stress-shielding leads to a smaller volume of collagen fibrils per unit of cross section of the patellar tendon by mechanisms that remain to be defined.

Hepatic tumor invasion of bile ducts: wedge-shaped sign on MR images

PURPOSE

To clarify the diagnostic importance of wedge-shaped areas of increased signal intensity that surround liver tumors on T1-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) images.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In five patients with hepatic tumors, T1-weighted MR images that demonstrated wedge-shaped areas of increased signal intensity in the liver were reviewed; findings were compared with those at surgical and histologic examinations.

RESULTS

MR images showed localized intrahepatic bile duct dilatation lateral (three patients) and medial (two patients) to liver tumors within the wedge-shaped areas. At histopathologic examination, intraductal tumor growth was seen in local bile ducts in the same areas in five patients, and lipofuscin deposits were seen in the cytoplasm of atrophic hepatocytes in three patients.

CONCLUSION

On T1-weighted images, wedge-shaped areas of increased signal intensity associated with liver tumors indicate intraductal tumor extension in intrahepatic bile ducts. T1 shortening is possibly caused by lipofuscin deposits in atrophic hepatocytes.

Abnormal development and differentiation of macrophages and dendritic cells in viable motheaten mutant mice deficient in haematopoietic cell phosphatase

In mice homozygous for the 'viable motheaten' (mev) mutation, numbers of macrophage progenitor cells, particularly monocytes, were markedly increased in the bone marrow and spleen. Increased mobilization of these precursor cells to peripheral tissues and their differentiation to macrophages were evidenced by striking increases in macrophage numbers. Immunohistochemical double staining of tissue sections and flow cytometry analyses of single cell suspensions from these mice demonstrated CD5 (Ly-1)-positive macrophages in the peritoneal cavity, spleen and other tissues. Ly-1-positive macrophage precursor cells were demonstrated in the peritoneal cavity of the mev mice and developed in the omental milky spots. The development of marginal metallophilic and marginal zone macrophages was poor in the splenic white pulp and related macrophage populations were absent in the other lymphoid tissues. The numbers of epidermal Langerhans cells in the skin and T cell-associated dendritic cells in the thymic medulla, lymph nodes, and the other peripheral lymphoid tissues were decreased. However, increased numbers of dendritic cells accumulated in the lungs, liver, and kidneys. These abnormalities in development and differentiation of macrophages and dendritic cells may be ascribed to the deficiency in haematopoietic cell SHP-1 tyrosine phosphatase or may be a secondary consequence of abnormal microenvironments, (either constitutive or in response to inflammatory stimuli) in the haematopoietic and lymphopoietic organs and tissues of these mice.

Lymphohaematopoietic abnormalities and systemic lymphoproliferative disorder in interleukin-2 receptor gamma chain-deficient mice

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor gamma chain-deficient mice with a truncated mutation showed the absence or severe reduction of natural killer cells, decreased numbers of T- and B-cells, marked hypoplasia of the thymus and peripheral lymphoid tissues, defective formation of lymphoid follicles and germinal centre in the peripheral lymphoid tissues, and the absence of Peyer's patches in the intestinal mucosa. In addition, marked splenomegaly with extramedullary haematopoiesis, increased level of IgM and decreased levels of IgG and IgE in serum, severe reduction of conventional B cells (B-2) in the peripheral lymphoid tissues, the presence of IgM-producing CD5+ B cells (B-1) and their differentiation into plasma cells and Motto cells in the spleen, and increased production and differentiation of macrophages in various tissues were found in the mutant mice. However, the development of both marginal metallophilic macrophage populations in the spleen and of their related macrophages in the other tissues of the mutant mice was severely impaired. All these abnormalities seem to be induced by the loss-of-function of the IL-2 receptor gamma chain. From 8 weeks of age on, inflammatory changes occurred in the intestines, mesenteric lymph nodes, lungs, liver, and kidneys of the mutant mice. Besides the absence of Hassall's corpuscles, thymic cysts were frequently observed in the mutant mice. These pathological abnormalities suggest that the gamma chain is implicated not only in lymphoid and haematopoietic development but also in thymic epithelial cell ontogeny.

Analysis of amyloid deposition in a transgenic mouse model of homozygous familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy

Amyloid fibrils derived from the Japanese, Portuguese, and Swedish types of familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy all consist of a variant transthyretin (TTR) with a substitution of methionine for valine at position 30 (TTR Met 30). In an attempt to establish an animal model of TTR Met-30-associated homozygous familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy and to study the structural and functional properties of human TTR Met 30, we generated a mouse line carrying a null mutation at the endogenous ttr locus (ttr-/-) and the human mutant ttr gene (6.0-hMet 30) as a transgene. In these mice, human TTR Met-30-derived amyloid deposits were first observed in the esophagus and stomach when the mice were 11 months of age. With advancing age, amyloid deposits extended to various other tissues. Because no significant difference was detected in the onset, progression, and tissue distribution of amyloid deposition between the ttr-/- and ttr+/+ transgenic mice expressing 6.0-hMet 30, endogenous normal mouse TTR probably does not affect the deposition of human TTR Met-30-derived amyloid in mice. TTR is a tetramer composed of four identical subunits that binds thyroxine (T4) and plasma retinol-binding protein. The introduction of 6.0-hMet 30 into the ttr-/- mice significantly increased their depressed serum levels of T4 and retinol-binding protein, suggesting that human TTR Met 30 binds T4 and retinol-binding protein in vivo. The T4-binding ability of human TTR Met 30 was confirmed by the analysis of T4-binding proteins in the sera of ttr-/- transgenic mice expressing 6.0-hMet 30. The T4-binding studies also demonstrated the presence of hybrid tetramers between mouse and human TTR subunits in the ttr+/+ transgenic mice expressing 6.0-hMet 30.

Diagnostic Value of Enhanced Computed Tomography in the Detection of the Widely Spreading Intraductal Component of Breast Cancer: Case Reports

We report cases of breast cancer with extensive intraductal component (EIC), the extent of which could be detected only by contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan. One case was a 32-year-old woman who presented left nipple bloody discharge without breast mass palpation. Mammography (MMG), galactography and ultrasonography (US) showed no abnormalities. Contrast helical CT scan revealed numerous patchy enhancement in the upper-outer quadrant of the left breast. Histological examnation revealed invasive ductal carcinoma with a predominant intraductal component. The second case was a 36- year-old woman who had noticed a left breast mass 2.4 cm in diameter. MMG and US suggested a localized breast cancer. Contrast helical CT scan revealed numerous patchy enhancement throughout the mammary gland in addition to the index tumor near the nipple. Histopathological results indicated invasive ductal carcinoma with widely spread ELC. In these two cases, the extent of intraductal cancer also correlated well with the CT findings. Breast CT scan can be an effective tool for determining the extent of the intraductal component of breast cancer, which is an important factor when considering breast-conserving therapy.

Abdominal actinomycosis: barium enema and computed tomography findings

A case of abdominal actinomycosis is described in a woman with recurrent right lower abdominal pain and low-grade fever without history of appendectomy. Past history included the use of an intrauterine device (IUD) until 10 years before manifestation of these symptoms. We followed up the patient, via diagnostic imaging, for 7 months. On initial barium enema, a polypoid lesion was visualized at the bottom of the cecum and there was constriction of the sigmoid colon; the appendix was not seen. Seven months later, poor extension at the cecum, severe constriction in the sigmoid colon, and narrowing of the terminal ileum were also visualized. On computed tomography (CT), the lesion was initially localized only in the ileocecal region adjacent to the sigmoid colon. After 7 months, the lesion had infiltrated adjacent anatomic components and showed direct infiltration of the pelvic space. Differential diagnosis was difficult, as it was not obvious whether this was a pelvic abscess due to inflammation or appendiceal carcinoma. Laparotomy was performed. Macroscopically, the lesion was not limited to the ileocecal region, but involved the right ureter, tubes the Fallopian and ovary, bladder, psoas muscle, and abdominal wall. Pathology findings showed, chronic inflammatory tissue with evidence of actinomycosis. Although previous reports have described a lack of specific findings in this disease. When actinomycosis is suspected, CT is recommended to define its extent.

A case of bilateral reversible thalamic lesions

We describe a case of bilateral reversible thalamic lesions with no neurological deficits and a good prognosis. The lesions appeared as low-density areas on CT and high-intensity areas on T2-weighted MR imaging, and resolved within 1 month, suggesting that the cause was edema.

Expression of the fibroblast growth factor family and their receptor family genes during mouse brain development

The fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family is composed of nine members and four genes encode protein tyrosine kinase receptors for them. To gain insight into the involvement of FGFs and their receptors in the development of nervous system, their expression in brains of perinatal and adult mice was examined by semi-quantitative reverse transcription-linked polymerase chain reactions and in situ hybridization. Although all the genes, with the exception of FGF-4, were found to be expressed, FGF-3, FGF-6, FGF-7 and FGF-8 genes demonstrated higher expression in the late embryonic stages than in postnatal stages, suggesting that these members are involved in the late stages of brain development. In contrast, expression of FGF-1 and FGF-5 increased after birth. Interestingly, FGF-6 expression in perinatal mice was restricted to the central nervous system and skeltal muscles, with intense signals in the developing cerebrum in embryos but in cerebellum in 5-day-old neonates. Furthermore, FGF-receptor (FGFR)-4, a cognate receptor for FGF-6, demonstrated similar spatiotemporal expression, suggesting that FGF-6 and FGFR-4 plays significant roles in the maturation of nervous system as a ligand-receptor system. The results indicate that individual member of the fibroblast growth factor and their receptor family are expressed either sequentially or simultaneously in brain development, strongly suggesting their involvement in the regulation of a variety of developmental processes of brain, i.e., proliferation and migration of neuronal progenitor cells, neuron and glia differentiation, neurite extensions, and synapse formations.