Stage-dependent immunity orchestrates AQP4 antibody-guided NMOSD pathology: a role for netting neutrophils with resident memory T cells in situ

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is an autoimmune disease of the CNS characterized by the production of disease-specific autoantibodies against aquaporin-4 (AQP4) water channels. Animal model studies suggest that anti-AQP4 antibodies cause a loss of AQP4-expressing astrocytes, primarily via complement-dependent cytotoxicity. Nonetheless, several aspects of the disease remain unclear, including: how anti-AQP4 antibodies cross the blood-brain barrier from the periphery to the CNS; how NMOSD expands into longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis or optic neuritis; how multiphasic courses occur; and how to prevent attacks without depleting circulating anti-AQP4 antibodies, especially when employing B-cell-depleting therapies. To address these knowledge gaps, we conducted a comprehensive 'stage-dependent' investigation of immune cell elements in situ in human NMOSD lesions, based on neuropathological techniques for autopsied/biopsied CNS materials. The present study provided three major findings. First, activated or netting neutrophils and melanoma cell adhesion molecule-positive (MCAM+) helper T (TH) 17/cytotoxic T (TC) 17 cells are prominent, and the numbers of these correlate with the size of NMOSD lesions in the initial or early-active stages. Second, forkhead box P3-positive (FOXP3+) regulatory T (Treg) cells are recruited to NMOSD lesions during the initial, early-active or late-active stages, suggesting rapid suppression of proinflammatory autoimmune events in the active stages of NMOSD. Third, compartmentalized resident memory immune cells, including CD103+ tissue-resident memory T (TRM) cells with long-lasting inflammatory potential, are detected under "standby" conditions in all stages. Furthermore, CD103+ TRM cells express high levels of granzyme B/perforin-1 in the initial or early-active stages of NMOSD in situ. We infer that stage-dependent compartmentalized immune traits orchestrate the pathology of anti-AQP4 antibody-guided NMOSD in situ. Our work further suggests that targeting activated/netting neutrophils, MCAM+ TH17/TC17 cells, and CD103+ TRM cells, as well as promoting the expansion of FOXP3+ Treg cells, may be effective in treating and preventing relapses of NMOSD.

Acute respiratory failure caused by brainstem demyelinating lesions in an older patient with an atypical relapsing autoimmune disorder

An 84-year-old man presented with somnolence, dysphagia, and right hemiplegia, all occurring within a month, approximately one year after initial admission due to subacute, transient cognitive decline suggestive of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis involving the cerebral white matter. Serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies over that period revealed three high-intensity signal lesions on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery images, appearing in chronological order in the left upper and left lower medulla oblongata and left pontine base. Despite some clinical improvement following methylprednisolone pulse therapy, the patient died of respiratory failure. Autopsy revealed four fresh, well-defined lesions in the brainstem, three of which corresponded to the lesions detected radiologically. The remaining lesion was located in the dorsal medulla oblongata and involved the right solitary nucleus. This might have appeared at a later disease stage, eventually causing respiratory failure. Histologically, all four lesions showed loss of myelin, preservation of axons, and infiltration of lymphocytes, predominantly CD8-positive T cells, consistent with the histological features of autoimmune demyelinating diseases, particularly the confluent demyelination observed in the early and acute phases of multiple sclerosis (MS). In the cerebral white matter, autoimmune demyelination appeared superimposed on ischemic changes, consistent with the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and MRI findings on initial admission. No anti-AQP4 or MOG antibodies or those potentially causing autoimmune encephalitis/demyelination were detected in either the serum or CSF. Despite several similarities to MS, such as the relapsing-remitting disease course and lesion histology, the entire clinicopathological picture in the present patient, especially the advanced age at onset and development of brainstem lesions in close proximity within a short time frame, did not fit those of MS or other autoimmune diseases that are currently established. The present results suggest that exceptionally older individuals can be affected by an as yet unknown inflammatory demyelinating disease of the CNS.

Profiles of central nervous system surgical site infections in endoscopic transnasal surgery exposing the intradural space

OBJECTIVE

Despite its efficacy and minimal invasiveness, the clean-contaminated nature of endoscopic transnasal surgery (ETS) may be susceptible to central nervous system surgical site infections (CNS-SSIs), especially when involving intradural exposure. However, the profiles of ETS-associated CNS-SSIs are not fully elucidated.

METHODS

The institutional ETS cases performed between May 2017 and March 2023 were retrospectively analysed. The incidences of CNS-SSIs were calculated, and their risk factors examined.

RESULTS

The incidence of CNS-SSIs was 2.3% (7/305) in the entire cohort and 5.0% (7/140) in ETSs with intradural exposure. All the CNS-SSIs were meningitis and developed following ETS with intradural exposure. The incidences were 0%, 5.6% and 5.8% in ETSs with Esposito grade 1, 2 and 3 intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage, respectively. Among the pre- and intra-operative factors, body mass index (unit odds ratio (OR), 0.62; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.44-0.89; P<0.01), serum albumin (unit OR, 0.03; 95% CI, 0.0007-0.92; P=0.02), and American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status score (unit OR, 20.7; 95% CI, 1.65-259; P<0.01) were significantly associated with CNS-SSIs. Moreover, postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage was also significantly associated with CNS-SSIs (OR, 18.4; 95% CI, 3.55-95.0; P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of ETS-associated CNS-SSIs is acceptably low. Intradural exposure was a prerequisite for CNS-SSIs. Malnutrition and poor comorbidity status should be recognized as important risks for CNS-SSIs in ETS.

Non-sinus type of transverse sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas on the arachnoid granulation of the dural sinus wall

Background

The etiology of a non-sinus-type dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) with shunt points located on the sinus wall, previously described as on-the-wall-type DAVFs, is unknown.

Case Description

Two cases of non-sinus-type transverse sinus DAVF with a shunt point limited to the dural sinus wall, causing cortical venous reflux, were successfully treated with endovascular transarterial Onyx embolization. The Onyx cast showed multiple feeders from the occipital and middle meningeal arteries aggregated in the arachnoid granulation (AG), which dilated the draining vein.

Conclusion

Non-sinus-type DAVFs with shunt points located on the AG may be one of the presentations of an on-the-wall-type DAVF.

Multidisciplinary management of locally recurrent rectal cancer with carbon ion radiotherapy followed by prophylactic removal of the irradiated bowel: a case report

BACKGROUND

Locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC) involving the upper sacrum is typically incurable, and palliative treatment is the only option for most patients, resulting in a poor prognosis and reduced quality of life. Carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT) has emerged as a promising modality for treating LRRC. This report presents a case of LRRC with sacral involvement that was managed via multidisciplinary therapy incorporating CIRT.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 55-year-old male was diagnosed with an anastomotic recurrence of rectal cancer 15 months after undergoing anterior resection. Computed tomography (CT) suggested that the lesion was at an anastomosis site and broadly adherent to the upper sacrum, and colonoscopy confirmed the diagnosis of LRRC. Histopathological examination of the biopsy specimens revealed adenocarcinoma cells and that lesion was genetically RAS-wild. Induction chemotherapy with mFOLFOX6 and panitumumab was used as the first treatment. The recurrent lesion shrank and no signs of distant metastasis were observed after 11 cycles, although the range of the lesions attached to the sacrum remained unchanged. Therefore, we provided CIRT for this inoperable lesion and prophylactically removed the radiation-exposed bowel including the recurrent lesion, because radiation-induced ulcers can cause bleeding and perforation. Despite the presence of considerable fibrosis in the irradiated region, the operation was successful and the postoperative course had no untoward incidents. He is still recurrence-free 24 months following surgery, despite the lack of adjuvant chemotherapy. This is the first report of CIRT followed by CIRT-irradiated bowel removal for an unresectable anastomosis recurrent lesion.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical course of this case suggests that CIRT could be a potentially effective therapeutic option for LRRC involving the bowel, as long as the prophylactic removal of the irradiated bowel is performed at the optimal time. Further research involving larger sample sizes is warranted to validate the findings and conclusions of this case report.

Clinical, imaging, and molecular features of radiation-induced glioblastomas developing more than 20 years after radiation therapy for intracranial germinomatous germ cell tumor: illustrative cases

BACKGROUND

Germinomatous germ cell tumor is highly sensitive to chemoradiotherapy; patients are expected to survive for decades. Many radiation-induced malignant gliomas (RIMGs) occur >10 years after radiotherapy. Standard therapy for RIMGs has not been established because of the lesion's rarity, the patient's shorter survival period, and the risk of radiation necrosis by repeat radiation.

OBSERVATIONS

Two patients, a 32-year-old man and a 50-year-old man, developed glioblastomas more than 20 years after radiation monotherapy for germinoma with or without mature teratoma. The first patient showed a tumor in the left frontotemporal region with disseminated lesions and died 2 months after partial resection of the tumor without responding to the chemotherapy with temozolomide and bevacizumab. Methylation classifier analysis classified the pathology as closest to diffuse pediatric-type high-grade glioma, Rtk1 subtype. The second patient showed a tumor mass in the brainstem and left cerebellar peduncle, which worsened progressively during chemotherapy with temozolomide and bevacizumab. The tumor transiently responded to stereotactic radiotherapy with the CyberKnife. However, the patient died of RIMG recurrence-related aspiration pneumonia 11 months after the biopsy. Methylation classifier analysis classified the pathology as closest to infratentorial pilocytic astrocytoma.

LESSONS

Chemoradiotherapy may improve the survival of patients with RIMGs. Furthermore, molecular features may influence the clinical, locoregional, and pathological features of RIMG.

Erratum: Search for Cosmic-Ray Boosted Sub-GeV Dark Matter Using Recoil Protons at Super-Kamiokande [Phys. Rev. Lett. 130, 031802 (2023)]

This corrects the article DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.130.031802.

Progressive conus medullaris lesions are suggestive of intravascular large B-cell lymphoma

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Spinal cord lesions are observed in 40% of all central nervous system lesions in intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (IVLBCL). However, because IVLBCL is a very rare disease, its clinical features are not well defined, which may delay appropriate diagnosis and treatment, whilst the acute to subacute course of brain lesions in patients with IVLBCL is well established. Therefore, this study aimed to clarify the clinical features of spinal cord lesions in patients with IVLBCL.

METHODS

The medical records of patients with IVLBCL admitted to our hospital between 2010 and 2020 were searched. The inclusion criteria were preceding neurological symptoms without non-neurological symptoms and pathologically confirmed IVLBCL in various organs. Clinical features of spinal cord involvement in patients with IVLBCL were assessed and distinguished from those of brain involvement.

RESULTS

Sixteen consecutive patients with IVLBCL were divided into two groups: six patients with spinal involvement (spinal cord type) and 10 patients with brain involvement (brain type). In the spinal cord type, four patients had chronic progression and two had subacute progression. Acute progression (0% vs. 80.0%) and sudden onset (0% vs. 50.0%) occurred significantly less frequently in the spinal cord than in the brain. All spinal cord lesions involved the conus medullaris.

CONCLUSIONS

Spinal cord involvement in IVLBCL has a predominantly chronic progressive course that is exclusive to brain involvement. Conus medullaris lesions are suggestive of IVLBCL and are useful for early and accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Usefulness of silent magnetic resonance angiography for intracranial aneurysms treated with a flow re-direction endoluminal device

PURPOSE

Flow re-direction endoluminal device (FRED) is a novel dual-layer flow-diverting stent to treat cerebral aneurysms with high obliteration rates, however, it induces inevitable metal-related artifacts. We compared silent magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), a new MRA method using ultra-short time of echo and arterial spin-labeling, with conventional time-of-flight (TOF)-MRA for imaging aneurysms treated using FRED.

METHODS

Between May 2020 and September 2022, 16 patients with unruptured internal carotid aneurysms treated using FRED simultaneously underwent silent MRA and TOF-MRA after treatment, with 36 follow-up sessions in total. Two observers independently graded the quality of intra-aneurysmal flow and stented parent arteries under both types of MRA from 1 (not visible) to 4 (nearly equal to digital subtraction angiography [DSA]), with reference to DSA images as a standard criterion.

RESULTS

The mean scores for intra-aneurysmal flow and stented parent arteries were significantly better for silent MRA (3.93  ±  0.21 and 3.82  ±  0.32, respectively) than for TOF-MRA (2.08  ±  0.99 and 1.92  ±  0.79, respectively) (P < 0.01). Intermodality agreements for intra-aneurysmal flow and stented parent arteries were 0.87 and 0.90, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Silent MRA is superior to TOF-MRA for assessing patients treated with FRED, with potential as an alternative imaging modality to DSA.

Superior Visualization of Neovascularization with Silent Magnetic Resonance Angiography Compared to Time-of-flight Magnetic Resonance Angiography after Bypass Surgery in Moyamoya Disease

OBJECTIVE

The evaluation of postsurgical neoangiogenesis in patients with moyamoya disease (MMD) is crucial for appropriate patient management. This study aimed to assess the visualization of neovascularization after bypass surgery using non-contrast-enhanced silent magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) with ultra-short echo time (UTE) and arterial spin labeling (ASL).

METHODS

After bypass surgery, 13 patients with MMD were followed up for >6 months between September 2019 and November 2022. They underwent silent MRA in the same session as time-of-flight MRA (TOF-MRA) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Two observers independently rated the visualization of neovascularization in both types of MRA from 1 (not visible) to 4 (nearly equal to DSA), with reference to DSA images as the standard.

RESULTS

The mean scores were significantly higher for silent MRA compared with TOF-MRA (3.81 ± 0.48 and 1.92 ± 0.70, respectively) (p <0.01). The inter-modality agreements were 0.83 and 0.71 for silent MRA and TOF-MRA, respectively. TOF-MRA depicted the donor artery and recipient cortical artery after direct bypass surgery, although fine neovascularization developed after indirect bypass surgery was poorly visualized. Silent MRA could reveal the developed bypass flow signal and perfused MCA territory, which was almost equal to the DSA images.

CONCLUSIONS

Silent MRA achieves better visualization of postsurgical revascularization in patients with MMD than TOF-MRA. Moreover, it may have the potential to provide visualization of the developed bypass flow equivalent to DSA.

Effect of Blonanserin on the Proliferation and Migration of Glioblastoma Cells

Glioblastoma is a highly malignant and invasive brain tumor, and there is an urgent need to establish a treatment option that prevents its growth and metastasis. Blonanserin is an antipsychotic drug widely used in the treatment of schizophrenia. It has recently been reported to inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells. In this study, we investigated the effect of blonanserin on the proliferation and migration of glioblastoma cells. The anti-proliferative activity of blonanserin was evaluated in terms of cell viability, competition, and cell death pathways in glioblastoma. Cell viability studies showed that blonanserin had growth inhibitory ability regardless of the malignancy of glioblastoma cells, but at concentrations close to its IC₅₀, it only had a slight cell death-inducing effect. Blonanserin showed growth inhibitory activity without D₂ antagonism following an independent competition analysis using blonanserin and D₂ antagonists. When the anti-migration activity of U251 cells was measured, blonanserin was found to attenuate cell migration. Furthermore, treatment with blonanserin at concentrations close to its IC₅₀ value inhibited extensive filament actin formation. In conclusion, blonanserin inhibited the proliferation and migration of glioblastoma cells independent of D₂ antagonism. The present study shows that blonanserin may serve as a seed compound for the discovery of new glioblastoma therapeutics to prevent the growth and metastasis of glioblastoma.

Preoperative three-dimensional multifusion imaging aiding successful microvascular decompression of a cerebellopontine angle lipoma: associated hemifacial spasm. Illustrative case

BACKGROUND

Cerebellopontine angle (CPA) lipoma-associated hemifacial spasm (HFS) is rare. As the removal of CPA lipomas has a high risk of worsening the neurological symptoms, surgical exploration is warranted only in selected patients. Preoperative identification of the lipoma affected site of the facial nerve, and offending artery are crucial for patient selection and successful microvascular decompression (MVD).

OBSERVATIONS

Presurgical simulation using three-dimensional (3D) multifusion imaging showed a tiny CPA lipoma wedged between the facial and auditory nerves, as well as an affected facial nerve by the anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) at the cisternal segment. Although a recurrent perforating artery from the AICA anchored the AICA to the lipoma, successful MVD was achieved without lipoma removal.

LESSONS

The presurgical simulation using 3D multifusion imaging could identify the CPA lipoma, affected site of the facial nerve, and offending artery. It was helpful for patient selection and successful MVD.

Search for Cosmic-Ray Boosted Sub-GeV Dark Matter Using Recoil Protons at Super-Kamiokande

We report a search for cosmic-ray boosted dark matter with protons using the 0.37  megaton×years data collected at Super-Kamiokande experiment during the 1996-2018 period (SKI-IV phase). We searched for an excess of proton recoils above the atmospheric neutrino background from the vicinity of the Galactic Center. No such excess is observed, and limits are calculated for two reference models of dark matter with either a constant interaction cross section or through a scalar mediator. This is the first experimental search for boosted dark matter with hadrons using directional information. The results present the most stringent limits on cosmic-ray boosted dark matter and exclude the dark matter-nucleon elastic scattering cross section between 10^{-33}cm^{2} and 10^{-27}cm^{2} for dark matter mass from 1  MeV/c^{2} to 300  MeV/c^{2}.

SWI by 7T MR Imaging for the Microscopic Imaging Diagnosis of Astrocytic and Oligodendroglial Tumors

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Despite advances in molecular imaging, preoperative diagnosis of astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas can be challenging. In the present study, we assessed whether 7T SWI can be used to distinguish astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas and whether malignant grading of gliomas is possible.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

7T SWI was performed on 21 patients with gliomas before surgery with optimization for sharp visualization of the corticomedullary junction. Scoring for cortical thickening and displacement of medullary vessels, characteristic of oligodendroglial tumors, and cortical tapering, characteristic of astrocytic tumors, was performed. Additionally, characteristics of malignancy, including thickening of the medullary veins, the presence of microbleeds, and/or necrosis were scored.

RESULTS

Scoring for oligodendroglial (highest possible score, +3) and astrocytic (lowest score possible, -3) characteristics yielded a significant difference between astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas (mean, -1.93 versus +1.71, P < .01). Scoring for malignancy was significantly different among the World Health Organization grade II (n = 10), grade III (n = 4), and grade IV (n = 7) tumors (mean, 0.20 versus 1.38 versus 2.79). Cortical thickening was observed significantly more frequently in oligodendrogliomas (P < .02), with a sensitivity of 71.4% and specificity of 85.7%; observation of tapering of the cortex was higher in astrocytomas (P < .01) with a sensitivity of 85.7% and specificity of 100%.

CONCLUSIONS

Visualization of the corticomedullary junction by 7T SWI was useful in distinguishing astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas. Observation of tapering of the cortex was most sensitive and specific for diagnosing astrocytomas. Reliably predicting malignant grade was also possible by 7T SWI.

Opposite L-configuration double stenting for rupture of an extremely wide-necked anterior communicating artery aneurysm at the acute stage: illustrative case

BACKGROUND

Wide-necked aneurysms can be treated by double stenting in an X- or Y-configuration or by a double waffle-cone technique. However, some aneurysms remain untreatable.

OBSERVATIONS

The rupture of a complex wide-necked anterior communicating artery (AcomA) aneurysm that caused acute subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) was treated successfully using double stents with an opposite L-configuration as an alternative to the X-stent technique. The aneurysm involved both A1-A2 junctions in the aneurysm neck with acutely oriented A2 segments of the anterior cerebral artery bilaterally. It was densely packed and completely obliterated angiographically with preserved blood flow by implanting each stent in the ipsilateral A1-A2 bilaterally. Blood flow from the left A1 to the right A2 was confirmed through the AcomA on injection of the left internal carotid artery immediately after the procedure without critical infarction in the subthalamic area. Although the AcomA was not demonstrated by injection of the left internal carotid artery on angiography at 3 months or 1 year later, no cerebral infarction was seen on magnetic resonance images at the final hospital visit.

LESSONS

Opposite L-configuration double stenting was used successfully as rescue stent-assisted coiling for a rupture of a complex wide-necked AcomA aneurysm in a patient with acute SAH.

Detection of 2-Hydroxyglutarate by 3.0-Tesla Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in Gliomas with Rare IDH Mutations: Making Sense of "False-Positive" Cases

We have previously published a study on the reliable detection of 2-hydroxyglutarate (2HG) in lower-grade gliomas by magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). In this short article, we re-evaluated five glioma cases originally assessed as isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) wildtype, which showed a high accumulation of 2HG, and were thought to be false-positives. A new primer was used for the detection of IDH2 mutation by Sanger sequencing. Adequate tissue for DNA analysis was available in 4 out of 5 cases. We found rare IDH2 mutations in two cases, with IDH2 R172W mutation in one case and IDH2 R172K mutation in another case. Both cases had very small mutant peaks, suggesting that the tumor volume was low in the tumor samples. Thus, the specificity of MRS for detecting IDH1/2 mutations was higher (81.3%) than that originally reported (72.2%). The detection of 2HG by MRS can aid in the diagnosis of rare, non-IDH1-R132H IDH1 and IDH2 mutations in gliomas.

Endovascular treatment of a ruptured aneurysm arising from the proximal end of a partial vertebrobasilar duplication with a contralateral prominent persistent primitive hypoglossal artery: illustrative case

BACKGROUND

Ruptured aneurysms associated with a partial vertebrobasilar duplication or a persistent primitive hypoglossal artery (PPHA) have been reported. Only rarely has endovascular treatment of ruptured aneurysms in association with both vascular variations been reported.

OBSERVATIONS

A 66-year-old woman experienced the sudden onset of a severe headache caused by a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Cerebral angiograms demonstrated a prominent PPHA originating from the left internal carotid artery at the C2 vertebral level and a partial vertebrobasilar duplication between the hypoplastic right vertebral artery and proximal basilar artery with a small aneurysm at the proximal end of the duplication from where the anterior spinal artery originated. The left vertebral artery was aplastic. A microcatheter was introduced into the aneurysm via the PPHA under the control of high blood flow, using a balloon-assisted technique. The aneurysm was completely obliterated with a coil. Although small cerebellar and cerebral infarcts developed during the procedure, the patient was discharged without neurological symptoms.

LESSONS

To avoid serious neurological complications, precise analysis of the complex vascular anatomy, including the anterior spinal artery and hemodynamics, is clinically important for endovascular therapy of cerebral aneurysms in patients with an association between a partial vertebrobasilar duplication and a PPHA.

Development and natural course of lateral posterior choroidal artery aneurysms arising from fragile choroidal collaterals in moyamoya disease: illustrative cases

BACKGROUND

Choroidal collaterals are a risk factor for hemorrhagic stroke, even in the nonhemorrhagic hemisphere, among patients with moyamoya disease (MMD). Peripheral choroidal aneurysms rupture in fragile collaterals; however, the development and natural course of these aneurysms remain elusive.

OBSERVATIONS

A 51-year-old woman, who had experienced a right cerebral hemorrhage 3 years earlier, presented with asymptomatic minor bleeding from a left lateral choroidal artery aneurysm in a predeveloped choroidal anastomosis. Although the aneurysm spontaneously thrombosed within 2 months, the choroidal collaterals persisted. After bypass surgery, the choroidal anastomosis regressed, and neither a de novo aneurysm nor a hemorrhagic stroke occurred. A 75-year-old woman with MMD, who had experienced a left frontal infarction 6 years earlier, experienced recurrent right intraventricular hemorrhage from a ruptured lateral choroidal artery aneurysm that developed in the choroidal anastomosis. The aneurysm spontaneously regressed 3 days after the rebleeding with no recurrence over the following 7 years.

LESSONS

Choroidal artery aneurysms may develop in the choroidal anastomosis and rupture in the nonsurgical or contralateral hemispheres. Patients with MMD who have a history of hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke and impaired cerebral blood flow require careful observation. Although aneurysms may rapidly regress spontaneously, bypass surgery can stabilize hemodynamic stress and prevent further hemorrhage.

[Brain Calcification]

Brain calcification can be either physiological or pathological. Pathological calcification occurs due to a wide spectrum of causes, including congenital disorders, infections, endocrine/metabolic diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, and neoplasms. The patient's age, localization of the calcification, and association with other imaging findings are useful for the correct diagnosis. Dural arteriovenous fistulas with cortical venous reflux should be included in the differential diagnosis of subcortical calcification via CT. MRA should be conducted subsequently. We recently reported the clinical and imaging characteristics of calcified brain metastases in 20 patients. Hemorrhage, necrosis, or degeneration were detected within the lesions in six patients. Both T1WI and T2WI showed a hyperintense mass surrounded by a hypointense rim in one patient. Hemorrhagic brain metastases can mimic cerebral cavernous malformations. Cancer metastasis should be considered as a differential diagnosis when calcified or hemorrhagic masses are detected in middle-aged and elderly patients. We recommend conducting MRI with Gd enhancement.

[Multinodular and Vacuolating Neuronal Tumor of the Cerebrum(MVNT)]

Multinodular and vacuolating neuronal tumors of the cerebrum(MVNTs)are rare brain tumors that were described first in 2013. MVNTs have been added to the World Health Organization Classification of Tumors of the Central Nervous System in 2016(2016WHO), although an MVNT is a clinical-pathological lesion with uncertain class assignment. It remains unclear whether MVNTs should be considered a true neoplasm or malformative lesion. Their prevalence and pathophysiology are unknown. MVNTs typically occur in adults, predominantly in the cerebral subcortical region, and are most frequently associated with seizures or seizure equivalents. MVMTs can also present incidentally without seizures. MVNTs have been reported to show highly suggestive imaging features, especially on MRI scans. MVNTs consist of small T2 and T2-FLAIR hyperintense nodules in subcortical and juxtacortical areas with rare or no post-contrast enhancement. Most MVNTs reported in the literature involve the supratentorial part of the brain. Recently, lesions exhibiting a remarkably similar pattern of imaging findings were described in the posterior fossa, which are referred to as multinodular and vacuolating posterior fossa of unknown significance(MV-PLUS). Both MVNT and MV-PLUS are considered "leave-me-alone" lesions because of the absence of malignancy criteria and the lack of evolutivity on follow-up MRI scans.

[Dysplastic Cerebellar Gangliocytoma(Lhermitte-Duclos Disease)]

Dysplastic cerebellar gangliocytoma or Lhermitte-Duclos disease(LDD)is a rare benign cerebellar lesion composed of dysplastic ganglion cells that conform to the existing cortical architecture. In this disease, the enlarged ganglion cells are predominantly located within the internal granular layer, and they thicken the cerebellar folia. The architecture of the affected cerebellar hemisphere with the enlarged cerebellar folia and the cystic changes, in some cases, present as "tiger-striped striations," a characteristic imaging finding that is not specific to LDD. This imaging feature may be observed in medulloblastoma and isolated cerebellar Rosai-Dorfman disease. This cerebellar lesion is a major central nervous system manifestation of Cowden syndrome, an autosomal dominant condition that causes various hamartomas and neoplasms. A molecular-based study estimated the prevalence of Cowden syndrome to be 1 case per 200,000. In a study involving 211 patients with Cowden syndrome, 32% developed LDD. LDD can be diagnosed in young children and older adults within the eighth decades of life. PTEN mutations have been identified in virtually all adult-onset LDDs, but not in childhood-onset cases.

[Melanocytic Tumors]

Primary melanocytic neoplasms of the central nervous system(CNS)presumably arise from leptomeningeal melanocytes that are derived from the neural crest. Melanocytic neoplasms associated with neurocutaneous melanosis likely derive from melanocyte precursor cells that reach the CNS after somatic mutations, mostly, of the NRAS. They should be distinguished from other melanotic tumors involving the CNS, including metastatic melanoma and other primary tumors that undergo melanization, such as melanocytic schwannomas, medulloblastomas, paragangliomas, and various gliomas, because these lesions require different patient workups and therapy. Primary melanocytic neoplasms of the CNS that are diffuse and do not form macroscopic masses are called melanocytoses, whereas malignant diffuse or multifocal lesions are collectively called melanomatoses. Benign and intermediate-grade tumoral lesions are called melanocytomas. Discrete malignant tumors are called melanomas. CT and MRI of melanocytosis and melanomatosis show diffuse thickening and enhancement of the leptomeninges, often with focal or multifocal nodularity. Depending on the melanin content, diffuse and circumscribed melanocytic tumors of the CNS may show some characteristics on CT and MRI: iso- to hyperattenuation on CT and paramagnetic properties of melanin on MRI resulting in an isointense signal on T1WIs and iso- to hypointensity on T2WIs.

Repeated cerebellar infarction in the affected nondominant vertebral artery distribution with reversible vertebral artery occlusion elicited by head tilt: illustrative case

BACKGROUND

Bow hunter’s syndrome or stroke (BHS) is characterized by rotational vertebrobasilar insufficiency elicited by rotation of the neck. It is caused by dynamic and reversible occlusion of the vertebral artery (VA). Reversible symptoms of rotational vertebrobasilar insufficiency are described as bow hunter’s syndrome, although brain infarction is rarely reported as bow hunter’s stroke.

OBSERVATIONS

A 70-year-old man experienced repeated cerebellar infarctions three times in the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) distribution of the nondominant right VA connecting the basilar artery. The onset of symptoms indicating cerebellar infarcts and the patient’s head position changes were unrelated. Dynamic digital angiography (DA) revealed that the nondominant right VA was occluded by an osteophyte from the C4 vertebral body, and the right PICA branches were shown to be passing through the distal right VA from the left VA. These findings were observed when the patient’s head was tilted to the right. An arterio-arterial embolic mechanism was suggested as the cause of repeated cerebellar infarctions.

LESSONS

Transient nondominant VA occlusion has been rarely reported as a cause of BHS when the head is tilted. To confirm the diagnosis of BHS, additional head tilt is recommended when performing dynamic DA in patients with a cervical osteophyte.

Inhibition of growth and virulence of Vibrio cholerae by carvacrol, an essential oil component of Origanum spp

AIMS

In the age where bacterial resistance to conventional antibiotics is increasing at an alarming rate, the use of the traditional plant, herb extracts or other bioactive constituents is gradually becoming popular as an anti-virulence agent to treat pathogenic diseases. Carvacrol, a major essential oil fraction of Oregano, possesses a wide range of bioactivities. Therefore, we aimed to study the effect of sub-inhibitory concentrations of carvacrol on major virulence traits of Vibrio cholerae.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We have used in vitro as well as ex vivo models to access the anti-pathogenic role of carvacrol. We found that the sub-inhibitory concentration of carvacrol significantly repressed bacterial mucin penetrating ability. Carvacrol also reduced the adherence and fluid accumulation in the rabbit ileal loop model. Reduction in virulence is associated with the downregulated expression of tcpA, ctxB, hlyA and toxT. Furthermore, carvacrol inhibits flagellar synthesis by downregulating the expression of flrC and most of the class III genes.

CONCLUSIONS

Carvacrol exhibited anti-virulence activity against V. cholerae, which involved many events including the inhibition of mucin penetration, adhesion, reduced expression of virulence-associated genes culminating in reduced fluid accumulation.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

These findings indicate that carvacrol possesses inhibitory activity against V. cholerae pathogenesis and might be considered as a potential bio-active therapeutic alternative to combat cholera.

Pilot Study of Hyperpolarized 13C Metabolic Imaging in Pediatric Patients with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma and Other CNS Cancers

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Pediatric CNS tumors commonly present challenges for radiographic interpretation on conventional MR imaging. This study sought to investigate the safety and tolerability of hyperpolarized carbon-13 (HP-¹³C) metabolic imaging in pediatric patients with brain tumors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Pediatric patients 3 to 18 years of age who were previously diagnosed with a brain tumor and could undergo MR imaging without sedation were eligible to enroll in this safety study of HP [1-¹³C]pyruvate. Participants received a one-time injection of HP [1-¹³C]pyruvate and were imaged using dynamic HP-¹³C MR imaging. We assessed 2 dose levels: 0.34 mL/kg and the highest tolerated adult dose of 0.43 mL/kg. Participants were monitored throughout imaging and for 60 minutes postinjection, including pre- and postinjection electrocardiograms and vital sign measurements.

RESULTS

Between February 2017 and July 2019, ten participants (9 males; median age, 14 years; range, 10-17 years) were enrolled, of whom 6 completed injection of HP [1-¹³C]pyruvate and dynamic HP-¹³C MR imaging. Four participants failed to undergo HP-¹³C MR imaging due to technical failures related to generating HP [1-¹³C]pyruvate or MR imaging operability. HP [1-¹³C]pyruvate was well-tolerated in all participants who completed the study, with no dose-limiting toxicities or adverse events observed at either 0.34 (n = 3) or 0.43 (n = 3) mL/kg. HP [1-¹³C]pyruvate demonstrated characteristic conversion to [1-¹³C]lactate and [¹³C]bicarbonate in the brain. Due to poor accrual, the study was closed after only 3 participants were enrolled at the highest dose level.

CONCLUSIONS

Dynamic HP-¹³C MR imaging was safely performed in 6 pediatric patients with CNS tumors and demonstrated HP [1-¹³C]pyruvate brain metabolism.

Relativistic magnetic reconnection in laser laboratory for testing an emission mechanism of hard-state black hole system

Magnetic reconnection in a relativistic electron magnetization regime was observed in a laboratory plasma produced by a high-intensity, large energy, picoseconds laser pulse. Magnetic reconnection conditions realized with a laser-driven several kilotesla magnetic field is comparable to that in the accretion disk corona of black hole systems, i.e., Cygnus X-1. We observed particle energy distributions of reconnection outflow jets, which possess a power-law component in a high-energy range. The hardness of the observed spectra could explain the hard-state x-ray emission from accreting black hole systems.

Prognostic and predictive values of tumour budding in stage IV colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Tumour budding is an important prognostic feature in early-stage colorectal cancer, but its prognostic significance in metastatic disease has not been fully investigated.

METHODS

Patients with stage IV disease who had primary colorectal tumour resection without previous chemotherapy or radiotherapy from January 2000 to December 2018 were reviewed retrospectively. Budding was evaluated at the primary site and graded according to the criteria of the International Tumor Budding Consensus Conference (ITBCC) (BD1, low; BD2, intermediate; BD3, high). Patients were categorized by metastatic (M1a, M1b) and resectional (R0/R1, R2/unresected) status. Subgroups were compared for overall (OS) and recurrence-free (RFS) survival in R0/R1 subgroups; R2/unresected patients were evaluated for the rate of tumour progression, based on change in tumour size from baseline.

RESULTS

Of 371 patients observed during the study, 362 were analysed. Patients with BD3 had a lower 5-year OS rate than those with BD1 + BD2 (18·4 versus 40·5 per cent; P < 0·001). Survival analyses according to metastatic and resection status also showed that BD3 was associated with shorter OS than BD1 + BD2. In multivariable analysis, BD3 (hazard ratio (HR) 1·51, 95 per cent c.i. 1·11 to 2·10; P = 0·009), T4 status (HR 1·39) and R2/unresected status (HR 3·50) were associated with decreased OS. In the R0/R1 subgroup, the 2-year RFS rate was similar for BD3 and BD1 + BD2 according to metastatic status. There was no significant difference between BD3 and BD1 + BD2 for change in tumour size in the R2/unresected subgroup (P = 0·094). Of 141 patients with initially unresectable metastases who had chemotherapy, 35 achieved conversion from unresectable to resectable status. The conversion rate was significantly higher for BD1 + BD2 than for BD3 (36 versus 18 per cent; P = 0·016).

CONCLUSION

Stage IV colorectal cancer with high-grade tumour budding according to ITBCC criteria correlates with poor prognosis.

COT-21 EFFECT OF BEVACIZUMAB FOR PEDIATRIC HIGH GRADE GLIOMA

INTRODUCTION

Bevacizumab (BEV) therapy has been used for pediatric high grade glioma,however the evidence and effectiveness are not understood yet.

METHODS

We report 7 cases (age 2 to 10 years old) of pediatric high grade glioma treated with BEV. One case is thalamic diffuse midline glioma H3K27 mutant (DMGH3K27M),one case is brain stem DMGH3K27M,one case is cerebellar high grade glioma,and 4 cases are diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) diagnosed clinically without biopsy. 5 cases were treated with BEV when diagnosed as recurrence after chemo-radiotherapy. One case was treated for rapid tumor progression during radiotherapy. One case was started on BEV therapy with radiation and concomitant temozolomide therapy.

RESULT

The number of times of BEV was 2 to 13 times (median 7 times). The period of BEV was 1 to 9 months (median 4 months). One case which was treated with BEV at rapid progression during radiation showed good response on imaging and improvement of symptoms. 4 of 5 cases who were treated at recurrence clinically showed mild symptomatic improvement. One case treated with BEV and radiotherapy initially was not evaluated. The adverse effects of BEV included wound complication of tracheostomy and rash.

CONCLUSION

BEV showed good response for rapid progression during radiotherapy,and mild response for recurrence cases. BEV is thought to be an effective therapeutic agent for pediatric HGG at recurrence and rapid tumor progression during radiotherapy.

Vascular Hyperintensity on Fluid-Attenuated Inversion Recovery Indicates the Severity of Hypoperfusion in Acute Stroke

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Although fluid-attenuated inversion recovery vascular hyperintensities may be frequently seen in acute large-artery ischemic stroke, reports on their prognostic utility had been conflicting due to lack of quantitative evaluation of the perfusion status based on the signal intensity. We hypothesized that greater hyperintensity represents more severe hypoperfusion.

METHODS

Overall, 27 patients with acute occlusion of the proximal middle cerebral artery were divided into 2 groups, based on their signal intensity in the insular segment of middle cerebral artery on the affected side, relative to that of the insular cortex: the low signal intensity group (hypo- or isointense signals, n = 12) and the high signal intensity group (hyperintense signals, n = 15). Using dynamic susceptibility contrast magnetic resonance imaging, we assessed the time of the maximum value of the residue function and mean transit time, in the entire middle cerebral artery cortical area and diffusion-weighted imaging-Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score regions, including the corona radiata.

RESULTS

The high signal intensity group had significantly longer time of the maximum value of the residue function in all the diffusion-weighted imaging-Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score regions, except the M3 and M6 regions, and significantly longer mean transit time in the M1 and M4 regions.

CONCLUSIONS

Quantitative analysis of the perfusion parameters revealed more severely compromised and widely disturbed perfusion status in the high signal intensity group than in the low signal intensity group.

Better continuity of the facial nerve demonstrated in the temporal bone on three-dimensional T1-weighted imaging with volume isotropic turbo spin echo acquisition than that with fast field echo at 3.0 tesla MRI

INTRODUCTION

Three-dimensional (3D) T1-weighted imaging (T1WI) is used for evaluation of the facial nerve. The signal intensity of normal and pathological facial nerves has been well evaluated at both 1.5T and 3.0T MRI after gadolinium (Gd)-enhancement with various pulse sequences. However, the continuity of the facial nerve has not been evaluated on 3D-T1WI. This study aims to compare the continuity of the normal facial nerve in the temporal bone demonstrated on T1-weighted volume isotropic turbo spin echo acquisition (T1-VISTA), which is a spin-echo sequence, to that on T1-weighted fast field echo (T1-FFE), which is a gradient-echo sequence, at 3.0T MRI.

METHODS

Forty-four normal facial nerves in 22 healthy volunteers were imaged with both sequences using 3.0T MRI without Gd-enhancement. The facial nerves were evaluated visually by two neuroradiologists in four anatomical segments with a 3-point grading system of continuity. The continuity was assessed by summing the grades of the four segments as a total score. The grades at each segment and the total scores were compared statistically between the T1-VISTA and T1-FFE.

RESULTS

The grades in all segments and the total score were significantly higher with T1-VISTA than those with T1-FFE.

CONCLUSIONS

T1-VISTA was superior to demonstrate the facial nerve as a continuous anatomical structure in the temporal bone at 3.0T MRI.

Aquaporin Positron Emission Tomography Differentiates Between Grade III and IV Human Astrocytoma

BACKGROUND

Aquaporin (AQP) water channels play a significant role in mesenchymal microvascular proliferation and infiltrative growth. AQPs are highly expressed in malignant astrocytomas, and a positive correlation is observed between their expression levels and histological tumor grade.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the utility of aquaporin positron emission tomography (PET) for differentiating between astrocytoma grade III and grade IV using the AQP radioligand [¹¹C]TGN-020.

METHODS

Fifteen astrocytoma patients, grade III (n = 7) and grade IV (n = 8), and 10 healthy volunteers underwent [¹¹C]TGN-020 aquaporin PET imaging. Surgical tissues of astrocytoma patients were examined for histopathological grading using the WHO classification standard and expression of AQP1 and AQP4 immunohistochemically.

RESULTS

Mean standardized uptake values of astrocytoma grade III and IV (0.51 ± 0.11 vs 1.50 ± 0.44, respectively) were higher than normal white matter (0.17 ± 0.02, P < .001) for both tumor grades. Importantly, mean standardized uptake values of astrocytoma grade IV were significantly higher than grade III (P < .01).

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrated that [¹¹C]TGN-020 aquaporin PET imaging differentiated between astrocytoma grades III and IV. We suggest its clinical application as a noninvasive diagnostic tool would lead to advancements in the management of these malignant brain tumors.

De Novo Pineal Region Germinoma in the Seventh Decade of Life: A Case Report

Germ cell tumors typically occur in children and adolescents. We here report a rare case of de novo pineal region germinoma in the seventh decade of life. A 62-year-old man presented with double vision. Computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) identified a heterogeneously enhanced tumor with calcification in the pineal region with ventricular dilatation due to aqueduct stenosis. The tumor had not been observed at all on MRI obtained 2 years previously. The patient underwent endoscopic biopsy and third ventriculostomy for the obstructive hydrocephalus. The tumor was histopathologically diagnosed as a pure germinoma. The patient underwent radiomonotherapy, resulting in his complete remission, which was confirmed by a series of follow-up MRI studies and hematological examinations. Intracranial germinoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pineal region tumors regardless of age, even though the tumor was undetectable on the previous neuroimaging.

Malignant Hyperthermia and Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis After Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt in Infant with Schizencephaly and COL4A1 Mutation

BACKGROUND

Schizencephaly is a rare congenital central nervous system malformation characterized by linear, thickened clefts of the cerebral mantle. Recently, germline mutations in collagen type IV alpha 1 (COL4A1) have been reported to be a genetic cause of schizencephaly as a result of prenatal stroke. Patients with COL4A1 mutation demonstrate a variety of disease phenotypes. However, little is known about the potential complications of patients with COL4A1 mutations before and after neurologic surgery.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 9-month-old boy with schizencephaly and a congenital cataract underwent a ventriculoperitoneal shunt for progressive hydrocephalus. Postoperatively, he developed malignant hyperthermia and cerebral venous thrombosis. Early treatment with dantrolene sodium and hydration was effective. Genetic testing revealed a germline COL4A1 mutation.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, malignant hyperthermia and cerebral venous thrombosis have not been reported in the literature in patients with COL4A1 mutations after surgery. Schizencephaly arising from COL4A1 mutations might be a disease prone to these adverse effects because this mutation is known to be associated with venous tortuosity, venous vulnerability, and muscle spasms due to basement membrane protein abnormalities. We need to better understand the wide spectrum of clinical phenotypes of COL4A1 mutations and potential complications in order to better manage surgery of patients with schizencephaly.

EGFRvIII Is Expressed in Cellular Areas of Tumor in a Subset of Glioblastoma

Epidermal growth factor receptor variant III (EGFRvIII) is a tumor-specific cell surface antigen often expressed in glioblastoma and has drawn much attention as a possible therapeutic target. We performed immunohistochemistry on histology sections of surgical specimens taken from 67 cases with glioblastoma, isocitrate dehydrogenase-wild type, and evaluated the morphological characteristics and distribution of the EGFRvIII-positive tumor cells. We then evaluated the localization of EGFRvIII-expression within the tumor and peritumoral areas. EGFRvIII immunopositivity was detected in 15 specimens taken from 13 patients, including two recurrent specimens taken from the same patient at relapse. Immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that EGFRvIII-positive cells were present in cells positive for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and some showed astrocytic differentiation with multiple fine processes and others did not shown. The EGFRvIII-positive cells were located in cellular areas of the tumor, but not in the invading zone. In the two recurrent cases, EGFRvIII-positive cells were markedly decreased in one case and retained in the other. With regard to overall survival, univariate analysis indicated that EGFRvIII-expression in patients with glioblastoma was not significantly associated with a favorable outcome. Double-labeling immunofluorescence staining of EGFRvIII and GFAP showed that processes of large, well differentiated, GFAP-positive glia extend to and surround less differentiated, EGFRvIII-positive glial cells in cellular areas of tumor. However, in the tumor periphery, EGFRvIII-positive tumor cells were not observed. This finding suggests that EGFRvIII is involved in tumor proliferation, but that invading glioma cells lose their EGFRvIII expression.

[A Case of Subdural Empyema with Cerebral Arteritis and Brain Ischemia in the Middle Cerebral Artery Distribution, Secondary to Odontogenic Maxillary Sinusitis]

We present a rare case of subdural empyema with cerebral arteritis and brain ischemia in the middle cerebral artery distribution secondary to odontogenic maxillary sinusitis. A 32-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of high fever and generalized convulsions. Computed tomography(CT)and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)showed subdural empyema at the left convexity, with a small amount of air. An interruption of the right maxillary sinus floor corresponding to the alveolar process was evident on coronal CT. He was diagnosed as having subdural empyema caused by odontogenic maxillary sinusitis. MR angiography showed stenosis of the left middle cerebral artery(MCA). Despite antibiotic administration, he became drowsy and developed aphasia with right hemiparesis. Repeat MRI showed enlargement of the encapsulated subdural empyema with increased midline shift to the right. We performed prompt surgical evacuation with craniotomy, endoscopic drainage of the sinusitis, and tooth extraction. A hyperintense lesion was observed on subsequent diffusion-weighted imaging in the left MCA distribution. After repeat drainage of the re-enlarged subdural empyema, he was discharged without apparent neurological deficits. This case indicates that subdural empyema from odontogenic sinusitis requires a suitable imaging study of the brain, head, and neck region, and a multidisciplinary approach involving a neurosurgeon, otolaryngologist, and oral surgeon. Prompt initiation of appropriate antibiotic therapy with surgical intervention is recommended for treatment of subdural empyema from odontogenic sinusitis.

Multiple aneurysms on the subarcuate artery arising from the anterior inferior cerebellar artery in a patient with a Borden type I transverse-sigmoid dural arteriovenous fistula manifesting as subarachnoid hemorrhage: A case report

BACKGROUND

Peripheral anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) aneurysms are rare and commonly associated with vascular malformations, such as cerebellar arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). We present a case wherein multiple AICA feeding aneurysms on the subarcuate artery as a feeding artery of a Borden type I transverse-sigmoid dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF) manifested as subarachnoid hemorrhage.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 67-year-old woman presented with acute severe headache. Brain computed tomography (CT) demonstrated subarachnoid hemorrhage mainly in the posterior fossa. A transverse-sigmoid dAVF was detected on magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and three-dimensional-CT angiography (3D-CTA), with no cortical venous reflex. The patient underwent conventional angiography, which showed multiple aneurysms on a small branch of the AICA, feeding a transverse-sigmoid dAVF (Borden type I). The AICA aneurysms seemed flow dependent and ruptured owing to high-flow arteriovenous shunts through the dAVF. Based on the source images of the MRA, the small artery arising from the AICA was considered the subarcuate artery, and it was confirmed on 3D-CTA after the artery was successfully embolized with Onyx without any complications. Multiple aneurysms on the subarcuate artery are extremely rare, and the artery has not been identified as a feeding artery of the transverse-sigmoid dAVF.

CONCLUSION

A rare case of multiple ruptured aneurysms on the subarcuate artery was reported in a patient with a Borden type I dAVF at the transverse-sigmoid sinuses manifesting as subarachnoid hemorrhage. Onyx embolization of the parent artery occlusion was feasible and useful in treating this type of feeding artery aneurysm of the AICA with a dAVF.

Transcription factor EB influences invasion and migration in oral squamous cell carcinomas

OBJECTIVE

Transcription factor EB (TFEB) is a master regulator of lysosomal biogenesis and plays an important role in various cancers. However, the function of TFEB in oral squamous cell carcinomas has not been examined. The aim of this study was to elucidate the role of TFEB in oral squamous cell carcinomas.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Expression levels of TFEB were examined in six different human oral squamous carcinoma cells: HSC2, HSC3, HSC4, SAS, OSC20, and SCC25. Knockdown of TFEB using small interfering RNA in HSC2 and HSC4 cells was performed. Cell morphology was observed by immunofluorescence microscopy. Cell proliferation, invasion, and adhesion were analyzed.

RESULTS

Expression levels of TFEB were high in HSC2, moderate in HSC4 and SCC25, and low in HSC3 and OSC20 cells. Knockdown of TFEB did not affect proliferation of HSC2 and HSC4 cells, but did induced enlargement of lysosomes and endosomes in HSC4 cells. TFEB silencing reduced invasion and migration of these HSC cell squamous carcinoma cells; however, increased cell adhesion was also observed.

CONCLUSION

TFEB knockdown reduces invasion and migration of cancer cells, likely through lysosomal regulation. Taken together, TFEB influences cell invasion and migration of oral squamous cell carcinomas.

Band-Suppressed Restoration of X-Ray Images Blurred by Body Movement

The restoration of X-ray images that have been blurred due to body movement are discussed. The observation system for these images is described using a mathematical model, and several restoration filters composed of a series of such models are proposed. These filters restore band-suppressed approximations of the original images. In addition, redundancy is introduced into these restoration filters in order to suppress additive noise. These filters are expanded to be applicable not only to parallel translations, but also to rotations by coordinate transformation. The proposed methods are applied to blurred X-ray images of a bone model of the elbow joint. The parameters of the restoration filter are estimated using a marker attached to the subject as a reference signal.