Prognostic significance of MRI-detected bladder muscle and/or serosal invasion in patients with cervical cancer treated with radiotherapy

In cervical cancer, the prognostic significance of bladder wall invasion on MRI without pathological evidence of mucosal invasion is not known. From 454 consecutive patients with cervical cancer who were treated with radiation, we reviewed images and analysed the outcome of 92 patients with the Federation of International Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage IIIB-IVA. We analysed the patients in three groups, normal, wall (muscle and/or serosal) invasion and mucosal invasion, according to the findings on the MRI. Kaplan-Meier life table analysis and the log-rank test were used to assess the survival rates and differences according to prognostic factors. MRI detected abnormalities in the bladder wall in 42 patients (45.6%): wall invasion in 24 and mucosal invasion in 18. 5 of 18 patients, suspected on MRI to have mucosal invasion, showed no pathological evidence of mucosal invasion. Median follow-up period was 34 months. 3-year cause-specific survival (CSS) in the normal group compared with the wall invasion group was 76.2% vs 71.4% (p = 0.48). 3-year CSS for the wall invasion group compared with the mucosal invasion group was 71.4% vs 54.3% (p = 0.04). Mucosal invasion on MRI (p = 0.03) and concurrent chemoradiotherapy (p = 0.01) was significant for CSS. The prognosis for patients with cervical cancer with evidence of muscle and/or serosal invasion of the bladder on MRI may not differ from that for patients without abnormality on MRI. In patients with the MRI finding of bladder mucosal invasion, further studies should be conducted regarding the role of cystoscopy to determine the need for pathological confirmation.

Bronchial hyperresponsiveness to methacholine/AMP and the bronchodilator response in asthmatic children

Bronchodilator response (BDR) is assessed to estimate the reversibility of airflow obstruction. Bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) is a characteristic feature of asthma and is usually measured by means of bronchial challenges using direct or indirect stimuli. The aim of the present study was to compare BHR to methacholine (direct) and that to adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP) (indirect) with regard to their relationships to BDR in asthmatic children. Methacholine and AMP challenge tests were performed on 138 children with mild-to-moderate asthma, and the provocative concentration causing a 20% decline in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV₁) (PC₂₀) was determined for each challenge. BDR was calculated as the change in FEV(1), expressed as a percentage of the initial value, after inhalation of 400 μg salbutamol. Methacholine PC₂₀ correlated significantly but weakly with BDR (r = -0.254; p = 0.003). However, there was a significant and strong correlation between AMP PC₂₀ and BDR (r = -0.489; p = 0.000). For AMP PC₂₀, the relationship was closer than for methacholine PC₂₀ (p = 0.024 for comparison between correlation coefficients). The same figures were observed when BDR was expressed as a percentage of the predicted value. A stronger correlation of BDR with AMP PC₂₀ than with methacholine PC₂₀ suggests that BDR may be better reflected by BHR as assessed by AMP challenge than by methacholine challenge.

Visually discernible [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma: a potential new risk factor

CONTEXT

A significant number of papillary thyroid microcarcinomas (PTMCs), despite excellent prognosis, show aggressive features such as extrathyroidal extension (EE) and lymph node metastasis (LNM) that may not always be detected preoperatively or intraoperatively. The relapse rate appears also substantial.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the value of [(18)F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake in PTMC as a potential risk factor for preoperative risk stratification.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 87 patients (17 males and 70 females; mean age = 51.2 yr, range 29-74 yr) with a unifocal PTMC who underwent preoperative FDG-positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT)and total thyroidectomy and central lymph node dissection. Statistical analyses were performed to compare the gender, age, tumor size, and FDG uptake in PTMC with the presence of histopathologically proven EE and central LNM (cLNM).

RESULTS

Of the 87 patients, 44 (51%) had EE, and 27 (31%) had cLNM. PET/CT showed visually discernible FDG uptake in 46 PTMCs (53%). FDG positivity of PTMCs was the only significant variable correlated with both EE and cLNM; there was a significant difference in the prevalence of both EE (70 vs. 29%) and cLNM (41 vs. 19.5%) between the FDG-positive and FDG-negative groups. In contrast, other already known risk factors, i.e. gender, age, and size, showed a correlation with only one or neither of EE and cLNM.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that visual FDG positivity in PTMCs is a potential risk factor that can be useful for preoperative risk stratification. Prospective studies would be warranted to assess the long-term benefit and cost effectiveness of preoperative FDG-PET/CT.

A Brownian energy depot model of the basilar membrane oscillation with a braking mechanism

High auditory sensitivity, sharp frequency selectivity, and spontaneous otoacoustic emissions are signatures of active amplification of the cochlea. The human ear can also detect very large amplitude sounds without being damaged, as long as the exposed time is not too long. The outer hair cells are believed to be the best candidate for the active force generator of the mammalian cochlea. In this paper, we propose a new model for the basilar membrane oscillation which describes both an active and a protective mechanism by employing an energy depot concept and a critical velocity of the basilar membrane. The compressive response of the basilar membrane at the characteristic frequency and the dynamic response to the stimulation are consistent with the experimental results. Although our model displays a Hopf bifurcation, our braking mechanism results in a hyper-compressive response to intense stimuli which is not generically observed near a Hopf bifurcation. Asymmetry seen in experimental recordings between the onset and the offset of the basilar membrane response to a sound burst is also observed in this model.

Validation of rapid methods for the determination of radiostrontium in milk

A rapid method of (89)Sr and (90)Sr comprising ion chromatography for preconcentration and Sr extraction chromatography for separation of Sr from Ca, Ba and Y was validated with spiked milk samples. An (89)Sr/(90)Sr activity ratio of up to 12 showed the relative bias was within +/-20%. The separation time of Sr was 7h and the chemical recovery of Sr ranged from 80% to 95%. The detection limit for 500 mL milk and 90 min counting time was 0.1 Bq L(-1).

Optimized fiber optic bioprobe with high spectral contrast exploiting laser-induced fluorescence for malignancy diagnosis

A high spectral contrast is expected to be very important when laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) is employed for cancer diagnosis. We developed a LIF optical fiber sensor to achieve a very high spectral contrast between normal and malignant tissues. A comprehensive experimental investigation was carried out to study the role of two critically important parameters for sensor design, namely, the excitation-collection geometry and the excitation wavelength, and their effect on the autofluorescence spectral contrast. An optimum sensing configuration was determined in order to enhance the small, but consistent, spectral difference between the normal and the malignant tissue for improving the accuracy of LIF-based cancer diagnosis. With the optimum sensor configuration, we realized a spectral contrast of more than 22 times between normal and malignant tissue sample spectra.

Relationships of methacholine and AMP responsiveness with peak expiratory flow variability in children with asthma

BACKGROUND

Both bronchial responsiveness (BR) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) variability are increased in asthma. PEF variability is presumed to reflect the degree of BR in asthma. BR is commonly assessed by bronchial challenges using direct or indirect stimuli.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare methacholine and adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP) responsiveness with regard to their relationships with PEF variability in children with asthma.

METHODS

Methacholine and AMP challenge tests were performed in 79 children with mild to moderate asthma, and a provocative concentration causing a 20% decline in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (PC(20)) was calculated for each challenge. Subjects recorded PEF each morning and each evening for 14 consecutive days. PEF variability was expressed as amplitude percentage mean (amp%mean; high PEF minus low PEF on each day, expressed as a percentage of their mean, averaged over 14 days), and as the lowest percentage highest (low%high; the lowest PEF expressed as a percentage of the highest PEF recorded over the period).

RESULTS

Methacholine PC(20) correlated significantly but weakly with both indices of PEF variability (amp%mean: r=-0.285, P=0.011; low%high: r=0.238, P=0.034). However, there was a significant and strong correlation between AMP PC(20) and both amp%mean (r=-0.583, P=0.000) and low%high (r=0.496, P=0.000). For AMP PC(20), the correlations were stronger than for methacholine PC(20) (comparison of correlation coefficients with amp%mean: P=0.021; with low%high: P=0.063).

CONCLUSION

Both methacholine PC(20) and AMP PC(20) correlated significantly with PEF variability. However, the stronger correlations for AMP PC(20) than for methacholine PC(20) suggest that PEF variability may be better reflected by BR assessed by AMP than by methacholine.

Prognostic factors associated with brain metastases from epithelial ovarian carcinoma

Brain metastasis from epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) is managed by a multimodal treatment approach. Thus, to determine the prognostic factors associated with this situation is important for management decisions regarding the type of treatment and aggressiveness of treatment. From 1995 to 2005, 13 patients with brain metastases resulting from EOC underwent treatment at Samsung Medical Center. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records to determine prognostic factors and to evaluate treatment outcome. The median age at diagnosis for primary ovarian carcinoma and brain metastasis was 52 and 55 years, respectively. Median interval to brain metastases was 28 months after the diagnosis of EOC. At the time of analysis, nine patients had died of disease. The median survival from brain relapse was 7 months. A Karnofsky performance status of 70 or higher, primary control, solitary brain lesions, recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) class, and treatment modality including gamma-knife radiosurgery (GKRS) were related to survival on univariate analyses. Multivariate analysis showed that treatment modality including GKRS was a more important prognostic factor than RPA class (P= 0.04). This small series demonstrated that GKRS can be a valuable modality for the management of brain metastasis in patients with EOC. Therefore, a better outcome can be achieved by choosing GKRS in their treatments in selected patients.

Size control of silica nanoparticles and their surface treatment for fabrication of dental nanocomposites

Nearly monodispersed silica nanoparticles having a controlled size from 5 to 450 nm were synthesized via a sol-gel process, and then the optimum conditions for the surface treatment of the synthesized silica nanoparticles with a silane coupling agent (i.e., 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (gamma-MPS)) were explored to produce dental composites exhibiting enhanced adhesion and dispersion of silica nanoparticles in the resin matrix. The particle size was increased by increasing amounts of the catalyst (NH4OH) and silica precursor (tetraethylorthosilicate, TEOS) and by decreasing the amount of water in the reaction mixtures regardless of solvents used for the synthesis. The particle size prepared by using ethanol as a solvent was significantly larger than that prepared by using methanol as a solvent when the composition of the reaction mixture was fixed. The nanosized particles in the 5-25 nm range were aggregated. The amount of grafted gamma-MPS on the surface of the synthesized silica nanoparticles was dependent on the composition of the reaction mixture when an excess amount of gamma-MPS was used. When surface treatment was performed at optimum conditions found here, the amount of the grafted gamma-MPS per unit surface area of the silica nanoparticles was nearly the same regardless of the particle size. Dispersion of the silica particles in the resin matrix and interfacial adhesion between silica particles and resin matrix were enhanced when surface treated silica nanoparticles were used for preparing dental nanocomposites.

Dental Restorative Composites Fabricated from a Novel Organic Matrix without an Additional Diluent

Commercial organic matrixes of dental composites generally include diluents such as triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) to reduce viscosity. However, the diluent exhibits adverse effects such as curing shrinkage and diminished mechanical properties of the dental composites. To overcome these adverse effects, organic monomers that can be used as an organic matrix may be developed. In this study, various novel organic monomers were developed by substituting alkoxy for hydroxyl groups in 2,2-bis[4-(2-hydroxy-3-methacryloyloxy propoxy)phenyl]propane (bis-GMA). Viscosities of the alkoxy-substituted monomers were decreased by increasing substituent size. The viscosity of 2,2-bis[4-(2-ethoxy-3-methacryloyloxy propoxy)phenyl]propane (bis-E-GMA) was higher than the control organic matrix (70 wt % bis-GMA and 30 wt % TEGDMA). However, those of 2,2-bis[4-(2-propoxy-3-methacryloyloxy propoxy)phenyl]propane (bis-Pr-GMA), 2,2-bis[4-(2-butoxy-3-methacryloyloxy propoxy)phenyl]propane (bis-B-GMA), and 2,2-bis[4-(2-pentoxy-3-methacryloyloxy propoxy)phenyl]propane (bis-P-GMA) were lower than the control organic matrix. To this end, these monomers could be used as organic matrixes of dental composites without an additional diluent. Among these monomers, bis-B-GMA exhibited the lowest curing shrinkage. In comparison to the control organic matrix, the curing shrinkage of the bis-B-GMA dental composite was approximately 40%. Additionally, dental composites prepared from bis-B-GMA exhibited excellent mechanical properties.

Tau overexpression in transgenic mice induces glycogen synthase kinase 3β and β-catenin phosphorylation

The abnormal phosphorylations of tau, GSK3beta, and beta-catenin have been shown to perform a crucial function in the neuropathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The primary objective of the current study was to determine the manner in which overexpressed htau23 interacts and regulates the behavior and phosphorylation characteristics of tau, GSK3beta, and beta-catenin. In order to accomplish this, transgenic mice expressing neuron-specific enolase (NSE)-controlled human wild-type tau (NSE/htau23) were created. Transgenic mice evidenced the following: (i) tendency toward memory impairments at later stages, (ii) dramatic overexpression of the tau transgene, coupled with increased tau phosphorylation and paired helical filaments (PHFs), (iii) high levels of GSK3beta phosphorylation with advanced age, resulting in increases in the phosphorylations of tau and beta-catenin, (iv) an inhibitory effect of lithium on the phosphorylations of tau, GSK3beta, and beta-catenin, but not in the non-transgenic littermate group. Therefore, the overexpression of NSE/htau23 in the brains of transgenic mice induces abnormal phosphorylations of tau, GSK3beta, and beta-catenin, which are ultimately linked to neuronal degeneration in cases of AD. These transgenic mice are expected to prove useful for the development of new drugs for the treatment of AD.

Glucocorticoid receptor represses the Dex-mediated induction of human androgen response element-linked Luc activity

A human androgen response element (hARE), identified within intron 8 of the human sterol regulatory element-binding protein cleavage-activating protein, interacts with both glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and androgen receptors (AR). The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that human GR (hGR) might modulate the expression of a hARE-linked reporter gene by dexamethasone (Dex). The hypothesis was tested by: a) co-transfecting HepG2 cells with a hGR and a luciferase (Luc)-reporter gene for performing in vitro investigations and b) by their co-injection into the tail vein of mice for in vivo investigation. In vitro co-transfected cells and the in vivo co-injected mice were then treated with Dex. Our results have led us to concluded that both transfection and injection of the hGR leads to a repression in the Dex-mediated induction of hARE-linked Luc activity both in vitro and in vivo settings. These findings suggest that this assay system allows screening of drug candidates affecting to a signal transduction pathway of the GR and AR and may help in the future discovery and analysis of novel and selection of GR and AR agonists.

Patterns of red marrow in the adult femur

PURPOSE

Conversion of red marrow (RM) to fatty marrow in the skeleton of the lower extremities begins at the distal end, ie, feet, and progresses proximally with distal bone marrow (ie, tibia) being converted more rapidly than proximal bone marrow (ie, femur). However, in an individual long bone, conversion begins in the diaphysis and progresses both distally and proximally (more rapidly toward the distal side). In a normal adult's femur, RM is present in the proximal one third or less. Reconversion of fatty marrow to RM is reported to occur in the reverse order of conversion. We assessed the frequency of various patterns of RM in the adult femur on In-111 leukocyte scans for a better understanding of the bone marrow regeneration process in individual long bones.

METHODS

The patterns of marrow activity in the femur shown on In-111 leukocyte scans performed in 354 adults were divided into a) RM limited to the proximal one third or less, b) to the proximal two thirds, c) to the proximal one third and distal one third with no activity in the middle shaft, and d) in the entire femur.

RESULTS

There were 207 patients with pattern A, 91 pattern B, 14 pattern C, and 42 pattern D.

CONCLUSIONS

A considerably higher number of adults showed pattern B than pattern C. This suggests that regeneration of diaphyseal marrow precedes that of the distal marrow in an individual long bone or possibly that conversion of the latter precedes the former, which is different from that proposed in the literature.

Appearance of Descended Superior Parathyroid Adenoma on SPECT Parathyroid Imaging

An ectopic superior parathyroid adenoma (SPA) descends inferoposteriorly and can migrate to the posterior mediastinum. It often appears on sestamibi planar parathyroid imaging as an inferior lesion, which can be misleading to inexperienced surgeons. Its correct identification before surgery will be of great help for correct surgical planning. We assessed the appearance of descended SPA on SPECT imaging.

METHODS

Sestamibi SPECT imaging studies performed on 103 patients who had parathyroid adenomas with their origin and locations confirmed by surgery and histology were retrospectively reviewed. Abnormal foci seen on the SPECT images were grouped as to location relative to the thyroid gland as superior (S), middle (M), and inferior (I). The proximity between the focus and the thyroid on the sagittal SPECT images was graded from 0 to 2 with 2 being widely separated.

RESULTS

Of the 103 SPECT studies, 89 were positive. Eleven of the 89 visualized foci were at the S level: all were SPA. Ten foci were at the M level, including 6 SPA and 4 inferior parathyroid adenomas (IPA). There were 68 foci at the I level; none (0%) of 56 in the I0 location, 2 (25%) of 8 foci in the I1 location, and all (100%) of 4 abnormal foci in the I2 location were descended SPAs.

CONCLUSION

The more posteriorly located the abnormal focus, the higher the probability of descended SPA. Recognition of the characteristic appearance of descended SPA on SPECT imaging can have a significant impact on the surgical approach and prevent failed neck exploration.

Effects of molecular structure of the resins on the volumetric shrinkage and the mechanical strength of dental restorative composites

To prepare a dental composite that has a low amount of curing shrinkage and excellent mechanical strength, various 2,2-bis[4-(2-hydroxy-3-methacryloyloxy propoxy) phenyl] propane (Bis-GMA) derivatives were synthesized via molecular structure design, and afterward, properties of their mixtures were explored. Bis-GMA derivatives, which were obtained by substituting methyl groups for hydrogen on the phenyl ring in the Bis-GMA, exhibited lower curing shrinkage than Bis-GMA, whereas their viscosities were higher than that of Bis-GMA. Other Bis-GMA derivatives, which contained a glycidyl methacrylate as a molecular end group exhibited reduced curing shrinkage and viscosity. Methoxy substitution for hydroxyl groups on the Bis-GMA derivatives was performed for the further reduction of the viscosity and curing shrinkage. Various resin mixtures, which had the same viscosity as the commercial one, were prepared, and their curing shrinkage was examined. A resin mixture containing 2,2-bis[3,5-dimethyl, 4-(2-methoxy-3-methacryloyloxy propoxy) phenyl] propane] (TMBis-M-GMA) as a base resin and 4-tert-butylphenoxy-2-methyoxypropyl methacrylate (t-BP-M-GMA) as a diluent exhibited the lowest curing shrinkage among them. The composite prepared from this resin mixture also exhibited the lowest curing shrinkage along with enhanced mechanical properties.

Certified reference material for radionuclides in fish flesh sample IAEA-414 (mixed fish from the Irish Sea and North Sea)

A certified reference material (CRM) for radionuclides in fish sample IAEA-414 (mixed fish from the Irish Sea and North Seas) is described and the results of the certification process are presented. Nine radionuclides (40K, 137Cs, 232Th, 234U, 235U, 238U, 238Pu, 239+240Pu and 241Am) were certified for this material. Information on massic activities with 95% confidence intervals is given for six other radionuclides (90Sr, 210Pb(210Po), 226Ra, 239Pu, 240Pu 241Pu). Less frequently reported radionuclides (99Tc, 129I, 228Th, 230Th and 237Np) and information on some activity and mass ratios are also included. The CRM can be used for quality assurance/quality control of the analysis of radionuclides in fish sample, for the development and validation of analytical methods and for training purposes. The material is available from IAEA, Vienna, in 100 g units.

Influence of β-alanine supplementation on skeletal muscle carnosine concentrations and high intensity cycling capacity

Muscle carnosine synthesis is limited by the availability of beta-alanine. Thirteen male subjects were supplemented with beta-alanine (CarnoSyn) for 4 wks, 8 of these for 10 wks. A biopsy of the vastus lateralis was obtained from 6 of the 8 at 0, 4 and 10 wks. Subjects undertook a cycle capacity test to determine total work done (TWD) at 110% (CCT(110%)) of their maximum power (Wmax). Twelve matched subjects received a placebo. Eleven of these completed the CCT(110%) at 0 and 4 wks, and 8, 10 wks. Muscle biopsies were obtained from 5 of the 8 and one additional subject. Muscle carnosine was significantly increased by +58.8% and +80.1% after 4 and 10 wks beta-alanine supplementation. Carnosine, initially 1.71 times higher in type IIa fibres, increased equally in both type I and IIa fibres. No increase was seen in control subjects. Taurine was unchanged by 10 wks of supplementation. 4 wks beta-alanine supplementation resulted in a significant increase in TWD (+13.0%); with a further +3.2% increase at 10 wks. TWD was unchanged at 4 and 10 wks in the control subjects. The increase in TWD with supplementation followed the increase in muscle carnosine.

Appearance of intrathymic parathyroid adenomas on pinhole sestamibi parathyroid imaging

OBJECTIVES

Ectopic inferior parathyroid adenomas (PAs) are frequently located in the anterior mediastinum, quite often in the thymus gland. Correct preoperative localization is particularly helpful for surgical planning. Clinical follow up has shown that most intrathymic adenomas were visualized on pinhole views and located closer to the thyroid than expected. We reviewed the typical appearance of intrathymic PA on pinhole views.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed sestamibi pinhole parathyroid imaging performed on 163 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and final diagnoses established by surgery, histology, intraoperative PTH monitoring, and clinical follow up. Studies showing focal increased activity in the lower pole region of the thyroid were selected and divided into 2 groups, group A (foci that are visually not separable from the thyroid) and group B (foci that are completely separated from the thyroid), and correlated with the final diagnoses.

RESULTS

Of the 163 patients, 102 had 103 clearly abnormal foci in the lower pole region (bilateral lower pole foci in one study). There were 93 foci in group A and 10 foci in group B. Of the 93 foci in group A, there were 80 normally situated inferior PA, 6 descended superior PA, 3 intrathyroidal PA, one hyperplastic parathyroid gland, one thyroid adenoma, one unidentified, and one intrathymic PA. Of the 10 foci in group B, 3 were eutopic inferior PA and 7 were intrathymic PA.

CONCLUSION

Focal increased activity completely separated from the lower pole of thyroid (regardless of the distance of separation) on sestamibi pinhole images indicates a high probability of intrathymic parathyroid adenoma.

Methacholine and adenosine 5'-monophosphate challenges in children with post-infectious bronchiolitis obliterans

Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) is a characteristic feature of asthma, but is also frequently demonstrated by children and adults with chronic obstructive lung diseases. AHR is usually measured by bronchial challenges using direct or indirect stimuli. The aim of this study was to compare these two types of bronchial challenge in children with post-infectious bronchiolitis obliterans (BO). Methacholine and adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP) challenges were used as tools for the evaluation of AHR to direct and indirect stimuli, respectively, in children with post-infectious BO (n = 28). These results were compared with those of asthmatic (n = 30) and control children (n = 25). Altogether, twenty-two patients (78.6%) with post-infectious BO were hyperreactive to methacholine with a provocative concentration causing a 20% fall in forced expiratory volume in one second (PC20) of <16 mg x mL(-1), but only six (21.4%) were hyperreactive to AMP with a PC20 of <200 mg x mL(-1). All patients with asthma responded positively to methacholine, and most (28, 93.3%) also responded positively to AMP. The majority of controls were insensitive to both challenges. Airway hyperresponsiveness to methacholine is a frequent, but by no means universal, finding in children with post-infectious bronchiolitis obliterans, but is usually not accompanied by airway hyperresponsiveness to adenosine 5'-monophosphate. This finding suggests that airway hyperresponsiveness in patients with post-infectious bronchiolitis obliterans has characteristics that differ from those of asthmatic subjects.

Concomitant Paravertebral FDG Uptake Helps Differentiate Supraclavicular and Suprarenal Brown Fat Uptake From Malignant Uptake When CT Coregistration Is Not Available

OBJECTIVES

Fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (F-18 FDG) uptake in brown adipose tissue (BAT) in the supraclavicular, superior mediastinal, paravertebral, and suprarenal/perinephric regions has been recognized. Of these 4 areas, uptake in the supraclavicular, mediastinal, and suprarenal areas may be difficult to differentiate from malignancy for those who interpret PET images only without CT coregistration or fusion. We assessed the prevalence and concomitance of F-18 FDG uptake in these 4 BAT regions.

METHODS

A total of 1495 F-18-FDG PET studies were reviewed. Distinct patterns compatible with BAT uptake in the 4 regions were graded and correlated with each other.

RESULTS

Of the 1495 studies, supraclavicular uptake was seen in 40 (2.7%), paravertebral uptake in 29 (1.9%), mediastinal uptake in 23(1.5%), and suprarenal uptake in 11 (0.7%). Of the 40 studies showing supraclavicular uptake, paravertebral uptake was also seen in 27 (68%), mediastinal uptake in 23 (58%), and suprarenal uptake in 11 (28%). Alternatively, of the 29 studies showing paravertebral uptake, all but 2 studies (93%) also had concomitant supraclavicular uptake. No studies showed isolated mediastinal or suprarenal uptake. All studies with mediastinal uptake also had supraclavicular uptake, and all studies with suprarenal uptake also had paravertebral uptake.

CONCLUSIONS

Virtually all of mediastinal and suprarenal BAT uptake was associated with supraclavicular and paravertebral uptake, respectively. Nearly all paravertebral uptake coexisted with supraclavicular uptake. Even when CT coregistration is not available, concomitant paravertebral uptake can help differentiate suprarenal uptake and somewhat less typical supraclavicular BAT uptake from malignant uptake, and concomitant supraclavicular uptake can help differentiate mediastinal uptake from malignant uptake.

Development of anticancer gene vaccine interact with human papillomavirus oncoprotein inhibition

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) Rep 78 protein is known to inhibit the promoter site of several oncogenes and viral genes, including the human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16 E6 transforming genes. The biochemical studies of Rep 78 have been reported, but the effects of Rep 78 gene-mediated inhibition of HPV 16 E6 promoter activity on the various human cervical carcinoma cells have not been characterized. pEGFP-N1 vector, cloned by AAV-mediated Rep 78, is transfected into cervical carcinoma cells. Transfection efficiency of Rep 78 was approximately 30-60% different. Messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression of Rep 78 gene was significantly higher on day 1 of the transfection of Rep 78 DNA in CaSki cells, and DNA level of HPV 16 E6 was decreased on day 1 of the transfection. The growth of CaSki cervical cancer cells was only 10-15% inhibited by Rep 78, and the other cervical cells, HeLa, HeLaS3, HT3, and QGU, were unaffected by Rep 78 transfection. In spite of the high efficiency of Rep 78 gene transformation and expression rate, we could not show the significant growth inhibition in various cervical cancer cell lines. Taken together, long-term expression of Rep 78 strategy might be needed for cervical carcinoma gene therapy using AAV vector.