Salivary duct carcinoma of the parotid gland: clinical and MR features in six patients

This study reports the clinical and MR features of salivary duct carcinoma (SDC) of the parotid gland, which is a rare and highly malignant tumour. We assessed retrospectively the clinical and MR features of six patients with histologically proven SDC of the parotid gland. The five men and one woman, ranging in age from 65-71 years (mean, 67 years), had undergone MRI before surgery. All patients presented with parotid masses and four patients had facial paralysis. Two had been aware of the parotid mass for more than 10 years. On MRI, all of the tumours had an ill-defined margin along either the entire circumference or part of the circumference. Four tumours showed infiltration into the subcutaneous or parapharyngeal space. Two tumours showed a wholly solid internal content, and four tumours had varying proportions of cystic content. The signal intensity of the solid portion was low to intermediate on both T(1) weighted and T(2) weighted images. Three patients showed multiple cervical lymph node swellings. Although SDC can show non-specific MRI findings, the combined findings (e.g. low-to-intermediate signal intensities on T(2) weighted images, ill-defined boundaries, infiltration into the surrounding fat space, facial nerve paralysis and associated cervical lymphoadenopathy, seem to suggest a high-grade malignancy.

Verification of the FEFF simulations to K-edge XANES spectra of the third row elements

Availability of the FEFF simulations to K-edge x-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectra of the third row elements has been investigated. The FEFF simulations reproduce the spectra from simple substances (Al, Mg, Si, P and S) well, but do not always reproduce those from chemical compounds containing the third row elements. The FEFF simulation has a tendency to underestimate the white line intensity of the XANES spectra in these compounds. This situation is much improved by the Z+1 approach, in which the central atom is replaced by an atom with the atomic number larger by one.

Association of serum interleukin-33 level and the interleukin-33 genetic variant with Japanese cedar pollinosis

BACKGROUND

IL-33, an IL-1-like cytokine, is a ligand for IL1RL1, which is an important effector molecule of type 2 T helper responses. Although IL-33/IL1RL1 interaction has been suggested to be important in induction of allergic airway inflammation, serum levels of IL-33 and the genetic influences of the polymorphisms of IL-33 in human allergic diseases are unclear.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to examine whether the serum IL-33 level and polymorphisms in IL-33 are associated with Japanese cedar (JC) pollinosis, the most common form of allergic rhinitis, and a major public health problem, in Japan.

METHODS

We performed linkage disequilibrium (LD) mapping of the gene using the HapMap database, and two selected tag single nucleotide polymorphisms were genotyped. We conducted an association study of IL-33 (JC pollinosis, n=170; normal controls, n=100) and measured the IL-33 levels in sera of the 270 subjects by ELISA.

RESULTS

Serum levels of IL-33 were significantly higher in patients with JC pollinosis (P=0.0018) than in controls. In genetic association analysis, we found a positive association between the polymorphism and JC pollinosis (P=0.048).

CONCLUSION

Our results support a role for IL-33 in the pathogenesis of JC pollinosis.

Osteopontin expression in normal and hypobaric hypoxia-exposed rats

AIM

Experimental pulmonary hypertension induced in a hypobaric hypoxic environment (HHE) is characterized by structural remodelling of the heart and pulmonary arteries. Osteopontin (OPN) has emerged as a key factor in cardiovascular remodelling in response to pressure or volume overload. We studied the possible effects of HHE on the OPN synthesis system.

METHODS

One hundred and forty-eight male Wistar rats were housed in a chamber with conditions equivalent of an altitude of 5500 m for up to 21 days.

RESULTS

Plasma OPN protein level was found to be significantly decreased on day 0.5 of exposure to HHE, as was the level in the adrenal gland (which secreted highest levels of OPN protein). In the right ventricle of the heart (mRNA) and the lung (protein), OPN expression was found to be significantly increased only on day 1 and day 5, respectively, of exposure to HHE. By immunohistochemistry, the distribution and intensity of OPN protein in several organs were found to alter during exposure to HHE. However, these changes in OPN synthesis did not coincide with the moderate increase in pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) (maximal mean PAP, 24.5 mmHg) during HHE.

CONCLUSION

Pulmonary hypertension in HHE with conditions equivalent of an altitude of 5500 m may induce little or no OPN in heart and lung. Sustained induction may require a more severe PAP overload.

Measurement of human and mouse interleukin 18

IL-18, originally designated as interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma)-inducing factor (IGIF), is a pleiotropic cytokine secreted by activated macrophages and Kupffer cells. The major activity associated with this cytokine is induction of IFN-gamma production from T cells, B cells, and NK cells, especially in collaboration with IL-12. IL-18 is synthesized without a signal peptide and must be enzymatically cleaved to become active. Therefore, it is important to determine whether the produced IL-18 is an active or precursor form. This unit describes functional assays for measurement of bioactive human and mouse IL-18 and ELISAs for measurement of murine and human IL-18 proteins. The functional assays are based on the induction of IFN-gamma production by IL-18. The ELISA measures the concentration of human or mouse IL-18. Using a combination of monoclonal antibodies against human or mouse IL-18, the proform and/or mature form of IL-18 can be detected by ELISA.

Molecular analysis of digenic inheritance in Bartter syndrome with sensorineural deafness

BACKGROUND

Bartter syndrome (BS) is a genetic disorder accompanied by hypokalaemic metabolic alkalosis. BS with sensorineural deafness (SND, OMIM602522) is a newly identified phenotype caused by mutations in the BSND gene that encodes barttin, a beta-subunit for chloride channel ClC-Ka and ClC-Kb and classified as type IV BS. Type IV BS features the most severe phenotype entailing life-threatening neonatal volume depletion and chronic renal failure developing during infancy. A recent report described a case of BS with SND from a consanguineous family who showed homozygous mutations in the CLCNKA and CLCNKB genes. This case indicated the possibility of the occurrence of digenic inheritance in BS with SND resulting from double mutations in the CLCNKA and CLCNKB genes.

SUBJECT AND RESULTS

The current report concerns a 2-year-old girl from a non-consanguineous family with BS accompanied by SND. In our case, four loss-of-function mutations, consisting of mutations in both parental alleles in both CLCNKA and CLCNKB, were identified. The paternal allele had a nonsense mutation (Q260X) in CLCNKA and a splicing site mutation (IVS17+1 g>a) in CLCNKB. The maternal allele had a large deletion mutation (about 12 kbp) extending from CLCNKA to CLCNKB. Our case provides clear evidence that loss-of-function alleles in both alleles of both CLCNKA and CLCNKB results in a phenotype indistinguishable from that of mutations in BSND (type IV BS).

CONCLUSIONS

Recent advances in genetics have resulted in a better understanding of many human inherited diseases, but most of them are monogenic disorders and more complex inheritance patterns remain unresolved. Our case provides clear evidence of digenic inheritance outside the scope of Mendelian inheritance disorders.

Extraction of weak transition strengths via the (3He, t) reaction at 420 MeV

Differential cross sections for transitions of known weak strength were measured with the (3He, t) reaction at 420 MeV on targets of 12C, 13C, 18O, 26Mg, 58Ni, 60Ni, 90Zr, 118Sn, 120Sn, and 208Pb. Using these data, it is shown that the proportionalities between strengths and cross sections for this probe follow simple trends as a function of mass number. These trends can be used to confidently determine Gamow-Teller strength distributions in nuclei for which the proportionality cannot be calibrated via beta-decay strengths. Although theoretical calculations in the distorted-wave Born approximation overestimate the data, they allow one to understand the main experimental features and to predict deviations from the simple trends observed in some of the transitions.

Isotopic dependence of the giant monopole resonance in the even-A 112-124Sn isotopes and the asymmetry term in nuclear incompressibility

The strength distributions of the giant monopole resonance (GMR) have been measured in the even-A Sn isotopes (A=112-124) with inelastic scattering of 400-MeV alpha particles in the angular range 0 degrees -8.5 degrees . We find that the experimentally observed GMR energies of the Sn isotopes are lower than the values predicted by theoretical calculations that reproduce the GMR energies in 208Pb and 90Zr very well. From the GMR data, a value of Ktau = -550 +/- 100 MeV is obtained for the asymmetry term in the nuclear incompressibility.

Salivary gland scintigraphy in gastro-esophageal reflux disease

Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is associated with a decreased salivary flow as well as gastric acid production. This study therefore aimed to investigate functional disorders of salivary glands in patients with GERD.

METHODS

Thirty-one consecutive patients with GERD underwent salivary gland scintigraphy.

RESULTS

If the results defined the optimal cutoff point for determining the decreased salivary secretion as 51 % in parotid glands and 36 % in submandibular glands, a decreased salivary secretion of right parotid gland, left parotid gland, right submandibular gland, and left submandibular gland was found in 39 %, 32 %, 36 %, and 58 %, respectively. Overall, salivary function disorder of at least one major salivary gland was found in 24 patients (78 %) with GERD. There was no difference in the incidence of impaired salivary function between GERD patients with and without erosive esophagitis. Salivary gland function was more frequently diminished than expected in GERD. We concluded that the presence of impaired salivary gland function was considered to be one of risk factors for developing GERD symptoms.

Gamow-Teller strength in the exotic odd-odd nuclei 138La and 180Ta and its relevance for neutrino nucleosynthesis

The Gamow-Teller strength distributions below the particle threshold in 138La and 180Ta, deduced from high-resolution measurements of the (3He,t) reaction at 0 degrees, allow us to evaluate the role of charged-current reactions for the production of these extremely rare nuclides in neutrino-nucleosynthesis models. The analysis suggests that essentially all 138La in the Universe can be made that way. Neutrino nucleosynthesis also contributes significantly to the abundance of 180Ta but the magnitude depends on the unknown branching ratio for population of the long-lived isomer.

Tissue factor expression as a possible determinant of thromboembolism in ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer, and clear cell carcinoma in particular, reportedly increases the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). However, the mechanisms remain unclear. Tissue factor (TF) supposedly represents a major factor in the procoagulant activities of cancer cells. The present study examined the involvement of TF expression in VTE for patients with ovarian cancer. Subjects comprised 32 consecutive patients (mean age 49.8 years) with histologically confirmed ovarian cancer. Presence of VTE was examined using a combination of clinical features, D-dimer levels and venous ultrasonography. Immunohistochemical analysis was used to evaluate TF expression into 4 degrees. Venous thromboembolism was identified in 10 of the 32 patients (31%), including five of the 11 patients with clear cell carcinoma. Tissue factor expression was detected in cancer tissues from 24 patients and displayed significant correlations with VTE development (P=0.0003), D-dimer concentration (P=0.003) and clear cell carcinoma (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis identified TF expression as an independent predictive factor of VTE development (P<0.05). Tissue factor (TF) expression is a possible determinant of VTE development in ovarian cancer. In particular, clear cell carcinoma may produce excessive levels of TF and is more likely to develop VTE.

An accessory chromophore in red vision

In the absence of a red-sensitive visual pigment, some deep-sea fish use a chlorophyll derivative in their green-sensitive rod cells in order to see deep-red light. Here we show that living rods extracted from a salamander can also accumulate an exogenous chlorophyll derivative, chlorin e6, that renders them as sensitive to red light as they are to green. This vision enhancement by an unbleachable chlorophyll derivative might therefore be a general phenomenon in vertebrate photoreception.

Gamow-Teller strengths in the A = 14 multiplet: a challenge to the shell model

A new experimental approach to the famous problem of the anomalously slow Gamow-Teller (GT) transitions in the beta decay of the A=14 multiplet is presented. The GT strength distributions to excited states in 14C and 14O were studied in high-resolution (d,2He) and (3He,t) charge-exchange reactions on 14N. No-core shell-model calculations capable of reproducing the suppression of the beta decays predict a selective excitation of Jpi=2+ states. The experimental confirmation represents a validation of the assumptions about the underlying structure of the 14N ground state wave function. However, the fragmentation of the GT strength over three 2+ final states remains a fundamental issue not explained by the present no-core shell model using a 6homega model space, suggesting possibly the need to include cluster structure in these light nuclei in a consistent way.

Management and algorithm for focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver in children

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to determine an appropriate management plan for childhood and adolescent FNH, in particular to establish an algorithm for preoperative diagnosis and treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between 1985 and 2003, 4 children with FNH were diagnosed. Of these 4 patients, 3 (Group A) underwent tumor resection, and 1 (Group B) was treated by conservative management. Clinical data, pathological findings and follow-up were evaluated retrospectively.

RESULTS

The 3 patients in Group A were symptomatic, while the 1 patient in Group B was asymptomatic. In 3 of 4 patients, a homogeneous tumor with a central stellate area was noted on abdominal ultrasonography, CT scan and MR imaging. In case 2, SPIO-enhanced MR imaging was useful for differentiating FNH from hepatocellular carcinoma. Though percutaneous needle biopsy was performed in case 3, a pathologically definitive diagnosis was impossible. An open biopsy was performed in case 4 and FNH was diagnosed. In case 4 treated by conservative management, the tumor size did not change during the 7 years after the diagnosis of FNH.

CONCLUSION

FNH is usually treated conservatively because of the good evolutionary outcome of the lesion. Surgery is indicated in cases of complications, compressed adjacent organs, lesion progression, or for symptomatic patients. We advocate the use of less invasive SPIO-enhanced MR imaging instead of open biopsy when the diagnosis of focal liver lesions is not clear after contrast-enhanced CT scan and non-enhanced MR imaging.

Topical suplatast tosilate (IPD) ameliorates Th2 cytokine-mediated dermatitis in caspase-1 transgenic mice by downregulating interleukin-4 and interleukin-5

BACKGROUND

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by elevated serum levels of IgE. AD is associated with Th2 cytokines including interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-13 and IL-10. Systemic administration of suplatast tosilate (IPD) is currently used to treat Th2 cytokine-mediated AD.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effect of topical IPD on skin lesions of AD using a genetically engineered AD mouse model (K14/caspase-1 transgenic mouse: KCASP1Tg).

METHODS

IPD ointment (3%) and white petrolatum (WP) were applied to KCASP1Tg mice every other day from 6 to 14 weeks after birth. Histopathological analysis of skin lesions and measurement of mRNA expression of cytokines in skin lesions and spleen cells were carried out. We also compared changes in serum parameters between IPD-treated and WP-treated KCASP1Tg mice.

RESULTS

WP-treated mice developed dermatitis at 8 weeks after birth. However, skin lesions in IPD-treated mice were limited. Histopathologically, skin lesions in WP-treated KCASP1Tg mice showed marked inflammatory changes with increased mast cell infiltration. However, mice treated with IPD showed minimum skin lesions with scarce mast cell infiltration. WP-treated KCASP1Tg mice had significant elevation in the serum levels of histamine, IgE and IL-18 as compared with IPD-treated KCASP1Tg mice. mRNA expression of IL-4 and IL-5 in the skin lesions from WP-treated KCASP1Tg mice was significantly higher than in those from IPD-treated mice. In the spleen, the expression of IL-4, IL-5 and interferon-gamma was significantly increased in WP-treated KCASP1Tg mice as compared with their IPD-treated counterparts.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that topical therapy with IPD inhibits the expression of IL-4 and IL-5 and ameliorates skin manifestations in an AD mouse model, suggesting the potential usefulness of topical IPD for the treatment of AD.

Fine structure of the Gamow-Teller resonance in 90Nb and level density of 1+ states

The fine structure of the Gamow-Teller resonance in a medium-heavy nucleus is observed for the first time in a high-resolution 90Zr(3He,t)90Nb experiment at the Research Center for Nuclear Physics, Osaka. Using a novel wavelet analysis technique, it is possible to extract characteristic energy scales and to quantify their relative importance for the generation of the fine structure. This method combined with the selectivity of the reaction permits an extraction of the level density of 1+ states in 90Nb.

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura associated with polyarteritis nodosa

We present a case of classical polyarteritis nodosa (PN) overlapping thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). A 70-year-old woman was transferred to our hospital because of general fatigue and fever. On admission, laboratory findings revealed leukocytosis, normochromic normocytic anemia and renal dysfunction. About one week later, she developed disturbance of consciousness, and laboratory findings revealed rapidly progressive thrombocytopenia and renal dysfunction. We suspected the presence of microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), based on mild elevation of myeloperoxidase (MPO) anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA). On post-admission Day 11, renal biopsy was performed but the diagnosis of MPA could not be confirmed because of the absence of glomerular crescent formation or vasculitis. However, the biopsy specimen showed many collapsed glomeruli and interstitial inflammation, indicating the presence of occlusive lesions, such as vasculitis in larger arteries. We instituted methylprednisolone pulse therapy, cyclophosphamide and plasma exchange, because the clinical symptoms also satisfied the criteria of TTP. Despite the intensive treatment, the patient died on 43rd day of hospitalization due to thalamic hemorrhage. Autopsy showed typical findings of classical PN including disruption of arterial walls and fibrinoid necrosis in the medium-sized arteries of the kidneys and colon. We detected reduced activity of von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease (VWF-CP) and the presence of plasma inhibitory IgG against VWF-CP. A better understanding of the mechanisms would be useful.

Extraskeletal mesenchymal chondrosarcoma: an imaging review of ten new patients

OBJECTIVE

Extraskeletal mesenchymal chondrosarcoma (EMC) is a rare soft-tissue tumor that most arises in young adults. Because of its rarity, few imaging studies have been reported to date. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the imaging features of this tumor.

DESIGN

We conducted a multi-institutional study in cooperation with five referral cancer centers in Japan. Imaging findings of ten new EMC cases, including conventional radiography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), performed at each institute, were reviewed along with clinical features.

PATIENTS

Ten patients with EMC, who had been treated at each hospital from 1990 to 2001, participated in this study.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Soft-tissue masses with well-demarcated, dense and granular calcification were most frequently observed on plain radiographs and CT scans. T2-weighted MR images most clearly depicted a two-component structure composed of calcified and uncalcified areas, and enhanced MRI showed inhomogeneous enhancement in both areas. Although the sensitivity and specificity of these findings are unknown, they might be characteristic and have diagnostic value for this rare tumor.

Gamow-teller strengths in proton-rich exotic nuclei deduced in the combined analysis of mirror transitions

Isospin symmetry is expected for the T(z)=+/-1-->0 isobaric analogous transitions in isobars with mass number A, where T(z) is the z component of isospin T. Assuming this symmetry, strengths of analogous Gamow-Teller (GT) transitions within A = 50 isobars were determined from a high energy-resolution study at 0 degrees in combination with the decay Q value and lifetime from the beta decay. This method can be applied to other pf-shell nuclei and can be used to study GT strengths of astrophysical interest.