Dynamic high-spatial-resolution MR imaging of invasive ductal carcinoma: influence of histological scirrhous component on MR descriptors.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between the amount of scirrhous component in invasive ductal carcinoma and its MR characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 71 consecutive patients with invasive ductal carcinoma smaller than 25 mm (average, 16.6 mm) in diameter. The scirrhous component was defined as invasive foci in small clusters of cancer cells showing desmoplasia. Invasive ductal carcinoma was subclassified into 3 groups in accordance with the amount of the scirrhous component (scirrhous component degree; SCD): SCD I (scirrhous component less than 20%), SCD II (intermediate), and SCD III (more than 80%). Dynamic magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was performed using volumetric interpolated sequence. Prior to dynamic study, T2*-weighted first-pass perfusion images were obtained before, during, and after bolus injection of 0.1 mmol Gd-DTPA/kg. RESULTS: Twenty-eight lesions were classified as SCD I, 14 as SCD II, and 29 as SCD III. Mass margin and signal intensity loss in the perfusion study were significantly different among the 3 SCD groups (P<0.001). The kinetic patterns were significantly different among the 3 SCD groups (P=0.04), and between SCD I/II and SCD III (P=0.03). The presence of enhancing internal septations was significantly different between SCD I/II and SCD III carcinomas (P=0.05). Central enhancement was only observed in SCD I carcinoma (4%; 3/71). CONCLUSION: The histological predominance of the scirrhous component in invasive ductal carcinoma may be one explanation for the differences in morphologic and kinetic patterns on MR imaging.     

Congenital quadricuspid aortic valve with tetralogy of Fallot and pulmonary atresia

We report the case of a 4-year-old girl who had quadricuspid aortic valve regurgitation with tetralogy of Fallot and pulmonary atresia. This combination is very uncommon. Aortic valve replacement was performed successfully due to aortic regurgitation which had progressed one year after the total repair. The dilated aortic annulus plus quadricuspid aortic valve may result in progressive aortic regurgitation for a short period.     

Effects of a new analog of thyrotropin-releasing hormone, N alpha-[(S)-4-oxo-2-azetidinyl) carbonyl]-L-histidyl-L-prolinamide dehydrate (YM-14673) on spinal reflex potentials and flexor reflexes in spinalized rats

Experiments were performed on spinalized rats, transected at the Cl level. The intravenous administration of TRH and its analog YM-14673 (N alpha-[(S)-4-oxo-2-azetidinyl) carbonyl]-L-histidyl-L-prolinamide dehydrate) produced marked increases in the amplitude of mono- and polysynaptic reflex potentials and those of the withdrawal flexor reflexes. The effects of YM-14673 were stronger and longer-lasting than those of TRH. The stimulant action of TRH and YM-14673 on the flexor reflexes was not antagonized by prazosin, chlorpromazine, haloperidol or cyproheptadine, suggesting no involvement of the release of catecholamines or serotonin in the stimulant effects of TRH and its analog. Therefore, YM-14673 may be beneficial for the treatment of several spinal motor neuron diseases.     

Three-dimensional identification of hemangiomas and feeding arteries in the head and neck region using combined phase-contrast MR angiography and fast asymmetric spin-echo sequences.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a proposed technique for the 3-dimensional (3D) detection of hemangiomas, including vascular malformation and their feeding arteries, in the head and neck. The new technique combines phase-contrast magnetic resonance angiography (PCMRA) without contrast medium and 3D fast asymmetric spin-echo (FASE) sequences. METHODS: The technique was applied to 3 patients having hemangiomas in the head and neck region. In 1 patient the image obtained with the proposed technique was compared to that obtained by standard contrast angiography. RESULTS: In all 3 patients, the 3D presence of the hemangiomas and the feeding arteries were well defined in images created by the proposed technique. Additionally, the characterization of the hemangioma's 3D structure and distribution of the feeding arteries coincided with those observed using contrast angiography in the case for which contrast angiography was also performed. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary experience shows that the proposed technique combining 3D-FASE and 3D-PCMRA is useful to visualize both the 3D structure of hemangiomas and to identify the 3D distribution of the feeding arteries without using contrast medium.     

Effect of anti-PcrV antibody in a murine chronic airway Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection model.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most important pathogens in patients with chronic airway conditions, such as cystic fibrosis and diffuse panbronchiolitis. Type III secretion system-mediated virulence factors contribute to the lung damage in chronic P. aeruginosa infection. The effects of the anti-PcrV immunoglobulin (Ig)G, which blocks the type III secretion system, were evaluated in a mouse model of chronic P. aeruginosa infection. On bacteriological examination, anti-PcrV IgG showed no bactericidal effects. On bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) analysis, total cell number and neutrophil ratios in the anti-PcrV IgG-treated groups were lower than those in the control group. In addition, macrophage inflammatory protein-2, tumour necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-beta concentrations in BALF were lower in the anti-PcrV IgG-treated groups when compared with controls. Plasma anti-PcrV IgG titre was elevated after administration of anti-PcrV IgG. Although plasma titre decreased gradually, a significant concentration was maintained during the experimental period. These data suggest that anti-PcrV immunoglobulin G reduces the inflammatory reaction caused by chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa respiratory infection and may be useful in treating respiratory diseases.     

Comparison of maxillary stability after Le Fort I osteotomy for occlusal cant correction surgery and maxillary advanced surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To compare postoperative maxillary stability following Le Fort I osteotomy for the correction of occlusal cant as compared with conventional Le Fort I osteotomy for maxillary advancement. STUDY DESIGN: The subjects were 40 Japanese adults with jaw deformities. Of these, 20 underwent a Le Fort I osteotomy and intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy (IVRO) to correct asymmetric skeletal morphology and inclined occlusal cant. The other 20 patients underwent a Le Fort I osteotomy and sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) to advance the maxilla. Lateral and posteroanterior cephalograms were taken postoperatively and assessed statistically. Thereafter, the 2 groups were followed for time-course changes. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the 2 groups with regard to time-course changes during the immediate postoperative period. CONCLUSION: This suggests that maxillary stability after Le Fort I osteotomy for cant correction does not differ from that after Le Fort I osteotomy for maxillary advancement.     

Big mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (BMK1)/extracellular signal regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) is involved in platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-induced vascular smooth muscle cell migration

Big mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (BMK1), also known as extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5), is a newly identified member of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase family. Recently, several studies have suggested that BMK1 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. To clarify the pathophysiological significance of BMK1 in the process of vascular remodeling, we explored the molecular mechanisms of BMK1 activation in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). From the results of co-immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting analyses, it was found that platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), a known potent mitogen, activated BMK1 and triggered the Gab1-SHP-2 interaction in rat aortic smooth muscle cells (RASMCs). The abrogation of SHP-2 phosphatase activity by transfection of the SHP-2-C/S mutant suppressed PDGF-stimulated BMK1 activation. Infection with an adenoviral vector expressing dominant-negative MEK5alpha, which can suppress PDGF-stimulated BMK1 activation to the control level, inhibited PDGF-induced RASMC migration. Moreover, we observed an increase of BMK1 activation in injured mouse femoral arteries. From these findings, it is suggested that BMK1 activation leads to VSMC migration induced by PDGF via Gab1-SHP-2 interaction, and that BMK1-mediated VSMC migration may play a role in the pathogenesis of vascular remodeling.