On five new cases of association of basal cell carcinoma and multiple Pinkus fibroepithelial tumors on the spine following radiation damage to the skin (author's transl)

The authors report five new cases associating basal cell epithelioma and multiple Pinkus fibro-epithelial tumors on the spine after radiation damage to the skin. One of them had previously published three similar observations: so his experience refers to eight cases. The authors recall similar cases of the literature, they discuss the relations between basal cell epitheliomas and Pinkus premalignant fibro-epithelial tumors of the skin. Histologically they saw several aspects of transition between the two types of tumors. They study the patterns of cancers found after radiation therapy, influence of type of radiations, dose, age, and intervals since X-rays. As regards such cases, the necessity of systematically searching for previous radiations by X-rays in the affected zone is emphasized.     

Syngeneic bone marrow transplantation reduces the hearing loss associated with murine mucopolysaccharidosis type VII

MPS VII mice are deficient in beta-glucuronidase and share many clinical, biochemical, and pathologic characteristics with human mucopolysaccharidosis type VII (MPS VII). We have shown that syngeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) prolongs survival and reduces lysosomal storage in many organs of the MPS VII mouse. In this report, we quantify the hearing loss and determine the impact of syngeneic BMT on the development of deafness and the associated pathology in the MPS VII mouse. Eleven weeks after syngeneic BMT performed at birth, treated MPS VII mice had normal auditory-evoked brainstem responses (ABR), whereas untreated MPS VII mice had ABR thresholds 43 dB higher than normal. Treated MPS VII mice had beta-glucuronidase-positive cells in the temporal bone and in the subepithelial connective tissue of the external auditory canal. There was less thickening of the tympanic membrane and middle ear mucosa and decreased distortion of the ossicles and the cochlear bone. Although transplanted MPS VII mice had increased ABR thresholds by 33 weeks of age, four of the six had thresholds 12 to 32 dB lower than untreated mutants. These data indicate that syngeneic BMT in newborn MPS VII mice prevents early hearing loss and, in some animals, results in long-term improved auditory function.     

Nanovesicles engineered from ES cells for enhanced cell proliferation

Extracellular vesicles (Exosomes and microvesicles) have drawn wide attentions in both diagnostic and therapeutic applications, since they are considered to shuttle biological signals intercellularly. However, further research on exosomes is limited by their rarity and heterogeneity even after lengthy isolation processes. In particular, these limitations are challenging in therapeutic applications. To meet these demands, cell-derived nanovesicles that mimic exosomes were generated by extruding living embryonic stem cells through micro-filters. These nanovesicles have an enclosed lipid bilayer and contain cellular contents. The present study investigated the ability of these nanovesicles to improve proliferation by treating primary murine skin fibroblasts with the nanovesicles. The treated skin fibroblasts showed higher expression levels of mRNA, VEGF-α, protein levels of TGF-β collagen I, PCNA, and Ki-67, as well as enhanced cell proliferation rate and number, compared to non-treated cells. The results indicate that treatment with the nanovesicles could potentially contribute to recovery or wound healing process of tissues.     

Bony inlet stenosis as a cause of nasal airway obstruction

Two cases of congenital bony stenosis of the nasal piriform aperture (anterior nares) are presented. Both patients experienced episodes of respiratory distress and clinical symptoms similar to those seen in patients with posterior choanal atresia. The underlying anatomic abnormalities in congenital bony inlet stenosis are quite different from those in choanal atresia and require different surgical approaches for correction. Computed tomography demonstrates in detail the underlying anatomic abnormality and allows differentiation of bony inlet stenosis from choanal atresia.     

Clinicians' appraisal of sonography

The perceived efficacy of sonography in making diagnostic and management decisions in clinical practice was determined through a questionnaire survey of physicians who had recently referred patients to a university radiology department. Of 2,178 questionnaires sent, 1,611 were returned (74%). Sensitivity and specificity of sonography, corrected for verification bias, were 72% and 84%. Referring physicians considered the studies to be of value in arriving at the final diagnosis and in the clinical management of patients in approximately two-thirds of the cases. Results were considered of no value and misleading in 4% of the cases. Sonography was more accurate and was reported to be valuable by approximately 10% more physicians when a specific indication for an examination could be identified rather than when indications were vague and when sonographic findings were abnormal rather than normal (P less than .005). In general, sonography was of equal value to both specialists and nonspecialists. The results of this study suggest that sonography is, and is perceived by clinicians to be, an accurate and valuable clinical diagnostic modality.