Letters to the Editor

A woman who was 41 y of age developed pulmonary edema after massive fungal inhalation at an orange storehouse. A provocation test by exposure in the workplace was positive. Neither immunological studies with fungi isolated nor other clinical and histological examinations showed any evidence of hypersensitivity pneumonitis. This is the first report of a subject with organic dust toxic syndrome who developed pulmonary edema associated with the handling of moldy oranges.     

Target visualisation and microwave hyperthermia monitoring using nanoparticle-enhanced transmission ultrasound (NETUS)

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility of using nanoparticle-enhanced transmission ultrasound (NETUS) as an image-based monitoring modality for microwave hyperthermia treatment.

Methods: A dedicated transmission ultrasound imaging system was used to obtain acoustic projections and ultrasound computed tomography images. Initially, speed-of-sound based images were used to non-invasively monitor temperature changes in in vitro and ex vivo specimens, induced by a microwave needle-type applicator. Next, the hyperthermia acceleration ability of two ultrasound nanoparticles based contrast agents (iron oxide and copper oxide) was examined and visualised. Finally, a two-step image guided microwave therapeutic procedure using NETUS was investigated in a realistic breast mimicking phantom. First, the pathology simulating region borders were detected. Then, a microwave-induced temperature elevation was non-invasively monitored.

Results: The transmission ultrasound scanning system was able to detect temperature changes with a resolution of less than 0.5?°C, both in vitro and ex vivo. In accordance with previous studies, it was visually demonstrated that iron oxide nanoparticles expedite the heating process (p?Conclusions: NETUS can combine enhanced target visualisation with non-invasive thermometry and accelerated heating effect. Quantitative feedback, however, requires a tissue-specific calibration-curve. A proof of concept for microwave hyperthermia treatment monitoring using NETUS was established. The suggested methodology may potentially provide a non-invasive cost-effective means for monitoring thermal treatment of the breast.     

Insight into Mucinous Colorectal Carcinoma: Clues from Etiology

The prognostic impact of mucinous carcinoma (MC) in colorectal cancer (CRC) has been subject to debate ever since the introduction of the classification of tumors according to their histological differentiation. MC is a distinct clinical and pathological entity within the spectrum of CRC and accounts for approximately 10–15 % of cases. Factors involved in MC development have not been completely understood, but clinical observations may lead to a better insight into the etiology of MC. In this article, we provide an in-depth review of the literature regarding etiological aspects of MC. We show that there are worldwide differences in the prevalence of MC, with low rates in Asian countries and higher rates in the western world. Moreover, MC is more commonly diagnosed in patients suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases or Lynch syndrome and an increased rate of MC is observed in patients with radiotherapy-induced CRCs. These findings are suggestive of a different oncogenic development. Identification of conditions that are associated with MC generates insight into the etiological pathways leading to the development of this special subtype.