Imaging of a large collection of human embryo using a super-parallel MR microscope.

Using 4 and 8-channel super-parallel magnetic resonance (MR) microscopes with a horizontal bore 2.34T superconducting magnet developed for 3-dimensional MR microscopy of the large Kyoto Collection of Human Embryos, we acquired T(1)-weighted 3D images of 1204 embryos at a spatial resolution of (40 microm)(3) to (150 microm)(3) in about 2 years. Similarity of image contrast between the T(1)-weighted images and stained anatomical sections indicated that T(1)-weighted 3D images could be used for an anatomical 3D image database for human embryology.     

A clinico-pathological study of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinoma: correlation of cord-arytenoid mobility with histopathologic involvement.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the vocal cord and arytenoid mobility in relation to the tumoral involvement of the cricoarytenoid joint (CAJ), thyroarytenoid (TA) muscle, and posterior cricoarytenoid (PCA) muscle in whole-organ sections of total laryngectomy specimens. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: The study was prospectively carried out between 1998 and 2003 and involved 133 primary squamous cell carcinoma cases of larynx or pyriform sinus that were treated with total laryngectomy. Preoperative mobility of vocal cords and arytenoids were evaluated separately and correlated with histopathologic findings. RESULTS: In cases with fixed vocal cord CAJ, TA muscle, and PCA muscle were involved in 42.4%, 72.9%, and 27.1% of the cases, respectively, while in cases with fixed arytenoid these structures were affected in 40%, 66.3%, and 25.3% of the cases. Weight effect seemed to play a role in 60% and 50% of the cases of supraglottic and pyriform sinus carcinoma, respectively. CONCLUSION: Careful evaluation of the mobility of the cord arytenoid unit separately helps the surgeon to better understand the patterns of tumoral extension guiding for the appropriate surgery which should be undertaken.     

Graphic and movie illustrations of human prenatal development and their application to embryological education based on the human embryo specimens in the Kyoto collection.

Morphogenesis in the developing embryo takes place in three dimensions, and in addition, the dimension of time is another important factor in development. Therefore, the presentation of sequential morphological changes occurring in the embryo (4D visualization) is essential for understanding the complex morphogenetic events and the underlying mechanisms. Until recently, 3D visualization of embryonic structures was possible only by reconstruction from serial histological sections, which was tedious and time-consuming. During the past two decades, 3D imaging techniques have made significant advances thanks to the progress in imaging and computer technologies, computer graphics, and other related techniques. Such novel tools have enabled precise visualization of the 3D topology of embryonic structures and to demonstrate spatiotemporal 4D sequences of organogenesis. Here, we describe a project in which staged human embryos are imaged by the magnetic resonance (MR) microscope, and 3D images of embryos and their organs at each developmental stage were reconstructed based on the MR data, with the aid of computer graphics techniques. On the basis of the 3D models of staged human embryos, we constructed a data set of 3D images of human embryos and made movies to illustrate the sequential process of human morphogenesis. Furthermore, a computer-based self-learning program of human embryology is being developed for educational purposes, using the photographs, histological sections, MR images, and 3D models of staged human embryos.     

Heat-shock induced nuclear retention and recycling inhibition of importin alpha

Heat-shock induces a strong stress response and modifies all aspects of cellular physiology, which involves dynamic changes in the nucleocytoplasmic distributions of a variety of proteins. Many distinct nucleocytoplasmic transport pathways exist in eukaryotic cells, but how a particular transport pathway is regulated under different cellular conditions remains elusive. The finding of this study indicate that conventional nuclear import, which is mediated by importin alpha/beta, is down-regulated, while the nuclear import of 70 kD heat-shock cognate protein is up-regulated in heat-shock cells. Among the factors involved in the mediation of the conventional nuclear import, significant levels of importin alpha accumulate in the nucleus in response to heat-shock. An analysis of the behaviour of importin alpha with fluorescence recovery after photobleaching and fluorescence loss in photobleaching studies show that nuclear importin alpha becomes less mobile and its nucleocytoplasmic recycling is impaired in heat-shock cells. These data coincided well with biochemical and cytological studies. Our present data show that heat-shock induces the nuclear accumulation, nuclear retention, and recycling inhibition of importin alpha, resulting in the suppression of conventional nuclear import. This suggests a new regulatory mechanism for the adaptation of cells to environmental changes, such as heat-shock.     

Genetic verification of the role of CCK-AR in pancreatic proliferation and blood glucose and insulin regulation using a congenic rat carrying CCK-AR null allele

A number of studies have indicated that cholecystokinin type A receptor (CCK-AR) plays a crucial role in postnatal pancreatic proliferation and blood glucose regulation through stimulating insulin secretion. The Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rat has been shown to possess poor pancreatic proliferation (PPP) capability after pancreatectomy (Px). Here we have constructed a congenic strain which introgressed an OLETF-derived 18.5 cM genomic fragment identified in our previous quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis as a locus responsible for PPP into normoglycemic F344 genetic background The introgressed region includes CCK-AR null mutation. After Px, the congenic rat showed weak pancreatic proliferation equivalent to that of the OLETF rat. Furthermore, post-surgery non-fasting blood glucose levels for the congenic rats are significantly higher in comparison with the F344 rats. At 28 days after Px, the congenic rats also showed lower blood insulin levels than the F344 rats. These results further provide the genetic evidence that 1) CCK-AR is essential for pancreatic regeneration; 2) impaired pancreatic proliferation mediates the development of hyperglycemia.     

Radiological and clinical comparisons of the patients with rheumatoid arthritis operated with rigid and dynamic instrumentation systems due to lumbar degenerative spinal diseases

BackgroundIt is extremely difficult to treat spine disorders with stabilization in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Because revision rates are significantly higher in rigid stabilization. To date, there is no data about patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with dynamic stabilization. Our aim was to compare the radiological and clinical results of patients with rheumatoid arthritis who underwent lumbar rigid stabilization or dynamic stabilization with Polyetheretherketone rod (PEEK).MethodsPatients with degenerative lumbar spine disease with rheumatoid arthritis who underwent dynamic stabilization between 2013 and 2015 and rigid stabilization between 2010 and 2012 were evaluated radiologically for adjacent segment disease, proximal junctional kyphosis, system problem (nonunion, screw loosening, instrumentation failure, pull out). It was also compared according to both the revision rates and the Visual Analog Scale and Oswestry Disability Index scores at the 12th month and 24th month.ResultsThe difference of decrease in Visual Analog Scale and Oswestry Disability Index scores from preoperative to 12th month between patients who underwent dynamic stabilization and rigid stabilization was statistically insignificant. However, there was a significant difference of increase in Visual Analog Scale and Oswestry Disability Index scores between the 12th month and 24th month of patients who underwent rigid stabilization, compared with patients with dynamic stabilization. In patients with dynamic stabilization, the problems of instrumentation were seen less frequently. Revision rates were high in patients with rigid stabilization when compared the patients with dynamic stabilization.ConclusionRadiological and clinical outcomes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis operated with dynamic stabilization are more significant when compared to rigid stabilization. These patients have lower pain and disability scores in their follow up periods. Revision rates are lower in patients with dynamic stabilization.     

Anatomical study of the temporal lobe. Correlations with nuclear magnetic resonance

Following a brief review of embryogenesis and phylogenesis, the different anatomical structures of the temporal lobe of the brain are described. This lobe has 4 surfaces: lateral, inferomedial, superomedial and superior. The first 2 surfaces, visible on the lateral and inferior aspects of the cerebral hemisphere, are composed of 5 temporal gyri. The superomedial and superior surfaces do not show and must be made visible by a digital or instrumental manipulation. The hippocampal formation, surrounded by the temporal horn of the lateral ventricle medially, the choroid and transverse fissures laterally and the amygdaloid complex anteriorly, forms the superomedial surface and represents the "rhincendephalic" part of the temporal lobe. The superolateral surface, which is the superior surface of the first temporal gyrus, is buried deeply in the fissure of Sylvius and is divided into 3 parts: the planum polare, the gyri of Heschl and the planum temporale. Two categories of fibres are present in the white matter of the temporal lobe: projection fibres (acoustic radiation, optic radiation, temporo-pontine tract, temporo-thalamic fasciculus) and association fibres (cingulum, anterior longitudinal, uncinate, superior occipitofrontal, superior longitudinal fasciculi). The anatomical temporal lobe exploration by MRI was carried out with inversion-recovery sequences performed in all three dimensions. The authors describe the advantages and limitations of MRI and indicate the most appropriate plane(s) for the study of the various temporal structures, with emphasis on coronal on coronal and sagittal sections.