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.     

Misdiagnosed fibrosarcoma of the mandible mimicking temporomandibular disorder: a rare condition.

The jawbones can be sites of various neoplastic conditions. Given the variety of processes affecting this particular anatomical area, formulation of a precise diagnosis can be challenging to clinicians. Limited jaw movement, pain, and facial asymmetry are common signs among patients, especially those with temporomandibular disorder (TMD). This paper reports a case of primary fibrosarcoma affecting the mandible and surrounding structures in a 14-year-old girl presenting signs and symptoms similar to TMD. Her condition was misdiagnosed, and she was treated for TMD over an extended period before the correct diagnosis was made for fibrosarcoma. The patient underwent surgical resection with postsurgical radiotherapy and chemotherapy and now is being followed up. Although malignant lesions are rare in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) region, dentists are advised to be aware of the condition and to keep in mind that patients who are admitting for TMD can also possibly be affected from neoplasms. Hence, those patients have to be examined meticulously to avoid misdiagnosis and mistreatment.     

One-year follow-up results of combined use of CO<Subscript>2</Subscript> laser and cold instrumentation for Reinke’s edema surgery in professional voice users

The purpose of this study was to present our experience with combined use of CO₂ laser and cold instrumentation for Reinke’s edema surgery and to evaluate 1-year follow-up results of the technique in a series of professional voice users. Fifteen patients with Reinke’s edema who underwent microlaryngoscopic surgery were included. Videolaryngostroboscopy, perceptual and acoustic voice analyses were performed before and after surgery. During the 1-year follow-up, no recurrence of Reinke’s edema was encountered. Significant postoperative improvement was obtained in the quality of voice, in terms of GRBAS scores, Fo, jitter, shimmer and NHR. No evidence of laryngeal cancer was found on the histological examinations. Combined use of CO₂ laser and cold instrumentation provides a reliable and safe method for Reinke’s edema surgery, and cessation of smoking, voice rest and control of the laryngopharyngeal reflux contribute to the success of surgery. We consider that the removal of redundant mucosa of the vocal fold reduces the risk of the recurrence of Reinke’s edema and provides better quality of voice. However, it does not imply that our method is superior to others’, but this procedure constitutes an effective treatment of choice for Reinke’s edema patients, including professional voice users.     

Long-term modulatory effect of Mycobacterium vaccae treatment on histopathologic changes in a murine model of asthma.

BACKGROUND: Mycobacteria are being investigated for modulation of inflammation in asthma and atopic disorders by eliciting particularly strong protective TH1 immune responses. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the long-term effects of intratracheally administered Mycobacterium vaccae on an experimental murine model of asthma. METHODS: BALB/c mice were placed in 4 groups: long-term M. vaccae, M. vaccae, asthma, and control groups. All groups but controls were sensitized intraperitoneally and challenged intratracheally with ovalbumin. The long-term M. vaccae and M. vaccae groups were treated with M. vaccae intratracheally simultaneously during challenges. Finally, mice in the long-term M. vaccae group were rechallenged with ovalbumin nebulization 24 days later. Evaluations of lung histopathologic findings and serum cytokine levels were performed. RESULTS: Comparison of the long-term M. vaccae group with the asthma model group revealed that the number of hyperplasic goblet cells in small and large airways (small airway: P < .05; large airways: P < .01) and thickness of basement membrane in large airways were significantly less in the long-term M. vaccae group. Furthermore, numbers of hyperplasic goblet cells in small airways (P < .05) and basement membrane in the large airway (P < .05), as well as inflammation in small airways (P < .01), were significantly less in the M. vaccae group when compared with the asthma model group. Interferon-gamma secretion from splenocytes of the M. vaccae group was significantly higher than the asthma model and long-term M. vaccae groups. CONCLUSION: Intratracheal administration of M. vaccae exerted a long-lasting ameliorating effect on airway histopathologic features of a murine asthma model.     

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.