ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND@#Human endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) were first identified in the peripheral blood and later in the cord blood and bone marrow (BM) with different vascularization capacity and different surface marker profiles. However, their identity and functional roles in neovascularization have not been clearly demonstrated in vivo and in vitro. @*METHODS@#Characterization of BM-EPC like cells were performed by fluorescence-activated cell sorting, immunofluorescence staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Matrigel tube formation assay, and western blot analysis. @*RESULTS@#BM-EPC like cells were identified by selective adhesion to fibronectin and collagen from BM mononuclear cells, which generate fast-growing colonies with spindle morphology, express surface markers of CD105, vWF, UEA-I lectin binding, secrete HGF, VEGF, TGF-beta1 but can be distinguished from circulating EPC and endothelial cells by no expression of surface markers such as CD31, CD309, CD45, and CD34. These BM-EPC like cells shared many cell surface markers of BM-mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) but also can be distinguished by their vasculogenic property and other unique surface markers. Furthermore, the vasculogenic capacity of BM-EPC like cells were enhanced by co-culture of BMMSC or PDGF-BB priming. PDGF-BB stimulated cell migration, proliferation, and secretion of laminin b-1, which was proposed as one of the mechanisms involved in the better vascularization of BM-EPC like cells. @*CONCLUSION@#PDGF-BB priming may be applied to improve the potency and function of BM-EPC like cells as vasculogenic cell therapy for the ischemic vascular repair.
ABSTRACT
Purpose@#Meconium obstruction of prematurity (MOP) predisposes premature infants to intestinal perforation and prolonged hospitalization if not diagnosed and treated promptly. A standard contrast enema is less effective to treat infants with distal ileal obstructions because the contrast may not reach the obstructed areas. In an effort to avoid risky surgery, we administered oral contrast media to seven clinically diagnosed patients with MOP whose obstructions were not relieved via conventional sonography-guided contrast enema. We retrospectively evaluated whether oral nonionic water-soluble contrast media relieves MOP. @*Methods@#Seven of 67 premature infants with MOP were administered oral contrast media from June 2015 to January 2019. Patients were followed-up radiographically for bowel distention and evacuation of contrast media after oral administration. We recorded radiographic improvements, meconium evacuation, time to first feeding after oral contrast media administration, maternal history, and neonatal clinical factors. @*Results@#We evaluated five male and two female infants. The median gestational ages and body weights at birth were 27+5 weeks and 890 g, respectively. Radiography in five infants revealed multiple distended intestinal loops without air-fluid interfaces. Two infants had gasless abdomens, in which only stomach gas was visible. Oral contrast media (median, 2.5 mL) were administered at a median age of 7 days; five infants (5/7, 71.4%) responded to this treatment. The remaining two infants, who had ileal stenosis and hypoganglionosis, were surgically managed. Five infants (5/7, 71.4%) had maternal risk factors, and two (28.6%) were small for gestational age. @*Conclusion@#Nonionic oral water-soluble contrast medium can serve as a valuable adjunct treatment in premature infants with meconium obstruction.
ABSTRACT
Amyloidosis has been reported to be associated with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Amyloidosis and lymphoma can be related in two ways: lymphoma-associated systemic amyloidosis and peritumoral amyloidosis with lymphoma. We report a rare case of peritumoral amyloidosis in a patient with head and neck mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma. On CT, the oropharyngeal mass showed an irregularly shaped soft-tissue density with multifocal amorphous calcifications and heterogeneous enhancement. On MRI, the mass showed heterogeneous low signal intensity on both T1- and T2-weighted images. On contrast-enhanced MR images, the mass showed good enhancement with several inner non-enhancing foci. Concurrent pathologies, such as peritumoral amyloidosis, should be considered when calcifications are noted in patients with pre-treatment lymphoma.
ABSTRACT
Amyloidosis has been reported to be associated with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Amyloidosis and lymphoma can be related in two ways: lymphoma-associated systemic amyloidosis and peritumoral amyloidosis with lymphoma. We report a rare case of peritumoral amyloidosis in a patient with head and neck mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma. On CT, the oropharyngeal mass showed an irregularly shaped soft-tissue density with multifocal amorphous calcifications and heterogeneous enhancement. On MRI, the mass showed heterogeneous low signal intensity on both T1- and T2-weighted images. On contrast-enhanced MR images, the mass showed good enhancement with several inner non-enhancing foci. Concurrent pathologies, such as peritumoral amyloidosis, should be considered when calcifications are noted in patients with pre-treatment lymphoma.
ABSTRACT
Purpose@#To investigate the oxidative damage and changes of retinas by blue light through zebrafish and to confirm the protective effect of polyphenol on retina cells using grape seed-derived polyphenols. @*Methods@#To induce oxidative damage and changes of the retina by blue light, blue light LED (10,000 Lux, 480 nm) was added to the zebrafish grown in the dark room after pretreating polyphenols derived from grape seed at various concentrations (0, 0.1, 1, 10 μg/mL, respectively) for 4 days. Changes in retinal thickness and numbers of outer nuclear layer nuclei through hematoxylin & eosin staining were evaluated. @*Results@#Photoreceptor layer thickness of blue light exposed group was significantly thinner than the group without blue light (108.1 ± 27.7 μm vs 41.1 ± 17.0 μm). As pretreated polyphenol concentration increased, photoreceptor layer thickness was increased (41.1 ± 17.0, 56.3 ± 18.6, 90.7 ± 23.7, 99.1 ± 23.1 μm, p < 0.05), and damage to outer nuclear layer nuclei was also decreased. @*Conclusions@#Exposure to blue light is an important factor for increasing oxidative stress in the retina. Grape seed-derived polyphenols have been shown to protect photoreceptor cells and retinal pigment epithelial cells from oxidative stress. This suggests that the antioxidant effect of polyphenol compounds may help suppress the progression of retinal diseases associated with oxidative stress such as age-related macular degeneration.
ABSTRACT
Purpose@#Meconium obstruction of prematurity (MOP) predisposes premature infants to intestinal perforation and prolonged hospitalization if not diagnosed and treated promptly. A standard contrast enema is less effective to treat infants with distal ileal obstructions because the contrast may not reach the obstructed areas. In an effort to avoid risky surgery, we administered oral contrast media to seven clinically diagnosed patients with MOP whose obstructions were not relieved via conventional sonography-guided contrast enema. We retrospectively evaluated whether oral nonionic water-soluble contrast media relieves MOP. @*Methods@#Seven of 67 premature infants with MOP were administered oral contrast media from June 2015 to January 2019. Patients were followed-up radiographically for bowel distention and evacuation of contrast media after oral administration. We recorded radiographic improvements, meconium evacuation, time to first feeding after oral contrast media administration, maternal history, and neonatal clinical factors. @*Results@#We evaluated five male and two female infants. The median gestational ages and body weights at birth were 27+5 weeks and 890 g, respectively. Radiography in five infants revealed multiple distended intestinal loops without air-fluid interfaces. Two infants had gasless abdomens, in which only stomach gas was visible. Oral contrast media (median, 2.5 mL) were administered at a median age of 7 days; five infants (5/7, 71.4%) responded to this treatment. The remaining two infants, who had ileal stenosis and hypoganglionosis, were surgically managed. Five infants (5/7, 71.4%) had maternal risk factors, and two (28.6%) were small for gestational age. @*Conclusion@#Nonionic oral water-soluble contrast medium can serve as a valuable adjunct treatment in premature infants with meconium obstruction.
ABSTRACT
Purpose@#Preterm infants are at high risk for adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been proposed as a means of predicting neurodevelopmental outcomes in this population. It is controversial whether diffuse excessive high signal intensity (DEHSI) represents damage to the white matter or delayed myelination in preterm infants. This study investigated MRI findings for predicting the severity of neurodevelopmental outcomes and assessing whether preterm infants with DEHSI near term-equivalent age have abnormal neurodevelopmental outcomes. @*Materials and Methods@#Preterm infants (n = 64, gestational age at birth < 35 weeks) undergoing brain MRI near term-equivalent age and subsequent neurodevelopmental outcomes were evaluated between 18 and 24 months of age. The associations of MRI findings and the risk of severe cognitive delay, severe psychomotor delay, cerebral palsy (CP), and neurosensory impairment were analyzed.The associations of DEHSI with risks of severe cognitive delay, severe psychomotor delay, CP, and neurosensory impairment (hearing or visual impairment) were analyzed.Outcome data were evaluated by logistic regression and the Fisher’s exact test. @*Results@#There were significant associations between abnormal white matter findings and delayed mental development, delayed psychomotor development, neurosensory impairment, and presence of CP. The presence of DEHSI was not correlated with delayed neurodevelopmental outcomes or presence of CP. In multivariate logistic regression analyses, cystic encephalomalacia, punctate lesion, loss of white matter volume and ventricular dilation were significantly associated with CP. @*Conclusion@#Abnormal MRI findings near term-equivalent age in preterm infants predict adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. No significant association between DEHSI and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes was demonstrated.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND@#Estrogen deficiency decreases bone density and increases the risk of osteoporosis and fracture, thereby necessitating reconstruction of bone regeneration. As bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSCs) lose viability and differentiation potential under osteoporotic conditions, it is impossible to use autologous BMSCs for osteoporosis treatment. As an alternative, adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) may serve as the source of therapeutic cells. @*METHODS@#We evaluated the effects of osteoporosis on the functional characteristics of ADSCs. Osteoporosis was induced in ovariectomy (OVX) rat model, and the ADSCs from Sham and OVX groups were cultured and analyzed comparatively. @*RESULTS@#As a result, the viability was higher for the ADSCs from Sham group than those from OVX group. The analysis of the paracrine potential of ADSCs revealed the elevated levels of inflammatory and cellular senescence factors in the ADSCs from OVX group. The ADSCs from OVX group had much higher differentiation potential into adipocytes than those from the Sham group. Osteoporotic environment had no effect on the osteogenic potential of ADSCs. @*CONCLUSION@#Osteoporosis may reduce the activity and influence immune response of ADSCs by modulating paracrine action and adipogenic potential. These characteristics of ADSCs should be given consideration for therapeutic purpose.
ABSTRACT
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a common complication associated with pediatric type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM). Although cerebral edema is the major cause of death in DKA, there is a possibility of the occurrence of other dangerous complications involving multiple systems, thereby contributing to mortality and morbidity. Herein, we report the case of a 13-year-old girl with new-onset type 1 DM and severe DKA. Her condition was further complicated by the occurrence of diffuse intracranial hemorrhages, acute kidney injury requiring hemodialysis, and peripheral neuropathy. Patients with severe acidosis require careful monitoring of kidney function and neurological complications, and these conditions should be treated appropriately.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND@#Estrogen deficiency decreases bone density and increases the risk of osteoporosis and fracture, thereby necessitating reconstruction of bone regeneration. As bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSCs) lose viability and differentiation potential under osteoporotic conditions, it is impossible to use autologous BMSCs for osteoporosis treatment. As an alternative, adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) may serve as the source of therapeutic cells. @*METHODS@#We evaluated the effects of osteoporosis on the functional characteristics of ADSCs. Osteoporosis was induced in ovariectomy (OVX) rat model, and the ADSCs from Sham and OVX groups were cultured and analyzed comparatively. @*RESULTS@#As a result, the viability was higher for the ADSCs from Sham group than those from OVX group. The analysis of the paracrine potential of ADSCs revealed the elevated levels of inflammatory and cellular senescence factors in the ADSCs from OVX group. The ADSCs from OVX group had much higher differentiation potential into adipocytes than those from the Sham group. Osteoporotic environment had no effect on the osteogenic potential of ADSCs. @*CONCLUSION@#Osteoporosis may reduce the activity and influence immune response of ADSCs by modulating paracrine action and adipogenic potential. These characteristics of ADSCs should be given consideration for therapeutic purpose.
ABSTRACT
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a common complication associated with pediatric type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM). Although cerebral edema is the major cause of death in DKA, there is a possibility of the occurrence of other dangerous complications involving multiple systems, thereby contributing to mortality and morbidity. Herein, we report the case of a 13-year-old girl with new-onset type 1 DM and severe DKA. Her condition was further complicated by the occurrence of diffuse intracranial hemorrhages, acute kidney injury requiring hemodialysis, and peripheral neuropathy. Patients with severe acidosis require careful monitoring of kidney function and neurological complications, and these conditions should be treated appropriately.
ABSTRACT
Intestinal inflammation alters immune responses in the mucosa and destroys colon architecture, leading to serious diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease. Thus, the modulation of intestinal integrity and immune responses in IBD can be the critical factor to be considered to reduce the severity of damages. Substance-P (SP), endogenous peptide to be involved in cell proliferation, migration and immune modulation, can exert the therapeutic effect on diverse diseases including cornea damage, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetic complications. SP was found to elevate expression of junctional molecule. Considering the function of SP reported previously, it was inferred that SP is capable of exert the beneficial effect of SP on intestinal diseases by controlling intestinal structure as well as immune responses. In this study, we explored the therapeutic effect of SP on dextran sodium sulfate-induced intestine damage by injecting SP. The effects of SP were evaluated by analyzing crypt structures, proliferating cell pool and infiltration of immune cells. DSS treatment provoked abnormal immune response and disruption of intestine epithelial barrier. However, co-treatment of SP obviously blocked the development of intestinal damages by declining inflammatory responses and sustaining intestinal structure more intact. The treatment of SP to chronic damages also promoted intestinal regeneration by preserving the integrity of colon tissue. Moreover, DSS-induced reduction of epithelial junctional molecule was obviously inhibited by SP treatment in vitro. Taken together, our data indicate that SP can reduce intestinal damages, possibly by modulating barrier structure and immune response. Our results propose SP as candidate therapeutics in intestinal damages.
Subject(s)
Arthritis, Rheumatoid , Cell Proliferation , Colon , Cornea , Dextrans , Diabetes Complications , In Vitro Techniques , Inflammation , Inflammatory Bowel Diseases , Intestinal Diseases , Intestines , Mucous Membrane , Regeneration , Sodium , Tight JunctionsABSTRACT
No abstract available.
Subject(s)
Adolescent , Child , Humans , Thyroid Diseases , Thyroid GlandABSTRACT
A teratoma is the most common germ cell tumor in children; however, a gastric teratoma is very rare. An immature gastric teratoma has malignant potential; therefore, it should be removed surgically and followed up routinely to assess for recurrence by performing imaging studies and estimating serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level. We describe the case of a 2-day-old male neonate with abdominal distension and a palpable mass. He underwent surgical resection of a tumor that was diagnosed as an immature gastric teratoma.
Subject(s)
Child , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Male , alpha-Fetoproteins , Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal , Recurrence , Stomach Neoplasms , TeratomaABSTRACT
A 17-year-old male patient was admitted to the author's hospital complaining of pain in both flanks. He had a history of being admitted to a tertiary-level hospital a year before, for swelling of the left limb. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) was observed in the left common iliac vein, and the patient received anticoagulation therapy for six months. Prior to revisiting the hospital, he was symptom free and claimed to be healthy. An abdominal CT scan showed findings of congenital absence throughout the entire length of the IVC. To prevent the obstruction of the multiple collateral vessels developed around the IVC, and to improve the renal venous drainage, the patient was immediately started on with anticoagulation therapy. Reported herein is a case of an incidentally discovered congenital anomaly of the IVC in a patient with DVT.
Subject(s)
Adolescent , Humans , Male , Drainage , Extremities , Iliac Vein , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Vena Cava, Inferior , Venous ThrombosisABSTRACT
A 17-year-old male patient was admitted to the author's hospital complaining of pain in both flanks. He had a history of being admitted to a tertiary-level hospital a year before, for swelling of the left limb. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) was observed in the left common iliac vein, and the patient received anticoagulation therapy for six months. Prior to revisiting the hospital, he was symptom free and claimed to be healthy. An abdominal CT scan showed findings of congenital absence throughout the entire length of the IVC. To prevent the obstruction of the multiple collateral vessels developed around the IVC, and to improve the renal venous drainage, the patient was immediately started on with anticoagulation therapy. Reported herein is a case of an incidentally discovered congenital anomaly of the IVC in a patient with DVT.
Subject(s)
Adolescent , Humans , Male , Drainage , Extremities , Iliac Vein , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Vena Cava, Inferior , Venous ThrombosisABSTRACT
Testicular or scrotal involvement has been reported in children with Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP), but there are very few reports on penile involvement. We report the initial and follow-up ultrasonographic findings of scrotal and penile involvement of HSP in a 5-year-old boy. On ultrasonography, scrotal soft tissue thickening and epididymal swelling with increased vascularity were noted, and on the penis, a focal mass-like lesion appeared on the dorsal surface of the distal penis, having a hypoechoic mass-like appearance without visible vascular flow on a Doppler study. After 2 days of treatment, follow-up ultrasonography showed normal scrotum and penis with a resolved soft tissue mass-like lesion. Therefore, we think that HSP ultrasonographic findings involving the scrotum and penis might help to diagnose scrotal and penile involvement in a case of HSP and to avoid unnecessary medication and/or surgical procedures.
Subject(s)
Child , Child, Preschool , Humans , Male , Follow-Up Studies , Penis , IgA Vasculitis , Scrotum , UltrasonographyABSTRACT
Chordoid glioma is a rare, low-grade brain neoplasm typically located in the third ventricle. Herein, we report an unusual case of histologically confirmed chordoid glioma located in the pituitary fossa and suprasellar region, not attached to the third ventricle. A 57-year-old woman presented with a 2-month history of headache and visual disturbance. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an ovoid mass in the pituitary fossa and suprasellar region, compressing the optic chiasm without involvement of the third ventricle. The tumor showed low signal intensity on T1-weighted images and iso- to high signal intensity on T2-weighted images, with strong and homogenous contrast enhancement. Subtotal resection was performed via the transcranial approach, and the patient subsequently received adjuvant gamma knife radiosurgery. However, the residual mass showed disease progression 5 months after the initial surgery.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Brain Neoplasms , Disease Progression , Glioma , Headache , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Optic Chiasm , Radiosurgery , Third VentricleABSTRACT
Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is a demyelinating and inflammatory condition of the central nervous system, occurring predominantly in white matter. ADEM involving the rhombencephalon without affecting the white matter is very rare. Here, we present an unusual case of ADEM involving only the rhombencephalon in a 4-year-old Asian girl. The patient complained of pain in the right lower extremities, general weakness, ataxia, and dysarthria. The initial brain CT showed subtle ill-defined low-density lesions in the pons and medulla. On brain MRI, T2 high signal intensity (T2-HSI) lesions with mild swelling were present in the pons, both middle cerebellar peduncles, and the anterior medulla. The initial diagnosis was viral encephalitis involving the rhombencephalon. Curiously, a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) study revealed no cellularity, and negative viral marker findings. Three weeks later, follow up brain MRI showed that the extent of the T2-HSI lesions in the brain stem had decreased. After reinvestigation, it was found that she had a prior history of upper respiratory infection. In this case, we report the very rare case of a patient showing isolated involvement of the rhombencephalon in ADEM, mimicking viral rhombencephalitis on CT and MR imaging. ADEM can involve unusual sites such as the rhombencephalon in isolation, without involvement of the white matter or deep gray matter and, therefore, should be considered even when it appears in unusual anatomical areas. Thorough history taking is important for making a correct diagnosis.
Subject(s)
Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Asian People , Ataxia , Biomarkers , Brain , Brain Stem , Central Nervous System , Cerebrospinal Fluid , Diagnosis , Dysarthria , Encephalitis, Viral , Encephalomyelitis , Encephalomyelitis, Acute Disseminated , Follow-Up Studies , Lower Extremity , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Pons , RhombencephalonABSTRACT
Thyroid imaging is indicated to evaluate congenital hypothyroidism during newborn screening or in cases of a palpable thyroid mass in children and adolescents. This pictorial essay reviews the ultrasonography (US) of thyroid diseases in children and adolescents, including normal thyroid gland development, imaging features of congenital thyroid disorders (dysgenesis, [aplasia, ectopy, hypoplasia], dyshormonogenesis, transient hypothyroidism, thyroglossal duct cyst), diffuse thyroid disease (Grave's disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and suppurative thyroiditis), and thyroid nodules. The primary imaging modalities for evaluating thyroid diseases are US and radionuclide scintigraphy. Additionally, US can be used to guide aspiration of detected nodules.