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The aim of this study was to evaluate cortical bone formation on the mandibular condyle using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in asymptomatic adolescents and young adults and to evaluate the relationship between age and sex. CBCT images that can evaluate the shape of the mandibular condyle were selected from asymptomatic patients aged 13–25. The degree of cortication on the mandibular condyle (CMC) was evaluated using CBCT images reconstructed in the axial, sagittal, and coronal planes. CBCT data of 829 patients (413 males, 416 females) were selected and then the left and right images of all patients were acquired; consequently, a total of 1658 temporomandibular joint-related images were evaluated in this study. The degree of CMC was correlated with age in men and women (p < 0.05). The frequency of CMC 0 disappeared in woman aged 20 years and in men aged 21 years. Cortical bone formation of the mandibular condyle was completed at age 22 years in women and 24 years in men. The degrees of cortical bone formation of the mandibular condyle between men and women showed significant differences between the ages of 15–19 and 22 years. This difference can be interpreted as a different mandible growth period between the sexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine the imaging features that help differentiate hypervascular primary hepatic tumors showing hepatobiliary hypointensity on gadoxetic acid MRI. Methods: This study comprised 148 patients with pathologically proven hypervascular hepatic tumors who underwent gadoxetic acid MRI. Tumors included 23 atypical focal nodular hyperplasias (FNHs), 11 hepatocellular adenomas (HCAs), 15 neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), 25 intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas (ICCs), and 74 hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs). MRIs were analyzed for morphologic features, signal intensity, and enhancement pattern of the tumors to determine the differential features using multivariate logistic regression analysis. We evaluated the diagnostic performance of the MRI features for differentiating the five tumor types upon review by two observers. Results: Multivariate analysis revealed that reverse target sign on hepatobiliary phase in FNHs (p = 0.009), iso or hyperintensity on ADC map in FNHs and HCAs (p = 0.009, < 0.001, respectively), central hypointensity on arterial phase in NETs (p = 0.001), hepatobiliary target sign in ICCs (p = 0.002), the presence of septum and capsule in HCCs (all p < 0.001) were significant independent features of each tumor group over other tumor groups. Diagnostic accuracy for both observers was 98–98.6% for FNHs, 96.6–98% for HCAs, 97.3–98.6% for NETs, 90.5–94.6% for ICCs, and 85.8–93.2% for HCCs. Conclusions: Ancillary MRI features established in our study can be helpful in the differentiation of hypervascular and hepatobiliary hypointense primary hepatic tumors on gadoxetic acid MRI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To investigate the diagnostic accuracy of lung magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with a free-breathing three-dimensional ultrashort echo time spoiled gradient echo sequence using a stack-of-spirals acquisition (spiral 3D UTE) for pulmonary nodule detection at 3 T in oncology patients. Methods The institutional review board approved this retrospective study. Between June and September of 2017, 32 oncology patients underwent both free-breathing spiral 3D UTE of the lungs and thin-section chest computed tomography (CT) for pulmonary metastasis workups. Semiquantitative analyses of the visible pulmonary vessels, bronchi, mediastinum, and overall image quality on spiral 3D UTE were assessed by two reviewers; CT was used as the reference standard. The probability of nodule presence also was assessed. Results The mean acquisition duration of the spiral 3D UTE was 327 s (range, 300–465 s). The pulmonary vessels and bronchi were visible nearly consistently up to the sub-sub-segmental branch levels on spiral 3D UTE (96.9% [31/32] and 90.6% [29/32], respectively). >90% of the spiral 3D UTE images had an acceptable or good mediastinal evaluation; >80% had good or excellent overall image quality. Fifty nodules (6.1 ± 5.9 mm) were identified in 13 patients on CT; the overall nodule detection rate of spiral 3D UTE was 86% (43/50). All 20 nodules ≥ 5 mm in diameter were identified on spiral 3D UTE (100%). Conclusions Free-breathing spiral 3D UTE had high sensitivity for the detection of pulmonary nodules, a reasonable scan duration, and acceptable image quality, which may make it a potential alternative to CT for oncology patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Factors affecting the registration error (RE) and motion of focal hepatic lesions (FHLs) in image fusion of real-time ultrasonography (US) with computed tomography (CT) images were prospectively assessed by focusing on respiratory movement and FHL location. Real-time US and pre-acquired CT images at end-inspiration were fused with FHLs for 103 patients. Three-dimensional US data containing FHLs were obtained during end-inspiratory/expiratory phases. Multivariate analysis revealed that diaphragm motion (p < 0.001), chronic liver disease (p = 0.02) and the absolute difference in distance between the FHL and the central portal vein (CPV) during respiration (p = 0.03) were the independent factors that revealed the maximum effect on RE. In contrast, diaphragm motion (p < 0.001) and distance between the FHL and CPV at inspiration (p = 0.036) revealed the maximum effect on FHL motion. In conclusion, RE and FHL motion are affected by the degree of respiratory movement and the location of the FHL. Therefore, image fusion with CT images should be used with caution if the degree of respiratory motion is significant or if the FHL is located at the periphery of the liver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Please cite this paper as: Vitamin C attenuates ERK signalling to inhibit the regulation of collagen production by LL-37 in human dermal fibroblasts. Experimental Dermatology 2010; 19: e258-e264. Abstract: Vitamin C is used as an anti-ageing agent because of its collagen enhancing effects. The precise cellular signalling mechanism of vitamin C is not well known. Here, we investigate the profibrotic mechanism of vitamin C against LL-37. Antimicrobial peptide LL-37 decreases collagen expression at mRNA and protein levels in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). The ability of LL-37 to inhibit collagen expression is dependent on phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). HDFs and human keloid fibroblasts were treated with vitamin C followed by 2 h of LL-37 treatment. Collagen mRNA expression and total soluble collagen production inhibited by LL-37 was enhanced by treatment with 0.5 m m vitamin C. Vitamin C also decreased intracellular reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI) levels that were increased by LL-37. Furthermore, the phosphorylation of ERK was analysed by Western blot following treatment with vitamin C and LL-37. Vitamin C turned off phosphorylation of ERK that was induced by LL-37. Ets-1 transcriptional factor, which is involved in the regulation of collagen expression by LL-37, was also inhibited by vitamin C. This study shows that vitamin C enhances collagen production by inhibiting the ERK pathway induced by LL-37. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin (PCSKs), a family of subtilisin-like proteases, is the processing enzymes for the activation of many hormone precursors. The present study was designed to identify the PCSK isoform expressed in the ovary and to examine its expression in gonadotropin-stimulated rat ovary. Northern blot analysis of ovaries obtained from prepubertal rats revealed an increased expression of Pcsk5 messenger RNA (mRNA) during development with the highest levels at 21 days of age. Treatment of immature rats with PMSG further increased ovarian Pcsk5 expression, and in situ hybridization analysis revealed the localization of Pcsk5 mRNA in theca-interstitial cells of follicles in different sizes. Interestingly, treatment of PMSG-primed rats with hCG resulted in a transient stimulation of ovarian Pcsk5 mRNA levels within 3–6h. In addition to theca-interstitial cells, hCG treatment induced the expression of Pcsk5 in granulosa cells of preovulatory follicles. Pcsk1, 2 and 4 mRNAs were not detected whereas Pcsk7 mRNA was slightly expressed. Injection of a progestin antagonist RU486 or an inhibitor of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase epostane at 1h before hCG treatment inhibited hCG-induced Pcsk5 mRNA levels. Treatment with LH stimulated both Pcsk5 mRNA and protein levels in preovulatory follicles cultured in vitro. In addition, forskolin but not TPA stimulated Pcsk5 mRNA levels. RNase protection assay revealed that the soluble Pcsk5A variant was the predominant form stimulated by gonadotropins in the ovary. Finally, the predicted proprotein substrates cleaved by PCSK5 were analyzed in preovulatory follicles using regular expressions. The present study demonstrates PCSK5A as the gonadotropin-regulated PCSK isoform in the ovary, and its possible contribution to ovulation by processing pro-TGFβ and matrix metalloproteinase family. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Background:: STI571, a selective BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is a promising new drug for chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). However, the drug has been reported to be associated with adverse cutaneous drug eruptions with high frequency. Objective:: In this study, the characteristics of the cutaneous drug eruptions by STI571 were investigated. Methods:: The clinical records of 10 patients diagnosed with drug eruption by STI571 were reviewed. We obtained 10 skin biopsy specimens from patients with drug eruption by STI571, 6 from the antibiotics-induced drug eruption group, and 5 from normal skin (control). Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to detect CD4, CD8, CD56, IL-18, IL-1β and ICAM-1 expression in the cutaneous drug eruption. Results:: Seven out of 10 patients had maculopapular exanthema, 2/10 erythema multiforme, 1/10 urticaria. We analyzed the composition of T-lymphocyte subsets from the infiltrates at the STI571-induced drug eruption site in eight patients. Unlike other drug eruptions, the increase in the CD8 expression was statistically significant, especially in the dermoepidermal junction and the upper dermis (P &#60;0.01). The enhanced expression of IL-18 and IL-1β was observed as well. In contrast, ICAM-1 was either weakly positive or negative. Conclusion:: Drug eruption caused by STI571 was mostly expressed as a maculopapular exanthema. The histopathological findings were similar in drug eruption by antibiotics or STI571. Unlike the drug eruptions caused by antibiotics, where the expression of CD4 was dominant, CD8 was dominant in drug eruptions by STI571. The expression of IL-18 and IL-1β was increased in both groups. This elevation of IL-18 and IL-1β may assist in understanding the pathogenesis of cutaneous drug eruption. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is an 18-kDa cytokine produced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated macrophages or Kupffer cells. In addition, IL-18 is also produced by many different types of cells and tissues, including epidermal keratinocytes, the adrenal cortex, and the brain. IL-18 acts on the immune system to increase IFN-γ production from T and NK cells to enhance NK cell cytotoxicity and to activate Th1 cell proliferation. It is considered that the tissue expression of cytokines and cell adhesion molecules such as ICAM-1 are common in graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Recent evidence suggests that IL-18 is a cytokine relevant in the pathogenesis of GVHD. Despite the potential importance of IL-18 in GVHD, the distribution of IL-18 production in cutaneous GVHD has not been fully investigated. In this study, the expression of IL-18 in the cutaneous GVHD was investigated. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections were obtained, and immunohistochemical analysis was performed to detect IL-18 and ICAM-1 expression according to the acute and chronic GVHD. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the enhanced IL-18 expression levels in the early stage (grade 1) of acute GVHD and the late stage (sclerodermoid) of chronic GVHD compared to the other stages. In contrast, the ICAM-1 expression level was constant at all stages. Our findings indicate that IL-18 is a significant pathogenic indicator in cutaneous GVHD, and the tissue expression of IL-18 seems to be associated with the pathogenesis of acute and chronic GVHD. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

NGFI-B is an immediate-early gene that encodes an orphan nuclear receptor. In the rat ovary, the preovulatory surge of LH induces NGFI-B expression in granulosa cells of preovulatory follicles, reaching a peak within 1 h and declining to control levels at 6 h. The LH-stimulated NGFI-B expression is abolished by α-amanitin, but superinduced by cycloheximide. Similarly, treatment of human luteinized granulosa cells with LH causes a rapid and transient stimulation of NGFI-B expression. Interestingly, the induction of NGFI-B expression in response to LH stimulation in preovulatory granulosa cells requires signaling through protein kinase Cζ. Furthermore, two other NGFI-B family members, Nurr1 and Nor1, are also rapidly stimulated by LH in granulosa cells of preovulatory follicles through the activation of protein kinase Cζ. The cell-type specific expression and LH induction of NGFI-B suggests a potential role of NGFI-B in the ovulatory process. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Mutations of p53 and PTCH gene, two candidate tumor suppressor genes for basal cell carcinoma (BCC), were screened in 15 cases of sporadic BCCs that developed in sun-exposed skin region in a Korean population. p53 and PTCH mutations were detected at a frequency of 33 and 40%, respectively, and the mutations were predominantly UV-signature transition, C→T transitions at dipyrimidine sites and CC→TT tandem mutations. In both genes, the most common mutations were missense mutations resulting in amino acid substitution, which is different than the results from Caucasian BCCs where mutations are frequently predicted to make truncated or absent proteins. All mutations, except for one, occurred on the nontranscribed strand where is little efficient removal of UV-induced pyrimidine dimers relative to the transcribed strand. Loss of heterozygocity (LOH) of 9q22 for PTCH loci was found in eight of 15 informative cases of BCCs (53%), but none of the cases were informative for LOH of 17p13 for p53 loci. Not only do our data indicate the key role played by p53 and PTCH in the development of BCCs, these findings also suggest that UVB may significantly contribute to BCC tumorigenesis. Moreover, molecular epidemiology composed of incidence of p53 and PTCH mutations, difference in the type of mutation and repair bias of UV-induced DNA lesions might affect the distinct features of BCCs between different racial population. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: To evaluate the value of precontrast phase (PP) and portal venous phase (PVP) for differentiation of small hypervascular hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) without delayed washout from arterioportal (AP) shunts in high-risk patients of HCC.Methods: A total of 122 lesions (73 AP shunts and 49 HCCs) detected on quadriphasic CT in 101 patients with chronic liver disease were analyzed. All lesions (≤2 cm) showed arterial enhancement and isodensity on delayed phase (DP) with exclusion of typical features of AP shunts. Lesion morphologic features (size, location, shape, margin) on biphasic CT (arterial phase and DP), Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) values and coexistent HCC were evaluated. The qualitative and quantitative analyses of lesion attenuation on quadriphasic CT were performed. Diagnostic performances for prediction of AP shunts over HCC were compared among the biphasic CT, triphasic CT (adding PP or PVP) and quadriphasic CT.Results: In multivariate analysis, the presence of concomitant HCC (p = 0.0005, odds ratio [OR] = 0.11), visual hypodensity on PP (p = 0.0004, OR = 17.72) and visual hyperdensity on PVP (p = 0.0003, OR = 0.051) were independent predictors for HCCs rather than AP shunts. Additional review of PP and PVP revealed significantly improved diagnostic performance yielding the highest diagnostic performance.Conclusions: Hypodensity on PP and hyperdensity on PVP are significant predictive features in differentiating atypical small hypervascular HCC from AP shunts in patients with high-risk of HCC. Careful evaluation of the PP and PVP may reduce underdiagnosis and lead to earlier diagnosis of atypical small HCCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on a study which test the human cord serum (HCS) containing gonadotropins and the effect on the expansion of oocyte-cumulus complexes (OCCs). Material and methods used in the study; Statistical information on the concentrations of gonadotropins in HCS; Results from the study.

BACKGROUND. Syringomas usually develop in women as multiple skin-colored papules primarily seen on the periocular regions and cheeks. They can cause cosmetic problems and lead to poor self-esteem. Though several treatment modalities have been established, such as excision, electro/cryosurgery, chemical peeling, and CO[sub 2] laser surgery, none of them are satisfactory due to their limitations and side effects, for example, pain, prolonged healing time, postoperative erythema/pigmentary changes, and scarring. OBJECTIVE. The objective of this study was to develop a new treatment method for syringoma and to minimize the side effects through selective destruction of the tumor. METHODS. Six patients with multiple periorbital syringomas were enrolled in this study. The surface epithelium of the syringomas was vaporized by CO[sub 2] laser, and black ink was introduced in order to allow penetration to the dermis using iontophoresis. Subsequently the artificial tattoos were removed by Q-switched alexandrite laser. The results were evaluated clinically by both physicians and patients at 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks after treatment. RESULTS. The majority of syringoma in the six patients disappeared by the first follow-up 1 week after treatment. There were no cases of prolonged erythema persisting beyond 2 weeks. Additional treatment was repeated in the same manner in order to remove the remaining syringomas in one patient. There were no recurrences during the 8-week follow-up period. CONCLUSION. Our new treatment was safer, less painful, nonscarring, and there was a quicker recovery period and less of a burden to repeat treatment when necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the relationship of increased pancreatic echogenicity (IPE) on US with the risk of glycemic progression and incident diabetes. This retrospective study was approved by the institutional review board, with waiver of informed consent. Consecutive individuals who had undergone abdominal ultrasonography as part of a health examination at a tertiary hospital between January 2010 and June 2010 were included. IPE was defined as increased echogenicity of the pancreas compared with that of the left lobe of liver or renal cortex. IPE subdivided into mild, moderate, and severe degree comparing to the retroperitoneal fat echogenicity. Glycemic progression was defined as the development of new prediabetes or diabetes in normoglycemic subjects or as new diabetes in prediabetic subjects during the follow up period (median, 86.8 months; interquartile range, 84.1–90.6 months). The occurrence of incident diabetes, defined as a new diagnosis of diabetes during follow-up, was also analyzed. A total of 596 subjects were included in the follow-up analysis. Mean age of the 596 subjects was 48.6 years ± 11.5, and 55.4 % (n = 330) were female. The prevalence of IPE was 63.8 % (380/596). Mild, moderate, and severe IPE groups were 32.4%, 22.7%, and 8.7%, respectively. During the follow-up, 79 (13.3%) of the 596 subjects developed glycemic progression and new diabetes. Only presence of IPE was not associated with glycemic progression (P = 0.401). However, IPE more than moderate degree revealed significant associated with glycemic progression (hazard ratio, 1.38; 95% confidence interval: 1.920 – 8.300; P = 0.002). Only presence of increased pancreatic echogenicity is not a risk factor of glycemic progression. IPE more than moderate degree is associated with impaired glycemic parameters and higher risk of glycemic progression and incident diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To predict residual tumor (R) classification in patients with a surgery for gallbladder (GB) cancer, using preoperative CT.Methods: One hundred seventy-three patients with GB cancer who underwent CT and subsequent surgery were included. Two radiologists assessed CT findings, including tumor morphology, location, T stage, adjacent organ invasion, hepatic artery (HA) invasion, portal vein invasion, lymph node metastasis, metastasis, resectability, gallstone, and combined cholecystitis. The R classification was categorized as no residual tumor (R0) and residual tumor (R1 or R2). We analyzed the correlation between CT findings and R classification. We also followed up the patients as long as five years and analyzed the relationship between the R classification and the overall survival (OS).Results: There were 134 patients with R0 and 39 patients with R1/R2. On multivariable analysis, liver invasion (Exp(B) = 3.19, p = 0.010), bile duct invasion (Exp(B) = 3.69, p = 0.031), and HA invasion (Exp(B) = 3.74, p = 0.039) were independent, significant predictors for residual tumor. When two of these three criteria were combined, the accuracy for predicting a positive resection margin was 83.38% with a specificity of 93.28%. The OS and the median patient survival time differed significantly according to the resection margin, i.e., 56.0% and 134.4 months in the R0 resection and 5.1% and 10.8 months in the R1/R2 resection group (p < 0.001).Conclusions: Preoperative CT findings could aid in planning surgery and determining the resectability using the high-risk findings of residual tumor, including liver invasion, bile duct invasion, and HA invasion.Key Points: • Liver invasion, bile duct invasion, and HA invasion were significant preoperative CT predictors for residual tumor in GB cancer. • HA invasion showed the highest OR on multivariate analysis and the highest predictor point on a nomogram for predicting a positive resection margin. • Association of two factors can predict positive resection margin with an accuracy of 83.38% and a specificity of 93.28%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to propose a computed tomography (CT) classification of spontaneous isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection (SISMAD) correlated with clinical presentationMethods: We retrospectively reviewed CT images of 40 patients with SISMAD at our institution from 2006 to 2015 and proposed a new classification: type I, patent false lumen with both entry and re-entry; type II, patent false lumen without re-entry; type III, completely or partially thrombosed false lumen; and type IV, thrombosed false lumen with ulcer-like projection. Additionally, we included a subtype (S) at each type when there was either a long segment of dissection and/or significant true lumen stenosis. CT features were statistically analyzed using Fisher’s exact and Mann-Whitney test.Results: The CT findings classified patients as type I (15%), type II (12.5%), type III (35%), and type IV (37.5%). Of the 40 patients, 25 (62.5%) were symptomatic. There was a significantly different proportion of each type between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients (p = 0.005). There were 25 patients with subtype (S); no type I or II, 12 type III, and 13 type IV. The symptomatic patients showed longer dissection tendency and more severe true lumen stenosis (78% vs. 53%, p = 0.000) compared with asymptomatic patients.Conclusion: The proposed multi-detector CT classification of SISMAD correlates with clinical presentation. This new classification could be helpful for treatment planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated the diagnostic performance of ultrasonography (US) plus superb microvascular imaging (SMI) compared with conventional US alone for diagnosing acute cholecystitis. We included 54 patients with suspected biliary disease. The SMI pixel count showing flow signal was measured in the region of interest of the gallbladder bed of the liver. Two radiologists independently evaluated imaging features and rated five-point diagnostic likelihood level before versus after the additional SMI using the cutoff SMI pixel count. The SMI pixel count was significantly higher in acute than in non-acute cholecystitis (169.84 vs. 27.48, p < 0.001). The optimal SMI cutoff pixel count for predicting acute cholecystitis obtained by receiver operating characteristic curve was 56.67(82.8% sensitivity, 92.0% specificity). The area under the curve value was significantly higher after the additional SMI than before (0.798-0.863 vs. 0.701-0.736, p < 0.05). US plus SMI could objectively improve diagnostic performance compared with conventional US for acute cholecystitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meckel's diverticulum is the most frequent congenital malformation of the gastrointestinal tract, occurring in 2% of the general population. Meckel's diverticulum is usually asymptomatic and found incidentally. However, the lifetime risk of complications is 4-40%. In this essay, we describe the clinical and imaging findings in 12 cases of Meckel's diverticula with complications over a 5-year period, which were confirmed pathologically. The major complications of Meckel's diverticulum include gastrointestinal bleeding, bowel obstruction, perforation and inflammation. Small bowel follow-through (SBFT), computed tomography (CT) including CT enterography and RI scintigraphy can be used to show typical imaging features of Meckel's diverticulum and its complications. Knowledge of the clinical and radiologic findings of Meckel's diverticulum can aid in the early and accurate diagnosis of this anomaly and its complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When categorical ordinal item response data are collected over multiple timepoints from a repeated measures design, an item response theory (IRT) modeling approach whose unit of analysis is an item response is suitable. This study proposes a few longitudinal IRT models and illustrates how a popular compensatory multidimensional IRT model can be utilized to formulate such longitudinal IRT models, which permits an investigation of ability growth at both individual and population levels. The equivalence of an existing multidimensional IRT model and those longitudinal IRT models is also elaborated so that one can make use of an existing multidimensional IRT model to implement the longitudinal IRT models. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Environmental air pollution encompasses various particulate matters (PMs). The increased ambient PM from industrialization and urbanization is highly associated with morbidity and mortality worldwide, presenting one of the most severe environmental pollution problems. This article focuses on the correlation between PM and skin diseases, along with related immunological mechanisms. Recent epidemiological studies on the cutaneous impacts of PM showed that PM affects the development and exacerbation of skin diseases. PM induces oxidative stress via production of reactive oxygen species and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1α, and IL-8. In addition, the increased production of ROS such as superoxide and hydroxyl radical by PM exposure increases MMPs including MMP-1, MMP-2, and MMP-9, resulting in the degradation of collagen. These processes lead to the increased inflammatory skin diseases and skin aging. In addition, environmental cigarette smoke, which is well known as an oxidizing agent, is closely related with androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Also, ultrafine particles (UFPs) including black carbon and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) enhance the incidence of skin cancer. Overall, increased PM levels are highly associated with the development of various skin diseases via the regulation of oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory drugs may be useful for treating PM-induced skin diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psoriasis is a common skin disease accompanied by chronic inflammation. In previous studies, erythroid differentiation regulator 1 (ERDR1) was shown to have a negative correlation with proinflammatory cytokine IL-18. However, the role of ERDR1 in the inflammatory skin disease psoriasis has not been evaluated. In this study, to investigate the role of ERDR1 in psoriasis, recombinant ERDR1 was injected intraperitoneally into a psoriasis mouse model. Recombinant ERDR1 (rERDR1) significantly alleviated the symptoms of psoriasis-like skin inflammation and reduced the mRNA of various psoriasis-related markers, including keratin 14, S100A8, and Th17-related cytokines IL-17 and IL-22, suggesting that rERDR1 exerts therapeutic effects on psoriasis via the regulation of Th17 functions. Additionally, the expression of CCL20, a well-known Th17 attracting chemokine, was determined. CCL20 expression significantly decreased in the rERDR1-injected group compared with the vehicle (PBS)-injected group. CCR6 expression in the psoriatic lesional skin was also decreased by rERDR1 administration, implying the inhibition of CCR6-expressing Th17 cell chemotaxis via the downregulation of CCL20. Taken together, this study provides the first evidence that ERDR1 may be a potential therapeutic target for psoriasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of perfluorobutane contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to explore how accuracy can be improved compared to conventional diagnostic criteria in at-risk patients. Methods: A total of 123 hepatic nodules (≥ 1 cm) from 123 at-risk patients who underwent perfluorobutane CEUS between 2013 and 2020 at three institutions were retrospectively analyzed. Ninety-three percent of subjects had pathological results, except benign lesions stable in follow-up images. We evaluated presence of arterial phase hyperenhancement (APHE), washout time and degree, and Kupffer phase (KP) defects. KP defects are defined as hypoenhancing lesions relative to the liver in KP. HCC was diagnosed in two ways: (1) Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) criteria defined as APHE and late (≥ 60 s)/mild washout, and (2) APHE and Kupffer (AK) criteria defined as APHE and KP defect. We explored grayscale features that cause misdiagnosis of HCC and reflected in the adjustment. Diagnostic performance was compared using McNemar's test. Results: There were 77 HCCs, 15 non-HCC malignancies, and 31 benign lesions. An ill-defined margin without hypoechoic halo on grayscale applied as a finding that did not suggest HCC. Regarding diagnosis of HCC, sensitivity of AK criteria (83.1%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 72.9–90.7%) was higher than that of LI-RADS criteria (75.3%; 95% CI: 64.2–84.4%; p = 0.041). Specificity was 91.3% (95% CI: 79.2–97.6%) in both groups. Conclusion: On perfluorobutane CEUS, diagnostic criteria for HCC using KP defect with adjustment by grayscale findings had higher diagnostic performance than conventional criteria without losing specificity. Key Points: • Applying Kupffer phase defect instead of late/mild washout and adjusting with grayscale findings can improve the diagnostic performance of perfluorobutane-enhanced US for HCC. • Adjustment with ill-defined margins without a hypoechoic halo for features unlikely to be HCC decreases false positives for HCC diagnosis using the perfluorobutane-enhanced US. • After adjustment with grayscale findings, the sensitivity and accuracy of the APHE and Kupffer criteria were higher than those of the LI-RADS criteria; specificity was 91.3% for both. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose There are pros and cons to the use of gadoxetic acid in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) workup due to the potential for high false positive diagnosis. This study was conducted to investigate the preoperative diagnostic performance of gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI protocol including diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) with emphasis on tumor characterization developed in high risk HCC patients. Materials and methods We included 144 patients (102 men, 42 women; age range 33–74 years) with chronic viral hepatitis or cirrhosis and 183 focal hepatic tumors (size range, 0.4–11.0 cm; mean, 3.2 cm), including 148 HCCs, 13 cholangiocarcinomas, 12 hemangiomas, three hepatocellular adenomas, two focal nodular hyperplasias, and five other tumors. All patients underwent gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI protocol with DWI. MRIs were independently interpreted by three observers for the detection and characterization of hepatic tumors. Results Sensitivities for detecting all 183 liver tumors were 98.4%, 97.8%, and 96.2% for each observer, respectively, with a 97.5% for pooled data. Among 183 hepatic tumors, 91.3% (n = 167), 87.4% (n = 160), and 86.9% (n = 159) were correctly characterized according to their reference standard by each observer, respectively. In 13 cholangiocarcinomas, one to three were misinterpreted as HCC, and the remaining tumors were correctly characterized by each observer. The accuracies (Az) of MRI for HCC diagnosis were 0.952 for observer 1, 0.906 for observer 2, and 0.910 for observer 3, with 0.922 for pooled data. There was good inter-observer agreement. Conclusion The gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI including DWI showed a reasonable performance for tumor characterization with high sensitivity for tumor detection in patients with chronic liver disease, despite concerns of high false positive diagnosis of hypervascular tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Purpose: To compare the diagnostic performance of the noncontrast MRI including DWI to the standard MRI for detecting hepatic malignancies in patients with chronic liver disease. Materials and methods: We included 135 patients with 136 histologically-confirmed hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs), 12 cholangiocarcinomas, and 34 benign lesions (≤ 2.0 cm), and 22 patients with cirrhosis but no focal liver lesion who underwent 3.0 T liver MRI. Noncontrast MRI set (T1- and T2-weighted images and DWI) and standard MRI set (gadoxetic acid-enhanced and noncontrast MRI) were analyzed independently by three observers to detect liver malignancies using receiver operating characteristic analysis. Results: The Az value of the noncontrast MRI (mean, 0.906) was not inferior to that of the combined MRI (mean, 0.924) for detecting malignancies by all observers (P >0.05). For each observer, no significant difference was found in the sensitivity and specificity between the two MRI sets for detecting liver malignancies and distinguishing them from benign lesions (P >0.05), whereas negative predictive value was higher with the combined MRI than with the noncontrast MRI (P =0.0001). When using pooled data, the sensitivity of the combined MRI (mean 94.8%) was higher than that of the noncontrast MRI (mean, 91.7%) (P =0.001), whereas specificity was equivalent (78.6% vs 77.5%). Conclusion: Noncontrast MRI including DWI showed reasonable performance compared to the combined gadoxetic acid-enhanced and noncontrast MRI set for detecting HCC and cholangiocarcinoma and differentiating them from benign lesions in patients with chronic liver disease. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article presents a study which evaluates the potential of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in differentiating ectopic pancreas from submucosal tumors in the upper gastrointestinal tract (UGI) tract. It is inferred that the gastric body was the most common location for submucosal tumors and the duodenum for ectopic pancreas. According to the study, MRI with diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is a valuable tool for differentiating ectopic pancreas from submucosal tumors.

Background Eruptive pseudoangiomatosis (EP) is a rare, benign, spontaneously regressing exanthema of unknown etiology, characterized by an eruption of distinctive erythematous papules. This study was performed to evaluate the etiologic, clinical, and histopathologic characteristics of EP in Koreans. Methods Patients diagnosed with EP during 2005-2010 were included in a retrospective study. Diagnoses were based on clinical findings and confirmed by histology. Biopsies were re-examined. Patient gender, age at onset, disease duration, lesion location, season of occurrence, concomitant diseases, occupation, previous related events, disease course, responses to treatment, and laboratory findings were analyzed. Results A total of 32 patients were identified. Mean age at onset was 50.06 ± 17.12 years. Two patients developed lesions after outdoor activities. Two patients presented with simultaneous occurrences in family members. One patient reported having taken herbal medicine. One subject experienced systemic contact dermatitis caused by eating a lacquer chicken dish just before the lesions developed. All patients had typical erythematous papules measuring 2-5 mm. Lesions were usually located on exposed sites. No prodromal or systemic symptoms were observed. Routine laboratory tests were within normal ranges, except in one patient with known hyperlipidemia. Most patients were treated with oral antihistamine and topical steroid, or oral prednisolone. Eight patients did not receive any treatment. Mean disease duration was 1.64 ± 1.41 months in the treatment group and 1.20 ± 1.24 months in the no-treatment group ( P > 0.05). Conclusions Any clear relationship between EP and exposure to allergens or insect bites has yet to be elucidated. In patients in whom EP occurs on non-exposed sites, drugs and food should be considered as possible causative agents. Intravascular neutrophil infiltration on histology can be helpful in diagnosing EP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Purpose: To assess the diagnostic ability of MRI and EUS for differentiating benign from malignant pancreatic cyst focusing on cyst communication with pancreatic duct. Materials and methods: During 44 months, we performed MRI on 65 pancreatic cysts. Among them, 36 patients had confirmed cyst communication with duct by ERCP or surgery and 39 patients underwent EUS. Fifty-one had proven by surgery or aspiration. Among them, 36 had confirmed malignant cysts. Two radiologists independently graded cyst communication with duct and the likelihood of malignancy. When the readers’ interpretations differed, third opinion was obtained. They also measured the size of cyst and main duct. The diagnostic performance was analyzed using the ROC curve. The Mann–Whitney U test and κ statistics were used to determine interobserver agreement. Results: The Az of MRI and EUS for determining diagnostic performance regarding the cyst communication with duct, were 0.931 and 0.930, without statistically difference (p =0.6). Interobserver agreement was excellent (κ =0.81) on MRI and substantial (κ =0.69) on EUS. The Az of MRI and EUS for assessing diagnostic performance to differentiate malignant from benign cyst, was 0.902 and 0.923, without statistically difference (p =0.587). Interobserver agreement was excellent (κ =0.81) on MRI and moderate (κ =0.47) on EUS. The mean cyst size (3.98cm+2.74: 3.17cm+1.26, p =0.327) and the duct size (5.20mm+3.22: 4.39mm+4.12, p =0.227) showed no statistically difference between malignant and benign cysts. Conclusion: MRI and EUS can accurately assess pancreatic cyst communication with duct and are very useful for obtaining a differential diagnosis of malignant cyst versus benign pancreatic cyst. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background Twenty-nail dystrophy (TND) is an idiopathic and non-congenital nail dystrophy that is characterized by excess longitudinal ridges and loss of luster in multiple nail plates. There are a few studies on TND. Materials and methods In order to investigate the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with TND in Korea, a retrospective study was performed. Eighty-eight patients were diagnosed with TND from February 1, 2003, to April 30, 2010. Results In this study, morphology of TND was clinically divided as atrophic, hypertrophic, pitting dominant, shallow fissure-dominant, and deep fissure-dominant types. The patients consisted of 33 males and 55 females. The proportions of subtype and gender predominance showed differences between the child-adolescent-onset TND (20 cases) and the adult-onset TND (68 cases). Conclusion The clinical data of this study contribute to our understanding of TND. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Phloroglucinol (PG), a polyphenolic compound, has been proposed to show free radical scavenging, anti-tumor, and immunomodulation effects on immune cells. In this study, we investigated PG for its immunological activity and their molecular mechanisms, specifically focusing on the functional activation of nuclear factor-κB (NFκB), an important transcription factor involved in the activation and differentiation of lymphocytes, and subsequent recruitment of murine lymphocytes. Methods: We tested whether PG may contribute to the activation of immune response through the NFκB pathway by 3H-thymidine incorporation assay, Western blot, intracellular cytokine assays and Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) in murine lymphocytes. Results: PG markedly enhanced the proliferation of lymphocytes by inducing the degradation and phosphorylation of IκB, which leads to the activation of NFκB p65. Also, PG induced the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) such as ERK1/2, JNK, and p38, upstream molecules of NFκB pathway. In addition, PG augmented the secretion of interleukin (IL)-2 in mature T lymphocytes and their production of IL-2. Furthermore, the application of TPCK significantly reduced the activation of lymphocytes by PG via inhibiting the NFκB activation. Conclusion: These results suggest that PG induces the activation of lymphocytes by inducing the proliferative activity and secretion of IL-2 through the classical NFκB. General significance: The effect of PG on lymphocyte activation was assayed for the first time. These results would also elucidate its underlying mechanism. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Female mice null for receptor-interacting protein 140 (RIP140) are infertile because of the failure of follicle rupture. The present study examined gonadotropin regulation of RIP140 expression in immature rat ovary. Treatment with PMSG increased ovarian RIP140 mRNA and protein levels. In contrast, hCG treatment rapidly inhibited RIP140 mRNA and protein levels within 1–3 h. RIP140 mRNA was detected in theca cells of growing follicles in untreated ovary and in granulosa cells in PMSG-treated ovary. Interestingly, hCG treatment reduced RIP140 mRNA levels in granulosa cells of preovulatory follicles, but not of growing follicles. Neither treatment of immature rats with diethylstilbestrol in vivo nor of immature granulosa cells with FSH in vitro affected RIP140 mRNA levels. Treatment of immature granulosa cells with 17β-estradiol in vitro, however, stimulated RIP140 mRNA levels. In cultured preovulatory granulosa cells, RIP140 mRNA levels were stimulated at 1 h and then declined to below control levels by 3 h after LH treatment. Treatment with MDL-12,330A, an inhibitor of adenylate cyclase, or chelerythrine chloride, an inhibitor of protein kinase C (PKC), inhibited LH-stimulated RIP140 gene expression. Furthermore, forskolin or TPA treatment for 1 h mimicked the stimulatory action of LH, indicating the involvement of both adenylate cyclase and PKC pathways. These results demonstrate the stimulation by PMSG and inhibition by hCG of RIP140 expression in granulosa cells of preovulatory follicles in the rat ovary. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: EPHB4 and its ligand, ephrin B2, which are receptor tyrosine kinases of the erythropoietin‐producing hepatocellular (EPH) family, are known to be linked to several human cancers. The aim of this study was to investigate their expression patterns in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) in association with tumor differentiation and other variable clinical characteristics. Materials and methods: Immunohistochemical staining for EPHB4 and ephrin B2 was performed in 32 cases of CSCC with different histologic grades. The clinical characteristics and histologic grades of CSCC were evaluated in association with EPHB4 and ephrin B2 expression patterns. Results: EPHB4 and ephrin B2 expression levels were significantly inversely proportional to the grade of differentiation of CSCC (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: These results indicated that EPHB4 and ephrin B2 can be useful markers for poorly differentiated CSCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To measure glomerular filtration rates (GFRs) using kidney dynamic contrast material-enhanced (DCE)-CT perfusion scans and correlate them with estimated GFRs (eGFRs). Materials and methods: Split-bolus CT urography, including pre-contrast and nephrographic-excretory phase imaging, was performed with a kidney DCE-CT perfusion scan protocol. We analysed 55 patients with suspected renal disease. All CT acquisitions were obtained on a 256-slice CT scanner for 3.5 min continuously with shallow breathing. Renal volume, perfusion and permeability values were calculated using a dedicated prototype software. Based on Patlak plots, split and total renal GFR values were determined. Paired t-tests, Pearson's correlation analysis and Bland-Altman plots were used for comparisons between kidney DCE-CT perfusion scan-derived GFR (CT-GFR) and the corresponding eGFR value. The p values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: The mean CT-GFR was 91.19 ± 20.71 mL/min/1.73 m2. The eGFR values based on the CKD-EPI and MDRD equations were 89.64 ± 19.74 mL/min/1.73 m2 and 89.50 ± 24.89 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively. No statistically significant differences were found between CT-GFR and eGFRs (p > 0.05). Excellent correlation and agreement between CT-GFR and eGFRs (correlation coefficient r = 0.91 for CKD-EPI and 0.84 for MDRD equations, respectively) were confirmed. Conclusion: Kidney DCE-CT perfusion is an accurate and feasible technique to assess renal function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of MDCT with axial images and multiplanar reformatted (MPR) images from the urothelial phase of the bladder in patients with hematuria using cystoscopy as the reference standard. Materials and methods: Our IRB for human investigation approved this study, and informed consent was waived. We included 192 patients (121 men, 71 women; age range 17–90 years; mean age ± SD: 60 ± 14 years) who underwent contrast-enhanced MDCT (scan delay: 70 s; section thickness: 2 mm) and conventional cystoscopy examination for painless gross hematuria or recurrent microscopic hematuria. Two radiologists in consensus interpreted the images for the presence or absence of bladder lesions. Using the kappa statistic, the patient-based agreement was determined between the CT and cystoscopic findings. We compared the diagnostic performance of axial images to those with coronal and sagittal reformations to detect bladder lesions. Results: MDCT showed excellent agreement between cystoscopy–axial scans (κ = 0.896) and axial with reformatted images (κ = 0.948). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of MDCT were 94%, 96%, and 95% in the axial scans and 98%, 97%, and 97% in the axial with reformatted images, respectively. All statistical parameters of diagnostic performance were similar between the axial and the reformatted images (p >.05). Conclusion: Axial MDCT imaging demonstrates high diagnostic performance in detecting bladder lesions, but additional reformatted images can improve diagnostic accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To establish a prognostic nomogram for patients undergoing R0 resection for gallbladder cancer based on preoperative CT.Methods: A total of 151 patients (64 males, 87 females; mean age, 73.26 years) with gallbladder cancer who underwent CT and surgery with margin-negative resection were retrospectively collected at two tertiary institutions. The demographic and radiologic parameters were analyzed using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses to identify independent prognostic factors. The final CT-based nomogram was constructed to predict prognosis after curative resection of gallbladder cancer. Calibration curves for the survival probabilities were obtained for internal validation.Results: Mass-forming type (hazard ratio [HR], 28.80), bile duct invasion (HR, 4.76), duodenal invasion (HR, 6.32), colon invasion (HR, 4.37), gallstones (HR, 0.09), and cholecystitis (HR, 2.56) were significant independent predictors for recurrence-free survival (p < .05). Mass-forming type (HR, 8.16, p < .001), bile duct invasion (HR, 2.92, p = .013), duodenal invasion (HR, 3.72, p = .012), and regional lymph node metastasis (HR, 2.07, p = .043) were independent predictors of poor cancer-specific survival (CSS) and were used to construct the nomogram. The nomogram showed a good predictive ability for the probabilities of survival on the calibration curves, and the concordance index of the model in predicting CSS was .768.Conclusion: Preoperative CT findings could predict the prognosis of gallbladder cancer, and the CT-based nomogram accurately predicted CSS in patients with gallbladder cancer after attempted curative resection.Key Points: • Among the preoperative imaging features, mass-forming type, bile duct invasion, duodenal invasion, and regional lymph node metastasis were independent predictors of poor cancer-specific survival. • The nomogram constructed using preoperative CT findings showed a good predictive ability for the survival on calibration curves, and the concordance index of the model in predicting cancer-specific survival was 0.768. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, ultrasound (US) is a valuable imaging tool for the initial assessment and evaluation of the female genital organs, uterus, and adnexa. However, it is easy to overlook the uterine cervix while conducting a pelvic US. Uterine cervical lesions may range from benign to malignant in nature. Therefore, meticulous examination with US may play a key role in assessing uterine cervical lesions. Although there is substantial overlap in the US findings across various uterine cervical lesions, some US features, in tandem with clinical characteristics, may suggest a specific diagnosis. Familiarity with the clinical settings and US characteristics of different uterine cervical lesions can support prompt and accurate diagnosis of suspicious lesions. This review article aims to describe the features of US and possible values for distinction of these lesions in the uterine cervix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of Riehl's melanosis (RM) is most common in the fifth or sixth decade of life with a female preponderance. As the skin is regarded a non‐reproductive organ on which sex steroid hormones act, a possible relationship between the pathogenesis of RM and sex steroid hormone receptors can be inferred. This study intended to evaluate the expression profile of oestrogen receptor (ER)β and progesterone receptor (PR) in RM. Twelve lesional and perilesional normal‐appearing skin samples of RM patients and the skin of 12 healthy controls were retrieved for the analysis. Real‐time PCR analysis and immunohistochemical studies were conducted for ERβ and PR, respectively. The lesional and perilesional normal‐appearing skin of 12 patients with RM and the skin of 12 healthy controls were retrieved for the analysis. Interestingly, the dermal ERβ immunostaining intensity was increased more in lesional skin than in perilesional skin. When compared to healthy controls, increased expression of ERβ and PR mRNAs was observed in the lesional skin of patients with RM. Of note, epidermal and dermal ERβ and dermal PR expressions showed increased staining intensities in the lesional skin of RM patients compared with healthy controls. The altered expression of ERβ and PR in RM supports the possible role of these hormone receptors in the pathogenesis of RM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented regarding the study on the topical application of several growth factors including transforming growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, and epidermal growth factor that could minimize the down time in patients, who were administered with carbon dioxide (CO2) fractional laser therapy.

Objectives: To determine the technical success rates of MR elastography (MRE) according to established gradient-recalled echo (GRE) and spin-echo echo-planar imaging (SE-EPI) sequences and to compare liver stiffness (LS) values between the sequences during expiratory and inspiratory phases in patients with chronic liver disease or liver cirrhosis.Methods: One hundred and eight patients who underwent MRE were included in this retrospective study. MRE was performed at 3 T based on both sequences during expiration as well as inspiration. Technical failure of MRE was determined if there was no pixel value with a confidence index higher than 95% and/or no apparent shear waves imaged. LS measurements were performed using free-drawing region of interest. To evaluate clinical factors related to the technical success rate of MRE, we assessed etiology of liver disease, ascites, body habitus, iron deposition, and liver morphology of patients. Statistical analysis was performed with the Wilcoxon test, Bland-Altman plot, independent t test, Mann-Whitney test, and McNemar test.Results: The technical success rate of MRE in SE-EPI was significantly higher than that of GRE (98.1% vs. 80.7%, p < 0.0001). On the basis of univariate analysis, height, weight, and BMI were significantly associated with failure of MRE (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in LS values between GRE and SE-EPI (2.82 kPa vs. 2.92 kPa (p > 0.05)). However, the LS values were significantly higher during inspiration than expiration with both GRE and SE-EPI (p < 0.0001).Conclusion: MRE in SE-EPI during expiratory breath-hold can be used as a reliable examination to evaluate liver fibrosis.Key Points: • The technical success rate of MR elastography in spin-echo echo-planar imaging (SE-EPI) was significantly higher than that in gradient-recalled echo (GRE) during both the inspiratory and expiratory phases. • Liver stiffness values were significantly higher during inspiration than during expiration in both GRE and SE-EPI. • MR elastography in SE-EPI during expiratory breath-hold can be used as a reliable examination in patients with liver fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Erythroid differentiation regulator 1 (ERDR1) was newly identified as a secreted protein that plays an essential role in maintaining cell growth homeostasis. ERDR1 enhances apoptosis at high cell densities, leading to the inhibition of cell survival. Exogenous ERDR1 treatment decreases cancer cell proliferation and tumor growth as a result of increased apoptosis via the regulation of apoptosis-related gene expression. Moreover, ERDR1 plays a pivotal role in skin diseases; ERDR1 expression in actinic keratosis (AK) is negatively correlated with the increase in apoptosis. Because of its high specificity and efficiency, photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a common therapy for patients with various skin diseases, including cancer. Many studies indicate that apoptosis is mainly induced by PDT treatment. As an apoptosis inducer, the recovery of the ERDR1 expression after PDT is correlated with good therapeutic outcomes. Here, we review recent findings that highlight the function of ERDR1 in the control of apoptosis. Thus, ERDR1 may have a role in the apoptosis regulation of target cells in the lesions, as the recovery of its expression after PDT is correlated with good therapeutic outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a girl who presented with subungual osteochondroma.

Acne is a chronic skin disease of the pilosebaceous unit resulting from Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), a commensal microorganism. Although numerous therapies are available for acne, there is still a need for the development of effective therapies. Erythroid differentiation regulator 1 (Erdr1) has been suggested to be beneficial during inflammatory skin diseases. In the current study, we first showed that Erdr1 expression level was lower in inflammatory acne skin compared to the normal skin, suggesting that Erdr1 was negatively regulated in acne skin. To evaluate the effect of Erdr1 further, Erdr1 was injected subcutaneously in the acne mouse model. Results revealed that the necrotic lesions by inflamed acne were dramatically decreased and collagen synthesis and fibroblasts activation were induced by Erdr1. In addition, Erdr1 reduced the infiltration of inflammatory cells in vivo and accelerated collagen production in P. acnes-treated human dermal fibroblasts through TGF-β/Smad signaling. Taken together, Erdr1 enhanced wound healing through acceleration of collagen synthesis and activation of fibroblasts in acne skin, suggesting its potential use for acne improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate differentiation between pancreatic adenocarcinoma and focal pancreatitis is challenging. To investigate the usefulness of non-contrast MRI by comparing with multidetector row CT (MDCT) and gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI in the discrimination of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and focal pancreatitis (FP). This retrospective study included 187 patients (116 with PDACs and 71 with FP) who underwent gadoxetic acid-MRI and MDCT prior to surgical resection or biopsy. The MRI features of PDAC and FP were compared by two radiologists. Then, two observers independently reviewed the three imaging sets: MDCT, non-contrast MRI (T1-, T2-weighted, and diffusion-weighted images), and MRI with and without gadoxetic acid to determine the diagnostic performances of each imaging modality in the discrimination of PDAC and FP. The significant features on non-contrast MRI for diagnosis of PDAC included peritumoral cyst, pancreatic duct cut-off, clear hypointensity on T1WI, and bile duct dilatation (P < 0.05). Presence of peritumoural cyst showed the highest odds ratio for predicting PDAC. Non-contrast MRI was superior to MDCT in differentiating PDAC from FP with regard to accuracy (84.5% vs 95.5% for observer 1; 85.8% vs. 96.0% for observer 2), sensitivity (83.6% vs. 98.3%; 84.5% vs 97.8%), and negative predictive value (76.3% vs. 97.0%; 77.6% vs 96.4%) (P < 0.05). We found similar diagnostic values between the non-contrast MRI and MRI with and without contrast (P > 0.05) for both observers. Non-contrast MRI is better than MDCT and comparable to MRI with and without gadoxetic acid in differentiating PDAC from FP. • Non-contrast MRI was better than MDCT in differentiating pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma from focal pancreatitis. • Non-contrast MRI was comparable to whole MRI in differentiating pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma from focal pancreatitis. • Presence of peritumoural cyst showed the highest odds ratio for predicting pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. • The tiny peritumoural cysts on T2WI were observed in 84.5% of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Erdr1 enhances the strength of TCR signal and induces CD69 expression in thymocytes. • Erdr1 amplifies Ca2+ influx in response to TCR stimuli in thymocytes. • The administration of Erdr1 improves the cellularity and positive selection of thymocytes. Abstract Erythroid differentiation regulator 1 (Erdr1) has been identified as a stromal survival factor released under stressful conditions. Previously, Erdr1 was reported to be expressed highly in thymus, but roles of Erdr1 in thymus were not known. Here, the effects of Erdr1 on T cell development were investigated. The expression of Erdr1 was higher in thymus than bone marrow and Erdr1 was detected in both the cortex and medulla of thymus. Erdr1 treatment significantly induced the expression of activation marker, CD69, from thymocytes in the presence of TCR stimuli in vitro and the induction was dependent on increased Ca2+ influx. In addition, in vivo administration of Erdr1 resulted in significant increase of total and positive selected thymocyte numbers, particularly in the number of CD3TCRhiCD69+ DP thymocytes. Taken together, our results show that Erdr1 enhances the strength of TCR signaling and cellularity of thymocytes by amplifying Ca2+ influx in thymocytes receiving TCR signals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thyroid nodules are very common, however malignancy are lesser than 7%. Therefore, additional techniques such as microvascular imaging is attempted to improve the diagnostic performance of conventional ultrasonography. We want to investigate the utility of additional superb microvascular imaging (SMI) to B-mode ultrasound in thyroid nodules in distinguishing benign from malignant thyroid nodules. We analyzed 36 thyroid nodules (malignant = 14, benign = 22) and a reviewer scored the likelihood of malignancy for three data sets before versus after the additional Color Doppler image or SMI using 4-scale visual analysis (i.e., B-mode ultrasonography alone, B-mode ultrasonography + Color Doppler image, and B-mode ultrasonography + SMI). In addition, the SMI pixel count showing flow signal was measured in the region of interest including whole nodule on the longitudinal view. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (Az) values, sensitivities, and specificities were compared. A comparison of the data sets showed that the AUC values were similar without a statistical difference in B-mode (0.924), B-mode + Color Doppler (0.860), and B-mode + SMI (0.909) (p > 0.05). However, the SMI pixel count was significantly higher in malignancy than in benign (19.38 vs. 10.58, p = 0.04). The optimal SMI cutoff pixel count for predicting malignant thyroid nodules obtained by receiver operating characteristic curve was 14.25 (63.6% sensitivity, 78.6% specificity). Additional use of SMI to conventional ultrasonography could be helpful to differentiate to malignant thyroid nodules from benign ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radotinib (Supect™) was developed to treat chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) as a BCR-ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). Other TKIs, including imatinib and nilotinib, were also developed for treatment of CML, and recent studies were increasing about the therapeutic effects of other TKIs on solid tumors. However, the effect of radotinib on solid tumors has not yet been investigated. In this study, radotinib killed CML cell line K562 directly; however, radotinib did not enhance NK cell cytotoxicity against K562 cells. Because K562 is known as a Fas-negative cell line, we investigated whether radotinib could regulate cell cytotoxicity against various Fas-expressing solid cancer cell lines. Radotinib dramatically increased NK cell cytotoxicity against various Fas-expressing solid cancer cells, including lung, breast, and melanoma cells. Additionally, the efficiency of radotinib-enhanced cytotoxicity was lower in Fas siRNA-transfected cells than in negative controls, suggesting that Fas signaling might be involved in the radotinib-enhanced NK cell cytotoxicity. This study provides the first evidence that radotinib could be used as an effective and strong therapeutic to treat solid tumors via upregulation of NK cell cytotoxicity, suggesting that radotinib has indirect killing mechanisms via upregulation of antitumor innate immune responses as well as direct killing activities for CML cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]