Fibroblasts capture cathepsin D secreted by breast cancer cells: possible role in the regulation of the invasive process.

Breast cancer cells oversecrete the lysosomal peptidase cathepsin D as a pro-enzyme. In this study, we assessed the effect of media conditioned by MRC-5 fibroblasts or MCF-7/6 breast cancer cells on cathepsin D (CD) production and secretion by these two cell types. We also considered the influence of estrogens and matrix components (type I or type IV collagen, or Matrigel) on the expression and activity of CD produced by breast cancer cells of different invasive potentials (MCF-7/AZ, MCF-7/6, MDA-MB-231). In our system, fibroblasts conditioned medium does not significantly affect CD levels produced and secreted by the MCF-7/6 cells. However, we found that fibroblasts are able to capture the pro-CD secreted by these tumor cells by a mannose 6-phosphate-dependent process. We also found a positive correlation between the proportion of extracellular CD levels and the invasive potentials of the tumor cell types considered. If estrogens are able to upregulate CD production and secretion by receptor-positive cells, it is not the case of extracellular matrix components. On the other hand, our results indicate that matrix components are able to influence the distribution of the different CD forms in and out of the cells. Our data suggest that tumor fibroblasts, by enhancing their intracellular CD levels, could assist cancer cells in the digestion of extracellular matrix during the invasion of tissues.

Bacillus anthracis diversity in Kruger National Park.

The Kruger National Park (KNP), South Africa, has a recorded history of periodic anthrax epidemics causing widespread disease among wild animals. Bacillus anthracis is the causative agent of anthrax, a disease primarily affecting ungulate herbivores. Worldwide there is little diversity among B. anthracis isolates, but examination of variable-number tandem repeat (VNTR) loci has identified six major clones, with the most dissimilar types split into the A and B branches. Both the A and B types are found in southern Africa, giving this region the greatest genetic diversity of B. anthracis worldwide. Consequently, southern Africa has been hypothesized to be the geographic origin of B. anthracis. In this study, we identify the genotypic types of 98 KNP B. anthracis isolates using multiple-locus VNTR analysis. Two major types are evident, the A branch and the B branch. The spatial and temporal distribution of the different genotypes indicates that anthrax epidemic foci are independent, though correlated through environmental cues. Kruger B isolates were found on significantly higher-calcium and higher-pH soils than were Kruger type A. This relationship between genotype and soil chemistry may be due to adaptive differences among divergent anthrax strains. While this association may be simply fortuitous, adaptation of A types to diverse environmental conditions is consistent with their greater geographic dispersal and genetic dissimilarity.

Diagnostic imaging of muscular tumors.

Eight patients with muscular tumors--all malignant--were reviewed. Seven patients were examined by magnetic resonance imaging. Some of them also underwent conventional radiology and computed tomography. One patient was examined by computed tomography only. An overview and short description of the muscular tumors are given. The findings with the different imaging techniques are presented, followed by a discussion of the role of the imaging techniques. The final conclusion is that MRI is the modality of choice for detection, staging, and follow-up of muscular tumors, although the signal intensity features are not always specific.

Denta Scan: CT software program used in the anatomic evaluation of the mandible and maxilla in the perspective of endosseous implant surgery.

A radiological technique, using a new CT software program for the evaluation of alveolar process height and width, is presented. Irradiation is kept within acceptable limits when this technique is used. Measurements obtained with this technique were compared with those obtained on panoramic radiographs in 40 "half-jaws" (21 maxillar and 19 mandibular). We found that new indications for implantation emerge in the mandibular region because 'Denta Scan' can sometimes show possibilities to place implants on the buccal side of the canal (2 of 19 mandibular cases) when no possibilities are present above the canal on both the panoramic radiographs and Denta Scan images. In the maxillar region Denta Scan avoids unnecessary interventions by demonstrating the insufficient width of the alveolar ridge, often missed on panoramic radiographs (4 of 21 maxillar cases). Moreover the use of Denta Scan allows the use of implants with optimal length and diameter (23 of the 40 cases), giving better long-term results.

Ultrasonographic findings in peptic ulcer: a report on 24 cases proven endoscopically.

A series of 24 patients is presented who had routine upper abdominal sonography for reason of atypical abdominal pain; in all cases the sonographically suggested diagnosis of a mucosal ulceration was proved by a following endoscopy. The ultrasonic findings were localized thickening of the gastric wall in combination with presence of liquid intragastrically in a fasting patient.

Herniography in adults: review and personal studies.

In 120 adults (87 men, 33 women) with suspicion of a hernia but with normal physical examination, herniography disclosed 125 positive findings correlated with the clinical manifestations. There were no false positive or false negative herniographic diagnoses among 25 patients who underwent surgery. Herniography is a useful examination to evaluate patients with an uncertain or normal physical examination and with clinical manifestations suggestive for hernia. This relatively simple technique and the use of a non-ionic contrast medium are well tolerated.

Giant angiomyolipoma with atypical arteriovenous shunting: CT and angiographic studies.

The advent of both ultrasound and computerized tomography made the pre-operative diagnosis of angiomyolipoma much easier. However, differentiation from retroperitoneal, perinephric space and especially intrarenal liposarcoma remains difficult or impossible. Angiographic findings are atypical and often do not allow differentiation from renal cell carcinoma. Early filling of the renal vein in renal cell carcinoma is sometimes used to distinguish renal cell carcinoma from angiomyolipoma. A case of a giant angiomyolipoma with arteriovenous shunting and early filling of the renal vein is described.

[Dynamic MRI of temporomandibular joint: technique and application]. / L'IRM dynamique de l'articulation temporo-mandibulaire: technique et application.

Internal derangements or disk dysfunctions represent the most frequent pathology of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The radiological study of TMJ dysfunction was, for a long time, restricted to arthrography. More and more MR is used to study the TMJ, because MR, allows non-invasive visualisation of without the use of X-rays. Moreover a "dynamic" MR technique can be used to study disk movements during mouth opening. A lot of the internal derangement problems can be solved with this technique and arthrography can often be avoided. This dynamic MR technique is described and some cases are discussed.