Adult Pancreatic Hemangioma: Case Report and Literature Review

We report an adult pancreatic hemangioma diagnosed on pathological specimen review following pylorus preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy for a symptomatic cystic mass in the head of the pancreas. Eight cases of adult pancreatic hemangioma have been reported in literature since 1939. Presenting symptoms, radiographic diagnosis, pathologic characteristics, and treatment of adult pancreatic hemagiomas are discussed following review of all published cases

Ultrasound-guided intramural inoculation of orthotopic bladder cancer xenografts: a novel high-precision approach

Orthotopic bladder cancer xenografts are essential for testing novel therapies and molecular manipulations of cell lines in vivo. Current xenografts rely on tumor cell inoculation by intravesical instillation or direct injection into the bladder wall. Instillation is limited by the lack of cell lines that are tumorigenic when delivered in this manner. The invasive model inflicts morbidity on the mice by the need for laparotomy and mobilization of the bladder. Furthermore this procedure is complex and time-consuming. Three bladder cancer cell lines (UM-UC1, UM-UC3, UM-UC13) were inoculated into 50 athymic nude mice by percutaneous injection under ultrasound guidance. PBS was first injected between the muscle wall and the mucosa to separate these layers, and tumor cells were subsequently injected into this space. Bioluminescence and ultrasound were used to monitor tumor growth. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound was used to study changes in tumor perfusion after systemic gemcitabine/cisplatin treatment. To demonstrate proof of principle that therapeutic agents can be injected into established xenografts under ultrasound guidance, oncolytic virus (VSV) was injected into UM-UC3 tumors. Xenograft tissue was harvested for immunohistochemistry after 23–37 days. Percutaneous injection of tumor cells into the bladder wall was performed efficiently (mean time: 5.7 min) and without complications in all 50 animals. Ultrasound and bioluminescence confirmed presence of tumor in the anterior bladder wall in all animals 3 days later. The average tumor volumes increased steadily over the study period. UM-UC13 tumors showed a marked decrease in volume and perfusion after chemotherapy. Immunohistochemical staining for VSV-G demonstrated virus uptake in all UM-UC3 tumors after intratumoral injection. We have developed a novel method for creating orthotopic bladder cancer xenograft in a minimally invasive fashion. In our hands this has replaced the traditional model requiring laparotomy, because this model is more time efficient, more precise and associated with less morbidity for the mice

Natural landscape and stream segment attributes influencing the distribution and relative abundance of riverine smallmouth bass in

Abstract.-Protecting and restoring fish populations on a regional basis are most effective if the multiscale factors responsible for the relative quality of a fishery are known. We spatially linked Missouri's statewide historical fish collections to environmental features in a geographic information system, which was used as a basis for modeling the importance of landscape and stream segment features in supporting a population of smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu. Decision tree analyses were used to develop probability-based models to predict statewide occurrence and within-range relative abundances. We were able to identify the range of smallmouth bass throughout Missouri and the probability of occurrence within that range by using a few broad landscape variables: the percentage of coarse-textured soils in the watershed, watershed relief, and the percentage of soils with low permeability in the watershed. The within-range relative abundance model included both landscape and stream segment variables. As with the statewide probability of occurrence model, soil permeability was particularly significant. The predicted relative abundance of smallmouth bass in stream segments containing low percentages of permeable soils was further influenced by channel gradient, stream size, spring-flow volume, and local slope. Assessment of model accuracy with an independent data set showed good concordance. A conceptual framework involving naturally occurring factors that affect smallmouth bass potential is presented as a comparative model for assessing transferability to other geographic areas and for studying potential land use and biotic effects. We also identify the benefits, caveats, and data requirements necessary to improve predictions and promote ecological understanding. The condition of many Missouri streams is perceived by many anglers and biologists to be deteriorating, resulting in the widespread decline of sport fish populations, especially smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu (Pflieger 1997). At present, fisheries managers have few tools to help monitor status and trends in smallmouth bass populations throughout their range or to predict population changes resulting from habitat degradation or habitat restoration. Smallmouth bass are a valuable recreational asset as well as a potential ecological indicator of natural stream conditions. Existing sampling data for smallmouth bass cover a small fraction (,1%) of the total stream kilometers in which this species is likely to occur. Resource managers need spatially comprehensive information to prioritize conservation efforts beyond sampled locations. Considering that over 175,000 km of stream exist within Missouri, the only realistic way to generate such information is through predictive modeling in a geographic information systems (GIS) setting. Identifying habitat potential at multiple spatial scales would provide a basis for habitat management important for the persistence of sport fish populations. The importance of scale to fish-habitat relations is well recognized; however, the large-scale processes that account for many habitat conditions remain poorly understood or addresse

Ultrasound imaging.

<p>A. The mice were anesthetized with isoflurane and mounted on the heated imaging table with continuous monitoring of vital signs. After visualization of the bladder with the Vevo 700® small animal imaging platform the skin was perforated with a 30G needle. B. Ultrasound visualisation of normal mouse bladder in sagittal section with typical dimensions indicated (lumen dimensions 4.4×6.5 mm; wall thickness 0.25 mm).</p

Longitudinal imaging of xenograft growth.

<p>Tumor growth was measured at regular time intervals by: A. bioluminescence imaging, and B. ultrasound. C. Correlation of bioluminescence and xenograft volume for all three cell lines. D. H&E section of a representative UM-UC1 luc xenograft demonstrating invasive growth into the muscle (*) without invasion into adjacent organs. All tumors originated from the anterior bladder wall and often occupied most of the bladder lumen without infiltrating the posterior wall (**).</p

Inoculation of tumor cells.

<p>A. Detection of the needle on the ultrasound screen. B. Perforation of the skin and abdominal wall muscles. C. Needle insertion into the bladder wall without penetration of the mucosa. D. Injection of PBS (50 µl) between the muscular layer and the mucosa. E. Guidance of second needle into the artificially created space. F. Injection of tumor cells suspended in Matrigel®.</p