Optical coherence tomography in the diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma

Since its introduction in dermatology in the late 1990s optical coherence tomography (OCT) has been used to study many skin diseases, in particular non-melanoma skin cancer and it s precursors. Special attention has been paid to superficial basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and a number of smaller observational studies have been published. The diagnostic criteria for BCC of these studies are systematically reviewed. A systemic review of English language studies was performed using PubMed, Google Scholar and Royal Danish Library, to search for primary papers on OCT and BCC. The references of retrieved papers were searched by hand for further relevant papers. A total of 39 papers were identified (search date: 2014-01-15). 22 were excluded because they did not meet the inclusion criteria, leaving 17 papers for analysis. In 100 % of the studies, rounded dark structures in the upper dermis surrounded by a hyperreflective halo possibly surrounded by a hyporeflective border and disruption of epidermal layering were described. In 53 % of the reports a hyporeflective lateral tumour border was described. A range of other features were mentioned in a minority of the studies. It is suggested that these diagnostic criteria could be characteristic for identifying BCC lesions using OCT.     

Spherical crystallization of drugs

Spherical crystallization of drugs is the process of obtaining larger particles by agglomeration during crystallization. The most common techniques used to obtain such particles are spherical agglomeration and quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion. Ammonia diffusion systems and crystallo-co-agglomeration are extensions of these techniques. By controlling process parameters during crystallization, such as temperature, stirring rate, type and amount of solvents, or excipient selection, it is possible to control the formation of agglomerates and obtain spherical particles of the desired size, porosity, or hardness. Researchers have reported that the particles produced have improved micromeritic, physical, and mechanical properties, which make them suitable for direct compression. In some cases, when additional excipients are incorporated during spherical crystallization, biopharmaceutical parameters including the bioavailability of drugs can also be tailored.     

Self-disorder and subjective dimensions of suicidality in schizophrenia

We studied 25 schizophrenia patients using the Examination of Anomalous Self-Experience phenomenological interview framework. In a previous study, this sample was qualitatively interviewed concerning subjective reasons for suicidal ideation. We hypothesized that 2 main identified reasons for suicidality, that is, sense of solitude and inferiority feelings, would be associated with disturbances measured by the Examination of Anomalous Self-Experience scale, that is, disorders of self-awareness and self-presence. The hypothesis was empirically supported. The results shed some additional light on suicidality in schizophrenia: it appears to be partly motivated by a disordered sense of self. These findings, if replicated, may have considerable therapeutic and preventive implications.     

Iron:An emerging factor in colorectal carcinogenesis

The carcinogenic potential of iron in colorectal cancer(CRC) is not fully understood.Iron is able to undergo reduction and oxidation,making it important in many physiological processes.This inherent redox property of iron,however,also renders it toxic when it is present in excess.Iron-mediated generation of reactive oxygen species via the Fenton reaction,if uncontrolled,may lead to cell damage as a result of lipid peroxidation and oxidative DNA and protein damage.This may promote carcinogenesis through incr...     

Thick maximum intensity projections for the assessment of left ventricular function with 64-slice computed tomography

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the accuracy of thick maximum intensity projections (MIP) from computed tomography (CT) data sets mimicking projection images from biplane ventriculography for evaluation of left ventricular (LV) parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-eight patients underwent 64-slice CT. Multiphase images were reconstructed in 10% steps of the RR interval. MIP images (70-mm thickness) of the contrast-enhanced LV in fixed 30 degrees right anterior oblique (RAO)/60 degrees left anterior oblique (LAO) and in adapted short-/long-axis planes were reconstructed. LV parameters were calculated using the area-length method formula. Three-dimensional assessment with semiautomated software served as reference standard. RESULTS: Use of thick MIP reconstructions had a high intermethod reliability (86-94%) compared with the 3-dimensional approach. Smaller measurement errors were found for thick MIP reconstructions in adapted short-/long-axis planes. A significant projection error (3.0%, P < 0.001) of thick MIP reconstructions was found using fixed 30 degrees RAO/60 degrees LAO compared with adapted short-/long-axis reconstructions. CONCLUSION: Thick MIP reconstructions with adapted short-/long-axis planes allow an accurate assessment of LV parameters compared with the established 3-dimensional method.