Destructive changes of the spine in magnetic resonance imaging

Summary Twenty-nine patients were examined by magnetic resonance imaging for various lesions of the spine. The results of these scans were compared with those of plain radiographs, computertomographs, and radionuclide bone scans. The findings were substantiated by intraoperative or histological findings in 18 cases. The MRI scans proved to be very sensitive in the detection of a wide spectrum of morphological changes of the bone marrow of vertebral bodies. Characteristic changes of the signal patterns for inflammatory and tumorous lesions were not observed. The differentiation of these lesions will presently continue to have to be based on morphological criteria.No benefits in any form have been received or will be received from a commercial party related directly or indirectly to the subject of this study. No funds were received in support of this study     

18F-FDG PET for detecting myocardial viability: validation of 3D data acquisition.

(18)F-FDG PET is an important diagnostic tool for detecting myocardial viability in patients with coronary artery disease. In combination with perfusion scanning, (18)F-FDG PET allows differentiation between reversibly and irreversibly damaged myocardium and selection of patients likely to benefit from revascularization. Viability PET is usually performed in two-dimensional (2D) mode. Taking into account the rising number of three-dimensional (3D)-only scanners, a validation of 3D acquisition is required. METHODS: Twenty-one patients with coronary artery disease referred for (18)F-FDG PET underwent an imaging protocol of nongated 2D (2D-NG) and gated 2D (2D-G) acquisitions for 15 min each, followed by 3D gated acquisitions for 10 min (3D-10) and 5 min (3D-5), using an ECAT Exact HR+ scanner. Results were analyzed using a 20-segment polar map in terms of activity concentration (Bq/mL), viability (50% uptake threshold), regional activity distribution, visual assessment of viability based on a 3-point rating scale, and left ventricular ejection fraction. RESULTS: Activity concentration measured in each segment with 2D-G, 3D-10, and 3D-5 showed a good linear correlation with 2D-NG. Quantitative viability assessment with 3D-5 gave a sensitivity of 84% and a specificity of 98%, compared with 2D-NG. No differences in regional activity distribution and visual viability assessment were found between the various protocols. Left ventricular ejection fractions obtained with 3D-10 and 3D-5 showed a good linear correlation with those measured with 2D-G. CONCLUSION: An ECG-gated 3D imaging protocol gave results comparable to those of 2D acquisition with regard to absolute and regional myocardial activity distribution, left ventricular function, and visual viability assessment. Sensitivity for viability assessment with a 50% uptake threshold was significantly less with 3D, but specificity was maintained. This protocol delivers a clinical performance nearly equivalent to that of 2D acquisition.     

Periodontal status of a subject sample of Yemen

Abstract From August to October 1991, the periodontal status of 1001 Yemenis representing the age groups 12-14, 15-19, 20-24 and 35-44 years was recorded and evaluated with preference to the CPITN, the calculus index and clinical attachment levels. The impact of chewing khat, the leaves of a cultivated, alkaloid shrub, and of using the traditional miswak chewing stick for oral hygiene purposes were investigated. The results show that 6.9% of the juvenile probands (15-19 years) had healthy periodontal tissue (CPITN 0). whereas bleeding on probing and calculus (CPITN 1+2) were registered in 86.2%. In the 35-44 year age group. 1.7% were periodontally healthy, whereas 84.5% displayed plaque retention or shallow pocketing (CPITN 2-3) and 12.5% deep pocketing (CPITN 4). The treatment needs in all age groups are confined primarily to calculus removal and instruction in oral hygiene. The clinical attachment level and the calculus index revealed age-related attachment loss and calculus formation, primarily among male probands. The higher khat consumption among the male population is reflected in its detrimental effect on the periodontal tissue, especially among younger probands. Oral hygiene aids have also an influence on periodontal status, with a toothbrush proving more efficient than the miswak. WHO efforts directed towards prophylactic programs need to be intensified but can be staffed by dental hygienists.     

Gamma interferon induces rapid and coordinate activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) and calcium-independent protein kinase C in human monocytes.

Gamma interferon plays an important role in regulating the functional properties of mononuclear phagocytes. In the present study, the role of activated protein kinases in the mechanism of action of gamma interferon cell signaling in human peripheral blood monocytes was investigated. Analysis in vitro of 100,000 x g cytosolic fractions from untreated and interferon-treated cells showed that agonist treatment resulted in time- and concentration-dependent increases in phosphotransferase activity when myelin basic protein (MBP) was used as the substrate. Anion-exchange chromatography of high-speed supernatants prepared from detergent extracts of interferon-treated cells revealed two discrete peaks of MBP phosphotransferase activity. Immunoblotting of fractions from these peaks with antiphosphotyrosine antibodies and with antibodies that specifically recognize the family of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases detected a MAP kinase with a subunit M(r) of 42,000 in the earliest-eluting peak (peak 1). Phosphorylation of the 42,000-M(r) protein on tyrosine was observed only after treatment of cells with interferon. The contribution of MAP kinase to the interferon-stimulated activity in peak 1 was confirmed by quantitative immunoprecipitation with anti-MAP kinase and antiphosphotyrosine antibodies. The conclusion that the interferon-activated MBP kinase in peak 1 could be accounted for by an activated MAP kinase was also supported by the finding that fractions from Mono Q peak 1 demonstrated activity towards a MAP kinase-specific substrate. The later-eluting peak of interferon-activated MBP phosphotransferase activity appeared to be accounted for by an activated protein kinase C (PKC). This conclusion is based upon analyses of immunoblotting and immunoprecipitation experiments with antibodies to PKC and was also supported by the observed inhibition of this kinase with a PKC pseudosubstrate peptide. The interferon-stimulated PKC present in Mono Q peak 2 was active in the absence of calcium ions, suggesting that it is a calcium-independent isoform of PKC.     

Successful heart-lung transplantation in a patient with kyphoscoliosis.

The association is well established between congenital heart disease and spinal deformities such as scoliosis or kyphosis, but data are not available for risks and the outcome of heart surgery in patients with spinal deformities. We report a case of successful orthotopic heart lung transplantation in a patient with complex congenital heart disease and severe chest deformity who had undergone previous spinal fusion surgery for progressive right convex thoracic kyphoscoliosis.