CT-functional diagnostics of the rotatory instability of the upper cervical spine. Part 2. An evaluation on healthy adults and patients with suspected instability

Nine healthy adults and 43 patients with cervical spine injury were examined by using functional (computerized tomography) CT scanning. The ranges of axial rotation at the levels occiput C0-C1, C1-C2, and C2-C3 were measured. A rotation at C0-C1 greater than 8 degrees; at C1-C2, 56 degrees; or a right-left difference C0-C1 greater than 5 degrees and C1-2 greater than 8 degrees indicates hypermobility. A rotation at segment C1-C2 of less than 28 degrees indicates hypomobility. Surgical stabilization of rotatory instability could be considered as a possible therapeutic procedure.     

Osteosynthesis of diaphyseal fracture by Ossatite experimental study in rat

In order to develop a biodegradable interlocking nail for fracture fixation, hydoxylapatite pins and paste were implanted in the femoral bone of rats. A distal fracture was performed. The union and the tissue reaction to hydroxylapatite versus stainless-steel rods were studied after 15 days, 1, 2 and 6 months implantation. Metal pins induced a union. Hydroxylapatite pins (Ossatite) did not prevent callus formation, but did not lead to consolidation in all cases due to weakness of gelatin matrix binding the apatite particles together. The biocompatibility of material is satisfactory and the osteo-inductive properties of hydroxylapatite was confirmed. With injectable Ossatite , we could not obtain rat femoral fracture consolidation. We can confirm good biomaterial tolerance in bone which contrasts with important soft tissue reactions. Use of such material should be carefully limited to filling intra-osseous cavities.     

Dietary beta-carotene absorption by blood plasma and leukocytes in domestic cats

Three experiments were conducted to study the uptake of oral beta-carotene by blood plasma and leukocytes in domestic cats. In Experiment 1, mature female Tabby cats (12 mo old) were given once orally 0, 10, 20 or 50 mg of beta-carotene and blood taken at 0, 12, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48 and 72 h after dosing. Concentrations of plasma beta-carotene increased in a dose-dependent manner. Peak concentrations were observed at 12-24 h and declined gradually thereafter. The half-life of plasma beta-carotene was 12-30 h. In Experiment 2, cats were dosed daily for six consecutive days with 0, 1, 2, 5 or 10 mg beta-carotene. Blood was sampled once daily at 12 h after each feeding. Daily dosing of cats with beta-carotene for 6 d resulted in a dose-dependent increase in circulating beta-carotene. Experiment 3 was designed to study the uptake of beta-carotene by blood leukocytes. Cats were fed 0, 5 or 10 mg of beta-carotene daily for 14 d. Blood leukocytes were obtained on d 7 and 14 to determine beta-carotene content in whole lymphocytes and in subcellular fractions. Blood lymphocytes took up large amounts of beta-carotene by d 7 of feeding. Furthermore, beta-carotene accumulated mainly in the mitochondria (40-52%), with lower amounts accumulating in the microsomes (20-35%), cytosol (15-34%), and nuclei (1.5-6%). Therefore, domestic cats readily absorb beta-carotene across the intestinal mucosa and transfer the beta-carotene into peripheral blood leukocytes and their subcellular organelles. beta-Carotene uptake kinetics show that some aspects of beta-carotene absorption and metabolism in cats are similar to those of humans.     

Mechanical pulmonic valve thrombosis: expanding role of cardiac CT and multimodality imaging

We report a case of a 44-year-old man with a clinical history of Tetralogy of Fallot status post staged surgical correction with mechanical pulmonic valve replacement who presented with progressive exertional dyspnea in the setting of non-compliance with anticoagulation. In the context of this suggestive clinical presentation, the diagnosis of mechanical pulmonic valve thrombosis (MPVT) was made possible via multimodality imaging, including transthoracic echocardiogram and cardiac computed tomography angiography. Due to the uncommon nature of the condition, the patient was treated with systemic thrombolysis and anticoagulation using evidence-based guidelines, largely extrapolated from left-sided mechanical valve thrombosis. Our case underscores the importance of anticoagulation in MPVT and recognizing the features of MPVT on clinical history, physical examination, and multimodality imaging. It is essential to understand the pivotal role of multimodality imaging in the assessment of MPVT and realize the limitations of available data regarding the management of MPVT in the current era.     

Bau und Funktion der Arterien als Stütz- und Halteorgane

Brain Structure and Function -     

Acylcarnitine profile in thyroid disease

ObjectivesTo examine acylcarnitine profiles in individuals with hypo- or hyperthyroidism, and determine whether any atypical acylcarnitine species identified would normalize with correction of thyroid status.Design and methodsSerum acylcarnitine levels were measured in hypo- and hyperthyroid subjects before and after treatment with thyroxine or thionamide therapy respectively.ResultsNo discernible differences were observed in the serum acylcarnitine profiles between hypo-, hyper- and euthyroid states.ConclusionsAcylcarnitine profiles are relatively unremarkable in thyroid disease.