Multicenter assessment of HIV-1 RNA quantitation in semen in the CREAThE network

Detection of HIV-1 RNA in semen is used commonly to determine the safety of semen processing procedures before assisted reproductive technology (ART). Using two panels of prepared semen samples containing HIV-1 the performances of protocols from 14 centers have been compared. No false-positive results were detected but false-negative results were frequent when the concentration was below 500 HIV-1 RNA copies/ml of seminal plasma. Frequency of HIV-1 RNA detection was higher on seminal cells than on seminal plasma. Assays (or protocols) for quantifying HIV-1 RNA in semen performed less well than standardized blood plasma assays. The HIV load in seminal plasma could be a useful marker of the risk of sexual transmission of the virus. Its use as a marker of global HAART efficiency in the HIV reservoir needs further study. Standardized assays are required for detection and measurement of HIV-1 RNA in semen samples.     

Bβ(15-42) attenuates the effect of ischemia-reperfusion injury in renal transplantation

Renal ischemia-reperfusion contributes to reduced renal allograft survival. The peptide Bβ(15-42), a breakdown product of fibrin, attenuates inflammation induced by ischemia-reperfusion in the heart by competitively blocking the binding of leukocytes to endothelial VE-cadherin, but whether it could improve outcomes in renal transplantation is unknown. Here, we tested the ability of Bβ(15-42) to ameliorate the effects of renal ischemic injury during allogenic kidney transplantation in mice. In our renal transplantation model (C57BL/6 into BALB/c mice), treatment with Bβ(15-42) at the time of allograft reperfusion resulted in significantly improved survival of recipients during the 28-day follow-up (60% versus 10%). Bβ(15-42) treatment decreased leukocyte infiltration, expression of endothelial adhesion molecules, and proinflammatory cytokines. Treatment significantly attenuated allogenic T cell activation and reduced cellular rejection. Moreover, Bβ(15-42) significantly reduced tubular epithelial damage and apoptosis, which we reproduced in vitro. These data suggest that Bβ(15-42) may have therapeutic potential in transplant surgery by protecting grafts from ischemia-reperfusion injury.     

Genetic and environmental contributions to regional cortical surface area in humans: a magnetic resonance imaging twin study

Cortical surface area measures appear to be functionally relevant and distinct in etiology, development, and behavioral correlates compared with other size characteristics, such as cortical thickness. Little is known about genetic and environmental influences on individual differences in regional surface area in humans. Using a large sample of adult twins, we determined relative contributions of genes and environment on variations in regional cortical surface area as measured by magnetic resonance imaging before and after adjustment for genetic and environmental influences shared with total cortical surface area. We found high heritability for total surface area and, before adjustment, moderate heritability for regional surface areas. Compared with other lobes, heritability was higher for frontal lobe and lower for medial temporal lobe. After adjustment for total surface area, regionally specific genetic influences were substantially reduced, although still significant in most regions. Unlike other lobes, left frontal heritability remained high after adjustment. Thus, global and regionally specific genetic factors both influence cortical surface areas. These findings are broadly consistent with results from animal studies regarding the evolution and development of cortical patterning and may guide future research into specific environmental and genetic determinants of variation among humans in the surface area of particular regions.     

Pr?valenz der Rhizarthrose

Background

Using x-rays, the age and gender-related prevalence of arthrosis of the trapeziometacarpal joint was determined.

Methods

The radiographs of 235 patients who had presented with an isolated fracture of the distal part of the radius over a 4-year period were evaluated for evidence of trapeziometacarpal arthrosis; 9 patients had bilateral fractures. Trapeziometacarpal arthrosis was determined on radiographic views by 3 physicians. We used a three-grade rating system suitable for standard wrist radiographs. The number of patients with each grade of arthrosis was analyzed according to age and gender.

Results

The radiographic prevalence of trapeziometacarpal arthrosis in our patients (mean age 56 years) was 29%. Signs for arthrosis were first observed in 44-year-old patients and reached a prevalence of 60% in the group older than 70 years. There was a significantly higher prevalence in women (42%) than in men. Higher grades of osteoarthritis were found in women and in older patients. This rating system was demonstrated to have adequate interobserver reliability (??=0.66).

Conclusion

The radiographic prevalence of trapeziometacarpal arthrosis in patients presenting for treatment of a distal radial fracture is age-related. In women and in older patients, trapeziometacarpal arthrosis is more likely to appear and to show a higher grade of joint destruction.     

Reconstructive versus non-reconstructive treatment of anterior cruciate ligament insufficiency. A retrospective matched-pair long-term follow-up

In this retrospective case series 80 patients divided in 40 matched pair groups with an arthroscopically proven ACL insufficiency were followed up for 15 years. One half was reconstructed using an autologous BTB patella graft, the other half was treated by a conservative physiotherapeutic based rehabilitation program. At follow-up the clinical scores (Lysholm, IKDC) showed no significant differences between subjects who had undergone ACL reconstruction and those who had not. Furthermore there was no detectable difference in the incidence of osteoarthritis between the cohorts. Patients having a negative pivot shift test showed significantly less signs of radiographic osteoarthritis and better functional assessment scores whether reconstructed or not. Based on these results and a review of the literature there is no clear evidence that ACL reconstruction reduces the rate of OA development or improves the long-term symptomatic outcome. Probably review of reconstruction by an anatomical approach will be more successful than operative techniques decades ago.     

Trevor's disease (dysplasia epiphysealis hemimelica) located at the hand: case report and review of the literature

Trevor's disease, also known as dysplasia epiphysealis hemimelica (DEH), is a rare developmental bone dysplasia, characterized by benign osteocartilaginous overgrowth. The lesion arises from an epiphysis. Its localization may be different, and it mostly occurs unilateral. In this report, we present a 40 years old woman suffering from Trevor's disease with unusual localization at the hand. Because of significant symptoms surgical excision was chosen.     

Optimization of pulse train presaturation for CEST imaging in clinical scanners

Chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) imaging depends on the performance of radiofrequency saturation during the experiment. Scanner specifications, in particular limited pulse width and duty‐cycle, and specific absorption rate guidelines restrict the full exploitation of CEST effects in clinical MR systems. The purpose of this study was to optimize techniques for effective pulse train presaturation for CEST imaging in a whole‐body MR scanner. Theoretical analysis and simulations of the spectral properties of radiofrequency pulse trains demonstrated the significance of pulse width τ_P and interpulse delay τ_D for effective and selective labeling of a chemically exchanging proton pool. CEST experiments with model solutions, e.g., creatine dissolved in water, showed best performance of pulse trains with τ_P = τ_D = 100 msec, regarding minimum direct water saturation in z‐spectra and distinct magnetization transfer ratio asymmetry that can be determined quantitatively. Saturation efficiency of trains of Gaussian‐shaped radiofrequency pulses using this timing was evaluated in MR imagers with field strengths of 1.5, 3, and 7 T. The proposed saturation pulse train does not require hardware modifications, offers low specific absorption rate, and can be used in a standard clinical setup. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.