Study of the localization of radiopacities similar to calcified carotid atheroma by means of panoramic radiography.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the location in soft tissues of the calcifications, similar to calcified carotid atheromas, that can be observed radiographically in the cervical region in panoramic radiographs. STUDY DESIGN: In each anatomic cadaver specimen preserved in formol, consisting of the head and neck, radiopaque spheres (made from gutta-percha) were positioned in anatomic structures of the cervical region that can be sites of calcification. For each anatomic structure marked in this way, panoramic radiography was performed, consisting of 17 radiographs. The images obtained were analyzed by 24 examiners who indicated which radiographs, in their opinion, presented the radiopaque reference projected in the region of bifurcation of the carotid artery. Analysis of 2 proportions from agreement and disagreement was used to determine radiopacities that could be confused in panoramic radiographs with calcified atheromas in the carotid artery. RESULTS: The results showed that 75% (18) of the examiners correctly indicated the reference in the bifurcation of the carotid artery and 79.2% (19) indicated a triticeous cartilage as calcified atheroma of the carotid artery. CONCLUSIONS: Calcified atheromas of the carotid artery are not the only features that can produce radiopaque images lateral to the panoramic radiograph; the presence of calcification in the triticeous cartilage also can induce an erroneous diagnosis of calcified carotid atheroma.     

Human dignity in the Nazi era: implications for contemporary bioethics

Background  

The justification for Nazi programs involving involuntary euthanasia, forced sterilisation, eugenics and human experimentation were strongly influenced by views about human dignity. The historical development of these views should be examined today because discussions of human worth and value are integral to medical ethics and bioethics. We should learn lessons from how human dignity came to be so distorted to avoid repetition of similar distortions.     

PIP2 hydrolysis underlies agonist-induced inhibition and regulates voltage gating of two-pore domain K+ channels

Two-pore (2-P) domain potassium channels are implicated in the control of the resting membrane potential, hormonal secretion, and the amplitude, frequency and duration of the action potential. These channels are strongly regulated by hormones and neurotransmitters. Little is known, however, about the mechanism underlying their regulation. Here we show that phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP₂) gating underlies several aspects of 2-P channel regulation. Our results demonstrate that all four 2-P channels tested, TASK1, TASK3, TREK1 and TRAAK are activated by PIP₂. We show that mechanical stimulation may promote PIP₂ activation of TRAAK channels. For TREK1, TASK1 and TASK3 channels, PIP₂ hydrolysis underlies inhibition by several agonists. The kinetics of inhibition by the PIP₂ scavenger polylysine, and the inhibition by the phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase inhibitor wortmannin correlated with the level of agonist-induced inhibition. This finding suggests that the strength of channel PIP₂ interactions determines the extent of PLC-induced inhibition. Finally, we show that PIP₂ hydrolysis modulates voltage dependence of TREK1 channels and the unrelated voltage-dependent KCNQ1 channels. Our results suggest that PIP₂ is a common gating molecule for K⁺ channel families despite their distinct structures and physiological properties.     

Labially displaced ectopically erupting maxillary permanent canine: interceptive treatment and long-term results.

This case report demonstrates how extracting a maxillary deciduous canine affects the eruption path of a labially displaced ectopically erupting permanent canine. A long-term follow-up is presented, and the biologic mechanisms are discussed.     

Lymphoblastoid α-Interferon for Chronic Hepatitis C: A Randomized Controlled Study

Forty patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) were included in an open randomized controlled trial of lymphoblastoid α-interferon (L-IFN) versus no treatment. Twenty patients entered each group, and features of therapy and control cases were similar. L-IFN was given in low doses (1.5-4.5 megaunits) for 1 yr. In 16 of 20 patients treated with L-IFN (80%), but in only one of 20 nontreated cases (0.5%; p < 0.001), aminotransferase activities became normal. In four patients there was a reactivation of the disease during treatment after 4, 5, 6, and 8 months with normal aminotransferase levels. A posttherapy reactivation of hepatitis was observed in four additional cases after 1, 1, 1, and 3 months of follow-up. The other eight patients (40%) continued with normal aminotransferase levels for 1.52 ± 0.74 (range, 1-2.1) yr after IFN doses were discontinued. In all treated patients except two nonresponders, but in only one of 20 nontreated cases ( p < 0.001), Knodell's histological activity index decreased. Procollagen type III aminoterminal peptide levels did not change significantly in nontreated and nonresponder patients, diminished slightly in patients with a transient response, and normalized in cases with a long-standing response, suggesting that this serum test may be a reliable marker for monitoring response to IFIN therapy in patients with CHC. Finally, L-IFN treatment induced significant increments in CD4/CD8 index, phytohemagglutinin-induced blastogenesis, and natural killer activity. This study shows that L-IFN diminish inflammatory and fibrogenic activity in most patients with CHC. In 40% of patients treated in this trial, a long-standing remission of the disease was observed.     

Anesthesia of a woman with extreme morbid obesity (260 kg)

Patients with morbid obesity present a series of functional and morphologic alterations and require a careful planning for anesthetic management. We report a case of a woman weighing 260 kg who was operated on twice for the treatment of her base condition. In the first operation, general anesthesia was carried out and in the second one, epidural anesthesia was conducted. Main complications included hypoxemia and hypercapnia which persisted during the first week after operation carried out under general anesthesia.     

Clusterlike Headache as a First Sign of Brain Metastases of Lung Cancer

We report on a patient with clusterlike headache and multiple brain metastases of lung cancer. Initially, cluster headache was suggested clinically by characteristic symptoms without any focal central nervous system signs. However, magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated multiple brain metastases. It is possible that tumor necrosis factor may have played a role in initiating the clusterlike headache.