The use of amorphous silicon flat panels as detector in neutron imaging.

A first test for neutron detection with a flat panel device based on the amorphous silicon technology is described in this report. The most important parameters defining the performance for neutron imaging are described. The first findings are encouraging for further improvements.     

Infected chronic hematoma mimicking soft tissue neoplasm

A rare case of an infected chronic hematoma in a patient with immunodeficiency syndrome mimicking a soft tissue neoplasm is presented. There are few reported cases of hematogenous infection of chronic hematomas, which be difficult to differentiate from soft tissue neoplasms.     

Antioxidant Activity of Limonene on Normal Murine Lymphocytes: Relation to H2O2 Modulation and Cell Proliferation

Abstract: Limonene is a monoterpene present in citrus fruit and is used as flavouring agents of foods. It was shown that monoterpenes possess antioxidant activity. Previously, it was demonstrated that limonene exerts anti‐proliferative action on a lymphoma cell line without modifying normal lymphocyte viability. H₂O₂ has a modulator role in cell proliferation. In the present study, the effect of limonene on normal lymphocytes proliferation and its relation with H₂O₂ level modulation was analysed, evaluating its effect on the activity of cell antioxidant enzymes, such as catalase, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase. Limonene exerted a biphasic effect on cell proliferation; the increase in cell proliferation was related to the decrease in H₂O₂ level by the increase in catalase and peroxidase activities. Moreover, limonene protected the cells to the oxidative stress induced by exogenous addition of H₂O₂. In view of these results, it is possible that limonene could protect normal lymphocytes from diseases related to oxidative stress, including cancer, but further research is necessary to establish the role of limonene as a potential antioxidant that can effectively protect lymphocytes from oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction.     

Seminested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detecting Helicobacter pylori DNA in carotid atheromas.

A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for the detection of the glmM gene, selected as Helicobacter pylori target sequence, was improved. While performing pathogenicity island cagA gene detection to discriminate pathogenic strains in atherosclerotic carotid samples, several cagA-positive but glmM-negative samples were found. Polymorphisms present in the region amplified in the nested PCR reaction could explain this result; primers were therefore designed to perform a seminested reaction; this modification optimized sensitivity while maintaining specificity. A real-time PCR for Helicobacter DNA detection was also setup. The combination of all 4 PCR reactions detected 83% of H. pylori DNA-positive samples in atherosclerotic carotid tissue, 64% of which were cagA gene positive.     

Accelerating cardiac cine 3D imaging using k-t BLAST.

By exploiting spatiotemporal correlations in cardiac acquisitions using k-t BLAST, gated cine 3D acquisitions of the heart were accelerated by a net factor of 4.3, making single breathhold acquisitions possible. Sparse sampling of k-t space along a sheared grid pattern was implemented into a cine 3D SSFP sequence. The acquisition of low-resolution training data, which was required to resolve aliasing in the k-t BLAST method, was either interleaved into the sampling process or obtained in a separate prescan to allow for shorter breathhold durations in patients with heart disease. Volumetric datasets covering the heart with 20 slices at a spatial resolution of 2 x 2 x 5 mm3 were recorded with 20 cardiac phases in a total breathhold duration of 25-27 sec, or 18 sec if partial Fourier sampling was additionally employed. The feasibility of the method was demonstrated on healthy volunteers and on patients. The comparison of endocardial area derived from single slices of the 3D dataset with values extracted from separate single-slice acquisitions showed no significant differences. By shortening the acquisition substantially, k-t BLAST may greatly facilitate volumetric imaging of the heart for evaluation of regional wall motion and the assessment of ventricular volume and ejection fraction.     

A clinical comparison of 2 electric toothbrush designs

Abstract A single blind 30 day study compared the reduction of plaque and gingivitis for the Hapika® Powerbrush to the Interplak® ultra 10 tuft. A longitudinal parallel group design was utilized and screening evaluation was performed to determine patient eligibility prior to study enrollment. 66 subjects were entered into the study and assigned to 1 of 2 groups, each using one of the toothbrushes. At baseline, subjects received an oral soft tissue exam, a dental hard tissue exam, and were scored by the Lobene modification of the Löe and Silness gingival index (GI). Plaque was then disclosed and scored both pre and post brushing using the modified Turesky plaque/debris examination and an interproximal bleeding examination was performed post-brushing. On days 15 and 30, after an oral soft tissue and GI examination, plaque was graded by the Modified Turesky plaque/debris exam. Subjects then brushed and were graded by the Modified Turesky plaque/debris examination and an interproximal bleeding index examination. The results showed that both brushes provided a similar change in clinical indices. All produced a statistically significant reduction from baseline to day 30 for the gingival index (26.5-29.1%), the bleeding index (13.8-24.1%), and the plaque index (16.9-19.4%), A comparison of pre and post brushing scores for the plaque index at 30 showed that both brushes reduced plaque similarly with a statistically significant reduction (P<0.05) from their pre-brushing plaque index scores at all time periods.     

Lactone, 16. Mitt.: Synthese von 4,9-Dihydropyrano[3,4-b]indol-1(3H)-onen aus α-Ethoxalyl-δ-valerolacton

Lactones, XVI: Synthesis of 4,9-Dihydropyrano[3,4-b]indol-1(3H)-ones from α-Ethoxalyl-δ-valerolactone Treatment of α-ethoxalyl-δ-valerolactone (1) with diazotized anilines and indolization of the intermediate hydrazones 4 leads to the pyranoindolones 5 . Compared to the recently reported reaction of α-ethoxalyl-γ-butyrolactone with arylhydrazines²⁾, this synthesis is more versatile with regard to variation of substituents at the aromatic ring. Stereochemistry and reactivity of the α-arylhydrazonolactones are discussed.     

Long-term results of treatment for articular calcaneus fractures with Westhues method]

In this paper the authors evaluate the long-term results of treatment for articular calcaneus fractures with Westhues method. This evaluation is performed with regard to triple measurement of B?hler's angle value and to subjective criteria. The clinical material from years 1985-2002 consists of 47 patients aged between 24 and 56 years (mean age 32 years) with articular calcaneus fractures--namely, 41 male patients (87.2%) and 6 female patients (12.8%). The follow-up examination was performed in 24 patients (51% of all patients), namely, in 23 male patients (48.8%) and in one female patient (2.2%). Minimum follow-up time was 12 months and maximum was 9 years. Acquired results suggest that Westhues method restores normal B?hler's angle value only in tongue-type calcaneous fractures.     

Venenthrombose und Lungenembolie Prophylaxe und Behandlung

Venöse Thromboembolien (VTE) stellen eine häufige Morbiditäts- und Mortalitätsursache dar; die jährliche Inzidenz wird mit etwa 1 : 1 000 angegeben. Dabei sind verschiedene Risikogruppen zu unterscheiden, die sowohl durch endogene Faktoren (z. B. genetisch deteminierte Thrombophilie), viel häufiger aber durch exogene Faktoren (zugrundeliegende Erkankung) charakterisiert werden. Diese Heterogenität resultiert in Besonderheiten bei Prophylaxe und Therapie von VTE, auf die in dieser Darstellung eingegangen werden soll.     

Effects of different perfusates on functional parameters of isolated perfused dog kidneys.

BACKGROUND: The isolated perfused canine kidney has been established as a valid model for conducting both renal physiology and transplantation research. This model is of particular importance for developing new strategies to improve graft function after renal transplantation. In the present study, a newly developed method using isolated haemoperfused porcine kidneys was adapted for use in canine kidneys. In contrast to haemoperfusion, synthetic perfusion media can be standardized and can prevent the initiation of blood-mediated reperfusion reactions. Thus, an additional aim was to determine whether blood could be replaced by synthetic cell-free perfusion solutions. METHODS: Canine kidneys (n = 30) were harvested from donors euthanized in veterinary practices for causes unrelated to the present study. The kidneys were isolated and perfused with autologous blood or cell-free synthetic electrolyte buffer (Tyrode solution). During perfusion, we monitored renal perfusate flow (RPF), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), electrolyte and glucose reabsorption, oxygen consumption and urine concentration. RESULTS: Changes in perfusion medium did not affect the RPF. In contrast, GFR, urine concentration and oxygen consumption were significantly higher, whereas fractional excretion of sodium and glucose were significantly lower in blood- than in Tyrode-perfused kidneys. CONCLUSIONS: This system offers a simple model for studying whole-organ functional alterations after acute renal ischaemia. Renal function indicators were below values reported during in vivo physiological conditions. These functions were better conserved when kidneys were perfused with autologous blood than with Tyrode.