Ferromagnetic materials in patients: detection before MR imaging

A number of surgical clips and other metallic materials embedded within patients have ferromagnetic properties that present a potential hazard when in the strong fields associated with magnetic resonance imaging. Several types of magnetometers and metal detectors were investigated as possible pre-imaging screening devices. The sensitivities and costs of these devices are given.     

Aktuelles aus dem Medizinrecht

Ohne Zusammenfassung

---

Current aspects of forensic lawFrom October 2004 to March 2005

     

Blood-brain barrier alterations in MDX mouse, an animal model of the Duchenne muscular dystrophy

This article reviews recent studies on the alterations occurring in the brain vessel wall of the mdx mouse, an animal model with genetic defects in a region homologous with the human Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) gene. These alterations affect both endothelial and astroglial cells and are associated with opened tight junctions, swollen perivascular astrocyte processes and a reduction in the expression of tight junctions associated proteins, ie. zonula occludens and of a specific water channel i.e. aquaporin-4, suggesting that some neurological dysfunctions of mdx mice and DMD patients could be associated with changes in brain osmotic equilibrium.     

Vascular endothelial growth factor-A, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 and angiopoietin-2 expression in the mouse choroid plexuses

In this study, for the first time, we investigated about the localization of VEGF-A, VEGFR-2 and Ang-2 in the choroid plexuses of the adult mouse by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Results showed that VEGF-A stained epithelial cells, while anti-VEGFR-2 and -Ang-2 antibodies stained endothelial cells. These data suggest that Ang-2, converting blood vessels into a more plastic and immature phenotype, would provide more accessibility of VEGF-A to endothelial cells.