Epidemiology of Lyme disease in Olmsted County, MN, 1975-1990.

Lyme disease has been reported in Minnesota since 1980. Until now, it has not been regarded as endemic in Olmsted County. We reviewed the medical records of all 68 cases of Lyme disease diagnosed in residents of Olmsted County for 1980-1990. Only 17 of the 68 cases met Centers for Disease Control surveillance criteria for definite Lyme disease (13 men, 4 women). Of these 17 cases, 3 were likely acquired in Olmsted County. The age and sex adjusted incidence rate was 2.3/100,000 (95% CI 1.1-3.4). Although reporting of Lyme disease is mandatory in Minnesota, only 7 suspected or definite cases were actually reported to public health officials. Of these, 4 met the case definition. In this population Lyme disease was both over-diagnosed and underreported. This observation questions current data and could have important health policy implications if confirmed nationally.     

Skeletal metastases from hepatoma: frequency, distribution, and radiographic features

Over the past 6 years, the authors evaluated 300 patients with hepatoma as part of phase 1 and 2 treatment protocol trials. Analysis of the available clinical data and radiographic studies revealed 22 patients (7.3%) with skeletal metastases demonstrated by radiography, computed tomography (CT), and/or nuclear scintigraphy. The plain film appearance of skeletal metastases from hepatoma was osteolytic in all cases. CT scanning best demonstrated the expansile, destructive nature of these metastases, which were often associated with large, bulky soft-tissue masses. Skeletal metastases from hepatomas demonstrated increased radiotracer uptake on standard bone scans and were gallium avid, similar to the hepatoma itself. In addition, they could be targeted therapeutically with I-131 antiferritin immunoglobulin. The most frequent sites of skeletal metastases were the ribs, spine, femur, pelvis, and humerus. An initial symptom in ten patients was skeletal pain corresponding to the osseous metastases. In five patients, pathologic fractures of the proximal femur or humerus developed and required total hip replacement or open-reduction internal fixation. Patients with long-standing cirrhosis or known hepatocellular carcinoma who also have skeletal symptoms should be evaluated for possible osseous metastases.     

Biological Evaluation of Compounds with -NCS- Group or Derived from Thiazole and Imidazole. Activity on Prostaglandin Synthetase Complex

Abstract— The effects of compounds with activity against thyroid peroxidase were tested on the activity of hydroperoxidase and cyclo-oxygenase of the prostaglandin synthetase complex in-vitro. Active compounds were found to inhibit the peroxidase, and the cyclo-oxygenase function. These compounds were also found to have anti-inflammatory activity as demonstrated by the reduction of carrageenan-induced oedema of the hind paw of the rat. Indomethacin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs tested under the same conditions were shown to have activity towards the cyclo-oxygenase rather than the peroxidase function of the prostaglandin synthetase complex. A common feature of the active compounds was the presence of an -NCS- linkage or free -SH group.     

Vessel sizing wire: accurate vessel measurement using digital subtraction arteriography

A simple method of measuring vessel diameters using intraarterial digital subtraction angiography has been designed. With a catheter in place within the vessel of interest, a segmented guide wire with known dimensions is advanced into the catheter in the area to be measured. We have used the method successfully for balloon angioplasty as well as balloon embolization.     

Absorbed breast dose: dependence on radiographic modality and technique, and breast thickness

The increased use of mammography has brought into focus the necessity for radiation dose reduction. In particular, the effect of radiographic technique on radiation dosimetry is not well documented. In this paper, the dependence of absorbed dose on radiographic modality, radiographic technique, and breast thickness is studied, with the following principal results: Breast thickness and incident half-value layer (HVL) are sufficient to characterize the normalized (mrad/incident roentgen) breast dose. The average breast dose depends on both beam HVL and kVp; the dependence on breast thickness is more pronounced for screen-film mammography, indicating the need for firm compression. Screen-film mammography shows substantial dose savings over xeromammography for thinner breasts imaged without a grid; this dose advantage disappears for thicker breasts and is generally reversed when a grid is used.