Shoulder joint: arthrographic CT and long-term follow-up, with surgical correlation

One hundred two computed tomographic (CT) arthrograms of the shoulder were retrospectively reviewed and compared with conventional double-contrast arthrograms from 101 patients (24 females and 77 males aged 9-70 years). One- to 4-year follow-up was obtained in 84 patients, 40 of whom underwent open-shoulder surgery or arthroscopy. Morphology of the normal portions of each labrum was categorized according to length, width, and tip shape. Correlation between morphology and age was weak, but abnormal labra were more common in younger patients. Conventional radiography was more accurate for detecting bony glenoid margin fractures, but CT was more accurate for detecting Hill-Sach fractures. CT was also more reliable than conventional arthrography in the detection of rotator cuff tears. Hence, few if any conventional radiographs are necessary between contrast material injection and CT imaging. A reduction in the number of images obtained will result in decreased radiation dose, less cost, and shorter examination time without loss of diagnostic accuracy.     

Structure-activity relationship studies of CNS agents. Part 29. N-Methylpiperazino-substituted derivatives of quinazoline, phthalazine and quinoline as novel α1, 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptor ligands

New N-methylpiperazino-substituted quinazolines 8 and 9, phthalazine 13, and quinoline 19 have been synthesized. The receptor binding profiles (α₁, 5-HT_1A, 5-HT_2A) of these compounds and their analogs (7–22) have been determined. It has been demonstrated that orientation of a local dipole moment of the heteroaromatic ring system affects both the α₁ and 5-HT_2A affinity of the investigated class of ligands. Distortion of the coplanar unfused heteroaromatic ring system results in a decreased 5-HT_2A affinity. 4-(4-Methylpiperazino)-2-(2-thienyl)quinoline 18 is the most active and selective α₁ ligand (K_i = 4.9 nM) with a much lower affinity for 5-HT_1A (K_i = 3420 nM) and 5-HT_2A (K_i = 211 nM) receptors.     

An examination of the physical characteristics leading to angioplasty balloon rupture

Six polyvinyl chloride and six polyethylene angioplasty balloons were inflated six times each under laboratory conditions. Outside diameter of the balloons was measured on initial and final inflations; volume was measured by water displacement at each inflation. In addition, three balloons in either group were constricted with a silk suture around the midportion. Balloons were then intentionally ruptured and the rupture site recorded. The diameters of the polyvinyl chloride balloons increased over six inflations, while they remained relatively constant for the polyethylene balloons. Rupture sites were in the area of the balloon that had the greatest outside diameter, and the tears were longitudinal.