11C-乙酸盐PET显像在肾脏肿瘤诊断中的作用

目的探讨^11C-乙酸盐PET显像在肾脏肿瘤诊断中的作用及其与^18F-脱氧葡萄糖（FDG）肾肿瘤显像的关系。方法29例疑肾肿瘤患者行^11C-乙酸盐PET早期及延迟显像，其中22例1周内行^18F—FDG PET显像。所有患者均有手术病理检查或CT、随访结果。患者静脉注射^11C-乙酸盐后即刻采集肾脏部位早期图像，以反映肾皮质血流灌注；10min后采集延迟图像，以反映^11C-乙酸盐在肾皮质内的代谢。观察^11C-乙酸盐在人体内的分布，并比较^11C-乙酸盐与^18F—FDG肾肿瘤显像的阳性率及其与病理类型、分级的关系。结果^11C-乙酸盐在人体内以胰腺摄取最高，并可能经胰液分泌人肠道。肾皮质对^11C-乙酸盐摄取随时间而变化，延迟相大部分原发肾皮质肿瘤（13例中分级Ⅰ～Ⅱ为12例）对^11C-乙酸盐摄取高于正常肾皮质，阳性率为76．9％（10／13例）；而^18F—FDG显像仅为30．8％（4／13例）。6例肾盂输尿管移行细胞癌^11C-乙酸盐显像阳性仅2例；其中5例行^18F—FDG显像，均阳性。1例肾血管平滑肌脂肪瘤^11C-乙酸盐早期及延迟显像均清晰显示，2例输尿管炎症对^11C-乙酸盐无摄取。结论^11C-乙酸盐PET显像对恶性程度较低的肾皮质肿瘤显像阳性率较高，可弥补^18F—FDG显像的不足。     

Transcapillary fluid balance consequences of missing initial lymphatics studied in a mouse model of primary lymphoedema

To investigate the phenotypic consequences of a deranged lymphangiogenesis in relation to tissue fluid accumulation and the possible role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of lymphoedema, we measured determinants of transcapillary fluid filtration and inflammatory mediators in the interstitial fluid in genetically engineered Chy mice, a model for primary congenital lymphoedema (Milroy's disease). Although initial lymphatics were not present in dermis in any of the areas studied (fore paw, hind paw, thigh and back skin) interstitial fluid pressure ( P _if), measured with micropipettes, and tissue fluid volumes were significantly increased only in the areas with visible swelling – the fore and hind paw, whereas interstitial colloid osmotic pressure (COP_if) was increased in all the skin areas examined. A volume load of 15% of body weight resulted in a more pronounced increase in P _if as well as a four-fold increase in interstitial fluid volume in Chy relative to wild-type (wt) mice, showing the quantitative importance of lymphatics for fluid homeostasis during acute perturbations. A similar level of proinflammatory markers in interstitial fluid in early established lymphoedema (3–4 months) in Chy and wt suggests that inflammation does not have a major pathogenetic role for the development of lymphoedema, whereas a reduced level of the immunomodulatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-4 may result in a reduced immunological defence ability and thus lead to the increase in inflammatory cytokines IL-2 and IL-6 observed at a later stage (11–13 months). Our data suggest that primary lymphoedema results in a high interstitial fluid protein concentration that does not induce an interstitial inflammatory reaction per se , and furthermore shows the paramount importance of the initial lymphatics in tissue fluid homeostasis, especially during perturbations of transcapillary fluid balance.     

Application of an augmented reality tool for maxillary positioning in orthognathic surgery – A feasibility study

BACKGROUND: An augmented reality tool for computer assisted surgery named X-Scope allows visual tracking of real anatomical structures in superposition with volume rendered CT or MRI scans and thus can be used for navigated translocation of bony segments. METHODS: In a feasibility study X-Scope was used in orthognathic surgery to control the translocation of the maxilla after Le Fort I osteotomy within a bimaxillary procedure. The situation achieved was compared with the pre-operative situation by means of cephalometric analysis on lateral and frontal cephalograms. RESULTS: The technique was successfully utilized in 5 patients. Maxillary positioning using X-Scope was accomplished accurately within a range of 1mm. The tool was used in all cases in addition to the usual intra-operative splints. A stand-alone application without conventional control does not yet seem reasonable. CONCLUSION: Augmented reality tools like X-Scope may be helpful for controlling maxillary translocation in orthognathic surgery. The application to other interventions in cranio-maxillofacial surgery such as Le Fort III osteotomy, fronto-orbital advancement, and cranial vault reshaping or repair may also be considered.     

Etanercept decreases tumor necrosis factor-α activity in chronic wound fluid

High levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, are present in the wound fluid of chronic nonhealing wounds. This leads to increased inflammation, cytokine expression, and ultimately results in impaired wound healing and tissue destruction. Etanercept is a recombinant fusion protein that consists of the soluble TNF receptor (p75) linked to the Fc portion of human IgG1. It is an effective inhibitor of TNF-alpha and has been shown to provide rapid and sustained improvement in rheumatoid arthritis by acting as a soluble receptor binding TNF-alpha and preventing its proinflammatory activities. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine whether Etanercept could inhibit TNF-alpha activity in chronic wound fluid. Wound fluid was collected from the venous leg ulcers of 16 different patients. The effect of Etanercept on TNF-alpha activity was evaluated using both a TNF-alpha bioassay and an enzyme-linked immunoassay. Etanercept was found to reduce the cytotoxic effect of chronic wound fluid on L929 fibroblasts by approximately 30% and neutralized TNF-alpha binding in the enzyme-linked immunoassay by up to 80%. Direct application of Etanercept to chronic wounds may therefore reduce the inflammatory activity of TNF-alpha, which could reduce the chronicity of venous leg ulcers and thus aid in the healing of these wounds.     

Was kann der Sonotrainer-Ultraschallsimulator?

In obstetrics and gynaecology, as well as in many other fields of medicine, ultrasound has become an indispensable diagnostic tool. Ultrasound training, however, still lacks proper quality assessment and control. In fact, in prenatal diagnostics most fetal anomalies requiring diagnosis during pregnancy are extremely rare. Therefore, effective training opportunities are limited to the very few medical centres which treat many such cases. Ultrasound simulator-based training, as performed with the Sonofit Sonotrainer, has been demonstrated to partly overcome this dilemma. In this article, the authors summarize their experience in using and evaluating various teaching concepts after the implementation of the ultrasound simulator under different conditions. Furthermore, an overview of the advantages of the Sonotrainer-based ultrasound training and its acceptance among trainees is provided. The authors also focus on aspects of quality assessment in gynaecological and prenatal ultrasound.