Incremental value of amyloid-PET versus CSF in the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease

European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging - To compare the incremental diagnostic value of amyloid-PET and CSF (Aβ42, tau, and phospho-tau) in AD diagnosis in patients with...     

From virtual reality to web-based multimedia maintenance manuals

This paper focuses on a structured methodology that uses virtual reality (VR) and digital human modeling (DHM) to study maintenance procedures of industrial products. VR technologies help to highlight the most critical aspects of maintenance operations, while DHM tools allow detailing working sequences. Data coming from these analyses are then used to draw up a multimedia maintenance manual based on digital video animations, audio comments, explanatory images and written recommendations. Information is available to maintenance personnel directly on the working site through portable electronic devices. Further, web-based multimedia manuals can be updated on-line and help to shorten learning time and maintenance downtimes.     

Impaired intestinal function in symptomatic HIV infection

A longitudinal (10-22 month) evaluation of intestinal symptoms and function was performed in five children with symptomatic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. All received cotrimoxazole, ketoconazole, and immunoglobulins. A search for enteric pathogens and intestinal function tests were repeatedly performed in all patients. Mild episodes of diarrhea were observed in two children. One had cow's milk protein intolerance. Giardia lamblia was found in an asymptomatic carrier. Evidence for impaired intestinal function was found in all patients. These consisted of positive D-xylose and iron oral loads, increased steatorrhea, increased fecal excretion of alpha 1-antitrypsin, abnormal intestinal permeability, and increased food antibody levels. Our results suggest that severe diarrhea may be uncommon in children with HIV infection receiving antimicrobial prophylaxis, but that the intestinal function is frequently, and often markedly, impaired.     

Reconstruction of posttraumatic bone defects of the humerus with vascularized fibular graft

Humeral nonunions still present a challenge to the orthopedic surgeon. Many methods of treating recalcitrant, posttraumatic humeral shaft nonunions have been described, with varying degrees of success. The present report reviews our experience with the use of vascularized fibular grafting for the treatment of large humeral defects. We treated 13 patients, with an average length of the humeral defect of 10.5 cm. Nine patients healed primarily, 3 required additional bone grafting, and 1 had a second fibular transplant. The mean period to radiographic bone union was 6 months. Only 5 patients regained full range of motion of the shoulder and elbow. The vascularized fibular graft is a reliable reconstructive procedure for recalcitrant pseudoarthrosis of the humerus in which the bony gap is greater than 6 to 7 cm, especially when traditional procedures have not provided the expected result.     

Free fibula flap for humerus segmental reconstruction: report on 13 cases

In the period between 1994 and 2004, 13 patients (10 male, 3 female) presenting with post-traumatic defects to the humerus were treated with vascularised fibula graft. Age ranged from 21 to 62 (mean 37) years. Length of the bony defect ranged from 6 to 16 cm. Graft fixation was performed with plates in 12 cases, and in one case only screws were used. All patients were clinically reviewed between 120 days and 14 months after surgery. In one patient the flap was lost and a second free fibula flap was performed to achieve the reconstructive goal. Mean time for segmental bony union was 6 months (range from 3 to 13 months). Vascularised fibula graft allows for a successful humerus reconstruction when traditional techniques provide unsatisfactory results.     

冠状动脉搭桥术早期并发症及死亡率(附196例报告)

1985年1月～1987年12月作者于荷兰格罗宁根医学科学院心胸外科主做了196例冠状动脉搭桥术。术后早期死亡2例(1.0％)、内出血3例(1.5％)、胸骨裂开2例(1.0％)、心律紊乱40例(20.4％)、围手术期心肌梗塞5例(2.6％),本文就术后早期并发症进行了讨论。     

Regulation of bone remodeling by vitamin K2

All living tissues require essential nutrients such as amino acids, fatty acids, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, and water. The skeleton requires nutrients for development, maintaining bone mass and density. If the skeletal nutritional requirements are not met, the consequences can be quite severe. In recent years, there has been growing interest in promotion of bone health and inhibition of vascular calcification by vitamin K2. This vitamin regulates bone remodeling, an important process necessary to maintain adult bone. Bone remodeling involves removal of old or damaged bone by osteoclasts and its replacement by new bone formed by osteoblasts. The remodeling process is tightly regulated, when the balance between bone resorption and bone formation shifts to a net bone loss results in the development of osteoporosis in both men and women. In this review, we focus on our current understanding of the effects of vitamin K2 on bone cells and its role in prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.     

Optimal care for eyelid contraction after radiotherapy: case report and literature review

Radiotherapy represents a major problem in facial surgery. Orbital and periorbital radiation therapy causes a contraction of the soft tissues. Scarring with ectropion is the most severe complication, with shrinking of the anterior lamella, skin dystrophy, muscle atrophy, and alteration of the remaining soft tissues. Goals for reconstruction include correction of distorted orbitofacial tissues and the restoration of orbital structures. The management of these patients is not standardized. We suggest systematically using a combined approach of surgery and lipofilling to restore the orbital deformity and dystrophy, respectively. For this purpose, we present the case of a 65-year-old woman with asymmetry of the orbital regions and severe lower eyelid cicatricial ectropion due to multiple radiation treatments in childhood for an extensive cavernous hemangioma of the right side of the face. We performed a reconstructive procedure using a tarsal strip technique in association with contralateral upper eyelid graft to correct the extensive retraction of the right lower eyelid and lid asymmetry. Subsequently, the patient underwent lipofilling to correct the post-radiotherapy dystrophy. Skin texture, softness, and elasticity greatly improved with further symmetrization. The combined treatment with surgery and lipofilling can significantly improve the functional and cosmetic outcome of shortened and dystrophic eyelids with a successful result with regard to post-radiotherapy retraction.