Measurement of absolute intensities of some prompt gamma-lines from the 91Zr, 143Nd, 177Hf and 116,118-120,122,124Sn(n,gamma) reactions and isomeric cross-sections of 123m,125mSn by in-beam gamma-spectroscopy method.

The previously unknown absolute intensities of 28 prompt gamma-rays from the thermal neutron capture in 91Zr, 143Nd, 177Hf and 116,118-120,122,124Sn were measured by an in-beam gamma-spectroscopy method at the WWR-M reactor (PNPI, Gatchina). Cross sections of the production of isomers 123m,125mSn were also measured.     

Pullout reattachment of tibial avulsion fractures of the anterior cruciate ligament: a firm,effective suture-tying method using a tensioner

We describe a firm, effective suture-tying method using a tensioner for reattaching tibial avulsion fractures of the anterior cruciate ligament. Our simple method achieves strong, firm reattachment of the fracture. In addition, it prevents fixation loosening during suture tying effectively. Since pullout repair using nonabsorbable sutures is commonly used to fix various avulsion fractures, the tensioner helps attain strong, firm reattachment of avulsion fractures simply and effectively.     

老化皮肤的胶原与弹性组织变化研究

目的：探讨光曝露情况及年龄因素对皮肤中弹性组织、Ⅰ/Ⅲ型胶原及基底膜Ⅳ型胶原的影响,进而探索皱纹形成的组织学原因。方法：对80例取自不同年龄志愿者的曝光部位（眶周/前额、面颊）及非曝光部位（腹部/臀部）的皮肤组织进行HE染色、Weigert染色、苦味酸天狼猩红染色及免疫组化处理,采用显微形态观察和半定量分析。结果：各部位皮肤基底膜内Ⅳ型胶原的含量无差异;随着曝光时间增加,前额/眶周皮肤中Ⅰ型胶原减少率最大,弹性变性物质增加率最大。结论：前额/眶周皮肤的胶原显著减少和弹性变性物质明显增生,是该部位皮肤皱纹早发的重要原因。     

异搏定区域动脉灌注在阻止急性胰腺炎重症化治疗中的作用

目的探讨钙拮抗剂异搏定区域动脉灌注在阻止急性胰腺炎重症化治疗中的作用。方法45例轻型急性胰腺炎患者被随机分为3组常规治疗组、静脉治疗组及动脉灌注组。入院后,常规治疗组采取常规保守治疗;静脉治疗组行合理液体治疗,静脉注射异搏定;动脉灌注组液体补充同时采用持续动脉灌注异搏定1~2周。测定治疗后1、4及7d血清肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、白介素-1β(IL-1β)、黏附分子-1(ICAM-1)及P-选择素(P-selectin)水平。结果治疗后4、7d,血清TNF-α和P-selectin水平动脉灌注组较静脉治疗组及常规治疗组明显降低(P<0.05);血清IL-1β水平动脉灌注组和静脉治疗组均较常规治疗组明显降低(P<0.05);血清ICAM-1水平动脉灌注组明显低于常规治疗组(P<0.05)。结论持续区域动脉灌注异搏定可能通过减少细胞因子的产生,抑制黏附分子P-selectin和ICAM-1的上调,阻止急性胰腺炎重症化发展。     

Performance measurement of the microPET focus 120 scanner.

The microPET Focus 120 scanner is a third-generation animal PET scanner dedicated to rodent imaging. Here, we report the results of scanner performance testing. METHODS: A (68)Ge point source was used to measure energy resolution, which was determined for each crystal and averaged. Spatial resolution was measured using a (22)Na point source with a nominal size of 0.25 mm at the system center and various off-center positions. Absolute sensitivity without attenuation was determined by extrapolating the data measured using an (18)F line source and multiple layers of absorbers. Scatter fraction and counting rate performance were measured using 2 different cylindric phantoms simulating rat and mouse bodies. Sensitivity, scatter fraction, and noise equivalent counting rate (NECR) experiments were repeated under 4 different conditions (energy window, 250 approximately 750 keV or 350 approximately 650 keV; coincidence window, 6 or 10 ns). A performance phantom with hot-rod inserts of various sizes was scanned, and several animal studies were also performed. RESULTS: Energy resolution at a 511-keV photopeak was 18.3% on average. Radial, tangential, and axial resolution of images reconstructed with the Fourier rebinning (FORE) and filtered backprojection (FBP) algorithms were 1.18 (radial), 1.13 (tangential), and 1.45 mm full width at half maximum (FWHM) (axial) at center and 2.35 (radial), 1.66 (tangential), and 2.00 mm FWHM (axial) at a radial offset of 2 cm. Absolute sensitivities at transaxial and axial centers were 7.0% (250 approximately 750 keV, 10 ns), 6.7% (250 approximately 750 keV, 6 ns), 4.0% (350 approximately 650 keV, 10 ns), and 3.8% (350 approximately 650 keV, 6 ns). Scatter fractions were 15.9% (mouse phantom) and 35.0% (rat phantom) for 250 approximately 750 keV and 6 ns. Peak NECR was 869 kcps at 3,242 kBq/mL (mouse phantom) and 228 kcps at 290 kBq/mL (rat phantom) at 250 approximately 750 keV and 6 ns. Hot-rod inserts of 1.6-mm diameter were clearly identified, and animal studies illustrated the feasibility of this system for studies of whole rodents and mid-sized animal brains. CONCLUSION: The results of this independent field test showed the improved physical characteristics of the F120 scanner over the previous microPET series systems. This system will be useful for imaging studies on small rodents and brains of larger animals.     

Long-term results of the Cox-Maze III procedure for persistent atrial fibrillation associated with rheumatic mitral valve disease: 10-year experience.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the long-term results of the Cox-Maze III procedure (CM-III) for persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) associated with rheumatic mitral valve (MV) disease. METHODS: We analyzed 127 patients who underwent the CM-III combined with a rheumatic MV procedure between 1994 and 2004. In-hospital mortalities were excluded from the study. RESULTS: There were 10 late deaths and the mean follow-up duration was 7.1+/-2.8 years (range, 13 months to 11.5 years). Normal sinus rhythm was restored in 88.2% (112/127) after the CM-III. Right atrial contractility was demonstrable in 100% (112/112) and left atrial contractility in 68.8% (77/112) of the patients restored to sinus rhythm. Fifteen patients never regained sinus rhythm after the CM-III (AF treatment failure). Permanent pacemakers were implanted in 4.7% (6/127) of the patients during the follow-up. Late recurrence of AF developed in 34 of 112 patients at 44+/-27 months postoperatively, and sinus rhythm was restored in 29 of 34 patients by administration of an antiarrhythmic medication. Independent risk factors for late AF recurrence were longer duration of AF (>60 months) (odds ratio (OR)=2.758, p=0.025), increased left atrial size (OR=1.113, p=0.004). Freedom from AF recurrence was 93% at 1-year, 82% at 3 years, 71% at 5 years, and 63% at 7 years. Risk factors for AF treatment failure were longer duration of AF (>60 months) (p<0.001) and increased patient age (p=0.030). A higher prevalence of significant late tricuspid regurgitation was observed in patients with AF treatment failure and those with late AF recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: The CM-III for persistent AF associated with rheumatic MV disease demonstrated a progressively decreased cure rate during the follow-up period. Early surgical therapy, aggressive left atrial reduction, and correction of tricuspid regurgitation at the time of surgery may increase the long-term success rate.     

Holmes-like tremor of the lower extremity following brainstem hemorrhage.

Holmes tremor is an arrhythmic, 2- to 5-Hz resting, postural, and kinetic upper extremity movement disorder that occurs weeks to months after acute mesencephalic pathology. We present a patient who developed tremor in three body parts postbrainstem hemorrhage with subsequent hypertrophic olivary degeneration and discuss the relevant clinical evolution. Our case is unique because in addition to expected upper extremity and cervical dystonic head tremors, the patient also developed a severe lower extremity movement disorder, which we believe to be a form of Holmes tremor. Tremor involving the lower extremity in this setting has not been previously reported.     

American Society of Nuclear Cardiology review of the ACCF/ASNC appropriateness criteria for single-photon emission computed tomograph myocardial perfusion imaging (SPECT MPI)

Conclusion  The ACCF/ASNC AC for SPECT MPI provides recommendations for the appropriate use of SPECT MPI. After the publication of the AC document in 2005, the AC has been used by nuclear cardiology practices with many clinical studies evaluating the list of indications in routine clinical practice. From these data. ASNC recommends minor but important changes to the indication list, suggesting the addition of 6 new indications and the modification of the definitions for “chest pain syndrome” and “CHD high risk.”. An objective review of existing indications focused on only those indications that had significant variability among the reviewers (n=20). These indications were reviewed in the presence of existing and new evidence-based data, and ASNC recommends that the grades for 6 indications be re-evaluated. The AC for SPECT MPI will require periodic review as new evidence becomes available or as clinical practice evolves. ASNC recognizes the importance of these criteria to improve the quality of patient care, and it will continue to play a key role in assembling the information for this ongoing review. From the current summary of evidence, ASNC consensus opinions, and ASNC recommendations in this document, ASNC strongly recommends that the AC guidelines be reviewed Prepared by the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology Quality Assurance Subcommittee for Quality in Imaging Standards. Reviewed by members of the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology Quality Assurance Committee. Approved by the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology Board of Directors, September 6, 20.