Peritoneal inclusion cysts: ovarian fluid in peritoneal adhesions

In four women pelvic peritoneal inclusion cysts were diagnosed with ultrasound or computed tomography. Three patients had a history of multiple surgical procedures, whereas the fourth had prior severe abdominal trauma. Imaging studies showed large cystic structures contiguous with the adnexa. The normal ovarian appearance was distorted in two women. Pathologic confirmation was obtained in all cases. When large adnexal cystic structures are identified in young women with a history of surgery or trauma, the diagnosis of peritoneal inclusion cysts should be entertained. Recognition should result in conservative therapy rather than salpingo-oophorectomy.     

MR imaging of laser-tissue interactions

A new application of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging to map the spatial and temporal distribution of the effects of Nd:YAG lasers on tissues was studied. The temperature dependence of MR relaxation mechanisms and the high sensitivity of MR to changes in the mobility and distribution of tissue water make it particularly suitable for the demonstration and control of thermal energy deposition in tissues. In heterogeneous tissues, MR imaging does not follow changing temperatures directly because even in the case of reversible thermal interactions, there is a hysteresis in the dynamic relationship between MR signal intensity and temperature. Appropriate matching of the laser and MR pulse sequences can, however, optimize the detection of relatively small laser energy deposition, and reversible and irreversible tissue changes can be distinguished. There is a potential for the integration of MR imaging and lasers for three-dimensional control and monitoring of laser-tissue interactions.     

Three-dimensional reconstruction of the human central sulcus reveals a morphological correlate of the hand area

One way to improve our understanding of cortical anatomy is to visualize the three-dimensional (3D) shape of the cerebral sulci which is normally hidden. Here, we reconstructed the 3D morphology of the central sulcus (CS) in 17 normal subjects, using conventional magnetic resonance images and dedicated software. We found that the 3D morphology was remarkably consistent in all central sulci. Our analyses revealed three different regions (upper, middle and lower), which were easily identifiable by morphological criteria and sharply interconnected in the reconstructed CS. These morphological regions appear to have a strong functional significance, since the middle region corresponded precisely to the 'hand area', as verified by hand vibration positron emission tomography activation studies in eight cases. These data suggest that the 3D anatomy of the cerebral cortex may facilitate sulcal recognition, and sulcal subdivision into smaller morphological elements, bearing remarkable relationships with functional cortical maps.      

Clinical features of renal diseases in South-East Asia

Summary: The renal diseases in South-East Asia are similar to other parts of the world (i.e. glomerulonephritis, diabetes mellitus, HT, obstructive uropathy, adult-onset polycystic kidney disease, nephrolithiasis and tubulointerstitial diseases). IgA nephropathy with haematuria is most common in Singapore, while IgM nephropathy with nephrotic syndrome is common in Thailand. Lupus nephritis is the most common cause of secondary glomerulonephritis and a major cause of rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis. Acute renal failure from specific infection (malaria, leptospirosis, melioidosis), from toxin exposure (snake bite, wasp sting), from exertional heat stroke, and from drugs is frequently found. Nephrolithiasis, distal renal tubular acidosis and hypokalaemia are endemic in NE Thailand. In conclusion, the broad clinical features of renal diseases in South-East Asia are similar to other regions, with additional specific causes from infections, toxic, metabolic and environmental derangements associated with these tropical locations.     

Antigenic cross-reactivity between Necator americanus and Ascaris lumbricoides in a community in Papua New Guinea infected predominantly with hookworm.

Sero-epidemiological data are presented in which antigenic cross-reactivity between Necator americanus and Ascaris lumbricoides has been investigated in a community in Papua New Guinea infected predominantly with N. americanus. It is our contention that the antigenic cross-reactivity which undoubtedly exists between these species accounted for (i) a peak in antibody levels against N. americanus in 10-13 years old children (driven by infection with A. lumbricoides), and (ii) the maintenance of apparent antibody levels against A. lumbricoides in older age groups (driven by infection with N. americanus in the absence of overt infection with A. lumbricoides). Cross-reactivity was analysed further, and apparently N. americanus-specific epitopes identified, by immunoblotting. These observations could have considerable bearing on the interpretation of data from sero-epidemiological studies which failed to take account of concurrent infection with these parasites.